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
October 2, 2024
This week’s Rotary lunch meeting was held at St. Joseph’s Senior Living Facility. President Randy Starr called the meeting to order and led the club in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test.
Happy Dollars:
Cynthia Kerchner declared that the last Second Friday of the season is coming up. Rescue 343 Memorial will be there. Rotarians will be setting up a tent for the High School students to offer face painting. Jim Edwards is happy that Nick Chubb will be back at practice with the Browns. Glenn Hellier noted that Dave Fischer from the Eagles is turning 90 and all Rotarians are invited to his birthday party. Don Marshall gave 10,000 happy dollars with a $10,000 gift to the Amphitheater Project from him and the Louisville Community Theater.
Guests:
Debra Flora was visiting from the Youngstown Rotary Club. She spoke about the District Governor’s Operation Pollination Project. Mrs. Flora distributed flyers about the project and reminded the Club that the highest donating club will receive a Paul Harris Fellowship.
The Program:
1. Amphitheater Update – The Naming Rights Auction brought in $92,000. The donor is anonymous until the unveiling of the amphitheater. At least three people were bidding for Naming Rights. Mark Sigler asked about the opening date and President Starr said that has not yet been determined.
2. Warm Coats – Is October 25, 2024. 145 kids were served last year. Amy Simpkins is ready to go with this program again this year.
3. Purple Pinkie Project – October 23-25. Barb is picking up donuts and delivering them to the High School for the students to sell to raise money for Rotary.
4. Community Grant Project – September 15-October 15 – We have received five applications so far.
5. Pancake Day – Will be November 9, 2024
6. Louisville YMCA Auction – Will be November 16, 2024. The deadline for donations and sponsorships is October 16, 2024.
7. Quarterly newsletter, Chili Cookoff and Pickleball – Jim has a few volunteers for the Chili Cook Off, and is planning to meet with the Eagles to use their facility.
8. 100 Year Anniversary Banquet Committee – A committee is needed to plan the upcoming 100 Year Anniversary Celebration. Barb suggested renting a Rotary Float for the Constitution Parade right before the 100 Year Anniversary.
9. Tropical Storm Helene Relief – Jim Edwards is looking into a Rotary Relief Program.
Rotary Moment by Randy Starr:
Randy Starr shared that the Rotary Club has had an amazing last few weeks and the entire club needs to be proud of the work they have accomplished so far.
Coming Events:
October 9 –Kyle Stone, Stark County Prosecutor
October 11 – Second Friday
October 16 – Rev. Siffrin, Rotary Peacekeepers Program
October 23 – Adam Longacre, Unhitched, 4th Street Collective
October 30 – Royer Farms Visit
November 6 – Business Meeting
November 13 – Tom Siegrfied, Basketball
November 20 – Joel Rich, Midlake Product
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
October 9, 2024
This week’s Rotary lunch meeting was held at St. Joseph’s Senior Living Facility. President Randy Starr called the meeting to order and led the club in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test. Happy Dollars Cynthia Kerchner declared the last Second Friday is upcoming. Please bring candy. Amy Simpkins announced the upcoming YMCA Auction and asked that members consider a candy donation to the YMCA. Glenn Hellier noted that Dave Fischer from the Eagles is turning 90 and all Rotarians are invited to his birthday party.
Rotary Minute: Amy Simpkins shared that she enjoys being involved in Rotary and was asked by her former supervisor. She loves coordinating the Warm Coats program and helping with the Pancake Breakfast.
Announcements:
1. Mark Sigler lead the group in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
2. Brock Hutchison announced a Rotary tour of the new Library at 4:00pm on October 23, before the evening meeting.
3. President Starr shared a congratulations on 99 years from Representative Oelslager.
4. Warm Coats – Is October 25, 2024. 145 kids were served last year. Amy Simpkins is ready to go with this program again this year.
5. Purple Pinkie Project – October 23-25. Barb is picking up donuts and delivering them to the High School for the students to sell to raise money for Rotary.
6. Community Grant Project – September 15-October 15 – We have received nine applications so far.
7. Pancake Day – Will be November 9, 2024
8. Louisville YMCA Auction – Will be November 16, 2024. The deadline for donations and sponsorships is October 16, 2024.
9. Tropical Storm Helene Relief – Jim Edwards is looking into a Rotary Relief Program.
The Program:
Kyle Stone, Stark County Prosecutor was this week’s speaker. Mr. Stone started by saying that he lives by the Rotary mantra, “service above self.” He is also an ordained minister that believes in serving the people of his community. Mr. Stone said that one of the issues he is working to curb is truancy rates at school. He is attempting to break the cycle of incarceration. He is partnering with schools and other community organizations and hoping to build a Family Justice Center. The Family Justice Center will provide all resources needed to assist victims. He is also working to put a stop to gun violence. He is not settling out of court for gun related crimes. He is sending a message that you cannot discharge a gun irresponsibly without consequence. He also made not that the Prosecutor is not just a criminal job. Mr. Stone manages the daily operations of the office. In his conclusion, he cited his office’s 98% conviction rate.
