Louisville Rotary Club
We meet Wednesday at noon at The Alsatian,
2300 Reno Dr., Louisville, Ohio 44641
Enter south side of building and turn right to Activities Room.
Mailing Address: 419 E. Main St.
Louisville, Ohio 44641
Phone 330-418-3375
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2021
ZOOM
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Covid 19 is still shaping our thinking and actions as we begin 2021 forcing us to meet on line using the Zoom program. Sixteen members logged on with President Jared Shive at the helm.
Most of the day’s discussion concerned the Old Flag Deposit Box, a public facility that would allow persons to drop off their old worn-out flags for proper end-of-life attention. The original idea for this was put fourth by Jim Edwards and Glenn Heiller and was approved in a December meeting. That meeting gave approval for $1000 to obtain the such a device, maybe even building one. But doing his research, Jim found out that for a new container, similar to a mailbox, could be purchased. It would be stainless steel, painted to our choosing and include Rotary logos. The cost would be about $1,700 with another $100 or so for a suitable foundation. The proposal, in accord with a prior approval from the Board of Directors, was presented and voted upon. The measure passed unanimously. There was considerable discussion of where to place the container, but eventually it was decided to go ahead with the purchase and find a home for it later.
Also discussed was the possibility the Boy Scouts might be persuaded to maintain the contents and dispose of the old flags as they pile up.
Other discussion items
1. Are we going to support another local restaurant as we did in December? Jared is to look into a possible choice. Several members are hoping for Bud’s Corner.
2. Future programming. Jared said he would find programs and has planned for the Community Cupboard to be our next program. Jim Edwards asked about R.C. Miller. Other possible programs might be Police Chief Andy Turowski.
3. A question was asked regarding the $1,000 we always give to the Louisville High School Scholarship Program. Is the scholarship given under the name of the Louisville Rotary Club? It was agreed that it should, after all, the Rotary founded the program eons ago. It was decided that someone — I missed the person’s name — will contact Jay Barton who serves as treasurer for the Scholarship Foundation.
4. A question “Where is the ice skating rink?” was asked. Councilwoman Joanie Aljancic reported that this year it is a victim of the Coronavirus.
5. Jared said the club would continue Zooming though January and then a decision would be made on future meetings.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary signing off with those closing wise words from Jared — “Stay safe, stay healthy!”
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2021
The Director of the Louisville Community Cupboard (LCC), Sally Samblanet, gave the presentation for the noon meeting held on the Zoom platform due to the Coronavirus epidemic. Sixteen members tuned in for the session led by club President Jared Shive.
Mrs. Sambanet began by sharing the Cupboard’s mission statement which is: To offer items to community members who are unable to provide for themselves and their families during critical periods of need. The Louisville Community Cupboard is committed to the belief that neighbors should help neighbors.
“The year 2020 was a year of adapting and serving and they could not have done it without dedicated volunteers, trustees and community support,” she said. “In April, we served about 145 families and loaded food into trunks of cars as safety and regulations were taken very seriously.”
Each family received milk, eggs, bread, meat, dessert with additions like lettuce, bananas, oranges, cheese and apples. There were no food drives as individual boxes and cans could not be accepted. This meant there were no collection drives held by schools and churches, and the post office food drive was cancelled. Everything had to be purchased with monetary donations, according to Samblanet.
“Closing the doors was not an option,” she said. “We relied on volunteers, monetary donations, great budgeting and the good works of the community and businesses to keep distributions going.”
In October, the LCC was required by the Akron/Canton Foodbank to update all client records so they revamped their system to allow clients to come inside the pantry in small numbers to pick up items.
Monetary donations are generous, turkey money for Thanksgiving and other meat was donated by businesses with the support of the A/C Food Bank. Canned items were purchased at a great savings. Many times the Ohio National Guard delivered those items. In fact, some community members signed over their Covid-19 relief checks to us, an incredible thing. The LCC did receive help from the Nimishillen Township trustees from the government’s reimbursement for covid-related supplies.
