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Inside Scoop
Wingate by Wyndham
Feb 12, 2015
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
 
100th Anniversary Banquet
Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center
Mar 21, 2015
 
Speakers
Feb 09, 2015
 
Feb 16, 2015
 
Mar 16, 2015
 
Mar 23, 2015
 
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Russell Hampton
Sage
Stories
Our centennial photo will be taken Monday!
Calling ALL Rotarians:  Monday, November 3 the group picture of the Rotary membership for our Centennial Celebration will be taken at the Civic Center.  If you can’t stay for the whole meeting, be sure you are there at 12:10 p.m. so you can be part of this historic photograph.  Michael Ayers has generously volunteered to be our photographer.  
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E-clubs and volunteer hours were discussed at Thursday's Inside Scoop.
At the Inside Scoop Rotary meeting on October 30, 2014, President Elect David Runk conducted a very informative meeting for the ten Rotarians in attendance.  He introduced the group to the first e-Club established in 2002 which can be found a rotaryeclubone.org.  At this site, any member of our club is able to get a club makeup by spending 30 minutes on the site learning about Rotary.  David shared two examples with the Inside Scoop.  The first was a video about a concrete canvas structure that can be erected in minutes.  The implications for Rotary when providing temporary shelter for victims of disaster were staggering.  He also showed a video on that site entitled A Tour of My Rotary.  That is a video every Rotarian should watch. 
 
In group discussion, we considered documenting the volunteer hours that each member of our club puts in each week.  There was a suggestion that we might be able to do that on our web site through a portal.  It would be fascinating to track what our club actually does each and every week.  District Governor Rex Engle challenged us to do that when he visited.  Bob Ruehl also shared a need at an orphanage in Honduras that he is involved with.    See his article in this week’s eSpoke for details. 
 
The next Inside Scoop Rotary meeting will be held on November 13 at the Wingate at 7:30 a.m.  Plan to attend for stimulating discussion with fellow Rotarians.

 
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The annual Arts Advocacy Luncheon was a huge success!
Today's meeting was the 3rd annual arts advocacy luncheon, and our speaker was Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council. Most of the normal meeting agenda was shortened or skipped to allow for the extended program, which included a marimba ensemble and 2 soloists. The absolute show-stopper of the day was a song from Ragtime, which was very powerful and received a standing ovation.
 
Donna Collins gave us an overview of the Ohio Arts Council - the major distributor of state and federal arts funding in Ohio. Despite major cuts in their budget in 2010, and a budget cutting frenzy by the current administration - the council has been able to see their finding return to 2010 levels, and they expect an increase in 2015. This amazing effort is the result of incredible pressure from the various arts organizations around the state, and the companies that sponsor them. The message was sent loud and clear that the arts has a major impact on the state's economy, and that reducing funding for these organizations is not wise.
 
Kevin Creamer, director of the Fox stations in Lima - talked about the stations "Spotlight on Scholar Artists" program at the station, which highlights a high school artist for outstanding achievement. We've all seen these spots for athletes - and it's a welcome addition that we see hard working students of the arts as well.
 
The luncheon ended with the presentation of the Arts Advocacy Awards, which brings attention to each facet of a successful artistic endeavor. First, there is the creator, which went this year to Tekla Murphy for her work to establish a dance program in the public schools. Also important is the arts advocate, who is involved in the support and management of the arts. Rotarian Michael Frueh won the award, in recognition of his long term involvement with local arts organizations, and a recent rebuild of the VMCC lighting system. The third award is for the philanthropist - which was awarded to Beverly Hawk for a lifetime of supporting local groups like the Lima Symphony Orchestra. All three components are vital to a successful arts event, program, and community. Congratulations !!
 
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Halloween ComicFest comes to downtown Lima.
Jill Akerman served as Sgt-At-Arms for today's meeting. There are several important dates to relay to members:
 
10/25 - Foundation Training Event at the Kalihari resort
11/8 - Rotary leadership training - Findlay
12/13 - Childrens Christmas Party
 
October is breast cancer awareness month - created to highlight the 2nd leading cause of death among women. Make sure the women in your life get screened, as the cure rate is high when detected early.
 
Bob Fett gave us an update on International Service - currently focused on sewer installation in Honduras and San Salvador. Small efforts on our part turn into huge improvements in the lives of others through these projects.
 
3 new members were inducted today: Cynthia Scanland - Allen County Children Services director, Tony Cox - Elida Schools superintendent, and Dr. Dean Wittwer, Allen County Educational Service Center Superintendent. Congratulations, and welcome to a group committed to service above self...
 
