A big thanks to Shurtape Technologies, Inc., Tri-C Community College and UH Seidman Cancer Center who graciously hosted North Coast Rotarians in the past four weeks. In their different ways, these three employers are critically important to our area’s economic success. Local service initiatives, such as Blankets for Beds and fundraisers, Sip and Support were also discussed. Rotarians look forward to opportunities to collaborate with them in the future. (see additional posts)
Bill Kahl, Shurtape’s EVP Marketing provided an interesting and informative tour of their impressive facility and helped us understand the history of the family behind the famous brand Duck Tape. The Avon company known as Manco, then Henkel, and now Shurtape is a leading manufacturer of adhesive tape offering products such as Duck®, FrogTape®, Painter’s Mate®, Shurtape®, T-Rex®, and Kip®. Rotarians had a chance to marvel at their automated slitter and re-rolling processes and the size of their expansive warehouse, not easily visible from the road. Bill Kahl generously gave each of us several rolls of colorful Duck Tape as well as the book titled, “Leading from the Heart – Choosing to be a Servant Leader”, written by his father Jack Kahl founder of Manco.
On our visit, Rotarian and UH Community Outreach Director Paul Forthofer, Nurse Manager Deanna Turns, Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner Roben Leaverton and Clinical Partner Bryson Mackson gave Rotarians a better understanding of the cancer treatment experience. Their staff of approximately 75 team of oncologists, surgeons, nurses, pathologists and other care staff provides patients with comprehensive cancer care. As they explained, cancer patients come in feeling vulnerable; as they get to know the treatment team, some patients become “family” which is most rewarding. Opened in 2012 the Westlake facility participates in clinical trials as well. We were all provided with a reminder and a summary form to keep our medical information accessible in times of emergency.
“With the biggest crowd in 4 years, Avon High school was proud to support North Coast Rotary’s annual pizza bake off!” commented Avon Superintendent Ben Hodge. Close to 400 guests enjoyed sampling pizza and voting for their favorites. Many guests continued on to the Fusion concert sure of a seat in the new expanded capacity Performing Arts Center.
White Box Pizza won the People’s Choice Award and the Best Crust Award; Master Pizza won Best Pepperoni; Marco’s Pizza won Best Specialty and Domino’s Pizza won the Judge’s Choice Award. Rotary thanks these pizzerias for their participation.
Joe Matuscak, Rotary club and foundation president and Doug Maurer who coordinated the event thank the many guests who attended, the Rotarian and Interact Club volunteers, Avon High School staff, the Fusion Concert performers, Midway Trophies and our club and foundation sponsors (see Placemat Recognition).
North Coast Rotary donated $100 towards the Avon Unified Sports organization. Remaining proceeds will be used for youth and community initiatives.
Read more: Successful Fundraiser – Avon Great Pizza Bake-Off Feb. 16 2023“I’ve been in Avon Lake for over 30 years and didn’t realize what a gem we have in our city” said one Rotarian after informative presentations from Chief of Utility Operations Greg Yuronich and Facilities and Asset Manager Bobby Kimevski.
Rotarians learned about daily operations and from real experiences what must be done to overcome unexpected events (remember “Frazil Ice”). In years past, ALRW was awarded the best quality water in Ohio~our ALRW supplied tap water is better than bottled water!
A big thank you to Greg Yuronich and Bobby Kimevski and Board member Dave Rickey who facilitated this tour. Avon Lake Regional Water supplies 200,000+ customers in seven counties, and you can learn more at: https://avonlakewater.org/
Mayor Zilka and Community Development Director Ted Esborn presented an update on the demolition, remediation and restoration of the Avon Lake Power Plant and its site. They explained their proactive efforts to work with ALERG (Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group) towards economic and community improvements in Avon Lake. (Updates available at: https://www.avonlake.org/economic-development/power-plant-updates)
Rotarians and Marilyn Zeidner, Executive Director for Music on a Mission, took the opportunity to discuss Avon Lake Make Music Day plans for June 21st. This year most of the performances will be at Avon Lake High School, the Old Fire House and Veterans’ Park. Recognizing that the event is growing, Mayor Zilka committed to continue support of this initiative. See excerpts from last year’s performances here: https://www.avonlake.org/digital-media/videos?action=show&video=MTcxNw==
“Walking into the meeting this week felt like home..” said Donna Kelly Sprinkle as President Joe Matuscak re-inducted Donna into North Coast Rotary membership.
Donna, who took a break from Rotary while she managed the expansion of the Avon library looks forward to once again being a part of the great projects that Rotary is working on in the community.
Continuing her father’s legacy as a rotarian Donna chooses to wear her father’s rotary pin. North Coast Rotary welcomes Donna who is so active in and informed about the Avon community.
Club members look forward to touring the Avon library on February 7th.
Playing the new pull-tab instant bingo machine at Avon’s Wine Room on Chester Road will support the North Coast Rotary Foundation. All profits will be reinvested in our communities. Check it out!
North Coast Rotary welcomed the following new members in November and December: Adam Ausperk, Paul Forthofer, Braeden Friss, LaSchelle Pearson-Williams, Gina Saxton, Kim Urig and Dr. Kris Walz.
Members are our greatest assets. And when we grow North Coast Rotary, we grow our service and the impact of our projects; and the awareness and understanding of Rotary in our communities. Congratulations to our new Rotarians!
North Coast Rotary Club and Foundation 