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DECEMBER 2024 DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
 
I hope all of you enjoy the coming holidays with friends and family!  The holiday season is a great chance to recharge our energy and spirits with the love of our friends and family. Then we meet the new year with our batteries fully charged.  All I want for Christmas is a bigger family of Rotary!
 
It is imperative that we put in place the lessons learned at the Club Experience Summit to grow our great organization.  If we want to see our vision - a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves - we need to grow Rotary!  The Club Experience Summit was a wonderful sharing of very successful best practices of clubs and members in our district.  Now is the time to build and implement a membership growth plan based on the ideas generated from the summit to grow your club and the Family of Rotary.  Every club is unique; the Summit provided a range of proven growth practices.  Pick those that best suit your club and community.  Grow Rotary!
 
It is hard to believe that we are approaching the halfway point in the Rotary year.  As you begin planning 2025, save the following dates.  On February 8, February 19, and March 8 we will have our Grant Management Seminars.  If your club wants to take part in a matching district grant (up to $2500!) or a global grant in the 25-26 Rotary year, at least two people from your club must attend one of these sessions.  The project manager for your potential project must be one of these attendees, and it is expected that your 25-26 and 26-27 club presidents attend a session.  Our District 4 Way Test Speech Contest will be on April 12 so please plan your club's 4 Way Test Speech Contest accordingly.  I look forward to hearing these speeches each year, and I recommend coming to hear the best of the best!  The quality of these is great, and the students very often challenge our own thoughts.  Often these "challenging" speeches have the most emotional impact.  Lastly - mark April 25 and 26 on your calendars for our District Conference of Clubs and the District Learning Assembly.  We are working on some great speakers and will have a social with heavy appetizers on Friday instead of a dinner so that we can enjoy the Family of Rotary without a formal program.  Traditional highlights that will not change are the Celebration of Life on Friday morning and our Celebration of Youth at our Saturday Lunch.  We are also working on District Learning Assembly sessions in the spirit of the October Summit.  This District Conference of Clubs is for all Rotarians, not just club and district leaders.  All who attend will come away excited about Rotary.  Join us there!
 
Dale Smith
District Governor 2024/2025
Rotary International District 6630
Past-President
Rotary Club of Mentor
The Magic of Rotary
330-968-7683 (m)
JAN 2, 2025 - PEACE CORP PRESENTATION IN WADSWORTH - ALL ARE WELCOME TO RSVP to ATTEND OR JOIN THE ZOOM
You’re Invited!
 
The Rotary Clubs of Barberton, Tallmadge and Wadsworth welcome all clubs in District 6630 to join them for a special breakfast meeting on January 2nd, 7:30 am at Soprema Senior Center & Café in Wadsworth.
 
Tallmadge native Thom Weiss, and his wife Brenda, both 20-year Rotarians, will share the path (and adventure) that lead them to become United States Peace Corps Volunteers in Kaçanik, Kosovo.
 
For those attending in person, a hot breakfast buffet and coffee will be served for $10 (accepted in cash or check at the event).
 
RSVP by December 23rd via email to pattymoutes@gmail.com.
 
To participate via zoom, email: twhitlam55@gmail.com to receive the link.
 
About Thom and Brenda Weiss:
Thom was born and raised in Tallmadge, Ohio. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Miami University of Ohio where he also met his wife, Brenda. After several moves across the country, Thom and Brenda landed in Madison, Wisconsin where they raised their two children, Kim and Matthew.
 
After hosting their first Rotary exchange student in 2003, Thom and Brenda joined Rotary. Since then, they have hosted twelve Rotary exchange students. Thom is currently a member of the Madison Area Breakfast Rotary Club where he is a past president and past youth exchange officer. From 2014 – 2022, Thom directed the work of the Wisconsin chapter of Rotary Books for the World. This non-profit organization collected used school and library books from around Wisconsin and shipped them through a Rotary network to developing countries where the books could get a second chance.
 
