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News from Around the District

JANUARY 2024 DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
 
 
Happy New Year!  It is hard to believe that we are halfway through the Rotary Year!  It has been a fun and motivating year already.  We had a successful Club Experience Summit in October, a great Foundation Gala in November and a well-attended kickoff to our District Disaster Response Committee in the beginning of 2025.  The response of those interested in being part of that committee has been wonderful!  As of January 10, I have visited 40 of our 48 clubs with six of the remainder scheduled!  I hope to participate in many service projects with you during the remainder of the year - keep me in the loop on your upcoming service opportunities!
 
Coming up we have Grant Management Seminars in February and March, the 4 Way Test Speech Contest on April 12,  and the District Conference on April 25 and 26.
 
We have added 80 members since July 1.  Unfortunately we have lost 99 members in the same time period.  While we must continue to attract people who have our hearts and hands for service and high ethics, it is just as important that we retain our members.  Over the last five years, just 34% of those leaving cited business, relocation or family reasons.  51% have been for personal or miscellaneous reasons.  I firmly believe that a large number of that 51% are members whose expectations for service or fellowship were not met.  As I have asked in my visits, please assign an experienced member to be a "host" for new members to share Rotary knowledge and introduce them to members.  Also - find out what new members want from Rotary and meet those expectations if you can.  If you notice a Rotarian is not attending meetings or otherwise involved like they have been in the past, give them a call.  Begin the conversation by asking how they, their family, their business and pets are and eventually tell them you miss them at Rotary and can you help to get them re-engaged.
 
I look forward to hearing how you are using the learnings from the Club Experience Summit and look forward to hearing about your successes!  If I can help you understand my notes from the Summit, please do not hesitate to email, text or call me.  Growing our organization is my passion, and I want to help you!
 
Dale Smith
District Governor 2024/2025
Rotary International District 6630
Past-President
Rotary Club of Mentor
The Magic of Rotary
330-968-7683 (m)
HELP US PROVIDE NEW SHOES TO KIDS IN NEED!
As All Ohio P.E.T.S. is approaching, Rotary Clubs in District 6630 are joining together to raise funds to support Soles4Souls' 4EveryKid initiative.
 
4EveryKid aims to provide new shoes to students experiencing homelessness across the state of Ohio.
 
Our District aims to be the top fundraising District in Ohio, so as many kids in need across our local public schools can experience the joy and confidence that comes with new shoes!
 
Your donation on our district donation page will send us to the top of the leaderboard, all while helping kids in need.
 
Here's our District 6630 link to donate 👇
 
 
 
GRANTS MANAGEMENT SEMINARS 2025 - REGISTER NOW
 
As we enter this new year, the Grants Committee is starting to prepare for the Rotary year 2025-2026.  The first step for us is to host the Yearly Grants Management Seminars (GMS).  Like in years past, we will be hosting three sessions, the dates are listed at the end of the letter.  We will host two in February and one in March. 
 
Now listen up, I am going to share with you who should attend!  Remember if you have questions at anyti…. Ok, please put your hand down, if after reading this you still have questions, I will provide email contacts at the end of this letter for you. 
 
Let’s get back to it. First you will need a minimum of TWO members of your club to attend at least One session. Those who should attend are the 2025-2026 Club President and President Elect, The Rotarian who will be responsible for writing and reporting on the grant, and anyone else that may need to access the District Club Runner Grant Module to report or add information to their club’s grant.  It is very important to understand that only those who attend the GMS will be able to access the District Club Runner Grant Module!  There are other eligibility requirement’s which we will discuss at the GMS.
 
Now that we have laid the initial ground work for who needs to attend the Grants Management Seminar, can I see the hands of those who are going to attend.  WOW, you actually raised your hands.  Now I expect to see all of you at the upcoming Grants Management Seminars. 
 
Grants Management Seminar Dates
 
REGISTER NOW - CLICK ON THE DATE YOU WISH TO ATTEND:
 
 
 
 
If you have any questions please contact: 
 
District Grant Committee Chair:
 
District Foundation Chair:
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
 
Larry Lohman
2022-2025 District 6630 Rotary Foundation Chair
2021-2022 Rotary International District 6630 Governor
Home Club:  Rotary Club of Kent, OH USA
Cell: 330-322-2474 | Email: D6630DG2122@gmail.com | www.RotaryDistrict6630.org
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.
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
 
 
INTERACT PROJECT AND HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE
 
This year we are creating care packages for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. We plan on donating the baskets to cancer patients at Hillcrest Hospital (part of the Cleveland Clinic) located in Mayfield Heights in Cuyahoga County. I have spoken to several workers there, and they have given me a good idea of what to include in each basket. Here is a list of items that we recommend:
 
  • Unscented lotion
  • Puzzle/Adult coloring books (Sudoku, crossword puzzles, word searches - anything to help pass the time during treatment sessions)
  • Hard candies, especially ginger flavored (to help with dry mouth, ginger helps reduce nausea)
  • Gatorade/Pedialyte drink mix packets
  • Fuzzy socks
  • Blanket
  • Non-metal utensils
  • Non-metal water bottle
  • A card or note of encouragement
 
Some of my students created a Google Doc with links for each product, plus a link for a basket to put everything in. We predict each basket will cost approximately $75-$85 to put together. 
 
