I begin this month with some Rotary history.  Paul Harris, in addition to being known as the founder of Rotary, also has the legacy of Friendship Trees--a lasting symbol of goodwill. Here is the story.  

 

Paul Harris, as Rotary's president emeritus traveled extensively during the 1920s and 1930s. During these trips, the nature-loving Harris planted trees to symbolize goodwill and friendship. In the fall of 1932, Harris embarked on a five-week tour of European Rotary clubs and planted trees along the way.  Ever since, Rotarians have planted trees in the name of fellowship, friendship, and community service. These trees, which can be found worldwide, have grown into enduring monuments of Rotary's ideals.  Harris recalled, "With the cooperation of Rotarians and local governments, I have planted friendship trees in the parks and playgrounds on five continents of the world and even on some of the major islands of the seas.  Our trees stood as symbols of international understanding and goodwill."
 

What did Rotary Clocktower do in April?

On April 7th,  we welcomed Doug Piekarz,  the President and  CEO of the Akron Zoo. We learned that Doug has worked in the Zoo field for over 30 years, with the last 22 years at the Akron Zoo.  The environment and conservation has been a focus of Doug's work including being a part of international conservation efforts in Venezuela, Brazil, and Spain.  Additionally, he has locally and nationally focused on growing awareness of conservation of wildlife and wild places. Doug displays an excellent example of leadership for all that he has done to make the Akron Zoo such as asset in our community. In case you missed it,  Doug's presentation is on our Facebook page.
 
We also heard from Brian Howie, the owner of PodPopuli, our April business of the month.  Brian explained how he came to locate his podcast business in Hudson and the tremendous response that he has received from the community.  Check our website for further details prepared by our webmaster, John Murphy.
 
Additionally, Ted shared the results of the 4-way speech contest held earlier in the day jointly with the morning Rotary club.  The winner was David King from Western Reserve Academy.
 
April 14th provided another opportunity for the book discussion group to tackle the book, "Start with Why."   Watch for further details about an upcoming time, perhaps during the summer, where, as a club, we will be asking the questions raised by this book.  The book discussion group will be taking a pause, and picking up again in September with the book, "Daring Greatly", by Brene Brown.
 
No meeting was scheduled on April 21st since the District Conference was held on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th presided over by our District Governor and member, Pat Myers, who lead  a very impressive assembly of Rotarians. The conference provided a unique opportunity to see  new and different aspects of Rotary as well as  leaders and members from all over Ohio. Thanks to Pat, and to John, for all of the work towards making the conference such a success!
 
April 28th gave us an opportunity to hear Tim Dimoff, President and founder of SACS Consulting and Investigations. Tim is one of the nation's leading authorities in high-risk workplace and human resource issues, security, terrorism, and crime.  He is utilized as an expert witness in court cases and for media analysis about violent crimes and other security issues. He has been an expert commentator on CNN and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USAToday. The focus of Tim's presentation was a discussion of strategies to use to defuse and deal with difficult people. This informative presentation is available on our Facebook page.
 
We ended the meeting with our monthly segment of "What is Rotary?"   The annual shelter boxes project was reviewed with a decision by the members to support this worthwhile service project again by our individual donations. 
 

Looking ahead:

May 5th--11:45--Pat DeWine, Ohio Supreme Court Justice
 
May 12--5:30--No meeting.  Phil Leiter's social event at Zeppe's.
 
May 19th--11:45--Summer fun:  Phil Mikita, Friends of the Hudson Parks and Jay Hudson, Hudson                                 Farmers Market.
 
May 26th--Chris Banweg,  Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Recognition of Veterans.
 
Update on 2020 Cluster Project.  The Summit County North Cluster of Rotary Clubs acquired new wood-burning stoves and assisted in the removal and replacement of wood-burning stoves in the historic cabins at Camp Manatoc Scout Reservation.  The local benefactor is the Great Trail Council BSA.  Hudson Clocktower took the lead in initiation and completion of this project.  Thanks to Jake for his work in organizing and implementation of this cluster project.
 
Update on pollinator garden at Ellsworth Hill Elementary School.  The weeds have been pulled, ground tilled, and planting is to begin soon.
 
Creation of Veterans Multi-user Trail. Our club is supporting the creation of the Veterans Multi-user Trail led by the Trail Advocates of Summit County. The trail will connect our Hudson community with Stow, Cuyahoga Falls, Silver Lake and Akron. It will also provide a connection to the already established popular Hike and Bike Trail of the Summit Metro Parks. A letter of support will be sent to Bill Sepe and Ron Brubaker, Co-Directors of the Trail Advocates of Summit County, who will be speaking at an upcoming meeting.
 
I am looking forward to seeing you soon!
 
Cheryl