Brenda received a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Miami University and a teaching certification in Business and Technology from Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio. She has a master's in Instructional Technology from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. Brenda has taught business and computer technology at all grade levels including adults. She spent the last 19 years of her teaching career working both at the middle and high school for the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District in Middleton, Wisconsin. Brenda has been active with Rotary Youth Exchange at the club and district levels. She served as the Rotary Youth Exchange trainer for District 6250 in south central Wisconsin and was the Youth Protection Officer for the Madison After Hours Rotary Club.
 
Currently, Thom and Brenda are serving as United States Peace Corps Volunteers in Kaçanik, Kosovo. He is supporting an environmental NGO as a community and economic development volunteer. She is co-teaching English in a professional high school in Kaçanik as a TEFL volunteer.
 
SAVE THE DATE - MARCH 6. 2025 CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL RECOGNITION LUNCHEON
Save the Date for Rotary Club of Cleveland’s 47th Thesmacher High School Recognition Day Luncheon – Thursday, March 6, 2025, 8:30am – 1pm at Windows on the River in Cleveland
 
The top 125 high school seniors graduating from CMSD will be honored and recognized for outstanding achievement. Each year, students participate in the New Generations Conference, which gives the students the microphone to share with local civic leaders topics affecting teenagers today on their path to adulthood.
 
Once again, we are looking for businesses with internship, training or employment opportunities to have a table to meet these exceptional students, perhaps offering an alternative pathway to success, work or a career.
 
If you are interested in having a table, contact Sharon Lerch at rotarycle@gmail.com.
 
All Rotarians are invited to attend the luncheon. More details on tickets to come.
 
2025 GRANT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR DATES
 
Mark your calendar to attend.
 
Additional information will be forthcoming.
 
All Via ZOOM
 
February 8 from 9:00am-11:00am
February 19 from 6:00pm-8:00pm
March 8 from 9:00am-11:00am
 
GET A HEAD START ON YOUR A.Z. BAKER SERVICE AWARD FORM
Sure, there is still time and more events, but it's not to early to get started on filling in your A.Z. Baker Service Award form. Your club and members have probably already achieved many of the activities. 
 
This coveted award will be presented to all clubs that qualify.
The required points must be achieved by May 31, 2025.
The deadline for receipt of the form is June 6, 2025.
 
 
ABOUT THE A.Z. BAKER SERVICE AWARDS
 
To encourage a reaching out in total service and the "development of resources" on the part of all clubs in District 6630, the A. Z. Baker Service Awards were established in 1978 at the recommendation of then District Governor James P. Banks, and by action of the District Board of Trustees. This award honors our own "Mr. Rotary," A.Z. Baker, from the Rotary Club of Cleveland who served as Rotary International President in 1955-1956. His dedication and commitment to Rotary truly exemplified SERVICE ABOVE SELF and this award was designed to honor his memory by encouraging all clubs in the district to participate in each of the Avenues of Service which are the foundation of club activity.
 
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ALBERT Z. (A.Z.) BAKER
 
He was born in 1890 in Whitesboro, Texas, and was named Albert after his father and Zachary after General Zachary Taylor. He attended county schools in Tennessee (the log cabin kind), graduated from Sparta (Tennessee) High School, and then enrolled in the University of Tennessee. He hoped to be an engineer, but the Great Depression dictated that he leave school. He later studied law at the John Marshall Law School of Ohio Northern University and was admitted to legal practice in 1922. He married Grace Anderson and they had twin girls and one son.
 
Albert Z. (A.Z.) Baker joined the Rotary Club of Cleveland in 1929 and his Rotary classification was "Stockyards," as he was President and General Manager of the Cleveland Union Stockyard Company. He was also President of the American Stockyards Association and Director of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. He was a Member of the Cleveland Bar Association and Delta Theta Phi, the legal fraternity. He served as a trustee of Baldwin Wallace College and as an Advisory Board member for the Salvation Army. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Auto Club and as Director and Deputy Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In 1939, he was elected a Director; in 1940, Vice President; and in 1941, President of the Rotary Club of Cleveland. In 1942-43, he was elected District Governor of District 158.
 
