01-28 Board Meeting

Rotary Club of Westlake Bay Village - Consolidated Meeting Notes

Transcription Summary from Audio Recording (Full notes available upon request.)

OPENING & CLUB BUSINESS

The meeting opened with Rotary protocol, including the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and the Four-Way Test. Several prospective members have now attended three meetings. A club vote is scheduled for next week, with new member installation anticipated for the last Wednesday of the month, pending scheduling availability.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25am after a round of Happy Bucks. 

Attendees: Amy Kubacki, Andrew Mangels, Glenn Fehribach, Gary Lydrickson, Brian Moran, Patty Zinn, Lisa Hebert, Kevin Krantz, Justin Hein, Wayne Neiman (Zoom), Jim Strunk, John Hanna, Joe Hudak, Tim Opsitnik (Zoom), Terri Speck, Jeff Appel

1. Executive Summary:

This document consolidates notes from several Rotary Club meetings, covering board business, financial reviews, and service project planning. The club celebrated the induction of three new members (Glenn, Gary, and Brian) and anticipated another (Shane). Financially, the board reviewed year-end reports for both the operating club account and the ~$370,000 Corely Foundation, which funds charitable giving. Fundraising performance was discussed, noting the success of the Art Fest and Golf Outing, but highlighting the declining profitability of the Rose Sale, which requires a strategic review. A proposed budget for 2026 was presented but the vote was postponed for member review. In service project discussions, the club brainstormed new proprietary initiatives, such as assisting seniors with home upkeep and visiting residents in assisted living, moving beyond just supporting other organizations. Updates were provided on existing partnerships, including a district grant-funded pre-diabetes testing program with St. John’s Medical Center and a potential donation to the Shrouded Veterans organization. The need for a centralized service project calendar was identified to improve member engagement and planning.

2. Key Action Items/Commitments:

• Review the 2026 Budget: Look over the budget document once Jim circulates it via email. Be prepared to discuss any questions or concerns at the next meeting, where a vote for approval will be held.

• Complete the Doodle Poll: Fill out the Doodle poll for the upcoming Art Fest  meeting to ensure maximum attendance.

• Challenge new members to provide feedback on the membership packet. Ask Glenn, Gary, and Brian for suggestions on how to make the packet more specific to the club’s activities.

• Dedicate a future meeting to service projects. Plan a session to brainstorm and decide on new projects.

• Send a note and picture to District Governor Bob O’Bourne. Inform him of the club’s growth with the new member induction.

• Summary of discussion points:

  • Assistant Governor Andrew led the formal induction ceremony for three new members: Brian, Gary, and Glenn.

  • Andrew recited the object of Rotary, the four-way test, and the official charge to the new members.

  • Membership packets containing general Rotary information and club items were distributed.

  • It was announced that another new member, Shane (Katie’s husband), will be officially inducted in February.

• Decisions made:

  • Brian, Gary, and Glenn were officially inducted as new members of the Rotary Club of Westlake Bay Village.

• Action items/commitments and assigned owners:

  • New Members (Brian, Gary, Glenn): Review the new member packet and provide feedback on how to improve it with club-specific information.

• Summary of discussion points:
  • Club Account: Jim presented the year-end report for the operating club account, which is funded by dues and covers administrative costs. The report was approved.
  • Corely Foundation: The foundation’s investment account was valued at approximately $370,000. It is a 501(c)(3) that funds the club’s charitable work through investment earnings (approx. $17,000 last year).
  • Fundraising Review:

    • Art Fest: Netted ~$18,000.

    • Golf Outing: Netted ~$5,200, down from the previous year.

    • Rose Sale: Profitability dropped by half to ~$2,500. The group agreed the strategy needs re-evaluation as sales are mostly internal.

  • Proposed 2026 Budget: Jim provided a high-level overview. Projections include $18k from Art Fest, $8k from the Golf Outing, and about $1.5K from the Rose Sale. The proposed budget would require drawing ~$5.8K from reserves, plus an additional $2,500 for Wayne’s project expenses.
• Decisions made:

  • The board approved the treasurer’s report for the Rotary Club account.

  • The vote to approve the 2026 budget was postponed until the next meeting to allow members time for review.

• Action items/commitments and assigned owners:

  • Jim: Send financial reports and the proposed 2026 budget to all members, including new ones.

  • Jim: Provide Lisa with the list of members who have paid their dues.

  • Jim: Contact Kevin Walker regarding his annual donation for the speech contest.

  • Jim: Update the budget with omitted grant expenses and resolve an old credit card charge.

  • Lisa: Coordinate with Pat to update the status of new members and create a new distribution list.

  • Meeting Topics: Schedule a future meeting to discuss and re-organize the Rose Sale strategy.

  • All Members: Review the 2026 budget document before the next meeting.

• Summary of discussion points:

  • Brainstorming: The club discussed creating its own “sweat equity” projects, such as helping seniors with home/yard upkeep or visiting lonely residents in assisted living facilities. The idea of asking the cities of Westlake and Bay Village directly for their greatest needs was supported.

  • Partnerships: Lisa noted the Rotary Club of Cleveland welcomes participation in their projects. Other potential partners discussed were the Redeemer Crisis Center, the Food Bank, and the Village Project.

  • St. John’s Medical Center: Wayne updated the club on the partnership for pre-diabetes testing, funded by a $5,000 district grant. St. John’s is finalizing its outreach calendar.

  • Immediate Opportunity: Patty announced a volunteer need on February 17th to serve a community meal at North Olstead United Methodist Church.

  • Organization: A new member’s question highlighted the lack of a central service project calendar, which leadership acknowledged as a needed improvement.

• Decisions made:

  • The club will actively explore new, self-directed service project ideas.

  • A $300 donation to the Shrouded Veterans organization was approved by the board.

• Action items/commitments and assigned owners:

  • Amy: Contact the Westlake Community Services Center to explore partnership opportunities.

  • Patty: Investigate opportunities for visiting residents in local assisted living facilities.

  • Patty: Confirm the number of volunteers needed for the Feb 17th community meal.

  • Wayne: Schedule Paul from St. John’s to speak to the club, and share the event calendar when available.

  • Jeff: Check with Diane at the Redeemer Crisis Center about volunteer needs.

  • Jim: Work on getting the district director to send out youth protection letters.

  • Volunteer needed: A member from Bay Village is needed to contact their city’s community services to inquire about needs.

  • All Members: Bring ideas for new service projects to future discussions.

• Summary of discussion points:

  • Speakers (Justin): The speaker schedule is filled into April, but suggestions are still welcome.

  • Art Fest Meeting: Members were urged to complete a Doodle poll to schedule the next planning meeting.

• Action items/commitments and assigned owners:

  • All Members: Send speaker suggestions to Justin.

  • All Members: Complete the Doodle poll for the Art Fest meeting.

3. Detailed Breakdown by Topic:

Topic 1: New Member Induction

Topic 2: Financials & Budget Review

Topic 3: Service Project Planning & Updates

Topic 4: General Club Business & Committee Updates