In a vibrant display of community engagement, the Stow-Munroe Falls Rotary Club hosted a Membership Drive Event on February 29th, 2024, at the esteemed VFWStow-Munroe Falls Rotary Club's Membership Drive Event Draws Success Post #4738. Led by Membership Committee Chair, Brad Ruth, and his dedicated team comprising Todd Hearty, Scott Miller, Maria Ferrara, and Leslee Salhany, the event proved to be a resounding success, attracting approximately 45 enthusiastic attendees.
The event, marked by an atmosphere of camaraderie, featured an array of festivities including food catered by Pancho & Leftys, music, cornhole, and beverages, ensuring a delightful experience for all who attended. Attendees were not only treated to a jovial atmosphere but also received an insightful Welcome to Rotary presentation. This presentation, created by Maria Ferrara, delved into the rich history of Rotary, benefits of membership, and showcased exemplary works of the organization in fostering community development, service, and fellowship.
The success of the event was not left to chance but was the culmination of meticulous planning and strategic outreach efforts. The organizers left no stone unturned in spreading the word about the event, leveraging Rotarian referrals, personal engagement, and social media platforms to reach out to prospective members.
Reflecting on the event's success, Membership Committee Chair Brad Ruth expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are thrilled with the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by all who attended. This event was a testament to the strength of our community and the enduring appeal of Rotary's values and mission."
Indeed, the fruits of their labor were evident as between 5 to 10 new member applications have already poured in, signaling a promising influx of fresh perspectives and energy into the Stow-Munroe Falls Rotary Club.
The organizers extend their heartfelt appreciation to all committee members, Rotarians, and staff of VFW Post #4738 whose unwavering support and dedication contributed to the event's triumph. Their collective efforts have not only bolstered the ranks of the club but have also reinforced its commitment to service and fellowship within the community.
As the Stow-Munroe Falls Rotary Club looks ahead, buoyed by the success of this Membership Drive Event, it remains steadfast in its mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, one member at a time. The group now turns its sights to the next major event, the annual golf outing!
With a spirit of optimism and purpose, the Stow-Munroe Falls Rotary Club marches forward, guided by its enduring motto, "Service Above Self."
Those of us who knew the late Michael J. Johns, Sr. were well aware of the enduring mark he left on Rotary, here and around the world, as well as on each of us whose lives he touched. Here we wish to take a few moments to pay tribute to his memory by sharing just a few of the details of his Rotary journey for those of you who did not have the opportunity to meet this Rotary “giant.”
“…coach, mentor, cheerleader, craftsman, artist, teacher, scout leader, Rotarian, man of faith and service.” These are just a few of the words used to describe Mike by his family, whom he loved above all else.
A monument builder by vocation, he brought an incredible level of artistry to his craft that carried through into all aspects of his life. He was also one of the most humble of individuals you could ever meet and when he spoke to you, you knew you had his undivided attention because for him at that moment, you were sure you were the only one in the room.
In 1976, at the invitation of his father, John I. Johns, Mike joined the Rotary Club of Hillcrest where he twice served as Club President (in 1980-81 and 2001-02). He continued to serve with honor and distinction as District 663 Governor in 1986-1987 which later became District 6630. He was then elected to a two-year term on the Rotary International Board of Directors (2007-2009) and represented RI Presidents at numerous District Conferences and Institutes in several countries around the world. Mike, most recently, was a member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland.
He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation, and a Level-3 member of the Bequest Society. Mike served as a national advisor for the Permanent Fund of The Rotary Foundation (today known as the Endowment Fund) and had been a Zone leadership trainer, a leadership development trainer for District 6630, and a voting delegate to three Rotary International Councils on Legislation. Mike Co-chaired with PDG Dave Skrzynski, the District 6630 Centennial Celebration in 2016 dedicated to honoring the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation, founded by Clevelander, our own Past Rotary International President Arch C. Klumph. Mike was also a member of The Rotary Foundation Centennial Speakers Bureau.
His belief in the eradication of polio “so that no child would ever experience this deadly and paralyzing disease ever again” was unwavering. The NID’s (National Immunization Days) he would say he had the privilege of participating in, both in India and Nigeria where he was able to administer the life-saving polio vaccine to the babies and children, were some of the most defining moments of his entire Rotary career.
Mike lived Rotary’s tenet, Service Above Self, throughout his life, a life which also truly epitomized Rotary’s 4-Way Test, always leading with integrity and with grace. Most don’t know that he sometimes drove new Rotarians to visit different Rotary Clubs so they could truly understand the impact Rotary could have on their lives with so many opportunities for service to those less fortunate and the friendships that would follow with like-minded people. He believed in the Family of Rotary, long before it was fashionable, and time and time again we have heard about the influence he had on so many people who felt so fortunate to have called him “their friend” - here and around the world.
In 2009, then District Governor John Bosco created the “Michael J. Johns Lifetime Achievement Award” with 12 Rotarians to date having received this distinguished honor, including Mike himself in 2015. A recent recipient, PDG Bob Johnson, shared that “Mike’s words spoke from this trophy of things like leadership, humility, integrity, empathy and more, but the most meaningful of all was the word - friend.”
That Mike passed away on Rotary’s Birthday - World Understanding and Peace Day - was a fitting tribute to this incredible humanitarian who has left a lasting legacy through his and his wife’s, the late Nicolette “Nikki” Johns, six children, fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was so moved when a Water Well was dedicated to Nikki’s memory in Nigeria. The last fourteen years of his life Mike shared with his fiancé Carol Keck, providing both of them with treasured extended families and the opportunity to travel and enjoy life, always making new friends along the way.
During the Celebration of Life service, the many facets of Mike’s life were beautifully woven together in the homily when the priest used the history of the Rotary wheel to connect the main ingredients of Mike’s life - family, faith, career and service.
To quote Mike, Jr. (third generation Rotarian) from the exquisite eulogy he delivered at his father’s service: “Dad took Will Roger’s words ‘A stranger is just a friend I have not yet met’ to a whole new level. The smile that came to his face when greeting a friend, old or new, would warm your heart like no other.” And later he shared “My Dad, our Dad, or ‘Mr. Rotary’ as so many people called him, left the world a better place like few other people could, just by being himself.”
Last Friday evening at the opening banquet of All Ohio PETS in Columbus, Rotary International President-Elect Stephanie Urchick paid tribute to the memory of two past RI Directors who had recently passed away, Theodore “T.D.” Griley from the Rotary Club of Newark, OH/District 6690 and our own Mike, who had been a close friend of hers for many years. She shared stories of past Rotary friendships, events, and wisdom Mike had imparted, and closed her remembrances by sharing a quote which appeared on something Mike gave her after his wife Nikki passed away in 2007. It was a small smooth granite stone that said “when someone you love goes away, you’re left with memories and those memories become your treasure.”
Great night out with Port-Summit Rotary this past month for their annual Quarter Auction! Rotarians from several clubs joined with community members to support the clubs fundraiser.
Heights Rotary of Greater Cleveland hosted breakfast with the birds at the Shaker Lakes Nature Center at Shaker Lakes this past weekend. They attracted a large crowd and many former District Governors were present. This supports the environmental efforts in the area along with Rotary.
If you’ve been thinking about attending this year’s Rotary International Convention in Singapore, now is the time to register, as the registration fees increase on April 1st.
If you haven’t been thinking about attending this year’s Rotary International Convention, I encourage you to consider it. You’ll see and meet Rotarians from all over the world; learn about and experience a different country and culture; explore new ideas; and expand your Rotary knowledge. Read on to learn more.
Your registration includes all of the following:
Admission to the convention’s opening and closing ceremonies and general sessions, where you’ll hear from inspiring and entertaining speakers, including top leaders in our organization
Informative breakout sessions to help you build your communication, leadership, and project management skills
Opportunities to network and exchange ideas while browsing the project and fellowship booths in the House of Friendship
Entertainment provided by local artists and musicians in the House of Friendship and at the general sessions
Transportation between your hotel and the convention venue, if you booked your hotel through Rotary’s official housing partner, Maritz Global Events
In addition, through theHost Organizing Committee events (https://convention.rotary.org/en-us/program-and-events/signature-events) you’ll have an opportunity to explore/experience Singapore and its culture with fellow Rotarians and their guests in the evenings and prior to the Convention (requires separate registrations).
This year, the Geneva Rotary Club celebrates its 100th year as a community service organization in Geneva.
Geneva Rotary has planned a night of celebration with an event on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
The event will be held at the Lodge at Geneva on the Lake. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. and more details will be shared as the event gets closer.
Geneva Rotary is excited for this event and hopes Rotary members and their families will join in the celebration. Watch for details on the Geneva Rotary Facebook page. If you would like to attend and get ticket information when it’s available, you can send an email to 100GenevaRotary@gmail.com for more details.
APRIL 13 - CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH GENEVA ROTARY CLUB
Our deep appreciation goes to Medina Sunrise Rotary for hosting the 25th Annual Wine and Roses Event this weekend to support children.
For over 14 years, Medina Sunrise Rotary has been our premier Community Partner, playing an instrumental role in our growth and impact on the lives of children in our community.
The eight clubs from the N Summit Cluster partnered with NAMI Summit County and Community Support Services in providing Welcome Home kits to clients. This one-time service is provided to individuals who are actively seeking mental health treatment and being housed for the first time.
The clients are provided with a list of general household items primarily for kitchen bath and bedrooms. They select the items they are in need of and NAMI creates the Welcome Home kits from these lists. Each kit costs approximately $350.
As mental health has been a priority for both District 6630 and Rotary International, Annette Oborn, President of the Stow Munroe Falls Club selected this as the N Summit Cluster project for the year. Each of the clubs provided funds that were matched by the district for a total amount of $5,000.
Our goal was to assemble 15 total kits on Friday February 23, which just happened to be World Rotary Day! NAMI had 12 clients awaiting household items so those were provided which came in significantly under budget. So, we are scheduling a second round for later in the spring.
The Berea Rotary Club Foundation presented a check to the Berea City School District for $2,810 to benefit the TLC Rooms at Berea-Midpark High School and Berea-Midpark Middle School. The TLC (Titans Loving Care) Rooms provide clothing, personal hygiene items and school supplies to students in need.
The donation was the result of a District Grant, which was matched by the Berea Club.
Photo: Berea Rotary President Linda Kramer presented the check to Amanda Slyder, assistant principal of Berea-Midpark High School; Sarah Kolis, counselor at the high school; and Dawn Sansone, 5th grade counselor at the middle school.
Thank you to Emma and Mayor Judge for selecting the club to receive the funds collected at tonight's Change for Change. DG Julie Brandle enjoyed visiting with all of you tonight!
As I visit clubs around our district, I'm often asked about how to participate in projects to empower women and girls, one of our focuses this year. Now More Than Ever - As the world has changed, the needs of girls and the pressures they face have intensified. Numerous reports have shown the decline in girls’ mental health and physical activity levels over the last decade. Girls on the Run helps to address these mental and physical health concerns. Now more than ever, girls need the skills to build their confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and discovery the joy of movement. This is where Girls on the Run comes in! Maybe you or your club would like to get involved as a organization/corporate sponsor or volunteer individually or as a group. If you have questions or need more information please contact Director of Development, Jen Riess at jen.riess@girlsontherun.org.
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.
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
BEST PRACTICES FOR ORGANIZING EVENTS INVOLVING CHILDREN AND YOUTH (A Supplemental to the RI District 6630 Youth Protection Policies and Procedures Manual)
The primary purpose of Rotary's International Assembly is to train incoming District Governors to prepare them for the coming year. About 530 District Governor-Elects from around the world gather for 4 days of intense training and fellowship. It is an amazing mix of Rotarians from around the world and past, present and future Rotary leaders. It was very fun to share a meal with a Rotary International leader and find that they are Rotarians just like you - but they have said "yes" to repeated requests for their help and involvement until they find themselves as a Rotary President, director, trustee, etc. Anywhere and anytime Rotarians gather - even for the first time - they meet as family. I have found that true at every Rotary event I have attended.
The days were busy and tiring. The schedule at first glance does not look intimidating. Most days have a general session and a breakout each in the morning and afternoon. The sessions and breakout are both intense mentally and, in some cases, emotionally. All of them are inspiring and motivating. At meals you are seated with DGE's from around the world. Sometimes language is a barrier; Google Translate can be a great help!
Beyond the training, motivation and inspiration are the bonds of friendship and fellowship that you build with Rotarians around the world. You find that you have over 500 new sisters and brothers! My Zone 30/31 classmates are some of the dearest friends I will probably ever make. Cultural night - when each zone around the world sets up a booth to represent their culture (we did college football complete with cornhole) - is simply amazing. The vast array of dress, culture and food all meeting within Rotary was an evening I will never forget.
The simplest way to sum up the International Assembly is to say that it is the Rotary experience turned up to eleven fifteen!
Over 1,700 Rotary Peace Centers alumni are working in 140+ countries in roles ranging from leaders of grass-roots organizations to high-level positions with national governments.
The five Rotary International Ohio District Governors, 2024-2025are pleased to announce that we’re partnering with On Our Sleeves, the movement for children’s mental health – a nonprofit organization committed to breaking stigmas and helping families talk about mental health with their children.
At a time of high stress, children need community and social relationships to help. We can encourage connection by teaching them positive social skills, such as kindness. And it’s important to mental health. That’s why On Our Sleeves designed a custom kindness kit for teachers to use in their classrooms. Thanks to generous donors, these kits are free to teachers who request them.
For a gift of just $25, you can provide resources for one classroom to encourage our children to build a kinder world together.
There is a link midway down the page with which you can nominate a school to receive Kindness Kits. Please note that you will need to provide the name of the school, contact at the school (teacher, school administrator, counselor, etc.), and the school address in order for the kits to be shipped. As a reminder, these kits are best suited for elementary-age students.
Lastly, there is a link at the bottom of the page with which teachers can request Kindness Kits for their classrooms.
Please share this with schools in your area!
Dale Smith, 2024-2025 District 6630 Governor
2024-2025 DISTRICT GOVERNORS PARTNER WITH 'ON OUR SLEEVES'
Rotary Club of Akron Celebrates tremendous success of 34th Annual Chili Open Golf Classic
Wow, what a way to kick off the 100th Anniversary of Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. On February 3rd, the Rotary Club of Akron held its 34th annual Chili Open Golf Classic presented by Wayne Homes at the scenic Hale Farm and Village, in Bath, Ohio.
We are extremely happy to announce that it was a tremendous success, with a final total raise of $380,013!
Thank you to all Rotarians and friends that helped us reach our goal! This event was a monumental achievement for the Rotary Club and the Rotary Camp.
Click here to watch a short video that captured some great moments of the Chili Open!
A special shout out to Wayne Homes for being the presenting sponsor of the event. They have been part of the event since 1993, and the Presenting Sponsor since 2002. Their leadership and support are key to the success of the chili Open.
We are grateful to our Community Partners, - Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design; Buckeye Corrugated, Inc.; Industrial Tube and Steel Corporation; Integrated Project Solutions; Industrial Tube & Steel Corporation; and The VanDevere Bunch.
We also want to thank your Corporate Partners for their support, - Air Control Products, Inc.; Friends of Darby Duryea, Lala’s in the Lakes; The Nelson Family, Rubber City Radio, S.A. Comunale Company, SeibertKeck Insurance Partners, Summit DD; Wealth Impact Advisors; and Willoughby Supply.
We also appreciate our Premier Partners, Caring Partners, and those who supported with a campership or donations.
Congratulations to Dick Siess, recipient of the 2024 Jim Redmond Ambassador of Service Award. This award was established in 1991 in recognition of community leaders who have gone over and beyond in support of the Rotary Club of Akron, Akron Rotary Camp, and the Akron Community. We are grateful for his support of Rotary Camp, and the Akron Community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition as the 2024 Chili Open Ambassador of Service!
Thank you also to all the in-kind Sponsors, - Hale Farm and Village; Main Street Muffins, Pearl Coffee Company; Rubber City Radio Group – WAKR, WONE, WQMX & Alternative Cleveland; SDG Golf and Whitey’s Booze and Burgers, as the official Chili of the Chili Open.
Special thanks to all our Rotarians, sponsors and friends of Rotary who sold, purchased and promoted raffle tickets. Everyone rallied in helping us raise $53,800 in raffle ticket sales. Thanks again to The VanDevere Bunch for donating the 2024 KIA K5 through their Thrive and Drive Program.
Congratulations to the lucky raffle ticket winners:
The Chili Open is our Rotary Club’s primary fundraiser in supporting the operational needs of Akron Rotary Camp. This event's success is due to the commitment of our Rotary Club and our Corporate Community. We appreciate everyone’s efforts and support in making our 34th annual Chili Open a continued success to benefit our campers and their families served by the camp.
Save the Date for Akron Rotary’s 35th annual Chili Open Golf Classic on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Hale Farm and Village.
Join the Rotary Club of the Heights of Greater Cleveland for a delicious pancake breakfast Saturday February 24th at the Shaker Lakes Nature Center.
Proceeds support the work of the Rotary Club and the Nature Center. Afterward you can work off your pancakes with an enjoyable walk through the grounds of the Nature Center.
In recognition of upcoming World Rotary Day February 23rd – a perfect time for clubs and members to share their story, recognize the good work being done in your communities and beyond, and even encourage new membership.
• Share a photo daily leading up to World Rotary Day February 23rd on individual member social media, as well as club pages, from a recent project or having Rotary fun and add “Ask Me About Rotary.”
• Take it further and post 7 days in a row with different images of projects or events to celebrate “One Week of Rotary.”
• Create a new post or image that uses your club logo with a line of text that recognizes World Rotary Day February 23rd.
Clubs who post for World Rotary Day and tag the District 6630 page will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon Gift Card from the Public Image Committee! I will personally match this with a second $50 gift card for an individual member who posts and will be entered into a separate drawing. Individual members and clubs who post at least 4 times prior to World Rotary Day February 23rd will receive an extra entry into their respective drawing giving them an extra chance to win! Be sure to #6630 and #askmeaboutrotary!
Questions? Send a DM on the District 6630 FB or LinkedIn! Or email DG Julie Brandle.
Special thanks to our District PI Committee for their work on these graphics and helping create the plan for the Ask Me About Rotary campaign! I'm excited to hear your success stories and celebrate with you on World Rotary Day February 23rd!
In Rotary Service,
Julie Brandle, District Governor 6630 Past President, Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio Cell 330.858.6672 | jbrandle@metisconstruction.com
DG Julie Brandle was honored to be invited to recognize Dolly Slaughter, alongside Club President Judy Caine, with a Paul Harris Fellow at the Rotary Club of Solon, Ohio sold out event "Night at the Races.
" Such a fun night out to support The White Butterfly Project.
How great it was to see two full tables of our friends from the Rotary Club of Twinsburg!
Lake County Sunrise Satellite Club and the Mentor Rotary Club volunteered at End 68 Hours of Hunger. They packed bags, sorted food and learned about the important work they do so no child in Lake County goes hungry over the weekend when they are not at school. Thank you for all you do End 68 Hours of Hunger Lake County, Ohio!
As clubs enter and update their goals for this and the coming year, they’ll see changes in Rotary Club Central. This month, Rotary staff will begin updating it with an easier to use, more streamlined look. Some of these improvements are:
An updated home page that includes club goals, because setting goals is Rotary Club Central’s primary purpose;
Easier navigation;
Clearer terminology that better aligns with our Action Plan; and
At the end of the 2022/23 school year, Rotarian Wally Davis retired as the Superintendent of the Woodridge Local School District. To find a new Superintendent, the school district did not have to go far to find Wally’s replacement. The Woodridge Board of Education selected Mrs. N’ecole Ast as the new Superintendent of Schools. It just so happens that Mrs. Ast is also a member of the Northampton Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club.
Wally and N’ecole have a couple things in common: both are members of the Northampton Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club, and both are Past-Presidents of the Club. But don’t think it stops there. There have been 4 Woodridge Superintendents that have served as President of the club: Roger Edwards and Dick Clapp have also served their community in this capacity. Here are the years Woodridge’s past and current Superintendent’s have served president.
Roger Edwards:
1967-68, 1997-98, 2012-13
Dick Clapp:
1999-00
Wally Davis:
2013-14, 2015-16
N'ecole Ast:
2021-22
Incidentally, Roger was a founding member of the club in 1962.
At a recent meeting, the club celebrated Wally’s retirement. At the meeting, a picture was taken of N’ecole, Wally, and Roger as they are still very active members of the club.
It’s great to know that the leaders of our youth have such a strong Rotary foundation.
The Northeast Ohio Rotary Club (E-ClubNEO) had a wonderful turnout for their flower arranging fundraiser which will support their ongoing service projects.
It was enjoyed by all Rotarians and guests who attended. Members of the club supplied delicious food for the event.
Thank you to Club Co-President, Linda Boardman, and her staff, for hosting the event at Acorn and Evergreen in Kent.
Club service projects June 2020 - present include: - Established three Little Free Libraries - Sorted books at Kids Book Bank - Made fleece blankets with Interact - Assisted with Cluster Habitat Build - District 6630 Earth Day Service 2022 - Collected donations for Refugee Response Afghan families - Sponsored free Cuyahoga Falls ShredFest - Collected plastic bags for school Buddy benches - Volunteered for Girls on the Run - Assembled personal care kits for unhoused community members in Akron - Made birthday bags for Portage County Foster Care children
The Port Summit Rotary would like to invite you to our Annual Quarter Auction on February 24th.
If you have any questions, want to purchase a paddle, or would like to donate a basket to help in our efforts please reach out to Dustin Boswell at 330-798-1105 or sp_boswell@springfieldspartans.org
The Rotary theme for March, Water and Sanitation, asks us to focus on the life changing improvements that we can make through projects to provide a more readily available and healthy supply of water to all people. Clean water is a basic need for human beings. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives. However, at least 3,000 children die each day from diseases caused by unsafe water, which is what motivates our members to build wells, install rainwater harvesting systems, and teach community members how to maintain new infrastructure.
While very few people die of thirst, millions die from preventable waterborne diseases, driving our members to also improve sanitation facilities in undeveloped countries. Members start by providing toilets and latrines that flush into a sewer or safe enclosure and then add education programs to promote hand-washing and other good hygiene habits. These are just a few of the ways Rotarians around the world serve this area of focus.
A thank you - to the clubs that have invited me out for events and meetings. What fun! There are even more on the calendar and I can't wait! If you have a date to share please send it my way to my email address below.
A reminder - PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE mark your calendars for the District Conference April 26 and 27th in Cuyahoga Falls at the Sheraton Suites. We have some fun plans underway as well as some traditions we know are meaningful for all. Come for a meal, a breakout, a day, or the entire conference! Watch for registration to go live within the week. Let's connect!
And...finally thank you for your Service Above Self!
February is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month – Rotary’s goal today is to create environments where peace can be built and maintained through sustainable and measurable activities in communities worldwide. Peacebuilding remains a cornerstone of our mission as a humanitarian service organization.
*How can we put this theme into action?
*Applications for Rotary’s Peace Fellowship are now open! More information later in this newsletter.
*Volunteer at your local high school in their Model United Nations program.
*Install a Peace pole and plant a Peace Garden in your community. Invite the community to a Peace Day.
*Invite opportunities to gather to offer conversation, presentations on conflict management.
*What are social determinants of health? How do those set the foundation for societal conflict? How can Rotarians help?
Looking forward to getting out to a few newly scheduled club visits in Cuyahoga Falls, Mantua, Wadsworth, Garrettsville-Hiram, and North Ridgeville. Still a few remaining to complete our year together. I can't wait to get out to spend time with you and cheer on all that you are doing in your communities.
And lastly... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE mark your calendars for the District Conference April 26 and 27th in Cuyahoga Falls at the Sheraton Suites. We have some fun plans underway as well as some traditions we know are meaningful for all. Come for a meal, a breakout, a day, or the entire conference! Let's connect!
During this month, clubs highlight the importance of the business and professional life of each Rotarian. Here are some special activities to promote the vocational avenue of service.
Distribute Four-Way Test
Distribute vocational awards to outstanding individuals, arrange vocational visits
Awareness seminar on career guidance, organize / arrange in plant training
Helping those with physical challenges to get jobs
Happy New Year!!
I hope this year is off to a happy and healthy start for you all!
You may have noticed that our December newsletter was REALLY late! Please don't blame the messenger... but I, and our family really, were a tad bit busy. Besides the regular hustle bustle of getting ready for the holidays, there was also visiting clubs, working, offering convalescent care for my Mom following surgery, and the loss of a pet, plus more. The Christmas weekend trip to visit our daughter in Northwest Ohio brought us an early Christmas present with the birth of our first grandchild, Stetson Nash. His parents, our daughter, Kimberly, and Hunter, welcomed this little 8lb 9oz adorable bundle on December 23rd (a week early!) This new family is doing well. Thanks to all for your well wishes! Here's a photo collage of the cutie. (You can't expect a new Grandma to settle on just one photo, can you?!)
So now I think we're back on track and I thank you all for continuing to Create Hope in the World.
I have a few clubs I haven't been out to visit yet, and I'd really like to do so. Please reach out so we may schedule something soon. Jbrandle@metisconstruction.com
The Akron Club's Rotary International (RI) Foundation Co-Chair, Nathanael Billow,
recognized two club members who gave additional gifts to the RI Foundation and received their next level Paul Harris pins.
Sandy Naragon - Paul Harris +8
District Governor Julie Brandle - Paul Harris +3
Photo L-R: Nathanael Billow, Sandy Naragon, DG Julie Brandle, Club President Tom Knauer
About Paul Harris Fellows
Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.
WANTED: Rotarians who have an interest in Youth Exchange from a District perspective
WHY:To maintain a successful and sustainable Program, we need to have bench strength.
WHAT: District Youth Exchange Committee Roles
Summary of duties for each District Youth Exchange Role:
Outbound (OB) Long Term Chair – First point of contact for all Current and Future Outbounds to manage any Student, Parent or Host Club issues.
Talk with prospective outbound students to explain program. Handle all application paperwork, from registration through country assignment
Be familiar with what is required of a student applicant
Promote interest in OB Exchange
Process completed applications by November or early December
Conduct interviews of the OBs and their parents, to satisfy yourself that the student and parents are fully committed to a successful exchange
Collect from the applicants the application processing fee
Help prepare the OB student for departure to their Host country
Review the OB student’s monthly reports while they are abroad
Maintain communication with the OB’s family while the student is abroad
Participate in a debrief session when the OB student returns
Encourage their participation in subsequent Youth Exchange events
Attend District Conference of Clubs to assist with OB Investiture Ceremony and assist with the Parade of Flags Ceremony, as needed
Short Term (STEP) Chair - First point of contact for all Current and Future STEP OBs to manage any Student or Parent issues
Talk with prospective STEP students to explain program. Handle all application paperwork, from registration through country assignment
Be familiar with what is required of a student STEP applicant
Promote interest in STEP Exchange
Conduct extensive interviews of interested students and all family members at their homes
After the match by O-E, notify OB students of their assignments. After matches are confirmed on both sides, the families can be in contact with each other and can decide on the dates of Exchange and can make travel arrangements.
Collect from the applicants the application processing fee
Conduct STEP OB Orientation prior to departure
Conduct STEP Inbound Orientation upon the Inbound STEP student’s arrival
Encourage STEP student participation in subsequent Youth Exchange events
Attend District Conference of Clubs to assist with OB Investiture Ceremony and assist with the Parade of Flags Ceremony, as needed
Inbound (IB) Chair - First point of contact for all Current and Future Inbounds to manage any Student or Host Parent issues
Encourage clubs to Host IB students
Ensure the willing club has an approved Youth Protection Officer in place
Ensure the willing club meets Hosting requirements by identifying a Youth Exchange Officer and a Counselor (RYE Volunteers)
Review and confirm approval and vetting of each RYE Volunteer and Host Family application prior to IB student placement
Prior to an IB’s arrival, receive from the hosting club, the completed required documents in order for the IB to obtain their DS-2019 Form
Provide, timely, the required documents referenced above to the Country Contact for the IB student
Provide additional training to RYE Volunteers prior to IB Student arrival
Confirm arrival of IB student and that the arrival is documented in the system of record for RYE (YEAH Database)
Ensure IB Orientation is conducted and documented
Ensure RYE Volunteer and Host Family additional training is conducted and documented during IB Orientation
Confirm that the IB has a valid visa and full return airline ticket to their home country with complete flight details documented in YEAH
Confirm all post arrival tasks have been completed and documented by the RYE Volunteers
Ensure YEAH Database is up to date and contains accurate information
Ensure trailing Host families are approved and vetted prior to IB Student move
Ensure required reporting is completed by the RYE Volunteers throughout the Exchange Year
Promote interest in the Program
Coordinate and plan RYE Group Events that are sponsored by the District and/or clubs
Attend District Conference of Clubs to coordinate the Parade of Flags Ceremony for all Youth Exchange students and assist with OB Investiture Ceremony, as needed
General Chair- Overall program coordination with Committee members to meet the goals of the program
Be familiar with the duties of the other Chairs, as you are to oversee their actions, and circumstances may dictate that you take charge of some issue
This role is the District’s liaison with the O-E Multi District
Coordinate the response (documentation) needed to the Department of State Audit (bi-annual)
Attend the spring and fall O-E Multi District meetings, as well as the July meeting at Otterbein University
Attend District Conference of Clubs to facilitate Investiture Ceremony for OBs
Develop ways to recruit OB, IB and STEP applicants
Enlist clubs to sponsor OB and STEP students and host IB students
Advise Sponsoring and Host clubs of their respective obligation and commitment
Participate in training provided to RYE Volunteers, Host families and Students throughout the Exchange year
Provide guidance, as needed, to IB Chair and/or RYE Volunteers throughout the Exchange year
Clear early returns through the O-E Chair and Country Contact and report early returns as required to RI
Provide periodic reporting, as requested, to District Board of Directors
District Youth Exchange Trainer - Coordinate with General, Inbound and Outbound Chairs to plan all training.
Prepare, plan and conduct IB Student Orientation Weekend Training (Annual)
Prepare, plan and Conduct 3 additional weekend training sessions for IB, OB and ROTEX students
Attend District Conference of Clubs to conduct training session for IB, OB and ROTEX students and assist with students
Be familiar with what is required of Hosting and Sponsoring clubs
Be familiar with OB (long Term and STEP) application requirements
Promote interest in the Program
If any of the above roles sound interesting to you and/or you would like more information, please reach out to any one of the current District Exchange Committee Members below:
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.
If it is January, it must be coffee drive time! For the fourth year, we are collecting coffee for the Haven of Rest shelter in Akron.
This shelter gives people and families a place to stay and food for them year round. They get no government assistance and survive on the goodness of people’s hearts.
Last year we collected 210 cans for them, which lasts about three months for the shelter. This year our goal is at least 250.
There are several ways to donate.
You can buy coffee and let us know and we can pick it up.
You can buy the coffee and drop it off at our house at 381 Silver Valley Blvd. Munroe Falls, Ohio 44262.
The easiest way is use the CLICK HERE or copy and paste the link below and purchase it from Amazon, and have it delivered to our address listed above. Lastly you can send cash and we will buy the coffee for you.
Thank you in advance for supporting this great cause.
The weekly 50/50 drawing at the Northampton – Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club luncheons can be quite profitable – for the winners AND the club! Combined with a “Queen of Hearts” card drawing, the 50-50 provides a nominal weekly prize to the lucky ticket holder PLUS a chance at a larger prize. Each week, 50/50 tickets are sold at $2.00 each. The pot is split – half to the club and half to the winning ticket holder. That ticket holder then gets the chance to draw for the Queen of Hearts from a deck of cards that shrinks each week until the Queen is drawn. As cards are drawn, they are disposed of until the Queen of Hearts is picked. At a recent meeting, long time club member Hans Becker won the daily drawing. What was left of the deck of cards was spread out in front of him. He studied the assortment and drew THE QUEEN OF HEARTS. Hans won $2700.00! Congratulations Hans! Until the queen is drawn – the number of cards decreases – increasing the odds and the suspense! Not only does the club have fun with the weekly drawing and chance at big winnings – but the club treasury benefits as members purchase tickets every week in hopes of a JACKPOT! Club Charter Member, Roger Edwards handles the 50/50 and coordinates the weekly drawing.
