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: P.O Box 170
Louisville, Ohio 44641
Phone 330-418-3375
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2024
Hail to our new leader! Randy Starr, who has led some of the club’s meetings in the past, now faced the members for the first time in a business meeting. The meeting was held in the Alsation Senior Citizens Conference Room. Attending were 19 members and no guests. Mark Sigler gave the opening prayer followed by Randy leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test. Songmeister Sigler led the singing of America the Beautiful. Shorty Weisel was this week’s Roboball winner.
Happy Dollars * Don Marshall said Kate Russell was leading this summer’s Drama Daze program with 30 kids participating. They will have a show at the high school later this summer. Contact Don Marshall for additional information. * Bob Hallier said his wife is now on the mend following knee surgery. * Al Gress stated his regret for the sound system at the banquet and asked members to read aloud the last line of Mark’s poem — So to Barb we extend much gratitude for being our president; know that hugs and blessings are to you now being sent. Rotary Moment Glenn Heiller told about his emotional happening from his experience as a Rotarian. “You all know that I had not lived in Ohio before coming to Louisville, didn’t have job, none of my family lived here, other than relatives, really, I didn’t know anybody here. But I joined Rotary, found friends, good friends . . . now this is my home. Although, I am still a Minnesota Twins fan. Also, Glenn turns 80 this week.
Agenda Items Club Financials. Treasurer Sandor discussed the club’s financial position for the beginning of the new fiscal year July 1. Yearly closeout information for July 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024 was provided. The bottom line shows the club with $50,916.70 in accounts. Jim Edwards discussed that many flags were damaged during the last posting and said we will need a substantial new flag order soon. He said we pay about $1,000 for 100 flags.
Youth Hosting. Bill Wood said three families have agreed to host exchange students. Interact. Barb suggested we combine members of the High School Youth Exchange Club with the Key Club and rename the group Interact. Interact is a Rotary program for high school students. The Key Club had been supported by the Louisville Kiwanis Club which has since disbanded. She said Principal Garry Tausch is very interested in the merger.
New Member. Rob Johnson, the owner of Spotlight Media, has submitted an application form for membership. The Board has approved it and Rob will be attending the next two meetings for completion of the membership requirement. Tee-shirts & Renderings. Randy pitched the new club 100th anniversary tee-shirts on sale for just $20. See Randy for sign-up and payment. There are four amphitheater color renderings that need a local public placement. Any thoughts? District Assistant Governor Eva Roshong shared with the club some of her past year experiences in this role — a first for our club. She said she felt very grateful for our club. Her job, according to her, was as a liaison between local clubs and the District 6650 Governor. This allows her to visit clubs in Minerva, East Canton, Malvern, Alliance, Canton and, of course, Louisville. “I check their Face Book accounts, help with the District meetings and the PETS conference in Columbus.” she said. “It’s allows me to get to know others.”
Coming Events:
July 12 — Second Friday - Please help!
July 17 — Pharmacist Michael Ford, talks about last summers Maui Fires.
July 24 — Evening meeting. Brock Hutchison talks about the Library of Congress internship.
July 31 — Gervasi 5-8 pm food and car show cruise-in District Rotary social.
August 2 — Indians errr Guardians vs Orioles at a baseball game at Progressive Field. Free tee-shirt, $2 hot dogs and fireworks. For more information see Randy.
August 11 — In Our Nature, 4 to 7 pm, Fellowship Riverside Garden, Youngstown $60 includes dinner & dessert. Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2024
After assisting in delivering the meal, President Randy Starr called the meeting to order. Mark Sigler gave a uplifting prayer followed by Randy leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test. Songmeister Mark led the singing of God Bless America. Nineteen members and three guests attended the meeting held in the Alsatian Senior Citizens Center. Jerry Dunbar’s brother Joel attended along with the day’s presenter Michael Ford and his friend Felicity Adkins. Jim Dutter was the lucky winner of Rotoball.