At the international level, A. Z. served on many Rotary International committees. In 1946, he was chairman of the R. I. Convention Committee, for the meeting at Atlantic City; in 1948, he was a Director from Zone 2 of R.I. In 1949, he was a member of the Executive Committee of the R.I. Board of Directors and was Chairman of the Aims and Objects Committee. In 1949 and 1950, he was a member of the Convention Committee and a member of the Youth Committee and an alternate member of the Nominating Committee for President of R.I. In these roles, A.Z. made many significant contributions to the development of area conclaves and conferences at which Rotarian leaders from throughout the world discussed future plans for Rotary International as an organization and whereby many policies and procedures were developed under his leadership.
 
In January of 1955, A. Z. was nominated to be President of Rotary International. Though he had been reluctant to allow his name to be placed in nomination, A. Z. Baker was elected President of Rotary International on June 2, 1955 at the Golden Year Convention held in Chicago.
 
A.Z. set many records for travel in his Presidential year. The whole world, and not merely the Rotary frontiers, became his work ground. He carried Rotary leadership in person to the clubs of the entire Orient; he traveled more thousands of miles in Africa than any other R.I. President. The infinite good he did for Rotary everywhere with his quiet manner and disarming smile was recorded in media around the entire world. They chronicled the acceleration of A.Z.’s Rotarian visits back and forth across hemispheres and oceans, his record of attendance at international and district conventions, and various other ways in which the imprint of a fine leader becomes a blazed trail.
 
The theme for President A. Z. Baker's year was "Develop Your Resources." Following his year as President A.Z. served longer than any other Rotarian as a member of The Rotary International Foundation and of the International Council on Legislation. He served four years as Foundation Chairman, far more than any other person previously had. During his chairmanship, The Foundation celebrated its 50th Anniversary in Cleveland in December of 1966.
 
The World of Rotary was saddened on March 16, 1976, with the passing of A. Z. Baker. He had been a Rotarian for 47 years and had been a tower of strength in giving leadership to Rotary, having held every important post in Rotary at the Club, District, Zone, and International levels.
INTERACTION 2024
What a great day with our young servant leaders at Interaction 2024 at Woodridge HS!
 
It is so inspiring seeing Interactors in action. The project they selected is care packages for chemotherapy patients at The Cleveland Clinic. What a great group of young leaders - the future is very bright!
 
CALL FOR DISTRICT GOVERNOR NOMINEE DESIGNATE NOMINATIONS
 
This is an important notice that the 2024-2025 District 6630 Nominating Committee is currently seeking candidates for 2027-2028 District 6630 Governor and we need your assistance in reaching out to those qualified Rotarians in your clubs and encourage them to consider submitting their application for consideration!    Please remember that ALL applications must be received no later than January 30, 2025.  Please email IPDG Julie Brandle at jbrandle@metisconstruction.com for application information.
 
Qualifications for District Governor
Qualifications are defined in the Rotary International 2022 Manual of Procedure.
Article 12, pages 34-37 and Article 16, pages 42-43 specifically address the procedure. 
 
In Rotary Service,
 
Julie Brandle, IPDG 
Past President, Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio 
4928 Brower Tree Lane ​​​​​​Kent, OH 44240
Cell 330.858.6672 | jbrandle@metisconstruction.com
 
 
JACK FROST FESTIVAL - BEREA CLUB
The Rotary Club of Berea and the Rotaract Club of Baldwin Wallace University passed out 40 gallons of hot chocolate and hundreds of chocolate chip and sugar cookies at Berea's annual Jack Frost Festival on Dec. 7. The hot chocolate was donated by BW. Rotarians on hand included PDGs David Skrzynski and Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski, Past Club President Linda Kramer and Marc West, Rotaract adviser.
 
 
 
ROTARIAN MAKES AN IMPACT PLANTING TREES
Akron Rotarian Tina Graver was featured in this Akron Public Schools project and press release. 
Thank you Tina for all you do in the community!
 
Information supplied by APS
Joanne Isaac, Assistant Director, Marketing Communications
 
For additional Information, contact:
Joanne Isaac, Assistant Director, Marketing Communications, 10 N. Main St., Akron, Ohio 44308-1958
330.761.3057, jisaac@apslearns.org
 
APS - Tree Planting at Voris, Sam Salem, David Hill, Mason and Leggett CLCs
by Marilyn Miller Paulk, APS Storyteller
 
 
 
 
Dec. 2, 2024 -- Fourth-graders were excited to get their hands dirty after learning they were going outside to plant trees.
 
