Jill Frankel and Rob Previte

Jill Frankel, the Director of the Solon Senior Center came to speak to us today.

The Department is a multi-service center located at 35000 Portz Parkway. The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on weekends and evenings for special events. The phone number for the Center is 440-349-6363.

The Center serves as a nucleus for all of the activities offered for the older adults in Solon. Events are scheduled on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, with special events spread throughout the year.

Leisure activities such as trips to area attractions, seasonal hikes, card playing, bingo, crafts, book discussion groups, movie matinees and many other events are available at the Center.

There is a full offering of exercise and wellness programs including Light Aerobics, Tai Chi, Yoga and a Workout with Weights for the older adult.

Speakers are also scheduled on a regular basis covering a multitude of topics. Also offered are health screenings, podiatrist visits and income tax preparation. Both brief and extended trips are a regular offering at the Center.

Bowl for Water Chair Glenn Gable with Special Guest Katie Spotz

Inaugural Fundraiser to Benefit Blue Planet Network–a group organized to bring safe, clean drinking water to 1 of 6 in the world who are deprived of it 

The Rotary Club of Solon, one of newest clubs to join the Rotary Family (chartered in May 2010), raised more than $6,000 with its inaugural fundraising event called “Bowl for Water” at Freeway Lanes in Solon Ohio on October 23, 2010.

Unsafe drinking water is the leading cause of sickness and disease in developing countries, and Solon Rotary Club is doing its part to raise money for the cause. The charity was supported by Cleveland’s own Katie Spotz, the courageous young woman who captured the hearts of America when she became the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic.

[...] The great achievement is making people aware that there are 1.1 billion people—that’s 1 out of every 6 people in the world—who do not have access to safe, clean drinking water.” ~ Katie Spotz

Katie was on hand to support this event as well as other local celebrities, including: Solon Mayor Susan Drucker, as well as local news celebrities Brian Duffy, Jen Picianno, and Jeff Tanchak from Action 19 news.

“It’s great that we raised $6,000,” Katie said. “But more than the money, the great achievement is making people aware that there are 1.1 billion people—that’s 1 out of every 6 people in the world—who do not have access to safe, clean drinking water. I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness for this cause.”

The Rotary Club of Solon’s $6,000 donation will benefit the The Blue Planet Network, a group of passionate people, working with a global network of experienced water groups, who are committed to bringing sustainable safe drinking water to people throughout the world, primarily in rural communities.

“The goal for next year is $10,000,” said Rob Previte, President of Solon Rotary. “Because $10,000 buys a village of 110 families a complete water system.”

On September 29, 2010, Patricia Nobili, CEO/Executive Director from the Achievement Centers for Children, spoke to us about her nonprofit agency that families call a source of hope, a place of achievement and a center of support and expertise for children with special needs.

Since its founding in 1940, The Achievement Centers for Children has earned a reputation for excellence in helping children with a wide range of disabilities lead productive lives through customized therapies, education and childcare programs, camping and recreation opportunities, nationally-recognized autism programs and family support services.

Rarely can a family find such comprehensive services in one source. We believe in creating a circle of care that encompasses the entire family, because, by helping the whole family, a child with special needs has the greatest opportunity to achieve.