At the conclusion of Mrs. Samblanet’s message, many Rotarians complimented her message and her team for their dedication and efforts to offer this vital service to our community.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary with able help from Jared.
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2021
This third meeting of January found the club meeting on-line with the Zoom platform again. At the time of the meeting opening, your secretary was watching the televised Biden Inauguration and got carried away with the pomp and circumstance. But please note that this dedicated Rotarian, when realizing he was missing the weekly Rotary meeting, turned off the TV, turned on his MacBook and in the process missed only about 15 minutes of the meeting. Blame the Covid virus for this confusion.
Today’s program featured Brad Yurkovich, a North Canton enterprising businessman who is chasing his passion by creating the Yurko Baseball Company. The following information comes directly from Brad’s website and tells his story much better than I could.
Hi! My name is Brad Yurkovich, the maker and creator of all leather goods for Yurko Baseball Company. This adventure started from my lifetime love of baseball, only to find that many other share the same fond memories with the game.
At Yurko Baseball Company, we give old baseball gloves new memories! Each glove deconstructed by hand, then handcrafted and hand-stitched into leather wallets including Billfold, Fold Over, Snap, Money Clip or Slide-In designs. Accessories include clutch handbags, leather belts with baseball glove accents, homeplate leather coasters, baseball glove key chain.
Every single item is unique and different from the rest. Check out our latest collection and now...you can CARRY THE GAME!
His merchandise can be purchased either on line, at the Hartville Hardware store or the Hall of Fame Coffee Company. Look for yurkostitch.com for his website.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
January 27th, To my knowledge, no minutes were taken, Al Gress was out of town. Our program was Greg and Elise from Kehl Greenhouse.
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2021
Due to the Coronavirus, the February work meeting was conducted on the Zoom platform with members logging on from their homes. The meeting opened as usual with the group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer given by President Jared Shive. Jared asked God to give members good health and to please watch over us. Reciting the Rotary 4-Way Test closed the opening and the business was begun.
Happy Dollars
# Jennifer Anderson announced the opening tonight of the Youth Room located where the physical rehabilitation company used to be.
# It was announced that Demond Germany is opening a new restaurant in Carrolton and has included three Rotarians on his YouTube account. Trying the Scratch special Monday night burgers was recommended.
Club Business
1. Jared said he has tried to reach the district manager for Wendy’s to see if he would present a program, but has not made contact. Wendy’s offers free coffee for seniors anytime — Seniors just request a senior coffee.
2. The new flag box is here and off loaded to the Flag Barn. Brock Hutchinson agreed to make decals for the box, but Jim Edwards said he has ordered the Rotary seal which he hoped to mount on at least two sides. It was suggested the box be located in the downtown gazebo on the town square. The box will be bolted to the floor. The city owns about a 20 X 20 feet of the property on the corner. Jim and Brock are going to meet to decide what additional verbiage should be placed on the box. Jim also discussed the ad regarding the flag box in this week’s Herald.
Following a recommendation by the Board of Directors, the members voted to donate $100 a month to Paradise Church for holding our meeting space during the shut down of face-to-face meetings beginning in December. Cindy Petitti made the motion which was seconded by Joanie Aljancic. The motion passed unanimously. The question of when the club could meet in person again was raised. Jared said he thought of doing a survey of the membership of when to return and that was approved by the members. Stay tuned for the survey.
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The Farmers Market. The Louisville Chamber of Commerce has agreed to accept a proposal from Know Your Roots, a private business to organize and manage a Farmers Market. Cost of the management is $15,000. This would replace the Saturday morning market that our club has sponsored the last few years. The Chamber President, Jason Pugh, has contacted Jared to inquire about the Rotary Club’s level of involvement. The company’s plan is to hold weekly sessions on late Friday afternoons for 17 weeks from May though October. There will be a $25 vendors fee which raised concerns from members. The location for the markets has not be firmed up but it will not involve closing Main Street. The St. Louis parking lot has been mentioned. Last year our club spent about $1,000 for the Farmers Market.
