TOPIC: Presenting an overview of the two ministries at Refuge of Hope and how our programs and services help change and transform lives.
JoAnn says:
My family is the most important part of my life. I am blessed to still have both of my parents living, and I have two beautiful daughters and three grandchildren. My grandkids have been the best part of my life: Justin is a project manager for Martins Steel Fabrication, Jamie (granddaughter J) is a welder for Martins Steel Fabrication, and Cole is currently deployed in Afghanistan.
The next loves of my life are Captain and Tennille, my pups!
Traveling with my family and friends to the beach is my favorite get-a-way! I love the tranquility of gardening and watching flowers bloom.
I have been working as a fundraiser for over 16 years, 9 at Refuge of Hope. I believe I have the best job in Stark County! I am blessed to work with our residents and dinner guests and it is a joy to raise the funds necessary to help them.
Katherine "Kitty" Pelanda was an Honorary member of the Rotary Club of Canton since September, 2009. Kitty was a Paul Harris Fellow. Below, please find Kitty's obituary published in the Canton Repository.
Katherine "Kitty" Brazar Pelanda 1931-2018, 87, of Canton passed away November 2, 2018; born August 29, 1931 to Paul and Anna Brazar in Canton.
Predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Raymond V. Pelanda, and survived by children Raymond (Candice), Kevin, Melanie Myers (Jacob), and Kenneth (Lynda); ten grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Mary Pelanda Weibush of Orlando, Florida.
A woman of great faith, she leaves her family a legacy of that faith, love and joy of family, and dedicated work ethic. Katherine graduated from Alliance High School and earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees (Speech Pathology and Reading Specialization) at Kent State University. She began her career as Executive Director and Speech Pathologist at the Community Rehabilitation Center. She then became a school Speech and Hearing Therapist in Jackson and Alliance school systems. While an adjunct lecturer at Kent State University (1965-1978) she co-authored a textbook for voice and diction courses. She then served as Assistant Superintendent of Massillon State Hospital, (now Heartland Behavorial Health) (1979-1981). She was adjunct professor at University of Mount Union (1985-2010). Katherine belonged to Gamma Phi Beta social fraternity at KSU and Kappa Delta Pi professional fraternity. From 1960-2000 she served on boards of the Stark County Mental Health Association and the Stark County Board of Mental Health. In 1999 she received the Junior League's President's Award for her mental health service. She also served as board member for the Canton Jewish Community Center and the Friends of the Library. In 2009, she was awarded Honorary Membership in the Canton Rotary Club. She was listed in Who's Who in the Midwest (1979) and World's Who's Who of Women of 1981. Katherine belonged to Basilica of St. John the Baptist where she served as Lay Lector and Co-Chairman of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. The family wishes to thank Crossroads Hospice and the home-health-care staff of Elixir Care for their excellent care. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist with The Very Reverend John E. Sheridan, STL-Rector as celebrant. Burial will be in North Canton Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the Lamiell Funeral Home. Memorials may be Masses for Katherine or contributions to Basilica of St. John the Baptist Church, Canton Rotary Charitable Fund or Alliance High School Foundation.
Just a reminder, voting for the slate of 2019-2020 Board of Trustees candidates and club officers will take place during our meeting this Friday, November 9th.
Veterans day originated as "Armistice Day" on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11th became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
THANK YOU to those Canton Rotarians who have served in the U.S. Military. Recognition for these members will be held during the November 9th meeting.
It is time for the 2nd Annual Pack the Bus food drive to provide needy families in the Canton City School District much-needed food over the holiday break. The Club received $2400 in grant money that we will use to purchase needed items.
Thousands of children across the United States are hungry and here in Canton, Ohio, it is no different. According to recent census information, 48% of the children in Canton live in poverty. The Canton City School District does its part to help alleviate some of the hunger amongst their students by offering breakfast and lunch free of charge to all of the student population during the school week. But what happens during long breaks from school?
Here’s how you can help:
Volunteer. Sign up to either be at the trailer during the actual drive or for the delivery later in the afternoon. The signup sheet will be available at our weekly meetings beginning this Friday.
