Past President Gail Moseley presided over the meeting this morning and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Brad Ruth then presented the invocation.
By-Law Revision: As a carry-over of business from last week, Gail asked if there was any discussion about the proposed revisions to the club by-laws. Bob Sweitzer moved that the by-laws be accepted and John Pribonic seconded the motion. The membership voted to accept the changes. A current document will be released to everyone in the next few days reflecting the changes.
PROGRAM:
In sharing something good that has happened in the past week, Brad shared a picture of his new puppy, Bodie, who recently joined his family.
He then introduced Jacob King, of Hartville who is an expert on utilizing AI. Jacob is a graduate of the University of Akron, was a business advisor for a while and then became so good at AI, that his career took that route. He and Brad together then explained the value of utilizing AI as an effort for saving time and operating more efficiently. Brad explained that he previously had paid out several thousand dollars for a virtual assistant and now with AI, because of the time saving involved, he can do many of things he paid the virtual assistant to do. Some of the examples included writing e-mails, tracking payments and reworking websites. Using these tools allows the business person more freedom and flexibility to work with their clients. He also emphasized the value of utilizing the speaker function instead of having to type everything. Claude was referred to as a great source for this. Subscribing to Claude will cost from $20-$200 per month depending on the amount used, but can be a real cost saver in time expended.
The men emphasized that AI is only as good as the information that is put into it, so the more specific of an answer that you want, the more specific the questions and information need to be. If you are questioning the accuracy of your request, also ask for the source of what is being reported since AI can look at the entire Web for its data. For questions about security and privacy with financial matters, the men explained the high level of security involved with the information given staying on the provider's computer and is not released to the cloud. Their final suggestion was to look for ways to build your business with AI and to use the tools that are available, even though there is a cost to them.
BUSINESS MEETING:
Gail thanked Todd Hearty and Dave Renninger for welcoming everyone this morning.
CELEBRATIONS:
Happy Bucks: Dinah Henderson shared that her daughter, Sarah Kathryn has received her Masters Degree in Education from Bowling Green University with a speciaization in Curriculum and Instruction. Her goal is to be a dyslexia trainer eventually.
Don Coughlin shared that next week's Stow Girls's Soccer Game vs. CVCA will be dedicated to his grandson, Landon Grazino who has been fighting cancer. There will be gift cards and other items available to support Landon, so you are invited to join them at 7:00 on August 19 at the SMFHS Bus Garage Soccer Stadium,
Cindy Billideau announced that the “Say My Child's Name Foundation” is in the process of raising $100,000 for a memorial which will be at Adell Durbin Park. Go to SMFCommunity.org/my child to donate. For further information about the organization, go to saymychildsname.square.site.
Rotary Annivesaries: Chris Shulby and Jeff Frye are both observing first anniversaries officially with our club, although they both have longer histories with Rotary.
Wedding Anniversary: Andy and Doug Denton are celebrating 63 years of marriage
Birthday: Dr. Felisha Gould is celebrating her birthday this week.
Drawing: Pilar Parson's table had the winning ticket but the queen of diamonds was drawn so the pot will continue to grow.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Board Meeting: Our board will meet this Friday, August 14 at 7:15 a.m. at City Hall. Minutes of the July meeting are attached.
Stuff the Bus: Dinah Henderson reminded us that this is the weekend we Stuff the Bus for the benefit of the Teacher Supply Cupboard. Interact students will be passing our fliers of what we need at Marcs on Graham Rd. and at the Giant Eagle on Kent Rd., but we need Rotarians to be with them. Of special concern in the Sunday time period with shifts from 10:00-12:00 and 12:00-2:00. Please contact Dinah at 330-612-2100 to let her know when you can help. Wear your Rotary shirts!
The lists of school supplies and snacks are attached to these minutes. Note that the QR Code will help you order from Amazon to have your items delivered to the high school.
Football Books: Some Football Books that have been returned. If you wish to have more, contact Dick Hall right away at 330-328-2776.
Foodbank: Tonight is our volunteer time from 4:30-6:30 with dinner to follow.
Summer Sunset Blast: Steve Dunton announced that we will again be selling 50/50 tickets at Summer Sunset Blast on Labor Day weekend, September 5 and 6. from 5:00 to 10:00 each day. Winners will be announced as the fireworks start on Sunday. A sign-up sheet will be available next week.
Tee Shirts and Sweatshirts: Steve also said that the new supply has arrived. If you owe, bring Steve your money next week or use Zeffy to pay.
Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction: Gail Moseley said that we are looking for basket items for the silent auction, gift cards and prizes. It is not too early to start collecting.
Dick Hall has tickets available for the evening. Cost is $160 which includes two dinners and two drink tickets or a virtual option for $100. About ½ of the tickets are already taken for the October 14 event.
Dues: Maria Ferrara will be sending our dues statement by e-mail. You can pay by check or Zeffy and if you need to have a print copy, she can do that for you.
Gail adjourned the meeting by leading us in the Rotary Four-Way Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Friday, August 14 at 7:15 a.m. Board meeting at City Hall
Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16 from 10:00-2:00, Stuff the Bus for the Teachers' Supply Cupboard
Monday, August 17, 7:00 p.m. Combined Board Retreat
Wednesday, August 19, 7:30 a.m. Regular morning meeting at The Center when Fran Recchia, Head Women's Basketball Coach at Kent State will be our speaker.
Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6, Summer Sunset Blast At Silver Springs Park. We will sell 50/50 tickets.
Wednesday, October 14, Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Denton