Courtney Brown and Aaron Brown from Habitat for Humanity will speak on Habitat and the Harrisburg-Royal Neighborhood. This will be the Rotary Club of Canton's Park Project.
COURTNEY BROWN
Courtney Brown is a Canton, Ohio native. She received her Bachelor in Science from Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. In 2010, Courtney began working for a health care agency in Cleveland, Ohio. However, it was during her time as a youth leader and teacher at her church that she felt the desire to help those in need. She spent a couple of years serving families in the Greater Cleveland area as they strived to live better lives. In May 2013, Courtney accepted the job as Family Partnership Director at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Stark and Carroll Counties (now known as Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio). During her time as the Family Partnership Director, she has had the opportunity to attend a Global Village trip to El Salvador, teach workshops at the Ohio State Conference on family applications, partnerships and mortgage management, and facilitate a workshop on holistic leadership at the Young Leaders Conference for Habitat International. In November 2015, Courtney accepted the position as the Ministry Operations Manager for the affiliate and is currently working with staff who seek to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.
AARON BROWN
A Canton native, Aaron Brown has been involved in the not-for-profit world most of his life. Aaron’s father was the Executive Director of the American Cancer Society where Aaron spent many hours volunteering with specific projects, programs, and events. It was through these experiences that a foundation of community development was laid. Aaron’s community development career has ranged from leadership positions within churches in Los Angeles and Ohio to targeted neighborhood revitalization. Currently, Aaron is the Director of Neighborhood Investment with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio. Within his role he oversees the acquisition and development of buildable land, and the preservation and renewal of existing housing structures. Aaron is also responsible for the development and implementation of strategic plans, programs, and projects that effectively improve the quality of life of residents in Habitat neighborhoods of focus. Throughout every endeavor, Aaron continues to educate the community on the Habitat for Humanity mission of ending poverty housing through simple, decent, and affordable homes. This position allows him to marry his passion for helping people and building solid relationships among professionals across civic and non-profit organizations, as well as direct involvement with the community. Aaron is also an actor, with over 25 years of theatrical and film experience. He is a city of Canton resident, a husband of 17 years, and a father of 3 boys.
On Tuesday, February 28, 2017, the Rotary Club of Canton met for a Fellowship Outing at the Canton Brewing Company. The event was attended by 18 Rotarians, plus a number of spouses, friends and relatives. President Elect Michelle Mullaly, with the assistance of President Craig Young, began the Grand Prize drawing for the "Unevent" Raffle around 6 p.m. Vice President Amanda Tietze took pictures of the event and posted to the Rotary Club of Canton's Facebook page.
President Craig drew the following winning tickets:
The winner of 4 tickets and a parking pass to a Cleveland Cavaliers game was Cheryl Stefaniak. Cheryl works at Smith, Barta & Company and her winning ticket was sold to her by Rotarian Dave Schrade.
Cheryl was also the winner of the $500.00 cash prize, as she was lucky enough to have her winning ticket once again drawn by President Craig Young.
Cheryl was presented with her Raffle prizes by Rotarian Dave Schrade.
The following Rotarians will receive a makeup for attending the Fellowship Outing: President Craig Young, Vice President Amanda Tietze, President Elect (and Chairman of the "Unevent" Raffle) Michelle Mullaly, Ernie Schott, Mark Rojek, Theresa Blocher, David Schrade, Shawn Dougherty, Drew Pelger, Larry Pitts, Bruce Schorsten, PP Paul White, PP Curt Werren, PP Rick Taylor, Mark Clendenin, Tim Furbay, Dean Wallace and PP Fritz Spring.
At our weekly meeting on March 3, 2017, Rotarian David Roberts (sponsor) introduced our newest member, Dennis Dent, to the Rotary Club of Canton.
William Dennis Dent was born and bred in Canton, a product of Plain Local Schools, attending Oakwood/GlenOak High School and graduating early in 1977.
His first job was with Mohler Lumber in 1975 as an architectural draftsman. He designed over 500 homes in Stark County, mostly in Bob O Link with Paul Weber and Fred Tobin in Jackson Township.
In 1978 the construction business softened. That same year, Dennis started AirFasco, a manufacturer of products for the aircraft industry that performs that function to this day. As Dennis says, "We still make things in America".
Instead of retiring in 2006, Dennis purchased one of his vendors, Brite Metal, a heat treating facility in Cleveland.
In 2013, Dennis met South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, now US Ambassador to the United Nations. They met at the Paris Airshow where Haley was pitching Ohio-based businesses to move to her state. Dennis then started his third company, Palmetto Aero, located in Walterboro, South Carolina.
