After Co-President, Steve Dunton opened the meeting by leading in the Pledge of Allegiance, Bob Sweitzer, Program Host. followed with the invocation. Steve thanked Todd Hearty and Dave Renniger for getting us checked in and welcoming our visitors, Mark Ferguson, Gabrielle Uhrin, Karen Gerridakis, Laune Riddle, Zoe Walsh, Anthony Karam, Jimmy Beers, Maissa Trifilette and Jack Evans.
PROGRAM:
Steve turned the program over to Bob Sweitzer who presented Gabrielle Uhrin and Karen Gerridakis from Caring For Kids, an agency that finds families for foster children when needed and also works with families who want to adopt or foster to adopt. Gabrielle and Karen are located at 1100 Graham Rd.in Stow, but the organization also has offices in Columbus, Wadsworth and Medina.
The agency has seen tremendous growth since it was opened in Munroe Falls in 1999 by Pat and Dennis Miller who had five foster families in the beginning. It now has over 400 families involved, 79 employees and 350 foster children in their care. There is always a huge need for foster families who are willing to create a healthier situation for children, than the one they left. When it becomes clear that a child will be available to be adopted, the staff looks at present foster families and particularly those who have indicated that they wish to adopt. It generally takes about two years to decide that permanent custody is necessary and that the child cannot be reunited with their birth family. Once a child is part of Caring for Kids, the family and the child receive support until they age out of the program, even if the child has been adopted. Their mission is "Every child, Every family, Every step of the way. "
Some of the supports that they offer are mental health, connections to other community agencies, Christmas donations to help foster families and a Holiday Room where people can "shop" for gifts for foster, adopted and even emancipated clients. A Caring Closet contains clothes, school supplies,, hygiene items and shoes for the families. Donations of these items are accepted, but they must be new. Last year 85 families received Thanksgiving meals through their Turkey Drive.
Referrals to the program come through the counties, who determine that a child has to be removed from their birth family, at least temporarily. When the county does not have enough homes, they turn to the private agencies. Caring for Kids is funded through grants, donations and fundraisers. (See the attached flier for an upcoming benefit that Anthony Karam, Bob Sweitzer's son-in-law told us about.) If you need more information from Anthony his number is 330-310-3103.
For more information about the agency contact them at 330-928-0044, or e-mail questions to: info@cfkadopt.org or go to the website at www.cfkadopt.org.
CELEBRATIONS:
Rotary Anniversaries: Congratulation
Birthdays: Annette Oborn led us in singing really well to John Pribonic whose birthday is Friday,
Presentation: Linda Trevorrow, President of our foundation and Scott Miller, Golf Committee Chair presented a check to Mayor Pribonic for the City of Stow to help with renovations to the new Senior/Community Center.
Drawing: Gail Moseley's table had the winning ticket but Annette drew the queen of clubs so the pot will continue to grow.
CONCERN: Dave Renninger reported that long time, former Rotarian, Ted Kozma passed away as the result of an automobile accident. Arrangements are pending at this time.
HAPPY BUCK: Elizabeth Kargbo shared that her son, Daniel, graduated from Cleveland State and has started a job as a Business Analyst for Sherwin Williams. Her son Joseph started working on his Masters in Public Health at Kent State University.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Golf Committee: The committee will meet tomorrow evening, March 6, at 6:00 p.m. at the FOP Lodge behind The Church in Silver Lake.
Foodbank: Our next volunteer time will be next Wednesday, March 12 from 4:30-6:30. Sign up as you sign in next week or just plan to go.
Board Meeting: Our next board meeting will be Friday, March 14 at 7:15 a.m. at City Hall. Anyone is welcome to attend. On March 26 we will hold a Club Assembly during our regular meeting. At that time, three new Board Members will be elected. Give your name to Steve Dunton or Jeff Film if you are willing to serve. We may also be seeking a new treasurer and need a President Elect for 2026. All of these are paths to service in meaningful ways.
Community Showcase: On Saturday, March 15, the club will have a booth at the Business and Community Expo which will take place at the high school from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Gail Moseley passed around a sign-up sheet for volunteers to take a two hour shift during that time.
Julie McLain added that the Business and Community Expo will celebrate its 20th year with this 2025 event. This is also the sixtieth anniversary of the Chamber and they have been selected to be the Grand Marshal for the Fourth of July parade. She also added that they will host the State of The City Breakfast on Tuesday, March 18 at Aker-Moore from, 7:30-9:00 a.m. Go to Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce website and scroll down on the events tab to register. Julie added that it is possible to attend without having breakfast. Mayor Pribonic added that during the event, Megan Postak who teaches science, IT and math at Riverview will be honored for receiving a Presidential Award. This is the first time a teacher in our system has received this honor. Only 350 were given in the country.
Soles4Souls Bob Oborn reminded us to check out Soles4Souls where $20 will buy a pair of athletic shoes for a needy child in Ohio. When Bob goes to President Elect Training in another week, he wants to have our district be the leader in the amount of money raised. So far, although we are the smallest district, we have raised the most money. To donate, go to allohiopets.org and scroll down until you see Soles4Souls and follow the directions.
District 6630's Annual Conference will be Friday April 25 and Saturday April 26 at the Cleveland Marriott, 26300 Harvard Rd. in Warrensville Heights. Go to www.rotarydistrict6630 to register. The schedule and costs are on the website. Remember that any member of our club will be reimbursed for their expenses, with the exception of a bar tab or hotel rooms. Turn your receipt in to Treasurer, John Long.
Heroes Day Leslee Salhany reported that she has contacted Petittis for donations for Heroes' Day again and is waiting for a response.
Steve adjourned the meeting by leading us in The Rotary Four-Way Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Thursday, March 6, 6:00, Golf Committee Meeting at FOP Lodge
Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 Regular morning meeting when we will hear about "Pantry on the Corner".
Wednesday, March 12, 4:30-6:30 Volunteer time at the Foodbank
Friday, March 14, 7:15 Board Meeting at City Hall
Saturday, March 15, 10:00-4:00 Business and Community Expo at the high school
Saturday, April 12, Bunny Trail Hop
Saturday, May 10, Heroes Day
Saturday, May 10, Club Interact Talent Show
Friday, June 13, Golf Outing at Fox Den
Wednesday, Evening, October 9 Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction at The Center
Respectfully Submitted,