Topic: Stark Community Foundation is playing a key role in the positive economic transformation of Stark County. The release of the Foundation’s report: Strengthening Stark has been a catalyst for a cross-sector collaboration to accelerate economic growth and increase access to opportunity for all residents in our community. Mark will discuss the evolution of the report, key facts and the progress happening currently on the county-wide economic plan.
Mark J. Samolczyk
President and CEO Stark Community Foundation
330-454-3426
msamolczyk@starkcf.org
As president and CEO of Stark Community Foundation, Mark is responsible for leading a team that partners with donors, families, professional advisors and organizations to assist them with their charitable goals. Under his leadership, the role of the Foundation has grown from a grantmaker to a community leader seeking long-term solutions to diverse community challenges. With more than $272 million in assets, Stark Community Foundation and its family of donors respond to local needs and challenges through carefully designed funds and programs.
Mark joined the Foundation in 2010, following a 30-year career at the Timken Company. While at Timken, his career encompassed a progression of management assignments in the United States, France, Mexico and Canada, culminating as senior vice president of corporate planning and development.
He is a board member of JumpStart, Team NEO, the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, The Fund for Our Economic Future, Community Building Partnership of Stark County, Inc., Stark Economic Development Board, the Downtown Canton Land Bank, and the Youngstown Diocesan Foundation.
A native of South Bend, IN, Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver and completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.
Stark Community Foundation is the community’s trusted partner in giving to nearly 750 individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits that have created charitable funds to impact the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. The Foundation and its family of donors have granted nearly $160 million to nonprofits since 1963. Learn more at www.starkcf.org.
During the April 20, 2018, Rotary meeting PDG/PP Dave Ewing introduced District Governor Mike Raulin, who then introduced some new Paul Harris Fellow recipients.
Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition is given in appreciation to anyone who contributes, outright or cumulatively- or in whose name is contributed- a gift of US $1000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, PolioPlus Partners or the Humanitarian Grants program. The recognition consists of a certificate and pin.
The following individuals were recognized with their initial Paul Harris Fellow:
Rotarian Robert K. Matthews
Susan Boggs (wife of Rotarian James Boggs)
Barbara Schrade (wife of Rotarian David Schrade)
The following Rotarians were recognized with their Paul Harris Fellow, contributed by an anonymous donor:
Teresa Barry
Rebecca Clark
Kim Kroh
Multiple Paul Harris Fellow (PHF+) recognition is extended at subsequent $1000 levels (e.g., $2,000, $3,000). Recognition consists of a pin with additional stones corresponding to the recipient's recognition amount level.
Recognition Total
Pin Level
US$2,000 to 2,999.99
one sapphire PHF+1
3,000 to 3,999.99
two sapphires PHF+2
4,000 to 4,999.99
three sapphires PHF+3
5,000 to 5,999.99
four sapphires PHF+4
6,000 to 6,999.99
five sapphires PHF+5
7,000 to 7,999.99
one ruby PHF+6
8,000 to 8,999.99
two rubies PHF+7
9,000 to 9,999.99
three rubies PHF+8
The following Rotarians received their Mutliple Paul Harris Fellow:
During the meeting on April 20, 2018, Rotarian Mike Brown introduced the McKinley High School Character Champion Award winners for April, Maria Hernandez and Ebrahim Ramadan Hassan.
MARIA HERNANDEZ
Maria came to Canton three years ago from Guatemala, at which point she had not completed any middle school courses in her native country. From the first moment at McKinley, she showed the desire to overcome all sorts of difficulties due to the language and academic barriers.
Maria did not speak any English, testing as Non-English Speaker; as a result, all the subjects and communication in the school were hard to digest. That did not deter her from being proactive, doing assignments in subjects like Algebra even though she had not had any basis in previous years. She always came with her homework done, at least trying to complete her assignments. As a teenager, she had her difficult moments but, in general, Maria was very respectful and followed school rules. For all three years of her years at McKinley, she earned awards for either Merit or Honor Roll, which is a certainly a great achievement, given her limited English proficiency.
