President, Bob Sweitzer opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Lindsey Malin, Program Host, followed with the invocation.
NEW MEMBER INDUCTION: This morning, Laura Thomas was inducted as a new member and pinned by her sponsor, Aimee Budnik. She is completing her 11th year with a special needs preschool and will soon begin a new adventure in the travel industry. Welcome, Laura!
BOARD MEMBER ELECTIONS: Jeff Frye, Lindsey Malin andAnnette Oborn, will begin terms as board members from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. Dick Hall will fill the rest of Mary Dula's term through June 30 of 2028 following Mary's resignation. Thanks so much to John Pribonic, Annette Oborn and Dick Hall whose three-year terms expire at the end of June and to Mary Dula who has been a valuable part of the board.
PROGRAM:
After starting with a couple of Mothers' Day jokes, Lindsey Malin introduced Carla Bayonnet who is the Executive Director of the Adult Guardianship Services (AGS) of Summit County. Carla explained that guardianship is a court process where a judge determines that an adult can no longer make safe decisions for themselves. Probate Court appoints a Guardian of Person to make medical, housing and personal decisions on the individual's behalf.
There is a four-step process that leads to a person being assigned a guardian. First a concern is raised by someone that a particular adult may no longer be able to care for themselves safely. Second, a petition is filed with Probate Court which requires a review of whether guardianship is needed. Next, a court investigator meets with the individual and reviews records. Following that review, the judge may determine that the person lacks capacity and a guardian is appointed., always using the least restrictive approach. Finally, when there is no family able to serve as guardian, the court turns to AGS.
AGS is the only nonprofit in Summit County dedicated to this work. Most of the people they serve are involved with mental health, substance abuse, intellectual and developmental disability issues, traumatic brain injury or aging related health issues. Financial issues are almost always part of their picture. The core staff are all clinically-trained employees, called contractors, but there are 100 volunteers who work under the direction of those contractors. Carla gave several examples of people for whom guardianship was a blessing. When their basic needs were met, they improved.
Many of the people served have no family and therefore when they die, there is no one to take their cremains. At this point they are looking for a ½ acre plot where the cremains could be placed. Their website can give more information about this plan. Finances are always an issue because the people they serve have usually exhausted their resources. AGS definitely provides a safety net for people who cannot succeed without the help the agency offers.
Refer to the attached information for further assistance in knowing when to all for help, or when to become a fully-trained and supported volunteer. Every volunteer has comprehensive, free training, professional back-up, legal support and a supportive community of volunteers within the AGS team. For more information, read the attached brochure call 330-812-3840 or visit their website at www.adultguardianship.org.
CELEBRATIONS:
Happy Bucks:
Mary Parr announced that her daughter, Francine has become part of the 20th anniversary class of “Thirty for the Future" in Akron. The honorees are recognized as the next generation of community leaders in the greater Akron community.
Lindsey Malinthanked everyone who participated in the Walk of Hope" to benefit Resolve at the Akron Zoo on April 25. Whether you walked or donated, you were part of raising over $28,000 to raise awareness in support of infertility issues.
Will Sumser explained that his podcast called “Grace and Grit: The Heart of Small Business” is up and running. Either google the title or go the link below to tune in. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/
Rotary Anniversaries: Mary Parr is celebrating 4 years as a Rotarian
Wedding Anniversaries: Dick Hall and Gale Stawiery and Liz and Eric Kargbo are celebrating anniversaries this week.
Birthday: Pat Messmore's birthday is Monday.
Drawing: Carla drew the winning ticket but Jill Smith drew the ace of clubs so the pot will continue to grow.
CONCERN: The club is sending sympathy to Dinah Henderson upon the death of her mother.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Irish Festival: Gail Moseley explained that we have a great money-making opportunity the weekend of June12-14 at the Riverfront Irish Festival either by serving beer or selling tokens. A flier is attached with these minutes for more information. Use the QR code that is shown there.
Heroes' Day: Jeff Film reminded us that this weekend we will be honoring our retired first responders and veterans with a token of appreciation from the club. He thanked Dave Renninger, Leslee Salhany and Will Sumser for their part in getting donations to honor the more than 200 people in our community, whether they are in their own homes or in nursing homes. At 5:00 Friday evening, gather at the FOP Lodge to assemble the gifts and then at 9:00 the delivery people will meet at the same location to pick up their assignments.
Olympic Torch Run: Jeff also reminded everyone to look at his e-mail from earlier this morning to gain support for the the police participation in the Torch Run to support the Special Olympics in Ohio. 80% of the money raised stays in Summit County and the other 20% going to the state for their support of Special Olympics.
Golf Outing: Chairperson, Scott Miller announced that we have 20 foursomes so far but we still have room for more. Now the committee is looking for donations of cash, gifts cards etc. for prizes and swag for the event. The committee will meet Monday, May 11, at 6:00 at the FOP Lodge.
Adopt-A-Spot: Marty Tass…..(Great to see you back this morning, Marty) said that Adopt a Spot planting will be Saturday, May 23 at 9:30 a.m. It will only take about an hour. After that, he will have a schedule to keep the weeding going all summer.
End Polio Now Guardians Game: Bob Oborn told us that this year's game will be August 18. Raffle tickets are now available at 1 for $10 or 3 for $20, First prize will be the right to throw out the first pitch at this event for next year. Second prize will be a pair of great seats and third place will earn an autographed baseball. Annette Oborn has the tickets.
Board Meeting: Our board will meet this Friday, May 8 at 7:15 at City Hall. Board members are expected to be present but anyone else is welcome.
President Bob ended the meeting by leading in the Four-Way-Test
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, May 11, 6:00 p.m. Golf Committee Meeting at the FOP Lodge
Wednesday, May 13, 7:30 a.m. Regular morning meeting at The Center when James Gardner will speak on “Find Your Groove”.
Wednesday, May 13, 4:30-6:30 Volunteer time at the Akron Canton Foodbank.
Saturday, May 23, 9:30a.m. Adopt-A-Spot planting
Friday, June 12, Golf Outing at Fox Den
Friday June 12 through Sunday June 14, beer pouring or token selling opportunity at the Riverfront Beer Fest in Cuyahoga Falls.
Wednesday, October14, Reverse Raffle and Silent Auction in the evening.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Denton