The August 28, 2023 meeting of the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary was held at the dining table of McCumbers-Brady Realty, with a nearly full house of members and guests Kim Bass–speaker, and Jamie Loew–of Middlefield Banking Company.
There was a brief report on the arrival of the new Rotary Exchange student, Sarra Masters and her activities at Rotary camp. Also, there is a renewed interest in finding local students to be outbound exchange students. There has been good communication all along this process.
Also a word or two on membership issues–recruitment and retention–with new software becoming available. The mural project is ongoing, with discussion about a proposed scene, cost estimates, clean-up work, consultation with the muralist, location of a Rotary logo. All of this must be approved by September 16. Possible expansion to the sides of the structure at a later date.
The Reverse Raffle is looming. Date is set for November 1. The caterer is onboard, with only a slight price rise–very reasonable. Sponsors, donors and supporters will be sought once again; lists are going out.
Program for the meeting was presented by Kim Bass, who spoke on her work in teaching and doing sign language, specifically American Sign Language, as sign language modes are specific to nationality. She began pursuing this from an early age, was encouraged by a specific teacher, and went on to the University of Akron, where she has worked in ASL programs for many years… and many venues outside the academic. ASL can be taught from the age of 3 months to 12 years, and can actually assist in learning for those outside the deaf community. It has also had an impact assist brought about by the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) and its effect on many populations.
