Louisville Rotary Club
We meet Wednesday at noon in the downstairs at the Louisville Eagles,
306 W. Main St., Louisville, Ohio 44641
Mailing Address: P.O Box 170
Louisville, Ohio 44641
Phone 330-418-3375
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
January 14, 2026
With Open Arms, Jubilant Jim Dutter called this week’s Rotary lunch meeting to order at the Louisville Eagles. Faithfully, President Dutter led the club in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test.
Announcements Say It Isn’t So, but it’s almost time for Second Fridays – and that’s not just Second Hand News! President Dutter distributed a list of music for this summer that includes tributes to Journey, Hall and Oates and Fleetwood Mac.
Guests There were enough guests in attendance today to make even Sara Smile: Officer Steve Miller was in attendance. The club presented him with a check for his program, “Fishing with a Cop.” Officer Miller encouraged everyone to attend the program. He says it’s not Only the Young that can attend and the program certainly isn’t just for Private Eyes. Officer Miller thanked the club for the gift and shared that his partner K-9 Sadie is retiring and will be honored at the next City Council meeting. Other honored guests were Tristan Stutler, Sally Samblanet and Karen Crislip.
Happy Dollars There were rumors that Rotarians left their stuff at Cynthia’s house post-Christmas party. Cynthia says to take your stuff or we’re Never Going Back Again. She also says that Wheel in the Sky keeps on turnin’, but she DOES know where she will be every Second Friday starting in the Spring. Rob Johnson and Barb DeJacimo encouraged club members to attend this evening’s Special Olympics game at the School. Rob and Barb agree it’s their favorite event of the year.
Mark Sigler led the club in an inspired rendition of America, The Beautiful.
The Program Sally Samblanet and Karen Crislip were presented a grant award from the club for the Louisville Community Cupboard. As many of you know, after the church closed that hosted the Community Cupboard, they were forced to Go Their Own Way. Sally and her dedicated crew refused to break The Chain of over 20 years serving the community. As the Cupboard was looking to find a new location, despair set in and their Dreams were almost lost. Enter Corey Street and the City of Louisville, who said, Don’t Stop Believin.’ We can put the Community Cupboard in the Constitution Center. The Community Cupboard opened several weeks ago in the new location. Well, the Landslide of new donations and people won’t bring them down! The Community Cupboard is open on the First and Third Fridays of each month. Most of their food they are able purchase on their own with donations. Much of the food comes from Giant Eagle, Green Farms and the Akron-Canton Food Bank. A big Thank You to Midlake Products for picking up and delivering the food. Sally thanked the club for their support and gifts. As we went our Separate Ways, Rotarians left Hypnotized and thankful for all of the great work being done by the Louisville Community Cupboard.
Coming Events:
January 21 – Cliff Varian, Kidwatch
January 28 – Evening – David Wertz, HS Baseball Coach
February 4 – Business Meeting
February 11 – Kirk Greaves, Antiques
Submitted by Brock
Pix of Jim Dutter, Karen Crislip, Sally Samblanet and Greg Anderson
​​
Pix of Scooter Israel, Steve Miller and Jim Dutter
Rotary Club of Louisville
Date: 01/21/2026
Call to Order Unite for Good Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance
Four Way Test Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Happy Dollars 1. Cindy Fisher - While at a marketing conference in Arizona she had the fortune of going to the observatory in Gilbert and discovered that the Gilbert Observatory was constructed through funding from the Gilbert Rotary for the 100th Anniversary of Rotary International. Neat to see the works of another Rotary. Her husband saw Jupiter through a telescope for the first time.
2. Rob Johnson- City Council is now streaming the meetings on line through Spotlight Media. The Concession stand was installed. The new patio was approved on Mill and will be a great addition especially for 2nd Friday’s Song- Marc Sigler- The Wheels on the Bus in honor of Speaker Cliff Varian of Kidwatch
Guests- Cliff Varian - Kid Watch,
Hannah Rich - Kozy Kabin Koffee Rotary for Reading-
Broc Dolly Parton Imagination Library - gives children a book a month from birth to age 5. The District Rotary chose this as the 2026 charity. Donations can be earmarked specifically for the Louisville Area.
Need for Flag assembler coordinator (Dr. Terry it suggested that it should be someone that wasn’t in attendance) Need for a Trail Cleanup Coordinator
Need for a Pancake Day Coordinator
Bell Stores made a $10,000 donation to the amphitheater thanks to Randy’s persistence
Let’s honor Al Gress and Greg Parris for their service to our club and community- Jared did a nice article on the Facebook Page on Al Gress.
Speaker:
Cliff Varian Kidwatch Cliff was born and raised in East Canton. Cliff self proclaims that he hit the family lottery as he still is close with his parents and his dad was honored with a memorial at East Canton Schools. Kid watch also has the best families. Kidwatch was started in 1971as a basic church preschool then the Kidwatch part of it was added in 1985. It is a part of the ministry to the public through Paradise and is a 501c3. It provides service to families of over 400 students. The infant/toddler program is in the old St. Louis school building and offers services for 6 ½ weeks to 2 ½ years. Currently there are 48 participants in that program, 7 staff and a wait list of 35.
