Co-president Steve Dunton opened the meeting by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Dick Hall, Program Host, followed with the Invocation.
PROGRAM: Dick introduced today's speaker, Chad Groom who is the Career Tech, Automotive Program instructor for the Six District Compact. He is a Master Technician with Toyota/Lexus and is in his 12th year as the Compact's instructor for this program.
When Mr. Groom began his presentation he said that his family was always involved with cars and automotive careers so this what in his background from the beginning. Before he received his teaching credentials, he became an ASE Master Technician and as such was a transmission specialist and has alternative energy vehicle certification. As the automotive program was begun and became part of the career tech work, a building was repurposed and renovated to make it as relevant as possible. Hudson financed the renovation and Stark State provided the 17 vehicles that are in his fleet. There is a high demand for mechanics who have the type of training that the program offers and it is not unusual for good technicians to earn over $100,000 per year. His goal is to create a pipeline for students and industry with able-bodied technicians.
His is a two-year course. In the first year, students learn about things like bumper to bumper transmission maintenance, engine and power train mechanics, fuel and ignition systems and beginning diagnostic In the second year, they learn about brakes, suspension systems, steering, alignments and tire replacement, electrical and circuit equipment. At this point they also have a work-based learning internship and learn how to use specialized diagnostic equipment. It is also possible to earn 20 or more credits from Stark State for their work and in the future, this may also include Cuyahoga Community College. Students can go on to college or trade schools if they choose upon completion of the program. For more information, contact Chad by e-mail at groomc@hudson.K12.oh.us. (A flier about the program will come to you as a separate e-mail as it was too big to be included with these minutes.)
Mary Jane Stanchina, Director of the Six District Compact, closed the program by saying that the Compact is planning for the future and evaluating its current 29 programs while looking to add new programs. There are 9 career opportunities in high demand in Northeast Ohio and the Compact has at least one program in these areas. She also explained that next week we will hear from the robotics and electronics portion of the program that has undergone a $2.3 million expansion and is located at Kent-Roosevelt High School.
HAPPY BUCK: Dick Hall and Gale Stawiery reported that they exchanged commitment rings on Valentines' Day. Congratulations to them!
CONGRATULATIONS:
Birthdays: Happy Birthday to John Long, Denise Green, Eric Weber, Keith Redmon, Cyle Feldman, Carrie Malotte and Gale Stawiery who all have birthdays during this next week. We sang really well to Denise, Cyle, Carrie and Gale.
Drawing: Aimee Budnik's table had the winning ticket but she pulled the 5 of diamonds, so the pot will continue to grow.
Coffee Drive: Thanks to everyone who helped with the Coffee Drive when yesterday 312 cans of coffee were delivered to the Haven of Rest. The goal was 300 cans. Special thanks to Annette Oborn for her work on this project.
CONCERN:
Jeff Film is recovering from surgery and we wish him a speedy healing!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Board Meeting: At last Friday's Board Meeting there were several items to be aware of and you can find them all in the minutes that are attached to these minutes. One request came from Tyler Buckwalter who presented the All Kids Bike Program. The program was started after discovering that a significant number of kindergarten and first graders did not know how to ride a two-wheel bike. He was appealing to our board to find bikes for that program. Other non-profits have made contributions toward bikes that can be used in the teaching process. Since this is not in our Board's budget for this year, the Board decided to make the individual club members aware of the program to see if any individuals wished to contribute. Then the board will look at the project again at the next Board meeting. A flier is attached to these minutes to show how to participate and to illustrate what a bike is like. A QR code can take you to the site to donate.
New Board Members: We have three board members whose terms will expire at the end of June, so nominations for new board members are open. If you wish to be nominated to fill a vacancy, contact anyone on the nominating committee: Jenny Coleman, Scott Miller, Gail Moseley, Steve Dunton, Jeff Film or Bob Sweitzer. If you wish to nominate someone else, you may do that but make sure you have their permission first. After the nominations are in, the club will vote and the people with the three highest number of votes will become the new Board members.
Foodbank: Our next volunteer time will be Wednesday, March 12 from 4:30-6:30 at the Foodbank. Sign up as you sign in.
Community Showcase: We will be looking for people to volunteer at the event which will be on Saturday, March 15 from 10:00 until 4:00. A sign-up sheet will be available next week.
Shoes4Souls: We have one more week to go to https://www.allohiopets.org/ and scroll down the page to contribute to this cause where $20 can buy a pair of athletic shoes for a needy child in our area. Your donation also helps our District Governor Elect, Bob Oborn win the contest among Ohio districts for who can contribute the most. Do it now while you are thinking about it.
Membership Event: Brad Ruth thanked everyone who participated in last Thursday's membership event. Communication is going out to all of the prospective members who attended to get assess their interest in becoming involved with the club. The club shared their appreciation to the committee for planning the event and to Denise and Eric Green for the great food!
Thank you letter: Steve shared a thank-you letter for our $3000 donation to Shoes4Souls.
Club Interact: Dinah Henderson shared that the club participated in Akron Children's Hospital's Radiothon and donated 55 fleece blankets.
Rotarians are invited to Dine Up for Dollars next Monday, February 24 from 4:30-7:00 at Dairy Queen when the club will receive proceeds which they will use to help fund their talent show.
Drivers volunteered to take orders from the Teacher Supply Closet to the various schools after this morning's meeting.
Steve adjourned the meeting by leading us in the Four-Way Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Monday, February 21, Dine up for Dollars 4:30-7:00 at Dairy Queen on Fishcreek to benefit Club Interact.
Wednesday, February 26, 7:30 a.m. regular morning meeting at The Center with speakers from the Robotics-Electronics section of Six District Compact as we wind up Career Tech month.
Wednesday, March 12 4:30-6:30 Foodbank Volunteer time.
Friday, March 14, 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting at City Hall
Saturday, March 15 10:00-4:00 Community Expo at the High School
Saturday, April 12, 10:00-4:00 Bunny Trail Hop
Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, District Conference at Cleveland Marriott in Warrensville Heights.
Saturday, May 10. Heroes Day
Saturday, May 10, Club Interact Talent Show
Friday, June 13, Golf Outing at Fox Den
Wednesday evening October 9, Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrea Denton