President Annette Oborn opened the meeting by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Todd Hearty, program host, followed with a meaningful invocation.
Annette then thanked Todd Hearty and Steve Dunton for getting us checked in. She welcomed our guests Elizabeth Kargbo, Lizzie Hilaire and Matt Pallo, our speaker. She also had all of our new members stand and be recognized.
HAPPY BUCKS
Mary Dula said that her granddaughter, Natalie, graduated from Boston University with honors in six fields. Her granddaughter Riley also graduated from University of Alabama School of Nursing with full honors.
Julie McLain said that the Chamber honored several businesses and people with their Elite Business Awards. She said that if we are with any of the following, we should recognize their honor: Rich Sprungle, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alteri Pizza, Russ Widner, Cardinal Asphalt, Blaze Technology and Thompson Electric Company.
CELEBRATIONS:
Congratulations to our club that celebrates its 44th Anniversary this week.
Rotary Anniversaries: Congratulations to two of our founding members, Dave Renninger and Ron Taggart who observe their 44th anniversary as Rotarians and to Dave Christman upon his 14th anniversary.
Birthdays: We sang well to Dave Renninger who celebrates his birthday tomorrow.
Thank Yous: Annette shared thank yous from Mike Sabatini for the Heroes' Day Recognition and from the Wizard Of Oz cast and Friends of the Theater for our support of their efforts.
Drawing: Gail's table had the winning ticket but Andy pulled the ace of clubs so the pot will continue to grow.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Bill Choler Memorial Bench Dedication: This will occur this Saturday, May 25 at the Library at 10:00. Rotarians are invited to attend as the club gave the bench in his memory.
Adopt-A-Spot: After the dedication, gather at the Doughboy to plant this year's spot, probably around 10:45 or 11:00. This year, sunflowers will be featured among other colorful plants.
Foodbank: Our next date is June 12 from 4:30-6:30 at the Foodbank. Interact will not be with us during the summer so everyone's help is needed.
Ronald McDonald House: The club will donate dinner for the residents on Friday, May 24. This time it will be chicken and Jo-Jos from Gionino's Pizzeria.
Cluster Housewarming Packages: Friday, May 21 from 1:00-4:00 for the last time, we will pack packages for people who are in the mental health system who are able to go into their own apartments for the first time. Let Annette know if you can help at N.A.M.I. Offices in Community Support Services, 150 Cross St. in Akron. Contact Annette at 330-813-2059.
Fifth Wednesday: Because there is no morning meeting on May 29, our alternate activity will be to attend the Rubber Ducks game in the evening. If you have purchased tickets, you can pick them up from Steve Dunton at the chief's office in Munroe Falls after today. If you still need to pay, make your check payable to the club.
Golf Outing: Golf chair, Steve Miller thanked everyone for their participation so far. It will be Friday, June 14 at Fox Den The committee can still can use gift cards, golf balls and other company swag that can be used as prizes. They will also accept money to purchase prizes. The next golf meeting will be June 3, when the bags will be assembled. If anyone is interested in just having the "marvelous" steak dinner afterwards, the cost is $30 but you need to sign up ahead of time. If you are interested in golfing or providing one of the sponsorships, a form is attached to these minutes.
PROGRAM:
Todd Hearty introduced Matt Pallo, a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. He has three children, Logan, Xavier and Sidney. He attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh where he received his Dr. of Pharmacy degree. His activities include: Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary's Men's Club and the Holy Family Golf League. He is pursuing his CFP certification.
Matt explained that for 18 1/2 years he was with Wallgreens and then decided a career change was appropriate where he could counsel people on a different topic. He shared some interesting information with us about the world of finances and its ups and downs related to changes in the Presidency and the markets in general. He said that 87% of the time, the markets are up during the year of a presidential election. Then people begin to look at what promises the candidates keep, and things can change. In all but two terms, from 1969 through 2023, the economy has positive annualized returns. And in general, the S&P 500 has grown from 1929 through 2023 with just small downturns before there is a rebound. He says to trust the market more than politics. Things do fluctuate, but generally rebound. The current rate set by The Federal Reserve is 5 3/4%. It will come down and at that point fixed income strategies will benefit.
Basically Matt says that the market is more powerful than politics and that it is best to stick with a long-term strategy worked out with your advisor. Knowing the kind of risk you are willing to take along with your long-term financial goals should be part of determining your portfolio. When you are nervous about the financial picture, talk with your advisor, rather than basing your decisions on what you hear from the news. Newscasters are not financial experts and are basically there for entertainment. Your financial coach can keep people from making the wrong decisions at the wrong time.
Annette closed the meeting by leading us in the Four-Way-Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Saturday, May 25, 10:00 at the library, dedication of the Rotary bench in memory of Bill Choler.
Saturday, May 25, 10:45, plant Adopt-A-Spot at the Doughboy
Wednesday, May 29, No morning meeting
Wednesday, May 29, Rubber Ducks Game if you have tickets
Friday, May 31 1:00-4:00 pack Housewarming Baskets at NAMI
Monday,June 3, in the evening, Golf Committee meeting to pack gift bags
Wednesday, June 5, 7:30 a.m. Morning meeting at Bellacinos with Kara Lapsh reporting about ShelterBox.
Wednesday, June 12, Club Assembly for the morning meeting at Bellacinos
Wednesday, June 12, Foodbank from 4:30-6:30 at the Foodbank
Friday, June 14, Golf Outing at Fox Den
Monday, June 24, Board Retreat in the evening at FOP Lodge
Wednesday, June 26, Morning meeting at Bellacinos for Installation of Officers and Board Members for 2024-2025.
Saturday, August 17, "Back to School Bash"
Wednesday, October 9, Reverse Raffle, Silent Auction
Submitted by,
Andy Denton
Andrea Denton
330-474-7265
330-414-1934