Our speaker today was Marc Bowker, owner of Alter Ego comics here in Lima. He has had tremendous success with a spring event - National Free Comic Book Day, and has brought together several organizations to create the Halloween ComicFest. These events bring people and commerce to downtown Lima, so we wish them a beautiful day and great success. This event combines the comic book fall fest with a local Zombie walk, a trunk or treat opportunity for kids, and even a dog costume contest. For more information, visit www.halloweencomicfest.com.
 
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Lima Rotarians meet the new Dean & Director of OSU/Lima.
Art Brinkman as our Sgt-at-Arms, with Dave Rodabaugh providing Fellowship. A Special Happy Birthday was sung for Paul Yessenow, 79 and Ralph Ellis, who is ageless...
 
REMEMBER that during the  11/3 meeting - THE CENTENNIAL photo will be taken. Wear a dark suit and tie, as they are trying to match the look of an older group photo.
 
2 new members were inducted today: Annete Swisher, manager of the Wingate, and Robert T. Smith, LACP director. Our speaker today was Charlene Gilbert, Dean and Director of OSU, Lima.
 
In addition to learning about our new dean, (she is an award winning documentary filmmaker) she outlined the advantages that a college degree offers - not only in the obvious salary and unemployment figures, but on general health, happiness, and even life expectancy.
 
 
 
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The Board of Directors of the Lima Rotary Club has voted to accept a new member.
Please welcome Kelli DeLong as the newest member of the Lima Rotary Club.  The Rotary board today accepted her application and we're looking forward to having her join us.  Kelli is the Marketing & Admissions Director at Springview Manor.  
If you have comments about this new member, please let President Esther know.  ebaldridge@acbdd.org
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Please take some time to visit June or send her a card.
Our own June Miller who has served us faithfully for so many years fell and broke her hip.  She is recuperating at Springview Manor, located at 883 W. Spring in Lima.  I am sure June would appreciate receiving a card or a visit from you.   
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Here are the highlights from the November 11 board meeting...
The Centennial Committee met November 10, 2014.  The Gala is scheduled for March 21, 2015.  The goal is to have our next Committee meeting date of Dec 8 as a drop dead date to the process finalized so the committee can put together an agenda for the evening.
The History Committee continues to move forward and appears to be on target.  Brown is currently looking into securing proclamations from our Governor, Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Senate, the City of Lima and hopefully Allen County.   
                            
Baldridge presented an Updated Table of Organization with each committee assigned to a director.  Newly named are Jay Begg and Phil Hayne for Christmas Auction and Paul Swartz and Dave Grimm for Polio Plus.  Paul and Dave will place emphasis on Polio Plus in January and announce a fund raiser.
    
Runk indicated Sergeant at Arms co-chair Jim Mason has all positions staffed through February 2015.  Runk indicated he will remind him to approach newer members.  
Family Promise of Lima Allen County Executive Director Chuck Wolfe was awarded a grant in the amount of $1500 from the Lima Rotary Foundation.   Wolfe has also approached businesses within the club and has tried to get them involved.  Club Member Art Brinkman from Barbers Give Bikes has come forward and has offered bikes.  
Baldridge and Membership Chair John Ficorilli will attend a Young Professional Luncheon on November 18 and do a recruiting pitch for Rotary.
                                                               
Frost provided an update on the refurbishing of the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Faurot Park.  Labor to complete the work will be donated.  Total costs for materials will be $2676.  Frost applied for a grant from District 6600 and has been notified that the request will be funded in the amount of $892.  He will submit a grant request to the Lima Rotary Foundation for the remaining amount of $1784.  The Pavilion refurbishing will occur in the Spring 2015.
The Annual Christmas Auction, chaired by Jay Begg and Phil Haynes will be held Monday evening Dec 15, 2015.   The Monday evening event will be in place of a noon meeting that day.  
Decker indicated work on the Special Needs Christmas Party is in process.  The event will be held on Saturday December 13, 2014 in the Shawnee Community United Methodist Church.
Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army will be held on Saturday December 20, 2014.  
Bischoff indicated International Service is looking at a Water Project for next year in Central America.  The Committee has a goal of raising $7,500 projected revenue with $2,500 targeted to come from outside corporate firms and $5,000 from club members.
                    
Baldridge and Decker discussed the $100,000 Investment in our Community.  Decker presented the criteria.  Once both the Foundation and the Rotary Board of Directors have approved it, it will be taken to a Club Assembly for approval.  It will be on the agenda for the November 17 meeting if approved by both Boards.  If approved by the membership, the $100,000 committee will meet on Wednesday November 19th and announce the $100,000 project with criteria and application process to the media at 2:30 PM.  Completed applications will need to be returned by December 12, 2014.  Baldridge will submit criteria to the membership in advance and the voting will be in accordance to the Annual Meeting guidelines.  Bischoff made a motion to approve the criteria as submitted and Runk seconded the motion.  Board approved.
Baldrige indicated applicant Carlene Huston-Kinworthy is uncertain at this time and is rethinking her application. 
The Board will table her application until hearing further from her.
The Board approved the application of Kelli DeLong for membership.  There were no resignations.
                 