Roger Edwards presenting the cash award to Hans Becker
Foundation Giving – Northampton Rotarians Recognized
The Northampton – Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club has long been committed to 100% participation in Foundation giving. The club is proud to be an “Every Rotarian Every Year” club, with every member committed to donating at least $100 annually to the Rotary Foundation. At their meeting on January 4th club member and PDG, David Jones presented “Paul Harris Society” certificates to Club President Elect Dean Thayer and Club Treasurer, Richard Potts. It was fitting that PDG Jones presented the certificates as he himself is a member of the Paul Harris Society. The Paul Harris Society designation is reserved for Rotarians who donate at least $1000 per year to the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations and THANK YOU to these generous donors.
IPDG David Jones presenting certificate to Dean Thayer
The Rotary Club of Hudson accomplished many of its strategic goals in 2023 setting the stage for a productive 2024 serving the Hudson community. The following is a year-end recap and a look forward to new projects, new speaker programs, new members and continued involvement with our schools and community.
Rotary’s major success in 2023 was the conclusion of a $275,000 fund raising campaign for the restoration of Hudson’s historic log cabin and its August dedication involving community and scouting leadership as well as Western Reserve Academy’s Historian Tom Vince. The refurbished cabin was then used for the Rotary sponsored annual Santa-on-the-Green event entertaining hundreds in a warm, cozy, historic environment.
An updating of the Club’s Long-Range Plan is underway to decide what worthy community projects might qualify for the next major fund-raising project. An effort will be made to coordinate with Hudson’s ongoing Comprehensive Plan and the needs of the community that it reveals.
The Rotary Speakers Committee has established monthly themes for the coming months to include Health and Wellness, Youth of the Hudson Schools and Scouts, the Environment, local Summer Fun and Community Law. These in-person professional presentations are typically augmented by Club member questions and after meeting discussions with the speaker.
Rotary’s Annual Gala, that develops funds for numerous charitable programs and community services, is planned for Friday May 17th at the Hilton Garden Inn. The evening’s format will be enhanced with multiple raffles and entertainment. Typically, over 200 guests enjoy a silent auction with cocktails followed by a full course dinner and live auction.
2024 events that couple Club member networking with community service fun will include the Octoberfest Biergarten, Scout Camp Manatoc service day, elementary school pollinator garden maintenance, community parades, art shows and Gala planning activities.
The Rotary Foundation is an important component of the Rotary Club of Hudson funding the annual College Scholarship Program and providing grants to numerous community services and cultural organizations. The Foundation Grant Committee encourages and carefully considers all grant requests received from community organizations and individuals.
Membership in the Rotary Club of Hudson provides the opportunity to learn from highly respected weekly speakers, to exchange ideas with members from various professions and to become involved in selected community activities. Rotary is a worldwide network of 1.4 million people of action who tackle the most persistent problems in our communities while building professional and leadership skills through meaningful connections. If you are interested, please check out our projects, speakers and networking activities at www.rotaryhudson.org or talk to any Rotary member. Join us for a meeting any Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:30 am at Hudson Meadows on Barlow Road.
Photos:
Speaker Tom Sheridan, Hudson City Manager
New Member induction, Madeline Lepidi-Carino, President Joe Boysel, Mike Swain
Biergarten crew, Bob Krampf and Rich Warfield
Historic Log Cabin rededication, Chris Foster speaker
Administrators of some Facebook business pages have recently been receiving alarming messages from accounts that appear to belong to Facebook staff members letting them know their page will soon be deleted.
“Important Notification: Your Facebook page is scheduled for permanent deletion due to a post that has infringed upon our trademark rights. We have reached this decision after a thorough review and in accordance with our intellectual property protection policies,” a portion of the message says.
There is a link in the message for the recipient to click on if they choose to appeal the deletion. DO NOT CLICK THE LINK!!
According to the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Scam Tracker, this message is a type of phishing scam. The exact text of the message received by VERIFY was posted on the scam tracker and reported on Dec. 13, 2023.
Phishing scams are a type of cyber security attack. Scammers target individuals through email, text messages, phone calls, or other forms of digital communication.
The BBB says the goal of these kinds of cyber attacks is to “mislead recipients into providing personal information that the scammer will use to gain access to bank accounts or steal recipients’ identity.”
Full article from Verify on MSN.com is located here.
December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
Rotary is dedicated to fighting and preventing disease. Disease Prevention and Treatment is one of Rotary’s Seven Area of Focus. Disease and illness result in pain and injury. Prolonged severe illness may result in loss of employment and income. It affects families. It affects quality of life.
Rotary and Rotarians are committed to helping people to live healthy lives. Our signature project in this area is Polio Eradication. But polio is not the only disease or aspect of healthy living on which Rotarians have expended energies.
Thank you 6630 for all you do to help eradicate Polio and other disease here at home and around the world.
Thank you to all the Rotarians who have welcomed me to their special events and meetings over the last month or so. Club official visits since our last newsletter have included Jefferson, Harbor Chase, Cleveland, and Barberton. I even had the opportunity to stop home to Akron for our annual holiday party and to a meeting to hear Akron's new Mayor-elect, Shammas Malik. I also traveled to Columbus to serve alongside IPDG David Jones and DGE Dale Smith on the All-Ohio PETS Planning Committee. If you are a club President-elect plan to join us in Columbus for AOP Training March 15 and 16, 2024.
We also kicked off our District Conference Planning Committee in December under the leadership of DGN Bob Oborn. Mark your calendar to join us April 26 and 27, 2024 at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls.
If I haven't been out your way, I look forward to visiting soon!
This is a great chance to join the Exchange Students for the CAVS game against the Orlando Magic on February 22, 2024.
All Rotarians and friends are welcome for the pregame reception and CAVS game on the 22nd.
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.
Please see the flyer below to order tickets. Any questions, call Stew at 330-607-1442.
The RC of Burton-Middlefield announces the start the 2024 Maple Splash Raffle to begin ticket sales immediately on-line and at points-of-sale.
Last year’s wildly successful raffle featuring the awarding of a brand new Chevy Silverado vehicle to the grand prize lucky winner, will once again give away a brand new Chevy Silverado 4-door, 4-wheel drive vehicle.
The vehicle is provided by the Pat Preston family of dealerships and Chevy Network in Burton, Ohio. Many other great prizes are available for the winning tickets. A Husqvarna Chain Saw Package donated by Vatty Tree Service, a Husqvarna Z248F Zero Turn Mower from First Quality Power Place, A set of 14K Diamond Studs from Steven DeFranco Jewelers, A DeWalt 20V tripod light and fan from Hartville Hardware, a 65” Flat Screen TV from RadioActive, A Milwaukee M18 Dual-Slide compound mitre saw from Carter Lumber, A vacation Package from Beaches & Dreams travel, a Kreg Mobile Project Center from B & M Tools Sales, a large Green Egg Charcoal Grill from Shetler’s Stove & Heating, a 10’ X 12’ Timber Frame storage building from Pinecraft Storage Barns, one Yeti Red Rescue cooler set, a Moritz DLBH610-10 12,000lb. dump trailer w/aluminum tarp system from O’Reilly Trailer Sales, a Generac 10KW Stand-By Generator from KBR Solutions, a $500 cash prize, and Instant $100 cash tickets. This year we are again featuring Early Bird cash drawings in the amount of $1000. to be awarded monthly December through April.
Purchase your tickets early to take advantage of being eligible for all monthly drawings.
A new added feature to the raffle is the “Outdoor Adventure” package which consists of various bundles of hunting, fishing, kayaking and an off road vehicle; four bundles in all. Too many items in the bundles to list.
See: maplesplashraffle.com “rules” for more complete descriptions of all prizes and “Outdoor Adventure” bundles plus new ticket “packages”.
There is a GREAT prize for everyone this year.
Last year over $80,000 in raffle profits was given away to many community organizations including food cupboards, The Red Tulip Project, Next Step, children’s meals, scouting projects, the Geauga County Historical Society, A new Rotary Endowed Scholarship through Kent State Geauga and many other worthwhile organizations throughout the county.
RC of BURTON-MIDDLEFIELD ANNOUNCES THE 2024 MAPLE SPLASH RAFFLE TO BENEFIT LOCAL ROTARY HUMANITARIAN WORK
The Chili Open Golf Classic will be here soon after the Holidays and we need your help to make this another successful event!
Purchase or sell a minimum of 10 raffle tickets, (or more), at only $20 each, and stand a chance to win one of the following great prizes:
1st prize is a 2024 KIA K5, or $19,000 cash payout – Thank you The VanDevere Bunch!
2nd prize is a $2,500 Flooring Credit courtesy of Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design
3rd prize is a 55” 4k Smart LED TV, courtesy of the S Group, Inc. – Thank you, Rotarian Jeff Sheeks!
Please bring any sold raffle tickets to our weekly club meetings, or mail them to the Camp Office (4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, OH 44319). Tickets can also be purchased online, by clicking on this link. Also share this fantastic opportunity with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Funding from the Chili Open helps ensure that no camper is ever turned away from Akron Rotary Camp due to inability to pay. Thank you for your support in making the Chili Open a continued success for our Club to benefit the campers who attend Akron Rotary Camp! Together, we are "Creating a world where there are only abilities!"
Laura Smiley Chair, 2024 Chili Open Golf Classic
FEB 3 - WIN A CAR AND OTHER GREAT PRIZES: AKRON CHILI OPEN
Thank you to all the volunteers who took a shift to ring the bell for the Salvation Army.
A big thanks to Mark Seward for organizing this service project and to Katy Miller for gathering the photos and posting to social media!
Several members volunteered ton December 7th to help wrap gifts for The Well CDC - Akron Hope Service Project at Mason CLC.
It was rewarding and fun to wrap gifts for those families in need for the holiday. Thank you to all who participated!
Well CDC - Akron Hope Service Project
Rotarian Coordinator: Doug Kohl
The Well CDC's Akron Hope project provides year-round support to its neighborhood elementary school, Mason CLC. This project received grant funding from the Akron Rotary Foundation.
One of the ways Mason CLC is supported is through Akron Hope's annual Holidays of Hope outreach that spreads joy to Mason CLC students, teachers, and families during the Holiday season. This is done by providing every student (250+) with a new, wrapped gift that gets hand delivered by volunteers.
What an exciting time to be an Akron Rotarian! The opportunities to serve are abundant! So are the needs of the community.
Akron Rotary members once again adopted a Kenmore Boulevard storefront. We decorated the window of 960 Kenmore Boulevard on Wednesday, November 29th.
The holiday celebration in Kenmore builds community spirit and promotes Kenmore businesses.
Rotary International’s newest area of focus is: Supporting the Environment.
We continually hear about our warming world, the reduction of the animal and plant populations with whom we humans share this planet, the insidious leaking of plastic into our waters, food and farming systems. We now ask, “What can we, each and every Rotarian do, beginning tomorrow, about these distressing realities and predictions about our environment?”
The Heights of Greater Cleveland Rotary Club, in addition to planting trees and reducing food waste, is trying to reduce the plastic we purchase as we shop for groceries, clothing, home goods, equipment etc. We realize its more convenient to pick up a plastic wrapped food item than picking our fresh vegetables by hand, BUT, we are trying to at least reduce the items we buy, that grocery stores sell, encased in plastic. An almost impossible task!
We have found a site where we can purchase laundry soaps, compostable sponges, dryer balls, beeswax wrap and toilet cleaners free of all plastic containers.
The following link will connect you to the TruEarth shopping site set up in partnership with The Rotary Club of the Heights of Greater Cleveland. Clicking on this link will connect you to the list of products and ways to purchase these plastic-free items.
We often feel so small and think the small things we can do are but a drop in the bucket but one club of 20, and a world wide membership of 1,400,000 can make a significant difference.
The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world, with 12 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator and an A-plus rating from CharityWatch. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. Visit https://my.rotary.org/en/donate today to learn more about supporting the Foundation and consider a gift the Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund.
The celebration continued with our Gala where we recognized and celebrated Foundation giving for 2022-2023. Thanks to all who came out to LaVera Party Center for some engaging fellowship with Rotarians across the District. Visit THIS LINK to see event photos.
The behavioral health collection is underway and is still going until November 30th. Use the QR code and ship items direct for the much needed items that help children and adults work through their trauma in creative ways.
Finally special thanks to these clubs that hosted me as their guest this past month, Nordonia, Wickliffe, Westlake, Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley, Solon, Twinsburg, Chagrin Valley, Bedford and Geauga West. I also enjoyed the opportunity to welcome Interactors to this year's Shaker Heights hosted Interaction where high school students gathered to share Rotary and work together to serve. Watch for Chelsea Talty's (District Interact Chair) article on this amazing day for youth in our Rotary community.
Thank you all for all your service to our communities!
More than 100 students from Interact clubs throughout Northeast Ohio met at Shaker Heights High School for our annual Interaction Conference. The day was a great success with engaging speakers, collaboration between clubs, and great opportunities to talk to other students from this area. The students voted to help Refuge Host Homes, who help support pregnant mothers, as our Rotary District 6630 service project this year! More details to come.
The person chosen from the Rotary Club Ashtabula to receive the Paul Harris Fellow is not a Rotarian, although he exemplifies a Rotarian in every sense of the word. If you spend time with him it’s easy to tell his character would pass the four way test. When it comes to volunteering we can count on him to be there. Especially at Wine and Walleye, he’s the first to volunteer to work the Beer Tent. We have our Rotary Park that our Club maintains, and our recipient has taken it upon himself on his own time to do some maintenance work. For these reasons and many more, our nomination for the 2022-23 Rotary Year is William Howe.
Burton-Middlefield – Andrew Pleso
Andrew Pleso joined Rotary only a short year and a half ago. Since joining he has shown to be a dedicated member who is anxious and willing to take on any assigned task at Burton-Middlefield events. He enthusiastically accepted the position of chair of our yearly fund raiser called the "Jeep Invasion" which is a gathering of Jeep Wrangler models. This event is a fund raiser that our club puts on to raise money for a multitude of Veteran needs in Geauga County. This year over $15,000 was raised to benefit many veteran's causes in conjunction with the county Veteran's Services Agency. The almost cult like Jeep Wrangler owners gather at a local drive-in theater for viewing of other Jeeps by the participants, coffee and donuts with patriotic activities by and for veterans. This is followed by a 20 mile tour of the county behind the squad car of the county sheriff. The tour has run through county park trails and this year through an active sand mining pit where the jeepers got to show their off-road skills with their pride and joy Wranglers. They return to the drive-in for hot dogs and the awarding of prizes based on their entry ticket numbers. Andrew organized this entire event this year including music, prizes, advertising, signage, registration and every other aspect of the event. Our club has been fortunate to have him join us as a member.
Chagrin Valley – Karen Poccia
Karen has been instrumental in rebuilding our club’s committees and reinvigorating our club. She has maintained our hybrid meeting structure. She led many of our successful fundraisers.
Fairlawn – Ken Smith
If you were to ask those that know Ken, whether that be fellow Rotarians, Friends, Family, or Co-workers, to describe him, in only a few words, those words would be: selfless, giving, caring, hardworking, generous, fair, and kind. Ken is the person that always volunteers first to take on the toughest part of the job. Ken sacrifices his personal time to help and give back to others. He leads by example. As a past president of Rotary Club of Fairlawn, Ken has played an integral role in the annual fundraiser each year. In fact, since Ken joined the club, he has been instrumental in ensuring the club has moved in a positive direction. The bottom line is that Ken care about those around him and it shows in everything he does.
Hillcrest Sunrise – Joseph Cicero
Joe exemplifies a True Rotarian. Always working behind the scenes getting the job done.
Always completing a task without hesitation. Never says "no". Service Above Self completely describes Joe. He serves on several Community Boards: Senior Transportation Connection Board; Ursuline Nuns Board; Project NICU Board,
Community Partnership on the Aging Board: while volunteering with Meals on Wheels almost daily.
Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley – Joel Morgan
Joel Morgan is an outstanding candidate for the Rotary Paul Harris Award due to his commitment and contributions to the community. As a devoted supporter of our school district's butterfly garden, Joel has tirelessly dedicated his time and expertise to create a haven for native plants and butterflies. His passion for preserving the environment has not only beautified the region but also raised awareness about the importance of ecological conservation. This garden was made possible by a Rotary grant and Joel has coordinated efforts with our school district to work collaboratively with our Rotary club on maintaining and preserving this great space. Furthermore, his role as the youth protection officer demonstrates his dedication to safeguarding the welfare of the younger generation. His exceptional work in this capacity has not only ensured a safe and nurturing environment for our youth but has also set a remarkable example for others to follow. Additionally, Joel's active participation in various club fundraising events showcases his dedication to Rotary's mission of service above self. His efforts have significantly contributed to the success of these events, raising funds that support numerous charitable initiatives. Joel Morgan's commitment and multifaceted contributions to both the environment and the community make him a truly deserving recipient of the Rotary Paul Harris Award.
Port-Summit - Shelley Monachino
Springfield Local Schools Superintendent Shelley Monachino has been a breath of fresh air since joining the Rotary Club of Port Summit. She has taken an active role in all our club's fundraising efforts, service projects, and particularly all projects relating to students and youth. She took the initiative to rewrite the process by which we advertise, interview, and choose scholarship applicants, and she was instrumental in serving at the Club and District Four-Way Speech contests, both at Springfield Jr/Sr High School. Shelley is a natural leader, and will lead our club as Club President commencing April 2024. We are very lucky and blessed to have her as a member of the Rotary Club of Port Summit.
Twinsburg – Carol Branstetter
Carol Branstetter grew up on a small farm in Central Missouri. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class. She is a Chemical Engineer from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She married her HS sweetheart, Scott and worked in the process controls industry until the birth of their first child. She’s been an active stay at home mom for almost 21 years. She homeschooled both boys in order to provide them a great science-based education. She started and led a First Lego League robotics team consisting of 6-8 wild and wonderful 6-8th graders. Her teams competed at the state level, winning multiple awards for design and team spirit. When her husband became Scoutmaster of Troop 223, she enthusiastically supported him and gave selflessly to the troop. She used her knowledge and passion from the First Lego League experience to become a counselor for the Robotics Merit Badge. And in a huge show of support for family & scouting, she and Scott spent their 25th wedding anniversary backpacking the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire with a high adventure crew of Scouts.
Carol’s involvement with the Scouts led to a partnership with the Rotary Club of Twinsburg. The club runs a program known as The Parade of Flags. This program involves installing hundreds of American flags on subscribers’ tree lawns during five holidays. The program is a major fundraiser for the Club, proceeds of which benefit many community organizations, including the Scouts. Carol brought her characteristic level of organization and excellence to the execution of the program. She managed routing, distribution and marshaling the large number of scout families required to install and remove the flags throughout the year. During her tenure Carol helped to significantly grow the program, which is now a seminal event in the Twinsburg community and one which brings visibility to the Club and engenders much goodwill throughout.
They were recognized for their years of service on events to raise funds for End Polio Now. They have hosted numerous events over the years at Progressive Field and other venues that have raised much needed funds and awareness. Stew and Cherie are amazing individuals and truly exemplify Service Above Self.
Photo L-R:
Frederick T. "Rory" McGuire, Grandson of Arch C. Klumph, Father of The Rotary Foundation, Rotary Club of Cleveland, Cherie Buchanan, Stew Buchanan, Kevin Kelly, CFRE, Regional Gifts Officer, Rotary International
On Friday evening, Oct. 13, 2023, the Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield (BMR) was one of the organizations recognized at the popular “Pasta with a Purpose” fund raiser held annually by the Red Tulip Project in Claridon Township. This is a Geauga County non-profit that focuses on women in crisis. They provide a home for these victims while they work to get their lives back in order and become productive citizens again. Red Tulip has become a very important part of the social network in our county in just a few years. BMR has supported this project from the beginning, originally helping with some of the actual construction of the house and grounds. They stepped up this year with a major contribution of funds geared to build and strengthen the Red Tulip operation. BMR was recognized as a major sponsor of the program at their popular “Pasta with a Purpose” dinner held this year at Veteran’s Lagacy Park on Rt. 44 in Newbury Township. Over one hundred guests were on hand for a great dinner provided by Guido’s Restaurant in Chesterland, a wide variety of gift baskets, important talks about the health and status of the Red Tulip project and some great entertainment.
BMR continues to support this and other critical non-profits in Geauga County through their incredible Maple Splash Raffle which will start this year’s ticket sales soon.
BURTON-MIDDLEFIELD ROTARY RECOGNIZED AT ANNUAL FUND RAISER
Baldwin Wallace Rotaract fared very well at BW’s Homecoming celebrations on Sept. 30.
Rotaract President Genevieve Carreno was elected to the Homecoming Court and the club won the Breezer’s Cup – a competition among student organizations that included judging for spirit chants, float decoration, T-shirt and poster designs.
Unfortunately, the Yellowjackets lost the football game to Marietta College, 42-21.
Assistant Governor Coordinator Julie Brouhard joined the Rotary Club of Cleveland in 2005. She has served in various capacities including as President in 2016-17. Her favorite service project has been PROJECT YESS (Youth Empowered to Succeed through Sailing) that teaches personal development and leadership skills to high school students. The best part of PROJECT YESS is watching the growth of students from the beginning to the end of the program. Julie also enjoys working at the Cleveland Food Bank and the get-togethers that always follow.
Julie was named Assistant Governor Coordinator in 2023. Julie works with the Assistant Governors and the Governor chain as a conduit for information, to answer questions, and to help the Assistant Governors with their clusters. Julie was named Assistant Governor of the NE Cuyahoga Cluster in 2021 and continues to serve in that position until her replacement is named. Julie was honored to receive the Rotarian of the Year Award from Past District Governor David Jones last June.
Julie grew up in Indianapolis with her husband Ben. They’ve been married for 53 years and have one daughter and two beautiful grandkids who live in Washington, DC. Julie started her career as an elementary school teacher, but determined she didn’t want to be cooped up with little kids all day! As she & Ben moved to Durham, NC and Galveston, TX, she worked as a legal secretary and finally decided she was just as smart as the attorneys. She went to law school at the University of Houston and worked for a firm in Galveston that specialized in Maritime Law representing shipowners in all kinds of cases. She continued her practice after moving to Cleveland until she retired in 2016. Over the years she had the opportunity to travel to such exotic places as Honolulu, Amsterdam, and Orange, TX. She now keeps busy volunteering for Rotary, Meals on Wheels and the Red Cross.
This is a movie clip embedded in Facebook (you may need to login to view it) and shared by Julie West for Peace Jam hosted by Wisdom Addo.
Wisdom is a peace scholar who was sponsored by the Akron and Cleveland Clubs. Many of you had the opportunity to meet him at the last District Conference.
The three-day residential training under the theme "Youth Empowered: Unleashing Practical Peacebuilders for Positive Change" was a dynamic and transformative event aimed at equipping young individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective agents of positive change in their communities.
Happy Rotary Economic and Community Development Month!
Rotary Clubs all over the world help communities and people in other countries with projects that aim to provide sustainable ongoing development and help, not just immediate charity.
The Rotary Foundation also enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable, and long-term economic improvements in their communities and livelihoods by : * Building the capacity of entrepreneurs, community leaders, local organizations, and community networks to support economic development in impoverished communities; * Developing opportunities for productive work; * Reducing poverty in under-served communities; and * Supporting studies for career-minded professionals related to economic and community development.
See a couple articles later in this newsletter about economic development projects past and present in our District.
Thank you to all the Rotarians who have welcomed me to their special events and meetings over the last month or so. Club official visits since our last newsletter have included West Shore, Lake County Satellite Sunrise, Stow-Munroe Falls, and this Saturday Northeast Ohio aka E-Club NEO.
Next up October 19th 5:30 to 8pm at MadCap Brewery in Kent, then October 26th Beerhead in Concord, and finally November 9th in Hudson at the new Green Valley Brewing. Thank you to all who have come out to support these fundraising efforts to eradicate Polio.
Please click here to register for the Kickoff to Rotary Foundation Month event on November 1st from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Topgolf in Independence.
If I haven't been out your way, I look forward to visiting soon!
On Sunday, Oct. 8, The Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield (BMR) held its fourth annual Jeep Invasion to raise funds for Veteran’s Services in Geauga County. The distribution of these funds will be administered jointly by the county Veteran’s Administration and BMR. Ten BMR members spent Saturday, Oct. 7, prepping for the event by stuffing gift baskets and goody bags and organizing signage and other event supplies at the Rotary building on the county fairgrounds.
After a night of steady rain, the morning of the event dawned cloudy and cool but without rain. Jeeps arrived at the Mayfield Road Drive-In on Route 322 (Mayfield Road) from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This two-hour time frame allowed Jeep owners to roam the event field, share stories and admire the tremendous variety of equipment.
Jason Adkins supplied the great background and patriotic music. Lori Weber from N-Power, an organization that supports special-needs children, offered an opportunity for event participants to fill out get-well and thank you cards to send to veterans. Following announcements by event chair Andrew Pleso, the presentation of colors by the Veteran’s Color Guard, and the playing of the national anthem, the parade of over 100 Jeeps followed Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand in his personal patrol car out of the Mayfield Road Drive-In. The tour made a trip to Chardon Square where they paraded around the circle and then went south to the Best Sand Company sand pit on Route 44. A guided course through the pit left the “Jeepers” feeling they had utilized their vehicles for what they were intended for, off-road use. The tour then drove to Merritt Drive in Munson and Claridon Townships for a parade around the county facilities highlighted by a pass under a giant American flag supported by two ladder fire trucks. Patriotic and Veterans were the two key words that described this event. The tour ended back at the Mayfield Road Drive-In for hot dogs and snacks.
The owner of the drive-in donated full use of his facility and a portion of his food profits. Thanks also to Best Sand for offering a very rare opportunity to bring private vehicles into their facility and enjoy the off-road terrain. The entire field of Jeeps that arrived in the morning all shiny and clean returned muddy and dirty and looking more like what a Jeep is supposed to look like.
Upon their return to the drive-in, participants took part in a giant prize raffle that included special event watches, wooden hand carved event plaques, gift baskets, a 50/50 raffle that generated over $350, and dozens of other prizes.
This BMR Rotary-organized event is funded by a small entry fee for the participants and sponsorship by Geauga County businesses, led by the main event sponsor Junction Auto Campus. Junction also supplied several new Jeep models to view, a new GMC truck to move the equipment, and the time of several of their employees.
Generous sponsorship is what drives this event and makes it such a great success. A huge thank you to Junction Auto, law enforcement and their vehicles that guided the tour, the Mayfield Road Drive-In, and our many generous sponsors who make this event a yearly success. Over $15,000 was raised and will be used for home repairs, utility bill payments, appliance replacements and other urgent needs for veterans around the county.
Photos:
Middlefield and Chardon Fire Departments join ladders to for the Geauga Jeep Invasion where all proceeds are donated to local veterans.
Jeep owners/lovers decorate their Jeeps for the Geauga Jeep Invasion, October, 2023.
BURTON-MIDDLEFIELD CLUB HOLDS SUPER SUCCESSFUL JEEP INVASION 2023
Would you like your club to award a life-changing scholarship to a high school student in your community as an initiative during your presidency?
Currently valued at $35,000, the Rotary Youth Exchange District Scholarship may be the only chance for your local middle-class teenagers to afford this opportunity. Your club, at minimal cost, will be in the position to send one of your local high school students to study overseas in 2024-2025.
Your District 6630 RYE Committee is making it easy for your club to participate:
The $35,000 RYE Scholarship value is covered by our overseas partners which includes room, board, tuition, and a monthly stipend for one academic year.
The student’s family is responsible for airfare, insurance, passport, spending money, and some training. (All together, this cost is spread out over two years and is almost always less expensive than maintaining them here in NE Ohio (i.e., no car insurance, no Prom weekend expenses, etc.)
Having one of your local students selected for the $35,000 RYE Scholarship is a big deal for your local school officials, and it’s a good way for your club to enhance its reputation in your community.
Because RYE is nationally recognized as one of the very few true exchange programs, if you end up sponsoring one of your local teenagers, you will be expected to host an inbound exchange student for the 2025-2026 Rotary year (so the next president after you will need to budget about $1,200 for hosting expenses).
To make it easier for your club, the RYE Scholars are required to recruit all the hosting families for your inbound student.
Here is an elevator speech for an announcement to your club:
“Our Rotary Club has the opportunity to obtain a scholarship for students in our community to study abroad for a year of high school. The scholarship covers room, board, tuition, and even a small monthly stipend. The family is responsible for airfare, insurance, passport, spending money, training camps...etc. Usually, it costs less than staying here in Ohio for that year!”
I would be glad to come and share the exciting details about the RYE Scholarship with your members. The presentation is 20 minutes. I’ll bring marketing materials to help your club spread the word to your local high schools. The District Interviews this year is on December 10, 2023.
RC of Chagrin Valley is so pleased to recognize a documentary that celebrates not only the power of storytelling through film, but also the profound impact of service with our Service Above Self award. If you didn't catch Small Town Strong during the in-person viewings, it's streaming through October 16th.
The 14th Annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival winners are in! Sadly, not all are pictured, but we are so excited to celebrate each and every winner!
Here are the winners of each category:
David Ponce Best of the Fest Award: King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones, directed by Harriet Marin Jones
Ohio Humanities Excellence in Documentary Film: Small Town Strong, directed by Chase Millsap and Spencer Mills
John A. Hellman Best International Award: Monument, directed by Michael Turner
U.S Documentary Award: Williams & Mansell: Red 5, directed by James Wiseman
Emerging Filmmaker Award: Join or Die, directed by Rebecca Davis
Best Environmental Award: Patrick and the Whale, directed by Mark Fletcher
Human Spirit Award:The Other Fellow, directed by Matthew Bauer
Rotary Club of the Chagrin Valley Service Above Self Award: Small Town Strong, directed by Chase Millsap and Spencer Millsap
Best Local Short Award: Healing Paws, directed by Henry Ortlip
Best Short Award:
The Last of the Nightingales, directed by Masha Karpoukhina
Best Student Short Award:
Zambezia: A Well for Change, directed by Amine Harboul
Everyone's A Critic Award:
Carpenter, directed by Xelîl Sehragerd
Congratulations to all of our wonderful filmmakers!
CHAGRIN VALLEY ROTARY CELEBRATES STORYTELLING THROUGH FILM
Heights of Greater Cleveland honoring the 2022 Shaker Heights Firefighter and Police officer of the Year - Lt. Joseph Sepesy and Detective Matthew J. Lewis! This is the 32nd year of recognition by this club!
HONORING SHAKER HEIGHTS POLICE AND FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
Assistant Governor Richard Cole, Portage County, also Lakemore Mayor, is known for his volunteer work in the community, and for the last 10 years he has been the Co-Director of the Lakemore Food Pantry. He is twice past president of the Rotary Club of Port-Summit, and currently serves as Rotary District 6630 Assistant Governor and is Chair of the District 4 Way Test Speech Contest.
He is also a charter member and past president of the Lakemore Lions Club, and currently serves as Lions Club Zone Chairman and Lions District Chaplain.
He is Past Master of New Franklin Lodge #803, F.&A.M. of Ohio. He is also a member of the Valley of Akron Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; the Billow Chapter 483 Order of the Eastern Star; Royal Arch Masons, Royal and Select Masons, Knights Templar, and the Shriners International, Tadmor Shrine, Akron.
He also serves on the Board of the Friends of the Springfield/Lakemore Branch Library, GASP (Guardians Advocating Child Safety and Protection), JOG (Jobs for Ohio Graduates), Lakemore Dogs Homeward Bound, PRAISE (Preparing Real Access in Student Education), Rock the Docks, Spartan Snack Pack, the Springfield/Lakemore Chamber of Akron, and SUPER Learning Center.
Just like most clubs, the Rotary Club of Berea sought an international project. In February 2008, our club did its due dillgence and decided to make a $500 investment with Kiva International. Kiva is a crowdfunding organization that makes microloans available to people and groups around the world. After our initial invesment, the club was so pleased with Kiva’s performance that they made additional $500 investments in April 2010 and September 2011, for a total investment of $1,500.
What is Kiva:
According to the Kiva webpage, there are over 1.7 billion people globally that cannot access financial services.
Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 in San Francisco, with a mission to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive.
We do this by crowdfunding loans and unlocking capital for the underserved, improving the quality and cost of financial services, and addressing the underlying barriers to financial access around the world. Through Kiva's work, students can pay for tuition, women can start businesses, farmers are able to invest in equipment and families can afford needed emergency care.