If your club decides to do any sort of collection drive for these items, we ask that all items be new (not previously used).
 
Here is the Google Doc from my students with Amazon links for everything. These are suggestions - you do not have to purchase these exact items! You could make an Amazon Wishlist for your school or club if you want to send it out to parents and community members as well. There is a blanket linked on here, but if your club would like to make tie blankets themselves that would also be great! Again, you do not have to purchase these exact items, but please use these as examples. 
 
 
Please let me know any questions you might have regarding this project. 
 
Thank you!
 
Chelsea Talty
District 6630 Interact Chair
JAN. 17th - PUTT PUTT CHALLENGE TO KICK OFF AKRON ROTARY'S CHILI OPEN GOLF CLASSIC!
ALL ARE WELCOME
 
We will be at Whiteys Booze and Burgers on Friday January 17th from 5-8pm. 

Whitey's Chili is the OFFICAL Chili Sponsor of the Chili Open!
 
What a great way to show our support by patronizing Whitey's for being the OFFICAL Chili Open Sponsor!
 
Stop in for a few beverages, a little putt-putt for prizes  or bring the family to have a bite!
 
 
We look forward to seeing you next Friday! Come hungry ~
 
Thane Billow and Katy Miller/Co-Chairs Chili Open
MAR. 5th - CAVS NIGHT WITH EXCHANGE STUDENTS
This is a great chance to join the Exchange Students for the CAVS game against the Miami Heat on March 5, 2025 at 7:00pm.  The CAVS are the BEST team in the NBA!!!
 
All Rotarians and friends are welcome for the pregame reception and CAVS game on the 5th.
 
The reception with the students begins at 5:00 pm and includes a snack with soft drinks at The Clevelander Bar and Grille at 834 Huron Street, Cleveland, Ohio.
 
In addition, we will have a few door prizes and a raffle for the exchange students and their guests.
 
This has always been a fun night, a chance to see the young CAVS and have some great fellowship.
 
 
Any questions, call Stew at 330-607-1442.
 
 
GO CAVS!!!!!!
MAR. 6th 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.
 
 
CHILI OPEN RAFFLE TICKETS - HOW YOU CAN HELP
Akron Chili Open Raffle Tickets - Your Help is Critical!
We are getting close to our Chili Open. The raffle tickets are a big part of raising money as part of our service over self. 
 
Below you will find a letter with information you can use to sell the raffle tickets.
 
A special thanks for Rotarians who have already sold their assigned tickets. 
 
Karen Hrdlicka
Rotary Club Akron Bylaws Committee Chair
Tel 330.329.7723 | hrdlickacareer@gmail,com
 
 
 

 
Only 25 days until Akron Rotary's 35th annual Chili Open Golf Classic! We need every club member's help in promoting Raffle ticket sales. Your help in this area of the Chili Open is critical – in order for The VanDevere Bunch to donate the car, we need to sell a minimum of $40,000 in raffle tickets.
 
Below is sample wording to use in an email to your clients, colleagues, family, and friends. Feel free to personalize your email with your personal testimonial of Akron Rotary Club and Camp. If you have already purchased or sold your tickets, thank you!
 
Let us know if you have questions or need more raffle tickets. Thank you for your support!
 
Karen Hrdlicka and Marissa Rufe
35th Annual Chili Open – Raffle Ticket Chairs  
 
SUGGESTED CHILI OPEN RAFFLE TICKET E-MAIL PROMOTION:
 
For the last 100 years, Akron Rotary Camp has been the main project of the Rotary Club of Akron. Every purchase of a raffle ticket will help Rotary Camp to live out their mission of “Creating a world where there are only abilities!” and continue to support the vulnerable youth and families that benefit from sending their child to Camp. 
 
Please consider joining me in purchasing raffle tickets to support Akron Rotary’s annual Chili Open Golf Classic! The Akron Rotary Club which hosts the Chili Open Golf Classic presented by Wayne Homes, a winter golf event that benefits Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. Rotary Camp serves 1,100 children and adults with disabilities and provides financial assistance to families in need of their services. The Chili Open helps to make this possible!  This year, the Chili Open is celebrating its 35th anniversary; our goal is to raise $375,000 to provide more families the opportunity to send their children to camp.
  
