Minutes_24_3rd | Louisvillerotary Com

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

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

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

Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2024
At noon, President Randy Starr called the meeting to order at The Alsatian Senior Citizens Center and gave the opening prayer. Members pledged the flag and the Four Way Test followed. Jim Edwards aptly did a stand-in for Songmeister Mark Sigler and led the singing of We’re Going to Have a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight in respect for the three Louisville fire fighters, the day’s guests. The 100-year old song was recorded by many singers including Louie Armstrong and Mississippi John Hurt — information you all wanted to hear. Eva Roshong was the day’s Roboball winner. A Rotary Moment by Joanie Aljancic “Many of my friends urged me to join, Rotary,” Jonie said. “So after a while I did. I had been working a flag route, even sometimes getting bleeding hands. Cynthia leads me and we enjoy working, really working, about midnight one time. I enjoy that we all work together — Service Above Self—that’s special!” Rotary Business * Scarecrows on Parade. Randy mentioned the annual Scarecrows on Parade celebration Sept 20th through Nov. 2. Any volunteers? * Kindness Day.

Barb DiJacimo said we have middle school kids supporting Kindness Day Friday, Sept. 20. Meet at the Flag Barn and we can use some adult help — 9:50 to 11 am. Also, things get moving Sept. 19 at the high school with the Key Club school members there o clean up the hiking trail. Yep, still need some adult volunteers. Please help. *

Club’s 99th anniversary. Randy called all members to attend the regular evening meeting Wednesday, our club’s 99th anniversary. Our speaker is District Governor Elayne Bozick the speaker. *

Constitution Parade. Randy reminded all members to help with the Constitution Parade Sunday the 21st. This is an all hands on deck. Be at the middle school by 1:00. Also help is needed for making map locations for the parade participants Be at the middle school at 5:00. Should take no more than an hour. *

A group reminder: The amphitheater naming rights on-line auction is Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 9 and concludes Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. Sept. 25 at 6 pm. Catch the action on-line at https//wwww.kikoauctions. *

Second Friday. No Farmer’s Market, but no help from football players as before. So help is needed. * Community Grant applications are accepted from Sept, 15 to October 15. *

Next Wednesday no noon meeting. We meet for the Constitution banquet at 6:30.

The Program:

Glenn Adkins gave Louisville Fire Chief Rod Bordner a warm introduction for the day’s program. Glenn is, himself, a retired firefighter and has known Rod and worked with him for years. Rod, was accompanied by two members of his fire crew, Chief Bordner told a colorful history of the Louisville Fire Department. Acting City Manager and Police Chief Turowski attended the meeting. (Note taker could not keep up with the chief so some items mentioned by the Chief are not included here.) Of course, week’’s ground breaking for a new fire station was the tip off to the chief’s message. This 2024 station will be a continuance for local fire control since 1857 when the first all-volunteer department was formed. At that time, the village did not support a fire department so the new fire group was called the Blue Company. In 1873 the firefighters started with a horse-drawn fire truck.. By 1888 the fire crew had its first protective gear and in 1884 the townsfolk dug six water cisterns around town. In 1885 there was the department’s first major fire. In 1908 the fire chief was a paid position. The village’s men became a part of Civil Service and later in1975 the first EMS unit was formed. Rod Bordner was named chief in 2014 and had 25 crew members. By 1998 the department responded to a total of 738 calls and in 2023 there were 1,800+ calls. The EMS unit now has three ambulances, with four over night fire fighters. The new building will have seven fire bays, four sleeping rooms and the building is designed for future expansion if needed. The building is planned to be in operation by next summer. Chief Bordner said that the three Louisville, Osnaburg Twp. and the Nimishilleni Township departments work well together and their cooperation is excellent.

Submitted by Allen Gress,Secretary

Louisville Rotary Club

Meeting Minutes

September 25, 2024

This was a 5:30 PM meeting at the Alsatian Senior Citizens Center and began with dinner. President Randy Starr then began the meeting with the Call to Order, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance and Four Way test.

Happy Dollars :

1) from Greg Anderson praising Brock for running a successful Constitution Day Parade.