Jared’s proposal is to pledge $2,000 and 5 volunteers for five different markets; for example the first Friday of every month over the summer. This would be for the year 2021 only. Also, he will ask for free vendor space for local non-profits, those who have supported past Louisville markets such as the Ahh Gallery, the Historical Society, various church groups, the library, the school, Constitution Committee and others. Cynthia Kerchner, very concerned about those loyal groups, said she will provide a listing for Jared. The club can have a table without a fee. He will be meeting with Mr. Pugh and the Chamber Board Wednesday night and discuss his proposal.
Nothing is set in stone at this juncture.
Dave Yeagley asked if our club could organize another community event to replace the Farmers Market. Jared asked for ideas, perhaps a return to The Taste of Louisville. Where are you Eva?
Mark Sigler pointed out that this date was a sad day in music history. No one knew what it was. Answer: This day 62 years ago the rock singer Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper were killed in an airplane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. The accident was featured in the rock hit The Day Music Died. Of course, most members can remember the lyrics.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2021
Seventeen members logged on to participate in the 2nd meeting of February, still under the ugly spell the Coronavirus presents. Club President Jared Shive led us in reciting the Pledge, then offered a prayer that stressed our thankfulness for our blessings. The Four-Way Test was completed.
Happy Dollars
* Bob Hallier reported that KennyBob Smith was hospitalized with a stroke. He was stricken Monday morning and was found when he did not report for breakfast. His right side was immobile and he couldn’t speak. He underwent an MRI Tuesday.
* Allen called everyone’s attention to the morning Repository story of Monday night’s Canton School Board meeting. Jennifer Anderson spoke eloquently against the district’s reorganization plan.
* Al also asked school Board member Barb DeJacimo (who was not on the day’s Zoom) why LHS athletic scores and stats are rarely reported in a timely manner in the paper like the other county schools stats are. Al will hold his question until Barb is Zoomed in next week.
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Jared welcomed Marci Blandford to join us. Marci expressed interest in the day’s program.
Program
Devon Anderson, Development Specialist for Vantage, a multi-county agency specializing in the needs of the senior population was the day’s program presenter. Devon’s job is finding funding and grant opportunities for the organization. Based in Akron, Vantage’s stated mission is to promot a positive perspective on aging.
The Vantage stated purpose to enhance the quality of life of people as they age; To assist persons in maintaining productive and self-sufficient lives as they age; to help people avoid premature or inappropriate institutionalization as they age; to help alleviate the problems of poverty among people as they age and to develop additional services as needed to serve people as they age.
The agency services 38 counties in northeast Ohio. Clients must be age 55 or older. There are income considerations.
Locally, one of Vantage’s popular programs, Meals on Wheels feeds 67 homes in Louisville. Volunteer drivers are always needed and are welcome.
Vantage History
1975 - Formed as Mature Services, Inc. to focus on helping older Americans find employment
1976 - Started in-home counseling services
1982 - Became a host site for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
1984 - Started a nutrition program
2006 - Implemented home delivered meals
2008 - Offered Homecare and Chore services
2017 - Rebranded & changed name to: VANTAGE Aging
2019 - Merged with Meals on Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties
2020 - Expanded RSVP program from 2 counties to 7 counties
2020 - Consolidated kitchens of Meals on Wheels program to Massillon
Today - Operate on a $13.2M budget, employ 65 FT & 25 PT staff, maintain 4 programs and a presence in 38 counties throughout Ohio
Next Week’s Program
February 17 — Police Chief Andy Turowski will review the 2020 department report.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2021
Nineteen members signed onto Zoom for Wednesday’s on-line meeting chaired by club President Jared Shive. Jared led the usual opening rituals and gave the prayer asking God to watch over First Emergency Responders.
Happy Dollars
* Brock Hutchison announced that this day the library was beginning a home delivering service for library patrons. Questions? Give Brock a call.