Donate Items. We are looking for non-perishable food items, new clothing and hygiene supplies for the children of Canton. All non-perishable food items are welcome as well as clothes (coats, hats, gloves, pants, shirts, boots, shoes, underwear and socks) size Small to Large. Hygiene supplies include toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and soap.
Donate Money. Any money donated will go to purchase items not received during the drive.
Please bring items on November 15, 2018 from 10am-2pm. The McKinley High School Marching Band is generously donating their equipment trailer to use as the “bus” for the food. They will be located in the parking lot of the Zimmermann Symphony Center, 2331 17th St NW, Canton. The Center is attached to McKinley Senior High School.
November is Rotary Foundation month! There is an 8 minute video of "Making a Difference in our Community" prepared by Peter Apicella, M.D., District 6650 Foundation Chair. The video shows examples of the Foundation's good work including the new Military Family Center project. This project was a big undertaking requiring over three years and lots of local Rotarian support, both financially and in time and talent. To view the video, you may visit www.Rotary6650.org.
November Paul Harris Fellow Challenge - Each member will be provided a special envelope for their donation. Envelopes will be available each Friday for members to participate in this challenge. For each $20.00 donated, a member will have a chance to win a Paul Harris Fellow for themselves, a spouse, or another person. You just need to fill out this envelope and return it to the Rotary office or to Lauri/Barb. The envelopes will then be forwarded as a Club packet to Dr. Peter Apicella.
All donations must be made before January 1, 2019. The drawing will be held in early January and the winner will be notified.
(Editor's note: The Rotary Foundation supports the efforts of Rotary International throughout the world; funds donated to the Foundation can also be available for clubs and districts to use locally, as in the case of the Military Family Center. However, the Rotary Foundation is separate from our Canton Rotary Charitable Fund, which is our club's fund to support our local projects and community groups (see President-Elect Mark Rojek's article below). During this time of year, Canton Rotarians are encouraged to consider donations to both the Rotary Foundation and the Canton Rotary Charitable Fund).
A QUESTION: How does our Rotary Club put “Service Above Self” into action?
THE ANSWER: The Canton Rotary Charitable Fund!
The Canton Rotary Charitable Fund (CRCF) is the not-for-profit portion of our club and the primary funding source for a variety of service projects that the club undertakes. Just take a look at some of the important things we have brought to our local community:
Some of the funding for the CRCF comes from our civic events. But without direct donations from our members, these programs would just not be possible. That is what makes the support of all our members so critical.
Keep in mind: even the smallest contribution can create a whole bunch of positive results. Please keep our legacy intact and make a contribution towards the meaningful work of the CRCF. I thank you for your support.
(Editor's note: PLEASE consider signing up for a one 1 hour shift (or more) to ring bells for the Salvation Army Holiday Kettles! Chairperson James Boggs has personally signed up to cover 5 shifts, due to a relative lack of participation from our other members!
This has been a long standing Canton Rotary community support effort, and deserves your support. It is FUN, requires only a little bit of your time (and not much effort), and is a great way to get to know a fellow Canton Rotarian.
James should not have to provide so much of his personal time to this worthwhile Club civic endeavor! Please sign up! Thank you!
The Rotary Club of Canton will once again join the efforts of the Salvation Army in its annual Bell-ringing. Rotarian James Boggs will once again be chairing this event and he will have sign-up sheets available during Friday meetings for members to volunteer.
Rotarians will be manning the kettles on Saturday, November 24, 2018 and Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Fisher Foods on 44th Street N.W., Canton. Each time slot will consist of TWO Rotarians manning the kettle for a ONE HOUR shift.
Volunteers do not need to be Rotarians. Please consider bringing a family member to work with you! This is a good way for students to get their community service hours for school.
The Rotary Club of Canton will once again hold its Semi-Annual Health Screen & Wellness Fair on Saturday, November 17, 2018. This event will be held at the Mercy Medical Center, Mercy Hall Auditorium, 1320 Mercy Drive N.W., Canton, 44708.
A 12-hour fast is recommended for more accurate results. In addition to the blood screenings, Mercy Medical Center will be offering additional free health screenings and educational materials.