Over these years, she has become academically strong and is a positive example for newly arrived English Learners as that population has increased. She has always been eager to help new students, guiding them through the school and helping them in classes.
Because of family issues, she was not supposed to finish High School, even though that was her dream. After arranging a meeting with the family, she was permitted to finish and happily started her Senior Year, obtaining the required GPA and finishing her Capstone Project, for which she put forth a great effort and went above and beyond to succeed.
Maria is a great example and role model for students in similar situations, demonstrating how to overcome difficulties and accomplish a dream.
EBRAHIM RAMADAN HASSAN
Ebrahim Ramadan Hassan is the epitome of determination, drive, and success. Ebrahim came to the United States to live with his mother and step-father in July 2016, and started at McKinley Senior High School in August 2016. In the span of one month, Ebrahim started at a new school, moved to a new home and country, and adjusted to a new environment, language, and culture. Ebrahim was determined to make the most of his situation and is always looking to reach his goals.
Ebrahim has lettered with the Varsity Soccer Team for the last two years and will complete the Business Management program through the Canton City Schools Career Technical Department. Ebrahim's ability to adapt and overcome any obstacle he faces is a true testament to his character and drive.
Ebrahim is well regarded by staff and students alike, and has truly become an integral part of McKinley Senior High School. Ebrahim will study Business at Walsh University, where he plans to walk on to try out for the Cavalier Soccer Team.
Ebrahim is indeed a Character Champion in every way. Congratulations, Ebrahim Ramadan Hassan!
The 2nd Annual “Uneventful” Raffle is here! Don’t miss out on your chance to win fabulous prizes. Grand prize is $500 cash! This low-maintenance fundraiser can bring in several thousand dollars to the club with minimal effort. All members need to do is sell tickets to family, friends and co-workers!
Tickets are available for $25. Members may take as many as they think they can sell. Winners do not have to be present to win.
The Second Drawing will be this Friday. We will hold drawings during our regular Friday meetings. Winners will be drawn each week and shown live on Facebook. The final “unevent” will take place on May 18 at the regular Rotary meeting.
Thank you to the Rotarians who stepped up and donated prizes to help make our event more successful!
Week 1 Prizes were awarded to the following:
Gift Certificate to Scott Talbot Salonspa ($50 value) - winner BILL LIBER Young Truck Sales Cooler filled with 18 craft beers (max value $50)- winner KEVIN HERAGHTY
Giant Eagle Gift Card ($50 value) - winner JOE NIAMTU Longhorn/Olive Garden Gift Card ($50 value) winner RICK TAYLOR Dioguardi’s Gift Card ($50 value) winner ERNIE SCHOTT 91.3 FM Swag Bag ($50 value) winner BILL LIBER
Week 2 Prizes will be awarded THIS FRIDAY, May 4th:
Canton Brewing Company Gift Card ($50 value) from Canton Brewing Company Kozmo’s Gift Card ($50 value) from Rick Taylor Handmade Jewelry by Paula Mastroianni ($65 value) from Paula Mastroianni Wine basket, 3 bottles of wine plus accessories ($70 value) from L. A. Dick Hall of Fame Football Store Gift Certificate ($75 value) from Bill Liber 1 quart of ice cream per month for a year ($78 value) from Taggarts
Week 3 Prizes: 1 pound of meat per month for a year ($84 value) from Kennedy’s Davies Drugs gift basket and gift card ($100 value) from Davies Drugs Amazon Gift Card ($100 value) from Amanda Berkeley Gift Bag from Canton City School Bulldogs ($100 value) from Canton City Schools Lowe’s Gift Card ($100 value) from Wallace Forge 2 tickets to Dave Matthews at Blossom ($120 value) from Q92
Week 4 Prizes: Air Conditioner Check ($125 value) from Miracle Plumbing Skating Party for 10 ($200 value) from Center Ice Men’s Titanium Diver’s Watch ($375 value) from Julz 6 month family YMCA Regional Membership ($423 value) from Eric Snow YMCA $500 in cash
At the meeting on Friday, April 20, 2018, President Amanda Tietze welcomed the 54 members and 12 guests to the meeting. President Amanda informed everyone that they would be receiving Taggart's butter pecan ice cream compliments of Rotarians Tom Sinclair (April 23) and Rabbi Jon Adland (April 22), in celebration of their April birthdays. Also wishing Sinclair and Adland a "Happy Birthday" was Rotarian Frank Fleischer, who provided cupcakes for the members.