* Jim Edwards reported that the flag sign-ups are going well. He was excited over the large ad in last week’s Herald. “It brought in three new customers,” he said. Others said they liked the creativity of the ad.
* Jared discussed the proposed agreement with the company who wants to operate this summer’s farmers market. Nearly all the discussion centered around the rental cost for local non-profit vendors. It was suggested that it should state in the contract that Nimishillen Township persons should be included in any discount offered to city residents. It was suggested that local non-profits should get at least one freebee a month. Jared did say the Rotary would have a booth free on the markets they worked as volunteers. It appears that the membership is not totally comfortable with the agreement at this point. Could we have the owners of the management business come for a program? Jared said that would be a possibility.
The Program
Andy Turowski, Police Chief/Deputy Mayor, was the day’s speaker. The Chief exhibited graphs and charts that was his 2020 Crime Report, and took questions.
Several of the categories Turowski is proud of include officer response time. According to records, a resident calling 911 for an emergency can expect a LPD cruiser to respond — on average — between 3 and 5 minutes. Another bright spot for the year is that all felony categories except assaults were down over calls the past 10 years. Assaults are up because this year for the first time any domestic violence incident involving one person physically hating, pushing, etc. results in the person being cited for both assault and domestic violence. A few of the statistics included:
Incident reports filed
2018 2019 2020
2,266 1,963 1,895
Arrest
2018 2019 2020
174 144 90
Crime rates over the past 10 years are down, according to Turowski. The Chief, who joined the LPD in 1997 and was named Chief in 2006, said one of the reasons for crimes downward trend in Louisville is the cooperation of residents who frequently call in suspected issues such as strangers lingering, unattended cars where they had not been and activities in neighboring homes that seemed out of ordinary. The Chief said the department received over 200 such phone calls last year.
Last year there were three protests, but there were no criminal incidents. “We had prior communications with each group so they knew what to expect,” he said. “we even lent officers to Canton.”
Chief Turowski was sorry that the public relations policies of the department were not what he would have liked, all do to the Covonavirus. There were a few of the officers who missed time due to infection of the virus. The virus also put a cramp on training for the year, he said. “Our core function is to control crime,” he said, “and that made for a very good year.”
The LPD has 13 full time officers and six part-timers. One officer is assigned as the department’s detective and is plain clothed to work. The are not officers assigned to juvenile work, but the two officers who are assigned to the schools handle any juvenile matters.
When asked about illegal drug activity, Turowski admitted there is drug activity in town, but “the department tries to stay on top of it”. The department does have a drug sniffing dog and has, in the past, used it for school searches. “(Routine) drug searches depend on requests from the school administration,” he said. “Sex trafficking is not a problem in Louisville, but is in the county.”
“We are extremely fortunately to live in a community like Louisville,” he concluded.
Next week
February 24 — Dr. Brian Mathie to speak about volunteer service trips.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2021
Fifteen members signed onto Zoom for our weekly meeting, still on-line due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Club President Jared Shive was at the helm leading members through the opening rituals. Jared first shared the bad news that KennyBob Smith passed away the night before. There was no news as to funeral arrangements then. “We lost a great Rotarian,” he said. Jared gave the opening prayer with the message about KennyBob’s memory serving as a model for us. Cynthia Kerchner, on line from Florida, said she was always reminded of one of KennyBob’s sayings — “Don’t let your attitude get in the way of your ability.” A rare meeting followed when there were no Happy Dollars messages.
Short Business
* The Farmers Market management company Know Your Roots rejected our request for a 50% reduction in booth fees for local non-profits and offered 25% for one event per month in return. One of the hangups was that the location has not been finalized. It was asked if we could work out a separate contract on our own and not attached to the Downtown Business Group. Not sure. Another question — Since Rotary gets a free booth once a month, could we give that to a non-profit? Not sure. Denny Valentine, one of the Rotarians who always worked the previous Markets, asked what is it that we do at the booth? After some discussion, Jared said “We need to do more.”
