Bob Maver called the meeting to order at 7:34 a.m. We had a brief invocation by Joe Kraft followed by the pledge of allegiance and our 4-way test. Those attending remotely, Terri Speck, Joe Kraft, Patty Zinn, Amy Kubacki, Dr Goggin, Kevin Kranz, Doug Laughton, Lucy Hill, Herb Hoppe, on site; Marybeth Whalen, Ben Altemus, Andrew Mangels, Bob Maver, Michael O’Donnell, Jim Strunk, Joe Hudak and John Hannah.
Our Guest speaker was Michael Pinto from the FBI. Special Agent Pinto gave a brief history, growing up in Willowick attending Wright State and Cleveland State before being accepted to the FBI. Agent Pinto was assigned to Washing Bureau with the violent crimes unit for 10 years before coming back to Cleveland with his wife and three boys.
He highlighted the fact that there are 36,800 active agents, however only 13,600 are special agents able to carry firearms. The Cleveland office has 180 active agents that cover northern Ohio and highlighted the 4 major areas within the bureau:
- Counter Terrorism – primarily to proactively dismantle and disrupt terrorist cells and work closely with state and local law enforcement.
- Cyber Security – A growing area for criminal activity that includes ransom ware and spy ware.
- Criminal – with increasing bank robberies, gang squads and organized crime
- Special Agents – react to violent crimes, evidence investigations; work with other federal agencies US Marshals, Secret Service and CIA.
A question and answer included requirements for becoming an agent, financial background, four-year degree and 2 years experience working in a professional capacity. Areas of recent concern today are schools due to students influenced by social media and depression. Agent Pinto said if you “see something say something” can prevent a tragic issue and help in active criminal and terrorist investigations.
Bob Maver reviewed active items: art fest sponsors, the upcoming speech contest at the Westlake Board Of Education Building on March 22 at 6:00p.m. and need for a host family for a foreign exchange student. Terri reminded everyone of the blanket project February 28 at the WPPL at 6:00 p.m. to assemble blankets for foster children. In addition, we will also be assembling binders for “Connecting For Kids” the same night.
Andrew reported that we have approximately 26 artists for the Art Festival so far and our goal is to secure 60 artists. He will have note cards with Art Fest information that our members can distribute for potential artists. He also reported that Meredith from the Village Project was looking for donations for their upcoming fundraiser March 25th. Dr Goggin suggested members could get a table for $1,000 and share the costs as an option. Terri suggested that members of the donation committee meet and make a recommendation for the next board meeting.
We had time for a happy buck and Bob adjourned the meeting on time at 8:30 a.m. Nice Job Bob.
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