Steve Dunton had a really busy meeting this morning as he was filling in as president and also was the program host.  He opened the meeting by leading in the Pledge of Allegiance and then presented the invocation.  

He thanked Todd Hearty and Maria Ferrara for checking us in this morning.

Zeffy Announcement: Maria said that the payment process for those who used Zeffy went well and said that for the future, we do not need to used the QR code but can use the “tap to pay” feature on your credit card.

PROGRAM: Program Host, Steve Dunton had some really bad jokes.  If you missed them, you might ask him what happened to the man who fell into the reupholstery machine.

Steve then introduced James Armstrong, who is the Director of Legal Services for The Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board.  He is the former Mayor of Munroe Falls, who appointed Steve as police chief as one of his last acts in the job. He has his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Dayton School of Law and has also served as a Magistrate in Summit County Juvenile Court and was part of the Child and Family Leadership Class in 2006,  

Mr. Armstrong told us abut Summit DD which is a levy-funded agency serving over 5,000 individuals in our county.  Their goal is to serve people their entire lives when the DD Board's services are needed.  At this point, 700 families are involved with their early intervention programs which serve children from birth through age 3.  They serve 1700 school-age students and 1,350 adults. In addition, they assist with about 2750 adults to enhance their safety.  This is a mandated service for those receiving Medicaid.   Specialized services for those who have mental health needs along with their developmental disability are provided.   Many of the services are provided under the leadership of Service Coordinators who have about 35 people on their caseload.  The goal of Summit DD is to help people reach their full potential in spite of their unique situation understanding that every person is unique and so are their needs and their abilities.  

The agency also is involved with Special Olympics where they have over 450 athletes participating.  When physical issues are barriers to people living independently, the agency provides what they can to equip their living space as a “smart home”, using technology to enable the person to be as independent as possible.  Summit DD has 309 employees with an average of 12 years of service.

To find out more information, Mr. Armstrong can be contacted at Jarmstong@summitdd.org, or go to their website at www.summitdd.org.  

HAPPY BUCK: Annie Hanson Hilaire told us that her daughter, Lizzie began kindergarten today.  It is a real milestone day for their family.  Little sister, Charlie, was with us at the meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Summer Sunset Blast:  Steve reminded everyone that we will be selling raffle tickets at the event on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend at Silver Springs Park from 5:00-10:00 each day.  Sign up as you sign in next week.  Raffle tickets are available now and can be purchased as you sign in, and it is possible to use Zeffy to pay for them.  Pilar Parsons encouraged new members to sign up for this as a way to complete their “blue sheet” requirements.

International Project:  Annette Oborn described the interesting International Project that our club will be involved in this year.  There will be a “Shark Tank” type presentation through video conferencing where projects are presented and club members determine which project, or projects are funded.  The idea would be to get a project started that would have sustainability for those in Africa.  We will get monthly updates on the project.  If you are interested in serving on that committee, text Annette at 330-813-2059 to let her know you are interested.  

Adopt-A-Spot:  Marty Tass was looking for someone to weed.  Linda Trevorrow accepted the challenge.  We only have a couple of weeks left, so do your part and agree to help.  

Foodbank: Our next date will be September 10 from 4:30-6:30.  We especially need people since it does not look like Interact will be able to participate this year. Sign up as you sign in.

Teacher Supply Cupboard:  If anyone had any doubts about the worth of the Teacher Supply Cupboard, here is a story for you.  A child showed up for school in shoes that were too small, which was making the child very uncomfortable.  Dinah Henderson was contacted and the child will have new shoes today and be ready to learn. 

Bulldog Bags: Remember that the following items are requested by Bulldog Bags by September 10:  fruit cups, microwave pasta cups, toothpaste and tooth brushes, 24 or 32 oz. jars of pasta sauce, 1 pound boxes of pasta, and  18 oz. jars of grape or strawberry jelly.  Take your items to City Hall or bring them to a meeting.

Drawing:  Dick Hall's table had the winning ticket but he drew the 6 of spades.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Wednesday, August 27, 7:30 a.m.  regular weekly meeting when Axess Pointe Community Health Centers and Family and Community Services will present our program.

Saturday August 30 and Sunday August 31, 5:00-10:00 p.m.  Summer Sunset Blast at Silver Springs Park where we will be selling raffle tickets.

Wednesday, September 10, 4:30-6:30, Volunteer time at the Foodbank

Friday, September 12, 7:15 a.m., Board Meeting at City Hall

Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 in the evening Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction.

Respectfully submitted,

Andrea Denton

dentontaz@aol.com