About 150 students from five Akron public schools got a lesson on the environment and the proper way to plant a tree. Voris, Sam Salem, David Hill, Mason and Leggett CLCs were chosen by APS Facilities Services as the CLCs that had the least amount of greenery in the school system and could use more shrubbery.
 
“Are you ready to get dirty? Who wants to help me?,” said Tina Graver, a certified master arborist or ‘tree doctor,’ as she cheered on the students at Voris. “The first step is to break the roots up at the bottom of the tree so the tree knows it is no longer in the pot.” She and the children shed off the layers of dirt on the trunk of the tree.
 
“Now we fill the hole up with the dirt and pat down on the dirt. Who wants to get their shoes dirty?,” she asked.
 
The students thought this was one of the best parts of the lesson, gently patting down the dirt or, for some, stomping on the dirt but only using one foot.
 
“Okay, now we mulch," said Graver, who works for Petrarca Landscape Inc. “Think of a doughnut when you mulch -- thick on the outside -- so let’s put more on the outside and very little, if any, around the middle. Remember, like a donut, not a volcano.”
 
The mulch was made out of wood chips. The students took turns scooping up the chips, eagerly covering up the dirt.
 
Graver refers to the first three years of a tree’s growth as sleep, creep and leap. 
 
“The first year you won’t see any growth; it will grow underground. The second year, you will see a little bit of growth but not much because it will be matching what’s going on underground,” Graver explained. “But in the third year, you will start to see some growth.”
 
Akron Public Schools teamed up with the City of Akron’s Keep Akron Beautiful and Graf Growers for the tree planting event. The school board approved the initiative last month. Graf Growers donated 10 trees, two for each school.
 
“We’ve been working with Keep Akron Beautiful on the plant-a-tree initiative and learned that parks and schools could benefit,“ said Lisa Graf, co-owner of Graf Growers. “They are maple trees, which give off a brilliant orange color in the fall. They are big trees and will grow 40-50 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide.”
 
She said the best time to plant them is in the fall and spring.
 
The CEO of Keep Akron Beautiful, Jacqui Ricchiuti, worked with Katrina Halasa of APS in an effort to revitalize an Arbor Day (April 25) activity when this opportunity came up.
 
“Keep Akron Beautiful wants to plant 100,000 trees by 2034.” said Ricchiuti. “If we don’t do this, the canopy will decrease to 30 percent by 2040. We are losing 6,540 trees annually; this is why we are doing our best to get all of these trees planted.”
 
Katrina Halasa, the supervisor of science and health for grades K-12, said the purpose was to educate the children about why it’s important to have trees and to expose them to different job opportunities, like forestry.
 
Bryan Ressler, APS grounds foreman, said his department dug the holes for the trees ahead of time and selected open areas, not too close to the curbs and in areas where people can see them.
 
Ressler said that since Leggett doesn’t have a lot of space, the trees were planted at the corner of Allen and Thornton streets. The trees at Mason were planted in the playground area. Graver said, in about 10 years, each tree could grow as tall as 60 feet, sizable enough to put a swing on it.
 
The students were all smiles after their hands-on learning experience as they headed back to the school building.
 
“This was a wonderful opportunity for the students,” said Amber Steele, principal at Voris CLC. “The trees are right in front of the classrooms, so they get to watch their progress.”
 
 
ROTARY IS DOING SO MUCH MORE THAN ERADICATING POLIO

"When we talk about The Rotary Foundation and POLIO PLUS, we know we are eradicating polio world-wide, but do we realize how many added benefits the program brings?" asked Albert Tien, Rotary District #6630 Polio Plus Chair. The “plus” is something else that is provided as a part of the polio eradication campaign. It might be a hand-operated tricycle or access to water. It might be additional medical treatment, bed nets, or soap. A 2010 study estimates that vitamin A drops given to children at the same time as the polio vaccine have prevented 1.25 million deaths by decreasing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
 
Did you know that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), of which Rotary is a spearheading partner, funds 91 percent of all immunization staff in the World Health Organization? And the partnership between Rotary and the Gates Foundation has yielded $2 billion, in addition to the countless volunteer hours Rotarians give to fight polio since Rotary started its PolioPlus program in 1985.
 