Rotary Moment Barb DiJacimo gave testimony of her special memories for joining Rotary. But first, she gave a specially prepared name tag for Jared Shive. “I’m sure our club could not function without Jared,” she declared. Jared does most of the club’s computer records among other necessary chores. Barb said that she joined the club because she wanted to be involved in the community. Her first job was chairing the Warm Coats project. “Rotary has given me more opportunities and I have grown as a person because of them,” she said. “So just ask someone for help and see what happens.”
Happy Dollars * Jim Dutter thanked everyone who helped with last week’s Second Friday. * Jim Edwards announced that we now have 1405 paid-for flags. * Denny Valentine reminded all to bring cash to the meeting to pay their dues. * Amy Simkins told members that her daughter was now engaged. Club Business New Fund Raisers. Randy discussed some suggestions for another fund raiser including a pickleball tournament, a chili/pizza cook-off or A Taste of Louisville. He is going to get working details about the pickleball idea.
Quarterly Newsletter. Randy suggested we prepare a quarterly newsletter and distribute it through email. Amphitheater Update. Randy told about the interview he, Cynthia Kerchner and Jim Dutter had with the editor of Spotlight Media for an article about the amphitheater project. The story can be accessed at the 44641 Website. Also the four color renderings are posted in various places around town.
The Program:
Michael Ford, a recent gradate of the Pharmacy Program at the Northeast Medical University shared his experiences during his two-month internship at a pharmacy in Maui Hawaii last year. During his time there, a terrible fire ravaged a portion of the 727 square mile island. The island’s population is 165,000, but only 10% are native Hawaiians. With a color photo display, Michael gave insight of the history, geography and society of the second largest island in the Hawaii chain of islands.
Upcoming Events:
July 20 — Plain on Tap 12-3pm. Oakwood Square Plaza. $40 for a meal & 1 drink
July 24 — Evening meeting — Brock Hutchison, Intern at Library of Congress
July 31 — 5 to 8 social at Gervasi’s. Rotary Car Cruise-in. This a District Rotary event
August 11 — In Our Nature, 4 to 7 Fellows Riverside Garden, Youngstown. $60 dinner & dessert
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Pix of Michael Ford:
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
July 24, 2024
President Randy Starr banged the Rotary Golden Bell signaling the call to order for the evening meeting held at Alsatian. Mark Sigler gave the prayer followed by Randy leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test. Jerry Dunbar was the lucky winner of Roboball. Songmeister Sigler picked the song — It’s a Grand Old Flag for our singing activity. There were 17 members and four guests present. Scott Krunjkie was a guest and is interested in joining our club. The Perry High School graduate said he was chosen as the Rotary Student of the Year his senior year. Happy Dollars * Cynthia Kerchner thanked the volunteers who helped at the last Farmers’ Market and the Second Friday. * Sandor Gyamanti shared an important date for him — 20 years ago he came to the United States. He’s having a party August 24 and we are all invited. * Bill Wood, speaking of important dates, said he and Vivian have now been married 66 years. Members gave him a hardly round of applause. * Sherri Brown, a guest from the Massillon Rotary Club, said she came to hear Brock Hutchison’s program. * Another important news item: Randy participated in the Pan-American Games held last week in Cleveland. Randy came away with a 3d place winner and a bronze metal in the tennis competition. Rotary Moment Elizah Adkins and exchange student Emma talked about their experiences in the onemonth international exchange program. Elizah said she had met a lot of other young people in her exchange to Belgium. Emma, in the US for a month, is still getting comfortable with the English language. New Business # Randy brought up the ideas still in the exploratory stage, for an additional fundraiser that included: + a chili cook-off. Volunteers are Jim Dutter, Denny Valentine and Eva Roshong. + Pickleball tournament. Volunteers Sandor, Brock and Randy. + Quarterly newsletter. Volunteers. Jared Shive, Tricia Adkins & Al Gress. # Amphitheater update. There was a meeting with Cindy Fisher of Louisville Neighbor magazine to discuss the project for publication. Bill Jeffries told them the price of cement was about the same as asphalt. “We’re moving well,” Randy said. # Randy reminded everyone to order their 100th Anniversary tee-shirt. He is taking orders.