100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes to funding loans.
How Does It Work:
After the club created its profile, we were able to deposit the intial investment. At any time, the club could request the remaining funds in the account be returned to them. The club appointed a “caretaker” of the account who is responsible for maintaining the account and making loans, as well as reporting to the club members.
The account manager reviews story blurbs written by field partners on behalf of loan requesters. The stories share a little about the requester, what the funds will be used for, if they are part of a group or on their own, if they have taken past loans and if so, the success stories of the loans. If the account manager feels the request aligns with the club’s values and the 4-Way Test, the manager will select to make a loan in the amount of $25 (although Kiva has been changing their requirements recently). I typically wait for $100-$200 in loan repayments to be available and will review the stories and make 4-8 loans at a time. This then completes the hands on work of the account manager.
Each loan is for a different amount. For example, a loan may be needed for $600. Kiva will accumulate the microloans from 24 other loaners (each in the amount of $25) and once the loan has been completely funded, the local field office will issue the loan and work with the loan requester on a repayment schedule. Once the loan has been repaid (this can be partially repaid or repaid in full), the loaner will get a portion of the $25 loan returned until it is fully repaid. The account manager can then relend the money in the account.
Here is the example found on the Kiva webpage:
Someone applies for a loan:
Margarita needs $1,000 to expand her tortilla business, so she applies for a loan with CrediCampo, a microfinance institution (MFI) and one of Kiva’s lending partners.
A Lending Partner disburses their loan and uploads it to Kiva.org:
CrediCampo posts Margarita’s loan to Kiva.org to cover the cost of the loan, with editing and translation help from Kiva volunteers.
You lend a little toward their goal:
You see Margarita’s story and want to support her business. You lend $5 (or more!) to help crowdfund the full loan amount.
The loan is successfully funded:
Thanks to you and 31 other lenders, Margarita’s $1,000 loan is fully funded!
Kiva sends the funds to the Lending Partner:
100% of the loan amount is sent via wire transfer to CrediCampo, who provided Margarita with the capital she needs to invest in her business.
The borrower invests in their livelihood:
Margarita uses her Kiva loan to buy corn, gas, and firewood so she can improve production, increase her income to support her family, and keep her children in school.
You get repaid:
As Margarita starts earning more, she begins sending repayments to CrediCampo, which are repaid to you and other lenders who helped fund her loan. These funds go straight into your Kiva account. (Kiva borrowers have a 96.4% repayment rate on average.)
Repeat:
You can relend your funds to support another borrower again and again! Your dollars can travel the world, changing lives one loan at a time.
Our Success Story:
We have been making Kiva loans for over 15 years. Through the relending process, we have made 923 loans for a total value of $23,125. It’s staggering to think that our $1,500 has reached the lives of 923 individuals and groups in 82 different countries. Our account is in the 99th lending percentile. We have statistically supported 71.57% females and 28.43% males which is incredible if you think about how difficult it is for women in other cultures to aquire financial security. We tend to favor groups in the agriculture and food service category above others with the thought that groups will hold each other responsible to make repayments.
Here is a breakdown of the countries we have supported:
Here is a breakdown of the categories we have supported through the years:
Rotary International Team:
Our club’s first account manager retired from maintaining the account around 2012-2013. After taking over, I realized how beneficial Kiva was to the global community and in July 2014, I began a “Rotary International” Team. Since inception, our team has grown to 84 members worldwide. We have made 9,313 loans (as of October 2023) which has a total value of $291,510. We are the #9 Amount Funded (All Time) and #3 Amount Funded (This Month).
What Are The Risks:
Every loan has a risk of not being repaid (which is few and far between). In addition, some loans have currency exchange losses when they are repaid. Our initial $1,500 investment is worth $866 today. That means, over 15 years, we have lost $634. This averages to ~$42 lost per year or ~$3.50 per month.
In summary, our club has been very pleased with our global impact with such a low investment. We know these “tiny” loans are making an immense impact on the real lives of our global community. The pictures and stories of REAL hardship are humbling and the appreciation shared by the recipients drive us to move forward.
If you are interested in joining Kiva (both individually or as a club), please feel free to reach out to Matthew Lombardi at Gian624@hotmail.com or by creating an account with www.kiva.org. Don’t forget to join our “Rotary International” team.
Ohio Polio Survivors gathered this past weekend in New Philadelphia, Ohio for their annual conference and celebrated their 30th anniversary of the organization. District Governor Julie Brandle was honored to speak to attendees about Rotary's worldwide eradication efforts and how Rotary members around the world assist Polio survivors that have residual symptoms from Polio known as Post Polio Syndrome.
An excerpt from her remarks can be found here:
There are 15-20 million polio survivors in our world. Its reported 60-75% are subject to having Post Polio Syndrome. According to the diagnostic criteria developed by the March of Dimes, Post polio Syndrome is new muscle weakness or decreased endurance that occurs in people with a history of paralytic polio, after partial or complete recovery from the infection and a long interval — typically 15 to 30 years — of stable functioning. The weakness comes on gradually, persists for at least a year, progresses slowly, and can be accompanied by fatigue, muscle wasting, and muscle and joint pain. Some patients also develop sleeping problems, breathing problems, and difficulty swallowing. Currently with no cure for post-polio syndrome (PPS), treatment focuses on helping with symptom management and improving quality of life.
In researching the efforts to assist those living with Post Polio Syndrome, I searched near and far and first landed on the generous work of the Warwick Rotary Club in Warwick England. This Rotary Club funds a program, the first of its kind, by PhysioFunction in Northampton and incorporates aquatic and land-based physiotherapy. Kirsten Good, the leading physiotherapist who has initiated the program said: “We have a number of polio survivors attending our groups every week, and the funding we have had to subsidize the program has made it very affordable for them.” I believe this program could easily be modeled in the US in places where these services are not offered.
Minneapolis Rotary Post-Polio Conference
Twenty-five District 5950 Rotarians from 19 clubs welcomed 300 participants at the "Life After Polio: Realities and Practicalities" conference held on October 2 at the Minneapolis conference with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. It was a day filled with advice from medical professionals on methods of dealing with post-polio syndrome, displays of photographs, scrapbooks, and magazines containing information about polio treatments in the 1940's and 1950's, movies of Sister Kenny Institute and the early days of patient care, and a chance for polio survivors to share their common experiences.
Polio Survivors Rotary Action Group
I went further to learn about the now defunct International Polio Survivors Rotary Action Group.
Though their goals included those pertaining to eradication and building awareness, 2 of their goals were to:
1. To support and promote projects of all sizes at the local club, district, and international level that will improve access to quality health services for people with disabilities; strengthen rehabilitation services and include access to assistive products.
2. Initiate Community Based Rehabilitation Centers (CBR) where feasible to identify and provide restorative care for polio survivors.
This year the Action Group folded their funding into the Rotary Foundation and ceased meeting due to what is described as a Rotary International change to the guidelines and requirements for a Rotary Action Group and unfortunately, they were not able to keep to these new standards. At the April 2023 RI Board meeting, the board expressed their deep appreciation to the Polio Survivors Rotary Action Group for its 17 years of service and terminated the group.
On a more local level Rotary Clubs and Districts are assisting polio survivors individually with personal grants, for equipment, adaptive home improvements, and in one case a generator. This past week for example Martha’s story This polio survivor is one of the last still using an iron lung ventilator https://www.npr.org/2021/10/25/1047691984/decades-after-polio-martha-is-among-the-last-to-still-rely-on-an-iron-lung-to-br was shared with my District Governor class from our Zone. She lives in OK and still uses an iron lung today. Her Rotary district was collecting funds to assist her with these needs. Rotary Clubs all around the world raise funds for programs, services and advocacy for Polio survivors through fundraisers as well.
What sort of Rotary projects might be suitable and contributive to aid support for post-polio survivors?
Orthopedic surgeries such as are found in India and other developing countries.
Purchasing wheelchairs, crutches for polio survivors internationally or to local post-polio groups to assist members in need with the purchase of assistive devices.
Creation of rehabilitation clinics or expanding existing clinics to address assistive devices needs as well as proper therapies.
Addressing vocational training and education for the disabled.
Sponsor a local survivor to attend an important meeting, conference, or retreat.
Collaborate with other groups to provide surgery, assistive devices, vocational training and education for people with disabilities through Rotary Foundation Matching Grants.
Co-sponsor a regional educational conference about PPS Consider raising funds to send teams of post-polio experts and survivors to join the teams of PolioPlus workers in endemic countries or right here at home to locate and organize local polio survivors in order to identify their needs and begin to provide educational and advocacy efforts for appropriate medical and rehabilitative services.
When DG Brandle finished presenting she asked the audience members who were all Polio survivors what assistance they would like to see from Rotary. They had a wonderful conversation.
Please consider projects for Post Polio Syndrome.If you want to talk further about the topic please contact Julie Brandle at jbrandle@metisconstruction.com.
OHIO POLIO SURVIVORS GATHER IN NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO
My first real Rotary District Governor Nominee job was 8 days of training in Memphis, Tennessee at the Rotary Zone Institute and training seminar. There were three former Rotary International Presidents and the Current President in attendance. I also had the pleasure to meet my classmates, the 29 District Governor Nominees from the districts in Zone 30 & 31. It was much easier to discuss what we will go through with like people who will be going through the same thing that I will be going through. The comradery was easily the best with my group. I also found out that our district is the smallest geographically in the combined zones. What I liked best about the Zone training was the passion everyone had for Rotary. Spending eight days on just Rotary gave me the jump start I needed to really get involved in the specifics of being District Governor. The only bad thing I could say about the whole trip is that it was expensive to do anything. If you are going to visit Memphis, take lots of money!
We may have been rained out on August 17, 2023 BUT we made up for it on September 26, 2023. Our annual “ End Polio Now” event went off without a hitch as we watched the Guardians and the Reds play baseball. So our “ End Polio Now “ 2.0 was a success.
What a fun time, even if the Guardians did lose. Pregame parade on the field with a sea of red “ End Polio Now” t shirts was impressive. Even saw Tito Francona in the dugout as we marched by.
In addition, the many items of food were very tasty. The auction baskets brought in $2350.00, a silent auction of a unique Guardians picture sold for $275 to Lesa Lillibridge and the First pitch/Paul Harris Fellow raffle gathered $3200. Many people went home happy with outstanding special auction items. Thank you all who donated to this auction. You made it very special.
The Paul Harris First Pitch winner was Richard Leskovec from TRC of Chagrin Valley. Congratulations Richard! Box seats to a 2024 Guardians game were won by Tyler Reis and the autographed Emmanuel Clase baseball went to Neil Sawicki, from TRC of Mentor.
Session 1.0 had a very special guest who never got to meet all of you or see the ball game due to the rainout. Our guest was Rotary International President Elect Stephanie Urchick. She came to Cleveland to be part of the “ End Polio Now” baseball game. We thank her for coming to the postponed event and very sorry she was not able to make the rescheduled event.
Thanks to all from District 6600, 6650 and 6630 who made the “ End Polio Now” Guardians game a fantastic success. We sold 323 tickets for the game.
World Polio Day, which is on October 24th every year, is also sometimes referred to as “Purple Pinkie Day”. This is because during National Immunization Days kids have their pinkies marked with purple ink that lasts for 30 days, to ensure they are not vaccinated more than once.
Thanks to Dunkin's graciousness, District 6630 and 6600 are teaming up to sell Purple iced donuts this year! Proceeds will go to the End Polio Now campaign.
The Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield met on Wednesday evening, Oct. 20 at Claridon Woods Park for a very enjoyable steak roast to show appreciation for all workers/volunteers who made our 2023 Maple Splash Raffle a major success. Steaks were professionally prepared by Chef Tom Blair with assistance from Co-chef Ken Butler. The picnic was an enjoyable time to get us away from our standard routine of weekly meetings. The highlight of the evening was a presentation by students Caeley Powell, Berkshire student, and Emma Geesling, Cardinal student, describing their Rotary sponsored trip to Wisconsin and the World Community Service Seminar this past June. This is a yearly program which Rotary sponsors to give students an opportunity to mingle with other service-minded young adults in seminars, lectures, field trips and fun activities like a talent show where some creative and incredible talents come out of the participants. The girls had prepared a slide show featuring all the highlights of the week-long event.
Fifteen Rotarians attended along with six guests and parents who enjoyed a perfect evening in one of the beautiful Geauga County parks. After a few years hiatus due to COVID, the Rotary youth programs that were put on hold during this period are coming back for our local students under the direction of Rotarian Dave Terrill and are again, gaining in popularity.
Photo (l-r) Students, Caeley Powell and Emma Geesling described their Rotary-sponsored trip to Wisconsin.
Learn more about how our Morocco Earthquake Response Fund will assist communities in need through disaster response grants.
As a global humanitarian organization, Rotary continually takes action to help communities in need. Because you are a Rotary leader, we want you to be among the first to know that The Rotary Foundation has established a temporary Morocco Earthquake Response Fund to support immediate assistance efforts through disaster response grants.
We’ll begin fundraising efforts soon to finance the grants, which will be available specifically to areas affected by the 6.8-magnitude earthquake on 8 September that killed several thousand people, injured even more, and destroyed an estimated 50,000 homes.
The Morocco Earthquake Response Fund will accept contributions, including District Designated Funds (DDF), until 31 December and will distribute grants until 21 September 2024 or until the funds are spent. Any unused money will be transferred to the general Disaster Response Fund.
Districts affected by the devastation in Morocco can apply for grants to provide items such as water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing. To learn more and help these communities, you and your members can:
2022-2024 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
HELP COMMUNITIES IN MOROCCO AFFECTED BY EARTHQUAKES
Pours and Pints to End Polio is taking place around the district to celebrate the success to date in our fight to eliminate polio from our planet.
There is no cost to attend - you will be responsible only for the food and drink that you purchase from the venue.
Join us from 5:30-8pm at the next venues:
Oct 19 MadCap Brewery 1422 Mogadore Rd Kent Oct 26 Beerhead 8003 Crile Road Painesville Nov 9 Green Valley Brewing 53 Milford Drive Hudson
Thanks to all who came out to Hoppin' Frog October 5th to have some fun social time and help in our fight to eliminate polio!
DG Julie Brandle and DGE Dale Smith welcomed Akron Rotarians who made this event of their Club social gatherings
along with Rotarians from other clubs who joined together for fellowship, good food and beverages.
Stew Buchanan won the 50/50 raffle and then donated it back to the cause. Thanks Stew!
Dale Smith's ticket was pulled from the hat and he took home a basket of goodies from Hoppin' Frog.
Thanks to the 30+ Rotarians from Rotary Club of Akron, OH, Northampton Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club, Mentor Rotary Club, Northeast Ohio-EClub, Fairlawn, Medina Sunrise Rotary, Port-Summit, Barberton, and Bob our special guest with the Ohio Polio Network. $365 was raised with $183 50/50 donated back by the winner Sandy Naragon, RC Akron. That's another $1, 095 for END POLIO NOW with the 3 to 1 match by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Special thanks to Metis Construction Services for their sponsorship of the event with snacks from the Winery and Fat Boys Pizza.
More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population.
Rotary's goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
I've been so encouraged by our club projects from Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise's book collection that has collected over 50k books over the last three years to the E-Club NEO's Little Free Library that offers books for free to passersby.
It's been a busy month 2 (plus)! Hence the tardiness of this newsletter! My apologies.
Thank you to all the Rotarians who have welcomed me to their special events and meetings over the last month or so. Club official visits since our last newsletter have included Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise, Hillcrest Sunrise, Mentor, Chardon, Berea/BW Rotaract, Chagrin Highlands, Fairlawn, Ashtabula, Brunswick, Aurora, and Ravenna. A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to PDG Mike Davanzo, District Vice Secretary, (Medina Sunrise) for his help in coordinating my visits! It's been a marathon schedule and I sure appreciate him.
I was also honored to attend the Medina Sunrise 9/11 memorial. This beautiful ceremony recognized our first responders and honored airline flight crews and all of those we lost that tragic day 22 years ago.
Of course we won't ever forget the excitement of welcoming our Rotary International President Elect Stephanie Urchick.
Special thanks to Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski (Cleveland) and Dave Skrzynski (Berea) for coordinating and hosting our RIPE with sold out events and Northeast Ohio hospitality! It was such an honor to have her here with us!
We have also held 2 Pints to End Polio and Pours to End Polio events where in total we've welcomed over 50 Rotarians and friends and raised $3,000.00 including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation match. Check out the schedule in this newsletter for an event coming near you. Next up September 28th 5:30 to 8pm at Forest City Brewery in Cleveland. Thank you to all who have come out to support and especially DGE Dale Smith (Mentor) who has been a fantastic partner in making these happen.
Looking forward to seeing you at the do-over End Polio Now baseball game at Progressive Field - there will be an opportunity for Rotarians to parade around the field prior to the game and catch up with Rotarians from Districts 6600, 6630 and 6650.
This Learning Center course will show how a prospect experiences the membership leads process, and how club and district leaders can create a consistent, positive experience for prospective members.
Clubs have been adding speakers but we want more!! Has your Club had a speaker that they would recommend to speak at other Clubs? If so, follow the directions here and we will add them!
Only Rotary Clubs and their members may submit speaker names. We ask that the speaker has been vetted/heard prior to being recommended.
This page is designed to help clubs find and share speaker information.
This is only effective with your input. The page will include speaker names and contact information submitted from Clubs.
To submit a speaker name: On the page is a short form you can complete with the speaker name and information.
After you submit that form we will post the information.
On Sept. 13, 13 Burton Middlefield Rotarians and four guests enjoyed a cookout at Oberland Park in Newbury to hear Eagle Scout Alex tell the group about his Eagle Scout Project of building a chimney swift nesting lodge built on the park property.
He reported that birds have nested there since before he actually completed the project.
The birds have migrated south for the winter already so are not currently occupying the structure but will return in the spring. Chef Jeff Pascoe handled the cooking for the evening meal.
This was sent from Rotary International via email to all Club presidents, secretaries, executive secretaries/directors, and treasurers reported in our database with a valid email.
Club and District Support
Dear 2023-24 club officer: Greetings from Rotary! We are contacting you today with a reminder regarding the IRS annual filing requirement for all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Note:
Clubs who already completed the requirement this year can disregard this message.
Whether your club is a subordinate under Rotary International’s 501(c)(4) group exemption or is independently tax-exempt, the IRS requires that all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and its territories file an annual information return. For clubs whose tax year follows the Rotary year, the deadline to file is 15 November. The form a club must file is dependent upon its gross receipts for the year. For more information, please see Frequently asked questions about annual reporting requirements for exempt organizations at www.irs.gov.
It is important that your club comply with IRS requirements. Please note Section 6033(j) of the Internal Revenue Code automatically revokes the exemption of any organization that fails to satisfy its filing requirement for three consecutive years.
Our document, US Rotary and Rotaract Clubs and the IRS: Frequently Asked Questions, provides general information about Rotary clubs and the IRS. For specific questions regarding your club’s tax-exempt status, reporting requirements, or your club’s ability to file, contact local counsel, your tax adviser, or the IRS directly at www.irs.gov or 877-829-5500.
Thank you for your attention to this important reminder.
For one of your club members, the opportunity is here to take a bold, exciting step in Rotary Leadership. The District Nominating Committee is now seeking nominations for the office of District Governor Nominee Designate. The individual selected will serve as District Governor in the 2026-2027 Rotary year.
The role of a District Governor is to lead, encourage, and equip other Rotarians in their leadership roles, and to provide inspiration and motivation to the clubs in the district. The District Governor Nominee Designate will train with Rotary International leaders, travel to Rotary International conventions, and as District Governor, visit with each one of the clubs in the District. This is an excellent opportunity for a member of your club to enrich his or her leadership skills; to encourage and be encouraged; to develop relationships with individuals throughout the District and throughout the world, and to exemplify the Rotary spirit of Service above Self.
Each Rotary club may nominate one member from their club for District Governor Nominee Designate. The individual must be a District 6630 Rotarian in good standing, who has served a full year as club President. A nomination form and a biographical information sheet must be filled out, signed and returned to PDG David Jones 1894 Lillian Road, Stow Ohio 44224 prior to November 10, 2023.
Interviews for the position will be conducted during the week of November 27th- December 2nd, time and location to be announced. All nominations will be handled in accordance with the bylaws and Code of Policy of Rotary International.
On Sept. 6, 13 Burton Middlefield Rotary (BMR) members and five guests met at the Welshfield Inn. The program, a presentation by an organization called "DISASTER AID" (DA) headquartered in Maryland, introduced the group to the volunteer work who maintain 12 cargo rescue trailers in Ohio. These trailers are equipped with water filters, chain saws, fuel, lighting etc and readied to react to natural and man-made disasters caused by tornados, floods, power outages etc. DA, a nationwide organization, is currently serving in Florida helping survivors with damage due to floods and hurricanes, in Kentucky and Idaho where they are helping with firefighting work. DA also provides emergency food service for disaster workers and DA volunteers.
In the Welshfield parking lot, the club was given a comprehensive presentation and tour of the DA trailer by Dave Roasa and his wife Jan who are DA directors in Ohio.
BMR recently donated funds to DA to partially supply the trailer with equipment. DA is staffed with many Rotarians and every member of their Board of Directors is a Rotarian.
Following dinner, Dave followed up with a detailed presentation about DA operations.
Photos, Disaster Aid, Zone 30 director, Dave Roasa showed BMR members the newly acquired DA trailer and pointed out contents and their use.
President Mike Valentino and Bob Johnson point out the Burton Middlefield Rotary logo posted on the Disaster Aid Trailer, recognition for BMR financial support.
It’s been devastating watching the destruction in Maui in one of the deadliest wildfires in our country’s history. The catastrophe has created tragic situations for those who have lost loved ones, for those who have lost homes and livelihoods, and for wildlife and the environment. As the search and rescue continue, our thoughts are with the people of Maui and their friends and families.
At times like these, we have to make tough decisions about the role ShelterBox can play. ShelterBox aid is not the right fit for the families affected in Maui right now, and there are other organizations, including state and federal agencies, that are better positioned to respond to the immediate displacement needs.
However, ShelterBox USA is determined to stand with those affected and is working with our Rotary partners on the ground. As Rotary is our official partner in disaster relief, local Rotarians are vital to enabling the recovery of communities in times of emergency. Additionally, Rotary District 5000, which covers Maui, is on the frontlines of the crisis and supporting the affected communities.
ShelterBox USA is partnering with Rotary District 5000 and will be making a $50,000 grant to the Hawaii Rotary District 5000’s Maui Fire Relief Fund. The Hawaii Rotary District Foundation is a registered 501c3 (FEIN# 99-0339185). The Maui Relief Fund aims to provide immediate assistance and long-term recovery support to the people of Maui, as they navigate the path to rebuilding their lives and communities. The Rotary District 5000 Foundation has established a committee that will work to identify the most critical needs and allocate charitable resources effectively.
I have been in frequent contact with our local Ambassador and Rotarian, Ron Mabry, and the District Governor, Mark Merriam, who both represent District 5000.
Mark shared with me the following, “As people of action, Rotary District 5000 recognizes the importance of coming together during times of crisis. The Maui Fire Relief Fund is an embodiment of this spirit, symbolizing the collective strength and resilience of our community. The fund is designed to address urgent needs and provide sustainable solutions to assist those affected by the recent events. The fires in Maui directly impacted the nine Rotary Clubs on Maui (many Rotarians lost their homes), and these Rotarians are already helping in the shelters and moving supplies to affected communities. These recovery efforts will take time, but we will be here helping these communities recover. We are grateful for the partnership and support of ShelterBox USA.”
ShelterBox is continuing to closely monitor the situation in Maui. While we are not actively fundraising for Maui, if ambassadors or clubs are interested in supporting recovery efforts, please visit Rotary District 5000’s website via this link to the Rotary District 5000 Maui Relief Fund donation page. The QR code link to the page is included above.
Thank you, Kerri
SHELTERBOX USA IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES AND REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. EIN 20-0471604. SHELTERBOX IS A REGISTERED CHARITY INDEPENDENT OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL AND THE ROTARY FOUNDATION.
MAIL CHECKS TO SHELTERBOX USA, PO BOX 5055 SANTA BARBARA, CA 93150
Yours in Rotary Service,
Larry Lohman
2022-2023 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
Rotary District 6630 Governor Julie Brandle announces the appointment of Philip Weiss, Co-President, Rotary Club of Twinsburg as the Assistant Governor for the new District Central Cluster. This cluster includes Bedford, Brunswick, Nordonia Hills, Solon, Strongsville, and Twinsburg.
Philip was born in Joliet, Illinois and grew up in Northford, Connecticut. He graduated from North Branford High School in 1972. After 2 years in college, Philip joined the Air Force. After becoming an Aircraft Loadmaster on C-141 Starlifter aircraft, he traveled around the world and saw how other people lived as well as transported mail, goods, equipment, and vehicles for the US military. After 4 years in the active duty, he transferred to the US Air Force Reserves and, in 1987, completed his Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems at Trenton State College. Upon completion of the degree, Philip moved to the Cleveland area to begin a career in computer programming. He began by working as a programmer for Conley, Canitano & Associates which lead to a job at BP North America. While there Philip enrolled in a Masters degree program at Case Western Reserve University. This led to an MBA in Operations Management and Business Information Systems in 1998. He continued his career at Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), then Mainstream Software Inc and finally CBRE before retiring in 2020.
Philip joined the Rotary Club of Twinsburg in March 2005. He has been Membership Chair, Club President (2010-11, 2016-17), Assistant Governor (2011-13) and currently serves as Co-President at the Rotary Club of Twinsburg.
In 1989, Philip married his wife, Jane, and settled in Twinsburg where they raised 3 children: Vivian, Gordon, and Peter. Their children are now grown and pursuing their careers and starting their own families. Philip is now enjoying grandchildren, amateur radio, gardening, camping trips, sailing, and supporting the local boy scout troops as committee chair and merit badge counselor.
WE HAVE A NEW DATE!!! The game has been rescheduled for September 26, 2023, at 6:10 pm against the Cincinnati Reds. Once again, we will be in the Terrace Club as well as in the lower and upper bowl for seats.
We hope you can fit this date into your schedule so we can have a great turnout for our “End Polio Now“ fundraiser and see the Guardians beat the Reds! Also, plan for a pregame parade at 5:15 pm.
We will be sending out new tickets for the game and the Terrace Club as we did before.
If you are not able to make it that day:
Please try to get someone to buy your tickets (SELL ONLY THE NEW TICKETS NOT YOUR OLD TICKETS) .
If you cannot come to the game and cannot find someone else to use the tickets, please let me know by August 27, 2023.
Not sure yet how we will handle refunds, but we are working on it. Just in case they are needed for refund needs – hold on to the old tickets.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours in Rotary Service
Stew Buchanan
SEPT. 26 - END POLIO NOW GAME AT PROGRESSIVE FIELD
Hillcrest Rotary President Jackie Minotas (left photo) presents a check at the annual golf outing to the Mayfield Heights Police which is one of the many community projects the club supports . Most recently they have sponsored “Maverick” the new K9 officer. We also support , meals, elderly and youth programs in our area. We are thankful for the support from our tournament participants and many sponsors.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Hillcrest Rotary Golf Outing (photos below). They hail from Elyria , Ohio and with a 17 under par game this team may come Golf Outing near you. Watch out! 😀 A lot of fun was had by all who participated. See you next year!
Please join Lake County Sunrise Satellite Club, along with Mentor Rotary and the OSU Extension, for a community beach cleanup! We will meet at Fairport Harbor Beach just before 9am where will get our buckets, pickers and instructions. Please dress for the weather and wear close toed shoes.
This is a great opportunity for service hours, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other community groups. Everyone is welcome!
Children attending must have a signed permission slip so please email lori.caszatt@gmail.com and Lori will email the form to you. All other children attending with a parent can sign the day of the event.
On Wednesday, Aug. 2, the Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield was visited by Rotary District 6630 District Governor for the 2023/2024 Rotary Year, Julie Brandle. Julie spoke to the club members about the current status and programs going on in the district and plans for the upcoming Rotary year which runs from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Julie discussed some fund raisers being planned to benefit Rotary's polio eradication program which is down to two countries worldwide and the three year waiting period to verify eradication. She also discussed major district events including the Foundation Event and next year's District conference of clubs and various training sessions for incoming club presidents and ther officers.
Julie was amazed at the success of our new Maple Splash Raffle (MSR) that has replaced our 70-year run of Pancake Breakfasts that ended with COVID in 2019. Maple Splash Committee Chair Larry Fox explained the operation of the raffle, the Maple Splash Festival and the MSR Appreciation event. The three operations together raise funds, give community exposure to non-profit recipients of our donations at the festival and show appreciation to our sponsors and vendors at our appreciation event.
Julie is not only a dedicated Rotarian and member of the Rotary Club of Akron, but she is also a woman minority business owner of a large construction company. Also, she does this while donating time on several Boards of Directors and being an active volunteer with Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. Julie is a committed community advocate and currently serves on the boards of Kent State University's Construction Management program, the Portage Development Board (economic development), Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Urban League, Greater Akron Chamber, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) Northeast Ohio, and the Coleman and Hattie Larlham Foundations. Julie volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together and The Rotary Club of Akron.
Sunday, September 10, St. Sava Pavilion, 2151 Wallings Road, Broadview Heights
4pm – 7pm
Rotary Club of Cleveland and Cleveland Rotary Foundation invite all to join us for a farm-to-table culinary fundraiser! Executive Chef Brad Gambrell of Huntington Convention Center brings together five other local chefs for a tasting of their favorite creations using locally sourced ingredients. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind culinary event, all benefiting Rotary projects.
PLUS – incredible high-value auction items like vacation rentals, sporting and family event tickets, and many silent auction items, too.
The Rotary Club of Fairlawn will host its 12th annual Speakeasy Fundraiser on October 7, 2023, from 5:30 -10:30, at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. The Rotary Club of Fairlawn joins forces with Akron Children’s Hospital, Blick Center, Crown Point Ecology Center, and The Fairlawn Rotary Foundation to make this a very special event. This year’s Community Service Award will be presented to William Roth, former mayor of Fairlawn, for his service and dedication to our community. At this event Bill Roth will also be presented with Rotary’s distinguished Paul Harris Award.
The Rotary Club of Fairlawn has raised over $1.5 million for children in this community and around the world since 1964. The Speakeasy event is the club’s major fundraiser. Its purpose is to help fund special projects for local charities. Through the Fairlawn Rotary Foundation, this year’s proceeds will help local organizations that support children’s education, health, and welfare. As this year’s recipients, Akron Children’s Hospital, Blick Center, Crown Point Ecology Center, and the Fairlawn Rotary Foundation will receive proceeds from this event. At our last event, the Rotary Club of Fairlawn raised over $50,000 for local organizations.
The Speakeasy fundraiser will be a fun-filled evening of dining and dancing in a nostalgic speakeasy atmosphere. Tommy Bruno from The Summit FM 91.3 will be emceeing the event. The ticket price of $125 per person includes a sit-down dinner, an oral and silent auction, a cash bar, and a “best-dressed” costume contest. Raffle tickets for many wonderful gifts are also available for purchase. Of course, the real winners will be the children of our community.
The Rotary Club’s efforts to support local charities and build goodwill throughout the community stem from Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Rotary’s compassion stretches well beyond Akron as it works to combat polio, poverty, and illiteracy on national and international levels. Rotary focuses on service projects encompassing peace and conflict prevention and resolution, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, and economic and community development. To purchase event/raffle tickets or to make a donation to the Speakeasy fundraiser, visit www.speakeasy.fairlawnrotary.com. For additional information, please contact Johnathan Roberts at 757-377-7896 or at Johnathan.w.roberts@gmail.com.
Corporate sponsorships start at $395, and program advertising starts at $75. If you are unable to attend, but would like to help, please send your check to the Fairlawn Rotary Foundation, Inc, at P.O. Box 13063, Fairlawn, Ohio 44334. The Fairlawn Rotary Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3).
Happy Club Membership and New Club Development Month!
How perfect in this "Membership and New Club Development Month" we wish congratulations and welcome to our most recently approved Rotaract Club! Under the direction of Elanah Koh, I'm looking forward to encouraging the new club and seeing all that they have planned to accomplish.