* Jared announced that our proposed grant forming a partnership with a club in India was turned down by Rotary International based on the fact that our plan was only for one season and the International only funds yearlong activities. The India Rotary club offered us another grant opportunity for literacy. It was decided that needs to be studied more before any action is taken.
* Jared said that the local Wendy’s would become the first business to take a company sponship and would present a program for us at a later date.
The Program
Without a need for an introduction, local optometrist Dr. Brian Mathie took center stage to share stories of his participation with the Cross Eyed Mission, trips to Third World countries.
But first, what is the Cross Eyed Mission? Cross Eyed Missions is a non-profit organization that provides eye examinations and eye glasses to less fortunate persons in areas all over the world. Created in 2000 by Waynesburg Optometrist Dr. Brady Kail - CEM has examined over 18,000 persons to date! The doctors and staff are volunteers. “Our dream is to have a flow of doctors and volunteers to meet the demand,” said Dr. Kail in the organization’s website. If you are interested in volunteering, email the organization at crosseyedmissions.org. They welcome donations. If you have old glasses you can turn them in for the Cross Eyes Mission at Dr. Bruce Mathie’s office on West Main Street across the street from the entrance to Allegheny-Ludlum steel plant entrance.
Send donations to Cross Eyed Missions
P.O. Box 688
Waynesburg, Ohio 44688
Now second — highlights of Dr. Mathie’s career. A hometown person who graduated from LHS and still lives here, he graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 1990. He is affiliated with the Roholt Vision Institute. One of his favorite sayings is “Today I’m saving eyes, right and left.” He has lectured nationally and internationally on various ocular disease topics. A little know fact, Brian was a quarterback for the Leopards and at OSU he quarterbacked a flag football team for two seasons representing OSU in the national flag football championships held in New Orleans. He is married to Tonda whom he began dating in the tenth grade. He is very proud of their daughter Brooke who is currently studying optometry at OSU.
This day he focused on two missions, one to Columbia and one to Thailand. A trip to Cuba was planned this year, but was cancelled due to the Covid epidemic. He hopes the trip can work this year. During the years between trips the organization collects thousands of glasses, cleans and labels them for packaging. For the trip, they pack about 4,500 pairs of glasses along with eye medications and their technical equipment. “Sometimes we have to take bribe money,” he said. They were housed near Bogota, the largest city and capital of Columbia. The population of the country is 48 million with 78% deaths during childbirth; another 57% of the survivors die in infancy. “This a turbulent area due to drug traffic,” Mathie said. “An estimated 80% of the world’s cocaine comes from Columbia.” The country has no postal service, he noted. Malnutrition, Malaria, Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever are serious illnesses. “Some of our patients are afraid to have eye exams, he said. “Cataracts are common . . . eye care is something Americans take for granted.” Dr. Mathie told stories about tarantula spiders with pictures of people who have been bitten. “Everybody gets a thorough eye exam,” he explained. “One day we had 800 people show but we could only see 350 — that shows the need.” His most rewarding part of these missions is working with children, he said. One this trip the group saw 1,650 patients.
Incidentally, Dr. Mathie is a former Rotarian and is still a driver for our Flag Program. Dr. Mathie, you are always welcome to stop by our meetings. You are the epitome of the Rotary Motto Service Above Self.
God’s Speed, Brian
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
March 3, 2021
For our first March business meeting, members convened via Zoom to Jennifer Anderson’s Meeting Room with 15 logged on. President Jared Shive conducted the meeting moving things along in a orderly fashion. Pat Fallot gave the opening prayer asking God to bless this group who does so much for the community. After the Pledge and Four-Way Test, this person showed off the blue shirt he was wearing — Barbara DeJacimo’s campaign shirt. That led to Barb giving an enthusiastic pitch for the May school levy. Funds for the campaign are running out, she admitted, “But I think it is going to pass this time.” The Leps Levy Committee meets Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and we are all invited.
