Co-president Brad Ruth led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Program Host, Steve Dunton gave an invocation to open this morning's meeting.
CELEBRATIONS:
Birthdays: Tom Bahr's birthday is the 27th,
Wedding Anniversary: Brad and Kelly Ruth are celebrating 25 years of marriage this week.
Happy Buck: Andy Denton said that we are glad that Mary Dula is back with us this morning.
Dick Hall reported that the Stow Band had to opportunity to travel to Columbus to participate in a band festival that culminated in them listening to the Ohio State Marching Band.
CONCERN: Bruce Redmon said that Marv Mills called him and said that he will not attend today because his wife had a fall this morning.
50/50 RAFFLE: Dave Renninger's table had the winning ticket but Carrie Leising pulled the three of diamonds so the pot will continue to grow.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction: Rich Bedell reported that we made approximately $4000 over budget with a profit of between $12,000 and $13,000. Final exact figures will be available soon. He gave special thanks to Bob and Annette Oborn and Christina Gary for their expertise in leading the event to success and for other club members who worked hard on the fundraiser.
Donation Request: Brad received a request from Teammates, an art class at the high school requesting funding. This will be discussed by the board.
Interact: Dinah Henderson reported on the club's activities. She thanked Brad Ruth and John Pribonic for speaking to the club, which now has 60 members, compared to the 10 they started with in August. The students supported the Library Book Sale and did window painting at the library. Twenty-six members will attend an Interact Conference at West Geauga High School on November 6. The district will provide a bus for that event as well as busing members to the Foodbank to assist with volunteer efforts there. Dinah thanked the Rotary for providing the students with t-shirts and invited members to attend their meetings from 2:30-3:30 on Wednesdays at the high school.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Mary Dula reported that she has communicated our need to ring inside, hopefully at the Stow Acme. She does not yet have a definite answer.
Holiday Helping Hands: John Pribonic said that he has already heard from three schools as to the families who need our help during the holidays. He expects that he will have the list to give our members for the first in-person meeting in November. Gail Moseley is working with John to set a date to gather at City Hall for the "Wrapping Party".
Board Retreat: There will be a Board Retreat this Saturday, October 23 from 8:00-11:00 a.m. at City Hall, to discuss plans for the rest of this Rotary year. Minutes of the regular October meeting are attached to these minutes.
President Elect: It is imperative that we have a president-elect as soon as possible. Please contact Brad or John if you have been thinking about wanting to do this but needing to have more information. It is a great opportunity.
Recruit Members: Please look for contacts you have this week to ask people about joining our club The more members we have, the more fully we can complete our service projects.
Football Pool: Winners in Week 5 of the pool are as follows: ( Week 6 will be a bye week.)
Bruce Hill, Jim Sayrs, Laura Breiding, Steve Stimmel, Dan Paru and Lori Bangham,
Bulldog Bag Items: For October, the items are Ramen Noodle Packets, Pudding Cups and Soap. Drop them off in the donation box in the lobby of City Hall.
PROGRAM:
Steve Dunton, Program Host introduced Jamie Syx, Law Director for the City of Stow. She received her law degree from The University of Akron and studied psychology and criminal justice for her undergraduate degree from Kent State University. There are five staff in her department, 2 prosecutors, a secretary and deputy law director.
As Law Director, Ms. Syx manages both the criminal and civil divisions. For the criminal division she assists police in questions about arrests, provides what legal advice they need for specialized cases and then updates them as the case progresses. She has contact with the victims of the crimes and also updates them on the cases' progress. She negotiates with the defense attorneys and finds that most misdemeanor cases can be settled through negotiation. Seldom does the case actually go to trial. Felonies go to the county to be resolved.
For the civil division, the Law Director is involved in contract negotiation, real estate agreements, and public record requests. Parking ticket disputes, zoning codes and neighborhood mediation programs fall under her jurisdiction. She also does some public speaking.
For the upcoming holiday season, she offers tips, since there is usually an increase in fraud and theft. She advises:
1. When shopping keep your purchases in the trunk of your car.
2. Buy an expensive gift last so that you don't have it in the car while you shop for other items.
3. Shop in a well-lit area.
4. Stay off your phone while you are shopping.
5. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
6. Leave outdoor lights on at your home..
7. Don't let mail and papers pile up if you are going to be gone.
JOKE: Dave Renninger told a great joke this morning about a couple who took a trip to Hawaii. Ask Dave to repeat the joke for you.
DATES TO KEEP IN MIND
Saturday, October 23, 8:00-11:00 a.m. Board Retreat at City Hall.
Monday, October 25, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Teacher Supply Cupboard at City Hall (Upstairs)
Wednesday, October 27, Morning meeting by Zoom. David Lariviere of Sacson Consulting will be speaking about cyber security.
Wednesday, November 3, Morning meeting in person at Silver Lake. Scott Mullaney of Amer Cunningham will speak about Probate.
Wednesday, November 3, 4:40-6:30 p.m. Volunteer time at the Akron Canton Foodbank.
Submitted by Andy Denton
Andrea Denton
330-474-7265
330-414-1934