The 2 ½ - 5 program runs from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm and has 6 classes and 2 teachers. They charge $7/hour and their fees are only charged based on the time that the child is present.
The Preschool program runs from 9-12 and offers the same curriculum that the North Nim Preschool Program offers. In fact when the North Nim program is full then they refer parents to Kidwatch.
Recently KidWatch acquired the East Canton PreSchool program. They are housed for free at the East Canton School facility but retain their 501c3 status. 45 families were added through that program. There are morning and afternoon programs offered.
Many in-home child care providers have partnered with Kidwatch to provide preschool.
Cliff is also affiliated with Varian Orchards. The Varian orchard has been established since 1914. Cliff is the 5th Generation to operate the Orchard. He resides on the property with his parents and his wife and 4 kids. Additionally, Cliff is a realtor and owns several properties in the area. Cliff has been a warship leader at Paradise United Church of Christ for 20 years.
Rotoball weekly-
Jan 28 evening meeting David Wertz LHS basketball coach LOQLO
Feb 4 Business Meeting
Feb 11 Kirk Greaves- antiques
Feb 18 Youth Exchange Students
Feb 25 evening meeting Challenger Baseball
Pix of speaker Cliff Varian
Rotary Club of Louisville
Date: 02/04/2026
Call to Order "Unite for Good"
Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance
Four Way Test Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Happy Dollars 1. Joan Aljancic tonight is Senior Night for Girls Basketball, 3 Senior girls this year. Song- Marc Sigler- Walking in a Winter Wonderland Introduction of Guests- Tristan Stuttler Rotoball weekly- Financial Report- The club’s balance sheet is running ahead of last year. .
Amphitheater- Randy reported that there were 2 checks for $1,000 and 1 check from a member for $100 as well as a check from the Eagles for $7500 totaling $9,600 for the week. The current fundraising has led to a balance of over $452k. Another donor called in as a result of the article Cindy Fisher wrote in the Louisville Neighbors magazine. There is a government grant and a T Mobile grant that is still outstanding. Until notification of the results of the government grant, the gathering of the bids will have to be postponed.
District contest inspiring all clubs to get 8 new members in 8 weeks. If we do that we will get into a drawing for $1,000. The club will match member donations by members up to a total of $500 for Dolly Parton’s imagination. Lets all try to give $20 3 job openings within the club: 2 At Large openings and 1 Sargent At Arms. The club is looking to see if we can move upstairs in an effort to be more ADA accessible.
​
Speaker David Wertz, LHS Basketball Coach Dave Wertz grew up in the Perry/ Jackson area. He went to Jackson High School and his father has been the Basketball coach for Jackson High for 38 years. In college he secured a student teaching position as a Louisville Sub at the Louisville Middle School. He then applied for the opening of the Social Studies teacher for 8th grade at the middle school. He was called back ½ hour after the interview and was offered the position. Initially he lived in Perry and commuted to Louisville from there but decided to move to Louisville in 2022. He has been a proud member of the community for 3 years. When he was hired, he immediately asked Coach Sigfreid if there was anything open for him in the coaching staff. The 1st year he coached Freshman then he moved up to coaching JV and now the head coach. The path to coaching started with his dad as a coach at Jackson and watching on the sidelines. He got the love of the game at the High School level. He is celebrating his 26th birthday today and has been coaching basketball for 8 years. He has seen many of the current players when he coached youth camp. He has coached 2nd-6th grade and 7th-12th grade basketball camps. When he began assembling his staff for this year he wanted to have himself surrounded by experienced coaches, people that will stretch him not just yes man to him. His staff is comprised of: Drew Meister: offensive coach, Corey Perez - great edition to staff, Derek Bailey- Jr. Coach Trent Dagen- has all heart for the game. At the Middle School Level : Mac Aljancic 8th grade coach is a huge addition to the team and has been undefeated so far this year. Overall the team is 8-10 with some losses. 15 away games was not ideal. Next year there will be a change in the matchups. This year there were NO returning Varsity players so it was a very young team. The team had lots of learning curves and unfortunately a lot of injuries. Additionally Caleb Balkum became ineligible to play due to a rule change regarding residency. Caleb will be able to play next season. Brandon Sanders and Cody Zahler were both ill for 2 weeks with the flu. 2 of the past 3 games were played without starter Zac Bolen due to a foot injury. His expectations for the team are to gain as much experience as possible. This year’s goal is to play a district championship game and win. 2 of the Seniors are out and 1 is injured but he is giving them the best time possible creating leadership and team unification. Seniors on the team: Gabe Stoffer, Colton Norris- leads thru example, Zac Bolden - injured his foot and is out for the season but stayed positive, Luke Bolden - got a concussion Underclass: Cohen Rogers increased scoring, highest assist leader, Colton Dougherty -Most physically ready, Max Maddie: starter and offense, Kaden Bolden- offensive threat 6’4 had to pull out of rotation this year but will be back next year, Drake Wilson- starting point guard, Branden Sanders- 3 spot learning and adapting, Jake Baker- Very coachable battles for rebounds, Blake Carr- has put in a lot of work, Cody Zahler, phenomenal all around but twisted ankle, Chase Wilson- gritty and competitive leader on JR level, Noah Ickes- 6’4 freshman super competitive out with back injury Next year all 5 starters are returning. Losing 4 seniors but not as drastic as this past year. Very excited for tournament time and is excited about being a leader of young men. He is not married and has no kids so he has lots of time to dedicate to the team. The goal is to work and do our best to pick up momentum against Central Catholic.