2) from Eva in appreciation of Cindy from the Louisville Neighbors Magazine being in attendance.

Song: God Bless America - lead by Mark Sigler

Introduction of guests: Bill Wood introduced our Belgian exchange student Flavie along with her host brother David and host mother Shannon Benson.

- Our guest speaker Elayne Bozick was introduced as well.

Rotary Moment: Cynthia Kershner shared her experience of being invited by Jim Edwards to join a (then) all male Rotary Club in 1987. She joined and became the 1st woman president for the Louisville Rotary Club in 1993. She shared some of the programs that Rotary worked on over the years that she’s been a member and expressed her appreciation for the Rotary club.

Rotoball Weekly Winner: Eva - winning $5

The 99th year Anniversary cake was cut and enjoyed !

Rotary Business

Randy provided information about Betty Derry’s funeral services. Calling Hours will be 5-7 PM Friday September 27th and 10-11 AM Saturday September 28th - with her funeral beginning at 11 AM on the 28th. Services will be at Stier-Israel Funeral Home. A sympathy card was passed around for her family.
Randy thanked everyone who helped in making the parade a success. Randy also shared his experience at the Constitution Banquet where he received a hand made thank you card from Charlotte Travis for the $25 gift card the Rotary provided.
Greg Anderson shared information about Polio Plus Month. The largest demographic for polio victims is children aged 5 and under. In 1994- polio was eradicated in the Americas thanks to the polio vaccine. It was then eradicated in India in 2012 and in Africa in 2020. There has been a 99.9% decline in polio since Rotary became involved in helping the cause. Currently, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where polio still exists.
Barb DeJacimo shared information about the Purple Pinkie Project. This is a way of raising funds for polio through donut sales. The LHS exchange student ambassadors will be selling these donuts on World Polio Day- October 24th.
The Warm Coats program will be October 25th at the YMCA. Last year we had 145 donations of coats, hats and gloves. Anyone who would like to help/donate can contact Sandor.
Rock, Salt & Nails with Jim Dutter will be playing at the Brush Performance Hall of the Geis Center at Mount Union on Sunday September 29 at 7:30 PM - Everyone is encouraged to come out for a fun time!
Community Grant Applications are still being accepted through October 15th. For an application, contact Scooter Israel.
Louisville YMCA Auction is Saturday November 16th - donations and sponsorships until October 16th.

PROGRAM:

Elayne Bozick, District 6650 Governor spoke and presented a slide show on The Magic of Rotary - what “magic” would you create in your community? She started with the story of how a young boy thought it was magic that clean water was available after his town received help.

A starting quote in the program was from Paul Harris - “ We live in a changing world. We must be prepared to change with it”.

- Elayne will be collecting stories from each district/ club. She would like these sent via word document no later than March 15, 2025 so that she can compile them by May 24, 2025.

-Elayne discussed opportunities for smaller and more specific Rotary clubs that focus on one particular mission.For more information on these alternate club models , log on to : Rotary.org/flexibility

She then reviewed Rotary’s Strategic Action Plan : Impact/ Reach/ Engage/ Adapt.

-Next was an overview of Operation Pollination - focusing on how Rotary assists with environmental issues. More information or questions can be directed to the District 6650 environmental chair person at: ccope@unitedwaytrumbull.org

Information about the Pillars of Positive Peace can be found at rotary.org under Positive Peace program.

Elayne touched on the impact Rotary has made on Polio - but Greg covered the statistics so well that she did not have much more to add. For more information about Rotary’s involvement with polio eradication - the foundation chair person is Linda Henderson and she can be reached at : lhendetson@icloud.com (330)385-2891.

Elayne ended the program restating some of Rotary’s most important goals - eradicate polio , support environmental conservation and support the ability for people to live & work in peace.

More Rotary Business

Glenn H. will take the lead on getting milkweed. The milkweed that was mowed down will probably not be growing back, it seems.

As the meeting was going on - the bidding for the naming rights of the amphitheater ensued. But the end of the meeting- the bidding had ended with a final amount of $92,000 !! George Kiko did not yet want the winning bidder to be named….To Be Announced Soon!

Meeting ended at 6:31

-Notes submitted by Tricia Adkins