The Program:
Brock Hutchison presented the day’s program with the story of his college internship at the Library of Congress. The nation’s library, founded by John Adams, dates from 1800 and is the research building for Congress. Today, there are three main buildings that compose the library; the Jefferson Building, 1897; the Adams Building,1939; and the Madison Building completed in 1980. Most of the librarians’ work is done in the Madison Building which incompasses 2.1 million square feet. It, according to Brock, is the largest library in the world. It carries the papers of most of the memorable people in our country, although some of our presidents have their own library. Today, much of the library’s material can be accessed on-line. Nearly all of the library’s materials are considered in the public domain. Several persons’ library materials Brock handled include Babe Ruth, T.R. Roosevelt, Jr., and America’s 1st Medal of Honor winner. Admission fo the library is free and there are small group guided tours. The library closes at 8 p.m.
Upcoming Events:
July 31 — No regular meeting. We plan to attend the social at Gervasi for a Rotary Cruise-in from 5 till 8. This is planned by the Salem Rotary Club.
July 31 — Golf scramble at Arrowhead Golf Course 9:00 am. This is sponsored by both the Canton & Plain clubs.
August 2 — Indians vs Orioles baseball game at Cleveland Stadium 7:30 fundraiser for polio research.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Pix of Brock Hutchinson
We did not meet July 31st. Individually, we attended the Salem Car Show at Gervasi Vineyards.
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
August 7, 2024
Nineteen persons including one special guest attended the business meeting held in
Alsatian’s Conference Room. The guest 2044 exchange student was Irma Yanik. Irma
speaks a fluent English and hails from Turkey. President Randy Starr led the Pledge
and the Four-Way Test. Songmeister Sigler gave the opening prayer and led the singing
of Happy Birthday for Bill Wood. Bill is celebrating his 86th BD. The Roboball pot was
won by Jerry Dunbar.
Happy Dollars & Club News
* Cynthia Kercshner expressed confidence that weather for this Second Friday is a
“go”. Help is needed as usual, be there by 3:30. Scratch has their first food truck this
Friday. Cynthia announced an additional Farmers Market scheduled for Sept. 13. Also,
take note, Andy Turowski and Rod Bordner are guest bartenders at The Town Tavern
and their tips go for charity.
* Bill Wood introduced our exchange student and told of her difficulty stranding her in
a New York airport for two days.
* Club Treasurer Sandor gave the financial report. The 2-page report shows a balance
of $44,127.36. Randy added discussion of a report listing members who have yet to
pay their dues. Step up folks.
* Randy announced the Board has approved the membership application for Rob
Johnson, called for an acceptance vote which passed unanimously.
* Randy announced the $1,000 request for the District In Our Nature Project. The
Board approved this request. He also recommended attendance for the August 11
meeting at the Riverside Garden starting at 4.
* Possible Fundraisers.
Pickleball tournament. Looks like it is too late for this season, but can be
scheduled next winter or spring. Details later.
The Chili Cook-Off is a strong possibility with Jim Nutter in-charge, but he said
there needs to be volunteers for this to happen. Could be we’ll work out a deal with the
Eagles for use of their hall. Perhaps they can sell beverages in exchange of no rental
fee.
Quarterly newsletter. Lotts of favorable discussion.
* Amphitheater progress. Our grant written Scott Savage is working on a grant from
the Stark Community Foundation.
* Louisville Neighbors, our community monthly magazine Editor will be meeting at
Alsatian next Wednesday, August 14 at 11. All are welcome to attend.
What’s to Come
August 7 — August 9 — Second Friday. Helpers needed. Be thee at 4. Please help.
August 11 — 4 to 7 pm Fellows Riverside Garden. Tickets $60. Art auction with 40
Art items up for bid.
August 13 — Flag work session 5:30 pm. Please come
August 14 — 11 o’clock meeting a Alsatian with Cindy Fisher for news article
August 14 — LHS football coach Kappas. Invite a friend, but we need an estimate for
lunch count in advance.