Monetary donations may be given be sending them to:
Leps Committee
Chance Bricker, Treasurer
1103 E. Gorgas Street
Louisville, Ohio 44641
Happy Dollars
* Bill Wood announced that the immediate future of the Rotary Youth Exchange 21-22 is still under discussion. “The National Rotary is soliciting information and ideas from all over the world. “I’ll keep you advised,”he promised. “We have three outbound students.”
* Jim Edwards asked for a moment of silence in honor of Kennybob Smith.
* Brock Hutchson announced the library has received Covid 19 Home Test Kits that are free for residents. It provides results in 15 minutes. It will only tell if you’re currently affected, not if you previously had it. Call the library if you are interested.
* Jen Anderson annouced there is a Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled for Monday, April 8 at the Y. The high school Key Club is the host.
* Jared gave a quick financial report that showed $28,599.21 in the club’s checking account. More is expected as we approach flag season and the first half of 2021 dues are coming in.
* A date to place on the refrigerator door: Our spring trail clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, April 21.
Club Business
Honoring Ken Smith. These ideas were discussed and action taken.
Plant a tree in Metzger Park. (Yes, planning in progress)
Sit as a group at his funeral Friday. (Perhaps)
Wear our Rotary pins at the funeral Friday. (Agreed)
Flags out in front of church and the Green Space. (Flags posted Thursday)
A base for the used flag box with a plaque. (Thinking stage)
A bench & a plaque in Metzger Park. (In discussion stages)
Free yearly flags for Pat Smith. (Voted and approved Wednesday)
Place his name on the current Rotary Scholarship. (Agreed)
Farmers Market Commitment.
The Downtown Business Association meeting is set for tonight and Jared will be there representing the club. It appears that the Farmers Market contract will allow one free booth per month for local non-profits. Jared has a list of 17 local vendors. In addition, a 25% discount would be available for non-profits for monthly markets. Bob expressed the opinion shared by others that we could live with this proposal. Our participation was voted upon and passed with no dissenting votes. Our club would be a sponsor, not a host organization meaning we would not be responsible for items like storage, tables, tents, hand sanitizers, etc. This will be a one year contract. Community booths will be a part of the weekly market and the number each week is to be arranged once the location and layout are finalized.
The Global Grant with the Rotary Club in Pune Katrj, India. Rotary International put the kibosh on this due to their grants must run a full year. The club has asked for help financially with a second grant for the a proposal to develop a virtual classroom for communities with poor families without opportunities for this education. A sum of $3,500 is requested. One question was do they have the computer hardware to make this work? It was agreed that we needed more information before committing. Discussion at Wednesday’s meeting. Jim Ewards said he thinks such a program would have to have continuous funding to work.
Rotary Meeting Survey. Jared has prepared a survey regarding the immediate future of conducting in-person, virtual or hybrid meetings. Jared said he feels he cannot make a comment until the surveys are returned.
Wendy’s Corporate Membership. It was approved with no objections or nay votes. It looks like their membership will be finalized in mid-March.
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Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2021
Again the club meeting was conducted over the Zoom network with President Jared Shive at the wheel. He gave a sincere prayer and led the recitation of the Pledge and the Rotary Four-Way Test. Most of the club’s members tuned in.
Happy Dollars
(Which aren’t really being collected due to the virus)
* Barb DiJacimo told of the first school levy meeting held at North Nimishillen School Tuesday evening. There was a good attendance with most in attendance in favor of the levy. Barb then told of her daughter’s encounter with a deer that sent their car to the body shop. Luckily, she was not harmed in the accident, but it is not clear about the deer.
* Bob Hallier said the picnic tables in the Green Space are in need of some TLC and perhaps this could be future work project for the club.
* President-elect Glenn Heiller participated in a PETS meeting recently and came away impressed. Some clubs have not been meeting all year due to the Coronavirus. For those who may not know what PETS is, this is a work seminar for incoming presidents.
* There was discussion regarding the return to in-person meetings. Jared said the club membership was divided approximately 50-50 on the issue. We will be discussing the matter at the April Board meeting set for the 2nd of next month.
