Maureen Drummond from Hands On Volunteer Network of the Valley, which is the new name for Volunteer Services Agency spoke to Austintown Rotary. They partnered with Channel 21, so you will see lots of their ads. Our own Melissa Crowley is their President of Board this year. Maureen is leading a food drive for January 19 asking for one item per person (or more) to help feed the hungry. Gary suggested each Rotarian bring an item on the 19th to our meeting and allow Chuck or Melissa to take it to their Mahoning County site at First Presbyterian Church downtown.
President Mike Cafaro called meeting to order, invocation, pledge, and God Bless America by Gary.
Guests were Josh Aikens from Boardman, Adam Zagotti, guest of Leana Mathes. Brian Pretoka was introduced as prospective new member, sponsored by Lisa Oles.
Hillary led us in the singing of "America."
- Mike announced District Midyear Assembly for District 6650 at East Canton for January 17, 8 am. to noon. Five will attend from Austintown.
- International Rotary Convention is next summer in Birmingham, England, June 21-24. Both meetings count as a makeup.
- Mike encouraged members to get busy selling tickets for Reverse Raffle, March 7, and getting donations for Chinese raffle.
- Jan. 24 is Poland Rotary's Chili Open, also date of Hope Foundation's Charity Classic.
- Fourth Quarter Perfect Attendance awards were given to Chuck Baker, Dave Buttar, Mike Cafaro, Ron Carroll, Tony Cebriak, Melissa Crowley, Mitch Dalvin, Beverly Flowers, Ram Kasaganti, Brian Laraway, Susan Leetch, Leana Mathes, Hillary Prestridge, Gary Reel, Deana Spirko, and Robin Stock.
- Remember the Austintown Rotary special celebration of our 40th Anniversary as a club on Jan. 31 at Fifth Season Banquet Center, Rt . 46 in Mineral Ridge. Melissa has sent out the invitations to past Presidents and members.
Mitch Dalvin had fellowship, fining anyone who went our New Years Eve or didn't make it to midnight at home.
Mike led a discussion of ideas for making dues and meals more affordable for members who pay on their own. Discussion will continue next week, let Mike know your ideas too.
Hillary won the 50/50, but didn't get the lucky card, not many left in the deck, big prize for winner.