Dennis is a resident of Walterboro, South Carolina and Hartville, Ohio. He has two adult children and one grandchild. He was a Plain Township Rotarian for 6 years from 1995-2001.
Dennis is a pilot first and a businessman second and flies each week back and forth from Ohio to South Carolina.
E. Jason McCoy, age 93, died Wednesday, March 1, 2017. He had lived in Canton and Atwood Lake before moving to Seminole, Florida in 2007, earned a BA from Kenyon College where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Theta Phi and a MBA from Harvard University. Jason retired in 1988 from J.B. McCoy & Son as President after 42 years of service. He was a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and past Deacon, Rotary Club of Canton where he served as Parliamentarian, Trustee and Past President and the Canton YMCA for 60 years where he received the Golden Triangle Award, served as a Trustee and past President of International Association of Y’s Men’s Clubs. Formerly active in Canton Wholesalers Association as President, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce as Trustee, United Way of Canton as Trustee, Chairman of the Commerce Division and 28 years of volunteering on the annual appeal, Buckeye Council BSA as Vice President and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, Canton Better Business Bureau as Trustee and Junior Achievement of Stark County as President. Jason was a retired Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy having served during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. Survived by his wife of 72 years, Janet L. McCoy, daughter and son-in-law, Marjorie and Robert Mapes of Canal Winchester, sons and daughters-in-law, Eric “Rick” and Debbie McCoy of Westerville and Bradley and Dawn McCoy of Charlottesville, Virginia, grandchildren, Kris (Andrea) and Aimee Mapes and E. Jason, Jenna, Bryan and Kayleigh McCoy, great-grandchild Ian Mapes, and sister-in-law, Mary Lou McCoy. Preceded in death by a sister, Jeanne Anne Delor and brother, Don W. McCoy. Friends may call on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. at the Lamiell Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Baker officiating. Private burial in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rotary Club of Canton Endowment Fund or the YMCA of Central Stark County Endowment Fund.
Frank Lavin, former US Ambassador to Singapore and Under Secretary of Commerce, will speak on his book 'Home Front to Battlefront' Tuesday, March 21st. The free program, sponsored by the Stark County Library, will be at the Palace Theater.
The event starts with a meet and greet at 5:00 pm, with Lavin's talk at 6:30. This will be followed by a question and answer session and a book signing. The book, 'HF2BF', is based on letters sent by Lavin's father and former Canton Rotarian, Carl Lavin, during WWII. The book's foreword is by Henry Kissinger.
This past Saturday March 4, 2017, a crack team of Canton Rotarians bowled in the annual Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon at Park Centre Lanes. Participating were Rotarians Drew Pelger, Shawn Dougherty, Mark Rojek and his wife Annetta, and Rick Taylor. PP Dan Matthews was there to jeer.....I mean CHEER....on the bowlers. A good time was had by all.
Although scores were kept, the final results are not currently available (Russian hacking is suspected)!
The Canton Rotary team was able to raise over $900 in pledges to JA, thereby winning the Rotary JA Bowl-A-Thon Challenge, 'defeating' the Rotary teams from North Canton and Jackson Township. We anticipate a $50 donation to our Canton Rotary Charitable fund, to be used for scholarship purposes.
Rotarian Mark Rojek sinks to a new low in an attempt to get a strike at the JA Bowl-A-Thon Saturday.
The Rotary office received a "Thank You" letter from Carol Lichtenwalter, Executive Director of Pegasus Farm, dated February 27, 2017. Carol writes:
"Dear Canton Rotary Charitable Fund -- Thank you very much for your generous donation of $5,000.00 to support the Military Family Center project. Pegasus Farm is very honored to be a partner with your Rotary Club for this important project.
Because of donations such as yours, Pegasus Farm continues to grow through our various equestrian, adult day services and veterans' programs. Please visit our website at www.pegasusfarm.org for more detailed information.
We thank you for helping us honor our commitment to empower people to "soar on Pegasus' wings". We - and all of those we serve - are truly thankful for your kindness and support of our mission."
At our weekly meeting on March 3, 2017, President Craig Young welcomed the members and guests to the meeting. President Craig presented the members with the following club information: The Rotary Club of Canton has several rooms available for this year's RI Convention in Atlanta, Georgia on June 10-14. If you are interested in obtaining a hotel room for the convention you MUST inform Lauri by the end of the day (Friday, March 3).