Thank you to all of the Rotarians who have welcomed me to their special events and meetings over the last month or so. Club official visits so far to date Akron, Medina Sunrise, Kent, Strongsville, Burton-Middlefield, Mentor, Hillcrest Sunrise and Tallmadge. Inductions of new members or club Presidents/boards, officers Painesville, Port-Summit, Hudson Clocktower, Hudson Rotary, Lakewood- Rocky River and Events for Stow-Munroe Falls/ Stuff the Bus, and even time for a Rotary Camp cookout! Its been a fantastic kick-off to the Rotary year and I'm looking forward to getting out to meet Rotarians all around our District. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about all that are district clubs do for our communities across northeast Ohio. Keep an eye out for Facebook and Linkedin posts for all the fun!
We are really excited to welcome Rotary International President Elect Stephanie Urchick next week. We've been planning for the August 17th Guardians game where RIPE Stephanie will throw out the first pitch and join the RC of Cleveland for lunch and the 18th when the Mentor and Painesville clubs will host a visit at Broadmoor and the Akron Rotary Camp and Club will welcome her to Camp. Help us welcome RIPE Stephanie next week with sold out events and Northeast Ohio hospitality! It will be such an honor to have her here with us! Please join us if you are able.
A. Lunch with RC Cleveland at the Union Club, 1211 Euclid Ave in Cleveland on Aug. 17 starting with reception at 11:30 and program at 12:00. Cost is $25 per person - valet parking compliments of RW Baird (enter garage on 12th street just north of Euclid) - reservations required via email to rotarycle@gmail.com.
B. End Polio Now baseball game at Progressive Field - gates open at 6:00 - Thank you! THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
C. Meeting with RC Mentor & RC Willoughby at Broadmoor School to review projects supported by clubs - check with DGE Dale to register; d6630dgdale@gmail.com
D. Lunch with RC Akron at Akron Rotary Camp 4460 Rex Lake Drive Akron, OH 44319 - Aug. 18 at 12:00 pm - cost is $20 check with DG Julie to register jbrandle@metisconstruction.com.
Happy New Rotary Year District 6630! I am so excited to serve alongside you this year!
Thank you to all of those who came out and sent messages of support for the Banner Exchange. It was an amazing day for Rotary and so very special to share all of it with my family. Thank you!! Special thanks to our team who planned and executed the event. From our registration and planning team to our friends executing the onsite program and of course the impromptu clean-up crew who had it all wrapped up in no time flat! THANK YOU!!
The year has already kicked off briskly with invitations to induct new members, board members and officers, and presidents. Thank you for your hospitality Rotary Clubs of Cuyahoga Falls, Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise, Hudson, Port-Summit, Mentor, Akron and Northeast Ohio, aka E-Club NEO . It has been an honor to serve your clubs in this way and such fun too! I'm also looking forward to my first official visit to Akron, my home club, this week. I say home club, but you know what has been so fantastic? Everyone has made me feel at home during all of my visits...THAT is the power of Rotary.
I look forward to sharing my outlook for the new year and learning how I can help your clubs. My role of District Governor will focus on 1) being a resource - what can I do to help your club and your members? Maybe it's a connection or referral. Maybe it's promotion of your service or fundraising event. Please let me know how I can help; 2) sharing the stories of Rotary. Please engage with us on the social media platforms of LinkedIn and Facebook. Follow us, tag us in your posts with #6630 #RotaryInternational, and like and share our posts so we can all help each other spread the word; and 3) convening and gathering Rotarians. Watch for events around the District where we can gather, connect, and learn more about our clubs to support and collaborate with each other.
Watch for our first events to get started with our Pints/Pours to End Polio events coming to local breweries and wineries near you to support! DGE Dale Smith and I have scheduled our first event on August 31st from 5:30 to 8 pm at Debonne Vineyards. There will be even more fantastic events in September and October as well. Watch for the dates and locations we have scheduled so far later in this newsletter. Bring a friend you've been wanting to introduce to Rotary, all are welcome!
I can't wait to learn more about the good you are doing in your communities as we Create Hope in the World this Rotary year. Please reach out to schedule your club visits or share a fundraiser or service project or really any good news with me at jbrandle@metisconstruction.com.
This past year has been amazing for our District. We have exceeded our goals in membership, foundation, community service and Partnership development. Our success was possible because of all of the dedicated Rotarians Leading their Clubs and our District committees. During our District Awards ceremony and Banner Exchange on Saturday July 8th we honored Rotarians who IMAGINED Rotary and encouraged us to embrace “Service Above Self”.
I had the honor of working with great leaders during my year. Leaders who have a can do, will do attitude. Thank you to our committees and the Chairs who lead them. You are truly the change makers in our district.
The District Board and Finance committees have the responsibility to ensure that the District is following Rotary International bylaws and the stewardship of our budget and spending plan. Thank you to Alexandra Jeanblanc of the Hillcrest Sunrise RC as she rotates off of the Board and Carrie Leising of the Stow-Monroe Falls RC as she rotates off of the Finance Committee.
Congratulations to the clubs who received the A.Z. Baker Award
Akron Ashtabula Aurora Berea Brunswick Burton-Middlefield Chagrin Valley Cleveland Cuyahoga Falls Fairlawn Geauga West Hillcrest Sunrise
Hudson Clocktower
Kent Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise Medina Sunrise Mentor
David Jones District Governor 2022-2023 (District 6630) District 6630 Foundation Stewardship Chair (2016-2020) District 6630 RI Conference Promotion Chair (2017-2020) Past President (2017-18) Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Cell 330-603-4107 | Email: DEJRotary@gmail.com
ROTARY CLUB OF BURTON-MIDDLEFIELD HOLDS WILDLY SUCCESSFUL MAPLE SPLASH RAFFLE FESTIVAL AT CENTURY VILLAGE IN BURTON ON 7/8/2023
The RC of Burton-Middlefield (BMR) held its fourth Maple Splash Raffle Festival at the Century Village grounds of the Geauga County Historical Society on Saturday, July 8th. The event continues to grow in size and popularity with each year it is held. This year’s festival included the final drawing for all the prizes presented in the raffle and also included a 50/50 raffle for tickets purchased on line that featured a $3500 prize, a 50/50 raffle on the day of the festival that featured a $350 prize, multiple food trucks with diverse menus, the popular music of the local band Ace Molar featuring television personality Todd Meaney and the lead in band Rockability. Also the days activities featured a huge collection of raffle baskets that included a wide variety of prizes.
One of the most appreciated parts of the event is the ability for attendees to walk around and visit at booths set up by the non-profits that BMR supports throughout the year. This year there were 23 booths and the personnel manning the booths get to talk with the attendees, pass out literature and explain their programs and how their work makes our county a better place for all of us. Attendees that fill out a form, picked up at the registration table, and have it signed by ¾ of the booths are entered into a separate drawing for a beautiful flower basket.
“The Geauga community has been extremely supportive of BMR’s fund raising efforts through the raffle in the last five years and has allowed BMR to continue to grow the project. The club is extremely appreciative of all who have supported us and look forward to this support in the future” said club president Mike Valentino. Just under 7000 tickets were sold this year in forty three states so our reach is expanding. Ticket sales will begin before December this year with monthly $1000 cash prize winners and a special month being named later where you can purchase 7 tickets for the price of 5.
Of course the most important thing to remember is the amount of humanitarian work that this successful event allows BMR to do throughout the year. None of it would be possible without the revenue generated by the raffle and the festival and our generous sponsors. Rotarians Larry Fox and Kathy Vatty deserve special recognition for all of their amazing efforts putting this on.
The Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Satellite E-ClubNEO, has become an official Club within District 6630.
The Club is now fully chartered under a new name:
The Rotary Club of Northeast Ohio.
The Chartering ceremony was conducted by 2022-2023 District Governor David Jones.
The Charter was presented to Juleta Craig and Kathryn Craig by DG Jones (shown L-R).
Juleta and Kathryn were responsible for initially forming the virtual club.
The swearing in ceremony of the new Club Co-Presidents, Linda Boardman and Kathryn Craig, was performed by 2023-2024 District Governor Julie Brandle (L-R).
The Rotary Club of Northeast Ohio will continue to be a virtual Club with online meetings and in-person service projects and socials.
Members who could be present at the event:
Front: 2022-23 District Governor David Jones
L-R: Carolyn Wysock, Juleta Craig, Asad Khaishgi, Sarah Brittingham, Michelle Oostdyk, Kathryn Craig, Steve Warren (holding the statue of Arch Klumph), Linda Boardman, LuLu McKee, Georgeann Jones, Celeste Rininger
The Jefferson Rotary Club hosted their annual Father's Day Dash 5k fundraiser and Free Kids Run on Sunday June 18th on a perfect morning.
This was their biggest turn out to date with over 125 runners hitting the streets of Jefferson on a tour of the beautiful community. This run just added to the already exciting weekend with GOBA (The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure) and the Strawberry Festival.
The morning started with the Kids Free 1/4 mile Dash around Giddings Park! It was a blast to watch!
The 5k Dash started right after the Kids Run with an overall Male winner of Gavin Hodge with a time of 19:12 and Female winner Kathleen Pierce with a time of 22:59.
There were age group awards for the 5k and all runners received a Commemorate Soup Mug and voucher for free cup of Ham and Bean Soup in October!
A big thank you to the local sponsors Ken Forging, Victory Ford, Heritage Mini Storage, Dlugos Realty, Montrose Automotive, Licate's Jefferson Diner, King Luminaire, Caruso Law Office, Julie Stainfield at Mad Hatter Travel, Zehrco-Giancola Composites, Bissel Maple Farm, Jefferson Milling, JR Hofstetter Jewelry, Painesville Dental, The Lantern Beverage, Assures Real Estate, Don and Betty Burkholder, Wall St Coffee Co., Atlmeyer Trailer Sales, The Refindary, Rotary friends Ron Mowry and Joanne Martin, Metal Massage for the snacks and water. Another Thanks to the Jefferson Police Department for keeping the runners and community safe during the event. The Jefferson Rotary Club is looking forward to another great event next year!
Chief Varnes Recognized with Rotary’s Jimmy Sutphin Award
The Rotary Club of Hudson has completed its fiscal year ending June 30 and is pleased to report accomplishments in multiple areas of importance to the Hudson community.
Going forward, President Fr. Joseph Boyle will turn the reins over to President-elect Terri Bortnik of Howard Hannah Real Estate. Terri has been chairing Rotary’s Community Services Committee raising donations for various charities and area projects.
The 37th Annual Rotary Gala was a success, including high quality silent and live auction items, an enjoyable social hour and dinner, exciting raffles and a chance to hear about the featured beneficiaries. We met our financial goals to be able to continue scholarships for HHS seniors, purchase medical equipment needed by Hudson EMS and to support Akron Children’s Hospital/NEO Gift of Life, in their efforts to provide life-saving cardiac surgery to underprivileged children from the third world.
One Vocational and Six College Scholarships were awarded in May to deserving HHS seniors in honor of Professor Dan Williams who guided this Rotary program for many years, participating in the extensive interview and selection process. At the awards ceremony each recipient introduced a teacher who had influenced their development and then gave a synopsis of their high school experiences. The awardees for 2023 were Kirra Janecek, Gabrielle Hantzlicek, Kati Babitsky, Maxwell Gyurky, Zane Zarges, Anthony Yohos and Alyssa Zumbo.
Another piece of Hudson history has been restored through the fund-raising efforts of the Rotary Club of Hudson and will be dedicated on August 19. The historic wormy chestnut log cabin along Main Street was built by Rotary in 1931 for the Boy Scouts and has been used for weekly Scouting meetings since then. Over $250,000 was pledged for the cabin restoration by various Foundations, individual contributors to the 1913. 1931 and 1953 Cabin Societies, Scouting families, The State of Ohio and many community individuals who bought engraved pavers. The cabin has been the germinating site for over 130 Eagle Scouts, many of whom have become recognized Hudson citizens.
Even though the Rotary Club lost a few members over the past couple of years due to illness and relocation, it has added six new members who are already contributing their skills to meaningful Club projects. The current membership stands at 55, meeting each Wednesday morning from 7:00 to 8:30 at Hudson Meadows on Barlow Road for a networking continental breakfast and a speaker in the theater. Various committees meet monthly after the speaker presentations and would be happy to have new members with ideas for community projects.
Monthly speaker themes have been chosen for the remainder of 2023 to include:
July—Social Justice
August—Service Opportunities with Local Organizations and Efforts
Anyone interested attending a meeting as a guest of Rotary may register on our website www.rotaryhudson.org.
In 2015 the Rotary Club of Hudson established the Jimmy Sutphin Award to recognize a deserving Hudson Community leader who most closely reflects dedication to the “Service Above Self” Rotary standard. The initial recipient was Jimmy “Inky” Sutphin, a friend and colleague of both Rotary and the Hudson community. Sutphin was universally loved by local citizens who benefited from his communication skills and empathy for all he encountered. This year, on the night of the Gala, the award honored Fire/EMS Chief Jerry Varnes on his 10th anniversary as Chief. Jerry has made a difference in many lives in Hudson and was a courageous leader during the Covid pandemic that changed so many lives in our community.
Rotary is a worldwide network of 1.4 million people of action who tackle the most persistent problems in our communities while building professional and leadership skills through meaningful connections.
Scout cabin restoration
New member induction-President Fr. Joe Boyle, new member Madeline Lepidi-Carino, Board Member Mike Swain
Gala attendees-Joe and Joan Seldin
Gala attendees-State Representative Casey Weinstein and Amanda
Sutphin Award winner-Chief Varnes and daughter Jesse
Gala attendees- Co-chairperson Kris Barker, Chris Worcester, Chris Foster, Lisa Foster
For help with this process you can also contact the District PI team by emailing publicimage6630@gmail.com
2023-24 presidential theme announced
Rotary International President-elect R. Gordon R. McInally revealed the 2023-24 presidential theme, Create Hope in the World, during the International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, USA, 9 January. McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland, asked members to restore hope by helping the world heal from destructive conflicts and create lasting change within ourselves. McInally told attendees he plans to make mental health a focus and emphasized continuity in advancing the goals of previous leaders, including empowering girls and eradicating polio. Read more about the presidential theme
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It has been a real honor to serve as your District Governor this year and I will miss it. The year has passed by so quickly. I’ve spoken of it many times but one of the most humbling part of the position is to visit a Club and learn about all of the wonderful programs they are pursuing on their own. I was able to visit 46 of our Clubs in person this year. What a great honor! You all welcomed Georgeann and me and made us feel like we were members of your wonderful Rotary families. Thank you for that.
A Rotary District exists to serve the Clubs, just as the Clubs exist to serve the Members. Our current theme, “IMAGINE” is a perfect summary for this rotary year. As we IMAGINED meeting in person again, reconnecting with our friends and the community, building new connections and partnerships in our community, we truly IMAGINED a better future for our clubs. Our clubs accepted the challenge and inducted nearly 200 new members, we welcomed the new Rotary Club of Northeast Ohio (Formally the E-Club NEO) and we are planning for two new Rotaract Clubs over this next year. Our clubs have IMAGINED new projects and partnerships with more than 30 clubs submitting grants to our grants committee for local projects. Thank you to our members for committing resources and funding to help in the Ukraine, Kentucky, Florida and many other regions that have been devastated by natural disasters. Thank you for your donations to the Annual Fund and Polio Plus Fund which have been outstanding. Thank you for your generosity.
We have truly IMAGINED a better future for our clubs, our members and our communities. More importantly you have IMAGINED and delivered a change in yourself. I believe that by committing to “Service above Self”, our own lives will change for the better.
You have made me laugh, provided me friendship, helped me grow as a leader and we all had FUN.
I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to help our district grow.
Dave
Fellowship has been one of the reasons Paul Harris created Rotary over 118 years ago. Rotarians have joined Rotary to make a difference in the community, working together on projects, fund raisers, club meetings, social events; fellowship burgeoned, and became one of the reasons we stay.
Fellowship is a part of Rotary Club life and as we IMAGINE this year our clubs have returned to many activities that they had missed. Taking part in celebrating our first responders, Foundation Walk, multi-club pub evenings, BBQs, wine and cheese evenings, Veterans Day Parade, park cleanup, walks, bike rides and many more. Without fellowship and common interest members will soon find other places for their time. I encourage you to look at and join one or more world-wide Rotary Fellowships on the Rotary.org website. Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a Rotary Fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. Explore our fellowships or start your own.
REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND END POLIO NOW GUARDIANS GAME ON AUGUST 17, 2023 VS. DETROIT TIGERS
Once again we are planning an End Polio Now Guardians game on August 17, 2023 against the Detroit Tigers. We will be in the Terrace Club for fun, food, and auctions along with drawing the winner of the Paul Harris /First Pitch.
We are also able to parade pregame on the field after missing several years.
As you are planning your Rotary club’s summer activities, please keep this in mind. It is a great opportunity for fellowship and FUN.
Rotary International has long held the fight to eradicate polio as it’s signature fundraising effort. Over $6,000 was raised during the July 13, 2022 End Polio Night at the Cleveland Guardians baseball game versus the Chicago White Sox.
Last year more than 300 Rotarians in District 6630, along with those is Districts 6600 and 6650 were in attendance.
Each received an End Polio Now t-shirt along with their ticket to the baseball game. Congratulations to Dean Thayer of the North Hampton-Cuyahoga Valley Club who was chosen to throw out the first pitch. The fun continued in the Terrace Club as raffle baskets with autographed jerseys, bats, baseballs and other great prizes brought in over $1,800. Special thanks to the Guardians own Bob Dibiasio, who came by to visit. with Rotarians during the event. Bob’s visit helped ease the sting of the Guardians loss to the White Sox, 2-1.
As 2022-2023 Rotary International President Jennifer Jones reminds us, “ As long as polio exists somewhere, it’s a threat everywhere.” With that in mind and with our commitment to “ Service Above Self” Rotary will continue this important mission throughout the coming year.
See the District 6630 flyer below and sign up now for August 17, 2023.
Pictured:
Dean Thayer of Rotary Club of North Hampton-Cuyahoga Valley throws out the first pitch at Rotary’s End Polio Now Night at Cleveland Guardians vs Chicago White Sox 2022.
My year as your governor has been special in so many ways. I am truly grateful for the friendships I have made and the warm welcome from all the clubs that I have visited. This year has made an impact on me. You have welcomed Georgeann, my family and me into your clubs. Your kind words and advice have made me a better leader and inspired me to fully embrace the meaning of “Service Above Self”. As Rotary grows, so too does my family. In June, Georgeann and I will be expecting the birth of our first grandchild, our grandson Tate Jacob Jones. Thank you to all who wished my daughter Makenzie well at the District Conference. We truly are a family, a Rotary Family!
May has arrived!
Spring is in the air, and we are all getting excited to spend more time on our outdoor service projects. They say April showers bring May flowers. It sure looks like everything is in full bloom this year after all the rain we have endured. Can you believe we have only two more months left in our Rotary Year together? Let’s continue the excitement and finish the year off strong.
May is Youth Service Month. District 6630 definitely excels in this area. We may have lost the RYLA Camp during COVID, but the team rose to the occasion and was able to put on another very successful camp in June of 2022. Marc West and the RYLA planning committee have planned for an even bigger event this June. RYLA will be held at Baldwin Wallace University on June 11 – 15. If your club would like to sponsor a future leader, you can find additional information on our RYLA PAGE.
Our Interact Clubs throughout the District are thriving. We are teaching community service to these high schoolers and preparing them for a life of service. The Interact Clubs in our district selected to support the Akron Children's Hospital as their district-wide service project this year. They collected clothing, toiletries, board and card games, items for infants and toddlers, school age children, teens, craft supplies and blankets. All supplies were delivered to the Akron Children’s Hospital after the District Conference. Reach out to your local interact clubs and congratulate them on a job well done.
Our Rotary Youth Exchange is back and the RYE committee has been keeping them busy. As we come to the end of the school year the students will be returning to their home countries and our outbound students will be returning from their year abroad. I would like to encourage the clubs to consider having one of these Young Adults speak at your club about their experience.
Our Rotaract Program has grown by expanding the Baldwin Wallace Club and working to open a couple of new ones. This program has been a challenge for our District, but this year we are making progress. Looking at all of our youth programs in the district, we are supporting the Rotary Action Plan by Increasing Our Impact, Enhancing Participant Engagement, Expanding Our Reach, & Increasing Our Ability to Adapt.
A Huge Thank You to the 2023 District Conference Planning Committee, your leadership and dedication made the 2023 “Celebrating our Community Service and Partners” Conference a success.
On April 28-29, 2023 we held our District 6630 Conference at the Cleveland Marriott East in Warrensville Hts. This was a Great Conference to attend. Thank you to the over 300 Rotarians who attended and heard some great speakers.
Rotarians participated in our District Leadership Assembly, Presidents Elects training, Leadership 6630 class and our general sessions Mental Health, Empowering Women, Veteran Services, and club resources.
Keynote Speakers were, Rotary Peace Fellow, Wisdom Addo, , Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Peace Foundation and Director of Africa PeaceJam, spoke on "My Journey as a Rotary Peace Builder" and Dr.Kirsten M. Ellenbogen, Ph.D., CEO, of the Great Lakes Science Center spoke on “Empowering Girls in STEM: We All Have a Role”
On Saturday we honored our Youth Services with the Rotary Youth Exchange students presenting information about themselves and their country in the House of Friendship. Interactors collected and sorted the items for their Akron Children’s Hospital project. We also presented to Dinah Henderson, Interact advisor from Stow-Monroe Fall High School the Richard C. “Dick” Pitcher award for her service to the youth programs in our district. John Laird was awarded the Gary Neuman Award, an award given to a spouse or partner, for his support of PDG Patricia Myers.
We honored our 50 and 60 year Rotarians for their dedication to Rotary. Together they have over 607 years of service in their communities. Be sure to thank them for their service.
Our 50 year Rotarians were presented with a Crystal Service Award.
William Manby Sr. - RC of Akron
Ronald Hamilton - RC of Chardon
Roger Read - RC of Akron
Donald Burkholder – RC of Jefferson
Mike Meshginpoosh - RC of Geneva
Thomas Eble – RC of West Shore
Richard Kretschman – RC of Painesville
Our 60 year Rotarians
Roger Edwards, 60 - RC of Northampton Cuyahoga Valley
Leonard Caminer, 60 – RC of Twinsburg
Jack Harig, 61 - RC of Akron
Robert Marcy, 62 – RC of Conneaut
W. Stuver Parry, 64 - RC of Akron
Our Special Honoree is Virginia Goodell from the RC of Mantua with over 70 years of service. Virginia became a Rotary Ann in the 1940s when her husband was a Rotarian. Virginia Joined Rotary as a Rotarian in June of 1991 and had her 100th birthday in January 2023. Congratulations Virginia.
Polio Plus & Annual Fund Fundraising Efforts – We are nearing our goal of $100,000 in donations towards Polio Plus and the Annual Fund and look forward to sharing successful results with you in July. To help us achieve our goal we have received an autographed Tie, Scarf and Theme Print from the First Woman President in Rotary International History. We will have an Online Auction for these items. There will be a preview of the items on June 20th. The Live Auction will be held during the International Conference with bidding beginning on May 26th and ending on June 2nd. All of the funds will go to support the POLIO PLUS FUND and all donations will be made in the name of the winning bidder. Yes, you read it correctly, your donation will be sent to The Rotary Fund, and you will receive credit for the donation.
The Rotary Club of Hudson has begun the year with new members, engaging speakers, major community projects, charitable activities and plans for an enhanced Annual Gala. A combination of new and veteran leaders is strategically implementing the Club’s Long-Range Plan approved in early 2022.
Weekly speakers have addressed the topics of Health and Wellness and community Youth Activities in the first two months of 2023. Upcoming months will be devoted to the Environment, Youth Education, Summer Fun, Public Safety and Northeast Ohio History. These professional presentations are typically complimented by Club member questions after the speech.
New Club members in the past year represent a cross section of the Hudson community, including lawyers, business entrepreneurs, school administrators, a financial director and a bar association administrator. These new members have eagerly taken the opportunities to get involved in Rotary projects that suit their interests and abilities to contribute ideas.
Major community projects as set forth in the Long-Range Plan are well underway with over $250,000 raised for restoration of the historic log cabin on Main Street and the establishment of two pollinator gardens at Hudson elementary schools. In both cases, Rotary members are working with school and scouting members on projects that will enhance our community. Watch for the log cabin renovation and the pollinator garden sites to become active in the Spring. The dedication of the cabin is scheduled for August.
Fun events involving Rotary members will be coming up in the next six months including a Camp Manatoc service day, an Octoberfest Biergarten, the Gala auction and a community parade. These annual events allow Rotary members to participate, side by side, with other Club members and with the public to serve the community. Best of all is the annual Santa-on-the-Green event which became Santa-in-the-Cabin this past Christmas much to the delight of parents and kids alike who enjoyed the warm fireplace and log cabin ambience.
The Annual Gala will take place on May 19 at the Twinsburg Hilton Garden Inn, featuring both a silent auction during the cocktail hour and a live auction after dinner. Beneficiaries this year will be Hudson High School college scholarships, Hudson EMS and The Gift of Life Northeast Ohio. Kaulig Giving will once again be the lead sponsor and an exciting gift for the live auction has already been received from Gervasi’s for an overnight stay and dinner. A raffle will again offer a “monthly out-to-dinner date night” package to include many local upscale restaurants.
If you are interested in joining the Hudson Rotary, you can check out our speakers, projects and fun activities at www.rotaryhudson.org. You might also contact any of our Committee Chairs listed on the website to explore your specific community interests. We look forward to talking with you or having you join us for a future breakfast meeting.
Rotary is a worldwide network of 1.4 million people of action who tackle the most persistent problems in our communities while building professional and leadership skills through meaningful connections.
Bill LaPlace Memorial Golf Outing Scheduled for June 20
The Rotary Club of Cleveland has announced that it will host a golf outing in memory of PDG Bill LaPlace on Tuesday, June 2, 2023, at Coppertop Golf Course in Valley City, Ohio. Bill was a 50-plus year member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, which he joined in 1968. He served the club as president in 1986-87, as president of the Cleveland Rotary Foundation in 1990-91, and as treasurer of the Foundation for more than 30 years. Bill was District 6630 Governor in 1992-93, and he continued for many years as treasurer of the district.
A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Bill not only earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and an MBA at OSU, but he interrupted his studies for a total of five years to serve as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following graduate school, Bill passed the CPA exam and began a lifelong career at the accounting firm of Haskins & Sells (now Deloitte) in Cleveland, where he retired after many years as a partner. Bill was active in many professional, civic, and social organizations. Bill passed away on January 31, 2023, in Columbus, OH, at the age of 95.
All District 6630 Rotarians are invited to honor PDG Bill LaPlace by participating in the golf outing. The price is $95 per person, which covers greens fee, cart, lunch, and a buffet dinner. The shotgun-start scramble will begin at 9:00 a.m. Bag lunches will be served at the turn, and dinner will begin at about 3:00 p.m. For those who only want to attend the dinner, the price will be $30. Beer and soft drinks are included with both meals.
To register for the outing (for golf or dinner or both) or to get more information, email Cleveland Rotarian Ed Thomas at edthomascsu@gmail.com.
The Rotary Club of Nordonia Hills along with the Nordonia Hills High School and staff, presented a program on March 9th at Nordonia High School for 9th and 10th graders on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Focus). This program was made possible through a District 6630 grant that was received in 2022. The goal of the grant was to increase awareness and generate excitement in students for the endless possibilities of careers in the STEM field.
The day consisted of three parts. The first was a vendor show with over 58 businesses and organizations setting up a table with information about what they do and demonstrating one or two hands-on activities on how STEM is used in their business. The students were allowed to pursue the vendor tables independently during their time at the event. They were free to talk to all vendors and experience the active display that each of them brought. Over 800 students were able to participate in this part of the program.
The second part consisted of brief talks from professionals in various science and math fields such as NASA. Summit Metro Parks, Oakwood Labs, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Akron Zoo, Peak Nano, University Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Radiology Department, University of Akron Esports Department, Ohio State University Biomedical Research Department, Stella Nutrition, Rock the House, and AECOM. These professionals were able to talk to all the students together about the challenges and rewards of a STEM career. Several colleges and universities such as Lakeland Community College, Cleveland State University, and Youngstown State University were also present to explain the programs they offer at their respective schools.
The third part of the day was a “Robotics Competition” between the students. There were four groups of five students each that competed against each other with a “robotics” kit from LEGO. Each group was given two hours to build a robot that could accomplish a task. The students received instructions from the kit and had the use of a laptop computer that allow them to program it accordingly. After about 2 hours, each group presented their robot. Judges then awarded each group a prize based on the functionality and efficiency of the robot. Each of the four place finishers were awarded a cash prize provided by two business members in the Nordonia Hills Club. It was very exciting and interesting to watch the students compete and built a robot in about two hours. The students were very focused on their activity throughout the competition.
A box Lunch was provided by the local Jimmy John’s shop for all the student participants and vendors who attended the show. Nordonia Hills Rotarian and Organizer, Dr. Lateef Saffore felt the day and entire program was a huge success, and we are looking forward to planning for next year’s event.
Crestwood High School Leadership Students Engage with Eighty World Heroes of Peace
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Mantua, seventy-five leadership students from Crestwood High School in Mantua, Ohio, will receive a copy of the new book In the Hearts of Peaceful Heroes: Their Shared and Inspiring Values. The book is the result of a fifteen-year research project conducted by Roger Cram at Hiram College which identifies the shared values and similar methodologies utilized by eighty, handpicked, world heroes of peace.
The Rotary Club of Mantua purchased seventy-five of these books and donated them to Crestwood High School for presentation to students with leadership qualities at several scheduled events. Rotarian Helen Hazlett introduced the idea, and the Club agreed that the leadership qualities and values presented in this book align well with Rotary’s mission and will enhance students’ chances for success. By embracing these qualities, students will inspire positive change, not through criticism, but through use of peaceful problem-solving skills and continuous achievements of excellence. They will learn how heroes of peace always maintain the dignity of their enemies and that their behaviors must be conscious choices based on their values; on the kind of person they want to be, never on how others behave toward them. As the heroes in the book have demonstrated, such behavior is the only sure way to lasting peace.
It is encouraged that other Rotary Clubs reward their high school leadership students with these books.
This project was made possible through a joint effort by Superintendent of Crestwood Schools David Toth, Crestwood High School Principal David McMahon, and the Rotary Club of Mantua.
Pictured (left to right) are Principal David McMahon, author of “In the Hearts of Peaceful Heroes” Roger F. Cram, Rotary Club of Mantua President David Becker, and Superintendent David Toth.
David Becker, President Rotary Club of Mantua 12068 Abbott Rd. Hiram, Ohio 44234 330-606-3299 dabecker60@gmail.com
David McMahon, Principal Crestwood High School 10919 Main St. Mantua, Ohio 44255 330-357-8205 dmcmahon@crestwoodschools.org
Roger F. Cram 6752 Bancroft St. Box 642 Hiram, Ohio 44234-0642 330-569-4912 rogerfcram@gmail.com
Geauga West Rotary recently had it's 32nd annual "Hearts for Service" fundraiser at the EOUV Austrian Club. The event included appetizers, family style dinner, open bar, desserts, main raffle, silent auction, Chinese auction, sideboards, and dancing. This year's primary recipient was Next Step Geauga, who is a nonprofit community-based case management and stabilization program for young adults. In addition to the many programs GW does throughout the year , they were able to provide Next Step with a much needed Buick Envision made possible thru the generous sponsorship of GMC/Junction Auto , along with UH Hospitals and the loyal support of the West Geauga community in general.
Pictured above are GW Rotarians John Zachariah, Terry Palermo, Fred Nevar, and Bob Voss along with Next Step Geauga director Andrea Pollock in the driver's seat.
Preparing to demonstrate the traditional Austrian "ShotSki" are Next Step advisory board president Scott Wayt, GW Rotary President Lisa Luoma, Junction Auto rep Katelyn Misich, and UH Hospital rep Bill Rice.
