ATTENDANCE: Members joining us this morning were: Rick Archer, Tom Bahr, Rich Bedell, Bill Choler, Roger Cline, Jennifer Coleman, Andy Denton, Mary Dula, Steve Dunton, Elizaeth Eaken, Ray Evans, Mark Ferguson, Jeff Film, Christina Gary, Dick Hall, Mike Kostyack, Jim Laber, Carrie Leising, Pat Messmore, Karen Monbeck, Gail Moseley, Annette Oborn, Bob Oborn, John Pribonic, Dave Renninger, Brad Ruth, Olivia Saltzmann Smedi, J.T. Stimler, Steve Stimmel, Bob Sweitzer, Marty Tass, Linda Trevorrow and Marissa Williams. Guests were Jon Leissler, Natalie Katzemeyer, Jescenia Issa, Dinah Henderson and our speaker Pat DeWine.
President Linda Trevorrow opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob Sweitzer, program host, followed with a meaningful invocation about service.
CELEBRATIONS:
Wedding Anniversary: Congratulations to Bob and Annette Oborn who will celebrate their 34th anniversary on the 30th.
Rotary Anniversaries: Dave Christman (11) and Brad Jagger (8) have anniversaries of joining Rotary this week.
HAPPY BUCKS:
Linda Trevorrow told us that she is working on getting us back to meeting in person, hopefully in two weeks. Watch for more news from her as this develops. The club is also seeing what it takes to have an on-line option as well.
Elizabeth Eaken shared that her daughter Heather graduated from Kent State University, Summa Cum Laude. She has a double major in Biology and Chemistry and a minor in Italian Studies. Right now she is working at a bird sanctuary in Medina but probably will pursue a master's degree.
Bob Oborn wished his wife, Annette, a happy anniversary.
Tina Gary said that she completed her first 24-hour run on Saturday and showed us a trophy she received as a 100K finisher.
Carrie Leising shared that her daughter, Sienna graduated this week from Kent Roosevelt, Magna Cum Laude and has received two scholarships. She will be attending the University of Cincinnati for Cybersecurity.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Adopt-A-Spot ; Marty Tass reported that the planting went very will. In addition to Marty, Rotarians Mary Dula, John Pribonic, Ray Evans, and Steve Stimmel were there alog with 7 Interact students and their advisor, Dinah Henderson, and her husband. Now feel free to weed the spot when you have a chance.
Golf Outing: Dick said that everything is coming along well for the outing. He still needs $10.00 gift cards to offer as prizes. Get those cards to either Dick or Lisa Toppin. They also need donatons for the goodie bags. Volunteers for the June 7th outing should be at the back of Silver Lake by 7:30 a.m. Contact Dick at 330-686-9855 or dickhall2@gmail.com with questions or offers to help.
New Member: Linda reminded everyone that we have received John Leissler's membership application and that any questions or comments should be directed to her.
Foodbank: Mary Dula reported that we can now have 10 people volunteer at the Foodbank. Next Wednesday will be our time from 4:30-6:30. Contact Mary to offer to help at 330-715-6358.
Breakfast Fund: May will be the last month for our Breakfast Fund collections. If you wish to donate, get a check immediately to Annette Oborn, 381 Silver Valley Blvd, Munroe Falls, OH 44262.
Dinah Henderson, Interact Advisor, thanked Rotarians who supported the Monday Meal delivery program. Interact split tips with the Library Foundation. Each entity made $217. The program is now on hold until the fall.
Board Meeting Minutes from the May meeting are attached to these weekly minutes.
Ronald McDonald House: Bob Oborn shared that June 21 will be the date for us to provide the evening meal for Ronald McDonald House. They are not yet allowing people in, so we will need to order from a restaurant. Let Bob know any suggestions as to what restaurant we should use for this at 330-689-0485 or boborn@kentelastomer.com.
CONCERN: Keep Mike Sekulich's and his health struggles in your prayers.
PROGRAM: Host Bob Sweitzer said he gives happiness to his-mother-in-law, Nancy Rice, as Bob and his wife now live with her to assure her safety. He is happy that she is doing well.
Bob then introduced, Judge Pat DeWine, who has been an Ohio Supreme Court Justice since 2017. In addition to serving on the court, he is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. His law degree is from the University of Michigan and his undergraduate degree is from Miami of Ohio.
He explained that justices are elected for six-year terms with two seats up for election every two years. The Chief Justice of the Court is also elected. The court sets precedent for the lower Ohio courts and is the protector of individual rights and freedoms. It is important to have clear legal rules allowing people and businesses to invest in Ohio and for the safety of the public. Their legal rulings create a back-drop for our Ohio society.
Judge DeWine gave the example of two floral shops who were involved in a lawsuit over allegedly deceptive trade practices. The original court said there was no violation. With their right to appeal, the case was taken to the Ninth District Court of Appeals where the decision upheld that of the Common Pleas Court.
Plaintiffs do not automatically have the right of appeal to the State Supreme Court after the Court of Appeals. A case can be appealed, but the State Court looks for cases that matter beyond one particular issue and those that create uniformity across the state when they decide which cases to hear.
When cases are accepted, the judges and their law clerks study the briefs and discuss their perceptions of the case. When an oral argument is scheduled each side gets 15 minutes to argue before the 7 judges. After the oral arguments are heard, the judges discuss the case. In order of seniority, each judge presents their opinion with no interruptions permitted from the other judges. They then vote on the case with the most junior judge voting first. A unique system of marked discs in a holder determines who will actually write up the results of the case. After the opinion is in writing, the judges reconvene and can add other comments. Another vote is then taken and the original opinions can change. In the case of the floral shops, the lower courts' decisions were again upheld.
In the case of a state court ruling, the only way that it can be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court is if the case involves a federal issue of our basic rights and freedoms.
For more information, Judge DeWine an be contacted at rpdewine@gmail.com.
JOKE: Today's joke teller was Steve Dunton. He told us about an 85 year old caddie at a golf course and what happened on the first tee. He can tell you the rest of the joke, but it was appropriate with our golf outing coming up.
Next week's joke will be by Pat Messmore.
Linda dismissed us by wishing everyone a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and by asking us to remember why we have this holiday.
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