October - December 2021

Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman

WOW, Where to Start?  Well, let us start at the beginning.  A long, long time ago in a far off……  Wait a minute that is not what I meant by the “beginning”.  Let us start with our first district event in November, and then we will continue on to the Eve of the New Year.
 
Our First event in November was our Interact Interaction on November 6.  What an event!  Just imagine Interact Clubs from all over the District coming together in the name of Sharing, Learning and Service.  Our youth are truly Amazing and an Inspiration.  Thank you District Interact Chair Chelsea Talty for the guidance that you provided West Geauga High School Interact in planning this year’s Interaction.  Please keep reading as Chelsea is going to tell you all about this year’s Interaction later in this letter.
 
November started out busy with all kinds of Impactful events.  On November 11 as we paused to remember and honor the Veterans that have served in The United States Armed Forces, we also came together to celebrate our Clubs and The Rotary Foundation with our Warm Hand Warm Hearts Foundation Gala.  Following true to the past year our Foundation Gala Committee choose to change things up a little.   I am going to leave the rest of the tale to our District Foundations and Gala Chair Jim Lechko, who will regale us with tales from our Gala.
 
December 3 was a great day in our District, and a true privilege for me.  I had the honor of officially announcing our 2024-2025 District Governor Dale Smith of the Rotary Club of Mentor.  It was quite the honor to be the District Governor to make this announcement as Dale and I share some Rotary history.   As most know I grew up helping the Rotary Club of Cambridge, OH. In the early 2000 Dale joined the RC of Cambridge and later served as President of the club.  Due to the fact I left Cambridge in the mid 90’s Dale and I did not meet there.  Fast forward a few years and after I joined the Rotary Club of Kent a gentlemen was introduced as a Rotarian transferring from the Rotary Club of Cambridge.  This was my first introduction to Dale.  Dale during his time in Kent was a true leader and helped to build our participation with The Rotary Foundation.   When Dale left Kent due to a career move that took him out of state, his presence was missed.  No matter where life has taken Dale, he has always found a Rotary Club and left a meaningful impact.  Everyone please stand and give Dale Smith a round of applause.  Congratulation Dale, I look forward to serving with you and seeing what Impact you leave on this District.
 
Saturday, December 11, is a day that we saw one of the worst tornado events that has been recorded in our history.  We are not just talking about a couple communities, but communities throughout multiple states.  
 
How you can take action to help the tornado victims:
One of my fellow District Governors whose district was hit has reached out about the damage and a project to help move forward. 
 
There are two articles below about relief efforts (or click on the state names here to read each) - one is for the Kentucky areas and another is for the Tennessee areas affected. 
 
As we close out 2021, I would like to wish all of you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.  I look forward to a bright and refreshing New Year in 2022.  Please take time to Hug your Loved ones, and even more importantly take a minute for yourself. 
 
From my Family to yours Happy Holidays!
 
The Lohman Family
 

A MESSAGE FROM DGE DAVID JONES
Posted by David Jones
A MESSAGE FROM DGE DAVID JONES
Hello Rotarian’s,
 
As we approach the end of 2021 the leadership of District 6630 would like to wish All Rotarians, your families and the community that you serve a Happy Holidays and a Happy Prosperous New Year 2022.  We are proud to be a part of a District of Rotarians that support our clubs, our community, our families and each other during the year, and all that you do to make the Holiday’s for those in need more enjoyable. Your service projects, food drives, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and serving meals to the homeless makes a difference in your community.  Thank You for all that you do to make the world a better place.
 
Over the past 4 months the club Presidents Elect (PEs) have been working hard to prepare for their year. Our first district meeting provided the opportunity for the PEs to meet each other and the district leadership as well as discuss the opportunity for trainings. We held two State Wide Multi-District trainings, that provided speakers from Rotary International, on the topics of Membership and the Rotary Foundation. Our next Multi-District training will focus on Public Image (register) and will be held on February 23.  The Presidents Elect will attend an IN-PERSON PETS (register) on January 29 at the Orange Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library. PEs will receive additional information in an email.
 
All Ohio P.E.T.S. (AOP) is MANDATORY for Presidents Elect and will be held in Columbus on Friday & Saturday, March 11-12, 2022. Our theme is Breaking Boundaries: Inspire - Collaborate - Lead.  The speakers for this event will be phenomenal. Friday night will feature Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin. Saturday will feature our very own Katie Spotz endurance athlete, charitable ambassador, author and world-record holder, M.J. Clark, Senior Leadership Consultant at Integrated Leadership Systems and Rotary International President Elect Jennifer Jones who will be the first Woman President of Rotary International. Jennifer Jones will also perform the Installation Ceremony for the Presidents Elect.
 
