June 15 2022 Newsletter

Co-President Brad Ruth led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting and Program Host, J.T.Stimler followed with a meaningful invocation.

 

Brad thanked Gail Moseley and Steve Dunton for getting us checked in and then welcomed visitors, Ernie Pouttu and George Ebey.  

 

 Mark and Ann Lucco will celebrate 52 years of marriage on June 20 and Bill and Pam Choler will celebrate 37 years on June 15.

 

50/50 Drawing:  Dick Hall's table had the winning ticket but drew the queen of hearts.

 

Retreat:  President-elect, Gail Moseley reminded everyone of the Planning Retreat next Monday, June 20 from 5:00-9:00 in the evening at Lakeview Pavilion of Silver Springs Park.  Old and new board members are expected to attend but others are welcome.  Please let Gail know at 330-907-4241 if you plan to attend so she knows how much food to order.

 

Adopt-A-Spot:  Marty  Tass reported that our bed is growing well.  Now we need to stop by and weed a section for a few minutes to keep it looking nice.  Check for weeds hiding under the plants.

 

President-Elect:  Brad reminded everyone that we are still in need for a President-Elect for the Rotary year 2023-2024.  Just before next week's retreat would be a great time to tell Gail, John or Brad that you are willing to discuss it.

 

Bulldog Bags:  It was decided at last week's board meeting that we will provide 18 or 24 oz. canisters of lemonade mix for the next couple of months.  Drop your donation off in the lobby of City Hall or bring it to meetings and give it to Annette Oborn.  

 

Program Host, J.T.Stimler began by sharing his COVID Moment.  He said that he focused his attention on caring for himself and others while following the Rotary Four-Way Test, and thought about how the pandemic changed the fabric of our culture.

 

J.T. then introduced our speaker, George Ebey who is the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator for the Ohio and Erie Canalway.   He is a graduate of both the University of Akron and Kent State University and has been with the canalway project since 2011.  He distributed trail maps and a newsletter for the group.

 

Going way back in the 19th century, Ohio was a difficult place to live.  It was hard to reach and then when it began to have farmers settle here, they had no way to get rid of their surplus crops.  Eventually an offshoot of the Erie Canal was started from the Cuyahoga River which was linked to the Ohio River in 1832 and provided the possibility of having a way to sell crops.  Ohio then became the third most populated state at that time.  Akron, became a city largely due to the canal.  Summit County being the highest in the state, had locks which created a gathering place for residents as they loaded their wares at the site. Eventually, that is what brought in industry.  The canal system was the main form of transportation until the railroads were used beginning about 1850.  

 

The Ohio Erie Canalway Coalition, based in Howe House in Akron, is the conveyor of interest in the canalway and focuses on what needs to be done.  The group sees a need and then develops funding and people to meet that need, primarily in Southern Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.  Each area is maintained by whatever jurisdiction that part of the towpath habitates, but the coalition is a willing partner with each municipality or park system.  In various areas there are people who are part of an Adopt-A-Trail project.  They might enhance an area with flowers, lighting and always work to keep it clean and inviting.  We were invited to learn more by visiting the Richard Howe House on Exchange St. next to the Rubber Ducks Stadium.