Jan 17 2004 Newsletter

As we enter the bad weather season, here is the link for attending meetings virtually.  Save it somewhere where you can find it easily.

 

Today,  President, Annette Oborn opened the meeting by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and then Rich Bedell, Program Host, led us in the invocation.

 

After she thanked Sgt.at Arms, Steve Dunton and his helper Dave Renninger for getting us checked in, Annette welcomed our guests, Cheryl Warren from the Akron Rotary Club and Tammie Menke and Beth Dougherty from the Stow Historical Society.

 

HAPPY BUCK:  Annette has $10.00 Football Square tickets available which will benefit the Heron Project.  That project assists people and their families who are battling addiction. Text or call Annette at 330-813-2059 to let her know how many squares to save for you.

 

Rotary Anniversary:  Andy Denton is celebrating 22 years as a Rotarian this week.

 

Birthday:  We sang a rousing Happy Birthday to Tony Malorni this morning since today is his birthday.

 

Mary Dula is progressing after her back surgery and will move to rehab either today or tomorrow.

 

Drawing:Dick Hall's table drew the 7 of hearts so the pot will continue to grow.  

 

Board Meeting:  The minutes from last Friday's Board Meeting are attached to these minutes.  Some highlights include that we are looking at refurbishing our podium and perhaps getting a new plaque listing our founding members.  Four new signs indicating service organizations have been placed at four entrances to Stow.  They are a gift from the city.  We will have a booth at Pizza Palooza so volunteers will be needed from noon until 3:00 on Sunday, February 4.

 

Coffee Drive:  The drive for The Haven of Rest is going well.  We are over 1/2 way to our goal of 250 cans.  Bring your donations to a meeting or request that an Amazon delivery be sent to the Oborns at 381 Silver Valley Blvd, Munroe Falls, OH 44262.  If you include gift information, they will know who sent the donation.  

 

Fifth Wednesday:  Remember that on January 31 we will not have a morning meeting but those who have tickets will attend "Cher the Musical" at E.J. Thomas Hall.  Contact Gail right away at 330-907-4241 if you are interested in tickets for only $15.00.

 

Chili Open:  Cheryl Warren, who is a member of the Akron Rotary Club and Past District Governor was here to sell raffle tickets for the Chili Open which funds the Akron Rotary Camp for children who have disabilities.  The event will take place on Saturday, February 3 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  If you did not have a chance to buy raffle tickets this morning, go to chiliopen.net for information or to purchase tickets.  Raffle prizes include a Kia, a flooring credit and a smart tv.  There will also be a silent auction and door prizes.  

 

Paul Harris Recipients:   Dave Renninger, assisted by Maria Ferrara,  presented Paul Harris awards this morning.   Jim Laber received his Paul Harris plus one recognition and Rich Bedell received a Paul Harris plus 7.  Rich stated that he was accepting this in honor of Rotarian Bill Choler who passed away last year.  Congratulations and thanks to both of you for your donations.  You are making a difference.  

 

PETS Training: Both Steve Dunton and Jeff Film, who will be our co-presidents for next year will attend the President Elect Training in March.  

 

Maria's Band:  "Maria and the New Balance" will be performing at Jillie's Music Room, which is next to Luigi's, this Saturday, January 20 at 7:30.  They will perform original works in addition to favorites from people like The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac.  There are three tickets left at Rotary tables. Contact Maria at 330-907-4241 if you are interested.  There is no charge for the tickets, but food will be available for purchase.

 

Membership Committee:  The committee continues to work on their February 29 event.  Stay tuned for further details! 

 

Bulldog Bags:   The organization would like the following items by February 7:  cereal cups, mini bags of pretzels, deodorant, 24 or 32 oz. jars of pasta sauce, 1 pound boxes of pasta and 18 oz. size containers of grape or strawberry jelly.  Items can be brought to meetings or dropped off in the lobby of City Hall or at the library.

 

Rich Bedell, Program Host for his member moment explained that volunteering for the Foodbank has been one of his favorite activities.  He started working there after Dave Renninger did some friendly arm twisting at a Rotary Board meeting one cloudy morning.  He then went on the introduce Tammie Menke whose great grandfather was one of the original trustees of the Stow Historical Society, and Beth Daugherty who has been a volunteer with the organization since 2010.  She retired from the Stow-Munroe Falls Library.  

 

Beth began by speaking to us about Joshua Stow who purchased what is now Silver Lake, Stow, Munroe Falls and Cuyahoga Falls for $14,000 in the early 1800's.  His cousin, William Stow built one of the first cabins and purchased what is now Munroe Falls. In those early days, the heart of the community was Stow Corners, which is now the corner of Kent and Darrow Rd.  The first school was built in 1807, which was a one-room school at that location.  Its teacher was only 15 years old.  Ohio became a state in 1803 and in 1808 Stow was incorporated as a township.  Stow became a village in 1957 and a City in 1960.  

 

In the early days, Stow was a farming community.  Some of the names are still familiar.  There was Call's Farm, Otis Thompson Farm, Darrow Farm, which specialized in popcorn, and Ritchie Turkey Farm where everyone went for their Thanksgiving turkey.

 

In addition to walking, early transportation was by horse, horse and wagon, stagecoach and the interurban which was like a streetcar.  The interurban came along about 1895 and was used until the automobile in about 1930. It took until after World War II until there were sidewalks, paved streets and street lights.

 

Some of the other significant dates were 1925 when the library was established, 1948 for Adele Durbin Park, 1950 for the Stow Historical Society, 1959 for the Fourth of July Parade,  1967 for Fox Den, 1970 for Silver Springs Park, and 1978 for the Munroe Falls Metro Park.  In 1986 the new City Hall was built and in 1987, the new high school.

 

In closing, Beth said it is important to remember that a community is its people and not just its buildings.  The Stow Historical Society carries on the history of the area by preserving "YESTERDAY FOR TOMORROW".  For more information go to www.stowhistory.org 

 

Annette closed the meeting by leading us in the Rotary Four-Way-Test.

 

Wednesday, January 24, 7:30 a.m. Morning Meeting at Bellacinos.  Janet Newcomer will be our speaker about Foodbank.

 

Wednesday, January 31:  No morning meeting but plan to get tickets from Gail Moseley to attend "Cher the Musical" in the evening.

 

Saturday, February 3, Akron Rotary Club Chili Open from 9:00 until 2:00.

 

Sunday, February 4, Noon until 3:00, Pizza Palooza at the High School.

 

Wednesday, February 7, Bulldog Bag items due.

 

Friday, February 9, 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting at City Hall

 

Wednesday, February 14, 4:30-6:30, volunteer time at the Akron-Canton Foodbank.

 

Thursday, February 29, Membership Event in the evening at VFW Hall

 

Saturday, May 11, Heroes' Day

 

Friday, June 14 at Fox Den, Golf Outing

 

Submitted by Andy Denton