North Coast Rotary

Rotary Visits Tri-C Westshore Campus

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On Tri-C’s 60th anniversary, Rotarian and Tri-C Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Kris Walz and Campus President Scott Latiolais and other Campus leadership showed Rotarians the Westshore campus, first opened in 2011 and significantly expanded in 2019.  The naturally lit open areas, special Veterans Support lounge, newly opened food pantry and one-stop student support center complement the lecture hall, labs and training rooms to help students be successful on this campus.  New scholarship opportunities were also announced for students in Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville.

Welcome new Rotarians Thomas Pihlblad and Jamie Wise

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First Federal Lorain Personal Banker Thomas Pihlblad and retired 30-year Navy veteran Jamie Wise were recently inducted into Rotary membership. Our club and foundation are already stronger with their involvement.

With Thomas’s support First Federal Lorain became a sponsor of the Sip & Support fundraiser.  Jamie Wise immediately became involved in the scholarship review committee process.  

Jamie and her husband and Thomas are volunteering at the upcoming wine tasting event and you can meet many North Coast Rotarians there! https://northcoastrotary.org/wine-tasting-fundraiser-april-29th-4-pm-7-pm/

Rotary on-the-Road

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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)

UH Seidman Cancer Center at St. John Medical

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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.

Congratulations Speech Contest Winners!

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Students representing Avon, Avon Lake and Brookside High Schools challenged themselves in the North Coast Rotary 4-Way Test Speech Contest, now in its tenth year.  Dr. Cathy Pugh, Rotarian and speech contest judge said, “The students were an impressive group, poised and prepared and they chose interesting and timely topics.”  

Dylan Roof, Avon HS earned 1st place recognition and will proceed to the Rotary District Speech contest.  Camryn Evans, also from Avon HS earned 2nd place.  Both Avon Lake HS student Seamus Sinclair and Brookside HS student Sabrina Bibb tied for 3rd place.   Read more here: Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest

Successful Fundraiser – Avon Great Pizza Bake-Off Feb. 16 2023

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 “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

The Avon High School Great Pizza Bake Off Thursday February 16 2023, 4:30 PM before the Jazz concert!

Touring Avon Lake Regional Water – Thank you!

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“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/

A big THANK YOU to Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka!

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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==