PROGRAM: "We Could Be Heroes" was Bob Oborn's walk-up song that was played for him. In his member moment he told us that he and his wife, Annette have two adult children. He has been with Kent Elastomer for 37 years and has been a Rotarian for 9 years. He has been our club president and later was in charge of the District 6630 Interact and Rotaract Clubs. During that time the clubs grew from 10 to 35. He now is Assistant Governor for the North Summit Cluster.
He then introduced Meri Skiera from Ronald McDonald House who presented our program. She began by thanking Rick Archer for being a member of their board and John Long for his relationship to them. She thanked the club for funding a room in their new facility and providing meals for the residents on a quarterly basis. She explained how everyone working together helps families survive in the world they are in when a family member is hospitalized at Children's Hospital Medical Center. The former facility cared for a maximum of 20 families. However, their $12 million expansion added 42 rooms with living space. They have eliminated their waiting list. Families are asked that if possible they make a donation of $20 per night, but if they are unable to do so, none is required. They receive a meal every night and have access to bedrooms and other living areas where they can rest when they are tired and overwhelmed and still be able to get to their family member quickly. Snacks are provided through donations. Some families are there only a night or two but others are there for 3-6 months. The longest stay was a year and a half. Most typically families are there for 7-9 days. Burn victims treated at Children's may also have family members at R.M.H. The only criteria is the family member be admitted to the hospital or be in a treatment program. Ronald McDonald House has a Facebook page where the community can become aware of their needs. If we check, we might find a way to help. Any donations to Akron stay in Akron.
CALENDAR:
Wednesday, November 21, We will have our regular morning meeting at Silver Lake
Saturdays, December 1,8 and 15 Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Acme in Stow
Wednesday, December 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Foodbank Volunteer time.
Tuesday, December 11, 5:30 p.m. Holiday Bag packing at On Tap in Stow
Saturday, December 15, Delivery of Helping Hand gifts.
Wednesday, December 26, No morning meeting
Wednesday January 2, No morning meeting
Wednesday, January 9, Morning meeting at the library when Silver Lake is closed.
Monday, June 3, Golf Outing at Silver Lake.
Wednesday, October 16, Reverse Raffle Silent Auction
Submitted by Andy Denton