Halloween comes once a year but it never stops bringing joy to the young ones.  Last Saturday, October 31, Halloween was here again and brought the usual rush of joy, but not just for the kids, also the adults.  Burton-Middlefield Rotary (BMR) participated in the Burton Village “Trick or Treat” event put on at the Geauga Historical Society’s Century Village Bond Community Building. 

The event was a joint effort between Burton Chamber of Commerce and the Geauga Historical Society.  The idea for the event was to provide a safe, warm, lighted environment and avoid the early daylight savings darkness outside.   Tables were supplied to any non-profit that wanted to participate and hand out candy and other kid friendly goodies.  Decorations galore covered the inside of the building and gave everything that Halloween touch.  

Skeletons, an historical hearse, and animated ghosts were everywhere.  Hot dogs, cider, pop corn and other fall food was supplied by the Chamber.  A disc jockey with an unlimited supply of creepy Halloween music kept the atmosphere correct.   

Approximately 250 kids in all manner of costume ran about collecting that precious candy in their bags.   

For the adults it was more fun just watching the wild activity go on for hours and intermingling with their Burton neighbors.  

A costume parade and prizes were awarded afterward for the best in various age categories.  This was the culmination of the event.  

Even though at the beginning BMR thought we had way too much candy, we managed to get rid of all of it by night’s end.   

It was truly a joy watching the kids but just as much fun watching the parents watching their kids!  BMR was happy to continue to support youth in another very entertaining way as we do throughout the year.

PDG Bob Johnson – Secretary - BMR

Hello District 6630 Family!

Autumn in Northeast Ohio is in full swing, and with it comes a vibrant season of service across our district! Thank you in advance for your grace as our team sends out a few extra email updates over the next couple of weeks—we simply have so much good news to share with you.

Here is a look at what’s happening across District 6630:

Youth Exchange Highlights

I recently spent a wonderful Cleveland Day with our current inbound and prospective outbound Youth Exchange students. This is an incredible group, and the program’s impact is unmatched. Please continue promoting Youth Exchange in your local schools and networks; applications for outbound students are due in November ahead of early December interviews!

District Tree Planting Day – October 17

To wrap up our district initiative honoring our nation's 250th birthday, we’ve set Saturday, October 17 as District Tree Planting Day! If your club hasn't planted your designated trees yet, we encourage you to do so on or around the 17th. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures and send them our way!

World Polio Day & Local Partnerships – October 24

World Polio Day is right around the corner!

• Register Your Event: Let us and Rotary International know how your club is taking action by registering your event online.
• Annual Purple Donut Day: Look for more details on ordering Purple Dunkin' Donuts at select regional locations on October 24.
• Hoppin’ Frog Craft Brew Partnership: A special thank-you to the Rotary Club of Akron for partnering with Hoppin’ Frog brewery on a custom PolioPlus awareness label. Keep an eye out for details on this unique release!

Partnering for Peace

As we focus on our theme, Create Lasting Impact, collaborating with regional partners expands our reach. Our neighbors in District 6600 are hosting a free Community Peace Summit just west of our district, and I encourage anyone interested in peacebuilding to attend.

Reimagined District Foundation Event – November 19

Kick off Rotary Foundation Month with us at a fresh new format and location—The Hive in Chagrin Falls! Join us on November 19 for an interactive celebration of the local impact made possible through Foundation grants. We are also thrilled to be joined by Rotary International Director-Elect Mike Kelly. Save the date!

Please continue checking our online district calendar regularly as new club and district activities are added.

Thank you for your warm hospitality as I travel across Northeast Ohio. Seeing your passion, dedication, and fellowship firsthand remains the absolute highlight of my year!

On October 23rd, the West Shore Rotary Club participated in the District-wide initiative to plant trees across our communities in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary! 

West Shore purchased 5 trees to be planted in the community of Fairview Park. Trees were planted at Bain Cabin, Bain Pavilion, Morton Park and Russ Nelson Park. 

Club President Mike Aerni and project coordinators Tom Eble and Dan Fronczak helped plant the trees. The selection of the trees was made by Robin Schaefer, fellow Rotarian and landscaper.