Coming Events:
October 11 – Second Friday
October 16 – Rev. Siffrin, Rotary Peacekeepers Program
October 23 – Adam Longacre, Unhitched, 4th Street Collective
October 30 – Royer Farms Visit
November 6 – Business Meeting
November 13 – Tom Siegrfied, Basketball
November 20 – Joel Rich, Midlake Products
November 27 – No Meeting, Thanksgiving Break
December 4 – Business Meeting, No Speaker
December 11 – County Commissioner, Richard Regula
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2024
This week’s Rotary lunch meeting was held at St. Joseph’s Senior Living Facility. President Randy Starr called the meeting to order and led the club in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test. Happy Dollars Cynthia Kerchner declared Second Fridays are complete and are already planned for 2025. She also thanked Rotarians for their help and donations of candy. Al Gress is thankful to be back to Rotary following surgery. He is appreciative of all of the messages, and is apologetic that he did not respond to them all.
Rotary Minute:
Sandor Gyarmati has been in Rotary for almost one year. He looked at the Rotary’s website and decided he would like to be a part of the Rotary. He enjoys giving back to the community and being the club’s Treasurer. Guests There were no guests.
Announcements:
1. Mark Sigler lead the group in “Peace Train.”
2. Brock Hutchison announced a Rotary tour of the new Library at 4:00pm on October 23, before the evening meeting.
3. President Starr shared shared that next week’s meeting will be at 5:30pm.
4. Warm Coats – Is October 25, 2024. 145 kids were served last year. Amy Simpkins is ready to go with this program again this year.
5. Purple Pinkie Project – October 23-25. Barb is picking up donuts and delivering them to the High School for the students to sell to raise money for Rotary.
6. Community Grant Project – Yesterday was the last day for community grant applications.
7. Pancake Day – Will be November 9, 2024
The Program:
Monsignor Siffrin was the speaker. He has been involved with Rotary for many years. The Youth Exchange program and his many friendships has kept him involved over the years. Monsignor cited the Polio Plus Program as an example of how Rotary can create peace and change the world. He spoke to the club about peacemaking efforts and how the club can continue to be an organization for peace. He cited the Youth Exchange Program as a prevalent way that the Rotary Club is already building peace throughout the world. Rotary is committed to peace and Monsignor asked if the Louisville Rotary Club would consider becoming a Peacebuilding Rotary Club. He stated that Rotary can be a part of the solution and spread ideas and peace throughout our communities. He encouraged the club to plan for a world that is different than the one we live in today. Rotary Peace Building Clubs are responsible for broadening awareness and spreading peace in their communities.
Coming Events:
October 23 – Adam Longacre, Unhitched, 4th Street Collective
October 30 – Royer Farms Visit
November 6 – Business Meeting
November 13 – Tom Siegrfied, Basketball
November 20 – Joel Rich, Midlake Products
November 27 – No Meeting, Thanksgiving Break
December 4 – Business Meeting, No Speaker
December 11 – County Commissioner, Richard Regula
December 18 – No Noon Meeting, Rotary Christmas Party
Pix of Monsignor Robert Siffrin
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2024
This week’s Rotary lunch meeting was held at St. Joseph’s Senior Living Facility. President Randy Starr called the meeting to order and led the club in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test.
Happy Dollars:
Glenn Hellier expressed happiness for his both of his granddaughters volleyball success.
Don Marshall explained the Eagles are only closed for a few weeks.
Shorty Weisel appreciated the Royer Farms visit.
Rob Johnson said McDonald’s should be open around the 25th and he is now full time at Spotlight Media.
Guests:
Barb DeJacimo introduced her guest, Landon, a senior from Louisville High School, who is in Key Club and RYLA.
Rotary Business:
1. Caplea Studio Architects – submitted invoice for work on amphitheater. President Starr will pay the bill from the project fund.
2. New Member – Don Marshall moved/Brock Hutchison seconded a motion to accept Cindy Fisher as a new member of the Louisville Rotary Club. Motion passed with all voting in the affirmative.