The Rotary theme for March is Water and Sanitation/Hygiene (WaSH). Though one of RI's seven areas of focus, it directly impacts all other areas. Lack of adequate water and sanitation / hygiene is a disastrous problem across the globe and a growing issue in North America. An article published by the USDA-EPA - Partnership to Provide Wastewater Sanitation to Underserved Communities states;
“The America that we all believe in is a land of opportunity. But, for historically marginalized communities from Alabama to Alaska, that opportunity is stolen when basic sanitation doesn’t work—exposing adults and children to backyard sewage and disease.”
The March, 2022 Rotary magazine had an excellent article on failing sanitation infrastructure in rural America and the role this is having in perpetuating health and socioeconomic disparities. Highlighting the work of MacArthur “genius grant” recipient, Catherine Coleman Flowers, the article offers important insights into what is not working and shares some of the things Rotarians CAN DO to take action! One such action is as much about building positive peace as it is improving infrastructure.
This year Rotaract week is March 13th – 19th
First, a “shout out” to the Rotaractors across the district. Rotaract was officially inaugurated in 1968 with World Rotaract Week, observed annually the week of 13 March. There are 10,698 Rotaract clubs made up of 203,298 members in 180 countries worldwide.
Give a shout out to the Baldwin Wallace Rotaract Service Club – you can follow them and their great projects on Instagram - bwurotaract or on Facebook
Rotary and Rotaract should plan to:
Celebrate with Service Rotaract clubs are all about developing young leaders through service. Coordinate joint projects with local Rotary and Rotaract clubs to fundraise for The Rotary Foundation, raise awareness around a local cause, or organize a service project.
Foster Friendship and Fun
Rotaractors are experts at creating friendships and having fun. They partner with local Rotary clubs to organize a networking night or resume-writing workshop to bring Rotaractors and Rotarians together to learn from each other. This a great opportunity to share the amazing work clubs are doing with your community and invite potential members to learn more about Rotaract.
Thank you for all the amazing work you are doing through fellowship and service to your community and the world!
WELCOME TO MARCH
As we enter the month of March we look forward to the new beginnings that Spring brings. Walking in the parks, trees budding, flowers beginning to emerge and clubs continuing to renew and grow. Spring revitalizes our spirit and passion. We, as Rotarians and clubs of District 6630, begin planning for outdoor events, service projects, fundraising and preparing for the changeover of our club and district leadership.
This month, March 10th and 11th, the Club Presidents Elect will be traveling to Columbus for the State of Ohio’s All Ohio P.E.T.S.
All-Ohio Presidents-Elect Training Seminar is a multi-district P.E.T.S. training sessions of the five Rotary Districts in Ohio. It serves all of the Rotary Clubs in Ohio — more than 250 clubs.
During the weekend you and your spouse/partner will meet fellow Presidents-Elect to create new and lasting friendships, and of course learn about the operations of a successful Rotary Club.
You will hear presentations by Rotary leaders including Gordon McInally, President Elect Rotary International, and participate in discussions led by the workshop facilitators, all of whom were outstanding club presidents. Your District Governor-Elect, aided by your assistant governors, will conduct special district meetings.
Planning is underway for our District 6630 Conference of Clubs and District Leadership Assembly being held April 28-29, 2023 at Cleveland Marriott East in Beachwood.
This conference is for ALL Rotarians and we want to give all of you a special opportunity to help promote your club and/or businesses through placing an ad or message in the conference printed program, website, social media highlights and other publicity we are planning.
We also welcome non-Rotarians to place an ad, so if you know or do business with someone who might benefit from the exposure, please feel free to share this accordingly.
The deadline for all sponsorship commitments and ad submissions is APRIL 1, 2023.
There are six slots for full page, full color ads and all other ads are black and white and vary in size. Ads are first come-first served, so act quickly!
Be sure to also save the date to attend!! Registration and hotel links will be sent soon.
We’re excited to announce that our Changeover Training Seriesis back for 2023! To help better prepare you for your new role and responsibilities this upcoming Rotary year, we are hosting a series of free webinars to help you brush up on your ClubRunner skills and knowledge.
Join us for these in-depth webinars starting on April 14th until April 23rd, 2023, where we'll be offering both beginner and advanced level training sessions covering various modules, by role on the club and district versions.
You are being contacted as a district executive. Club executives and site administrators that have their own ClubRunner subscription to the club version have also received a copy of this email. We encourage you to share this email with club executives that do not subscribe to ClubRunner as we are also hosting webinars specifically for clubs that use the district version to manage their club and data.
Registration Details
Click below to view our schedule and to register for individual sessions, or visit www.clubrunner.com/training. Can't attend live? Not to worry, all sessions will be recorded and shared on our Community site after the series is complete.
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."
Paul Harris Rotary founder
Our ongoing commitment
That commitment endures today through an organization that remains truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Our members now span the globe, working to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.
We’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries — down from 125 in 1988.
Explore Rotary's Timeline (click here)
Our 1.4 million members join community leaders, friends, and partners in a global network that is addressing challenges around the world.
February is World Understanding / Peace Building and Conflict Prevention month, which is one of the cornerstones of Rotary International. This past year the world has seen the effects of Global Conflict with the war in the Ukraine, the tensions between global powers, supply chain demands and the tensions in our own economy and communities. Now more than ever WE Rotarians around the world, in Ohio and in our district have taken action to help those in need.
It has been said that poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources are some of the triggers of conflicts in our world. Our recent global pandemic has certainly altered their experiences at home, school and in the community, and the effect on mental health should not be understated. Rates of anxiety and depression are documented to have significantly increased, and certainly played a role on interrupting peace for those affected by these stresses. Providing mental health support will undoubtedly reduce conflict and promote peace.
I am encouraged by many of our club service projects and your continued support of our youth programs. Our clubs are actively engaged in mentoring their sponsored Rotaract and Interact clubs. Your support of our youth in RYLA, the Four Way Test speech contest, Interaction and our District Youth Exchange program help us to develop young leaders that will understand how to positively adjust in our ever changing world.
DID YOU KNOW – that Rotary has Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution? That they offer a Rotary Peace Fellowship programthat includes a two-year Master’s Degree Program as well as a 3-month certificate program? That OUR District has sponsored 15 Peace Fellows?
Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities. Those who attend will be a part of tomorrow's solution in promoting greater tolerance and cooperation among people worldwide. Rotary World Peace Fellows, who are chosen from a wide variety of countries, can help future leaders advance knowledge and understanding.
Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution are located in seven leading universities around the world, three of which are located in the United States. Rotary Centers provide Fellows the chance to study in a master's level program in conflict resolution, peace studies, international relations, and other related disciplines.
Rotary Peace Fellows work toward mediation, conflict resolution, and peace where there is war, understanding where there is disharmony, food security where there is hunger, health care where there is disease, education where there is illiteracy, conservation where there is environmental degradation, and sustainable economic development where there is poverty.
At a time when the world seems to be on edge, I again thank our clubs for promoting peace and conflict prevention and I encourage all our Clubs to be intentional in building peace through service.
Have you hugged your AG lately? Seriously, this is a special shout-out to all of our Assistant Governors. In addition to their unique relationships with your clubs, these volunteers also frequently work behind the scenes on your behalf. Thank you, AGs, for bragging about the clubs in your area, and for all you do!
All-Ohio Presidents-Elect Training Seminar is a multi-district P.E.T.S. training seminar supporting the five Rotary Districts in Ohio. It serves all of the Rotary Clubs in Ohio — more than 250 clubs. This event brings together the club and district officers for inspiration, education and fellowship opportunities. There are almost 550 participants.
During the weekend you will meet your fellow Presidents-Elect classmates and develop new and lasting friendships, and of course learn about the operations of a successful Rotary Club.
You will hear presentations by Rotary leaders. You will participate in discussions led by the workshop facilitators, all of whom were outstanding club presidents. You will meet the leaders of your district. Your District Governor-elect, aided by your assistant governors, will conduct special district meetings.
The entire program is designed so you can JOIN LEADERS – EXCHANGE IDEAS - TAKE ACTION during your year as a successful club president.
What a perfect setting on a rainy winter day on January 29th!
A big thanks to club Past President, Linda Boardman for hosting the E-ClubNEO social at her Acorn & Evergreen Floral Studio.
E-ClubNEO member and manager of the studio, Sarah Brittingham did a fabulous job organizing the event - special thanks to her parents for the extra tables and chairs!
Guests gathered in the garden room where we all enjoyed marvelousfood, inspiring and delightful fellowship, and also discussed future service projects for the club.
A special shout out to August Thomas Craig born January 27th. He is the new baby of club secretary Juleta and her husband Tom!
My name is Jessica Cobb, and I am the Professional Development Chair for the Rotaract Club of Baldwin Wallace University/Berea. Our club is hosting a Professional Development networking event during our meeting on February 21 at 9:00 PM. This event will be hosted on Zoom and will be completely virtual.
Our club members come from a wide variety of majors, so we are looking for a diverse group of Rotarians to discuss their career paths and involvement with Rotary. We hope this will give our Rotaractors a chance to learn more about their career interests, and also provide an excellent networking opportunity for our members to connect with the Rotarians in District 6630.
The first 15 minutes of the meeting will be our club meeting- you are more than welcome to come for this portion! Around 9:15, we would like the Rotarians to give a short introduction of themselves, including name, career path/experience, involvement in Rotary and what club they are a member. Following the introductions, Rotarians will be put into separate breakout rooms where the Rotaractors can join a breakout room that best suits their interests. Ideally, we would like the Rotarians to have a short presentation prepared to share information about their career and answer any questions Rotaractors may have. These breakout rooms will last about 20-25 minutes.
Key points to address in breakout rooms include:
· How/why you chose this career path
· Advice you would give to someone pursuing this career
· Any personal experience that you would like to add
· How your career has shaped your life
· Any overlaps between your career and Rotary
· How Rotary impacts your personal and/or professional life
On behalf of all members of the Baldwin Wallace University Rotaract Club, we would love to have you join us for this event. If you are available to speak at this event, please RSVP to Jessica by Monday, February 13th by emailing jcobb19@bw.edu. Additionally, please do not hesitate to reach out via email with any questions.
Thank you so much for your time and your continued support of the Baldwin Wallace University Rotaract Club.
Sincerely,
Jessica Cobb
ROTARY SPEAKERS NEEDED for ROTARACT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT NIGHT (RSVP by 2/13)
This is a great chance to join the Exchange Students for the CAVS game against the Philadelphia 76ers’ on March 15, 2023.
All Rotarians and friends are welcome for the pregame reception and CAVS game on the 15th.
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.
Please see the flyer attached to order tickets. Any questions, call Stew at 330-607-1442.
Annual Pancake Breakfast at Shaker Lakes Returns for 2023!
Ready to enjoy pancakes?! Bring the family and leave breakfast to the Heights of Greater Cleveland Rotary Club on Saturday, Feb. 25th at the Nature Center of Shaker Lakes.
Our club will once more co-sponsor a pancake breakfast in conjunction with the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Join us between 8 AM and noon for a homemade pancake breakfast, and while at the Nature Center, learn more about the habits and habitats of birds, enjoy a craft at the front desk, take a guided nature hike, and meet live birds. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 4 and under.
All ticket proceeds generated through this site benefit the Heights of Greater Cleveland Rotary Club and our service areas of the Environment, Community Outreach, and Education.
Rotary International President-elect R. Gordon R. McInally revealed the 2023-24 presidential theme, Create Hope in the World, during the International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, USA, 9 January. McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland, asked members to restore hope by helping the world heal from destructive conflicts and create lasting change within ourselves. McInally told attendees he plans to make mental health a focus and emphasized continuity in advancing the goals of previous leaders, including empowering girls and eradicating polio. Read more about the presidential theme
The Chili Open is the fund raising arm of The Rotary Club of Akron that takes place annually on the first Saturday in February. All proceeds of the event go to the Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs.
By attending this event, you will help us support our countywide strategic partner charities, The Children’s Center of Medina County and Feeding Medina County.
Below is a list of the other charities & causes we support.
Buckeye Boys and Girls State
Medina County District Library
ESC - County Fair Ensemble & Chorus
ESC - Ink Spot Publication
Miracle League of Northeast Ohio
Empower Sports
Society of Handicapped Citizens
Back to School Supplies for Underprivileged Students
Let’s Make A Difference
Cups Cafe
County Forward Fund
Live Inspired
Project Learn
Medina Creative Housing
Rotary Polio Plus
Shelter Box
Sanyuka Orphanage in Uganda
9/11 Memorial Park Maintenance and Annual Remembrance Program
Exchange Student Program - Inbound and Outbound Students
Hugh Alpeter Mella Castner Angie Claypool Lynda Farkas David Hall Laura Horovitz Cyndi Kane Doug Kohl Rob McGregor Katy Miller Dan Riemenschneider Judy Seward (guest) Mark Seward (Event Chair) Karen Taylor (guest)
From O’sha Agnewel, Lieutenant, The Salvation Army:
“Thank you to The Rotary Club of Akron for coming alongside us to serve our community this Christmas season. Your willingness is greatly appreciated.”
I’ve been able to visit many clubs for their festivities and important activities.
I had a great time attending club meetings, holiday projects, two Christmas parties, a fundraiser, and two Cluster meetings/ holiday parties. Many of our community partners were busy distributing food, warm clothes and toys to families in need. I truly enjoyed delivering toys to 6 families (22 children) before Christmas. It is a real treat to see clubs in action in person. Thanks for all the invitations.
A special thank you to Wild Republic for the Donation of 18,000 stuffed toys to the Cleveland Rotary Club. The 18,000 toys were distributed to 44 organizations throughout our district. Thank you to Sharon Lerch and Tina Ingraham for your planning, preparing the toys for distribution and organizing the delivery.
Rotary International considers Ohio’s Multi District P.E.T.S a premiere conference. This status has provided us the privilege of having a Rotary International President Elect attend the conference year after year. Come and join your 2023-2024 Presidents Elect class and meet your Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally and his wife Heather.
January is Vocational Service Month on the Rotary International Calendar. The key element of vocational service is that Rotarians encourage and foster:
Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.
Recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations.
Contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.
Some suggestions for Vocational Service month, from Rotary International Guiding Principles
Chardon Rotary conducted their 30th annual Harvest Auction on Saturday, November 5th at the Hilton Garden Inn, Mayfield Village, Ohio.
Started from rather humble beginnings, our largest fundraiser brought in $65,000 this year. These funds will support a host of causes both local & international that are found in need throughout the year. Funds are also assigned to many Student Scholarships to pursue college curricula.
Our event raised an additional $51,000, a new record, for our annual dedicated cause, funded by Call to the Heart. This year the Call to the Heart cause was The Geauga County Special Olympics.
More than 240 guests enjoyed appetizers, a sit down dinner, open bar & after dinner snacks. Guests enjoyed exclusive bidder access to over 200 items donated by businesses & individuals from Chardon and the greater Cleveland community. Donations for Auction range from food items to garden hardware, sports paraphernalia, collector’s items, wine, liquor, jewelry, contractor services and everything in between.
Donated items are won by guests who are the highest bidder via several venues including a Silent Auction, a Chinese Auction and a Restaurant Certificate Board called “Best of Geauga”. Other venues include a Wine Board, a Stock Your Bar Board and a Lottery Ticket Board.
Games of chance include our 50/50 Raffle which is conducted throughout the evening.
A Live Auction offered items that are one of a kind experiences, many of which are customized by Rotary Club members.
The Live Auction & the Call to the Heart portions of the Event are conducted by internationally recognized auctioneer Scott Mihalic, a fellow Chardon Rotarian.
The strong spirit of our community was on display as always to make our 30th Harvest Auction anniversary very special.
So, come on out next year and enjoy an evening of fun and camaraderie with fellow Rotarians, guests & supporters alike! Our 2023 Event will be conducted on Saturday, November 4.
Contact Steve Turpin (440.321.1421) or Jackie Quercioli (330.272.7350) if you wish to attend next year.
Or look for a Save-the-Date card in this newsletter in summer 2023.
Steve Turpin Contact info:
440.321.1421 (after Thursday, December 8) 262turpin@gmail.com
Members of the Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Rotary Club meet at Breadsmith Bakery in Lakewood every Friday night to pick up leftover bread and rolls. BreadsmithOwner, Sabine Krestmark, former Club member, generously donates the days leftover bread and rolls. Club members then bag the bread and rolls and then take them to Rotary freezers located in churches and homes in Lakewood.
Every November and December they bring the donated items to the Lakewood Masonic Hall for the Lakewood Charitable Assistance’s food distribution. The bread is packed for delivery to needed families in Lakewood. Any leftover bread during the year is delivered to local food pantries such as Trials for Hope in Ohio City.
This is just one of many community, youth, vocational and international projects of area Rotary Clubs. To learn more about how you can join with men and women in your area to give back through service in your community, and internationally,
contact – sloopyohio19@gmail.com
CLUB CONTRIBUTED 300 LOAVES OF BREAD TO THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Ken Richardson, the Executive Director of Miracle League Baseball of Northeast Ohio, was congratulated by Kevin Lauterjung, president of the Medina Sunrise Rotary Club, as a new PAUL HARRIS FELLOW.
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International recognizes Ken Richardson as a PAUL HARRIS FELLOW in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.
The PAUL HARRIS FELLOW recognition was established in 1957 by the Rotary Foundation to show appreciation to those individuals whose contributions make a difference in building communities and world peace. This distinguished fellowship includes such notables as: Mother Theresa, Dr. Jonas Salk, US President Jimmy Carter, and Astronaut James Lovell; as well as local community leaders, such as: Krista Wasowski-Medina County Health Department and Michelle Powell-Let's Make a Difference.
This is Cuyahoga Falls major project for this year which is being supported by a district matching grant and the North Summit County Cluster. Today we had involvement from members of 3 clubs, Cuyahoga Falls, Tallmadge, and our District Governor David Jones representing the Northampton Club.
The Cuyahoga Falls club has sponsored the Habitat for Humanity build in Cuyahoga Falls and received a matching District Grant. Our North summit Cluster of Cuyahoga Falls, Northampton, Tallmadge, Stow, Hudson, Hudson Clocktower, and the E-Club are participating financially and through volunteer work. The family who is also participating in building the home and will be taking on the financial responsibility for the unfounded portion is a Bhutanese family.
Rotary Club of Cleveland coordinates distribution of 18,000 Stuffed Animals to NEO Children in Need
38 Local Agencies Received Wild Republic® Toys in Honor of Company’s Grand Opening of World
Rotary Club of Cleveland was asked to take on the task of distributing 18,000 stuffed animals from the toy manufacturer Wild Republic in honor of their new headquarters. The club called on other District 6630 Rotary Clubs in the cluster for help. Members reached out to various non-profit partners to help spread the donation throughout the Cleveland area, making sure these new stuffed animals were received by children in crisis, children suffering in our hospitals, and children in need. After the ribbon cutting ceremony on November 29th, the toys were sorted and distributed to 38 local agencies, including our own Rotary Camp. Rotarian Tina Ingraham accompanied one delivery of 1,000 toys to the WOIO-TV 19 toy drive with the Salvation Army, appearing on the local news in the 4-6pm newscast. All deliveries were made by December 18th.
From our local children’s hospitals to Cleveland Safety Forces to YWCA and various foster care centers, we know these will be going to homes where they’re needed. We are grateful to Berea Moving & Storage for their donation of a truck and driver to make our larger deliveries. The partial list of agencies receiving stuffed animals include:
Achievement Centers of Cleveland, Blue Steels Toy Drive, Connecting for Kids, Fostering Hope, Ronald McDonald House, Cleveland Safety Forces, Thea Bowman Center, Merrick House, Providence House, Good Knights, Toys for Tots, Independence Police and Safety Forces, Department of Children and Family Services (Cuyahoga County), Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Metro Health, Rotary Camp for Kids, Project Ed Bear - Akron General Hospital, Pathway Caring for Children Foster Care, The Haven Home, JFSA Strengthening Families, JFSA Youth Ability, YWCA, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Cleveland Angels, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Heart 4 The City – Akron, St. Dominic’s Church Mission, Family Promise of Greater Cleveland, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry Women’s Shelter, SPARK – Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids, Danial E. Morgan School, Shaker Heights Police Department, East Cleveland Preschool, Bedford Social Services.
Playhouse Square’s Gina Vernaci given Rotary Club of Cleveland’s Community Service Award
Rotary Club of Cleveland was proud to present its 2022 Community Service Award to Gina Vernaci, President and CEO of Playhouse Square Foundation, on December 8th, 2022. The club chose to honor her for innovative leadership and service to the city of Cleveland. Ms. Vernaci worked with Playhouse Square for 39 years, becoming a leader who inspires us all to use our talents and see the bigger picture in servicing all members of our community. The architect of Playhouse Square’s Broadway Series, she is responsible for turning Cleveland into an elite theater destination. She shepherded the growth of our season ticket holder base to be the largest in North America, attracting top touring performances for extended runs. She brought Broadway to Akron to help build its theater community as well. Because of her vision, Euclid Avenue is now a vibrant, bustling community where people live, dine and thrive along with restaurants and shops that bring jobs and commerce to our corner of the Great Lakes.
Gina was recognized by her peers including Greg Harris, CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and David Greene, Senior Vice President of Programming at Playhouse Square. The Club was honored to have District Governor David Jones in attendance.
New wild poliovirus isolates reported this week: AFP cases: 0 Environment: 2 Others: 0
New cVDPV isolates reported this week: AFP cases 12 Environment: 21 Others: 4
Headlines:-
In Africa, to reinvigorate political attention and action on immunization across the continent, H.E. Macky Sall, Chair of the African Union and President of the Republic of Senegal, will bring together Heads of State, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders at the Forum on Immunization and Polio Eradication on 10 December in Dakar, Senegal, to remobilize leadership around the Addis Declaration on Immunization.
PBS feature on polio and immunization in DR Congo: the piece focuses on efforts to provide routine immunization to children, including during the pandemic, highlighting how local healthcare workers are responding to various challenges.
In Pakistan, a high-level delegation led by Polio Oversight Board (POB) Chair Dr Chris Elias, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari and UNICEF Regional Director George Laryea-Adjei, concluded there is unprecedented support and commitment to ending polio in the country in 2023. More.
Summary of new polioviruses this week:
Pakistan: two WPV1 positive environmental samples
Benin: three cVDPV2 cases and two positive environmental samples
CAR: one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample
Ghana: one cVDPV2 case and one positive environmental sample
Madagascar: three cVDPV1 cases and 13 positive environmental samples
Mozambique: two cVDPV1 cases
Niger: two cVDPV2 cases and four positive environmental samples
Togo: one cVDPV2 case
Afghanistan:
Two WPV1-positive environmental samples were reported in Nangarhar province.
The total number of WPV-1positive environmental samples in 2022 is thirteen, all from Eastern Region.
Pakistan:
No wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases were reported this week. There are 20 cases in 2022. There was one WPV1 case in 2021
Two WPV1 positive environmental samples were reported; one each in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Mozambique:
No wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case was reported this week. There are eight cases reported in 2022. Reporting of these new cases within a short time span indicates that intensified surveillance efforts are working in the province.
Two cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) were reported in Zambezia bringing the number of 2022 cases to 18.
No case of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was reported this week. The number of cases in 2022 remains four. There were two cases reported in 2021.
United States of America:
No case of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was reported this week. One cVDPV2 case was reported in New York, with onset of paralysis on 20 June.
Officially reported WPV1 and cVDPV cases as of 22 November 2022 Wild poliovirus (WPV) Total global WPV1 cases in 2022: 30 (compared with 4 for the same period in 2021) Total global WPV1 cases in 2021: 6 Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) cases
Total global cVDPV cases in 2022: 540 (compared with 485 for the same period in 2021) Total global cVDPV cases in 2021: 698
David Jones District Governor 2022-2023 (District 6630) District 6630 Foundation Stewardship Chair (2016-2020) District 6630 RI Conference Promotion Chair (2017-2020) Past President (2017-18) Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Cell 330-603-4107 | Email: DEJRotary@gmail.com
“END POLIO NOW NIGHT” AT CLEVELAND GUARDIANS GAME RAISED
OVER $6,000 TO ERADICATE POLIO
While the snow isn’t flying yet, we’re reflecting back on a fabulous summer event hosted by District 6630 to continue Rotary’s effort to eradicate polio and raise awareness and funds for the End Polio Now campaign. Our District proudly raised over $6,000 during the July 13th End Polio Now Night at the Cleveland Guardians baseball game versus the Chicago White Sox. Besides being a fun event for all, it was one of the District’s largest events raising funds for End Polio Now.
According to event chair Stew Buchanan of the Rotary Club of Akron, more than 300 Rotarians in District 6630, along with those in Districts 6600 and 6650 were in attendance . Each received an End Polio Now t-shirt along with their ticket to the baseball game. Congratulations to Dean Thayer of the Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Club who was chosen to throw the first pitch. The fun continued in the Terrace Club as raffle baskets with autographed jerseys, bats, baseballs and other great prizes brought in over $1800. Special thanks go to the Guardians’ own Bob Dibiasio, who came by to visit with Rotarians during the event. Bob’s visit helped ease the sting of the Guardians loss to the White Sox, 2-1.
As 2022-23 Rotary International President Jennifer Jones reminds us, “As long as polio exists somewhere, it’s a threat everywhere.” With that in mind and with our commitment to “Service Above Self,” Rotary will continue this important mission throughout the coming year.
Pictured: Dean Thayer of Rotary Club of Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley throws the first pitch at Rotary’s End Polio Now Night at Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox.
BW Rotaract Club partnered with Rotaractors in Paraguay and the Rotary Club of San Lorenzo to raise funds for a mammograph machine for the local hospital. San Lorenzo Rotarians zoomed in for the fundraiser. The goal of the annual Telethon on Friday, Dec. 2 was to raise $1,000. The online fundraiser actually earned $1,500 and with more donations expected later this week.
The Telethon opened with a tribute to past Berea Rotary president Bob Huge, who also was co-chair of the District's Short-Term Youth Exchange Program. He arranged for Rotaract President Kaylee McKee to visit Paraguay, when she was a high school student. That led to the Telethon fundraiser.
One of the highlights was the Lip Sync Contest. Rotaract adviser Marc West nails
"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. Rotaractors also saluted Marc for his 25 years as a Rotarian.
Once the $700 mark was reached, the Cake Decorating Contest resulted in a win for Christina Psellas.
Rotaract President Kaylee McKee was rewarded for all her hard work by getting a pie in the face. She also was egged. Good job, Lulu! Maddie, too!! Maddie put together the awesome videos.
ROTARACT TELETHON RAISES FUNDS FOR PARAGUAY HOSPITAL
FUNDS RAISED BENEFIT LOCAL AND GLOBAL PROJECTS, INCLUDING END POLIO NOW FUND
It was a “happy hippie holiday” for tie-dye wearing Rotarians in District 6630 as they came together for the annual District 6630 Foundation Awards Gala, November 17th at Windows on the River in Cleveland’s Flats. This event recognizes local Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians for their generous giving to The Rotary Foundation. A total of $312,484 was raised over the course of a year, the largest amount over the last five years. Of that total, $211,185 was directed to the Annual Fund, half of which comes back to district clubs for local and global grants. Another $96,535 was donated to the PolioPlus campaign, Rotary’s signature effort to eradicate polio across the globe.
District Governor David Jones congratulated Rotarians for exceeding the fundraising goals and following the legacy set by Arch C. Klumph, a member of District 6630 and Rotary Club of Cleveland. Arch is known as the “Father of The Rotary Foundation”, as it was he who proposed the creation of an endowment during the Rotary Convention in 1917. Arch Klumph’s grandson, Frederick T “Rory” McGuire, was on hand to congratulate honored clubs. He was joined by 2021-22 District Governor Larry Lohman, as well as Kevin Kelly and Tyler Stokesbary, who serve The Rotary Foundation as Regional Major Gifts Officer and Annual Giving Officer, respectively.
Funds from 470 District grants went to projects that made a profound difference, such as partnering with Good Knights to build and deliver beds to local children in need, equipment to start an after school program in Medina Schools, and a vehicle to help students in Hudson learn about the importance of pollinators in our environment. Also, 1,190 Global Grants were also funded in one year alone.
Rotarians from 30 local clubs in District 6630 were recognized and include:
Akron, Aurora, Berea, Burton-Middlefield, Chagrin Highlands, Chardon, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Falls, E-ClubNEO, Fairlawn, Geauga County West, Hillcrest Sunrise, Hudson Clocktower, Hudson, Lakewood-Rocky River, Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise, Mantua, Medina Sunrise, Mentor, Nordonia Hills, Northhampton Cuyahoga Valley, Painesville, Port-Summit, Ravenna, Stow-Munroe Falls, Strongsville, Tallmadge, Wadsworth, Westlake-Bay Village and Willoughby.
The evening’s highlight was the “Dessert Dash”, during which tables making the largest donation to the End Polio Now campaign were able to “dash” over and be first to choose from a table full of delicious and unique desserts.
Rotary District 6630 has over 50 clubs serving Northeast Ohio. With more than 1.4 million members, Rotary brings together a global network of community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. For more information, visit rotarydistrict6630.org and Rotary.org.
Pictured left to right:
Larry Lohman, 2021-22 District Governor, Major Gifts Officer Kevin Kelley, Annual Giving Officer Tyler Stokesbary, Frederick T. “Rory” McGuire and 2022-23 District Governor Dave Jones at Rotary District 6630’s “Peace Love & Rotary” Awards Celebration. (Photo: Tina Ingraham)
“PEACE, LOVE & ROTARY” GALA RECOGNIZES LOCAL ROTARY CLUBSFOR 2021-22 DONATIONS TOTALING OVER $312,000
"Team Daily" is a group of Akron Rotarians dedicated to helping long-time Rotarian John Daily maintain his perfect attendance record by helping him Zoom into meetings or come in person with them.
John has been an Akron Rotarian since January 1, 1966 and he has maintained perfect attendance since his induction day!
They recently delivered a snow globe to John Daily in honor of his 95th birthday on Saturday, December 3rd.
We are now accepting donations to the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Trust for island locals who are in need due to the storm. Donations may be given online at https://bit.ly/3VeJywJ, which is linked to our club’s paypal account. All contributions will be directed to the Trust’s Hurricane Ian fund.
A Go Fund Me page has also been created. The webpage can be found at https://bit.ly/3rOYDaB. This too is linked to the club’s paypal account with 100% of donations designated to individuals, businesses and organizations on island who need our help.
In addition, checks can be written to the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Trust with “Ian” on the memo line and mailed to: Edison Bank, San-Cap Rotary Trust, c/o David Lowden, 13000 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33907. All checks to the fund will be deposited into the account and money will be distributed to locals at the discretion of the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Trust Board.
Information about the Hurricane Ian Relief Fund will be shared on the club website and social media outlets. Please feel free to share widely about the fund, which is specific to locals on Sanibel and Captiva. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (231) 313-1589 or annie@heightsfoundation.org.
Also, Fellow Rotarian Taylor Osborne Clary has designed hip, high quality “Sanibel Strong” apparel to raise money for our Rotary Hurricane Ian Relief efforts. 100% of profit is being donated to the Rotary Trust fund. Here is the link to her fundraiser: https://bit.ly/3rmtXNW.
RotaryFL.org
The outpouring of concern and support from our Fellow Rotarians around the world is tremendous. Please know that Rotary is here for you, now and always.
If you need anything (water, shelter, food, supplies, etc.), or would like to help by volunteering or donating, please go to: Rotaryfl.org. This website will help us stay organized and enable us to be more effective. Please share this link widely with family and friends.
We WILL get through this together because WE are Rotarians and WE are people of action.
Hurricane Ian Disaster Fundraiser
Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief Fundraiser
Rotarian Taylor Osborne has created a collaborative fundraiser between the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club and the Sanibel and Captiva Business Women's Association to provide direct relief to the victims of Hurricane Ian.
Eagle Scout candidate Zachary Workinger recently led Boy Scout Troop 459 in the construction of an observation platform at Black River Nature Preserve—Bluebell Valley as part of his Eagle Scout service project. Funding for the construction materials was provided by the final donation from the now-dissolved Lodi Rotary as part of its nearly 100 years of community service. The observation platform, located near the mid-point of the nature trail, provides a spectacular view of the river valley and the Virginia bluebells that bloom here each spring.