Help us continue to make a difference in the lives of children. Go to rotarydistrict6630.org and rotary.org to learn more. #PolioPlus
 
 
 
THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENT
Crossing two continents and traveling over 5,000 miles from his home in Brazil to enroll as a full time student at Aurora High School, Henrique Rossi Soares smiled and said, "The best part about being a Rotary Youth Exchange Student is not just the goals we wish to achieve but the journey we take to get there together."
 
Henrique was one of a dozen adventuresome Northeast Ohio students attending Rotary Youth Exchange Inbound/Outbound overnight training and outbound interviews at the Akron Rotary Camp this past weekend hosted by Rotary counselors, parents, youth exchange officers and RYE chairpersons from Districts 6600 and 6630. This continuing education was also a fun and welcome workshop for students and all those involved in the Rotary Youth Exchange program as a lead up to the holiday season.
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
 
ASHTABULA ROTARY SHOPS FOR HALO 
Shopping for our HALO Christmas family children is a beloved project of Ashtabula Rotary members.
 
Thanks to the Ashtabula community for supporting our fundraisers throughout the year. Special thanks to Ashtabula Walmart and Brennan for your generosity.
 
"Service Above Self"
 
NIGHT OF GRATITUDE
On Sat. night, 11/16, 11 Rotarians enjoyed and helped out at the NPower Services "Night of Gratitude" fundraiser at EOUV Hall in Russell Twp.  NPower produces several programs in our local communities, among them: Geauga Joggers & Walkers that provides walking and running opportunities to adults of all abilities; RockAbility, a music platform for musicians with disabilities that practice weekly and provide entertainment at various community centers and social events; FolkAbility, which is similiar to RockAbiliy but perform in smaller groups; Project Kindness, provides self-care and service opportunities for adults who want to contribute to making a kinder world;  Athletic Programming including "Power Ups" at the arena at Wembley in Bainbridge that  teaches fundamental skills and challenging work outs geared to working towards a more active life style.
 
NPower Services was founded by Lori Weber a musician and mother who lives in Bainbridge.  Her endless energy and dedicated staff have built their program with the goal of providing opportunities for people of all levels of abilities to build themselves a better life. Lori and her staff have reached out to encourage others to establish RockAbility-like groups in other communities, using their great success as motivation.
 
The evening consisted of great music and dancing and several fund raising activities.  Among them were a silent auction, a live auction that was super lively with their great auctioneer keeping the crowd laughing and bidding and bidding and bidding!  Their were  also very impressive raffle baskets that could be bid on. These received lively support all night. The energy and commitment of the crowd was palpable and contagious and the high level of financial support was appreciated by all.
 
NPower is one of the non-profits supported by funds raised from The Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield's (BMR) Maple Splash Raffle. Over 30 such non-profits receive support from BMR as this highly motivated group of Rotarians strives to make our community and many places around the world a better place to live.  Come join us!  We are always looking for members who share our love of community and doing good in the world.
 
Bob Johnson
Secretary, The Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield
AKRON ROTARY HELPS AT FOOD PANTRY AND HOT MEAL PROGRAM
Father Dean of  Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church asked for our help with a very important service project that took place November 26th.  
 
On this night, the Food Pantry and Hot Meal programs were combined.
 
Akron Rotarians showed up in force to volunteer between 4pm-7pm -- THANK YOU.
 
The food pantry included a variety of produce, canned goods, boxed goods, paper products and much more!  There was also a clothing area. 
 
Guests were offered a hot meal and in addition they could get a take-home hot meal that included turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and side dishes to serve a family of four.
 
Our volunteers helped in all areas: the food pantry line, serving hot meals, bussing/cleaning tables, monitoring the dessert tables and clothing areas and assisting those who needed help to take packages to their cars.  
 
The need in our community was evident - people were there 2 hours prior to the doors opening and the line was continuous through the 5pm-7pm time frame.
 
