ATTENDANCE: With us this morning were: Rich Bedell, Bill Choler, Dave Christman, Roger Cline, Jenny Coleman, Andy Denton, Mary Dula, Steve Dunton, Elizabeth Eaken, Christine Faranda, Jeff Film, Christina Gary, Dick Hall, Brad Jagger, Jim Laber, Carrie Leising, Pat Messmore, Karen Monbeck, Gail Moseley, Annette Oborn, Bob Oborn, Dave Renninger, Brad Ruth, Olivia Saltzmann, Amanda Steinheiser, J.T. Stimler, Steve Stimmel, Bob Sweitzer, Marty Tass, Linda Trevorrow, Marissa Williams and our guests Sue Figler and Michael Kostyackr, who will be installed as members soon, Gale Koritansky, Julie Brandle, and Demetrius Falconer, our speaker.
President Linda Trevorrow opened the meeting by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Elizabeth Eaken followed with an invocation about thankfulness for each day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Foodbank: Mary told us that five people have signed up for tonight's 4:30-6:30 volunteer time. Be sure to enter through the front glass doors and wear a mask. Sign in with your pin # which is your phone number without the area code. Leave personal belongings in the car or at home. Thanks to those who are volunteering including Steve Dunton, Rich Bedell, Marissa Williams, Christine Faranda and Mary Dula.
Reverse Raffle: Bob Oborn told us that only 24 tickets need to be paid for and he would like to have that money within the next two weeks.
New Library Director: Dave Renninger introduced Gale Koritansky to us. She is the new Director of the Stow-Munroe Falls Library. She is living in Chardon with her parents now, while the virus is still active but said both the community and the staff at the library are great.
Teacher Supply Closet: Carrie Leising said that this project will kick off on October 28 when the schools will pick up the requested supplies and deliver them to the teachers in their schools. On Monday, October 26, there will be a late-afternoon work session to fill the orders.
Julie Brandle, President of Metis Construction and Governor of the South Summit Rotary Cluster was with us this morning because she is a fan of the Metro Parks.
Linda Trevorrow reminded everyone that there will be a Board Meeting this Friday, October 9 at 7:15 a.m. on zoom. Board members are expected to attend but others are welcome. Let Linda at ltrevorrow@bti-cpas.com if you wish to receive the link for the meeting. The minutes of the August Board Meeting are attached to these minutes.
CONCERN: Dave Renninger told us that Marv Mills suffered a bad fall within the past week. Although nothing was broken, he is having difficulty getting out of bed and can't walk. Is there something you can do to offer help to Janice and Marv?
HAPPY BUCKS:
Bob Sweitzer had three pieces of good news to share with the club. He and Jill celebrated 36 years of marriage yesterday. This week marks 6 years of employment with Timken and their daughter, Julie will be married this Saturday.
Annette Oborn told us that we collected $480 in breakfast money for September. So, The Akron-Canton Foodbank, Bulldog Bags and our Holiday Fund will benefit from the donations. If you care to participate for October, send your donations to Annette Oborn at 381 Silver Valley Blvd,, Munroe Falls, OH 44262.
Carrie Leising told us that our club received a Rotary Citation at the bronze level.
Carrie also explained that daughter Keeley was named one of the 30 under 30 soccer coaches in a national survey where 15 men and 15 women were chosen. Over 500 applicants were involved.
Marty Tass reported that the Community Foundation's Beer Fest was a success. He gave special thanks to Marissa Williams and Jenny Coleman for pouring beer. Seven breweries were involved. Rotarian, Tom Loepp, was one of the sponsors.
PROGRAM:
Program Host, Elizabeth Eaken talked about her"Happiness Moment". She is involved with a group of 12 women who meet once a month and do something different each time. The hostess is in charge of what they do at the meeting. In addition, the hostess chooses a monthly charity to which everyone contributes $25.00.
Elizabeth then introduced Demetrius Falconer who is in charge of Community Engagement for Summit Metro Parks. She has 26 years of experience in connecting people to park services. She started her career in St. Louis with the National Park Service and then ended up here where she has been with the Metro Parks for 21 years.
The Fall Hiking Spree was at the center of her talk today. She said that with the pandemic, they have seen a huge increase in visitors to the park system. They are nearly at a million people increase for 2020 compared to the visitors in 2019. The hiking spree's theme this year is "From Field to Forest" with special recognition given to farms and forests along the way. The ultimate goal of the hikers is to receive their walking stick with recognition for completing at least 8 hikes. President Linda proudly showed off her walking stick. Each year a reward is added to a person's stick once they have received the stick To get information about the spree go to hikingspree.summitmetroparks.
In this pandemic year, the park does have some requests to consider before you hike.
1. Stay home if you are sick.
2. Masks are recommended unless there is no one around.
3. Bring your own water because the fountains are turned off.
4. Follow the directional signals.
JOKE: Per usual, the meeting ended with a joke. Bill Choler told us about some boys in a Catholic School cafeteria. He will be glad to tell you the whole thing if you were not here this morning.
Next week Gail Moseley will be in charge of our joke.
President Linda sent us out to serve and to have a good week.
Submitted by Andy Denton