JUST A REMINDER, THE GRAND PRIZE RAFFLE DRAWING FOR THE $500 CASH AS WELL AS THE 4 CLEVELAND CAVALIER TICKETS WILL TAKE PLACE THIS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH AT THE CANTON BREWING COMPANY AT 5:30 PM!!
Don Ake is the author of “Just Make Me A Sammich – Absurd Observations from a Wild Mind”. He started writing humor in the late 70’s for the University of Akron 'Buchtelite'. He has also done stand-up comedy and written sketch humor. He writes two blogs, Ake’s Pains – a humor blog - and Ake’s Trucking Economics – an economic blog, focused on the commercial trucking industry.
"Just Make Me A Sammich", is a collection of humorous essays from the popular Ake’s Pains blog. In the book, Don relates hilarious stories about himself, celebrities, the workplace, strange news items and more. The humor is absurd, bizarre, and laugh-out-loud funny.
Don has taught college economics and marketing courses at Walsh University and at Indiana Wesleyan University. He also does public speaking on a variety of topics.
His “day job” is Vice President Commercial Vehicles at FTR (Freight Transportation Research), where he forecasts and analyzes the commercial trucking industry and is occasionally quoted by the Wall Street Journal. He holds a B.S.B.A. and an M.B.A. from The University of Akron and resides in Jackson Township.
The Rotary Club of Canton has several rooms reserved in Atlanta, Georgia during the annual Rotary International Convention from June 10-14th. If you are interested in experiencing Rotary on an international level, you may want to consider joining President Elect Amanda Tietze, PDG/PP Bob Pattison and PP Paul White for a unique experience.
The room rate is $249 per day at the Hilton Garden Inn with an additional 8% Georgia sales tax and 8% hotel occupancy tax rate. We will need to have your request for a room NO LATER than Friday, March 3, 2017.
The newest Paul Harris Fellow recipient was introduced to the club on Friday, February 24, 2017. PDG/PP David Ewing presented a Paul Harris Fellow to Canton Rotarian Jeff Scott.
Jeff Scott moved to Canton from Indianapolis in 1978 to apprentice for Gary Gerber in his Gary's Place salons. Jeff started his professional experience as a stylist and soon developed into a hair color and cutting educator for Framesi USA and Clairol Logics. He also presented classes on Educational Cruise Seminars for five years. Jeff became manager of the salon chain in 1989, providing education, hiring and training new staff members, as well as handling customer service duties. In 1999, Jeff and business partner Shelly Talbot purchased the salon chain from former Canton Rotarian Gary Gerber and have developed the company into the largest salon and day spas in the area.
A member of Canton Rotary Club since 1999, Jeff has been a co-chair of the student exchange committee, spokesperson for GOTS at various schools, and chairperson for Appreciation Day. Jeff is married to Susan and they have two children, Kaitlyn and Kara.
During the February 24, 2017 Rotary meeting, the annual Four-Way Speech Contest took place with four outstanding McKinley High School students presenting their speeches. The speech had to address the students' use of Rotary's "Four Way Test":
Of the things we think, say or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The judges, which were President Elect Amanda Tietze, Vice President Michelle Mullaly and Past President Virginia Neutzling, deliberated and decided the following outcome:
FIRST PLACE: Silvera Hayes (winner of $150.00)
SECOND PLACE: Rayna Phelps ($100.00)
THIRD PLACE: Langley L. Smith ($50.00)
FOURTH PLACE: Malcolm Brown ($25.00)
Silvera Hayes will represent the Rotary Club of Canton during the April 1st District 6650 Four-Way Speech contest.
The Rotary office received a letter dated February 8, 2017, from Ralph North, Interim Executive Director, of the Stark County Hunger Task Force. Ralph writes:
"Dear Friends at The Canton Rotary -- On behalf of the Stark County Hunger Task Force pantry network and all those who rely on us in their time of need, the SCHTF staff and board extend our deepest thanks for your recent donation ($250.00). Thanks to your generous support, nearly 28,000 Stark County residents are able to receive an emergency supply of groceries through our network of 33 local food pantries. On their behalf, we express the utmost gratitude for your commitment and contributions to the alleviation of local hunger.
So thank you - for providing a hopeful and uplifting lifeline during a time when our neighbors feel confused, frustrated, and adrift. Thank you for offering a reminder that they are not alone, because partners, donors, volunteers, and other supporters like you are there to stand next to them."
The Fellowship Committee has planned a 2nd annual "Night at the Canton Charge" event. On Tuesday, March 14, 2017, the Canton Charge will play host to the Erie Bayhawks at 7:00 pm. The Rotary Club of Canton has arranged a special ticket price for this game for members, family and friends. If you have not been to a game, it is a great value for some good professional basketball and an opportunity to support our local Cavs' D-League team.