Treasurer Lawson presented the Club’s Financial Report for October 2014.  The report reflected income of $19,290 and expenses in the amount of $6,925 with a gain for September 2014 in the amount of $12,364. 
                                                                             
Page 2 indicated a balance of $39,330 in checking.  She stated a few aren’t paying the $50 assessment for the Centennial Gala.  This is not a voluntary charge but a required assessment.   She will carry the amount forward to their next statements.  Baldridge will also make an announcement to the club.
The Board agreed to continue the cleanup and monitoring or past due accounts.
Baldridge agreed to reach out to Pat Conrath at Husky as they currently do not have any corporate members. 
There being no further business, Runk made a motion to adjourn.  Frost seconded the motion.  Board approved. 
Respectfully submitted,
Rita Brown, Secretary
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At its October meeting, the board of the Lima Rotary Club adopted the following Political Activity Policy.
At the Board meeting held on October 14, the Board formalized the Club’s involvement or lack of involvement in the political process within our community.  Most of what is in the policy is past practice.  The problem with only having past practice is a potential lack of consistency.  It is the Board’s hope that by formally adopting a policy, we will increase consistency of implementation and will avoid potential hard feelings surrounding the political process among our membership.  I believe this policy will fair to all concerned,  build goodwill and better friendships and will be beneficial to all concerned.     
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District 6600 is looking for students to participate as Rotary Youth Exchange Outbound Students.
The Rotary District 6600 Youth Exchange Committee is now accepting applications from high school students who would like to participate as Rotary Youth Exchange Outbound Students for the 2015-2016 Exchange Year.  Successful applicants should be between 15-18 years of age, demonstrate above average academics and are eager to learn a new language and culture.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is ranked as one of the Premier Youth Exchange Programs in the World and is operated by volunteers who maintain student safety and monitor the Department of State requirements. Rotarians are asked to share this information to their friends, family, teachers, school officials, and any interested students.
The application deadline is November 15, 2014.  Please contact me if you have any questions.
Rotary Youth Exchange:  "Promoting a peaceful world, one student at a time.”
 
 
 
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Lima Rotarians are doing great work in Honduras.
Several Clubs in District 6600 and 64000 have been sponsoring girls from this orphanage to attend school.  Members of Lima have also been a part of
this assistance.  This relationship started in 2006.
The buildings which they are housed in require maintenance and upkeep which without outside help does not happen. Sean McGhee from Swanton
Rotary made a special trip to San Pedro Sula to determine the needs of the buildings.  Working with Usula Rotary they have determined that a new roof
is required over the dormer and that a new ceiling is also required.  The security wall in the back of their compound is also damaged.  The
funding required to fix these issues is estimated at $19,900.  To date we have contributions from four clubs but we are still short some  $7,900.  We
are looking for assistance with this funding.  To maintain cost at a minimum members from D6600 four different clubs and a member of D6400 will travel to San Pedro on Jan 24th through the 31st.  Anyone may participate in this fellowship and hands on work.
Please send funding and or questions to Sean McGhee, (419) 283-8421.
The children will thank you, more than we could ever.  Pictures will follow in February.
 
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Lima club members learned valuable information at last week's district trianing.
Seven Lima Rotarians journeyed to Sandusky in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, October 25 to learn more about Rotary.  Scott Shafer, David Collins, David Runk, Harold Bischoff and Bob Ruehl attended a session on District Grants, learning how to submit a request for a grant.  John Ficorilli and Esther Baldridge attended a session on Membership Development.  The group found the sessions to be worthwhile and the fellowship with others in attendance was great.  If you need any information about either topic, please see a Rotarian who attended.  
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The Rotary Foundation has earned the coveted four star rating.

The Rotary Foundation earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest and most prestigious independent evaluator of nonprofits in the United States.

"Our foundation continues to operate at the highest ethical standard," said Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair John Kenny. "We are proud that Charity Navigator has recognized our commitment to accountability and transparency for the seventh straight year."

The 4-star rating, the highest that Charity Navigator awards, recognizes sound fiscal management, accountability, and transparency. Charity Navigator evaluates thousands of nonprofits each year, and only one of four earns 4 stars.

This year's top distinction marks the Foundation's seventh in a row, placing it in the top 3 percent of U.S.-based charities. In a letter to the Foundation, Charity Navigator President Ken Berger wrote, "This 'exceptional' designation differentiates The Rotary Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust."

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