AKRON EAST HIGH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC.
MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
ATTENDING: Michelle Anderson, Larry Bond, Marsha Bond, Chuck Hayes, Dave Hoff, Sharon Kerechanin, Michael Lamp, Ken Larson, Mike Nickolich, Mike Oliver, Michelle Sibbio, Janet Stanley, Don Young
ABSENT: Marcia Gantz, Rochelle Henderson
President M. Oliver called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
SECRETARY’S REPORT (M. ANDERSON)
C. Hayes moved and K. Larson seconded, the acceptance of August minutes as presented.
TREASURER’S REPORT (L.BOND)
Financial Report – All PNC accounts reconciled on Quicken and Excel 2024 Budget Sheet updated for all expenses and incomes by category.
- Checking Account Beginning Balance: $15,487.66 Final Balance: $15,737.59 Major Income: $7,890 Total Donations to John Stanley Fund. Profit from John Stanley Golf Outing: $4,781.36. General Scholarship donations: $950.00 Major Expenses: Football Fund Expenses: $1,104.86
- Money Market Account. Beginning Balance: $46,171.89 Final Balance: $47,323.77 Major Expenses: None Major Income: $151.88 interest
COMMUNICATIONS (M. OLIVER)
- M. Oliver has posted additional pictures from the 2024 60+ Alumni Reunion to our website and Facebook.
- M. Oliver reported that August meeting minutes were posted online, as well as “Spirit Wins” recognition of the month for Ken Bechtol.
- C. Hayes requested that entrance door be opened at 5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of month for our Alumni Board meetings.
- M. Oliver reported that East CLC principal, Dr. Noland, feels that having regular faculty attendance at our monthly Board meetings is difficult with the recent reduction of staff members. More is expected of faculty, beyond a full load of teaching than ever before.
- M. Oliver welcomed faculty guest Michael Lamp, the new East CLC librarian, who expressed gratitude to the alumni association for the snacks provided for 103 + faculty members at Open House on 8/27. M. Lamp presented a very thorough update on the beginning-of-school library needs. He is passionate about improving literacy of students in a creative, meaningful manner and is seeking grants to accomplish that. M. Lamp shared his potential grants with the board. He is seeking a match support of $12,500 toward a proposed GAR Grant of $124,000. The deadline for consideration is November 3, 2024.
- The board expressed gratitude for M. Lamb’s time and considerations. His proposal would continue the enthusiasm for learning currently being stimulated in multiple ways within the middle school and keep it going throughout the high school. M. Lamb will keep the alumni association informed of this initial grant writing development and possible contribution to support. His slide presentation to the board is included below for review.
REVERSE RAFFLE (S. KERECHANIN)
- Date for 2025 Reverse Raffle is set for Thursday, March 6 at Guy’s Party Center.
SCHOLARSHIP (M. BOND)
- M. Bond reported that alumni association was not asked to present at beginning of this year’s faculty meeting but hopefully can do so in January, 2025. That timing is critical for 2025 scholarship nominations from faculty.
- M. Bond shared update that 11 out of 15 current scholarship recipients have now fulfilled requirements and claimed their monetary awards; Most recently, Myiah King-Morgan for $3,500 to Stark State College and Mikle Hall, $2,500 in successful transfer from Findley College to Hocking Community College.
60+ REUNION UPDATE (M. BOND)
- M. Bond reminded that the scheduled date for the 2025 60+ Reunion at Guy’s Party Center is Thursday, June 12.
HALL OF FAME (D. HOFF)
- D. Hoff expressed thanks to Sharon Kerechanin for framing the group photos for 2023 and 2024 HOF recipients.
- D. Hoff reported that there are 6 nominations for 2025 so far.
- D. Hoff presented discussion on change of wording for nomination application to state, “Submitted by” and line for signature. It was agreed that in order to be considered, this part of application process must be completed. Further discussion on truthfulness of accomplishments followed. K. Larson suggested that we should assume truthfulness on form unless questionable.
- D. Hoff has collated highlights of current nominees and will send out to the board to review prior to voting in November.
- D. Hoff plans to schedule this event for 2025 at The Venue again.
- Moving forward, D. Hoff shared that Michelle Sibbio has agreed to chair the Hall of Fame committee.
MEMBERSHIP (M. ANDERSON)
- M. Anderson reported that she continues to send out emails to confirm new memberships, using records from S. Hall and L. Bond. It’s a slow process.
- M. Anderson reminded us as board members, we need to be up to date with our own membership dues.
- M. Oliver has posted on our website, alumni association membership categories and costs. Memberships can also be paid online.
- M. Anderson continues to compare the operation of other alumni associations within the area.
MEMORABILIA (M. OLIVER, L. BOND)
- L. Bond reported that he is down to the last 4 yearbooks to be photographed. Once that is complete, all will be processed for posting on our website. He shared that his technique has changed, improving his time and efficiency. One remaining yearbook (class of 1986) has been tracked to Ohio Historical Society and hopefully available for checkout.
THE JOHN STANLEY MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING
- L. Bond reported a profit of $4,781.
- L. Bond offered observations and suggestions for next year’s event:
1) Recommended that we invest in a tent awning with EHS logo on it and place closer to carts for more visible registration outside the clubhouse. The approximate cost is $300.
2) Consider issuing wrist bands to indicate that participating teams have paid.
3) Recommended that next year’s prizes be golf ball sleeves placed in individual carts. We have 63 left over from 2024.
- M. Bond presented for 2025 consideration: a “John Stanley Memorial Golf Outing” flyer to distribute for prior publicity of the event.
OTHER BUSINESS
- M. Oliver presided over the installation of following board member trustees for even year term, 2024: Trustee 2 (Janet Stanley), Trustee 5 (David Hoff), Trustee 6 (Mike Nickolich), Trustee 9 (Marsha Bond) and Trustee 12 (Michelle Sibbio).
- L. Bond presided over the installation of president, Michael Oliver.
- M. Oliver reported that the following board positions remain unfilled: vice-president, secretary and chair for The John Stanley Memorial Golf Outing.
- Association by-laws will be made available at the next meeting in October.
- M. Bond nominated Janet Stanley, September “Spirit Wins Award” for her act of kindness in baking cookies in honor of John Stanley for the recent golf outing. It was Janet’s desire to acknowledge in gratitude all those who have lovingly supported her and family during this difficult time of loss.
With no further business, a motion was made by M. Nickolich and seconded by S. Kerechanin to adjourn at 7:57 p.m.