Rotarian Bill Maddox gave the Invocation.
Secretary Suzette Matthews welcomed the following guests to the meeting: Debbie Rundlett (speaker); Ebrahim Ramadan Hassen (Character Champ); Isam Alziq, Heba Alhadad (guests of Ebrahim Hassen); Maria Hernandez (Character Champ); Santos Hernandez and Pilar Caslellanos (guests of Maria Hernandez); David Kliem (McKinley H.S. Administrator); Dee Matthews (wife of Robert K. Matthews); Susan Boggs (wife of James Boggs); District Governor Mike Raulin (Canfield Rotarian); Anthony Nacarato (Canfield Rotarian).
Suzette then provided a brief update on the "Pack the Bus Run, Run, Run-Raiser". Suzette thanked her fellow Canton Rotarians for their support. She was able to raise $404 during the April 6th meeting and $453 during the April 13th meeting. Containers were available at the attendance table for anyone who might want to contribute (*Editors Note: The donation for the April 20th meeting was $146.46)
Rotarian Mike Brown introduced the April Character Champs, Maria Hernandez and Ebrahim Ramadan Hassan. (*See story above).
PDG/PP David Ewing and DG Mike Raulin presented the Paul Harris Fellow and Paul Harris Fellow+ recipients. (*See story above).
April Program Chair Chris Burt then introduced his speaker for the meeting, Debbie Rundlett, speaking on "Leader as Poet & Prophet".
President Amanda then concluded the meeting with the following announcements:
next week's speaker will be Mark Salmoczyk speaking on "Strengthening Stark County";
please purchase your Unevent Raffle tickets;
the Health Screen would be taking place the following day, Saturday, April 21st;
the District Conference will take place on May 10th and 11th;
congratulations to Maria and Ebrahim as the April Character Count Champs;
congratulations to the PHF and PHF+ recipients.
The following Executive Board members will receive a makeup for the April 17, 2018 meeting: President Amanda Tietze, President Elect Michelle Mullaly, Vice President Mark Rojek, Secretary Suzette Matthews, Treasurer Tom Clevenger and Drew Pelger.
The following Rotarian turned in a makeup: Mark Clendenin (Jackson).
Mark J. Samolczyk
During the April 20, 2018, Rotary meeting PDG/PP Dave Ewing introduced District Governor Mike Raulin, who then introduced some new Paul Harris Fellow recipients..jpg)
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Maria came to Canton three years ago from Guatemala, at which point she had not completed any middle school courses in her native country. From the first moment at McKinley, she showed the desire to overcome all sorts of difficulties due to the language and academic barriers.
Ebrahim Ramadan Hassan is the epitome of determination, drive, and success. Ebrahim came to the United States to live with his mother and step-father in July 2016, and started at McKinley Senior High School in August 2016. In the span of one month, Ebrahim started at a new school, moved to a new home and country, and adjusted to a new environment, language, and culture. Ebrahim was determined to make the most of his situation and is always looking to reach his goals. 
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At the meeting on Friday, April 20, 2018, President Amanda Tietze welcomed the 54 members and 12 guests to the meeting. President Amanda informed everyone that they would be receiving Taggart's butter pecan ice cream compliments of Rotarians Tom Sinclair (April 23) and Rabbi Jon Adland (April 22), in celebration of their April birthdays. Also wishing Sinclair and Adland a "Happy Birthday" was Rotarian Frank Fleischer, who provided cupcakes for the members..png)