The Rotary Club of Aurora is proud to have sponsored The Hands of Gratitude Project, an inspiring initiative that provides 3D-printed prosthetic hands and assistive devices to individuals in developing countries who otherwise could not afford them. Thanks to a matching grant from Rotary District 6630, we helped fund more than 25 prosthetic hands that will be personally delivered to individuals in need in Guatemala. These life-changing devices were assembled by the talented STEAM students at Harmon Middle School. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Aurora Schools Foundation, teachers Karen Sunderhaft, Joanne Prasnick, and Corinne Mack, and, most importantly, the dedicated students whose hard work and compassion made this project possible. Together, we are changing lives, one hand at a time.

Success on the course, impact in our community! 🏌️‍♂️✨

Rotary Club of Westlake-Bay Village

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible sponsors of our 2026 Rotary Golf Outing. Your support enables us to make a lasting difference right here at home and around the globe.

We also want to give a massive thank you to Valley of the Eagles Golf Club for being such a phenomenal venue partner. The course conditions and team made for an unforgettable day.

To our Title Sponsor, Bentley | Hein Wealth Partners, thank you for your tremendous support. To our Partner Sponsors, Vantage Financial Group, Inc., Moran Real Estate Group, MaxStrength Fitness, NACDA, Cleveland Marble Mosaic Co, Joe Hudak and Rose Jenne, and Krantz & Company, thank you for standing with us!

To all the tee hole sponsors, players, dinner attendees, and friends who joined us during the day, your support means so much. 

And to Katie Y., Jim Strunk, and Justin Hein, our dedicated and intrepid Rotarians, your leadership let us share our mission with everyone. 

View Event Photos Here

As Rotary International celebrates Economic & Community Development Month this October, we’re reminded that successful businesses thrive in strong communities. Partnering with Rotary offers business leaders a direct platform to practice Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), empower local enterprise, and mentor the next generation of leaders.

If you’re a local professional, business owner, or leader interested in driving regional development alongside like-minded peers, we’d love to welcome you. Contact us today or drop in on an upcoming meeting to see how corporate engagement meets community impact.

When/where we meet:  Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.
Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd, Westlake, OH

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.—the first African American collegiate fraternity—and Y Not Chess continued their partnership and mission of promoting youth leadership, as they held simultaneously scholastic chess tournaments in multiple cities for the second consecutive year celebrating National Chess Day, October 10, 2026. They returned to Louisville, Kentucky; GE Appliance Park; and Cleveland, Ohio, John Carroll University.

This initiative was rooted in community uplift. Designed to deliver scholastic chess curriculum and competitive experiences to underserved neighborhoods within the fraternity’s geographic footprint, the program brought families, educators, mentors, and youth together around a simple yet powerful tool—the game of chess. Each move on the board reinforced lessons in patience, discipline, problem-solving, and accountability, values that extend far beyond the game and into everyday life.

What made this effort especially impactful was its intentional focus on access, opportunity, engagement, and support of other community partners: GE Appliances, John Carroll University, Nordonia Hills Rotary Club, and volunteers from Devine Nine organizations. Participants were welcomed into an environment where their talents were celebrated and their futures were taken seriously. Door prizes, college scholarships, and job internships awarded to section winners reflected a deep investment in long-term success, signaling to young people that their communities are willing to invest in their growth.

Multiple partners, one mission, and brighter futures were on display as youth from kindergarten through college age were visibly energized as they competed, learned, and supported one another. Parents and volunteers filled the rooms with encouragement, while snacks and lunch were provided to ensure every participant felt cared for and valued. Early registrants received commemorative “National Chess Day” T-shirts, a symbol of belonging to something larger than themselves.

Beyond a single day of competition, this initiative represents a growing movement. Building on the success of its Midwestern launch, Alpha Phi Alpha and Y Not Chess are committed to expanding this community-centered program to additional cities, including Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; and Indianapolis, Indiana, next year. Each new location will further extend the reach of mentorship, education, and opportunity into communities where such investments matter most.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Y Not Chess are demonstrating what is possible when they partner with various organizations, such as the Rotary and other community-focused groups, to listen to community needs and respond with purpose. On National Chess Day, these tournaments not only crowned winners but also strengthened neighborhoods, inspired families, and affirmed that when communities unite to nurture young minds, everyone benefits.