There are great chances to win the following prizes: 
  • 1st Prize: 2025 KIA K4 from The VanDevere Bunch
  •  2nd Prize: $2,500 Flooring Credit, courtesy of Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design
  •  3rd Prize: North Course Foursome Package, courtesy of Firestone Country Club
 
Each ticket also includes $30 in discounts (ticket stubs will be mailed):
Tickets are $20 each. Raffle winners will be drawn during the Chili Open on Saturday, February 1st, at Hale Farm and Village (winner need not be present to win.) 
 
As a bonus, we are offering a chance to win $50,000 in SNOWMANIA!!!  Anyone who purchases five (5) raffle tickets ($20 each for a total of $100) will automatically be entered into the Chili Open SNOWMANIA drawing.
 
Please join me in purchasing tickets today at Chiliopen.net, or call Akron Rotary Camp at (330) 644-4512. Thank you for in advance for helping Rotary Camp to fulfill its mission of Creating a world where there are only abilities!
THOM AND BRENDA WEISS - PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER PRESENTATION RECAP
Thom and Brenda Weiss are both 20 year Rotarians from Madison Wisconsin and currently they are serving as United States Peace Corps Volunteers in Kaçanik, Kosovo.
 
They visited NE Ohio (Thom was raised in Tallmadge, OH) over the holidays and offered to speak at our clubs.  Thank you to the Barberton, Tallmadge and Wadsworth clubs that opted to team up on January 2nd. Wadsworth coordinated the even and and had them present at Soprema Senior Center & Cafe along with offering a Zoom option. It was a fascinating presentation - below are excerpts that coordinate with their photos (click here for the PDF of the photos).
 
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. 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.
 
 
Abbreviations:
KOS 9 – 9th group of volunteers to Kosovo
LCF – Language and Cultural Facilitators (Kosovo Language/Cultural Instructors to train PCs)
PC – Peace Corps
PCV – Peace Corps Volunteer
RPCV – Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
 
Living and Serving in Kaçanik, Kosovo (pic - Snow-covered Ljuboten May 2024)
Introduction – Thom and Brenda (pic – View of Kaçanik from our apartment)
● 20 year Rotarians
● Relationship started with hosting Rotary Youth Exchange Students
● RPCV presentation at a Rotary meeting lead to applying to PC
 
Peace Corps as a Safety Net – Brenda (Pic Kos 9 at staging)
● The desire to serve abroad (pic - Mosque in Kamenice)
● The safety net – 63 years of experience, 240,000 volunteers (pic - Host family)
● Relationship building with other PCV, in-country PC Staff, and community Training in country with LCFs (pic – Getting our site in Kosovo)
 
We love American! – Thom (pic – American Flag and Ljuboten in the background)
● Carson Mettel bike tour and flags everywhere (pic – American Flag and Ljuboten in the background)
● The 98/99 conflict (pic – Bill Clinton Statue)
● Kosovo border (pic – Map of Kosovo)
● KFOR (pic - at Camp Bondstill)
● Nationality (pics – Prishtina library and kids in Albanian costumes)
● Locals in Kacanik (pic – Bucky)
 
What I Learned From Students – Brenda (pic – Brenda’s school assignment)
● Brief description of school site and students (pic – Brenda’s school assignment)
● First week of school icebreaker (pic – Distance Akron to Kaçanik)
● Students know about Ohio (pic – Students in the electrician group)
● Ohio is a Meme (pic – Ohio is a Meme)
● Kaçanik is 5,000 miles away and yet students know Ohio
 
Finding our Peep! – Thom (pic – Meadow hike near Kaçnik)
● Who has hosted an exchange student? Why do we try to get them on sports teams, music groups or other extracurriculars? (pic - hiking groups on a peak in Sharr Mountain National Park)
● Kacanik valley (pic – September 7th hike)
● Hiking Group
 
Gjethi “The Leaf” – Thom (pic – ommgjethi.com front page)
● My assignment - (pic – First meeting with Gjethi)
● Punch above their weight
● Advocacy - (pic – Valon being interviewed by news organization)
● Maje Paqt (pic - Garbage in Kaçanik)
 
School for Thought (pic – Emin Duraku newest school in Kaçanik)
● The comparison question
● Description of school in Middleton
● Description of schools in Kosovo (pic – Student performance at my assigned school)
● My role in the school (pic – student wearing a University of Wisconsin sweatshirt)
● December 16th in Madison school
● How students in Kosovo have it better than students in
 
Service Above Self (pic – participants in Access in Kamenice)
● Rotary service above self lines up with PC
● PC Mission (pic – Peace Corps Kosovo headquarters)
● PC Goals
● PC Service Sectors
● Benefits of Serving and After Serving (pic – swearing-in ceremony)
● PC Response (pic – swearing in of two response volunteers)
● Final Slide/Questions (pic – view of Ljuboten from Kaçanik)
 