3. Warm Coats – Friday is warm coats pick up at the YMCA.
4. YMCA Auction – is November 16
5. Grant Applications:
Scooter Israel presented the following slate of grant applications and requested their approval for a total of $7,000:
a. Louisville Police Department Fish with a Cop - $500
b. Louisville City Schools Literacy Packs - $500
c. Louisville City Schools Family Classes - $500
d. Nimishillen Grange Bike Repair - $1,000
e. Honor Foundations – Veterans building benches - $2,000
f. Louisville Public Library – Portable Kitchen - $750
g. Construction Foundation Supplies - $500
h. Louisville-Nimishillen Historical Society Art Shows – $1,000
i. Nimishillen School Strong Start - $250
Jim Edwards moved/Bill Wood seconded a motion to approve the slate of grant applications. Motion passed with all voting in the affirmative.
6. Amphitheater Update – President Starr and President-Elect Dutter are continuing fundraising efforts weekly.
7. 100 Year Anniversary – President-Elect Dutter is assembling a committee.
8. Light Up Louisville – Rob Johnson agreed to provide a building downtown for the Club to pass out hot chocolate. Key Club also has agreed to help.
9. Peacebuilders – Four Rotarians have agreed to become peacbuilders.
10. Flags – Flags are all out. Scooter Israel was urinated on by a rogue dog during his flag route.
Coming Events:
November 13 – Tom Siegrfied, Basketball
November 20 – Joel Rich, Midlake Products
November 27 – No Meeting, Thanksgiving Break
December 4 – Business Meeting, No Speaker
December 11 – County Commissioner, Richard Regula
December 18 – No Noon Meeting, Rotary Christmas Party
December 25 – No Meeting. Merry Christmas!
January 1 – No Meeting. Happy New Year!
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2024
This week’s Rotary lunch meeting was held at St. Joseph’s Senior Living Facility. President Randy Starr called the meeting to order and led the club in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test. Happy Dollars Barb DeJacimo exclaimed her joy for the upcoming bowling season. Sponsorship opportunities are abound. Guests Nicole Israel and Jack Boleander were introduced as guests
Announcements:
1. Cindy Fisher is a new member and will be sworn in soon.
2. Warm Coats went well.
3. Pancake Day – Was the biggest Pancake Day to date, raising $2,735. Thank you to all who helped.
4. Amphitheater – The Board decided to file for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Grant. Randy and Jim Dutter have been fundraising and making phone calls to raise money.
5. Light Up Louisville – Key Club can help. Barb has purchased hot chocolate and Mary is buying low sugar hot chocolate. 6. Disaster Relief – Jim Dutter made a motion/ Bill Wood seconded a motion to use Shelter Box Money to go to USA Disaster Relief for Hurricane Helene Relief. Motion passed unanimously.
The Program:
Louisville Head Basketball Coach, Tom Siegfried was the speaker. Coach Siegfried introduced his daughter and wife and was excited to share that his son Beau will be signing to Ashland University. He has been the head coach for 18 years and has been surrounded by great people in Louisville. Coach Siegfried reflected on his time at Louisville City Schools, and remembers fondly that he did his student-teaching at LCS and was offered a job after he finished. He emphasized “The Program,” which encompasses the students, players, media and public. He remarked that when he first began there were 82 kids in the program, that number has grown to 250. Every kid in the The Program has the opportunity to play on a travel team. They now have twelve travel teams. Coach Siegfried is proud of this year’s schedule, noting that there are eleven home games, which is not an easy feat for a team not in a league. There are eight seniors this year (the most ever). He encourages everyone to attend the home opener. Coach Siegfried emphasized several points that The Program stands for: 1. Respect and hard work. 2. Network of Neighbors 3. Work Ethic – He owns a construction company and has employed 30 past students. 4. Fundraising – He believes in Grant Wishes for Kids and works with this organization and gets his players involved. 5. Together – Teams need synergy and hold each other accountable. 6. Adversity Reveals Character – He schedules a strong schedule to test his teams.
Coming Events:
November 20 – Joel Rich, Midlake Products
November 27 – No Meeting, Thanksgiving Break
December 4 – Business Meeting, No Speaker
December 11 – County Commissioner, Richard Regula
December 18 – No Noon Meeting, Rotary Christmas Party
December 25 – No Meeting, Merry Christmas!
January 1 – No Meeting, Happy New Year!
Pix of our Warm Coats give-a-way program. We donated 122 coats, gloves, and hats.
Pix of two of the chefs at 2024 Pancake Day
Pix of Pancake Day dining area.
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
November 20, 2024
An excellent attendance of 25 persons attended the meeting with Club President Randy Starr leading the charge. After the opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test, Randy introduced the five guests.
One of the guests was Sally Samblanet, the longtime director of the Louisville Food Pantry, attending to share some of the organization’s successes. The Louisville Food Party was voted the best panty out of 39 pantries in the Stark Area. She also thanked the club for our support.
Also present was the coach of the LHS Bowling Team. Four members of the team are ambassadors. Another of the guests was Mark Grece who is interested in joining our club.
