March  26 2025 Newsletter

Co-President Steve Dunton called the meeting to order by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Co-President Jeff Film presented the invocation.  Steve then welcomed us to this morning's Club Assembly.  He thanked Gail Moseley and Dave Renninger for checking us in this morning and welcoming our visitors, Mike Dunton and Jack Evans.

 

CELEBRATIONS: 

Rotary Anniversaries:  Elizabeth Eaken is observing her 11th anniversary as a Rotarian this week.

 

Birthdays:  Marty Tass is still in Florida, but we wish him a Happy Birthday this week.

 

Drawing: Roger Cline's table had the winning ticket but he pulled the 8 of spades, so the pot will continue to grow.

 

Election of Board Members:  With a motion by Jeff Film that was seconded by Dave Renninger, the club voted that our new board members, who will begin their three-year term on July 1, will be Aunt Mary Dula, Pilar Parsons and Brad Ruth.  Congratulations and thank you ahead of time for your service. 

 

New Member Application:  Jack Evans was approved for membership at the last board meeting.  Give any comments to Steve or Jeff during this next week.  His membership application is attached to these minutes.

 

Treasurer Information:  John Long is the treasurer of the club and Rich Bedell is treasurer of our club's foundation.  John explained that basically our funds are in two buckets.  The foundation is a 501(c)(3), charitable organization so our major fundraisers go through the foundation. That means people can take tax deductions for their donations to the foundation.  The club's income, which comes mainly from dues, the weekly 50-50 raffles, and the football pool brings in just over $14,000 a year.  Two major expenses that come out of that are the district and international dues.  The most recent bill for those were international at $5922.  and District at $2857.  Other routine expenses include ClubRunner, conferences, Quick Books, and our post office box. The money for breakfast also goes through the club treasurer.    Although we pay $15 for the weekly breakfast, that cost also includes the meeting space.  The club subsidizes $3.00 for each meal.  

 

Rich then share some information about our foundation.  He explained that it was created 8 years ago.  There is roughly $35,000 in the foundation's budget from our two major fundraisers, the golf outing and the reverse raffle/silent auction.  These events fund our charitable activities.  They have a board that is separate from our club board, but each has representation from the other. Right now, we are working with a deficit budget in order to put these funds to use and not carry so much of a balance.  When the budget committee meets in the near future, actual amounts will be decided as to how to make this happen.  John Long, Rich Bedell, and Linda Trevorrow are on the budget committee with a few other board members.

 

Board members have responsibility for different areas of the club and update the board at each meeting as to what is happening in their area.

 

Fundraising: Dick Hall reported that he will be working with Pat Messmore on the Football Pool this fall. 

 

Scott Miller then shared information about our Golf Outing which will be Friday, June 13 at Fox Den.  A registration form is attached to these minutes and members can feel free to print out more copies if they need them. There is a limit to 120 golfers so let your friends know about this right away.   He is looking for volunteers for the event.  Prior to that, we will be etching glasses to be given away at the event.  To help with the event, meet at the Tech Zone of the Main Library at noon on April 5th and give an hour or two to the project while also learning an amazing technique for etching glass.  The Golf Outing Committee is also looking for golf balls and $10 and $25 gift cards to be used as prizes.  A sheet of the sponsors from last year was circulated, but Clubrunner said it made the attachments to these minutes over the limit.  But, if you would like a copy to remind you who you contacted last year, text or email me and I will send you a copy.

 

Gail Moseley shared information about our Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction which will be on Wednesday, October 9.  Todd Hearty will co-chair the event with Gail and it will be held in the large room at The Center.  There will also be a wine pull, side boards and bingo.  Plan on being there, volunteering and selling tickets!  Think now about baskets you either make or have donated for the auction.  

 

The Rotary Foundation This is the international fundraising arm of Rotary International.  We have our donation campaign in November.

 

Club Interact is our local high school chapter housed in Stow-Munroe Falls High School.  Advisor and Rotary member Dinah Henderson demonstrated their efforts at Senior Survival week.  They created Pokemon-type cards with staff pictures and sold them to raise money for Interact's district project of making chemotherapy baskets.  They were number one in the competition to raise money by various groups for their favorite charity, raising $3000.23.  Dinah was appreciative of the $475 that came from Rotarians.  Dinah also said that their Talent Show will be Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 at the high school.  Graduation is May 29.  They will be looking for Rotary volunteers for both of those events.  

 

Public Relations is an important part of our community recognition and membership recruitment.  Dave Christman thanked Annie Hanson-Hilaire for her efforts on social media on our behalf and thanked Roger Cline and Carrie Malotte for their work on ClubRunner.  ClubRunner is being redesigned and will become NOVA later this year.

 

Community Events go on continually and Rotarians are involved in many of them.  Gail Moseley told us that Bunny Trail Hop will be Saturday, April 12 from 10:00-1:00. We have a booth at the event and hand out candy.  It is planned for Silver Springs park but in case bad weather is forecast, it will be in the new Community Center.