Presidents Elect Service Project for All Ohio PETS
 
My Very Own Blanket - Service Project Competition - With a goal to donate 16,000 blankets to warm the hearts of children in the foster care system throughout Ohio, the five Rotary districts in Ohio will hold a competition to see which district can donate the most blankets per capita, based on membership of each district as of July 1, 2021.
How can you and your club get involved?
  • Donate a quilt or knitted/crocheted blanket. - Work alone or with your quilt guild or knitting group to make your own blanket. Purchase a Blanket Tag to be sown on your blanket. Sign the Blanket Tag with your club’s name and bring the blankets with you to AOP
  • Purchase a fleece blanket kit -  for $10 to get all you need to make a blanket for your club project. When ordering select your district (6630) and put your club name in the Comments box. Sign the Blanket Tag with your club’s name and bring the blankets with you to AOP
  • Sponsor a blanket. -  Donate $10 or more to sponsor a blanket kit that will be made by other Rotarians.  Purchase a fleece blanket kit - When ordering select your district (6630) and put your club name in the Comments box.  Ship the Blankets to DGE David Jones at 1894 Lillian Road, Stow Ohio 44224.
 
IF you have any questions contact DGE David Jones at 330.603.4107 or DEJRotary@gmail.com
 
 
 
Jim Lechko, Foundation Chair announced the dates for the Grants Management Seminars. You club must send at least 2 members of your club to the GMS to begin your club qualifications.
As we begin this new year I would like to encourage Rotarians to get involved with District Committees. If you have an interest in one of our committees; Membership, Grants, Public Image, (other Committees we should add) please send an email to DGE David Jones- dejrotary@gmail.com.
 
If you are interested in helping our district with technology, we are looking for individuals that have skills in Audio and Visual support at district conferences and meetings, camera / video support for events, multimedia and Web support / development for our clubs and the district please send an email to DGE David Jones- dejrotary@gmail.com

DISTRICT GOVERNOR NOMINEE DESIGNATE ANNOUNCED
District Governor Larry Lohman is very pleased to announce that Dale Smith is hereby declared our 2021-2022 District Governor Nominee Designate, effective immediately, and the forms will be timely submitted to Rotary International for her certification.
 
Please join me in congratulating Dale as he begins this very exciting and amazing journey with our District.  His email is rdalesmith@bellsouth.net. Dale is truly honored to serve in this capacity and is looking forward to working with all of the clubs in our district.
 
About Dale:
 
Dale Smith grew up in southeastern Ohio, graduating from Barnesville High School.  Dale received a B.Sc. in Ceramic Engineering from the Ohio State University.  He has a Six Sigma Black Belt from Sigma Breakthrough Technologies and is facilitator and practitioner of Kepner-Tregoe problem solving and decision analysis.  His career began as a process engineer in ceramic tile manufacture and progressed to a very successful career in leading process and quality improvement in manufacturing, including lighting, automotive, building products, label materials and undersea telecommunication systems.  Achievements include leading cost projects with significant financial impact including one saving $2,000,000 per year, solving several “intractable” industry issues, developing and successfully implementing a new manufacturing process for lighting products, leading multiple organizations through the development and certification of quality systems, improving spark plug manufacture to meet the voltage demands of electronic ignitions and other projects that remain proprietary to the organizations involved.  Dale retired from Avery Dennison in Mentor, OH in 2021.
 
Dale’s service career began with a brief but impactful stint in town government while residing in Epping, New Hampshire, serving on the planning board and budget committee and as chair of the board of fire wards.  He also chaired a new high school site selection committee. 
 
He joined the Rotary Club of Cambridge (OH) in 2003 where he served as Club President in 2005/2006.  As Dale’s career caused moves around the eastern US, he also was a member of the Downtown Macon (GA), Kent, and Camden (SC) Rotary Clubs.
 
Dale joined the Mentor Rotary Club in 2014 and served as president of that club in 2019/2020. Dale has served many roles in those clubs including leading many service and matching grant projects while also chairing Literacy, Foundation, and Public Image Committees. 
 
He initiated and facilitated the Lake County Sunrise Satellite Rotary Club and is a member of the District 6630 Membership Steering Committee.  Dale was twice named Rotarian of the Year and received a District Service Above Self Award. He is a Paul Harris Fellow +3 and a Bequest Society (Level 4) Member.
 
In addition to Rotary, Dale served as a director of the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia.  He serves on the Barnesville High School Class of 1979 Scholarship Committee which provides a full scholarship to a single annual graduate of the Barnesville High School who attends one to the top universities in the US.
 
Dale is married to Jeri Ann, a native of Bath, NY.  They reside in Newbury, OH on Raccoon Ridge.  Dale is an avid gardener and seasonal winemaker and enjoys daily hikes in retirement with Murphy, Quinn and Keeva - the yellow labs that seem to run the household.  Dale and Jeri Ann enjoy travel - especially visiting New York’s Finger Lakes.

KENTUCKY TORNADO RELIEF EFFORTS
 

Dear Rotary Members in Zones 30 and 31, Rotarians are People of Action.

Throughout the world in disaster recovery situations, our compassion and commitment to service are a significant part of relief efforts. Right here, right now, your help is needed here in our own zones.

The tornado that touched down Kentucky has devastated communities in 18 counties in our District 6710. The loss of life in many small towns, such as Dawson Springs and Mayfield, is heartbreaking, and survivors have lost their communities, their homes and livelihoods. In many areas, there is limited electricity, resources for food, gasoline and supplies and medical services. Now more than ever is the time for us to live our hashtag, #Rotary Responds.

