TOPIC: “The First Year in Office and the 2020 Elections.”
Frank LaRose took office as Ohio's 51st Secretary of State on January 14th, 2019. Prior to being elected to statewide office, he served two terms in the State Senate representing the 27th Senate District in northeast Ohio.
As Ohio’s Secretary of State, LaRose is doing his part to deliver a thriving democracy and a prosperous economy. In his role as Ohio’s chief elections officer, he’s working to ensure Ohio’s elections are secure, accurate and accessible. He is also supporting Ohio entrepreneurs as the sole authority to receive and approve articles of incorporation for Ohio businesses.
In the legislature, LaRose spearheaded efforts to increase government transparency and efficiency, particularly in the areas of elections administration and regulatory reform.
Among numerous recognitions, LaRose was named the Legislator of the Year in 2016 by the Ohio Association of Election Officials in recognition of his support and commitment to improving Ohio’s election process. He is currently serving a two-year term within the Aspen Institute as a Rodel Fellow – a bipartisan group of America’s rising political stars brought together to promote greater civil discourse. In May 2019, LaRose was presented the Business Champion Award by the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
LaRose developed his strong work ethic and sense of responsibility at a young age while working on a small family-owned farm in northeast Ohio. After graduating from Copley High School, LaRose fulfilled a lifelong dream by enlisting in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne, and ultimately served in the U.S. Special Forces as a Green Beret. During his decade in uniform around the globe, LaRose received numerous commendations and honors, including the Bronze Star.
LaRose continues to give back to his community since leaving the Army and entering public service. He is the Jr. Vice Commander of the Fairlawn VFW and, as an Eagle Scout himself, Frank now serves on the executive board for his local Boy Scouts of America Council.
LaRose graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Consumer Affairs and Business. He and his wife, Lauren, live in Hudson with their three daughters.
During the January 17, 2020 meeting, President Mark Rojek welcomed the 55 members and 9 guests to the meeting.
The invocation was given by Past President, Amanda Tietze..
Congratulations to Rotarian Anthony Bertin for having the winning 50/50 ticket worth $40.00.
Club Assistant Secretary Paula Mastroianni welcomed the following guests to the meeting: Tim Collins (speaker); Karen Hodge and Dan Passerini, (guests of Mark Clendenin); Dalton Godfrey (guest of President Mark Rojek); Dustin Burgess (guest of Kyle Brown); Ashleigh Abrigg (guest of Jennie George); Brynn Pelger (daugher of PE Drew Pelger); Don Mullen, Stark State College (organizational member) and Jen Welsh, Stark Library (organizational member).
President-Elect Drew Pelger thanked all Rotarians who had generously donated to this year's annual Charitable Fund Drive. Per PE Drew's promise, he announced that he has registered for the 17th Annual Polar Bear Jump to be held on February 29, 2020, at the Portage Lakes State Park Swim Beach located at 5031 Manchester Rd., Akron, Ohio 44319. PE Drew encouraged all Rotarians to come watch him take this jump.
Vice President Mark Clendenin then introduced the speaker for the meeting, Dr. Tim Collins, President of Walsh University.
President Mark concluded the meeting with the following announcements:
next week's speaker will be Secretary of State Frank LaRose;
The following turned in a makeup during Friday's meeting: Mark Clendenin (Youngstown); Bill Maddox (North Canton).
The following will receive a makeup for helping to promote and operate the Health Screen & Wellness Fair on Nov. 2, 2019: Alex Dowell and PDG, PP Bob Pattison.
Well, true to his word, President Elect Drew Pelger is ready to take the plunge...a "polar bear plunge", that is! Per your suggestions, PE Drew accepted the 'plunge' as his 'personal challenge' to encourage support for this year's Charitable Fund drive!
Since you Canton Rotarians generously supported his Charitable Fund drive, PE Drew has registered for the 17th Annual Polar Bear Jump, to be held at noon on February 29, 2020. Location is the Portage Lakes State Park Swim Beach at 5031 Manchester Rd., Akron, Ohio 44319.
PE Drew encourages all Canton Rotarians to come watch him 'jump in the lake', and freeze his, ahem, TOES off!
Be sure to save the early afternoon of Saturday March 7th for the Annual ROTARY CHALLENGE at the Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon!
Shawn Dougherty is putting together one or two teams to raise money for JA and have FUN, ADULT BEVERAGES, PIZZA, AND GENERAL HILARITY. A number of Canton Rotarians have expressed interest in participating, and THE MORE, THE MERRIER! We hope to be competing against several other local Rotary Clubs, who, of course, want to beat the FINEST ROTARY CLUB IN THE WORLD! Please contact Shawn if you'd like to join the fun!
The following has made a memorial contribution to the Rotary Club of Canton's Endowment Fund in memory of Roy Scheutzow, father of Rotarian Amy Mustafaga:
The Rotary Club of Canton has a long history of supporting Junior Achievement in our area, with both financial support as well as volunteer support of our members. Since Rotary's goals include supporting our young people as well as sharing our vocations and skills, it is a good fit for our club.
JA of North Central Ohio is seeking volunteers to present their JA Career Success curriculum to freshmen at McKinley High School over a seven week period starting February 18th.
JA Career Success teaches young people some of the 'soft skills' and personal skills needed to get and keep a job, particularly the Four C's: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. Here's is a link to a description of this program:
Basically, one volunteer is needed in the morning and one in the afternoon on each of those dates to each teach 3 classes in succession. One 'session' of the curriculum will be taught each week.
I AM HOPING TO GET A 'TEAM' OF ROTARY VOLUNTEERS, who could possibly each take one or two of the sessions, rather than all seven dates, thus spreading the load, so to speak. Of course, if you're willing and able to cover the whole 7 week schedule, that would be great. You are also welcome to recruit your friends and co-workers to get involved.
JA's curriculum is designed to engage and educate young people, with group and individual activities and challenges. Volunteer training is also available.
If you have any interest, please contact me soon at rickt@kozmosgrille.com or 330-575-2870, or Brittney Wells at JA of North Central Ohio at brittney.wells@ja.org or 330-433-0063, ext 1.
RI President-elect Holger Knaack’s theme for 2020-21, Rotary Opens Opportunities, asks Rotarians to create opportunities that strengthen their leadership, help put service ideas into action, and improve the lives of those in need.
January 24, 2020
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During the January 17, 2020 meeting, President Mark Rojek welcomed the 55 members and 9 guests to the meeting. 
Well, true to his word, President Elect Drew Pelger is ready to take the plunge...a "polar bear plunge", that is! Per your suggestions, PE Drew accepted the 'plunge' as his 'personal challenge' to encourage support for this year's Charitable Fund drive!.jpg)
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Be sure to save the early afternoon of Saturday March 7th for the Annual ROTARY CHALLENGE at the Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon!
The following has made a memorial contribution to the Rotary Club of Canton's Endowment Fund in memory of Roy Scheutzow, father of Rotarian Amy Mustafaga:
Please mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
