To begin our new Rotary year, President Bob Sweitzer opened the meeting by leading in the Pledge of Allegiance and Program Host, Roger Cline, led us in the invocation.
Bob thanked Sgt. At Arms, Todd Hearty and his helper Jack Evans for welcoming us this morning and welcoming our visitors, Anthony Karam Jr, Laura Thomas and Pat Chula, our speaker. They also passed out new Rotary pins for this year which say “Unite for Good”. Get yours next week if you could not be here today.
PROGRAM: Roger began telling some riddles that we had trouble answering. But you can ask him about the chicken coop and the scarecrow. Roger then introduced Pat Chula who is the President of the Falls Cancer Club that was organized in 1948.
Pat explained that the club's purpose is to assist residents of Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake who have been diagnosed with cancer. People are referred by medical professionals, family and friends when they know of someone who could use some help while fighting cancer. The club offers assistance with medications, hospital bills, food supplements and any other necessity to help with their recovery. A local pharmacy sets up an account for the patients for the patient's related medications.
When people are accepted, they are given a number and referred to by number to protect their information and to offer privacy. Those without insurance are asked to speak to their treating professionals to try for reduced fees or to be referred to special programs before being brought before the membership for payment. People can receive up to $400 per month in prescriptions, and $100 a month in medical supplies, along with some payment of doctor and hospital bills.
When a person is new to the program, they are given a packet of information and also a blanket, an event calendar, a cookbook, a beaded bracelet made by third graders, and applications for other types of help. Stewart Caring Place and The Communale Foundation also include information about the opportunities they offer.
As a 501(C) (3) organization, they receive donations through their 50 active members, other clubs and organizations, their fundraisers, memorial donations, businesses and grants. Their next two major fundraisers are A Night At the Races on Saturday, October 18 at the Falls Natatorium and their Cookie Walk on December 6, also at the Natatorium. Their services are totally provided by volunteers and 100% of their funds go to the patients served.
For more information go to their website at www.fallscancerclub.org, or or call 330-929-2796. You also might want to attend a meeting. They meet at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at The Church in the Falls, 837 Chestnut Blvd., in Cuyahoga Falls.
CELEBRATIONS:
Wedding Anniversaries: Tom and Penny Loepp are celebrating 8 years of marriage and Dinah and Dave Henderson 36 years this week.
Birthdays: Aimee Budnik's birthday is on the 7th and Don Coughlin's on the 8th so we sang really well to both of them.
Drawing: The pot will continue to grow because Roger pulled the king of spades.
CONCERN: Mary Dula's nephew, Joseph, passed away and she asks for prayers for him and their family.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Harvest Home Cluster Project: Steve said that they will be finishing painting today but that we will also be asked to help the Tallmadge Club put Welcome Bags together for the residents once the date is set for that .
Need for Plastic Bags: Andy Denton said that her speaker for July 23 has a need for lots and lots of plastic grocery bags. So, please bring as many bags as you can to the meetings between now and the 23rd and we will present them then.
Bob Oborn's Installation as District Governor: Our own Bob will be installed tonight. We wish both him and Annette well during this next year of serving our district.
Foodbank: Our next Foodbank time will be next Wednesday, July 9 from 4:30-6:30 at the Foodbank. Please sign up to help if you can. The need is great!
Fourth of July Parade: Be sure to watch for our President, Bob Sweitzer riding in a yellow convertible in the parade. His helpers will be passing out 150 pounds of candy! Cheer loudly as he passes by!!!!!
Stow's Helping Hands; This is the last week to donate new undergarments and personal hygiene items for the Students' Bulldog Closet. A flier showing what is most needed and where to drop off your items is attached to these minutes. Please help if you can!
Board Meeting: The next meeting of our board will be Friday, July 11 a 7:15 at City Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Ronald McDonald House: Last week Todd Hearty, Eric and Denise Green, Jack Evans, Scott Miller and Bob and Annette Oborn cooked for the residents of the home. Thanks to you all.
Stuff the Bus: This will take place on August 8 and 9 at Marcs and Giant Eagle. Watch for further details, but this is what fills our Teachers' Supply Cupboard, so plan to help and plan to donate!!!!!
Adopt-A-Spot: Be sure to sign up to keep our spot looking good.
Rubber Ducks Game: Jeff Film will start collecting money next week for the July 30 game. Cost is $13 per ticket and checks should be made payable to the club.
Bob closed the meeting by leading in the Four-Way-Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER:,
Tonight: Bob Oborn's installation as District Governor
Friday, July 4, City parade and last day to drop off items for Stow's helping hands.
Wednesday, July 9 7:30 at The Center for our regular morning meeting which will feature the Canine Unit from the Stow Police Department.
Wednesday, July 9 from 4:30-6:30 Volunteer time at the Foodbank
Friday, July 11, 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting at City Hall
Wednesday, July 30, no morning meeting but Rubber Ducks Game in the evening.
Friday and Saturday August 8 and 9, Stuff the Bus
Wednesday, October 8, Reverse Raffle and Silent Auction at The Center