President Bob Sweitzer opened the meeting by leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. Julie McLain, Program Host, followed with an invocation about the value of Rotarians.
INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS:
Kay Baker and Karen Perch were both inducted as new members this morning and both had Scott Miller as their sponsor. Kay is a long time Stow resident with two sons who graduated from Stow High School. She just retired from Akron Public Schools after teaching for 34 years. Karen also is a resident of Stow and she has a son and a daughter who have called Stow High School home. She is a Community Engagement Specialist for Summit County Metro Parks. We look forward to getting to know them both.
PROGRAM:
Julie McLain introduced Stan Foraker who is the President and Executive Director of Mobility Worldwide Ohio. He formerly was with First Commonwealth Bank for more than 40 years and was President of the Ohio Mortgage Banker's Association.
Stan told us that Mobility Worldwide has 23 affiliates around the world and is a 501(c)(3) organization that creates hand-powered all-terrain vehicles for people in developing countries all over the world who cannot walk. This is a 100% volunteer organization. The vehicles are made in the shop locally, basically by retired people. All of their production in Stow happens in space donated by Blaze on Commerce Dr.
It was a “picture is worth 1,000 words” presentation this morning as the video and other pictures showed people actually utilizing the equipment. It was obvious that the carts provide dignity and a level of independence to the riders who can take care of themselves and even create a business using the carts.
Stan mentioned that the creation of the vehicles is in keeping with the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”, and so the group would welcome any Rotarians who would like to become involved with the project. The shop is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 8:30 to 12:30 but they are working on developing afternoon crews for those same days. There are 45 volunteers who spend an average of 2 ½ hours per week creating the carts. The vehicles cost about $400 each to make but the recipient is never charged. The organization's money comes from donations and some grants. To find out more information, go to their website at www.mwohio,org.
BUSINESS MEETING:
President Bob thanked Sgt. At Arms, Todd Hearty and his helper Dave Renninger for checking us in and welcoming our guests; Stan Foraker, Francine Parr, Kay Baker and Karen Perch.
Happy Buck:Julie McLain said that she and her husband just returned from Portland, Oregon after having a great time visiting their daughters.
Wedding Anniversaries: Congratulations to Jack and Joyce Evans who are celebrating their anniversary on June 8.
Birthday: Happy birthday to Ron Taggart who will celebrate his birthday on Friday.
Drawing: Annette Oborn's table had the winning ticket but Francine Parr drew the 5 of spades so the pot will continue to grow.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Foodbank: Steve Dunton reminded us that our next date to volunteer at the Foodbank will be Wednesday, June 10 from 4:30-6:30 at the Akron-Canton Foodbank. If you have not previously registered as a volunteer, you can go to their website in advance to make it easier when you get there and sign in. You are needed to help with the food insecurity in our area!!!
Golf Outing: Chairperson Scott Miller told us that we are maxed out at 36 foursomes and expressed appreciation to the committee that is working so hard to make this June 12 event a success. He also said that the volunteers might want to bring shade umbrellas and an extra chair.
Next Monday, June 8, at 6:00 you are invited to join the committee at the FOP Lodge to help put the swag bags together. They can use your help!
50/50 tickets are being sold for the outing at $5 each or 5 for $20. They will be available at next week's meeting and of course at the golf outing.
Irish Festival Beer Pouring and Token Selling Fundraiser: See the attachment to these minutes for information on how you can help to make this a successful fundraiser for the club.
District 6630 Awards Banquet and Banner Exchange: Bob Oborn told us that everyone is welcome to this Monday, June 29 event at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course in Brecksville. Cost is $30 and will include an array of food and non-alcoholic beverages but also with an available cash bar. To register, go to the district website rotarydistrict6630.org to register by June 15.
Safe Travels: Bob wished safe travels to Bob and Annette Oborn who will be traveling to Taipei, Taiwan for the Rotary International Convention from June 13-17. They should come back with some great stories and experiences.
Fourth of July Watch Party: Julie McLain told us that the Chamber will once again host a party for the parade. People will be able to watch from the old Huntington Bank Building, 3311 Kent Rd, where there will be bleacher seats and food. For more information, and to register, go to their website at smfcc.com and look under events.
Bob closed the meeting by leading in the Four-Way Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER;
Monday, June 8, 6:00 p.m. join the Golf Committee to pack swag bags for the Golf Outing
Wednesday, June 10, 7:30: Regular Morning meeting at The Center when Scott Miller will be in charge of the program.
Wednesday, June 10 4:30-6:30 volunteer time at the Akron-Canton Foodbank
Friday, June 12, Golf Outing at Fox Den
Friday, June 12-Sunday June 14, Beer Pouring and Token Selling at the Irish Festival in Cuyahoga Falls (See attachment)
Wednesday, June 17, 7:30 a.m. for our morning program we will have the Installation of Mary Parr as our new president, along with the installation of our board members and directors.
Wednesday, October 14, in the evening, Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction. No morning meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Denton