Short Business session
Jared’s first item was the Wendy’s Corporate membership. It was time to make a decision and Glenn Heiller made the motion, seconded by Joni Aljancic that the invitation to the Wendy’s Corporate application be accepted. The vote was unanimous for acceptance. Jared will try to get them to put on a program sometime in the future.
The Program
Casey Ellington, a recent club member, presented the day’s program. In addition, the club has a tradition that new members tell about themselves, so today we heard about Casey’s Farm. Casey is the President/Manager of the Louisville Chamber of Commerce.
Casey said one of the current projects of the Chamber is their adopted senior citizen apartment complex. She is the only “outsider” allowed in the building. Her duties include finding food for those who can’t leave on their own. Casey is also available if a resident has a problem. The Chamber is developing an adult Chocolate Walk, Friday the 19th, a fund raiser with 20 different stops throughout the town and township. Cost is $10 and this is for adults since children will have their own Easter Egg program. The question was asked — “What is adult chocolate? Try it and find the answer. Still in the planning stages, a summer program called Unplugged in the Alley is planned for Friday June 19 and will meet in the community Green Space. “We are hoping to get back to our network activities,” she said. Know Your Roots managing the Farmers Market is looking good, she said. “There’s lots of excitement around town,” she said.
Casey has a farm that produces healthy unadulterated food. Several members attested to the great beef she raises. Casey uses area-grown food and animal feed. All vegetables and fruit are grown and harvested without fertilizer or plant/animal hormones.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2021
Sixteen Rotarians signed on to Zoom for the noontime meeting led by President Jared Shive. Jared gave a sincere prayer to open the session followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4—Way Test.
Happy Dollars
* Glenn Heiller checked out the condition of the 10 picnic tables in the downtown Green Space. He said he estimated a $700 cost for paint, rollers, sand paper and would take about 40 hours of labor. But, he stressed, “We need more than 3 or 4 volunteers.” No action was taken on the idea of a club work party to take on the task.
* Barb DeJacimo discussed the need to fill 17 or 18 routes to hang door reminders to get out and vote for the school levy. The delivery is set for Saturday, April 17 — meet at the elementary school at 9 a.m.
* Tammy Kuemerie announced there will be an Easter egg give away by drive thru Saturday, April 27 from 12:30 to 2:00 at the St. Joseph Senior Living Center.
Other Club Business
# Bill Wood announced there will no foreign student exchange for 2021-2022 due to the Covid pandemic.
# Jared said the Global Grant project has morphed a little and is now only for distant learning. “We’ll have a conversation later.” He also reminded the club that the month of May is the deadline for local district grants; usually in the neighborhood of $200 to $400. (How about applying for a grant to do the Green Space picnic tables?)
The Program
Brock Hutchinson, the Director of the Louisville Public Library and a Rotarian, presented the program with a Year end Review. His presentation was aided with a colorful series of charts, graphs and listing of the Six months progress fulfilling the library’s Goals and Objectives called A Strategic Plan. The five goals in the plan included the categories: Communications, Facilities, Services & Programming, Finances and Community Integration. Hutchison’s presentation was a listing of the accomplishments in those categories. There was time at the conclusion for questions.
Hutchinson began the Strategic Plan in October of 2020 with a meeting with City and Library leadership to discuss potential collaboration and benefits. In November, there was a development of project vision statement and goals. Through the months of the new year, there were visual renderings of sample structure made available for public view with a community engagement for public comment and feedback. Looking ahead for spring and summer months will be study partnerships, funding and facilities options. In the fall, there is planned engagement with local/regional foundations and private donors to seek funding and grant opportunities.
The library recorded 42,308 visits in 2020 from 11,657 cardholders. The number of visits is down from last year due to the virus. But, from February 2020 to February 2021, the number of card holders is up by 1.037% despited the Cornovirus. This past year, the library received $37,550 in state support and grants. The library joined a consortium for research sharing which saved the Louisville Library about $18,000 and gave local library users access to additional materials. There are over 150 partners that participate on this system.