August 28 — Alan Harold
Submitted by: Allen Gress, Secretary
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2024
A turnout of 31 persons attended the meeting held in the Alsatian Senior Center, including 20 Rotarians and 11 guests who wanted to hear from our program presented by LHS football coach Chris Kappas. Mark Sigler led the opening prayer and the song The Louisville High School alma mater. President Randy Starr led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test before welcoming the guests. Cynthia Kerchner was the lucky winner of the roboball contest. She pocketed $9. Happy Dollars * Cynthia Kerchner thanked volunteer helpers who helped at last week’s Second Friday event which, she said, was the largest group ever. She had special thanks for the football players who helped set up tables and do other chores. “They were very polite,” she said. There will be no Farmers Market for September, but there will be Second Friday festivities. * Glenn Heiller said using three different work sessions netted the completion of 350 new flags. * Bill Wood introduce Flavie Bolders, our new exchange student from Belgium. * Jim Edwards announced that we now have 1,406 flag customers. * Bob Hallier gave a report on our Hearing Aide mission. “The District 6650 program, just started last year, has now serviced over 300 children with hearing problems.” See Bob if you have an old unused hearing aide stuffed in a drawer; it may help some child. * Greg Anderson is accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year. Rotary Moment Greg Anderson was drafted to do one of his Rotary Moments and said “What I like about Rotary is not only doing community service, but doing the service along with other members. Club Business Greg Anderson, our club initiation person extraordinary, went through the new club member initiation with Rob Johnson. Congratulations Rob, and welcome to our club!
The Program:
Chris Kappas, the Louisville High School head football coach, is now in his 2nd year at the helm of the Leopards and this is his 2nd year visiting our club. “We’re about developing men,” he began. Coach said he has been impressed with this year’s senior class. “The older players are looked up to by the younger boys.” Kappas went on to discuss “where we stand as a team”. 1. To develop men of character. 2. To develop men of service and leadership. 3. To develop men who reach out after adversity. 4. To develop men who can continuing pushing after success. 5. To develop a team mindset for doing their best. And how does the Coach plan to accomplish this? To give the young men opportunities with common goals. The team motto this year is Flip the Coin — meaning There is no easy way out! Louisville was moved to Division II in the stat and is the smallest high school by enrollment in the division.
Upcoming Events August 21 — Elizah Adkins talks about her exchange student experience.
August 28 — This is an evening meeting. SC Auditor Alan Harold.
September 11 — Business meeting.
September 13 — September Second Friday
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Pix of new member Rob Johnson Pix of speaker Chris Kappas
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Pix of prior LHS football players; Scooter, Edwards, Doershack, Coach Kappas, ?,
Bob Weigand, Mark Sigler, Al Gress and Denny Carper.
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
August 21, 2024
President Elect Jim Dutter stepped up to take the reins of the club as President Randy was on vacation this week. Nineteen members and five guests were in attendance. Jared Shive gave the opening prayer and Jim led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test. There was no song. Jim Edwards hauled in the Roboball jackpot. Fred Rice, a Rotarian from the Wooster Rotary Club attended. Brent is taking over the leadership of the District’s Exchange Student program as Bill Wood steps aside. The Wooster Club’s flag program has 2,000 flag customers, but is a larger membership that we are.
Happy Dollars * Cynthia Kerchner reminded members that there will be no more Farmers Market this year, but the Second Friday is still on. Unfortunately, there will be no football players to help with the table set up as Friday is game day. Jim chimed in that the last Second Friday had the biggest crowd ever. * Jim reminded all that the September 11th meeting marks the 99th year of the club’s existence. Also, he reminded all that 100th Anniversary tee-shirts were available for just $20. Reminder from Glenn & Jim — the flags go out next Wednesday & Thursday, August 26 & 27.
The Rotary Moment; Bill Wood recalled how the Air Force paid his dues when he was stationed at Charlestown, S.C. and this was his first Rotary Club. He told how the city and the Air Base suffered from a 4-inch snow fall. One of Bill’s responsibilities was to find plows to clear the runways and other roads in the base. So he called the mayor of Charleston to ask if they could borrow the city’s snow removal equipment. The Mayor laughed and told Bill he was going to call him to see if the city could use the Air Force plows. Bill said “God gave us the snow and God can taketh away the snow.” “I joined Rotary to give back,” he said.
