President Bob Sweitzer called the meeting to order and Carrie Malotte followed with a meaningful invocation.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER:
Lindsey Malin was inducted as a new member, sponsored by Dick Hall. She is a Stow resident and employed by Buckeye Hospice Care. Lindsey is also the daughter of long-time Rotarian, Bill Choler.
PROGRAM:
After she shared a couple of new year's jokes, Carrie Malotte introduced Mella Castner who is the Executive Director of the Rotary Camp, located in Portage Lakes. In her position, she leads a board of 18 people and supervisors 65 part-time counselors during the summer camp for children who have physical, developmental or mental health needs. Growing up in a home where both parents were deaf, led her to work in a situation where she could serve people with special needs. She is a long-time Rotarian and is a resident of Stow.
Mella explained that the camp is now101 years old and went through its history through a video presentation. The camp provides new experiences through a “can do attitude” and helps campers achieve what they previously may have thought was impossible. The camp creates a world where there abilities, and not disabilities are stressed and also provides respite for families. Begun in 1924 for children who had had polio, the camp became the main project of the Akron Rotary Club. They have contracted with the Akron YWCA to run its operations and are accredited by the American Camp Association.
With funding through special events, and other donations, including some government funding, the camp began a campaign to renovate the facility in 2010. They updated old buildings, build a new recreation center and added air conditioning. The water pavilion and dining hall were refurbished in a way that respected sensory issues. Improvements were also made to the waterfront area.
Last year's 1114 campers came from multiple counties in the area and were served by college-age counselors, some of whom had international backgrounds. For children under 18, the ratio of campers to counselor is 1 staff person for every three campers. Those over 18 still have a ratio of 1-4. Volunteers also play a huge role in the success of the camp. The attached flier will give the reader more statistical information.
The Chili Open is their largest event and main money-raiser and over the years has raised more than $5 million for the camp through tickets, sponsorships, foursomes, raffle tickets, donations and a silent auction. This year's event will be on February 7. Find out how you can participate through the QR codes on the flier attached to these minutes.
MEETING:
Bob thanked Todd Hearty and Dave Renninger for signing us in this morning and welcoming our guests, Mella Castner, Cindy Billideau and Lindsey Malin.
CELEBRATIONS:
Happy Bucks: Ray Evans had two Happy Bucks. The first was that his son has been appointed a full-tenured professor a MIT in the mathmatical field. The second is that his only granddaughter will deliver a baby in about 10 days, making him a great-grandfather!
Pilar Parsons announced that her son is headed for Ft. Jackson for basic training by the Army National Guard. We wish him well and thank him for his upcoming service.
Rotary Anniversary: Dick Hall is observing 34 years as a Rotarian this week.
Birthdays: Roger Cline, Julie McClain and Bob Sweitzer all have had birthdays this past week. Carrie led us in singing to Julie and Bob.
Wedding Anniversary: Roger and Judy Cline are celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
Congratulations: Congratulations to Steve Dunton who retired as Police Chief of Munroe Falls at the end of the year.
Drawing: Linda Trevorrow's table had the winning ticket but drew the 4 of clubs, so the pot will grow for another week.
CONCERN: We are sending good thoughts to Jim Laber as he recovers from surgery.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
WE NEED A PRESIDENT-ELECT FOR NEXT YEAR!
This is not news, but it is a pressing matter. If you are interested, get in touch with Bob Sweitzer for more information. You will be trained for the position by some real experts and have a whole club full of members that will help you. Your name could be presented to the Board this Friday.
Board Meeting: Our board will meet this Friday, January 9 at 7:15 a.m. at City Hall. Minutes of the December meeting are attached to these minutes.
Club Assembly: Next week's meeting will be a Club Assembly. It is very important that chairs of committees be prepared to give a brief summary to the attendees. It is also important that any new or prospective members attend to learn about all of these activities. We also expect to induct three new members next week.
Rotary for Reading 2026: As part of our literacy efforts, Rotary will be joining forces with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio. See the attached flier for ways you can respond. QR Codes will take you to the site, so that you can donate or learn more about the project.
The Rotary Foundation: Dave Renninger reports that our campaign raised $17,572.50 for the worldwide foundation. Members who expect to become new Paul Harris Fellows or to move up to a new level, should be sure to be at the meeting next week so that your award can be presented by Dave and Maria Ferrara.
Foodie Palozza: Pilar Parsons said that this event, formally the Pizza Palooza, will take place at the high school on Saturday, January 31 from 12:00-3:00. A sing-up sheet to staff the booth, is available as you sign in.
Foodbank: Our next Foodbank volunteer time will be Wednesday, February 14 at the Foodbank from 4:30-6:30. Sign up as you sign in next week.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Friday, January 9 at 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting at City Hall.
Wednesday, January 14, 7:15 a.m. at The Center for our regular morning meeting which will be a Club Assembly.
Wednesday, January 14, 4:30-6:30 will be our Foodbank Volunteer Time.
Saturday, January 31, 12:00-3:00 Foodie Palozza at the high school.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Denton