AKRON EAST HIGH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC.
MINUTES: October 3, 2024
ATTENDING: Larry Bond, Marsha Bond, Chuck Hayes, Dave Hoff, Sharon Kerechanin, Michael Lamp, Ken Larson, Marcia Martz, Mike Oliver, Michelle Sibbio, Janet Stanley
ABSENT: Michelle Anderson, Rochelle Henderson, Mike Nickolich, Don Young
President M. Oliver called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
SECRETARY’S REPORT (M. ANDERSON)
S.Kerechanin moved and K. Larson seconded, the acceptance of September minutes as edited and 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: $15,737.59 Ending Balance: $8,332.99 Checks and Deductions: $7,499.60
- Money Market Account. Beginning Balance: $47,323.77 Final Balance: $47,474.35 Major Expenses: None Major Income: $150.58 interest
- L. Bond passed out updated contact sheet/notebooks for EHS Alumni Board to reflect Larry and Marsha’s change of address.
COMMUNICATIONS (M. OLIVER)
- M. Oliver reported that September meeting minutes were posted online, as well as “Spirit Wins” recognition of the month for Janet Stanley.
- M. Oliver reported on the August Golf Outing that all golfers were contacted and considered paid for the event.
- M. Oliver confirmed that he has updated on our website and Facebook all events to date.
- M. Oliver introduced East CLC librarian, Michael Lamp, who is seeking a project grant to update the library. M. Lamp reported that it is a slow process. He is in need of $12,500 to match a grant by November 1st. M. Oliver shared that the Alumni Association is not able to grant total amount and would contact specific alumni who have supported funding in the past.
REVERSE RAFFLE (S. KERECHANIN)
- Date for 2025 Reverse Raffle is set for Thursday, March 6 at Guy’s Party Center.
- S. Kerechanin implored board members to begin recruiting help now to work the event.
- S. Kerechanin expressed need for the board to consider offering credit (“Pay Pal”) for the 2025 event.
- Discussion incurred over amount of the grand prize. It was agreed to leave at current pot of $2500.
SCHOLARSHIP (M. BOND)
- M. Bond reported that potential scholarship renewals would be considered in December, depending on funds available for that purpose.
- M. Bond reminded board that the Alumni Association’s presence at faculty meeting in January, 2025 is critical to encourage the next group of scholarship nominations.
60+ REUNION UPDATE (M. BOND)
- Date for the 2025 60+ Reunion at Guy’s Party Center is Thursday, June 12.
- M. Bond stated no formal report at this time.
HALL OF FAME (M. SIBBIO, D. HOFF)
- S. Sibbio reported that there are now 8 nominations for 2025. She presented summary packets for first six. S. Sibbio demonstrated a thorough job in seeking additional and necessary information on nominated candidates.
- D. Hoff will collate highlights of last two nominations and will send out to the board for review prior to voting in November.
- All members should have their rankings to M. Sibbio, D. Hoff, K. Larson and C. Hayes no later than October 20th.
- D. Hoff plans to schedule this event for 2025 at The Venue again.
MEMBERSHIP (M. ANDERSON) *Report sent via email
- M. Anderson has sent 25 emails to past members from the 2019 S. Hall generated list. Out of 25 emails, 16 bounced back due to undeliverable.
- There were 106 names on list that were charter members and aren’t due for renewal until 2026-2028.
- Those on list who graduated in 60’s, 70’s and 80’s were contacted. Many of those graduated in the 50’s were charter members. There were many who did not provide email information. M. Anderson will keep trying from that list, but there are not that many more. M. Anderson recommended that we should probably work on generating new members from other sources as previously discussed.
- M. Anderson will continue with L. Bond to look at existing database for any further new or overlooked alumni.
- M. Sibbio expressed need of a sub-committee to assist M. Anderson in reaching out to alumni for memberships.
- M. Anderson contacted Scott Summers from the Linda Theater concerning status of liquor license for the Cafe Rewind/Linda Theater. He said that it looks like it will be in October. If does not come through this year, perhaps we can consider a Meet and Greet there next year.
MEMORABILIA (M. OLIVER, L. BOND)
- L. Bond shared photo with Chef Louis Prpich and co-owner of Chowder House, who is a graduate of EHS and who has indicated his alumni support.
- In process of moving, L. Bond has discovered Caravans from 1940’s forward. He reported finding the original 1970 HOF committee and its selection process.
THE JOHN STANLEY MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING
- L. Bond reported a final net profit of $4,781.
OTHER BUSINESS
- M. Oliver reported no “Spirit Wins” nominations for the month of October.
- M. Bond shared an update on former secretary, Sally Gill Thompson.
With no further business, a motion was made by K. Larson and seconded by M. Martz to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.