Club Business Jim Dutter read a letter from Pat Fallot reminding us that in the past the club has given gift cards to the Constitution Week essay contest winners and would we do that again? Yes!. She also reminded us the Constitution banquet will be held this year in the Eagles and require tickets purchased in advance. The cost is $20 and there is a early deadline and no tickets can be purchased at the door.
The Program: Elizah Adkins and the short term exchange student from Belgium shared memories of their exchange. The way the short term program works — the program matches a student from the US with a like student by age and sex from a foreign nation. The US student spends one month in the other country and upon completion, that student comes to America for a month. While in Belgium, Elizah’s host family was large with other children, aunts, uncles, cousins and they all turned out to welcome the American teen. Some of the highlights for Elizah were visits to Paris, Brussels, The Netherlands and a amusement park similar to Cedar Point. Elizah planned to teach them about s'mores, but unfortunately there were no marshmallows available in that country so they were just chocolate and graham crackers. She found many persons use bicycles for transportation and one can have egg plant pizza.
For her guest, the family visited Niagara Falls, New York City, Cincinnati, and Washington, D.C. among other things. Coming Events:
August 28 — Evening meeting. Alan Harold, SC Auditor.
September 4 — Business Meeting.
September 11— Louisville Fire Chief Rod Bordner.
September 18 — Constitution Week dinner.
September 25 — Evening meeting Elayne Bozick, Rotary District Governor.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
Pix of Elizah Adkins:
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
August 28, 2024
Twenty-four persons attended the evening meeting held at the Alsatian Senior Center. Three of those persons were guests. Club President Randy Starr gave a meaningful prayer to open the meeting. He also led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Four Way Test. Songmeister Mark Sigler warmed up the group by leading the singing the Beatles song Here We Go Again. In an act of generosity Bob Hallier was the winner of the raffle and returned the winnings to the club. This is the first meeting recorded for later use Happy Dollars & Club Business * Al Gress proudly announced that on this day 31 years ago he and Gail were married. Al said he wanted to take Gail for a special dinner so he brought her to this Rotary dinner/meeting. * Eva Roshing found a 1953 Rotary Follies program for everyone to see what the club did 71 years ago. * Jim Dutter reminded us that the Sept. Second Friday would be without the football players to help due to a game that night. * Ray Schlerden told about a letter the club received from a Spanish speaking woman who was thanking the club for obtaining her a used hearing aid. * President Starr gave an update of the new library and made a pitch for the sale of 100th Anniversary tee-shirts. Only $20. He also made a notice about the Constitution Parade for Sunday, Sept. 22 and don’t forget the Constitution banquet at the Eagles Hall Wednesday, Sept. 18th. There will no luncheon that day. And the naming rights for the amphitheater will auction beginning at $25,000. * Scooter Israel will head the grant applications that run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. * Randy gave out a page for suggesting names or businesses for participating in the new library naming rights auction. The Rotary Moment * Mary Smith said there were a lot of reasons she liked being a Rotarian, but what she liked the most was the opportunity to meet and learn about nice people.
The Program:
Stark County Auditor Alan Harold discussed the county property tax reappraisal process including how the tax increase are determined in state law. A Louisville High School graduate, Alan is a familiar person around town and is always welcome to attend our meeting. Ohio law requires the County Auditor to conduct a reappraisal of all real property values every six years. The Auditor must value each individual property through a mass appraisal process that reviews the property characteristics and market sales in each area throughout the county. Using this data, the Auditor adjusts properties in the county to bring values within a state-prescribed percentage of market sale prices. The goal of reappraisal is to value all properties according to their true market value. If you believe the property value is incorrect or you need to report issues with your property characteristics and would like to file an informal appeal of your property value, you may file an informal appeal by clicking on the link below. You will need to provide supportive documentation and rationale as to the requested value change. Some examples of supportive documentation include: a recent complete appraisal report of the property, a purchase agreement from a recent sale of the property, a copy of a recent listing agreement, listing of comparable sales showing the market adjustments for differences to the property under review, recent cost information for new construction, or photos of damage to the property. Once you have assembled this documentation, you may proceed to file an informal appeal. You will need to register an account with a valid email address to file an informal appeal. Some of the data Harold discussed included: Tax relief for senior citizens (age 65 and over) and the disabled; the Homestead Exception; disabled veterans; 80 employees in the Auditor’s Office; the office does 10,000 inspections each year. “The current high bank interest rates have not seriously affected property sales here,” Harold said.