Black River Nature Preserve—Bluebell Valley is located at 8500 Richman Road in Lodi/Harrisville Township. Bluebell Valley is a quiet, remote area in which to enjoy nature. Visitors can expect to experience beautiful views of grasslands and woodlands, interesting walking trails, and lush habitat for butterflies and migrating birds. This area was part of a wetland mitigation and stream restoration project in 2002 that restored 8,000 linear feet of the Black River.
NEW OBSERVATION PLATFORM BUILT BY BOY SCOUT TROUP 459 WITH FUNDING FROM LODI ROTARY
If you know students between the ages of 15-18 ½ who would be excellent candidates to represent America’s youth in a study abroad program – our Rotary Youth Exchange Foreign Study District Scholarship or STEP Programs, information is on the website below. Please tell them to text or email Susan Colville-Hall (330 714-3765/ colvillehall2@gmail.com) stating *Interested Rotary Exchange* and a time they are available to talk. I will call them at the time they indicate they are free.
Interviews will take place December 9 & 10, 2022.
Students may begin the application as soon as possible. The Scholarship is valued at $25,000-$30,000.
Posted by The Burton Middlefield Club PI Committee
Coming off his recent recognition of one of Lake/Geauga's "Top 50 new Small Businesses", Burton-Middlefield member Stuart Miller and his company Geauga Financial Advisors, was just announced in the prestigious "40 Under Forty" by Crain's Cleveland Business, the number one publication in Cleveland and northeast Ohio. Crain's states that this group of under 40 entrepreneurs come from a diverse array of fields including non-profits, educators, scientists and many others and represent an active group that is getting things done and will lead Cleveland area businesses for decades to come.
After talking to Stuart about his award, PDG Bob Johnson, a 35-year member of Burton-Middlefield said, "I was most impressed when talking to Stuart how adamant he was about the role Rotary has played in his success. Not just in business contacts but in getting involved in the community on many different levels and applying the Four Way Test to his everyday business activities and the dividends it pays. The two go hand-in-hand in many ways."
Stuart is a six year member of the RC of Burton-Middlefield and is currently serving as Club Treasurer. He has attended several District level Rotary activities including a former District Foundation Event and Conference. He has already expressed a desire to get involved in Rotary at the District level when he and his wife Julie's two infant sons get a few years older.
It was a beautiful morning when members from the Lakewood Rocky River Rotary Clubs gathered at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood for the annual yard clean up. The Beck Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization that is "dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Northeastern Ohioans" through the performing arts and art education. The history of the Beck Center can be traced back to 1931.
For over 10 years, Rotary members have done leaf raking, shrub trimming, courtyard refreshing, and overall sprucing up of the grounds in the fall and spring. The Center’s Executive Director, Cindy Einhouse, is grateful for all that the Rotary Club’s members do. Everyone who attends the Center’s programs and theatre performances are greeted with great productions in a beautiful setting.
More than 35 families-in-need and 136 individuals in Geauga County received Thanksgiving meals including a whole frozen turkey or turkey breast and all the fixings topped with a pumpkin and apple pie by the Rotary Club of Burton Middlefield (BMR) on Saturday, Nov. 19.
Some recipients offered to pick up their food baskets while others had them delivered by Rotarians. Club President Mike Valentino and his wife Linda ran the entire event along with all the purchasing. Mike using his connections at Dave’s Super Markets acquired very generous pricing from various suppliers. Recipients expressed overwhelming gratitude upon receiving the baskets.
BMR worked in conjunction with the Geauga County Dept. of Job and Family Services to acquire a list of names that met the requirements for this effort. Mike and Linda contacted all recipients and scheduled a pick-up or delivery. It’s amazing there is this need in our relatively affluent county, but it’s probably shouldn’t surprise any of us as we continue to work our way out of Covid and fight ongoing inflation, rising food and gasoline prices.
BMR through the success of our Maple Splash Raffle is proud to be able to financially support this project and many others in our community. This past year’s raffle allowed for generous donations to more than 20 local non-profits. This year’s raffle ticket sales will begin shortly after the first of December and run through the grand prize drawing on July 8, 2023, along with our monthly $1,000 cash winners beginning the last Wednesday of January 2023 and continuing through the last Wednesday in May 2023. Our raffle tickets make great stocking stuffers, hand over and mailable gifts for Christmas. Go to maplesplashraffle.com after Dec. 5, 2022.
Members of Rotary E-ClubNEO (with supervision and help from experienced users Amora and Myra) recently erected the first of three planned Little Libraries – this one located at the “Kids At Play Learning Academy” in Berea.
Photos: Christina Tracy, Linda Boardman, Steve Warren, Elana Koh-Bonnell and her children Amora and Myra.
The Jefferson Rotary Club is very proud of their Fountain Project. In beautiful downtown Jefferson at the Ashtabula County Courthouse stands the statue of a Civil War Soldier that was erected in 1914. Rumor has it that the Soldier was purchased through Sears. It was originally built as a beautiful fountain. The fountain came into disrepair and was them turned into a giant flower bed. The flower bed wasn't tended to regularly and weeds began to take over. In the early 1990's the Jefferson Rotary Club got permission from the County to take over care of the Soldier and decided to try and repair the fountain. The club sold personalized bricks that form a walk way around the soldier to help with costs. In 1996 the fountain was restored and is now a centerpiece for the community. More recently the Jefferson Rotary Club has had to replace the pump and reseal the concrete to prevent leaks. The Jefferson Garden Club also donated beautiful Day Lillie's that surround the exterior. Every spring the Rotary Club cleans and fills the fountain and every fall the Club drains it and collects the coins that people may drop in. The Treasurer will count the coins , add $100 and send a donation to Make A Wish Foundation. It's a great service project that all the members and the community enjoy.
Berea Rotary made 13 more loans through KIVA recently. Chair Matt Lombardi says activity has been really low because of COVID. The new loans bring our total to 894 with a value of $22,400.
The recent loans were made to Kenya, Paraguay, Uganda, Mozambique, Tajikistan, Burkina Faso (4), Vietnam (3) and Guatemala. The loans will support food and clothing for resale, cattle and livestock, building a home toilet and farming supplies. All loans were made to individuals who are going into their third loan cycle or greater.
The number of countries we are able to make loans to has been limited and those countries have the greatest risk for currency exchange loss.
Thanks to Matt for continuing to chair this worthy project in unsettling times.
On October 19, 2022, the Rotary Club of the Heights of Greater Cleveland held the 31st annual awards recognition for Shaker Heights Fire and Police Depts. Each year the respective departments select a first responder that models Service above Self. This year the recipients for 2021 were:
-Police Award: Det. Brian M Walsh
-Firefighter Award: Joseph Leiben
Both recipients were honored by Rotary members while being joined by family, friends and staff from both departments. District Governor David Jones joined the celebration with his own remarks. Each award recipient received an individual plaque and stipend as well as their had name added to their department's wall plaque.
Photo from right to left: Front- John Sobotincic, Charlie Mayer, Maria Kaiser, Shamsi Lashgari-Saegh, Ruth Severiens, Karen Ault, Bob Ault Back- Adam Davis, Det Brian Walsh, Paul Qua, Joseph Leibin, Julie Brouhard, Candi Hazelwood, David Jones
Rotary Club of the Heights of Greater Cleveland-Club 3560 Update-Oct. 2022
Small but mighty. That’s what some might say about the Rotary Club of the Heights of Greater Cleveland. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Club has remained busy and involved in recent years with a variety of activities concentrated in three primary areas: education, the environment, and community outreach. In addition to service projects and monthly club meetings, Club 3560 makes an effort to relax and have fun each month by hosting a club social at the Tavern Co. on Lee Rd. in Cleveland Heights. Guests are welcome at bi-monthly club meetings held at Shaker Heights Country Club or the Tav Co social events. Check the Club’s website for more info, or RSVP to Club President Candi Hazelwood. (photo- group sitting around table @ TavCo)
Meet Our New Club President
Candice “Candi” Hazelwood has taken the reins of the Club, succeeding immediate past President Adam Davis who served from 2019 to 2022. Candi comes to the Club as a retired educator and joined Rotary only one year ago, moving quickly into a leadership role. Candi began her career as a teacher of students with disabilities at Shaw High School in East Cleveland, then became a principal at a vocational consortium for students with multiple disabilities, CEVEC, where students were taught to work through training and job coaching. Candi later served as Mayfield High School’s assistant principal, and finished her career through the regional offices for State Support Teams funded through Ohio Department of Education. Welcome Candi!
Turning 90 But Still Serving Others
Long time Club member Maria Kasier has turned 90! Kaiser is a faithful attendee of Club 3560 meetings, socials, and volunteers alongside other club members at the environmentally-conscious Medwish. A mother of five, Kaiser is also an accomplished artist and has items selected for art shows annually. Kasier is passionate about the environment and focuses specifically on reducing the use of plastic. Maria is proof positive that you’re never to old to consider how you can make an impact and serve others.
Education
The V. Blakeman Qua Scholarship Awards
On June 15, 2022, the Rotary Club of The Heights of Greater Cleveland awarded the annual V. Blakeman Qua Scholarship Awards to five local high school seniors, at a luncheon at the Shaker Heights Country Club. These scholarships are named in memory of V. Blakeman Qua, a former president of the Rotary Club of Shaker Heights who also established the scholarship fund for the Club. The ceremony was moderated by President Adam Davis, who also presented the Scholarship Awards. The 2022 Scholarship Recipients were: Ayande Joseph from Shaker Heights High School, Francesca Butch from Shaker Heights High School, Paige Colbert from Cleveland Heights High School , James Huff also from Cleveland Heights High School and Alina Roach from Shaker Height High School. The Scholarship Recipients read their Student Essays to the Rotary Club Members. Scholarships are offered annually; check the club’s website for more details.
Environment
Club Partners with Youth Ending Hunger (YEH)-Interact, Heights Tree People and Shaker Heights High School to Plant New Trees
Members of Youth Ending Hunger-Interact at Shaker Heights High School, along with Bob Ault and other Club members, enlarged the tree canopy by planting four trees around the Shaker Heights School Administration Building on 15600 Parkland Drive on Saturday May 14, 2022. The environment-benefiting project was a joint effort, with the Heights of Greater Cleveland Rotary Club receiving the donated native trees species from Heights Tree People, who also provided planting and cultivating advice. Rotarian's have provided continual tree watering through out the subsequent months to ensure the new trees thrive.
MedWish- Sorting, Repurposing of Unused Medical Supplies Saves Lives, Environment
Rotary Club of the Heights volunteers with MedWish, a local medical supply recycling nonprofit, on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. MedWish receives bulk donated medical supplies from local hospitals, which then are sorted, inventoried and prepared to be shipped to medical relief organizations around the world. These actions save lives as well as keep vital medical supplies out of landfills.
Outreach
Club ShelterBox Sponsorship with District 6630 In Memory of Jack Young
The Rotary Club of the Heights of Greater Cleveland has co-sponsored a Shelter Box with other clubs in District 6630 for the first time, in Memory of Jack Young, past District Governor. Shelter Box has become the largest Rotary Club project in the world, responding to disasters and conflict across the globe and providing emergency shelter to over one million people. Since ShelterBox was founded, it has grown from one club’s adopted project to Rotary International’s only Project Partner in disaster relief. Individual Heights club members collectively gave $250 towards the shelter box in Honor of Young.
Annual Shaker Heights First Responder Awards
Local first responders couldn’t “work from home” during the pandemic -- they remained on call and available to assist anyone in need, often elderly and vulnerable residents suffering from COVID-19 symptoms. The Club recognized those amazing efforts in Oct. 2021 at an overdue Shaker Heights Police and Fire awards ceremony held at Shaker Heights Fire Station 1, 17000 Chagrin Blvd. This event has been held and sponsored by the Club on an annual basis until COVID-19 caused a hiatus, and a combined event for both 2019 and 2020 was therefore held in 2021. Thankfully the event returns again this fall, and is scheduled for Wed. Oct. 19th at 8 AM back at Fire Station #1.
Shaker Lakes Nature Center Hike-Run- Sept. 18
Club members including Candi Hazelwood (President) and Ruth Severiens (Treasurer) were on hand for the Sept. 18th annual walk, run and hike sponsored by the Nature Center of Shaker Lakes. Candy and Ruth helped with the snack tables as runners and walkers returned to the finish. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes has also hosted the Club’s annual pancake breakfast in recent years, which the Club hopes to resume in the near future. (photo of Candy & Ruth in Shelter Area @ Shaker Lakes.
Rotary Camp is collecting ACME receipts! Help us earn 5% Community Cashback by shopping store brands in Acme Fresh Market. Save your receipts from August 4, 2022 until December 24, 2022.
Receipts can either be mailed to Camp (4460 Rex Lake Dr., Akron OH 44319), or be turned in at the weekly Rotary Meetings.
Thank you ACME for your continued support to the community!
Rotary Club Grant Supports WES Butterfly Pollinator Garden
It is believed that students learn by doing. With that in mind, the 3rd and 5th grade students at Woodridge Elementary School will benefit from the hands-on learning experience that the newly installed Butterfly Pollinator Garden will bring.
Sponsored by a grant from the Northampton Rotary Club, the planning for this project began long before the first shovel hit the dirt. Plants native to Ohio were researched for durability and sustainability as the site on the north side of Woodridge Elementary School was prepared for the new garden.
Concurrent with the Nature of Science standards for Ohio’s Learning Standards, learning about the butterfly and pollinator garden brings to life the concepts of ecosystems, scientific investigations, life cycles of species, and observation of wildlife.
Students from Mrs. Smagola's and Mrs. Cole’s 3rd and 5th grade classes were chosen to implement the garden plans by digging, planting and watering the garden. Volunteers from the Rotary Club included project coordinator Ray Krusinski, who led the charge of designing the garden and bringing the vision to life. On Oct. 4, Suncrest Gardens and the Woodridge facilities team worked diligently with the students to ensure proper depth and spacing for each planting.
“This is a great chance for students to get their hands dirty and use this as a live learning lab” said Krusinski. The finished project left a smile on everyone’s face.
A crushed stone path wanders through the garden, offering space for students to study each plant closely. Three benches will be added for students and community members to enjoy the tranquility of the space. Students and Rotary Club members will collaborate to water and maintain the garden so it can be enjoyed for years to come!
Permission for use of photos approved by Woodridge Elementary School
Port-Summit Rotarians served pizza, applesauce and drinks to the participants at the 2022 Unskating Party at Springfield Lake Roller Rink.
Our club has a tradition of supporting this event, which has just returned due to pausing for Covid precautions. We purchase supplies and serve food and share goodwill will participants. Other contributors/sponsors include Marco's Pizza and Akron Roller Derby.
WHEREAS, Rotary is a global network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in communities across the globe; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, inspires members to provide humanitarian service, follow high ethical standards, and promote goodwill and peace in the world; and
WHEREAS, Rotary in 1985 launched PolioPlus and in 1988 helped establish the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which today includes the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to immunize the children of the world against polio; and
WHEREAS, polio cases have dropped by 99.9 percent since 1988 and the world stands on the threshold of eradicating the disease; and
WHEREAS, to date, Rotary has contributed more than US$2.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to protecting nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries; and
WHEREAS, Rotary is working to raise an additional $50 million per year, which would be leveraged for maximum impact by an additional $100 million annually from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and
WHEREAS, these efforts are providing much-needed operational support, medical staff, laboratory equipment, and educational materials for health workers and parents; and
WHEREAS, in addition, Rotary has played a major role in decisions by donor governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort; and
WHEREAS, there are over 1.2 million Rotary members in 36,000 clubs throughout the world that sponsor service projects to address such critical issues as poverty, disease, hunger, illiteracy, and the environment in their local communities and abroad;
Therefore, I, Mayor Dennis Hanwell, Mayor of the City of Medina, Ohio, do hereby proclaim 24 October "World Polio Day" in Medina, Ohio, and encourage all citizens to join me, Medina Sunrise Rotary and Rotary International in the fight for a polio-free world. WWW.ENDPOLIO.ORG
PHOTO (L to R):
Front - David Lariviere, Toby Butt, Kent Morgan, Kerry Gregoire, Frank Festi, Mayor Dennis Hanwell, Kevin Lauterjung, Drs. Shail & Than Jain, Don Spickler
Back - Bill Lamb, Paul Rose, Jim Shields, John Coyne, Dennie Simpson, Regie Haire, Jessica Hazeltine
Our annual Interaction event is quickly approaching! It will take place on Saturday, November 19th, at Stow-Munroe Falls High School (3227 Graham Rd, Stow, OH 44224) from 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM. We are currently planning a day filled with speakers, breakout sessions, and fun that will culminate in the selection of a district-wide service project for all clubs to do together chosen by our Interact students. The theme this year is "Imagine Interaction." You can register to attend this event until November 14th by clicking on the link below:
We would love to see representatives from all Interact clubs at this event. If your club does not sponsor an Interact club currently, we still encourage you to attend yourself or send a representative from your Rotary club to learn a little more about the process.
We will provide a free lunch and snack to any attendees, and a free tshirt to anyone who registers by October 28th (this Friday). Please consider attending this amazing event yourselves, but also encourage your Interact advisors and students to attend as well.
Please direct any questions about the Interaction to me at chelsea.talty@westg.org. We hope to see you and your Interact students on November 19th!
It was youth versus experience when the Broadmoor Bobcats faced off against the Mentor Rotary Club in the inaugural outing for the Bobcats in 2022/2023 and the first since the start of Covid. The Bobcats got off to a fast start, leading 22-2 after the first stanza. Rotarians improved a bit in the second quarter, ending the half at 40-10. The game resumed after a dance party at halftime that invigorated the Rotarian offense. However, the Bobcats remained too much for Mentor Rotary with the final score of 64-45.
“Broadmoor Bobcats are really competitive and play hard to win,” said Lee Quignano, Mentor Rotarian. “We do service, we don’t play around. We gave it our all but Bobcats took the win!”
“I’ve watched many Broadmoor Bobcats games over the years at the county board, but have never played in one,” said Ann Mahler, Assistant Superintendent at the LCBDD and Mentor Rotarian. “ I cannot express in words what it felt like to have this opportunity to play with the students and experience their joy. This type of experience changes people. I am beyond blessed to work at the LCBDD/Deepwood and this opportunity is just one of the reasons why.”
Following the hard-fought but friendly match, the competitors enjoyed friendship over a pizza lunch.
The Mentor and Willoughby Rotary Clubs have long had a strong partnership with Deepwood Foundation and the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood as we help enrich, empower and engage individuals who have developmental disabilities as well as our Rotarians.
The Mentor Rotary Club would love to welcome visitors and new members at our meetings. Mentor Rotary meets Thursdays at noon at the Mentor Harbor Yachting Club. All interested in learning more about the club can contact Dale Smith at 330-968-7683 or rdalesmith@bellsouth.net.
About the Rotary Club of Mentor The Mentor Rotary Club was chartered May 22, 1967. The club meets at noon on Thursdays at the Mentor Harbor Yachting Club. We are people of action who believe that we can have fun while serving others. We welcome new members! For information about the club, please go to mentor-rotary.org.
BROADMOOR BOBCATS REMAIN UNDEFEATED DESPITE CHALLENGE FROM MENTOR ROTARY
The Rotary Club of Cleveland hosted the District 6630 Rotary Youth Exchange inbound students, potential outbound students and District Rotarians at its annual Cleveland Day on Saturday October 1, 2022. Club President Jennifer Kelly and Co-Chair of the International Service Committee Bruce Jackim helped lead the group on a walking tour of historical downtown Cleveland from Public Square to Playhouse Square. After lunch at the Fifth Street Arcade, the group got a bird’s-eye view of town for the observation deck at Terminal Tower. The day concluded with a walk to the Steamship Mather where the group learned about the history of shipping on the Great Lakes. The Club was glad it could restart this traditional event after a two-year hiatus due to Covid.
Chagrin Highlands Rotary ran our annual Sports Challenge for about 35 people with physical and mental challenges on September 17, 2022. Previous events were held in an indoor gym; this time it was at an outdoor park in Willoughby and the weather was perfect. The pictures below showed most participants playing games that included a corn hole, a racket ball toss, air propelled foam rockets, and a basketball toss. We then provided lunch in an outdoor pavilion. Everyone had turkey, beef, and ham sandwiches, potato chips, and cookies for dessert. Rotarians and the guests all enjoyed the outing.
Please join the Mentor Rotary Club in celebrating the success of PolioPlus!
Rotarians will raise Pints Against Polio at Beerhead in Concord Township starting at 5:30 PM on Thursday October 27. We will have a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to the PolioPlus campaign to finish the job! Additional donations are accepted - remember - the Gates Foundation matches our contributions 2:1!
Happy October! It was a great honor serving as the Governor of this Great District this past Rotary year. What makes being the Past District Governor is seeing the results of all the hard work and generous giving of our clubs and members.
I would like to take a moment to thank our District 6630 Clubs and members for their giving to The Rotary Foundation. We had a very solid year in giving; Annual Fund $211,185, Polio Plus $96,535, Our total giving was $312,484. While our District Governor, Governor Elect, and Governor Nominee were at the Zone 30/31 Institute, we were awarded the 3rd overall giving for Polio Plus in Zone 30. I would like to thank the 2021-2022 District Foundation Chair Jim Lechko, for working with our clubs to achieve these levels of giving.
I would like to invite all our Rotarians to join us for this year’s Foundation Gala on November 17, 2022. The Gala this year will be held at Windows On The River in Cleveland. We will be celebrating the giving from last year and recognizing Clubs and Members for their giving to The Rotary Foundation. A lot of information will be coming out in the coming week, so keep your eyes and ears open. I am told that this year’s Gala will be very Groovy.
Thank you all, and I cannot wait to celebrate with you all on November 17.
I hope you are having a great Rotary year! As Georgeann and I continue our “official” visits to the clubs, we continue to be amazed (and humbled) by all you do. The Rotarians of District 6630 have been wonderful and welcoming. I enjoyed hearing about community partners and club projects that have made our communities and the world a better place. What a legacy! Thank you!
October 24th was World Polio Day. Our District is proud of our support to End Polio. During the 2021-2022 year we raised $96,535 for Polio Plus and were awarded the 3rd overall giving for Polio Plus in Zone 30. The End Polio Now night at the Cleveland Guardians was a success and we raised over $6000. Medina Ohio proclamation of World Polio Day, Mentors Pints for Polio, and Ohio Polio Challenge helps the communities in our district understand the long-term commitment we have to eradicating Polio in the world.
It is fitting in this Thanksgiving month, that we give thanks for all we have. As Rotarians let us celebrate The Rotary Foundation Month. In his recent post PDG Larry Lohman stated “I would like to take a moment to thank our District 6630 Clubs and members for their giving to The Rotary Foundation. We had a very solid year in giving; Annual Fund $211,185, Polio Plus $96,535, our total giving was $312,484.” The Foundation provides us with a wonderfully efficient opportunity to give back to others.
Rotary District 6630 should be proud of its role in the development of the Rotary Foundation. In 1917 at the Rotary Convention in Atlanta, Rotarian Arch C. Klumph proposed the establishment of an endowment, which would later become The Rotary Foundation. It has done so much good while maintaining Charity Navigator’s maximum 4-star rating for at least the last ten years. Our Foundation is such a transparent and efficient charity that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has provided it with close to a billion dollars in matching funds to help eradicate Polio.
Imagine how you might use the money available through our Foundation to do more good in our communities and in the world— and then take action! I think about projects our members have pursued through grants from The Rotary Foundation that have impacted our communities in ways we may not see for years to come.
The beauty of our Foundation (beyond the stellar ratings) – is that it’s OUR Foundation that funds OUR projects, carried out by individual clubs throughout the world, each project the brainchild of a Rotarian. That Rotarian could be you! Many Rotarians throughout our district have seen their ideas come to fruition through our Foundation’s district and global grants. Foundation funds can be used to turn your ideas into action!
District grants are easily accessible and are approved – as the name implies – right here in our own district. Club members from throughout the district sit on the Foundation committee that evaluates grant requests.
The District Grant Cycle will begin soon. Would your Club like to participate in a district grant or a global grant? Don’t know how? Grant Seminars will be held in the first part of 2023 - watch your email for dates, times and locations. Two (2) or more members of your club members must participate to be eligible to submit a grant. I would encourage you to contact PDG Larry Lohman, District Foundation Chair, or Sandy Naragon, Foundation Committee Chair, to present on the Foundation and the district grant process to your club. Grant Management Materials Toolbox
October is upon us and many of us are enjoying college and professional football, the cooler weather, the beauty in the changing of the leaves and the fellowship we enjoy as we visit with friends and family. I truly love Ohio in the fall.
The first quarter of the Rotary year has passed with many memories and achievements. I want to thank the Rotary Club of Medina Sunrise for welcoming me on my first official club visit. During the first quarter, I visited more than 25 clubs in the District and met many Rotarians.
I am amazed to see that each club is excited about meeting in person and renewing club projects, service activities and raising funds for their community.
Thank you for sharing your projects with me as I continue to visit and speak with each member, hearing their experiences as they work in his or her way to serve the community and the world.
Please contact me at dejrotary@gmail.com or 330-603-4107 to schedule your visit.
October 24th is World Polio Day
Our district has been a strong supporter of the End Polio Now campaign. In July we held our Guardians End Polio event. Over 300 fellow Rotarians attended the game and helped us raise $6000 for Polio. As October 24 approaches I would like to encourage each club to participate in a Polio Awareness event. On or around October 24th wear your End Polio Now tee shirts and plan a walk through your downtown, have a social event, have a friendly softball game with another service organization, have FUN and promote the End Polio Cause.
I would encourage your club to have a meeting to discuss Polio and show some of the inspiring videos from survivors or an inspirational video from Rotary. Rotary Polio Plus Initiative. Join Rotary for World Polio Day as global health experts and partners share our progress on the road to polio eradication.
Fall is a great time to celebrate family. Our clubs should plan family events to the local fall festival, visit your nearest Zoo for BOO Fest, plan a day at a local park to have lunch with your family members and invite the clubs from your cluster to join you as we celebrate our Rotary Family.
Thank you,
David E Jones
Rotary District 6630 District Governor 2022-2023
Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club -- Past President 2017
On September 30th, the Rotary Club of Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley gathered to celebrate their 60th anniversary.
It was an evening filled with stories and laughter. Jim McKee served as emcee, taking us back to 1962, when the Club was chartered while “DJ Tony” Karam played the hits from that charter year.
Roger Edwards, a charter member of the Club, was also honored as a 60 year member. He regaled the attendees with humorous and thought-provoking tales of Club history.
Past Presidents and other Club members shared their fun stories and heartfelt moments.
The room was filled to capacity by Rotarians and their guests who enjoyed good food and that famous Rotary fellowship.
DG David Jones was required to be at the Zone Institute and unavailable to attend, but he sent greetings via his Vice Governor, PDG Pat Myers.
There were several Rotarians in attendance visiting from other Clubs including two Rotaract members from Baldwin Wallace and many members of E-ClubNEO, the first satellite Club in our District, chartered and mentored by RC of Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley.
NORTHAMPTON-CUYAHOGA VALLEY ROTARY CELBRATES 60 YEARS OF SERVICE
Thank you from the bottom our hearts for the incredible support and love for Rotary Camp! It was so great to see everyone back for our 5th Rotary Camp Regatta.
With your help we raised $773,000 for improvements to the Waterfront, making it more accessible and safer for our campers.
Save the date for our next regatta and Rotary Camp’s 100th anniversary on September 28, 2024!
GM Chad Gibson and the friendly staff at Bunker Hill Golf Course made Rotarians, guests and prospective members feel relaxed and welcome at the Medina Sunrise Rotary Annual Cart Tipper Golf Classic.
It was a good fall day for golf, fun, fellowship and foursomes as the Rotarians got together to share their experiences in service to the community and plan next February 11th's big fundraiser -- the Wine & Roses Annual Dinner to benefit The Children's Center of Medina County and many other community youth programs.
Medina Sunrise Rotary, chartered on July 11, 1994, is a caring, busy and fun club. Partnering with Medina County District Library, Medina 911 Rotary Memorial Park, The Children's Center, Feeding Medina County, Miracle League of NE Ohio, Empower Sports, Medina County Educational Service Center, Let's Make a Difference, CUPS Cafe and many other youth-focused organizations, we make a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond. Do not hesitate to contact us, ask any question or make suggestions as we move forward with another year of adventure and "Service Above Self". www.medinasunriserotary.com
Come and see us at Medina Sunrise Rotary!
PHOTO Provided (Becky Shotwell)
Frank Shotwell & Dean Reggenbach on the links
Don Spickler thanks golfers and awards prizes
1st Place Team is Mike Carlson, Trish Danku, Will Koran, Patty & Dennis Powers
2nd Place Team is Janice McCombs, Greg Oakes, Kerry Gregoire
Medina Sunrise Rotary Celebrates 28th Anniversary of Service
Honey Bee Bakery 23 Public Square, Medina, OH 44256
Gathered around the Rotary Burr Oak Tree, which is planted on the southwest lawn of Medina's Historic Public Square, Medina Sunrise Rotary celebrated 28 years of service to the community.
"The Burr Oak Tree came from the Morgan Park, Illinois, home of Paul Harris who founded Rotary in 1905," said first club president Becky Shotwell. "It was little more than a 12" sprig when the City of Medina received it in the 1990's and, taking root in the community, now stands proudly at over 45 feet tall on Public Square. The Medina Sunrise Rotary Club returns each year in the fall to watch the sun rise over Medina, note the growth of our tree, and renew our commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond, through our time, talents and treasures." ________________________
Medina Sunrise Rotary, chartered on July 11, 1994, is a caring, busy and fun club. Partnering with Medina County District Library, Medina 911 Rotary Memorial Park, The Children's Center, Feeding Medina County, Miracle League of NE Ohio, Empower Sports, Medina County Educational Service Center, Let's Make a Difference, CUPS Cafe, Shop with a Cop and many other youth-focused organizations, we make a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond. Do not hesitate to contact us, ask any question or make suggestions as we move forward with another year of adventure and "Service Above Self". www.medinasunriserotary.com
Rotary International President Jennifer Jones appeared on the main stage at the star-studded Global Citizen Festival on 24 September to highlight Rotary’s commitment to eradicating polio and announce an additional US $150 million pledge toward that end.
“Because of the efforts of Rotary and its partners, almost 19 million people are walking today who would have otherwise been paralyzed,” said John Germ, Past President of Rotary International who leads Rotary’s polio fundraising efforts. “By partnering with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we’re ensuring that children in polio-affected countries get the lifesaving vaccines they need to be protected from polio for life. As the first organization to envision a polio-free world, Rotary is more committed than ever to delivering on our promise that one day, no child will ever again be paralyzed by polio.”
OHIO POLIO CHALLENGE
The 5 District Governors in the state of Ohio have a Polio challenge between our districts. The challenge runs until World Polio Day which is October 24TH. To help with the challenge
Every Dollar that you donate will be matched with two additional dollars from the Gates Foundation. Your $10 donation will be matched by $20 making your donation worth $30 towards eradicating Polio in the world.
Tom Nolan, President of the Rotary Club of Cuyahoga Falls, represents the club at the 8th annual Popcorn Eating Contest hosted by Metropolis Popcorn during the Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest on Saturday September17th. The contest was Judged by fellow Rotarian Mayor Don Walters, and although Tom tried his best he wasn’t able to complete the gallon bucket in the 10 minute time limit. Proceeds went towards charities in and around Cuyahoga Falls.
CUYAHOGA FALLS CLUB REPRESENTED AT POPCORN EATING CONTEST
We are currently seeking applications for our 2025-2026 District 6630 Governor. One of the most important decisions we make as a District is selecting our future leaders and we are seeking the most qualified person for the position of District Governor. If you have a demonstrated history of leadership and collaboration as a Rotarian and are willing to share your passion and talents as District Governor, please seriously consider this opportunity.
The qualifications are as follows excerpted from the RI Bylaws:
16.010. Qualifications of a Governor-nominee.
Unless excused by the board, the person selected as a governor-nominee shall at the time of selection:
(a) be a member in good standing of a functioning club in the district;
(b) have served as club president for a full term or as charter president for at least six months;
(c) demonstrate willingness, commitment, and ability to fulfill the duties and
responsibilities of a governor in section 16.030.;
(d) demonstrate knowledge of the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of
governor as prescribed in the bylaws; and
(e) submit to RI a statement that the Rotarian understands those qualifications,
duties, and responsibilities, is qualified for the office of governor, and is willing
and able to assume and faithfully perform those duties and responsibilities.