Rotary District Governor Gail Story and the leadership of District 6710 are in the process of assembling a committee to identify needs and coordinate response across affected areas.

Here’s how you can help.

• Please make a donation, and encourage your club, club members and district to make a donation.

• Donations can be sent to the following address:

Rotary District 6710 Relief Fund
c/o Sheila Stoke
7906 Westover Drive
Prospect, KY 40059

Donations will be used to help affected communities in District 6710 Kentucky. At this time, donations are not tax-deductible, a tax-deductible option may be available in the future. If you have a network to suppliers who are willing to donate supplies, or are considering sending a team of recovery volunteers, please contact Kaytlin Edwards at kedwards.rotary@gmail.com.

Please consider helping those who have lost so much by responding with a donation. Thank you for being a Rotarian, and on behalf of District 6710 and people of Kentucky, thank you for your compassion.

Elizabeth Usovicz
Director, Rotary Zones 30 and 31

#RotaryResponds

I first want to thank all of you for reaching out and asking, what can we do?  You are all so special and your kindness is what makes our world a better place.  You give us hope for the future as we begin to rebuild our cities, towns, and our lives.  

 
You will see my video above and other information related to what can be done now to assist the communities and victims of these devastating tornadoes.  
 
I am grateful for your generosity and willingness to help.  I apologize for the lack of words but I still cannot breathe. 
 
 
Thank you!
 
 
Yours In Rotary Service,
Gail Story
Rotary District 6710
District Governor 2021-2022
South Oldham County Club
502-468-9227

TENNESSEE TORNADO RELIEF EFFORTS
 
Dear Rotary Members in Zones 30 and 31,
 
Once again, #RotaryResponds where human needs are great. 
 
Last week, in addition to the devastation in Kentucky, a total of 15 tornados devastated towns in Middle and Western Tennessee as storms swept through the state. Winds of up to 135 miles per hour ripped up communities and tore up the lives of those who survived. Small towns such as Dresden, Dickson, Kingston Springs and Samburg in our own District 6760 have lost homes, entire business districts and neighborhoods, and destroyed livelihoods, with many people in need of basics such as a place to sleep and shelter, non-perishable food, gas cans and storage bins, as well as cleanup equipment. This article covering a visit to the area by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee includes photos of some of the hardest-hit communities in West Tennessee.   
 
Rotary District Governor in 6760, Michael Babb, district leadership, and Rotary clubs in the devastated communities are organized to accept donations and contribute to helping these communities survive, recover and rebuild.
At this very special time of year, those who survive have little to celebrate. Please help. Here’s what is currently known, and what you can do.
  • Rotary District 6760 is accepting donations to assist communities in need who have been affected by the tornado. Please make checks out: to:“Rotary District 6760” and include “Disaster Relief” in the memo, and mail to:
    RI District 6760 Treasurer
    P.O. Box 399t
    Dickson, TN 37056
     
  • The Rotary Club of Dresden, through Past District Governor April Lieberman, has established a relief fund that they will use in assisting victims.
    You can make a donation:
If you have a network of suppliers who are willing to donate supplies, or are considering sending a team of recovery volunteers, please contact Michelle Balsley at rotary6760disaster@gmail.com.
Please help out our communities that are in need at this time of year when family, peace and compassion are especially important. Thank you for being a Rotarian, and thank you for your compassion.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Usovicz
Director, Rotary Zones 30 and 31

OUR CAUSES

The collective leadership and expertise of our 1.2 million members helps us tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, locally and globally. We are united by common values and vision for the future as we sharpen our focus with targeted specific causes that will reach communities most in need.

We have identified specific causes to target to maximize our local and global impact. At the same time, we understand that each community has its own unique needs and concerns.
Through  and other resources, we help clubs focus their service efforts in the following areas.

PEACEBUILDING AND CONFLICT PREVENTION

Today, 42 million people are displaced by armed conflict or persecution. Through our partnerships with several leading universities, Rotary Peace Fellows develop the skills to strengthen peace efforts, train local leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and support long-term peace building in areas affected by conflict. We provide up to 100 peace fellowships per year at Rotary Peace Centers.

DISEASE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

More than 100 million people are pushed into poverty each year because of medical costs. We aim to improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in underdeveloped areas. Our members educate and mobilize communities to help prevent the spread of major diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Many of our projects ensure that medical training facilities are located where the workforce lives.

WATER. SANITATION, AND HYGIENE

More than 2.5 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation facilities. At least 3,000 children die each day from diarrheal diseases caused by unsafe water. Our projects give communities the ability to develop and maintain sustainable water and sanitation systems and support studies related to water and sanitation.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

At least 7 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, we provide immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improve access to essential medical services, and support trained health care providers for mothers and their children. Our projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs.

BASIC EDUCATION AND LITERACY

Sixty-seven million children worldwide have no access to education and more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Nearly 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and develop opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also help strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.

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