Remembrances of J. Daniel Matthews, President 1984-1985
The Rotary Club of Canton was blessed with the tireless service of all 323 of its 1984-1985 members. Four outstanding Avenue of Service Chairmen: Richard Farson, Club Avenue; Jon Mason, Vocational Avenue; Joel Riley, Community Avenue; and Bill Schnupp, International Avenue of Service were all outstanding leaders. These Rotarians guided the Rotary Club of Canton to its 14th consecutive District Governor’s Cup for excellence in the large club category, in addition to receiving a special Governor’s Citation and Award for “Outstanding Membership Development”.
Crystal Light Restaurant became the new meeting location for Canton Rotary in 1984-1985.
During the summer, Bill Balough launched the new “Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) Softball League” to provide a positive recreational activity for youthful residents of government housing in Canton. In addition, Mace Shaheen, through the “Wonderful World of Work” program, scheduled Canton Rotarians to speak about vocational opportunities to these same youths prior to each game.
Bob Pattison’s “Community Health & Safety” committee expanded Canton’s “Car Safety Seat Program” by providing over 300 child safety seats to indigent mothers at two local hospitals. Rick McCoy and our “Handicapped Scout” volunteers continued the tradition of providing a true scouting experience for the club’s one (1) Girl Scout Troop and five (5) Boy Scout Troops. The annual scout Christmas Party was great fun. Gerry Cerny focused new attention on senior citizens with the “Magazine Collection” program.
Joel Riley enlisted the club’s support to raise thousands of dollars to support our “Community Hunger” program. The “Hunger Task Force” committee worked with the Salvation Army in the fund drive for winter relief. Funds were used by the ‘Army’ for the purchase of food and for Christmas toys for needy children. A total of $9,400 was raised through individual member donations and the Canton Rotary Charitable Fund also allocated $2,500 toward the cause.
Vocational Avenue projects increased in size and number with the Second “Annual Trade Show” chaired by Jerry Meck and Ed Baines. This event turned out to be a tremendous success with over 60 Canton Rotary members exhibiting. The “Vocational Award”, the “Four-Way Test Speech Contest” and “Competitor’s Day” were all added to our Vocational Avenue of Service activities. Vocational is the Avenue that deals with Rotarians’ pride in professionalism, and performing it in an upright and honorable manner.
The 80th Anniversary of Rotary’s founding was celebrated February 23, 1985. That day was designated as “World Understanding and Peace Day” throughout the Rotary world.
The “World Community Service” project included our club’s funding of a “Reforestation Program” involving 100,000 trees being planted in Costa Rica. Thailand was another country of involvement where District 665 members volunteered at an orphanage and day care center to lift the spirits of unfortunate children.
Canton Rotary is always saddened by a member’s passing. These departed Rotarians were honored and recognized for their contributions to Rotary: Robert E. Swallen, P. Frank Whelan, Robert R. Elsasser, Frank L. Martin, William J. Towell, Philip J. Hodel and Ralph E. Furbay.
The 80th birthday of Rotary was celebrated with one of the most memorable “International Nights” ever. Captain Paula Gathright, U.S. Air Force was the featured speaker and entertainment was provided by the Northeastern Philippine American Association Dance Team. Past District Governor, Jack Maxwell, Foundation Chair, presented Canton with an all-time high of eight (8) new Paul Harris Fellows and twelve (12) new sustaining members.
A highlight of the year’s weekly programs was a presentation on Senior Health Issues given by Dr. Maurice Kropf, a nationally known senior health expert. Congressman Ralph Regula, Governor Richard Celeste, Peter Voss, U.S. Postal service Governor, Rev. George Parkinson, and Heavyweight Boxing Champion Larry Holmes were also speakers at our club.
Canton Rotary’s famous “Youth Exchange Program” had another outstanding year thanks to the dedication of its coordinators Don Ellenger, Bill Ryall, Don Coen and Fritz Spring. We welcomed three international students, Martha Rivadeneira, from Colombia, Janine Precious from Zimbabwe and Luiz Guimares from Brazil.
Forty Canton Rotarians and their guests enjoyed the club’s annual Fall Golf and Social Outing at Arrowhead Country Club. Our “Community Blood Program” reached its annual quota again this year.
My Dad, Attendance Chairman, Robert J. (Bob) Matthews, improved our club’s attendance by placing great emphasis on this aspect of membership. Rotarian, Kanefiro Matsumoro stated, “Rotary has no hands but ours. The more hands Rotary has, the better and more effectively the “Ideal of Service” will be achieved. Hence, the importance of attendance.” The average attendance for 1984-1985 stood at 85%, just shy of the 90% goal we set at the beginning of the year. 90% attendance was achieved in March and May of 1985. The “PALM Club” (Perfect Attendance Last Month) contributed greatly to this years’ excellent attendance.
Our “Charitable Fund Drive” raised over $13,000 reaching an all-time record as a result of VP Loel Stein’s hard work and the generosity of our members. 194 of our 323 members generously contributed to this essential yearly fundraiser which comprises 40% of our total monies used for service projects during the year.
The “Holiday Card” Committee, chaired by Jim Harrington, also raised $3,341 and allowed Rotary to be shared with the recipients of these season’s greetings.