To register for this event please follow this LINK or visit cantonrotary.org. To view and print the flyer please follow this LINK.
During the November 2, 2019, meeting, President Michelle Mullaly welcomed the 55 members and 3 guests. President Michelle asked everyone to keep Rotarian Dan Jonas' family in their thoughts and prayers, as Dan passed away on October 26th. She reminded everyone to please sign the sympathy card if they had not already done so. Those members celebrating a November birthday were asked to stand and be recognized.
Past President Paul White gave the Invocation.
Congratulation went to Gary Sirak for having the winning 50/50 ticket, worth $40.00.
Secretary Suzette Matthews welcomed the following guests to the meeting: John W. Street (Girard/Liberty); Richard Regula (Massillon); Pheneos Nyabera (guest of Charles Smith).
The "Happy News" was provided by the following:
Dave Schrade - to celebrate his and Barb's 33rd wedding anniversary. During their trip to Hawaii, they did a renewal of their vows;
PDG/PP Bob Pattison - to congratulate Bill Liber and his Purdue football team's victory over Ohio State 2 weeks ago, and to wish Bob's Nebraska team good luck against the Buckeyes last week (editor's note: Close, but no cigar, Bob!);
Richard Regula - in honor of his parents helping establish the MLK holiday and the First Ladies' Library. Rich enjoys meeting people from time to time who knew his parents and comment on their extraordinary character;
PP Denny Fulmer - to celebrate his birthday and his trip with his wife on the Danube River to celebrate their anniversary;
Dave Beule - to celebrate First Friday and his birthday on that day. He invited everyone to attend the Canton Charge game and to come have a beer at Canton Brewing Company;
PP Amanda Tietze - to honor Kyle Brown and Miracle Plumbing for being voted as one of the best companies in Canton, Ohio;
Bill Maddox - to recognize John Street, Rotaplast, and to thank our club for raising $8,571.00. Three children with cleft palates will forever have their lives changed by surgery because of our club's generosity;
John Street - to thank Canton Rotarians for $8,571.00 donation toward Rotaplast. THANK YOU!
Suzette Matthews - in honor of Dan Jonas and in recognition of his time with us as a fellow Rotarian and friend.
President Michelle then took the opportunity to announce the "Pack the Bus" event taking place on Thursday, November 15, 2018. All types of non-perishable food are being collected on this date and may be dropped off in the the parking area of the Canton Symphony Orchestra. Monetary donations will also be accepted for the purchase of additional food and clothing for the children of Canton City Schools. Hygiene items are being collected this year as well. Sign-up sheets were passed around for volunteers to help on the collection date as well as the November 16th date when everything will be delivered to a Canton City Elementary School (TBD).
Rotarian Chuck Smith made an announcement regarding the upcoming Health Screen and Wellness Fair on Saturday, November 17, 2018. He also introduced his guest, Pheneos Nyabera, who is the "posterboy" for this event. Pheneos' life was saved because he participated in this event. His blood draw and analysis detected previously undetected prostate cancer and he was immediately informed to contact his doctor to start the necessary life saving treatment.
President Michelle filled in for Salvation Army Bell-ringing Chairman James Boggs and reminded everyone about the upcoming November 24th and December 1st dates. Sign-up sheets are available. You may also review the Rotogram (*see story above) to see available times.
President Michelle then introduced the speaker for the meeting, fellow Rotarian and Canton City School Superintendent, Adrian Allison. Adrian spoke to the members about Canton City Schools, as well as the upcoming "Pack the Bus" program. At the end of the presentation, Rotarian Ernie Schott relayed a story which his wife, Patty, who was a school volunteer, told him about a Canton City elementary student who had complained about an upset stomach . The student was asked if he needed to use the restroom and his response was "no". He was then asked if he had had breakfast. The student replied he was given something to eat when he got to school that morning. The student was then asked what he had eaten for dinner the night before and his response "I had ice cubes for dinner". PLEASE consider donating to this very worthwhile program. NO CHILD should go hungry!