The National Chess Day scholastic tournaments demonstrated the effectiveness of a community-centered, educational enrichment model that combines mentorship, competition, and opportunity. Through strategic partnerships and intentional program design, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Y Not Chess are creating sustainable pathways for youth development and academic success. Continued investment in this initiative will allow for deeper community reach, expanded geographic impact, and measurable long-term outcomes for the students and families served.

It’s Your Move!

Sunday, Oct. 11th, was the seventh annual Jeep Invasion put on by the RC of Burton-Middlefield (BMR).  The Mayfield Rd. Drive-In Theater was again our gracious host as 100 Jeep Wranglers filled the parking slots and showed off their individual Jeep “stuff”.  Since we are near Halloween there was a plethora of cleverly decorated Jeeps.   The local American Legion Honor Guard presented the colors and were saluted by the numerous veteran Jeep owners.  The goal of the entire event is to raise money for the veteran support programs funded by BMR.  The generous sponsors, led by The Junction Auto Family, support the event along with entry fees for each Jeep, 50/50 raffle ticket sales ($380. The winner’s share of which was donated back), and raffle basket ticket sales.  All in all nearly $20,000 is raised, all of which goes to BMR veteran support in the county.   Recent support has included financial donations to the local veteran’s food pantry, support of veteran home improvements and the recent support of the new elevator project at the local American legion Lodge 459 in Burton village.

The Jeep Invasion day started with a dire weather forecast of torrential rain but as often happens the local weather forecasters must have been looking at some other map as we were blessed with a dry,  beautiful day.  The 100 Jeep train followed Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand in his cruiser on a 25 mile loop through Geauga County.  Sheriff deputies block off all major intersections so the train of jeeps can maintain its integrity and keep continuously moving.  The first patriotic themed spot on the tour was the drive under a giant American flag which was displayed between two large fire dept. ladder trucks at the Geauga County Veterans Memorial.  The route once again was given permission from the Geauga County Park Board to use a portion of the Maple Highlands Trail which provided some of the most beautiful fall scenery and landscape in the state and is otherwise off limits to vehicles.   The frosting on the cake was a two mile route through the Best Sand pit in Munson Twp.   What the Jeep drivers and passengers got to see is always off limits to vehicles and   something that is rarely visible to the public.   The view is a vast mining operation that provides fine silica sand for glass production.  Mine employees came to the pit on a Sunday to man their giant machines and wave to the thrilled Jeepers and give it a human and active appearance.

This year for the first time instead of remaining at the drive in theater and working the event I got to go on the tour and rode with the Sheriff in the lead car.  Now I know why everyone returns from the tour and raves about how incredible it was.  In speaking with some of the participants I was amazed how many were taking part in their 2nd., 3rd., and 4th.  tours and expressed that they can’t wait for next year’s event.  All Rotarians involved want everyone to know that the true winners from the event are the many Geauga County Veterans.

Bob Johnson, PDG
Secretary,  The RC of Burton-Middlefield

At a Glance

• Charter Year: 2023
• Meeting Schedule: 3rd Monday of every month via Zoom (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
• Communities Represented: Akron, Tallmadge, Hiram, Solon, and Bedford

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Who We Are
Rotaract PLUS Northeast Ohio is a dynamic club designed for young professionals and families, with members spanning ages 25 to 45. To foster leadership and offer flexibility, every member commits to hosting two activities a year—giving everyone the opportunity to lead initiatives that align with their personal passions. We are an upbeat, interactive club that brings people together across generations to share ideas, build connections, and explore new ways to make a difference through service.

Service & Impact
While we support a variety of causes, our members actively focus on the environment, maternal & child health, basic education and literacy, and peace building.

Recent Highlight: Just this past weekend, members rolled up their sleeves at South Chagrin Reservation to prepare the ground for an upcoming pollinator garden. We look forward to returning in the spring to plant native flora!

