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Upcoming Events
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
 
View entire list
Russell Hampton
Sage
Stories
Law enforcement partnerships have helped decrease crime in Lima/Allen County.
Steve Barker opened our meeting with invocation and pledge, followed by Ralph Ellis on Fellowship. In spite of the rough time the club gave Ralph, he delivered with a well timed moment of silence that we all took to appreciate our daily blessings. Well played, Ralph!

Cindy Wood gave a salute to all veterans present. In addition, she asked club members to be aware of Lima's challenges to veterans as a bedroom community--many veterans and active Reservists go to units all over the state. There are also challenges in accessing services either within existing agencies or in regional offices in Allen County. As community leaders, we need to be aware of the needs of veterans and their families as employees, neighbors, and family members.

Harold Bischoff presented a video about the international service project. Carl Berger then asked for volunteers for the special needs Christmas party on December 13. The Centennial Committee was looking for items, but this notetaker could not type fast enough to document what! Please ask.

Historical moment: where and when was the handicapped accessible trail installed? At Kendrick Woods, and per Bill Timmermeister's expertise, many years ago.

The program was presented by Chief Martin of Lima City police and Sheriff Crish of Allen County. Their topic was shared policing and collaborative efforts. Chief Martin was very complimentary of Sheriff Crish's follow through on campaign promises of increasing relationships. Pairing up officers on crime hotspots, joint training on K-9 units and tactical teams are examples of success for the two units. Another cooperative effort was Operation Shield, spearheaded by Ohio State Highway Patrol. This effort is evidence of all law enforcement working together. Sheriff Crish reiterated this cooperation. He was able to add a Ohio Highway Patrolman to one of his teams. The Sheriff discussed a grant from the Attorney General's office working on the heroin issue in Allen County. This task force has been able to have two deputies and two city police officers working on the drug issues for up to two years.

In January, the Sheriff's office will move to twelve hour shifts, thereby allowing more people on the road at any given time, as an improvement to the community needs.

When asked about the legalization of marijuana, both officers were not in favor, as use of the substance has led to increased crime in Colorado. Another question was regarding the 'militarization' of police departments. Chief Martin brought up the point of his officers having equivalent fire power as the criminals have. For Sheriff Crish, in addition to the equipment, the department can further sell excess items as revenue or use items like boots for corrections officers and underwear for inmates!

Question was asked about the increase of conceal and carry permits. Sheriff Crish and Chief Martin were both in favor of CCW and right to choose.

THE FINAL MAKEUP FOR THE 100th CLUB PICTURE IS DECEMBER 8--don't miss. Jonalee Schmidt was welcomed back after a heart attack, with a Rottery drawing to Badge number BC --Barry Clark forgot his badge number! 
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MESA is providing Resource Centers in Belize & Jamaica.
President Esther called the meeting to order at 12 noon to a full house. Additional seating had to be arranged to accommodate the overflow attendance.
Steve Barker gave the Invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
High Octane Drum Line recognition.
Dick Warren recognized several businesses for their support of the program through providing meals for the participants. These businesses included Kewpee’s, Dominos Pizza, McDonalds and Old Barn Outback and were given plaques in appreciation. The program has really grown and now have 15 -20 participants on a regular. Dick thanked the club for its support. 
Club Photo
Those present were asked to walk down to the hall just outside the Crouse Music Hall to have a group photo taken in commemoration of the club’s 100th anniversary. Michael Ayers in a very orderly way packed us in like sardines. Some new acquaintances were made (amazing how a photo op brings out the membership!!!). Michael took several shots and made funny comments between shots to keep us all smiling. Thanks Michael for doing this. We look forward to seeing the final photo.
New Member Induction
Sheila Schmidt was inducted into the club today. Sheila is the Executive Director of RTA and is new to the community. She comes with a strong background in public transportation. Welcome Sheila
MESA – An international service of Rotary.
Our speaker today was Mel Honig, Project Coordinator Resource Centers International. The goal of the project is to establish Resource Centers in infant and preschools and libraries in both Belize and Jamaica that lack basic resources. The centers are provided books, computers and exercise mats. Each school is expected to find a room and fix it up so it can be set up as Resource Center. Volunteers then travel to the sites and assist with installing and educating about the use of the items provided. Reading is a very important emphasis in the Centers. Three missions are planned for next year. The cost to outfit 20 schools is $12,000 with most of the items donated. A total of 240 computers will be donated along with many books. All items are shipped out of a central warehouse in Findlay.
Mel encouraged Rotarians to consider volunteering and going on a mission.
Closing Remarks 
 President Esther reminded the membership that next week’s meeting will at the City Club. Next Inside Scoop will be on November 13th, 7.30pm at the Wingate.
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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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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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Your help is needed to raise money for water projects in Central America.

Letters will be sent to Members this week asking for their support for a planned Global Water Project to be initiated later in the Rotary Year.  More than 2.5 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation facilities.  Clean water is a basic need for human beings. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives. However, at least 3,000 children die each day from diseases caused by unsafe water, which is what motivates Rotary Clubs  to build wells, install sand filters and teach community members how to maintain new infrastructure.

While very few people die of thirst, millions die from preventable waterborne diseases, providing the impetus to also improve sanitation facilities in undeveloped countries. Members start by providing toilets and latrines that flush into a sewer or safe enclosure and then add education programs to promote hand-washing and other good hygiene habits.  This was the focus of our project in  Villa Piniel, Honduras.

 

In this our Centennial Year, the International Service Committee is seeking to work with several other Rotary Clubs and initiate a Global Water Project in Central America.  Global Projects have a minimum budget of $30,000.00 and the International Rotary Foundation will provide a minimum of $15,000 toward an accepted project.  

This fund raising effort will allow the Lima Rotary to support a large Global Water Project with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus. Grant sponsors form international partnerships that respond to real community needs and change lives.  The Club has a goal of raising $7,500.00 for the Global Water Project.  Corporations represented in Lima Rotary and outside the Lima Rotary Club will be separately solicited.  It is requested that individual Rotary Members contribute $20.00.   Please forward your contribution to:

Lima Rotary Foundation, PO Box 1111, Lima, OH 45802

Please note on your check: Global Water Project

 

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Don't miss the Inside Scoop on February 12.
The next meeting of the “Inside Scoop” will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 7:30 am.  The gathering will take place at the Wingate Hotel next to the Civic Center. So, come and be one of the first to get the “inside scoop” on what’s going on in our club.
If you have any questions or want more information about these get-togethers, please contact David Runk at david@csspub.com or (419) 235-9873.
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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 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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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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The Lima Rotary Foundation has awarded its quarterly grants.
Lima Rotary Foundation Board meeting of 11/3/14
The Lima Rotary Foundation board approved the following grants at the 11/3/14 meeting:
Information for Rotary ESPOKE:
Family Promise received $1,500 for the transition center that assists homeless families in obtaining employment and suitable housing.
High Octane Drum Line received $500 for music program directed at Allen County school youth, ages 9 through 17. 
Barbers Gives Bikes received $2,500 as part of a Rotary collaboration that supplies funding for the purchase of new bicycle helmets with a Rotary decal affixed to the helmet. 
Cheryl Allen Center received $1,500 for the after-school program that includes access to online resources to explore education and career opportunities. Program also provides tutoring and financial counseling.  
Grants will be awarded at the Lima Rotary Club meeting on November 17, 2014.
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