BURTON-MIDDLEFIELD ROTARY
Five Rotary members and 4 spouses were lucky enough to take part in the Burton Christmas Parade.  In spite of the freezing cold, the enthusiasm was contagious as a half mile of floats and participants followed the course around Burton Square and through town on a beautiful winter night.  The weatherman actually did cooperate by keeping the snow slightly to the north of town which made things much better for all. The number of parade attendees was incredible and much larger than past years.  The kids were the center of attention as they stood like statues bundled in their warm winter clothing and tried to pick up candy with their gloves and mittens.  Parade participants were a wide variety of local businesses and non-profits  like Rotary.  We displayed our new Ford F-150 pick-up truck which is this year's Maple Splash Raffle grand prize from  Preston Super Stores and the truck pulled another prize which was a really nice fold out family camper also to be given away  at this year's Maple Splash Festival in July.  Both were decked out in colorful decals and lights for the parade.  Once again our  truck carried the "Olaf" character and we heard almost every kid yell "there's Olaf!"  Thanks to the brave young lady in the costume  who was partially frozen at the end of the parade.  This event continues to grow every year and is becoming a bigger and bigger tradition with many families.  What a great exposure for our club and the Maple Splash Raffle.  Thanks to the Burton Chamber for putting on this great event.
 
Bob Johnson - Secretary - BMR
NORTHAMPTON-CUYAHOGA VALLEY ROTARIANS VOLUNTEER AND SERVE
Members of the Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club had several meaningful service opportunities in recent weeks.   
 
Volunteer Rotarians spent time at the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank assisting with the distribution of food in the center's food pantry. 
 
The Foodbank is a great place to volunteer and serve with several different tasks to choose from.   We plan to make the Food Bank a regular service opportunity for our club members!   
 
In keeping with our club's tradition, volunteers stepped up for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign once again. 
 
Working in shifts, this year we spent a recent Saturday at the Giant Eagle Market District in Cuyahoga Falls. 
 
Kicking off the day, Rotarian Tom Morehouse showed up in "full holiday uniform"!
 
Later that day, Rotarians Ray Krusinski rang the bell with Ed Wagner relieving him for another shift.   The Northampton - Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club continues to serve!

 
BEREA ROTARY CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS
 
We partied at the home of Bev and Dave Skrzynski, who provided a great buffet. Thank you, Bev and Dave! Judy Stull was there, too.
 
Marc West, Sandy Hammer, Judy Stull and Detra West.
 
Bob Hammer and Cory Harrington.
 
It also was Marc West's birthday.
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE BEREA FIRE DEPARTMENT
Our annual gift from Firefighters Local 1836 was this lovely miniature pine tree.
It can be planted outdoors in the spring.
Right now, it is in Linda's dining room.
If anyone would like to add this to their landscaping, please let her know.
AKRON CLUB NEWS
President Nathanael Billow received his Paul Harris+6 pin. 
It was presented by President Elect Katy Miller. 
 
Thank you Thane - you truly make a difference!
CLUB CELEBRATED THE HOLIDAYS!

The holiday luncheon was a memorable gathering, filled with warmth, great company, and the joy of sharing music and delicious food.

The University of Akron School of Music Brass Quintet added a special touch, enhancing the festive atmosphere with their performance.

 
AKRON RINGS BELLS FOR SALVATION ARMY
 
Special thanks to Mark Seward to organized this service project.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLUB SUPPORTS CoCoDA
 
President Billow presented a $1,500 check on December 10 to PDG Larry Lohman who chairs the CoCoDA Water Project for El Salvador.
 
Past President Knauer also surprised the Club and Larry by donating an additional $500 from his year as Club President through a fund maintained by our Akron Rotary Foundation for President's to use at their discretion.
 
  
KIWANIS AND ROTARY GATHER FOR FELLOWSHIP
Rotary & Kiwanis Christmas Fellowship
at Medina First Baptist Church
 
The Medina Christian Academy Worship Team performed songs of the Christmas Season as Rotary President Dr. Bob Hlasko and Kiwanis President Chet Simmons continued the tenth year tradition of bringing these local service clubs together at the annual Service Clubs' Christmas Fellowship Breakfast hosted by Medina First Baptist Church.  Amidst the Clubs sharing camaraderie and joy in helping Medina Countians, they heard from Medina First Baptist Pastor Kurt Alber, who provided an inspirational Christmas message about finding peace in a world where peace can be hard to find. 
 
Service to others is what defines all Rotarians and Kiwanians. Rotary and Kiwanis are service clubs which make a difference in people's lives. When you give of your time, talents and treasures, you actually give a little of yourself and a part of your life to someone else.  This is especially true during the Christmas season and both clubs hope this message resonates beyond their annual gathering to bring hope and joy to Medina County and beyond.
 
 
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
 
 
 
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.