Get Involved & Connect
All of our service projects are open to fellow Rotarians, friends, and family!

Upcoming Feature: Keep an eye out for details on our next Journey Towards Peace — Bike, Hike, or Ride. We invite all clubs across the district to participate in their local communities and join us in promoting peace. More information will be available soon!

Follow Our Journey on Facebook!
 

On Saturday, Sept., 26th,  The RC of Burton-Middlefield (BMR) held an easy fund raiser.  We partnered with the regional Goodwill coordinator Colleen Porter for a collection drive that took place in the parking lot of the Century Village in Burton just off the village square.  Goodwill delivered a big 24 Ft. covered trailer to Century Village, pulled by their vehicle, and dropped it off for the three hours of the collection.  Six BMR members and our perpetual helper, Sue Fox, staffed the collection trailer and helped move donations from vehicles to the trailer.  Any gently used items in good condition (clothes, bikes, small appliances, pictures and almost anything you can think of) helped fill the trailer to near capacity. At promptly noon the Goodwill employee returned to the parking lot and hooked the trailer up and drove away back to the Goodwill warehouse.   I can hardly think of an easier fund raiser.  No registrations, collection of funds, forms to fill out or accounting necessary. 

If your club is interested in a quick and easy fund raiser this is for you.    The only things you need are an small empty parking lot to hold the collection in with easy in and out access, about 10 or 15 signs put up about two weeks ahead advertising the Goodwill collection, four or five club volunteers the day of the collection and three hours of time on a Saturday morning.  I might also mention some great club camaraderie goes along with it.

Bob Johnson, PDG
Secretary, Burton-Middlefield Rotary

Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs raised more than $712,000 during its 2026 Regatta on Saturday, September 26, bringing together over 375 community supporters, families, volunteers, and friends to invest in the future of Camp and the children and adults with disabilities it serves.

Held at Akron Rotary Camp on Rex Lake, the biennial Regatta raised critical funds for facilities, equipment, capital improvements, and repairs to help ensure Camp remains safe, welcoming, and accessible for campers and families year after year.

Akron Rotarian Mike Wojno, an Akron business leader, real estate developer, community volunteer, and dedicated supporter of Akron Rotary Camp, served as Honorary Chair of the 2026 Regatta. Wojno is Chairman of the Board of New Leaf Ventures and serves on the Akron Rotary Camp Board, including as a past President.

The Lehner Family Foundation served as the event’s Presenting Sponsor. President’s Club Sponsors included Employ-Temps Staffing Services, Steve Comunale and Jane Prem, and RDA Hotel Management Company. Akron Rotary Foundation served as Admiral Sponsor.

In addition to the funds raised through the Regatta, guests celebrated the announcement of a transformational $500,000 commitment from Joan and Rocco DiLillo over 10 years to establish the Joan & Rocco DiLillo Rotary Camp Scholarship Program. The scholarships will be awarded annually to Camp counselors in recognition of their dedication to creating meaningful, inclusive experiences for the campers they serve.

The gift reflects the vital role counselors play at Akron Rotary Camp, helping campers build confidence, form friendships, and discover new possibilities through their encouragement and support.

For 102 years, Akron Rotary Camp has created life-changing experiences for children and adults with special needs, fostering independence, friendship, and a sense of belonging while providing families with a supportive community.

Mella A. Castner

Executive Director

Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, Inc.

4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, OH 44319

(330) 644-4512 x3201 work

(330) 322-7206 cell/text

FOR TICKETS CONTACT: 

Tony Karam, Club President at 330-310-7571

Support the DDC Clinic in Middlefield, Ohio, by purchasing a raffle ticket for $25. 

Your contribution directly funds comprehensive care for special needs children and advances vital research into rare genetic disorders. 

Four monthly drawings for $100. (only 500 tickets sold)! Final big drawing is November 7 for $3500, $1,000 or $500! Purchase your support ticket here! www.ismyrotaryclub.org/register/index.cfm?eventID=77900896

Thank you for your support!

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