On the agenda was the induction of Cindy Fisher into our club membership. Welcome Cindy!
Other exciting goings on was a thank-you card from the staff of North Nimishillen School for our Warm Coats give away. Jerry Dunbar was the lucky winner of the day’s Rotoball choice. The City of Louisville donated $50,000 for the amphitheater project.
Happy Dollars * Brock Hutchison is looking for buried time capsule but could find no information as to its location. Anybody remember where it was planted? * Sandor has a pickleball tournament on track. * Randy said the amphitheater fund raiser now stands at $192,000 with the recent gift of $50,000 by the City of Louisville. * Thanks to Mark Sigler for taking down the football field flags.
The Program:
Joel Rich, from the Midlake Products & Manufacturing Company, attended our meeting to share his companies story. The first thing guests notice when entering their Nickel Plate building is a large sign posted above a main hallway telling the world —“Proudly made in Louisville, Ohio since 1987”. Their facility is 85,000 square feet. Joel got his college degree from Boston College. Joel’s father and his uncle started the business at 1987 working out of a two-car garage. They moved to their current operation site in the 1990s. In the early 2000 they started working with flat sheet steel. They focus on making custom products small or large. Some of their work, according to Joel, is for data centers. The company has 70 employees and their production works 24 hours shifts. “Producing after-market products for trucks and other vehicles is one of their big sellers. “In order to create the highest quality products for our customers, Joel wrote in the company brochures, “Our company continues to invest in the latest manufacturing technology. By utilizing state-of-the-art, we manufacture to the tightest tolerances while ensuring we meet the customers exact specs” The company advertises they provide a one-stop solution with our metal fabrication, power coating and other coatings, and other capabilities all in-house regardless of part complexity. The industries they serve are locker & storage units, ATM banking equipment, food processing, medical supplies and equipment and many more.
Upcoming programs:
Nov. 27 — No meeting. Good day for Christmas shopping.
Dec. 1 — Light up Louisville.
Dec. 4 — Business meeting, no speake.
Dec. 11 — Stark County Commissioner Richard Regula.
Dec. 18 –– No noon meeting. Christmas Party at Cynthia’s house. Bring your family.
Dec. 25 ––– No meeting. Merry Christmas!
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary
There was no meeting on Nov. 27th, the day before Thanksgiving
Louisville Rotary Club
Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2024
Easy come. Easy go! The new news is the club has lost its home. We must move on by December 31.
Meanwhile, 18 members braved the cold to attend the business meeting. Sherie Switcher attended her second meeting and has decided to join us. The song-of-the-day brought Christmas cheer as we sang Jingle Bells. Barb DiJacimo won this week’s Roboball. The Treasurer’s report keeps the club comfortable. Business of the Day * Members voted to approved the transfer of $4259 to pay for professional fund raising help with the two grants we applied for to pay for the amphitheater cover. President Starr discussed his meeting with the two companies that provided estimates for the roof. No action was taken. * Randy announced two persons had volunteered for the next three months to find interesting speakers for our meetings. Jim Edwards and Amy Simkins were chosen and Randy hopes for a third volunteer. * One of the student exchange students tripped and sprained her ankle and later developed pneumonia. No word on her recovery. Also, the other exchange girl is moving to a new family over the Christmas holiday. * Randy said we served over 500 people at the Light Up Louisville celebration last Sunday. Unfortunately, we ran out of supplies and had to shut down early. * Randy said the plans for the 100th Anniversary banquet were moving forward. We’re looking for a $50 cost per plate. Randy attended the Minerva 100th ceremony held last spring and said about 40% of those in attendance were not Rotarians. * Randy told how the Alsatian leader emailed him to inform him of the arrangement we have had to hold meetings in their social room has been cancelled. Randy guessed that one reason is that the owner of the Alsatian recently changed with new owners coming next year. Randy has surveyed many locations about Louisville, but the Eagles lower level seems to be the best bet so far. Any ideas should go to Randy. * Sandor said the pickleball tournament will be held inside the YMCA later this winter. *
Randy announced we received donations from Mr. & Mrs. House, Ted’s Auto and the Eagles. Also the Stark Community Foundation later.
Upcoming Events:
Dec. 11th, County Commissioner Richard Regula will present the state of Stark County.
Dec. 18th, Randy reminds all to attend our annual Christmas Party at Cynthia Kerchner’s home Wednesday, the 18th. The fun begins at six and come and enjoy this BYB party. This is a family event. Those with last names in 1st of the alphabet should bring appetizers and the last half bring desserts.
Dec. 25th, No meeting. Have a very merry Christmas.
January 1st, No meeting.
January 7th, Business Meeting, site to be announced when we find someplace.
Submitted by Allen Gress, Secretary