The Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club held its meeting on September 30, 2024, with a focus on final preparations for the much-anticipated dedication of the Tom Collins Rotary Memorial Walking Trail. The event will take place on October 6, 2024, at the South Street (Bill Phelps) Park, starting at 4:30 p.m.
A large turnout is expected, with attendees set to enjoy balloon arches, luminarias, speakers, food, and a strong sense of community spirit as the walking trail is officially opened. The dedication will also see the attendance of local dignitaries and media representatives to mark this significant milestone. Supporters, including the Portage Developmental Disabilities Board and other contributors, will be recognized for their roles in making this project possible. There may also be opportunities for attendees to sign up for additional contributions, such as sponsoring memorial benches along the trail.
In other club news, sponsorships for the annual Reverse Raffle fundraiser are still open, and interested groups are encouraged to participate in this popular community-centered event. It promises to be an evening filled with socializing and fun for all. Don’t miss your chance to hop on the “Rotary Train” for this cause!
The Middlefield Banking Company will hold its Community Appreciation Day on October 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., aligning perfectly with the Garfield Homecoming celebrations. This is an excellent opportunity for the community to connect and celebrate.
Additionally, Jim Irwin shared that the semi-annual roadside clean-up may soon become a collaborative project with the local Boy Scouts and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). More details will be announced as plans develop.
As always, the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club stands ready to assist with the HopeTown Project, and members continue to support this initiative.
The meeting concluded with the “Happy Bucks” segment, where members shared moments of gratitude, including celebrating a rainy birthday, good weekends, preparations for the trail dedication, medical preparations, safety, the experiences of a popular Crestwood exchange student, and Windham football. It’s clear that good things are happening in the community!