16.020. Qualifications of a Governor.
Unless excused by the board, a governor, when taking office, must have attended the international assembly for its full duration, have been a Rotarian for at least seven years, and continue to possess the qualifications in section 16.010.
Our District 6630 Nominating Committee will comply with RI’s election guidelines as described in the attached documents. If you plan to print these instead of viewing them, please be advised that they are extremely lengthy.
RI Bylaws - Articles 12 and 13
Rotary Code of Policies - Sections 17.030.3(A),17.040, 19.030, 26.070
The attached Governor-nominee Designate Form and the DGND Candidate Additional Information Form need to be completed by all candidates and mailed no later than November 12, 2022 as follows:
District Governor Candidate should complete and sign both forms;
The Club Secretary should sign the Governor-nominee Designate form verifying the Club’s Statement of Candidate’s Qualifications.
Please send both of these forms to:
PDG Lawrence Lohman
Chair, District 6630 Nominating Committee
4206 Hattrick Rd, Rootstown, OH 44272
All proposed candidate documents must be postmarked by
November 12, 2022:
Do NOT email the forms – they must be sent via US Mail.
The 2022-2023 Nominating Committee will interview proposed candidates during the week of November 28, 2022 (final date[s] to be announced based on the number of candidates to be interviewed) and select a District Governor Nominee-Designate who will serve as District Governor for the 2025-2026 Rotary year.
The 2022-2023 Nominating Committee is made up of:
Chair, IPDG Larry Lohman (Kent)
PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski (Cleveland)
PDG John Reyes (Akron)
Todd Kiick (Lakewood – Rocky River)
Chelsea Talty (Geauga West)
DR. Stephen Atkins (Willoughby)
Adam Sonnhalter (North Ridgeville)
Randy Rininger (Port - Summit)
IMPORTANT: A fundamental principle of Rotary is that the best qualified candidate should be selected for service in elective offices. The RI Bylaws prohibit any effort by a candidate, a candidate’s supporter, or any Rotarian to influence the selection process in a positive or negative manner, including but not limited to, campaigning or canvassing. Brochures, literature, letters, or any form of communication promoting a candidate are not to be distributed or circulated by a candidate or others on the candidate’s behalf. The Bylaws further provide that under certain circumstances the Rotary International Board may disqualify a candidate from election who violates the provision prohibiting campaigning for the position.
Please direct any questions to PDG Lohman by cell phone or email: 330-322-2474; d6630dg2122@gmail.com.
Thank you for your assistance with this very important process.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Lawrence Lohman
2022-2023 Chair District Nominating Committee Home Club: Rotary Club of Kent, OH USA
On September 13, 2022 Stew Buchanan arranged for the RYE students from District #6630 and #6600 to attend a Cleveland Guardians game. Host families, siblings, and club counselors were also present.
Welcome to Ja, Yara, Cristiano, Loris, Chihiro, Jose, Dani, and Madeline ( a potential outbound). It is nice to have exchange students back this year.
What it Benefits: Geauga County schools DARE programs for Alcohol and drug awareness
Date: 9 October
This will be the third annual Jeep Invasion event put on by BMR. This highly popular event is better attended every year by rabid Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts. We hold it at a local drive-in theater with use of the donated sound system and food service. The event includes dozens of door prizes, gift bags, a raffle drawing and the main draw is a guided tour of Geauga County led by our county sheriff (a Rotarian) and incorporating some of the off road trails of our great park system which are opened to the Jeeps for a two hour period. Last year’s invasion drew 200 Jeeps. This year we are limiting it to 140 because of traffic concerns. Entry fee is $50/Jeep; no limit on occupants or $25 if you do not go on the tour. Proceeds this year will go to our county school systems DARE drug and alcohol programs. Last year’s event generated $17,000 for local veteran’s needs.
HELP OUR CAUSE
2022 Jeep Invasion has 2 ways to attend. First way you can attend is to go to the SHOW. Spend the day with other Jeepers showing off your Jeep. Second way is to attend the SHOW and go on the INVASION RUN. Proceeds from both will Burton Middlefield Rotary go to the Geauga County D.A.R.E. program. SPACE IS LIMITED
EVENT STARTS AT MAYFIELD RD DRIVE-IN THEATRE
SUNDAY OCTOBER 9, 2022
8:00AM REGISTRATION
9:00AM JEEP SHOW STARTS
10:00AM JEEP INVASION RUN
11:00AM BACK
BURTON-MIDDLEFIELD JEEP INVASION OCT. 9TH TO BENEFIT D.A.R.E. PROGRAM
These are the 30 most impactful young professionals in the Greater Akron area. They have been trendsetting and trailblazing their way through projects that grow the region economically.
Watch these professionals receive their honor at the 30 For The Future awards ceremony. This will be held on September 15 in the NEW Center at NEOMED.
I can’t believe that school is back in session. Where did the summer go? I want to thank many of our clubs for their service to the students and schools in our districts. Clubs have been organizing and promoting programs like "Stuff the Bus" (Stow-Munroe Falls), in which a school bus is used to collect donated school supplies. Many of our clubs have a tradition of distributing dictionaries to students in the elementary school and distribution age appropriate books in Kindergarten.
I was one of the fortunate children who had parents that took the time to sit and read to me and my siblings as we were growing up and grandparents that gave us books throughout our life. I love to read and on a daily basis. I don’t remember the first book I ever read but I do remember the book that had an impact on me. I read a book in middle school written by Mary Lois Dunn titled “Man in The Box”, Copyright 1968. It was a book that I read multiple times and I still own a copy that I purchased back in 1978.
DO YOU REMEMBER:When did you receive your first book? When you were a child, who read to you, who sat with you and taught you to read? Did you have your own book(s)? Do you remember your first book? What book had the greatest impact on you?
We have witnessed the turmoil around the world and seen the educational impact that COVID has had on our youth and especially the kids from low-income families. Education is a human right and access is essential to an equitable world, yet most of the world’s people living in extreme poverty lack basic education. Quality education has been proven to reduce inequality, fuel economic growth, and help people live longer, healthier lives.
We don’t discuss it because many Americans believe that literacy is not a problem.
DID YOU KNOW:
The average American (half of the US population) reads at or below the 7th-grade level.
There are 36 million adults in the United States who can’t read above a third-grade level. That means that 1 in 7 people have literacy issues.
If all students in low-income countries had just basic reading skills, an estimated 171 million people could escape extreme poverty.
Many Clubs in District 6630, have been significantly involved in the battle against illiteracy over the past few years. If your Club has a literacy project underway, please share it to social media this month and tag the post with the following: use @district6630 for Instagram and use #district6630rotary for Facebook.
Thank you,
David E Jones
Rotary District 6630 District Governor 2022-2023
Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club Past President 2017
We had a great group of volunteers from Medina Sunrise Rotary in our warehouse! These Rotarians did a phenomenal job and we are so grateful for their volunteerism and financial support of our Weekender Bags for Children program.
We recently shared with you the sad news of the passing of Past District Governor Jack Young.
Here is the official obituary and the information about the graveside service the family has now published:
John “Jack” A. Young, 75, of Brunswick, OH, died peacefully on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Heritage Senior Living in Marysville, OH.
The son of Charles E. Young and Vera Haug Young, he was born in Marietta, OH on May 16, 1947. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Hayes Young.
After graduating from Marietta High School in 1965, he attended Bliss College where he received his bachelor’s degree in business. He earned two master’s degrees in human resource management and health care administration from Central Michigan University. In 1969, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Colorado, California, Iceland, and Oklahoma, where he was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant.
Employed in human resource management positions throughout his career, he was also founder and administrator for The Villa at the Lake, an assisted living facility in Conneaut, OH. He also served on many professional service organizations from which he received many distinguished honors.
In addition to his work with Kiwanis International and the Lions Club, he was an active and accomplished member of various Masonic lodges. A past Rotary District Governor, Jack exemplified the organization’s principle of Service Above Self. In his various roles as a dedicated Rotarian, he traveled the world for Rotary International and Shelter Box USA, an organization that aids in disaster recovery throughout the world.
Jack is survived by three children: Melissa (Eric) Yinger, Emily Williams, and Michael (Holly) Young; grandchildren: Kaleb Jolliff, Kameron Young, Cole Young, Zachary Young, Wyatt Williams, Kyleigh Luke, and Mason Luke; nephew Mitchell Young and niece Shelley Forsythe; sister-in law Sarah Young; former spouse, Ann Young; and his beloved dog, Zoey.
Burial with military honors will be held in Oak Grove Cemetery in Marietta, Ohio, on September 10th at noon.
Memorial donations may be mailed to ViaQuest Hospice, Metro Pl N, Suite 300, Dublin, OH 43017 Attn: Dyanna; or Shelter Box USA at www.shelterboxusa.org/donate.
Ingram Funeral Home of Marysville, is honored to serve Jack’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.IngramFuneralService.com.
Jack’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Heritage Senior Living of Marysville, as well as ViaQuest and Jill Johnson for their care and compassion.
Check out this video from Rotary Club of Cleveland. It's the club's first video in a new series created to bring awareness to club projects as well as other #PeopleOfAction in our community and around the world.
Has your club started using videos to share club events or news? Please share them! The easiest way is to tag us or share directly to our page.
The Rotary Club of Cleveland
As Rotarians, we like to call ourselves “People of Action” and we want to introduce you to some amazing people doing GOOD in our community.
Check out this first video where we spend 3 Minutes with our friend Ebonie Joiner of Shalom & Tranquility Community Garden https://youtu.be/_64nr-gV3dA
Jae Hoon Jung arrived in Lakewood in August. He is the first Rotary Exchange Student in a couple years as the Pandemic postponed the Program for two years. For more than 40 years, Rotary Youth Exchange has been one of Rotary’s best-known programs. As an official program, it dates to 1975, but by that time, Rotary clubs had already been sending students abroad for decades with the aim of promoting international understanding and friendship.
What the program offers to and asks of participants is an openness to new ideas and experiences, a willingness to adapt and to gain new perspectives, and an opportunity to make new friends and learn new ways of living, the same values that define Rotary itself.
Jae is sponsored by a Rotary club in Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea (South Korea). His father is Hang Sup Jun and his mother Ju Won Kim. He will attend Lakewood High School as a junior. Sunrise Rotarian, Lynda Carter and her family, will house him until his first host family, the Schlatzer’s, take over in early September. Jae intends to learn as much as he can about developing his English skills and learn about different cultures during his ten months at Lakewood High School. Eventually he wants to study Business Administration at a university in the states.
Photo: Marty Harris, Hoon Jung and PDG Jim Harris met Hoon Jung at the airport.
Members of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise will entertain him in their homes and take him to local attractions and events. The club provides an allowance and makes sure he can participate in school events and activities. Jae skis and played soccer in South Korea. He looks forward to getting involved in activities at the high school.
In addition to this International Service program, there are many Community, Vocational and Youth Service Activities of the two Rotary Clubs of Lakewood Rocky River. A noon club meets every Monday, and a morning club meets every Wednesday, both at Umerley Hall of the Rocky River Civic Center. Contact Kathy Berkshire at sloopyohio19@gmail.com to learn more and how you can join with men and women in your area to give back through service in your community, and internationally.
LAKEWOOD-ROCKY RIVER SUNRISE WELCOMES EXCHANGE STUDENT FROM SOUTH KOREA
The Rotary Club of Hudson celebrated its “changing of the guard” recently at the Blue Canyon restaurant with the swearing in of its next President and the recognition of this year’s Jimmy Sutphin Award winner. The Rotarian of the Year plaque was also presented. Each of these recognitions is part of the annual Rotary celebration banquet.
Liz Murphy, founder of Destination Hudson was chosen as this year’s recipient in honor of her contributions to the community over the past 28 years and her meaningful and compelling communications with the public regarding a variety of Hudson opportunities and events. She has been the driving force behind the Downtown Merchants for many years, seeking ways to help our small retail businesses thrive. Previous owner of the Learned Owl, Liz has always been one of our community’s most sincere and active advocates.
Liz assured the assembled that “I love Hudson as Jimmy did, and I am honored that the Rotary Club of Hudson felt I deserved this year’s award. Hudson’s spirit of volunteerism is a result of many who feel the same way. One positive that came out of Covid is that the Hudson Chamber, Destination Hudson, City and the Merchants of Hudson are working together more effectively than ever before---Jimmy would approve!”
The Jimmy Sutphin Award was established in 2015 to recognize deserving Hudson community leaders who closely reflect the Rotary “Service Above Self” standard. The initial recipient was Jimmy “Inky” Sutphin, a friend and colleague of both the Rotary Club and the community at large. Jimmy was universally loved by local citizens who benefited by his communication skills and empathy for all he encountered.
The Rotarian of the Year plaque was presented to James Yard who has been responsible for the Club’s marketing and public relations for the past five years and led the Strategic Planning Committee during 2021. He assured attendees that he has had “the privilege of simply reporting all the good deeds performed by the Club’s members”.
Regarding community service over the past year, it was recognized that outgoing President Patrick Scherer led the Club in staging a “comeback” Rotary Annual Gala that raised over $65,000, coordinated the ongoing Scout Cabin restoration project that has secured $240,000 in funding and supervised the planting of two elementary school pollinator gardens, all efforts being part of the Strategic Plan. In addition, his Speakers Committee, Chaired by John Adams, has provided highly engaging and meaningful weekly presenters throughout the year.
Father Joseph Boysel, a longtime community leader, was sworn in as the Club’s next President and promised to engage more of our young, diverse and business members of the Hudson community. He encouraged all members to invite a friend to attend one of our meetings to see firsthand what an active, sharing and congenial group we are.
Rotary Club of Fairlawn’s 11th Speakeasy Fundraiser
Is October 29th, 2022
The Rotary Club of Fairlawn will host its 11th annual Speakeasy Fundraiser on October 29, 2022, from 6:00 -11:00, at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. The Rotary Club of Fairlawn joins forces with Akron Children’s Hospital, Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation, Blick Center, and The Fairlawn Rotary Foundation to make this a very special event. This year’s Community Service Award will be presented to William Considine for his service and dedication to our community.
The Rotary Club of Fairlawn has raised over $1 million for children in this community and around the world since 1964. The Speakeasy event is the club’s major fundraiser. Its purpose is to help fund special projects for local charities. Through the Fairlawn Rotary Foundation, this year’s proceeds will help local organizations that support children’s education, health, and welfare. As this year’s recipients, Akron Children’s Hospital, Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer foundation, Blick Center, and the Fairlawn Rotary Foundation will receive proceeds from this event. At our last event, the Rotary Club of Fairlawn raised over $60,000 for local organizations.
The Speakeasy fundraiser will be a fun-filled evening of dancing to a live band in a nostalgic speakeasy atmosphere. The ticket price of $125 per person includes a sit-down dinner, an oral and silent auction, a cash bar and a “best-dressed” costume contest. Raffle tickets for many wonderful gifts are also available for purchase. Of course, the real winners will be the children of our community.
The Rotary Club’s efforts to support local charities and build goodwill throughout the community stem from Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Rotary’s compassion stretches well beyond Akron as it works to combat polio, poverty, and illiteracy on national and international levels. Rotary focuses on service projects encompassing peace and conflict prevention and resolution, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, and economic and community development. To purchase event/raffle tickets or make a donation to the Speakeasy fundraiser, visit www.speakeasy.fairlawnrotary.com. For additional information, please contact Johnathan Roberts at 757-377-7896 or at Johnathan.w.roberts@gmail.com.
Corporate sponsorships start at $395, and program advertising starts at $75. If you are unable to attend, but would like to help, please send your check to the Fairlawn Rotary Foundation, Inc, at P.O. Box 13063, Fairlawn, Ohio 44334. The Fairlawn Rotary Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3).
CDC guidelines, state, local and venue requirements are to be in effect on the date of the event. ###
The Westlake - Bay Village Rotary Art Festival took place on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Dozens of artists of various mediums participated. Food trucks provided delicious meals. Some of the over 2,000 patrons sipped their favorite cold drink in the beer and wine garden. Musical groups performing throughout the day included classical winds, rock and jazz.
Kids and adults enjoyed a balloon artist, the artist raffle, snow cones and popcorn.
The Festival was held on the grounds of Westlake Porter Public Library. Shaun Kinley, the festival's featured artist, paints textural acrylics capturing action and energy with intensity as his works illuminate the subjects with brilliant color, stroke and substance. He was honored with a proclamation from Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough. The money raised from this festival goes directly back to the community for funding such things as kitchen equipment for Meals on Wheels, college scholarships for Westlake and Bay Village high school graduates, family dinners at Ames House - Hospice of the Western Reserve, assistance to those with special needs including Best Buddies, Milestones Autism Resources and STAR Camp.
Tim Richards of Star 102.1 FM cut the ribbon to start the festival.
This award is for the 2021-2022 Rotary year under the leadership of PDG Larry Lohman:
Dear district leader,
Congratulations on earning Global Peacebuilder recognition for your district! You’ve achieved this distinction by contributing District Designated Funds or district cash during Rotary year 2021-22 to support Rotary Peace Centers or the peacebuilding and conflict prevention area of focus.
Global Peacebuilder Districts like yours play a critical role in supporting the work of the Rotary Peace Centers and our grassroots work in peacebuilding. Each year, your district contributions are part of the funding that allows up to 130 peace fellows to study at our seven Rotary Peace Centers. More than 1,500 alumni of the peace centers program are actively making the world more peaceful, from leading local initiatives in communities to guiding policy development at the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
In 2021, Rotary’s newest peace center at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, began welcoming its first fellows from throughout Africa. This year, The Rotary Foundation is in the process of selecting a partner university to host another new Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East or North Africa, with the first class of fellows to begin study in 2025.
Your generous contributions also support the vital peacebuilding and conflict prevention work that clubs and districts do through projects supported by The Rotary Foundation. Through these activities, your donations help train leaders, address the root causes of conflict, and build the capacity of communities around the world to overcome violence and increase their resiliency so people can flourish.
Global Peacebuilder Districts like yours are invaluable to Rotary’s peacebuilding initiatives. Thank you for your continued generosity in support of this important work!
I am excited to bring you greetings from my wife, Georgeann and myself as this month we focus on Membership and New Club Development. Peter Tuttle and the Membership committee have been meeting and planning throughout the month of July and we are excited by the opportunities for growth that are seemingly boundless. The committee will be sending out further information over the next few months.
The Foundation committee had a successful “End Polio Now” event on July 13th at the Cleveland Guardian’s game. Rotarian, Dean Thayer, from the Northampton Cuyahoga Valley club threw out the first pitch. I would like to thank the Rotarians in District 6600 and 6650 for their participation in the event as we support each other in our efforts to do good in our communities. I would like to thank Stu Buchanan, Polio Plus Chair from the Rotary Club of Akron, for a successful event. His planning of the event and ticket sales brought over 300 participants to the game. The raffle baskets and First Pitch tickets raised $6000 for Polio.
My club visits are underway, and I appreciate the reception that I have received from those clubs with whom I have visited. I am grateful for the interaction so early in the Rotary year. All club visits are scheduled and can be found on the District calendar via the website. If you would like to schedule a Governor visit to your Club meeting, Club Social event or service project, please email me at DEJRotary@gmail.com.
Our Rotary District 6630 brand is riding high on the waves of change. This year’s theme of IMAGINE is truly a driving force in our goals of “Service Above Self”. Clubs are making new community connections, planning new service projects and partnering with other organizations. Our current members have such tremendous passion and provide amazing support for our Rotary initiatives. Our core values of fellowship, integrity, diversity, service and leadership help our clubs serve their communities and attract new members. Let’s continue to develop new service projects and opportunities that will provide value, keep our current members engaged and also allow potential members to experience Rotary.
We will also continue to build on the relationship that has been developed with our Rotaractor’s in order to grasp the countless opportunities for collaboration and sharing of knowledge as true partners within the Rotary family. As we welcome and integrate Rotaract into our club model, the district has integrated members into our district committees, provided them the opportunity to apply for district grants and encourage our clubs to partner with them for service projects.
Our LEADS Committee is busy planning programs for our clubs’ membership and leaders. Never in our history has access to knowledge been so available. The true dynamic of Rotary is now more eye catching than ever. The five districts in Ohio have planned three Multi-District sessions focused on Membership, Foundation and Public Image. Club leaders will be receiving Save the Date flyers and are encouraged to share with members who are interested in participating.
The Public Image Committee has been busy promoting your club events through our District Website and social media platforms. If you have an upcoming event, a story about your event or Pictures that you would like to promote, please send information to the Public Image Committee Chair Tina Ingraham. Cheryl Warren has done a great job of redesigning the District website to enhance the look and feel to promote our District and Club projects.
Remember, support each other, look for new community connections, bring out your passion and have FUN. Each act of kindness is cumulative in our personal growth.
Thank you.
David E Jones
Rotary District 6630 District Governor 2022-2023
Northampton Rotary Club - Past President 2017
Rotary District 6630 - Foundation Stewardship Chair 2016-2020 , RI Conference Chair 2017-2021
Stephanie A. Urchick, a member of the #Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA, has been selected to become Rotary International President for 2024-25.
Our joint service week with Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist International was so successful last year, we’re doing it again!
During the week of 11-17 September, we’re encouraging Rotary and Rotaract clubs to partner with local Kiwanis, Lions, and Optimist clubs on a service project that will have a long-term impact in your community. (Use the club finder tools to locate Kiwanis, Lions, and Optimist clubs near you.) To get started, work with a local social service organization or with local government officials to learn what your community needs and how you can plan the most effective project.
Tell your neighbors — and us — about your joint service project by sending out a news release, posting on social media with #CelebrateCommunity, and adding the project to Rotary Showcase.
We can do more when we work together. Let’s harness the collective power of our four organizations’ 3.4 million members and Celebrate Community together.
Sincerely, John Hewko General Secretary Rotary International
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN HEWKO, GENERAL SECRETARY ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Our Rotary E-Club of Northeast Ohio is again selling Dizzy Ducks, thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Port Summit.
This is a traditional event for Port Summit, where they send hundreds of toy rubber ducks down the river, with the "winner" receiving a $1000 grand prize!
Please let me know if you would be interested in some Dizzy Ducks for the chance to win, and to benefit our Rotary Clubs!
Every year, the Burton Middlefield Rotary Club (BMR) sets aside the agenda for a regularly scheduled meeting for what is called the “Change Over Banquet”. The purpose of this banquet is to induct the next president, review previous year’s achievements and award exceptional service.
On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, the BMR held their 72nd Change Over Banquet at Welshfield Inn in Troy Township, Ohio. Beverly Goodridge, president 2021-22 passed the gavel to Michael Valentino, incoming president 2022-23. Bob Johnson read the oath and swore in Mike and the new Board. BMR’s newest member, Jeff Pascoe was inducted and pinned by his wife Kelly.
In review, it was a whirlwind year with Beverly Goodridge at the helm. She detailed many Club accomplishments, challenges and awarded those who were instrumental in making the year a grand success.
Brian Brockway was awarded "Rotarian of the Year" because of his steadfast service and support. Kim Breyley received the "Service Above Self" award for stepping up the BMR’s public presence. A new award "Rookie of the Year” was given to newer member Carole Drabek for her great work in scheduling programs for this past year. A Paul Harris Fellowship was given to member Carole Cashion for her exemplary work in writing and acquiring grant money for some club projects. Bob Varga was recognized as a community service chairman. The tremendous value of the Maple Splash Raffle in generating operating funds for the club was noted. It was Larry Fox and Kathy Vatty that made sure this event happened. Larry initiated the fundraiser and continues to lead; Kathy took on the Maple Splash Festival as chairwoman ensuring a fabulous event.
A final presentation was a scrapbook put together by Secretary Bob Johnson for Beverly full of highlights of the Club's very productive year under her leadership. BMR members are indebted to Beverly for her year of service and look forward to a productive year with Mike as president.
Michael Kahoe was inducted on August 2, 2022. He was sponsored by Tom Knauer. Tom shared that Mike understands the importance of public and community service and enjoys working on behalf of the residents of the state. He is passionate about serving and desires to focus more of his time working locally to improve the lives of residents in Akron and surrounding communities.
Mike is the Northeast Ohio Regional Liaison for Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
He was born and grew up in Bath and Richfield Ohio.
He was involved in helping a number of nonprofit organizations throughout high school. In 2019 he was elected to the Revere Board of Education and in 2021 was appointed to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Board of Education.
He also serves on the governing board for the Revere Class of 2020 scholarship, where they reserve funds to send a special needs student to a summer camp each year.
He enjoys cooking, traveling, and running. He is training for his first half marathon in August. He said "I am joining Rotary to meet other people invested in the community and find new ways to give back."
A party was held for our outgoing President Steve Buie on Friday, July 29, 2022 was great fun!!
It was a beautiful setting at the camp overlooking the lake and the weather was absolutely perfect.
Past President (2020-2021) Dr. Rob McGregor organized the event and treated Steve to a bagpiper to celebrate his Scottish heritage.
The Akron Club Rotary Youth Exchange Committee welcomed Yara Martin and her host family, Keith, Tonya, Samantha and Carston Kramer, July 31, to a typical American potluck picnic. It was a Great opportunity to get to know Yara and her host family. Samantha leaves for Brazil August 9.
Hello everyone, my name is Dustin Haffner and I will soon be studying abroad in Villavicencio, Colombia, through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Before I begin my journey abroad, I would like to acknowledge and thank those who have supported me and allowed for this opportunity to be possible.
First, I would like to thank Rotary for all that they have done this past year to prepare me for this adventure. None of this would be possible without the Medina Sunrise Rotary Club, who will be sponsoring my studies abroad. I was fortunate enough to attend many of the club’s weekly meetings and community service projects, and witness first hand the true purpose of this organization, “Service Above Self.” Everyone with whom I have come in contact, in the preparation of this exchange, has been very helpful and truly made the process fun and intriguing.
Next, I would like to thank the Community of Medina. Over the years, I have been provided with many great opportunities and have been connected with many great teachers, coaches, and friends. I am truly grateful to have grown up in such a supportive community. Finally, I would like to thank my parents. They have been supportive of my decision to study abroad ever since I first mentioned the idea to them, and have done everything needed to make the idea come true for me. I am very grateful for all the support I have received from my parents, and everyone else who have made this dream a reality.
PHOTO (l to r):
First Lady Georgeann & Rotary District 6630 Governor David Jones, Justin Haffner, Rotary Youth Exchange Counsellor Anna Guy-Leach, Medina Sunrise Rotary Club President Kevin Lauterjung
"Rotary Youth Exchange is the opportunity of a lifetime to make peace in the world, one student at a time," stated Dustin Haffner, a Senior at Medina High School, sponsored by the Medina Sunrise Rotary Club. Dustin will be departing on August 23rd, to live and study in Colombia, in the 2022-- 2023 school year.
Whether you are a student, interested in making an exchange, a potential host family for a youth exchange visitor, an interested community member or a volunteer in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, Rotary Youth Exchange is a worldwide program designed for youth between the ages of fifteen and eighteen. It is a Rotary organization made up of professional people in all walks of life who are experienced and dedicated to the youth exchange program. If you are interested in the opportunity to become a foreign exchange student, or to host one, you can assure yourself that you will be immersed in an experience like no other. You will build international friendships and connections that often last a lifetime, as well as discover new characteristics of yourself that will enhance your self identity. The knowledge you acquire will often be an important tool in your future and will uncover opportunities for the entirety of their lifetime. Rotary’s youth exchange program is not a study abroad program, it is much more. It is a unique opportunity to enhance your life and that of others with the goal of achieving peace one student at a time.
_________
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a premier international student exchange scholarship program for qualified students in secondary school. This scholarship's value currently exceeds $35,000 per student.
Since 1929, Rotary International has sent highly qualified young people around the globe to experience new cultures, instill service above self, develop leadership, promote international understanding and world peace, and become youth ambassadors of their local communities. Currently, about 9,000 students are sponsored by Rotary clubs every year. Rotary is a fully accredited member of CSIET - Council of Standards for International Student Exchange: http://www.csiet.org.
Join the fun at the 13th Annual Cornhole Tournament benefiting Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs
Join us for Rotary Camp’s 13th Annual Cornhole Tournament, presented by Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. The tourney will be held on August 27, 2022 at 9:30am on the grounds of Akron Rotary Camp, in the beautiful Portage Lakes!
Sign-up your team today for either the Skilled Ringers Division ($90) or the Recreational Division ($60). Winners walk away with cash prizes! Also participate in an Air-Mail toss or Long-Toss for some bragging rights and awesome giveaways! Bring your friends, neighbors and family for a fun day! All registered players will receive a food voucher from the Menches Bros. Food Truck, and an ice-cream station. Beverages from our friends at the House of LaRose will be available for purchase to help keep you cool.
There are multiple ways to support this great event to benefit Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs by registering to play, participate with a sponsorship or recruit teams. Your participation will continue to strengthen the Camp's mission of Creating a world where there are only abilities!
Berea Rotarian honored for 50 years in broadcast industry
Bob Hammer, treasurer of the Rotary Club of Berea, was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Central Great Lakes Chapter’s Gold Circle.
The Gold Circle recognizes those who have served the broadcast industry for 50 years.
Inducted along with Bob were Leon Bibb of Channel 3 News, Harry Boomer of Channel 19 and Carl Monday of Channel 8.
Bob began his TV career in 1966 as studio lighting director, stage manager and cameraman at KAKE-TV in Wichita, Kansas. He was 19 years old. A year later, he was promoted to producer/director of the 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts.
Over the years, he worked at stations in Toledo, where he first teamed up with Leon Bibb;. Fort Myers, Fla.; and Cleveland. He founded Hammer Production Co. in 1993, producing award-winning commercials.
“How important it is to make a difference,” Bob said in his acceptance remarks. “Make that significant contribution.”
Over the past 56 years, Bob directed 25,000-30,000 TV commercials, specials and events. You may remember some of these tag lines: “Ed Mullinax is a friend of mine.” OR “My dad wants to sell you a car now.” OR “You get a square deal with every square yard.”
He is executive director of the Central Great Lakes Chapter and is responsible for producing the regional Emmy Awards programs. He also is a national trustee of NATAS.
Bob joined Rotary in 2000. He is a Paul Harris Fellow.
I am honored to be your leader for the 2022-2023 Rotary year. It has been a challenge for all of us over the past two years, and I am proud of our members and leaders for the amazing work you were able to accomplish. We are back stronger than ever. We are meeting in person, performing service projects, and holding fundraisers. Take time to renew your club’s purpose, find new community partners to develop new club projects with, and encourage new and newer Rotarians to get involved - to find their own purpose, recommend projects that spark their passion and entrust them to help us lead our clubs and the district to a stronger future. As Paul Harris famously said: “Rotary has to be revolutionary from time to time, and now is the time to be revolutionary."
What better way to begin the 2022-2023 Rotary Year then with the selection of Jennifer Jones as Rotary International President, the first woman president in the 117-history of Rotary International. “Imagine, a world that deserves our best,” Jones told incoming district governors on 20 January 2022, “where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.”
There is no more appropriate theme for 2022-2023 than “Imagine Rotary.”
This is the time for change, historic, innovative change in Rotary – new meeting schedules, new club models, innovative and flexible club formats, welcoming Rotaract clubs as they become members of Rotary International, and a well-balanced membership that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion. Over the past 2 years our membership has adapted, learned new tools to communicate, performed service projects, and held fundraisers in innovative ways. We need to engage our members again; we need to find the spark, the right connection with our members that will energize them to re-engage. Jennifer Jones stated, “It is our offer of hands-on service, personal growth, leadership development, and lifelong friendships that creates purpose and passion.”
We Rotarians are people of action as Rotary's "People of Action" campaign demonstrates. We share a unique perspective and a passion for taking action to improve our communities and the world. Where others see despair, we see hope. Where others see problems, we see solutions. Where others see challenges, we see opportunities. The Rotarians of District 6630 should be proud of the shelters, food, clothing, and medical supplies that were supplied over the past 6 months for individuals around the world that are facing their own challenges.
I am looking forward to working with our district Membership Committee and the club membership chairs to Grow Rotary in our district. Chair Peter Tuttle has worked closely with our clubs to Grow Rotary. The Each-One Bring-One campaign has had an impact (a positive impact) on our membership. I would like to encourage all clubs to work together to identify Rotarians that stepped away from Rotary during the past two years and encourage them to rejoin a club that best fits their schedule and can reignite their passion for Rotary.