President Craig announced he was very happy to welcome back Rotarian Jan Baker. Jan has been dealing with health issues and was finally feeling well enough to attend one of our meetings. President Craig then asked the members to keep the family of fellow Rotarian and Past President (73-74) E. Jason McCoy in their thoughts and prayers. Jason passed away recently (please see a copy of PP Jason's obituary above). President Craig then stated not only was there a card for Jason's family, but also a "Thinking of You" card for Rotarian Pat Gannon who is dealing with some health issues himself.
Rotarian Kurt Goodenberger then gave the Invocation.
Secretary Suzette Matthews welcomed the following guests to the meeting: Mike Gardner (guest of Steve Fettman); Theresa Thomas (Plain Twp Rotarian); Penni Ewing (guest of David Ewing); Matthew Franta (guest of Tim Franta); PDG Meena Patel (Plain Twp Rotarian); Ashleigh Abrigg (guest of John DeWees).
The "Happy Bucks" news was then provided by the following:
$1: PP Rick Taylor - in celebration of actually having some $1 bills on him;
$1: Tim Franta - in celebration of a recent good bill of health;
$1: Shawn Doughterty - in recognition of the Canton Charge Event on March 14th. Sign up and enjoy!
$2: Theresa Thomas (Plain) - in celebration of her friend, Ashleigh Abrigg, joining the Canton Rotary Club (*Editor's note - Ashleigh will be introduced to the Club next week by her sponsor John DeWees);
$1: PDG Meena Patel - in recognition of her return to the U.S. after being in India for 3 months and seeing many Rotary projects, some of which Canton Rotary has supported financially;
$2: Robert K. Matthews - in recognition of Frank Lavin (deceased Canton Rotarian Carl Lavin's son) who will have a book event at the Canton Palace on March 21, 2017 (*Please see story above); Robert also wanted to give recognition of the Rotary Health & Wellness Event on April 29, 2017. Please mark your calendar for this event;
$1: Jerry Ortman - in celebration of he and his wife's 31st wedding anniversary and their celebration in Puerto Vallarta and Texas;
$2: President Craig Young - in celebration of both Jan Baker's and Bob Myers' attendance at the meeting; welcome back!
$1: PP Bob Carr - in celebration of Jan Baker's attendance at the meeting.
President Craig then took the opportunity to update the members on the Fellowship Event/"Unevent" Raffle Grand Prize drawing which took place on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at The Canton Brewing Company. There were 18 Rotarians, plus a number of spouses and guests, in attendance. President Craig said he drew the winning tickets and informed the members that Cheryl Stefaniak won not only the 4 Cavs tickets but the $500 Cash as well (*Please see story above);
Rotarian David Roberts (sponsor) then took to the podium to introduce the newest member to Canton Rotary, Dennis Dent (*Please see story above for Dennis' Biography);
President Elect Amanda Tietze then informed the members of a pending change of venue for the Club meeting site. She stated that Rotarian Greg Triner and his wife, Joyce, would be enjoying retirement soon by selling Meyer's Lake Ballroom. As part of the effort to find a future new site, Amanda informed the members of an upcoming "offsite" meeting on Friday, March 24th. The Canton Rotary meeting that day will be at the Krassas Event Center on 25th and Harvard;
Speaker Chairwoman Rebecca Marchino introduced the speaker, Don Ake, comedian and author of "Just Make Me a Sammich - Absurd Observations from a Wild Mind";
President Craig concluded the meeting by announcing next week's speakers, Courtney Brown and Aaron Brown, from Habitat for Humanity, speaking about Habitat and the Harrisburg-Royal Neighborhood, where the Canton Rotary's Park Project will be located. He then reminded everyone about the upcoming "Canton Night at the Charge" on Tuesday, March 14th.
As a reminder to every Rotarian, the District 6650 Conference will be held on April 7-8 at the Avalon Inn in Warren. Please go online to register for this event. **You may follow the LINK in the above story to get to the Registration page. The Rotary Club of Canton would like to have a good showing of Canton Rotarians at this event!
The following Rotarian turned in makeups: PDG/PP Bob Pattison (4-Cocoa Beach Sunrise, FL).
Be prepared to welcome spring at the 2017 District 6650 Conference on April 7th and 8that Northeast Ohio’s fabulous destination location, the Avalon Inn and Resort in Warren, Ohio.
A stellar program that features, fun, fellowship and inspiration has been planned with you in mind.
No boring speeches, no long-winded presentations, no mind-numbing programs! Just a fun and fast-moving day and a-half where we enjoy each other’s company, have some fun, and learn something along the way. All of this at a reasonable price.
