Members joining us today were Rick Archer, Rich Bedell, Bill Choler, Dave Christman, Roger Cline, Andy Denton, Mary Dula, Steve Dunton, Mark Ferguson, Sue Figler, Jeff Film, Christina Gary, Dick Hall, Annie Hanson Hilaire, Brad Jagger, Mike Kostyack, Jim Laber, Carrie Leising, Tom Loepp, John Long, Gail, Moseley, Dave Renninger, Brad Ruth, Leslee Salhany, Olivia Saltzmann Smedi, J.T. Stimler, Steve Stimmel, Bob Sweitzer, Ron Taggart, Marty Tass, Linda Trevorrow, Eric Weber and Marissa Williams. Guests with us were Laurel Jane, Milli Morrison, Jonathan Leisser and our speaker Bill Sepe.
After President, Linda Trevorrow called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, Program Host, Leslee Salhany led us in an invocation seeking support as we discover opportunities to render service.
ANNOUNCMENTS:
Foodbank: Mary Dula reminded us that our volunteer time at the Foodbank is tonight from 4:30-6:30. There is still space to volunteer so call her at 330-715-6358. She is glad that Dinah Henderson, advisor for the Stow-Munroe Falls Interact Club will be there tonight, looking at how the Interact Club might be of service.
Cereal Challenge: Annie thanked those who have delivered individual cereal servings to her home, either personally or by Amazon and those who have dropped them off at City Hall. She does not have a count yet but reminded us that the cereal can be delivered through the end of April. As a reminder, we are competing with the Kent club as to who can gather the most individual servings of cereal for the food programs we each support. Ours will go to Bulldog Bags.
Four Way Test Judging: Brad Ruth explained that the judging for the speech contest will be tomorrow at 3:00 at the high school.
Heroes' Day:Jeff Film said that he will have more definite information next week but they are working on the procedure that area nursing homes want the club to follow as far as recognizing retired police and fire personnel and veterans. The date for the recognition will be May 15.
Golf Outing:Dick Hall updated us from last night's committee meeting. They are still accepting sponsorships and signs for the June 7 event. There will be a 50/50 raffle with tickets sold both ahead of time and the day of the event. The committee needs donations for the goodie bags to be given to each golfer. Volunteers will be recruited in May. Dick now has the registration forms for golfers. Call him at 330-686-9855 or 330-328-2776 to request a form, say you will donate to the goodie bags or to discuss a sponsorship.
Board Meeting is this Friday at 7:15.
Next Weeks' Meeting will feature a Rotarian from Canada who will talk about their rock project, the example for our club's district grant project for this year.
HAPPY BUCKS
Marty Tass is happy that his daughter from Cuyahoga Falls is visiting them in Florida this week.
Christina Gary is going to participate in a 24-hour run in Richfield. There is a 3.95 loop at the old Girl Scout Camp that will be the site of the event in May.
Linda Trevorrow is happy that her daffodils came back and that spring is here.
Sue Figler is thinking of her Dad, who passed away two years ago. He would have been 84 years old today.
PROGRAM:
Leslee Salhany, program host, talked about her happiness in meeting a lot of people through her real estate practice who have been in their homes for 40-50 years and are ready to sell. She finds happiness in helping them to decide what to do with their belongings.
Leslee then introduced Bill Sepe who is with TASC (Trail Advocates of Summit County), a non-profit group working on gathering support for Summit County trails. Professionally he was with Sherwin Williams and retired as Director of Engineering after 25 years. He also volunteered with Great Trail Council for 30 years and is an enthusiastic bicyclist and hiker. In fact, he says that if he tells you to "Take a hike.", it should be considered as a compliment.
The focus of the TASC group is to create The Veterans Trail by working with local governments and agencies to create a trail where the abandoned railway stretching from Akron, through Cuyahoga Falls, Silver Lake, Stow and Hudson is now. The 12 1/2 miles of track were last used in 1996.
As an effort to create a new trail and expand the green space in the area, the plan would connect with 7 other trails such as the Towpath, The Freedom Trail and the Bike and Hike Trail. It would begin at the Akron Northside Train Station and would follow the tracks north into Hudson, ending by Veterans Way behind the Acme Plaza.
There is a proposal, also being studied, to reactivate the track for potential commuter rail traffic. Since part of the track is owned by METRO RTA, they would have to join in advocating for the change from rail to trail, instead of exploring the reconstruction of the rail.
At this point, TASC needs letters of support for the trail plan. Community leaders in Hudson, Stow and Cuyahoga Falls all have given their support to the trail idea. If any of the the Rotarians want to submit their opinion or sign the petition, go to www.tascforce.org to offer support or for more information.
JOKE: Jeff Film gave us jokes from the worst jokes in the world survey. For instance, "If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?" The answer is "Pilgrims". Check with Jeff for the other outstanding jokes.
Next week's joke will be by Dave Christman.
Submitted by Andy Denton