Director Hutchison is proud of the new 24-hour holds pickup lockers that are now in place. “When a client places a hold on material and asks for pickup in the holds locker after being notified the material has arrived, patrons can stop by Nimishillen Township Fire Station #1 at any time night or day to pick up the ordered materials,” he said. “Patrons will need their library barcode to retrieve the items.” Hutchison also advised residents they can find Covid-19 locations available in our area. “New locations will be added as they become available.” The library also will pass out free Covid test kits via curbside pickup,” the Director said.
The library also has adult crafts and activities by video every Saturday at 12 noon either on Facebook or Youtube. From last March to this month, 11,657 people joined this program on-line. Come to the library and use their Wi Fi Hot Spots, he suggested. “Their Wi Fi extends through their parking lot so patrons can park and use it. Last year, 31,909 hook-ups were recorded. The library also has10 Wi Fi Hot Spots to loneed out.
We have upgraded our website,” Hutchison stressed. “Our focus is on transparency.” He said the library is increasing community integration,” he continued, “what has the library done for you?” The Director urged people to read his weekly column in the Louisville Herald. “Watch for library news there.”
Hutchison said the library is working with the city officials to develop a survey of what is needed from their library including the future of the Green Space. “This is totally exploratory — we need to figure what the future for our library is.”
Hutchison explained the way the library is financed saying that only 1.7% of the state budget is used for all the libraries in Ohio’s 88 counties. There are seven independent libraries in Stark County. Louisville School District, this library’s footprint, provides one mill taxes which amounts to one-third of the library’s budget. “This the least amount of local support of any of the libraries in Stark County,” he said.
Upcoming Rotary Events
John Taggart is the owner of Straggat Media which specializes in videography and photography. He has been a coach for the Louisville Little Leopard program for the past 8 years. John is a big supporter of the community and recently has been involved with Umbrella Alley uptown. He continues to be highly involved with the city of Louisville, helping businesses and the residents of the community prosper.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2021
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Pat Fallot gave the opening blessing and President Jared Shive took over leading with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test opening the last meeting of March with members joining in on the Zoom platform.
Happy Dollars
* Joanie Aljancic was proud of her grandson who hit a home run over the fence in his last game.
* Glenn Heiller thanked Jared for helping set up Pay Pal program for residents to pay for their flag lease. Just this morning 989 billing emails went out to residents for this year’s flag program. “It’ll be a good year!” exclaimed Jim Edwards.
* Casey Ellington said this year’s chocolate walk was a really good day.
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The Program
Louisville resident John Taggart is the owner of Straggat Media which specializes in videography and photography. John does his creative work by computer including live animation. “The pandemic has slowed things down,” he said. “Sometimes in may just take a half hour to photograph, but five to six hours to edit.” John describes his career as an event photographer, and he does advertising and marketing in film.
Starting with his family history — John’s great-grandfather moved to Louisville many years ago. Since then the rest of his family are LHS graduates. His father has coached Little Leopards for 30 years and John is also a coach. He is also a member of the Eagles and serves on the Stark County Fair Board.
John’s work history includes working for OTC and Timken Steel. When he was laid off at Timken a few years back he began his video business. A few of his notable videos include: Light Up Louisville, a drinking & driving documentary for the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, commercials for Uptown Joe’s and the Scratch Steakhouse, Doggie Day in Umbrella Alley, he live streamed the Stark County fair, and Women of Louisville program. His future project is an interview with Mayor Pat Fallot who will update viewers on the happenings in the city. “He’s very easy to work with,” said the Mayor. Taggart charges $100 an hour for his work, but that fee can be negotiated according to the project.
Straggat Media has a website — www.//M.facebook.com/ or use email address — straggatmedia@gmail.com or John can be reached by phone at 234-214-3744.
Coming events
April 6 — Board of Directors meeting. Noon.
April 7 — Business meeting. Noon.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary