If you're looking for top quality yarns and fibers, look no further than Ross Farm Mercantile located at 46 Ravenna Street, Unit B7, in the Evaporator Works. Owner Amy Manko is a fifth generation expert who runs the store and online shopping. Her adult son Drew manages operations at The Ross Farm in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
 

"Drew handles everything 'on the hoof' and I handle everything 'off the hoof'," said Amy in an interview. 
 

In 1910, Frank L. Ross wanted to build a 'model farm' to practice the latest methods of animal husbandry and farm design. He built the Old Barn in 1911 for his bride, Margaret L. Condit Ross, who insisted that she have a proper house to live in. The farm now boasts a beautiful red brick American Four Square with dormers, a slate roof, and four grand white pillars.
 

The Ross Farm raises heritage breeds that produce yarns and fibers of the highest quality. "We shear the sheep and have it processed into yarns for knitters, crocheters, spinners and weavers," Amy added. "We sell those online and in the shop, and in the years before Covid, on the road across the country at fiber festivals."
 

Ross Farm Mercantile is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 3 and offers curbside pickup for those who prefer it. Or you can shop hundreds of products online to your heart's content at the Ross Farm online store.

I begin this month by sharing information from a recent news article which caught my attention about vaccines which included information about the importance of  Rotary in the fight to eradicate polio.   
 
The March of Dimes, founded by President Franklin Roosevelt, who was diagnosed with polio, funded development of the first polio vaccines, which were created in the 1950s.  Polio numbers in the U.S. fell off dramatically, with the last recorded case in 1979.
 
Around the world, infections were still widespread.  Rotary International and the United Nations established the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988.  The group aimed to make polio the second human disease after smallpox to be vanquished.  The alliance was joined later by more partners including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and it has provided more than $173 billion towards the eradication of polio. 
 
What did Rotary Hudson Clocktower do in February?
 
On February 3rd, we welcomed Lisa Sabol, President of the Leadership Hudson Board. As Leadership Hudson is the primary service project of our club, it was a good opportunity to get an update on the planning for the next class and changes being addressed by the Board.
 
We also heard from Cynthia Peeples from the Emergency Overnight Shelter in Akron, a service opportunity that was brought to our attention by 2020 Leadership Hudson class members, Melanie Johnson and Jenn Scheeser.   
 
For our member spotlight we heard from our President-elect John Laird about his business career that took him to many different locations.  
 
On February 10th, our book discussion group continued with a focus on the Malcolm Gladwell books, "Tipping Point" and "Blink".  Thanks to Jim Knauf and Kate Schlademan for leading this conversation where aspects of both books were highlighted including that people can be connectors or salespeople; but raised the questions of "What is the tipping point for our club?" and  "What are our broken windows--what do we need to fix?"
 
Books were selected for future months---March and April:  "Start with Why", by Simon Sinek; and  May: "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown.
 
On February 17th, we were fortunate to have as our speaker Donna Skosa, the Health Commissioner for Summit County. Donna reviewed various aspects of the Covid-19 vaccination process and other responsibilities of the Health District. 
 
We continued our monthly segment of "What is Rotary?" by Ted Olson sharing the details of the upcoming 4-way speech contest involving students from Hudson High School and Western Reserve Academy. The  WRA students will compete  on Thursday, March 11th at 8:00 p.m. Thanks to the Rotarians who have volunteered to be a judge.  All Rotarians are invited to observe the competition even if you are not a judge. The final competition will occur on April 7th at 7:30 a.m. Thanks Ted for organizing!
 
On February 24th, our member  and resident tax expert, Bob Drew presented the annual and popular tax update. Thanks to Bob for his work in providing a comprehensive overview of the tax changes in the past year!
 
During a club assembly, the following officers were elected for 2021-2022:
 
President:  John Laird
President-elect: Kate Schladerman
Co-President-elect:  Cheryl Maimona
Club Administrator:  Gerry Sawyer
Secretary:  Kathy Cybulski
Treasurer: Jake Jackson
Board member: Jim Knauf
Board member: Ted Olson
Board member: Gerry Sawyer
 
My best wishes to John as he continues the process of planning for his year as President which begins on July 1, 2021!
 
Also, during the club assembly, the 2020 Leadership Hudson class members were accepted into membership as associate members.  The formal induction of the members will occur on March 3rd.
 
Looking ahead...

 

Cheryl M.

Congratulations and thanks to Kristina Dooley, a member of the Leadership Hudson Alumni, for taking on this project for both Rotary and the Alumni Association to support the Hudson businesses. Great job!