To view a hard copy of this year's District Conference registration form, click on this LINK
To register for this year's District Conference, click on this LINK
Courtney Brown is a Canton, Ohio native. She received her Bachelor in Science from Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. In 2010, Courtney began working for a health care agency in Cleveland, Ohio. However, it was during her time as a youth leader and teacher at her church that she felt the desire to help those in need. She spent a couple of years serving families in the Greater Cleveland area as they strived to live better lives. In May 2013, Courtney accepted the job as Family Partnership Director at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Stark and Carroll Counties (now known as Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio). During her time as the Family Partnership Director, she has had the opportunity to attend a Global Village trip to El Salvador, teach workshops at the Ohio State Conference on family applications, partnerships and mortgage management, and facilitate a workshop on holistic leadership at the Young Leaders Conference for Habitat International. In November 2015, Courtney accepted the position as the Ministry Operations Manager for the affiliate and is currently working with staff who seek to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. 
A Canton native, Aaron Brown has been involved in the not-for-profit world most of his life. Aaron’s father was the Executive Director of the American Cancer Society where Aaron spent many hours volunteering with specific projects, programs, and events. It was through these experiences that a foundation of community development was laid. Aaron’s community development career has ranged from leadership positions within churches in Los Angeles and Ohio to targeted neighborhood revitalization. Currently, Aaron is the Director of Neighborhood Investment with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio. Within his role he oversees the acquisition and development of buildable land, and the preservation and renewal of existing housing structures. Aaron is also responsible for the development and implementation of strategic plans, programs, and projects that effectively improve the quality of life of residents in Habitat neighborhoods of focus. Throughout every endeavor, Aaron continues to educate the community on the Habitat for Humanity mission of ending poverty housing through simple, decent, and affordable homes. This position allows him to marry his passion for helping people and building solid relationships among professionals across civic and non-profit organizations, as well as direct involvement with the community. Aaron is also an actor, with over 25 years of theatrical and film experience. He is a city of Canton resident, a husband of 17 years, and a father of 3 boys. 
William Dennis Dent was born and bred in Canton, a product of Plain Local Schools, attending Oakwood/GlenOak High School and graduating early in 1977.
E. Jason McCoy, age 93, died Wednesday, March 1, 2017. He had lived in Canton and Atwood Lake before moving to Seminole, Florida in 2007, earned a BA from Kenyon College where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Theta Phi and a MBA from Harvard University. Jason retired in 1988 from J.B. McCoy & Son as President after 42 years of service. He was a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and past Deacon, Rotary Club of Canton where he served as Parliamentarian, Trustee and Past President and the Canton YMCA for 60 years where he received the Golden Triangle Award, served as a Trustee and past President of International Association of Y’s Men’s Clubs. Formerly active in Canton Wholesalers Association as President, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce as Trustee, United Way of Canton as Trustee, Chairman of the Commerce Division and 28 years of volunteering on the annual appeal, Buckeye Council BSA as Vice President and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, Canton Better Business Bureau as Trustee and Junior Achievement of Stark County as President. Jason was a retired Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy having served during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. Survived by his wife of 72 years, Janet L. McCoy, daughter and son-in-law, Marjorie and Robert Mapes of Canal Winchester, sons and daughters-in-law, Eric “Rick” and Debbie McCoy of Westerville and Bradley and Dawn McCoy of Charlottesville, Virginia, grandchildren, Kris (Andrea) and Aimee Mapes and E. Jason, Jenna, Bryan and Kayleigh McCoy, great-grandchild Ian Mapes, and sister-in-law, Mary Lou McCoy. Preceded in death by a sister, Jeanne Anne Delor and brother, Don W. McCoy. Friends may call on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. at the Lamiell Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Baker officiating. Private burial in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rotary Club of Canton Endowment Fund or the YMCA of Central Stark County Endowment Fund..jpg)
.jpg)
The Rotary office received a "Thank You" letter from Carol Lichtenwalter, Executive Director of Pegasus Farm, dated February 27, 2017. Carol writes:.jpg)
At our weekly meeting on March 3, 2017, President Craig Young welcomed the members and guests to the meeting. President Craig presented the members with the following club information: The Rotary Club of Canton has several rooms available for this year's RI Convention in Atlanta, Georgia on June 10-14. If you are interested in obtaining a hotel room for the convention you MUST inform Lauri by the end of the day (Friday, March 3)..png)
Be prepared to welcome spring at the 2017 District 6650 Conference on April 7th and 8that Northeast Ohio’s fabulous destination location, the Avalon Inn and Resort in Warren, Ohio.