SPECIAL MEETING OPENING:
After President Bob Sweitzer led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Program Chairperson Carrie Malotte presented the invocation, we were given a special musical review by members of the Stow-Munroe Falls High School Music Department. Director, Nick Campagna introduced members of the Chamber Choir and the Vocal Jazz group in anticipation of their Winter Concert which will be presented tomorrow evening at the high school at 7:00. There will be musical offerings from 7 different ensembles and since there is no charge, it is the music department's gift to the community. Their last piece was particularly interesting, challenging and impressive as in Pentatonix style they performed a difficult piece while also using hand jive.
PROGRAM: Carrie then introduced Julie McLain, Executive Director of the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School and Kent State University and after employment in Alliance and Ravenna she has come full circle as she leads the local Chamber through its 60 year.
Julie explained that their purpose is to strengthen the connection between commerce and the community and to provide a platform for business and civic groups to collaborate. They represent thousands, when you consider the number of businesses and their employees who are part of the organization. They have three signature events each year: The Elite Business Awards, the Community Expo and the Golf Outing. All of these create opportunities for businesses to connect with each other because businesses like to do business with those they know and trust. Their “Go Local” Program also builds relationships with each other as they participate in a members only marketing plan specifically designed to promote local businesses.
The Chamber's President's Club has provided over $40,000 in scholarship assistance for graduating seniors who are the sons and daughters of Chamber members. The Commerce and Community Alliance Partnership connects new or existing chamber partners with non-profits. The Chamber's Leadership Program is an 8 month intensive program offered every other year to develop leaders within the business community. It will be offered in 2026.
Upcoming events include their Holiday Party on December 10. January 20 will be the kick-off Sunrise Breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m. Then on March 4, they will be celebrating the Best of Stow and Munroe Falls. Nominations for those awards are being accepted now. And in the future watch for “Main St. Munroe Falls” which is a new endeavor of the Chamber of Commerce. Go to their website at www. smfcc.com or call 330-688-1579 for more information.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
President Bob thanked Todd Hearty and Dave Renninger for checking us in this morning and especially for welcoming all of our visitors from the high school.
CELEBRATIONS:
Happy Buck: Bob Sweitzer shared that daughter Julie gave birth to Robert Joseph Karam on Monday, December 1. He weighed in at 8 lbs. and 5oz. Everyone is doing fine.
Rotary Anniversary: Congratulations to Karen Monbeck who is celebrating her 29th anniversary as a Rotarian.
Wedding Anniversary: Congratulations to Rich and Kathy Bedell who are celebrating 33 years of marriage.
Birthdays: Annie Hanson and Andy Denton have birthdays next week.
Drawing: Denise Green's table had the winning number but Denise drew the 9 of hearts so the pot will continue to grow.
Business Items:
Shop With A Cop: Jeff Film thanked everyone who has purchased tickets so far and said that he still has some tickets available. They will take about 30 kids shopping this year. Text him at 300-352-4895 if you are interested in purchasing tickets.
The Rotary Foundation: Dave Renninger explained that this is the last week for contributions to The Rotary Foundation. If you wish to drop off your contribution to either Dave or Maria Ferrara's home, they would be glad to accept your gift. Donors who have reached new levels as Paul Harris Fellows will be recognized in December. Dave also explained that once again The Rotary Foundation has been recognized by Charity Navigator with a four-star rating….the highest possible rating.
Holiday Helping Hands: John Pribonic reminded everyone that the wrapping party for the family gifts will be at City Hall on Wednesday, December 10 at 5:30. Pizza and grinders will be available for the workers. There will be no morning meeting that day. John Long is in charge of the gift delivery and still could use a few more helpers. If you can be part of a team of two, text him at 330-571-7809 to let him know you can help or if you have questions. Generally the delivery time is Saturday after the wrapping. If you are going to deliver, you should be at the wrapping on Wednesday to collect the gifts that you will deliver.
Foodbank: Steve Dunton explained that wewill not volunteer at the Foodbank again until January 14. Get the date on your next year's calendar.
Football Pool: Dick Hall gave us the winners of this fundraiser for the past two weeks. Club members who won on November 24 were Keith Redmon, Scott Miller, Will Sumser, Steve Dunton and Denise Green. Member winners on November 29 were Landen Lake and Keith Redmon. Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks to those who purchased books, whether they won on not. Everyone is a winner who participates in the project because it funds dictionaries for our third graders.
New Member Applications: At the November board meeting three applications for membership were approved by the board after being approved by the membership committee. Please see the attached applications from Jill Smith, Eleanor Sovacool and Lindsey Malin. Give your comments about any of them to Bob Sweitzer. This will be published again in the December 17 newsletter.
Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be Friday, December 12 at 7:15 at City Hall. The board meeting minutes from November are attached to these minutes for your information.
Holiday Party: The club's holiday party will be during our meeting time on Wednesday, December 17. Everyone needs to bring a wrapped white elephant gift with a value of about $10. Gifts will be shared through the "Left Right game.
Successful Food Drive Report: Mayor Pribonic is feeling grateful for the successful food drive through the “Stuff The Ambulance” project. Over $50,000 in groceries were collected plus over $10,000 in cash. Thanks to all who participated.
Serious Fire: A fire on Friar Rd burned 4 condos to the ground and although everyone got out safely, they all lost everything. Look for a “Stuff the Boot” campaign to help these folks. It will be available at City Hall and at Glow with Stow. The community has another opportunity to show its generous spirit. Mayor Pribonic said that the police were first on the scene and used their brand new battering ram to get one person out of the fire.
Ronald McDonald House: They sent a thank you for the $300 donation they received from the club.
President Bob closed the meeting by leading in the Four Way Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Wednesday, December 10, No morning meeting but Holiday Helping Hands Wrapping at 5:30 at City Hall in the evening.
Friday, December 12, 7:15 a.m. Board meeting at City Hall
Saturday, December 13, Ring bells for the Salvation Army
Wednesday, December 17, Morning meeting at 7:30 at The Center. This will be the club's holiday party.
Saturday, December 20, Ring bells for the Salvation Army
Wednesday, December 24. No morning meeting
Wednesday December 31. No morning meeting
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Denton