It is estimated that they will feed between 1200-1600 people through their program in December.  
 
Following the project, a little pizza and libations were enjoyed by those who could attend.
 
 
   
FEEDING MEDINA COUNTY
Rotary, Kiwanis, the Military and Many Others Volunteer with Feeding Medina County to Reduce Food Insecurity Among Children
 
Janet Newcomer, Executive Director of Feeding Medina County, stated," Feeding Medina County is grateful to Rotarians, Kiwanis, the US Military, Veterans and many other organizations and companies that made today possible and successful."
 
Thanks to the generous support of this community, we were able to provide the ingredients for a complete Thanksgiving dinner, including a turkey, for over 1000 individuals.  It was a frosty November morning but our hearts were warmed by the gratitude of the people we were able to help.
 
Happy Thanksgiving!
 
PHOTO:
Feeding Medina County & Thanksgiving Volunteers
BURTON MIDDLEFIELD INTERACT AND ROTARIANS PACKAGE MEALS

November 23, 2024 members from Burton-Middlefield Rotary and Berkshire High School Interact club gathered at Peace Lutheran Church to package 17 Thanksgiving meals that were distributed throughout Geauga County. The meals included Thanksgiving staples such as turkey, stuffing, and various side dishes. Burton-Middlefield Rotarians Jeff, Bob, Brian & Mike delivered the meals to local families facing food insecurity.

“This partnership embodies the essence of service above self,” said Rotary Club member Mike Valentino.  “We are excited to work alongside the young leaders of the Interact Club, who bring enthusiasm and creativity to our community efforts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are in need.”

This was the first project from the newly formed Interact club and Burton-Middlefield Rotary club.  The next Interact project for December is the adoption a family for Christmas from Geauga Job & Family Services.

Upper left photo: Interact members Frankie, Ryan, Rotary member Mike, Interact members Mario & Noah

 

2024 FOUNDATION GALA RECAP
District Governor Dale Smith welcomed Rotarians and their guests to the Annual Rotary Foundation Gala held November 7th at The Center in Stow. This annual event celebrates District 6630 Rotarians who contributed to The Rotary Foundation and recognizes them for their generosity. In addition, he introduced the new Peace Builder banner which recognizes 6630 as a Global Peacebuilder District. 6630 has a long tradition of supporting the Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Area of Focus.
 
Nathanael Billow, Rotary Club of Akron Club President served as Master of Ceremonies to recognize new donors for the 2023-2024 year in the categories of:
Clubs with 100% Every Rotarian Every Year and 100% Giving to The Rotary Foundation; Top Giving Clubs, End Pollo Now Certificate of Achievement; Major Donors and Paul Harris Society.
 
PDG David Jones graduated the second class of Leadership 6630 graduates at the event, which has now become a fantastic tradition. This year's graduates include:
Mike Talty, Jessica Hanes, Albert Tien, Shail Jain, Mike Valentino, Georgeann Jones, Jennifer Kelly, and N'ecole Ast.
 
The event was organized by IPDG Julie Brandle, who thanked her committee, as well as event night special assistance from Lisa Hebert, AG Kim Polatas, District First Lady Jeri Ann Smith, and of course behind the scenes proofreading and protocol assistance from PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski. Much appreciation as well to Annette Oborn and Rich Warfield, District Treasurer for welcoming guests at Registration; Kevin Wermer for the Moment of Inspiration and Dustin Boswell for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
 
The committee included:
DG Dale Smith
DGE Bob Oborn
DGN Terri Speck 
PDG Larry Lohman 
PDG David Jones
Tina Ingraham
Dan and Becky Garry - for the masterful art of the DESSERT DASH! 
 
The Dessert Dash this year raised over $7,500! What a fun way to have Dessert and a fundraiser as well!
 
Thanks to all who were able to join us for a fun night of fellowship on this beautiful STARRY NIGHT.
 
Julie Brandle
2023-2024 District 6630 Governor
 
 
NORTHEAST OHIO ROTARY CLUB'S "PAWS & CLAUS" FUNDRAISER 
 
The Northeast Ohio Rotary Club (E-ClubNEO) brought a lot of smiles to families with pets.
 