President Michelle concluded the meeting with the following announcements:
next week's speaker will be JoAnn Carpenter, Director of Development for Refuge of Hope;
during next week's meeting, we will vote on the incoming Trustees and Officers as well as recognize all military veterans for Veterans Day;
volunteers are needed for the "Pack the Bus" program on November 15th;
don't forget to sign-up and volunteer for Salvation Army bell-ringing on either November 24th or December 1st;
the Health Screen & Wellness registration for November 17th event is up and running;
don't forget to sign the sympathy card for the Jonas family if you have not already done so.
The following Rotarian turned in a makeup: Jerry Ortman (Plain).
One early June, more than 30 years ago, I had a business trip scheduled to Las Vegas. I had been a Rotarian for about six years, and I thought of myself as an active member: I attended every meeting, I’d served as club secretary, I knew everyone in my club. But for me, Rotary was very much a community organization. It connected me to Nassau and perhaps even to the Bahamas — but no farther.
I had never given much thought to Rotary beyond the Bahamas, and it had never crossed my mind to travel to a Rotary convention. But that spring, I realized that my trip to Las Vegas would coincide with the Rotary International Convention and thought, why not? I sent in my registration and paid my fees, never suspecting that the experience would change my life.
When I walked through the doors of that convention, I was stunned. It was one thing to know that I was part of a global organization with over a million members around the world. It was something else altogether to stand there in the middle of it. I went to every general session, looked in at every booth at the House of Friendship, and learned about projects that I hadn’t even known you could do in Rotary. That convention didn’t just open my eyes. It opened my mind. It inspired me to completely change the way I saw Rotary, what Rotary could do for me, and what I could do through Rotary. That inspiration has stayed with me ever since — and is renewed every year, at every Rotary convention.
In June 2019, Rotarians from all over the world will converge in Hamburg to Capture the Moment at the 110th Rotary International Convention. Many, like me, will have been coming to conventions for years; many others will be coming for the first time. Whether they’re looking to connect with old friends, to find inspiration for a new Rotary year, or simply to see what Rotary is all about, each of them will find their own moment in Hamburg.
Hamburg is a port city that connects Germany to the world and that has been an economic and cultural hub for centuries. It’s a wonderful place to visit — to stroll the shores of the city’s lake, take a boat trip on the Elbe River, dine out, hear great music, and explore fascinating museums. It’s also the ideal place to kick off a European vacation.
If you’re a regular convention goer, you absolutely won’t want to miss out on the friendship and inspiration you’ll find in Hamburg. And if you’ve never been to a convention, please consider this my personal invitation. Register at riconvention.org by 15 December for the best rate — and let this convention Be the Inspiration for your Rotary journey.
JoAnn says: 
Katherine "Kitty" Pelanda was an Honorary member of the Rotary Club of Canton since September, 2009. Kitty was a Paul Harris Fellow. Below, please find Kitty's obituary published in the Canton Repository..jpg)
Just a reminder, voting for the slate of 2019-2020 Board of Trustees candidates and club officers will take place during our meeting this Friday, November 9th..jpg)
Per the United States Census Bureau:
November is Rotary Foundation month! There is an 8 minute video of "Making a Difference in our Community" prepared by Peter Apicella, M.D., District 6650 Foundation Chair. The video shows examples of the Foundation's good work including the new Military Family Center project. This project was a big undertaking requiring over three years and lots of local Rotarian support, both financially and in time and talent. To view the video, you may visit www.Rotary6650.org.
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The Rotary Club of Canton will once again join the efforts of the Salvation Army in its annual Bell-ringing. Rotarian James Boggs will once again be chairing this event and he will have sign-up sheets available during Friday meetings for members to volunteer..jpg)
The Rotary Club of Canton will once again hold its Semi-Annual Health Screen & Wellness Fair on Saturday, November 17, 2018. This event will be held at the Mercy Medical Center, Mercy Hall Auditorium, 1320 Mercy Drive N.W., Canton, 44708..jpg)
During the November 2, 2019, meeting, President Michelle Mullaly welcomed the 55 members and 3 guests. President Michelle asked everyone to keep Rotarian Dan Jonas' family in their thoughts and prayers, as Dan passed away on October 26th. She reminded everyone to please sign the sympathy card if they had not already done so. Those members celebrating a November birthday were asked to stand and be recognized.
Barry Rassin