Last year we had a very good turnout of 32 fans. We are looking to expand on that and show our support. Tickets are only $16.50 and we are not limited to how many we can buy. What a great night out with family or friends and an opportunity to entertain a business client or potential Rotary member!
We will also look into the possibility of once again holding a Fellowship Happy Hour at the Desert Inn prior to the game.
Ticket forms are available during Friday meetings or by contacting the Rotary office. Any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
At our weekly meeting on February 24, 2017, President Craig Young welcomed the members and guests to the meeting. President Craig presented the members with the following club information: The Rotary Club of Canton has several rooms available for this year's RI Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, June 10 -14. If you are interested in obtaining a hotel room for the convention, please contact the Rotary office NO LATER than Friday, March 3, 2017.
President Craig then asked PP Dan Matthews to stand. Craig thanked Dan for his outstanding speakers he arranged for our club this month. President Craig then asked Rotarian Sharon Sirpilla to stand and thanked her for her guest speakers in the month of January. He informed Sharon she had the highest attendance at a meeting during the January 6th Rotary meeting when State Senator Scott Oelslager spoke to our club.
President Elect Amanda Tietze gave the Invocation.
Secretary Suzette Matthews welcomed the following guests to the meeting: Silvera Hayes, Manuel Halkias, Malcolm Brown, Langley Smith, Rayna Phelps, Kitty Burgett, Susan Scott, Kaitlyn Scott, Kara Scott, Nelson Zutali, Tim Manion and Rich Williams.
The "Happy Bucks" news was then provided by the following:
$1: Mark Clendenin--in awe over Michelle Mullaly's singing during the National Anthem, making him sound good.
$5: Paul Feaser--in celebration of his talented 14-yr old grandson, Ben, who is featured on the cover of 'Junior Golf' magazine.
$1: Raquel Raderchak-in celebration of her exciting birth announcement--she is pregnant with a baby girl. Congratulations!
Vice President Michelle Mullaly took an opportunity to remind everyone about the "Unevent" Raffle Grand Prize Drawing on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 @ the Canton Brewing Company at 5:30 pm.
PDG/PP Dave Ewing presented Rotarian Jeff Scott with his Paul Harris Fellow (*See story above).
Four-Way Speech Chairman Jeff Scott then introduced the four Four Way Speech contestants from McKinley Sr. High School along with their coaches (*Please see story above);
President Craig then concluded the meeting by announcing next week's speaker, Don Ake, Author/Comedian of "Just Make Me a Sammich - Absurd Observations from a Wild Mind". He also reminded everyone about the "Unevent" Raffle grand prize drawing during the Fellowship Outing at the Canton Brewing Company on Tuesday, February 28th at 5:30 pm. Those who attend this Fellowship outing will also receive a make-up, so don't miss your the opportunity for some fun and fellowship Tuesday night!
President Craig then reminded everyone of the upcoming "Canton Rotary Night at the Charge" on Tuesday, March 14th. Contact the Rotary office if you are interested in attending or pick up a registration flyer during a Friday meeting.
As a reminder, the District Conference will be held on April 7-8 at the Avalon Inn in Warren. Please go online to register for this event.
The following will receive a makeup for attending the Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2017: President Craig Young, President Elect Amanda Tietze, Vice President Michelle Mullaly, Secretary Suzette Matthews and Treasurer Tom Clevenger.
The following will receive a makeup for attending the Board meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2017: President Craig Young, President Elect Amanda Tietze, Secretary Suzette Matthews, Treasurer Tom Clevenger and Sergeant-at-Arms Bob Matthews. The following Trustees will receive a makeup: Steve Fettman, Kurt Goodenberger, Bruce Hale. Rotarian Dan Fuline attended the Board meeting to address the Military Family Center.
The following Rotarians turned in a makeup during Friday's meeting: Dan Fuline (Military Family Center); Mark Clendenin (Port Summit); Jim Molnar (North Canton); Jerry Ortman (Plain, East Canton); Bob Matthews (3-Venice Nokomis, FL).
Be prepared to welcome spring at the 2017 District 6650 Conference on April 7th and 8that Northeast Ohio’s fabulous destination location, the Avalon Inn and Resort in Warren, Ohio.
A stellar program that features, fun, fellowship and inspiration has been planned with you in mind.
No boring speeches, no long-winded presentations, no mind-numbing programs! Just a fun and fast-moving day and a-half where we enjoy each other’s company, have some fun, and learn something along the way. All of this at a reasonable price.
To view a hard copy of this year's District Conference registration form, click on this LINK
To register for this year's District Conference, click on this LINK