If you brought your pet to Dietz Floral in Cuyahoga Falls, your pet would be photographed with Santa Simon.
 
For a $10 donation per pet, professional photographer, Maria Kaiser from The Rotary Club of the Heights of Greater Cleveland took beautiful photos that will be sent to the families this week.
 
While photos were in process, other volunteers braided dog/cat toys that were given to our four-legged models with the remaining quantity donated to a local shelter.
 
All proceeds go toward the Club service projects.
 
Here are a few candid behind the scenes snapshots taken including
one featuring our official "Elves" with Santa Simon - they helped prepare the families, dogs and cats for their sittings.
 
   
   
 
BALDWIN WALLACE ROTARACT
CONGRATULATIONS!
The Rotaract Club of Baldwin Wallace University initiated 24 new members into the club on Nov. 7.
 
A huge thank you to Marc West for guiding the club for these past many years.
 
We look forward to working with the new officers and members in 2025.
BURTON MIDDLEFIELD MEMBERS AT FOUNDATION GALA
On Thurs., Nov. 7, 2024 Rotarians attended the 2023-2024 Rotary District 6630 Foundation Gala at the Center Community Hall in Stow, Ohio.  About 200 attendees celebrated another year of strong giving to The Rotary Foundation (TRF).   All of our District 6630 major donors for the year are recognized for their support of TRF.   
 
This Foundation is the engine that drives all  the local and international matching grants that Rotarians around the world use to do  most of their humanitarian work.  It also funds the scholarships that are awarded to World Peace Fellows from around the world who are engaged in peace and conflict resolution work in their home countries. 
 
These Peace Fellows can attend one of six universities around the world for one year of  training in their field of expertise at Rotary’s expense.  Past Ambassadorial Scholar Wisdom Addo was in attendance form his home country of Ghana where he stages highly popular and impactful “Peace Jams” attended by large groups of youth.   Past District Governor Bob Johnson and Past Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club President Mike Valentino and their wives were in attendance.  Mike was recognized for completing his year of attendance in the Leadership 6630 training program that develops future Rotary leaders for our district.   Bob was recognized for his membership in the Paul Harris Society for his giving to the Rotary Foundation through the years.
 
The event has become famous for its fund raising event called the “Dessert Dash”.  Many different, beautiful and delicious desserts are brought by volunteering Rotarians and placed on a long table.  Monetary donations from the Rotarians at each table are placed in an envelope.  The table contributing the greatest amount of donations gets to “dash” to the dessert table first and grab the dessert that their table has selected.  Tables are called in quick succession in descending order of donations so speed is paramount.  Our table was second and our speedy “dessert grabber” brought us a delicious chocolate pound cake that was beautifully decorated which we all enjoyed.  Past District Governor Dave Jones wife Georgeann and Past Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club president Mike Valentino’s wife Linda from two different tables almost collided going for a scrumptious looking chocolate cherry cake.  The monetary donations from the event are then given to The Rotary Foundation.  The Foundation Gala is a yearly event that celebrates donations and support of TRF by all Rotarians from our District 6630 for the 2023/2024 Rotary year which ended on 6/30/2024.
 
PDG Bob Johnson
Secretary
Burton-Middlefield Rotary
5th ANNUAL JEEP INVASION IGNORES WEATHER
Saturday, Oct. 13th 2024 dawned cold and rainy but couldn’t cast a dark cloud over Rotary’s 5th Annual JEEP INVASION fund raiser for Veteran causes in Geauga County. 
 
All but a couple of Jeeps that had registered showed up to enjoy a day of fun in their favorite vehicles. 
 
Almost a hundred entrants enjoyed the cruise through Geauga County led by sheriff Scott Hildenbrand and his deputies. 
 
Again this year the tour took a slow short drive on the Maple Highlands Trail which is normally closed to vehicles of any kind.  The day started out very wet from over night rain but by 7:30AM Jeeps of all description began to arrive like it was a sunny fall day.  A couple of Jeeps, sans tops, rolled in with their damp but hardy drivers.  There’s die-hards in every crowd. 
 