Upcoming Events:
Sept. 3 — Board meeting
Sept. 4 — Monthly business meeting
Sept. 11 — Louisville Fire Chief Bordner
Sept. 18 — No noon meeting, attend the Constitution Dinner.
Sept. 25 — Evening meeting with District Governor Elayne Bozick District Governor
Submitted by: Allen Gress, Secretary
Pix of Alan Harold
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Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
September 4, 2024
The September business meeting met at the Alsatian Senior Citizens Center with 19 members and one visitor attending. Stark County Commissioner Richard Reagan was a guest. President Randy Starr led the members through the Rotary rituals after Mark Sigler gave a thoughtful prayer. Songmeister Sigler led the singing, of course, a Beatles song written by Buddy Holly - Words of Love. Sandor Gyamati won the Roboball contest. Rotary Moment Jim Edwards, a member of our club for 52 years, shared just a few of his memories. Flying as an Air Force pilot during the closing years of the Viet Nam. War, Jim was assigned to fly into Thailand, but his father asked him to come home for a funeral. He worked it out and came home. Jim said has always felt guilty for not taking the flying assignment and later in life came the 9/11 tragedy. Late that first day, he and wife Mary drove a Red Cross van from Canton to New York, directly into the Ground Zero Area. They arrived the next day and after four hours sleep, they began working in an on-site food tent.They stayed on duty for 21 days helping to feed the NY firefighters. He has also served as the club President for two years. He has never turned down a request to help. (I heard Jim & Mary tell their 9/11 story in church following their return. It was the most heartfelt church message it brought tears to my eyes then and now as I write this story.)
Happy Dollars Cynthia Kerchner reminded all that the Second Friday was Sept.13 and help was needed because the football players were at their game. She said the Little Railroad would run down the alley to St. Louis parking and around it. Randy pitched in and said there would be two card tables for a Rotary stand, but there needs to be several Rotarians to man the site. Pat Fallot announced the groundbreaking Saturday for the new fire station at the corner of South Chapel & South Street. She also said the plans for Constitution Week were moving forward. Barb DiJacimo discussed Kindness Day Sept. 20. The Key Club advisors will provide students to work that day in the Flag Barn. Several Rotarians are needed to assist the students. Be there at 9:50, done at 11. Randy Starr asked what we should do for Sept. 25th the 99th anniversary of the club’s founding. Any ideas what we should do? A large sheet cake is suggested. Randy also mentioned that Community Grant Applications will be accepted Sept. 15 and continue through October 15. Scooter Israel is the chair for this activity. Bill Wood and Barb shared what the exchange students were up to. Things are going fine with a sleep over set for Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the students will bus to Niagara Falls and be back late Sunday. Both girls have attended the two football games. Randy said the Scarecrows on Parade will be on display from Sept. 28 to Nov. 2. Anyone want to make an entry for the club?
The amphitheater name auction will be held the week of Sept. 18 through Oct. 25th. There is a 20-year minimum with bids stating at $25,000. Randy wants names of preferred donors so a personal contact can be made. It was suggested that we get 300 additional flag customers so that would make us have 1976 flags next year. Get the connection? 1776 — 2076 flags.
Upcoming Events:
Sept. 11 — Louisville Fire Chief Rod Bordner
Sept. 18 — Constitution Banquet at the Eagles Hall. No noon meeting.
Sept. 20 — Kindness Day. Be at the Flag Barn 9:50 to 11. Come work with the students.
Sept. 22 — Constitution Parade. All hands on deck! Meet at the Middle School parking lot by 1:00.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
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