The Rotary Club of Garrettsville-Hiram met on December 12, 2016 with a good turn-out of members to hear from three representatives of the James A. Garfield Middle School Power of the Pen team…and their coach, language arts teacher Jackie Lovelace.  The students—Grace Edwards, Isabella Folio and Jacob Fergis read from their recent compositions (“Unicorns and Horses”, “Secret Symbols”, and “The Pit”, respectively) and showed just how valuable the program is in developing good writers.  The local Rotary club sponsors the district competition held at James A. Garfield Middle School—coming up next year on January 14…money well-spent.  Impressive work.

Also on the docket was the finalization of plans for the Christmas party coming up on December 19 at the home of Carol and Al Donley.  White elephant gifts to go!

Speaking of which—any gifts to be delivered by the Rotary’s special friend, Santa Claus, on December 23, should be dropped off and arrangements made at The Business Works or McCumbers-Brady Realty, Main St., Garrettsville.  The service is free but any donations for the effort will go to support the People Tree, which operates all year ’round.

Guest at the meeting was Steve Zabor of the Mantua-Shalersville Rotary Club, who, with G-H Rotary president, Delores McCumbers, will be traveling to India next year to mark National Immunization Day, as part of the major role played by Rotary clubs worldwide in the campaign to eliminate polio.  The goal is in sight; many nations have recorded no cases for extended periods.  This is one more step on the way.  Pictures will surely be coming.

Closing the meeting with good thoughts and events in the community were mentions of the undefeated record of the Garfield girls basketball team, the excellent showing of the Quiz Bowl team at the recent TRASH Tournament, and an invitation to travel to Kirtland (after the snow gets plowed a little) to view the annual presentation of over 1000 Nativity scenes by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at their cultural/historical/community center in the village of Kirtland.  It is an amazing and inspiring sight.

Iva Walker

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Anton Albert Photography