Goody bags were handed out to all entrants with coffee, donuts and later hot dogs and snacks from the Mayfield Road Drive-in concession stand kept everyone going.  Raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing kept entrants busy until the Jeeps rolled off at 10:00AM on the tour.  Event Chair Andrew Pleso from event major sponsor Junction Auto Family did an incredible job putting this whole event together and running it smoothly. 
 
The Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield has made this an annual fund raising event to fund their donations to many Veteran causes in our great Geauga County, this year netting over $17,000 through sponsorships and entry fees.  Andrew and his staff of 13 club members and 4 volunteer guests pulled off another successful event to keep Rotary a leader in humanitarian work in our Geauga community.
 
 
 
Bob Johnson
Secretary
The RC of Burton-Middlefield
GREATER CLEVELAND SPORTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES BID TO HOST SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES 2030
GREATER CLEVELAND SPORTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES BID TO HOST
SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES 2030
Ohioans are encouraged to pledge their support to back the bid for Cleveland
 
Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Special Olympics Ohio, Destination Cleveland and key partners from around the state announced a bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games. Held every 4 years, these Games would welcome 5,500+ athletes and coaches, 100,000+ fans, and require 10,000+ volunteers for 8 days of 16+ sports, opening and closing ceremonies, and more. The economic impact is estimated $70M+, and we know the legacy of hosting this event will leave behind much more.
 
We are thrilled to be a finalist through this highly competitive bid process. We need your help to leave no doubt that Cleveland has the community involvement, support, and desire to host these athletes and welcome their families and fans.
 
We are requesting you sign & share the pledge page below with your networks. Our goal is to get tens of thousands of pledges to not only blow the selection committee (and our competition) away – but show Special Olympics Athletes, their families, coaches, supporters and more that Cleveland is a premiere destination, inclusive, and ready to host the best USA Games yet.
 
A few things that could help you spread the word are below. OR you can repost from the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission &/or Destination Cleveland social media pages.
 
BEST PRACTICES FOR ORGANIZING EVENTS INVOLVING CHILDREN AND YOUTH (A Supplemental to the RI District 6630 Youth Protection Policies and Procedures Manual)
The District 6630 Youth Protection Committee has been working to assist Club Youth Protection Officers in their efforts to assist club planning and execution of safe youth related activities. The District Website already contains detailed video presentations, as well as power point downloads of the September 18, 2021 youth protection training seminar. The actual policy and procedures manual is also contained on the District website.
 
In an endeavor to assist in using the policies and procedures manual a subcommittee of the District Youth Protection Committee has created the Best Practices for Organizing Events Involving Children & Youth (click here) for your review, study and use.
 
I would like to thank Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski and her subcommittee for their efforts in preparing this document.
 
On a different topic, District Youth Protection Officer Carrie Malotte and her team of Assistant District Youth Protection Officers have been working diligently to implement the District’s Youth Volunteer Management System, including the Youth Protection Course which is part of the system. If your club is one of the dozen or so clubs who have not responded to District Youth Protection Officers attempted contacts please do so (Carrie can be reached at CarrieMalotte@Westfield-bank.com)
 
Sincerely,
 
John L. Reyes
Rotary International District 6630 Youth Protection Committee Chair
2024-2025 ROTARY PRESIDENTIAL THEME

Have you updated your Club web and social media sites with the new theme?

Need help building a logo for your Club to include the theme?
For assistance, Email or call Cheryl Warren 330-495-9814. 

2024-25: The Magic of Rotary

2024-2025 Theme logo - EN

RI President-elect Stephanie Urchick celebrates the magic of Rotary. She says members create that magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member of Rotary.

Download 2024-25 theme logo materials (.zip)

2024-25 presidential theme branding guidelines (PDF)

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Mark Your Calendars for These Events!
2024-2025 District Leadership
2025 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

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.

SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENT

Providing our members more ways to bring about positive change in the world.

Community Minded People Like You and Me
If you like talking and tweeting about issues that matter
in both your local community and communities abroad,
come and see how you can join the conversation at Rotary
and do something to make a real difference in the lives of others.