Bob Hiller will be 85 in the Spring and will be withdrawing from the club. He is committing to still doing the flag route.
​
Calendar:
Feb 11 Kirk Greaves- antiques
Feb 18 Youth Exchange Students
Feb 25 evening with Challenger Baseball and RYLA
March 4 Business Meeting
March 11 Ben Walker CNB Fraud
March 18 Delores Presley, she elevates
March 25 Evening meeting Mayor Corey Street
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2026
As the Rotarians of Louisville prepared to break their fast, the Good Jim Dutter called the meeting to order, led the club in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test. To avoid the club having a fit of the vapors, town troubadour, Mark Sigler led the club in a spirited singing of the psychedelic hit, “Yellow Submarine.”
Announcements President Dutter encouraged fellows of the Rotary to consider giving to Dolly Parton’s Grand Anthenaeum. The Louisville of Order of Rotarians will match gifts up to $500. Two seats on the Rotary’s esteemed Court are vacant. The order is seeking two new members to join the sodality. Next week’s gathering of the guild will be held upstairs at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
Greg Anderson inducted new member, Kevin Murphy, Executive Director of the Louisville Area YMCA.
Guests Hannah Rich was in attendance today and turned in a membership to join the coterie.
The Program:
Professional Antique and Treasurer Hunter, Kirk Greaves was this week’s program. Kirk is currently the Major Gifts Officer at Malone University, where he strives to bring in 3.5 million dollars each year. Malone currently has 783 students enrolled and many of them are involved in the new trades program. Prior to Malone University, Kirk worked for the County Board of Developmental Disabilities, planning the Special Olympics and for the Hartville Market. Kirk planned many events and worked with celebrities like Omar Vizquel, Joe Thomas, Richard Karn and Nick Chubb. His work at the Market, developed his interest in antiques and local history. He now helps go through estates and buys and sells antiques. Some of his most unique finds are Ida McKinley’s travel trunk, a ball boy uniform from the last time Cleveland won a World Series (1948) and Gloria James’ storage locker, which was packed full of LeBron’s things.
Coming Events:
February 18 – Youth Exchange Students
February 25 – Evening Meeting – Challenger Baseball
March 4 – Business Meeting
March 11 – Ben Welker, CNB Fraud
March 18 – Delores Presley, She Elevates
March 25 – Evening Meeting – Corey Street, Mayor
April 25 – Pickle Ball Tournament
Submitted By: B-Rock
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2026
After the Rotarians of Louisville of broke their fast, The Magnanimous James Dutter called the meeting to order, led the club in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test.
Announcements:
President Dutter encouraged fellows of the Rotary to consider giving to Dolly Parton’s Grand Anthenaeum. The Louisville Order of Rotarians will match gifts up to $500. The Good Jim Dutter appealed to the club to recruit new members to the order. Should the club assemble eight new members within eight weeks, the club will be entered into a drawing for $1,000. Three members have already joined.
Guests: Behold Youth Exchange Leader, Woosterite and first of his name – Brent Rice.
The Program:
Both of this year’s Rotary Exchange Students were on hand to present today. Maria from Brazil kicked off the conference. Maria wanted to study in America to make new friends and learn about different cultures. She spoke about the Brazilian rainforest and how that is the thing for which she is most oft asked. Maria discussed the influence of German, African, Japanese and Portuguese cultures in Brazil. Her home Rotary Club focuses on projects with their Library and Schools.
​
Serena from Italy was the second speaker. Serena is from Genoa and enjoys futbol and arts and crafts. In Italy, she must pick which kind of High School to attend. She has selected a linguistics High School. Genoa is known for it’s coastal beauty, architecture, tourism and the olive industry. Also, Christopher Columbus is from Genoa, which is the sixth largest city in Italy. Serena described Genoa as a mix between modern and ancient tradition. Serena has enjoyed her time in the US and particularly enjoyed trips to Orlando and Niagra Falls.
Coming Events:
February 25 – Evening Meeting – Challenger Baseball
March 4 – Business Meeting
March 11 – Ben Welker, CNB Fraud
March 18 – Delores Presley, She Elevates
March 25 – Evening Meeting – Corey Street, Mayor
April 25 – Pickle Ball Tournament
Submitted By: Brock J. Hutchison