Our largest fundraiser was, once again, our annual “Pancake Day Festival” which made a profit of $13,501 under the leadership of Jim Riske and Gary Zink.
A major undertaking of our club was the approval of a joint venture with the Vocational and Industrial Clubs of America at Timken High School to plan, finance and construct a new “Rotary Community Park” in Canton’s central downtown area across from the new McKinley Grand Hotel, beside the new First Ladies Library. Our club created this major park project as an opportunity for community service and as a practical, hands-on, vocational project for local high school students.
I was pleased to be able to attend the RI Convention in Birmingham, England at the beginning of this year and I came away with a much greater understanding of the scope and dedication of Rotary throughout the world.
Besides having great fun presiding at our weekly meetings, with its unique blend of fellowship and formality, I especially enjoyed the opportunity this office provided to work so closely with so many very committed members of our club. One of our club’s great traditions is that when asked to serve on a club project, activity or committee, a Canton Rotarian never says, “No”. It’s part of being a member of the “Finest Rotary Club in the World”. I really like that about our members.
Kathy Hohler served as our club’s Executive Assistant during this year and I will be forever grateful for her outstanding service to me and to our club.
I was sponsored in Rotary by my dentist Bob Bandi. I have since sponsored a number of Rotarians, including my Dad, Robert J. Matthews, my brother, Robert K. Matthews, my wife, Suzette Matthews, Pat Gannon, Bro. Francis Blouin, Jim Fenske, Bryan Dauterman, Ted Madison, Andrew Williams and Sam Marshall. I apologize if I missed naming anyone.
Without a doubt, I was most influenced by Past President Joe Guenther (1976-1977) who made it very clear to me early on that Rotary is nothing more than a “do-gooder” organization and that as Canton Rotarians, we better actually “do gooder”, or else! Joe was a great Rotarian and also one of my very best friends ever.
President-elect, Loel Stein, VP Jim Harrington and Past-President Don Bair represented our club at the RI Convention in Kansas City which had an attendance of 13,784. At that convention our own District 665 Past District Governor, Bryce Kendall of Salem was presented as a new director of Rotary International.
I believe one of the best changes I’ve seen in Rotary is the admission of women members. They have brought a new level of energy, vitality and sense of service that has only served to enlarge and strengthen the capability of Rotary to “do-good” in the world. I would like to see greater emphasis on “hands-on” service projects and a greater value placed on good attendance at weekly meetings. The only way to really feel like a member is to be actively involved in one of our many worthwhile service projects. Otherwise, it’s just lunch. Greater encouragement of “Make-ups” would also help members gain a broader appreciation of Rotary, and it’s really fun to “make-up” at clubs around the world and locally.
My most sincere gratitude to Loel Stein who served with great distinction and dedication throughout this year. I could not have asked for a better Vice President or friend.
It was my distinct pleasure and great honor to serve our club as president. I have always said that being president is the best job in the club and I encourage everyone to accept this opportunity should it be presented. Belonging to Canton Rotary has been and continues to be one of the best experiences in my life. The Rotary Club of Canton truly is “the Finest Rotary Club in the World!”
Dan Matthews
Past President 1984-1985
Jeff Scott moved to Canton from Indianapolis in 1978 to apprentice for Gary Gerber and work in his Gary's Place salons. Jeff's professional background began as a stylist and soon developed into a hair color and cutting educator for Framesi USA and Clairol Logics as well as performing classes on Educational Cruise Seminars for five years. Jeff became manager of the salon chain in 1989 heading up education, hiring and training new staff members as well as customer service related 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. 
We are looking for a Rotarian(s) who would be willing to step in as the club photographer during our regular Rotary meetings when Rotarian John DeWees is unable to attend. John is a very reliable volunteer and attends the majority of our meetings, but there are times he is unable to attend and would like to have a backup he could rely upon.
The Rotary office received a flyer from Barbara Loudon, District 6650 RYLA Conference Coordinator, asking for our Club's assistance with donating items to be used in "Goody Bags", which are provided to students who attend the conference. At the RYLA conference, which stands for 'ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS', High School students from all over District 6650 come together for a weekend of leadership development activities.
Youth Exchange Chairperson, Amy Mustafaga, is asking Rotarians to consider opening their home to our current Youth Exchange Student, Gui Guilherme Morgado. Gui is attending North Canton Hoover High School. Amy states we would need a Host family for just a couple months to get Gui through this school year.
Please mark your calendar for Saturday, March 14, 2015, for the Rotary Club of Canton's Annual Pancake Breakfast, Pick Your Prize Raffle AND Health Screening Events! This year's event will once again be held at McKinley High School. The Pancake Breakfast will include: Pancakes, Sausage, Orange Juice, Coffee and Milk.
At our weekly meeting on January 30, 2015, President Tom Clevenger announced a postcard has been mailed to every member asking "Save The Date" Saturday, April 11, 2015, for the 100 year celebration. This event is being planned for The Onesto at 6 PM. He also announced that pancake tickets can be sold by your organization and receive money back per ticket sold (see story). President Tom reminded the "Health Screen" committee members about the brief planning session meeting immediately following the Rotary meeting.