After President Annette Oborn opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, Dick Hall followed with an invocation about positions.
Annette then thanked Sgt. At Arms Steve Dunton and his helper Will Sumser for checking us in this morning.
HAPPY BUCK
Carrie Mallotte told us that the library's foundation is getting ready for their Basket Raffle which will be held from April 23 through April 29. If you would like to donate a basket or items for a basket, please contact Carrie at 330-607-3210.
Carrie had a second Happy Buck to introduce Ludo Von Beethoven Malotte, the newest member of their family. He is a cavapoo and adorable!
CELEBRATIONS:
Birthdays: Happy birthday to Bonnie Housley this week.
Health: It is good to know that Bob Oborn and Mary Dula are both on the mend.
Special Presentation: Dave Renninger presented Carrie Malotte with her Paul Harris +2 pin today in recognition of her contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
Drawing: Tom Loepp had the winning ticket but pulled the 10 of spades.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Reverse Raffle: The date for this year has been set as Wednesday, October 9. Put it on your calendar now!!!!
Weather Closing: If the Stow-Munroe Falls Schools are closed on one of our meeting days due to weather, we will not meet. If they are closed for a reason like transportation or illness we will still meet.
Zoom Meetings: If you cannot attend a meeting in person, join us on zoom. The link is attached to these minutes.
Foodbank: We will not go to Foodbank today but will go again on March 13 from 4:30 to 6:30.
Membership Event: Brad Ruth reminded us that the event will be February 29 from 6:30- 8:30 with sign-in starting at 6:00. They are expecting around 25 prospective members so far. Next week our meeting will begin at 7:30 so that we can view the video that Maria Ferrara has created before our program begins.
Ronald McDonald House: Next month we will be able to take our turn serving dinner there in person.
NAMI Cluster Project: Annette has explained often about our Cluster Project where we will assist in completing Housewarming Baskets for NAMI. The first time we will help is Friday, February 23 from Noon until 3:00. Contact Annette if you are able to help. Space is limited so be the first to sign up!
Snack Fundraiser: As a part of the Teacher Supply Cupboard, N.I.C.E is collecting snacks for the teachers to use with hungry kids for the second semester. Go to the N.I.C.E. Facebook page for a link where Amazon will deliver right to the school or go to Marcs or Giant Eagle from 10:00 to 4:00 on February 24 to contribute. Note that this is a change in date!
Bulldog Bags: Items needed from us by March 6 are: Mac N' Cheese cups, Band-aids, hand sanitizer, 32 oz. boxes of pancake mix, 24 oz. bottles of pancake syrup and peanut butter. Bring your items to a meeting or drop them off in the lobby of City Hall.
Coffee Drive: The coffee drive ended with 251 cans of coffee with a goal of 250! Are we good or what! Thanks to everyone who contributed and especially to the Oborns who keep the project going and accept all of the deliveries.
PROGRAM: Dick Hall as Program Host gave a Rotary moment by saying that he likes to be active and build, so that working on floats has been something that stands out for him in enjoying Rotary. He also likes working on the golf outing and getting to know the members.
Today, as part of Career Tech Month, Dick introduced Troy Spear who has taught at Kent Roosevelt for 26 years after he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Souix Falls and his graduate degree from Kent State. He teaches CAD Engineering Technologies as part of our local Six District Compact where he helps students "dream design and make." Basically the students have a design in mind and then plan what is needed to bring the idea to fruition. Right now they are preparing for a regional skill contest where they will have a blueprint and then get that to 2D or 3D work so that they end up with a finished design.
He explained that their students are in demand by the industry with many being offered full-time employment right out of high school. A side benefit is that some companies will not only let the students shadow professionals, but they will help with further education. Through their partners in the area, the students see local opportunities and are attracted to stay in the area. Because they not only learn to create projects, they learn to value their own creativity.
The program works with the students on resumes and interview skills so that they are even more attractive to industry partners. In recognition of the kind of outcomes that the program produces, they will be one of 35 schools in the state to receive a grant to enlarge their lab and add equipment to the program. It is a $2,000,400.00 grant. This is another of the Six District Compact programs that make us so fortunate that they are in our area.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Wednesday, February 21, 7:30 a.m. Morning meeting at Bellacinos when James Gillahan and Al DiTommaso will speak about the Biotechnology Academy. Note that the meeting will actually begin right at 7:30 that day. Get your breakfast first!
Friday, February 23, Noon until 3:00 Cluster Grant Project work time at NAMI
Saturday, February 24, Snack Food Collection for Teacher Supply Cupboard at Marcs and Giant Eagle from 10:00-4:00.
Thursday, February 29, 6:30 Membership event at the VFW Hall
Wednesday, March 6, Bulldog Bag items due
Friday, March 8, 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting at City Hall
Wednesday, March 13, 4:30-6:30 Volunteer time at the Foodbank
Saturday, May 11, Heroes' Day
Friday, June 14, Golf Outing at Fox Den
Friday June 21, Board Retreat
Wednesday, October 9, Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrea Denton
330-474-7265
330-414-1934