Let’s Grow Rotary by developing new cause-based clubs through partnership with the Jaycees leadership and other service or civic organizations to create a Rotaract Club (thank you IPDG Larry for the idea) or promote Satellite Clubs to encourage the development of new Rotary Clubs.
Grow Rotary by getting the word out. Chair Tina Ingraham stated “Our District Public Image Committee is developing sessions to help clubs understand how to publicize their projects and events. As we continue to get better at promoting our clubs, our partnerships, projects and events; the community around us will know who we are and what our clubs are doing to support the community."
We cannot predict the future, but we can IMAGINE it. “You don’t imagine yesterday,” Jones said, “you imagine tomorrow.” The most certain way is to do it by working with young people and instilling Rotary values, building their leadership skills and developing their motivation and responsibility, helping them learn those skills for life. We cultivate and shape the future generations of Rotary. I encourage all clubs to get involved with the District Interact and Rotaract Clubs. Our young leaders enjoy service and they are waiting for us to inspire them to action. They are bright, energetic, and get things done! They are smart, faster, more effective, and impatient. They want to see results now and they will do the necessary work to get it done!
We Rotarians of District 6630 need to cultivate and shape the future generations. We will work closely with Chair Chelsea Talty and our Interact and Rotaract clubs on service projects. Chair Marc West encourages our clubs to sponsor young leaders to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Richard Cole and the Port-Summit Club are excited to host the District 4-Way Test Speech Contest and encourage students and clubs to participate. Who wouldn’t want to travel the world by participating in our Rotary Youth Exchange Program? RI cleared students to travel in 2022 and Chair Patrick Kelly stated, “we have 8 participants going to 7 different countries and they are excited for the opportunity to travel to new countries and learn about their cultures.”
Over the past year we have accomplished a lot in our district, Clubs are meeting in person and performing service projects, we are beginning to support our community partners and we had a fantastic turnout for our District environmental project. As I planned for my year as Governor, I have three Goals that I would like to accomplish.
MEMBERSHIP
I want to increase membership by 200. It seems like a difficult goal but if each club were to bring in 4 members to their club, we will reach 200. This can be accomplished by encouraging the return of past members, seeking new members thru the “everyone brings one” campaign, and by growing Rotary by offering new or young members a reduced rate on their dues. Encourage the new development of Rotaract and caused-based clubs and get the word out about your club. What value does it bring to its members? What makes Rotary so unique and worth sharing with the world? What unique opportunities do we open for the people we serve and for us?
For each new member brought in, the club should inform the district of the name of the sponsoring Rotarian. Their name will be entered into a drawing for a Paul Harris Award that will be drawn at the District Conference in April 2023.
SERVICE
To raise awareness of Rotary in our world is to jump into action and help our communities through service. This is why people join – to do good in their communities and around the world and to make a lasting change for a better life. I encourage our clubs to seek out three new organizations or community partners to do service for or with. We can expand our reach, partner with other Rotary clubs, Rotaract, Interact and other service organizations. It is a two-way street – the more service we do, the more people we impact, the more this experience changes us. We join to do service, but we stay for friendship and fellowship.
FOUNDATION
This is the core value of our own being. Our work through our Foundation truly changes lives. Let’s continue our trademark project to End Polio Now. We must fulfill the promise that we made to the children of this world for a polio-free world. Currently, there are only two countries with new cases of the wild polio virus and unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in cases.
I spoke with Chair Sandy Naragon of the Grants Committee, and she stated that “In the past three years our clubs have applied for more local club grants than ever before”. Our previous Foundation Chair Jim Lechko explained that the local grant funds the district receives is dependent on the donation to the Annual Fund Share that our Rotarians contribute. Our members and clubs can help by:
Donating to the Annual Fund / Polio Plus Fund – for every dollar donated to the funds the member will receive Foundation points that can be donated to fellow Rotarians to help them reach a Paul Harris Fellow. You can donate to the funds through your club or through Rotary Direct. https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
Increase the number of Paul Harris recipients in your Club but offering matching Foundation points to members who donate to the Annual or Polio Fund.
For more information on this program, you can contact the District Foundation Chair IPDG Larry Lohman or DG David Jones.
Important Dates for our district
Keep the dates open for our:
► Foundation Gala– November 17, 2022, at Windows on the River in Cleveland.
► District Conference– April 27 to April 30, 2023, at the Cleveland Marriot East. Let's plan to celebrate all that we IMAGINED during the 2022-2023 year, honor our community originations. partners and those we serve!
► 4-Way Test Speech Contest– Chair Rich Cole of the Rotary Club of Port-Summit are in the process of forming a committee for the Contest. The District contest will be held in early April 2023.
► RYLA– The participants this year where engaged and excited. It was great to be able to offer this program in person this year. Mark West, RYLA Chair and his committee are planning the dates for the 2023 RYLA Camp week.
"Rotary is not just a club to join, it's an invitation to endless opportunities. Everything we do opens a door to opportunity for the people we serve and at the same time, it transforms us..." David Jones, in his acceptance speech at our District 6630 Rotary Awards and Banner Exchange.
It was a wonderful night, Wednesday, July 6th at Cuyahoga Falls Downtown Ampitheater, recognizing our Rotarians and Clubs whose acts went above and beyond service above self. We congratulated 2021-22 DG Larry Lohman and thanked him for his service while he thanked his leadership team. We celebrated the induction of our new District Governor David Jones and listened to his inspiring message and goals for the coming year.
To “DO GOOD IN THE WORLD.” That is why we all have chosen to join Rotary. In this historic year with Jennifer Jones as our President, we have no doubt David will lead us to do more good and IMAGINE ROTARY.
Congratulations to all those recognized and thank you to this amazing Rotary family.
Transform Your Life by Unleashing Your Imagination
“Unleash Your Imagination encourages the reader to investigate deeply held values and beliefs and to view the future with an open mind and optimistic spirit.”—Thomas Moore, Ph.D., #1 New York Times bestselling author of Care of the Soul.
Dennis Kleidon, member of the Rotary Club of Fairlawn, Ohio, CEO of Kleidon & Associates, and acclaimed fine artist and designer, has had Unleash Your Imagination: Transform Your Life published. The book, published on April 5th, takes you on a journey of self-discovery, showing how innovation and optimism can transform your life. UnleashYour Imagination shows how to use design thinking to challenge your normal routines, increase the power of your imagination, and harness new sources of creativity.
A designer’s approach encourages an open mind and curious spirit, leading to fresh solutions you may never have imagined. Both analytical and creative, this values-based process replaces blank-page panic with the thrill of new possibilities. As the designer of your life and with Unleash Your Imagination as your guide, you can plan an extraordinary life with greater purpose and meaning. This is especially useful if you are facing or planning for an important turning point in life. Life is a continuous design process, Kleidon says, as he describes a thoughtful, methodical approach to discovery, experimentation, and planning.
Rotary Exceeds Expectations at First Gala in Three Years
Funds Raised for Gift of Life, Hudson City Schools and the Scout’s Historic Cabin
After cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Galas due to Covid-19, the Rotary Club of Hudson staged a successful evening of community fun replete with a cocktail party accompanied by a silent auction and dinner highlighted by a live auction. Over 115 gifts were bid upon and when coupled with four raffles raised $67,000. All silent auction items were available for bidding on-line four days ahead of the Gala.
Generous sponsors of the 36th Annual Gala included:
Platinum--Kaulig Giving and Eric & Amy Treend
Gold—Ohio Senator Kristina Daley Roegner
Silver—Akron Children’s Hospital, First National Bank, Patricia Goetz, M.D., The Tobin Family and The Forhan Foundation.
Tables—EMS Outreach Fund, Bill & Marie Libby, Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce Explore Hudson, Hudson Scout Troop 321 and Callahan’s Carpet One.
Live auction gifts included:
Lexus of Akron/Canton—a Guardians Homeplate Club Celebration
Antique Style Tilt Top Table—crafted by master woodworker Ron Strobl
Swim School Birthday Party—donated by the Goldfish Swim School
Blue Door Chef Mitch Firis—preparing a special meal for 14 in the winner’s home
Historic Spread Eagle Tavern—gourmet dinner and overnight stay
Breckenridge Condo Vacation—ski or hike courtesy of State Senator Kristina Roegner
Florida Condo on Anna Maria Sound—week’s stay donated by John and Sarah Adam
Cedar Point tickets for 4 plus overnight at the Breakers Hotel and tickets to the waterpark—donated by Patricia Goetz, M.D.
Sports Car Convertible—usage for one month donated by Don Sitts Auto Sales in Cuyahoga Falls
Raffles included:
Date Night Dinners for a Year—featuring Edwins, Farmer’s Rail, North End Wine Bar, Lager & Vine, Russo’s, Gervasi Vineyard, Comida Hudson, Tomato Grill, Brown Derby, Brew Kettle, the Blue Door and Downtown 140
Bourbon Baskets(2)—donated by the Rotary Board of Directors
Wine Basket—donated by the Rotary Gala Committee
The Twinsburg Hilton Garden Inn staged a spectacular event, as usual, featuring a well- managed cocktail hour with tasty hors d’oeuvres and a delicious steak and salmon dinner topped by a chocolate Bombe dessert.
Presentations highlighting the three major beneficiaries emphasized Rotary’s continuing commitment to the Hudson community and to serving the medical needs of unfortunate children.
An update on the Historic Log Cabin renovation project indicated that the campaign has achieved 80% its $200,000 goal through community donations and a major grant by the Rotary Club of Hudson. Plans are to proceed with the cabin rebuild and site improvement work in early 2023.
The Hudson High School Service Learning program continues to thrive with Rotary’s involvement and the annual college scholarships continue with six $3000 grants just awarded. This Fall, the award-winning Service Learning program begins its 25th year of teaching high school seniors the value of service to their community.
The gift of Life Northeast Ohio has benefited from the Gala for many years helping fund heart surgeries for struggling children in underdeveloped countries, one of which is Haiti where Akron Children’s Hospital has recently opened a facility for surgeries.
The Rotary Club of Hudson is indebted to Gala co-chairs Marilyn Orr and Kris Barker who engineered a rousing success. Other hardworking members of the Gala Committee were Joe Avella, David Basil, Kelly Brennan, James Field, Dan Filburn, Nicole Kowalski, Jim Lang, Evan McCauley, Bill McClure, Doug McDowell, Thomas Petropolus, Patrick Scherer, Ron Strobl and Jay Yard.
Rotary members once again proved that they are People of Action applying leadership skills to solving social issues, tackling community challenges and finding lasting solutions to the world’s systemic problems.
Registration Desk Greeters—Marilyn Orr, Sam Orr, John Orr
Silent Auction items—bike, Cavaliers items
Kelly Brennan and wife Debbie—Head of the Scout Cabin campaign financing
KANIESKI FAMILY DONATES $25,000 SCHOLARSHIP FOR MEDINA SCHOOLS
"Medina Sunrise Rotary is honored to accept this check for $25,000 from the Kanieski Family and the Parma Rotary Club. The Kanieski Family's generosity will add a fifth annual Medina Sunrise Rotary 'Service Above Self' Scholarship to our Medina County Partner Schools, currently serving: Buckeye, Cloverleaf, Highland, and Medina High Schools," said Kent Morgan.
"The Walter and Mildred Kanieski Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding graduating senior who has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and whose service to the community exemplifies Rotary's principal motto of "Service Above Self,'" stated John W. Kanieski, on behalf of the entire Kanieski Family.
The Medina Sunrise Rotary Club's “Service Above Self” Scholarships recognize students based on local and global community service involvement, academic achievements, and life circumstances. Given in memory of fellow Medina Sunrise Rotarians who dedicated their lives to the Rotary ideal of service: Superintendent Mark, Dr. Mahadeo Chand, Rotary District Governor Carl Abell, and Walter (Charter Member/President of Parma Rotary and Founder of the Parma Businessmen's Association -- now the Parma Chamber of Commerce) & his wife Mildred Kanieski.
Five (5) scholarships will be granted in 2023. Students applying for scholarship funds must reside within the Buckeye, Cloverleaf, Medina or Highland school districts, but may attend a private academy or be home-schooled. Students must be graduating high school seniors, and have plans to attend college, university or technical school in the fall of 2023.
Dozens of artists will be participating this year including our featured artist, Shaun Kinley. Food and drink will also be available as well as music scheduled throughout the day. The Festival will be on the grounds just west of the Westlake Porter Public Library. Parking will be next-door at Westlake Elementary School. Admission to the event is free to the public.
We are expecting most of the vendors back from last year and are still taking applications to participate.
Rotarians from District 6630 NE Cluster joined more than 200 volunteers at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland on May 27, 2022, to place over 8,700 American flags at veterans’ gravesites for Memorial Day. This annual flag placement honors veterans who bravely fought as long ago as during the Civil War. The cluster participation was organized by Ruth Severiens from The Heights of Greater Cleveland Rotary Club who was joined by her daughter. Other Rotarians present included Scott Mills and Jackie Minotas from Hillcrest Sunrise Club; Girish Malhotra, Mahdi Aluzri, Gayle Schwartz, Larry Coven and Richard Halle from Chagrin Highlands Club; and Julie Brouhard, Assistant Governor, from Cleveland Rotary Club. All agreed that this should become an annual cluster project.
Julie Brouhard
District 6630 Assistant Governor Cuyahoga County NE Cluster
Looking to promote your upcoming fundraising event? We may be able to help! Our group has just begun working with a new PR tool (Event Vesta) to help clubs share details of their public fundraising events to various free community calendars around Northeast Ohio.
We have limited opportunities available each month. While we cannot guarantee each request, we will do our best to help each club in your efforts!
If you would like your club’s event to be considered by the P.I. Committee, please email Tina Ingraham for details: tina@marketing101adv.com.
Our team requests a lead time of 6 weeks prior to the event date.
“End Polio Now” Guardians Game against the Chicago White Sox.
July 13, 2022
Always a fun night, dinner in the Terrace Club, good lower bowl or upper bowl seats, silent auction and a raffle for a chance to throw out the first pitch at a future Guardians game and receive a Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
You will be able to join with fellow Rotarians from District 6630, 6600 and 6650.
Rotary Voices Stories of service from around the world
By Iryna Bushmina, District 2232 (Ukraine) Rotaract Representative
I left Kiev in the first hours of the war. My sister, her husband, her 3-month-old baby and a cat were in the car. When we reached the border, men were already not allowed to leave the country, so I went on with my sister and a little nephew. We were five days in the car, six days until we got to Vienna.
We stayed for the night in different countries three times. These were not hotels but homes of Rotary and Rotaract families. I used to just say that Rotary International is a big family, now I really believe it. And I am convinced that this is a family that will stand by you. These are no longer beautiful words to me, this is reality.
Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
I never realized how true the saying “How Time Flies” is. This past year has embodied this saying for me. I look back and I think that it feels like it was only a couple of weeks ago that we were all together, in-person, for the first time as a District at our District Awards and Banner Exchange where I was sworn in as District Governor. I can say that this year has flown by, not because I was busy dealing with issues or addressing questions or concerns, but instead because I was out with our Clubs supporting them in their service; motivating them to share their stories and engage their communities; encouraging them to empower and support our youth; and celebrating club’s anniversaries, their members, communities, and their partners.
The year is not done yet!
We just wrapped up the Rotary International Convention in Houston, June 4-8. We had twenty Rotarians from our District that signed up to attend the convention and hosted a dinner for all of those in attendance. Be sure to sign up to go to Melbourne, Australia next year May 27-31, 2023. Don't miss your opportunity to save and receive the biggest discount of the year when youregister and pay in full by the end of the day, 12 June. Then Imagine What’s Next for Rotary and you.
How many of you know what is coming up June 12-16? This will be Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)! After two years of not being able to hold our Camp RYLA program, we are back! Now the question is, how many of our clubs have students signed up for this great LEADERSHIP program? If you do not, why not? I whole-heartedly believe that one of the greatest services that we can provide as Rotarians is that of Education, Motivation and Inspiration for our young leaders of tomorrow. This is what Camp RYLA is all about and it is not too late to register your students. If you have any questions, pleaseemail or call District RYLA Chair Marc West or myself TODAY!
If you have not added your new members, or removed members no longer with your club, please complete this process as soon as possible. I highly recommend not waiting until June 30 to do this in case RI’s systems go down, or you get busy and simply forget. It is very important to have an accurate count of our membership, and it is important as well for your clubs when it comes to accurate billings from both Rotary International and from our District.
There is still time for your Club and and your members to contribute to the Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) Campaign of The Rotary Foundation (TRF). There are many impacts that you can make through these contributions, but one that directly affects our District are the contributions that are made to the Annual Fund. The way this impacts our District is through the matching grant process. The District will receive back in three years, 50% of what is contributed this year. This money is to be used for the matching of local and global grant projects. Let us strive for our clubs to have 100% of our members giving at least $25.00, and let us strive for our Club’s to average $100 per capita per member. To make sure that these contributions are credited in this Rotary year, please submit them no later than the week of June 13-17 to ensure there is adequate time for TRF to process them.
Please “stand by” as I said the year is not over yet. Let us continue to Share our stories, Motivate our members, Encourage our youth, and Strive to make a difference in our communities and world! More simply put, and in the words of RI President Shekhar Mehta, Let us “Serve to Change Lives”.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Larry Lohman
2021-2022 Rotary International District 6630 Governor Home Club: Rotary Club of Kent, OH USA
MEDINA SUNRISE ROTARY "SERVICE ABOVE SELF" CARL ABELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Kayleigh Graham - Buckeye, Nolan Freeland - Cloverleaf, Taylor Csanyi - Highland, and Maxwell Gabrielson - Medina (absent) were each presented with a scholarship award certificate for $1,000 from Medina Sunrise Rotary Club at the annual Carl Abell Memorial Service Above Self Scholarship Awards Breakfast which was held at Pride One in Medina.
"These highly competitive scholarships are named in honor of Past Rotary District Governor Carl Abell and represent a legacy of academic excellence, 'Service above Self', and leadership in the community," stated Scholarship Chairman William Koran on behalf of his scholarship committee. As a local role model for the students and a visible example of Excellence, Service and Leadership, Becky Abell Shotwell delivered the keynote address, honoring the legacy of her father, Carl Abell. "I challenge you today to do two things: First, be involved with your community, your family, your friends and your future and second, be passionate in your dreams, thoughts, words and actions. If you remember this and do this, you will be successful in making a positive impact on the lives of the people you meet."
Becky Abell Shotwell congratulated the Medina County high school scholars who were present - Kayleigh, Nolan and Taylor, expressing every confidence in their future success. "We are thankful for the caring support of their families and schools, the generous funding of the Medina Sunrise Rotary Club and all those who show continued faith in youth -- that 'Today’s scholars will become tomorrow's community and world leaders'. Good Luck Class of 2022!"
MEDINA SUNRISE ROTARY TEAM COMPETES AT
PROJECT LEARN MATCH WITS TACOS & TRIVIA FUNDRAISER
"Bienvenido!" Janice Jokkel, Executive Director of PROJECT LEARN of Medina County, welcomed MC Mike Kovack, gurus, special guests and table-teams to the 2022 Cinco de Mayo Match Wits - Tacos & Trivia Fundraising competition at Diamond Event Center in Brunswick, Thursday night.
Medina Sunrise Rotary, a Corporate Sponsor of the event, led by Team Captain Will Koran, navigated the 6 challenging trivia categories, which included: Made in Medina County; Obtaining US Citizenship; Books, Books Everywhere; History of Medina; Let's Garden; and Just Breath!
"Competition, in this year's esoteric categories, was fierce," stated Koran, "but the Medina Sunrise Rotary Team held its own and congratulated the "Educators" Team -- this year's Trivia Champions."
Project LEARN of Medina County proudly announced that it had become the recipient of a 3-year grant which will allow greater services to students in Medina County by assisting them with: Adult Basic Education, English as a Second language (ESL), Specialized Testing Preparation for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, and the US Citizenship test.
I want to thank all District 6630 Rotarians and friends of Rotary Along with Rotarians from all over the World who have reached out to me for my medical challenges which has led me to hospice care. When I was DG my theme was Service Above Self. All of you have continued that motto.
I have received over 75 cards and telephone calls from Rotary and friends from California to Texas to Ohio to Washington to Michigan to Maine to Canada to Washington DC to Pennsylvania to Indiana to Iowa to Illinois to Georgia to Florida to West Virginia to Nebraska to England to Australia to Nicaragua to Iceland. Thank you and all of you are in my prayers. Continue your good works.
A record of over $36,000 was raised at the Rotary Club of Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise’s Derby Fundraiser on Friday, May 6. At the featured race/live auction, $6,700 was donated for the many services to the homeless and needy met by Trials for Hope. Johnathon Gray, founder of Trials for Hope was a track side and told the attendees about T4H, and its need for a large refrigerator. The cost of $2,100 was covered by one donor. Over 160 attendees wondered around the Track to look over the entries, which included a Top Hat Raffle and attractive silent auction items. They took time to go to the “Club House” for a delicious dinner served by Karen King Catering of Lakewood.
Funds raised at the Derby went to the Club’s Foundation which supports the many community, youth, vocational, and international service projects of the Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise Club. Current projects include an annual clean-up of Beck Center grounds and gardens, Holiday Food Distribution, Food Pantries, 3rd Grade Dictionary Distribution, Youth Exchange Programs (sending dozens of young men and women to experience other cultures and welcoming dozens of others into our homes and schools), Foster Care birthday bags & school backpacks, Nicaragua Student Supplies, Emergency Shelter Boxes, supporting children’s sight in Ukraine, and more.
TRIALS FOR HOPE THE BIG WINNER AT SUNRISE ROTARY DERBY FUND RAISER
Stan Miller Memorial Golf Outing Scheduled for June 21
The Rotary Club of Cleveland has announced that it will host a golf outing in memory of Stanley R. (Stan) Miller on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Coppertop Golf Course in Valley City, Ohio. Stan was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, which he joined in 1993. Stan had a 31-year career with the telecommunications company known as Ameritech. He was Ameritech’s Vice President of External Affairs when he retired from the company in 1999. In “retirement,” Stan served for six years as the Executive Director of the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP, for two years as the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Centers Association, and on the boards and advisory committees of a wide variety of local educational, charitable, and social service organizations. Sadly, Stan Miller passed away on September 9, 2021, at the age of 73.
For those who want to play in the golf outing, the price is $75 per person, which covers greens fee, cart, lunch, and a buffet dinner. The shotgun-start scramble will begin at 10:00 a.m. Bag lunches will be served at the turn, and dinner will begin at about 4:00 p.m. For those who only want to attend the dinner, the price will be $25. Beer and soft drinks are included with both meals.
To register for the outing (for golf or dinner or both) or to get more information, email Cleveland Rotarian Ed Thomas at edthomascsu@gmail.com.
To: All current and incoming Rotary club officers Cc: Governors, governors-elect and assistant governors
Dear current and incoming Rotary club officers:
This is a friendly reminder to update your club membership and officer information in your local country or district database by 1 July 2022. We will use this information to generate your July 2022 club invoice.
It is important that your club’s member information is up-to-date, because Rotary cannot change the club invoice after it has been generated or accept membership updates with your payment.
As a current club officer, you can ensure that your club invoice will be correct by updating the information in your local database.
Your club has indicated that it is using a partner system connected to RI to manage membership information in My Rotary, the details of which are linked here. Please make all updates to membership in your local database.
Report all new or terminated members and 2022-23 club officers no later than 1 July 2022.
Members with admission dates of 1 July 2022 or before will be counted for the July 2022 club invoice.
Members with termination dates of 1 July 2022 or before will not be counted for the July 2022 club invoice.
The Rotary International invoice is generated from the data in Rotary's database and you are able to see your membership changes reflected in Rotary International’s database by signing into My Rotary. If you see any discrepancy between My Rotary and the partner system used by your club please contact data@rotary.org.
Besides updating membership, any changes to subscriptions to Rotary (formerly The Rotarian [in English]) should be reported to data@rotary.org prior to 1 July 2022.
For more information about the club invoice, including how-to guides and answers to frequently asked questions, go to My Rotary’s Club Administration pages. For help with membership questions, contact: data@rotary.org.
Sincerely, Thomas Woods Data Relations Manager | Data Services
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.
Did you know that Rotary Club Officers can be synced to RI in your ClubRunner platform? How about our new member transfer feature? Below, we'll summarize just a few updates you may have missed!
Rotary Club Officers Supported with RI Integration We're happy to share further improvements to the RI sync feature with the support for integrating two more executive positions with Rotary International:
Club Service Projects Chair
Club Public Image Chair
When managing your club executives, you can simply select these two positions from the Club Executive and Leaders list and assign members to the position. Based on your RI Integration settings, these details will automatically sync with RI. If you do not see these positions in the Club and Executive Leader list, contact your district administrator, Cheryl Warren. Once members have been assigned, you can track the sync using the RI Compare and Sync feature. Learn More
Member Transfer Feature For Rotary clubs that have the RI Integration service enabled, did you know that you can search to find and or confirm a member's Rotary details before adding them into ClubRunner, making it easier to add members that were part of other clubs. Learn More
New Member and Admin Dashboards for Districts and Zones We started with the dashboards for clubs and are happy to share that we’ve now updated the dashboards for Districts and Zones! A fresh new approach to your admin page based on access roles, you now will be able to quickly navigate and view the features relevant to your permission settings. Not only is it easier to navigate but accessing help resources is also just a click away! Have you checked out the new dashboards yet? Learn More
Missed our updates or looking for more information on how to navigate through these new features? Don’t forget about our training webinars! We host live training webinars on a weekly basis covering everything there is to know. Check out our schedule!
The Chagrin Highlands Rotary Club Sports Challenge was able to resume in October 2021. Many students as well as Rotarians had not seen each other since the pandemic began. This was a great way to reunite and regenerate after this long time of separation. The Sports Challenge consisted of Rotarians having a day of fun indoor sports games with developmentally disabled adults at the New Avenues to Independence home in East Cleveland.
They played basketball, ping pong, corn hole and many more activities. After a playing games, doing arts, crafts and puzzles they were given a lunch also provided by the Chagrin Highlands Rotary. This annual event has been championed by Rotarian Greg West for many years. This year it especially brought joy to all involved. This was a great project that took one Saturday afternoon.
Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
March 19, 2022
It is just about time, we are only 34 days away from our District 6630 Conference of Clubs and Leadership Assembly being held April 22 and 23 at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls. I am very excited about this year's conference. Why am I so excited? Perhaps it's due to this being the first in-person District Conference since 2019, or maybe it's the great speakers we will be hosting and interacting with over the weekend or just maybe it's seeing the results of the special service project our Interactors have been working on. Whatever the case, I cannot wait to see each and every one of you.
Here is a snapshot of what this year’s District 6630 Conference of Clubs has to offer. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and here we go!
The conference will kick off on Friday morning with our Celebration of Life, where we remember those we have lost over the past year. We will continue a tradition that Past District Governor Pat Myers started last year and plant a tree in the memory of each of those we lost.
We will move from the Celebration of Life to our annual District Business Meeting. Remember that each club needs to send at least one representative with the voting credentials (filled out) — credentials have been sent to the clubs by District Secretary Mike Davanzo, PDG. We do have a couple important issues to vote on, financial updates and information about what is happening at Rotary International.
Then, we will follow with our Serve to Change Live Luncheon. At this luncheon we recognize and celebrate those who have been Serving to Change Lives for 50 years. We have a very special treat as Past Rotary Foundation Trustee and Past Rotary International Director Mary Beth Growney Selene will be with us representing our Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta.
Following the luncheon, we kick-off our District Leadership Assembly (DLA) with two very exciting and educational sessions after which we close the day with our Serve to Change Lives Dinner.
At the dinner we will be hearing from the Director of Companion Community Alternative Development (CoCoDA) about its service efforts in Central America. The night's not over yet...come visit the Hospitality Suite sponsored by the Rotary Club of Geauga West.
On Saturday we start our day off with the annual DLA Breakfast (be sure to sign up as you need a ticket to attend), followed by more DLA sessions that will encompass multiple topics over three sessions. These sessions are designed to Inspire, Educate, and Reinvigorateour clubs.
We then host our traditional Celebration of Youth Luncheon. This year the lunch is going to be like no other ... you will need to be there to find out why! I will just say that this luncheon will include appearances from Rotary Youth Exchange, Four Way Test Speech Contest winners, Interact, RYLA, and several other very special guests. Remember, our Rotary youth participants are not only our future, but they are our present as well.
Our Interactors will then be hosting a Carnival for us. It has been leaked that the Interactors may have a special surprise for the District Governor, and they may be looking for donations to support it. Oh Wait, I am the District Governor and now I am not sure if this something that I should be excited about or worried about! To our Interactors -- please be kind.
Saturday night we have our Governor's Dinner. This is the time to enjoy some fellowship, dinner and listen to stories of a great Rotary year. Also, you will hear an inspirational story from Ivan Villasboa about his journey to service. We will close out our night with another Hospitality Suite hosted by my home club, The Rotary Club of Kent.
Do not forget to visit our House of Friendship and The Rotary Attic. The House of Friendship is our Expo Hall, and will have many of our clubs and a few other organizations present. Stop in and see what new ideas you may be able to take back to your club. The Rotary Attic will have gently used Rotary items for purchase.
So stop what you are doing, click the registration button and get signed up today.
BW Rotaractors threw a Snow Ball for about 50 seniors at Generations Senior Living Berea on Saturday, Jan. 29. They decorated the dining room with paper snowflakes and set up a photo booth. The music play lists included tunes from the 1950s and ‘60s. The students danced with the seniors – wheelchairs being no obstacle. Look for a detailed story on Cleveland.com.
Rotaractor Grant Cordle, club service chair,
visits with his "bingo buddy" Rhonda Hovanek.
Rotaractor Alaina Hayes photographs Jim Neuzil and a Generations aide.
Jake Dunstan gets a dance lesson from Flo Ebel.
Rotaractors were helped out by members of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. Great job, guys!
Jadyn Mobley, left, and Lizzie Bryson, right, get residents in the dancing mood.
Rotaractors prepare to serve refreshments, provided by Generations Senior Living.
DUSTIN HAFFNER OF MEDINA HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP
Medina Sunrise Rotary gave its heartfelt congratulations to Dustin Haffner, a Senior at Medina High School, our new Rotary Youth Exchange Student, as he received a scholarship certificate for his study year abroad -- 2022 to 2023.
Dustin was presented his certificate from Jim Lechko, Rotary District Foundation Chair, who proudly stated that the Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship Program has been a major benefactor of the Rotary Foundation's $4 Billion Dollar donations to sustainable individuals and organizations who do good in the world.
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a premier international student exchange scholarship program for students in secondary school. This scholarship value currently exceeds $35,000 per student.
Since 1929, Rotary International has sent highly qualified young people around the globe to experience new cultures, instill service above self, develop leadership, promote international understanding and world peace, and become youth ambassadors of their local communities. Currently, about 9,000 students are sponsored by Rotary clubs every year. Rotary is a fully accredited member of CSIET - Council of Standards for International Student Exchange: http://www.csiet.org.
YOUTH SERVICE AWARD PRESENTED TO MEDINA SUNRISE ROTARY
Medina Sunrise Rotary Club has been granted the IFSR (International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians) Youth Service Award for service exemplary of Rotary International's commitment in youth throughout the world through cooperation between Rotary International and Scouting.
In this prestigious award, the IFSR recognized the close community partnership between Jacob Seabaugh, a Scout Leader of Troop #507 and Medina Sunrise Rotary in the planning, engineering and completion of a wheelchair accessible ramp and deck for a Medina County resident with ALS. Jacob's successful Eagle Scout project added a second escape route if some house emergency were to happen and allowed the resident to spend the remaining few years with family outside, enjoying life.
The IFSR, International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, is a Rotary Fellowship promoting service to Youth through Scouting and Guiding and IFSR is composed of over a thousand Rotarians in 45 countries that work to promote building stronger and more unified communities through Scouting and Guiding through their membership in Rotary.
FEEDING MEDINA COUNTY'S FEBRUARY FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Katy Fuerst warmly welcomed volunteers to a rainy winter morning at the Medina County Fairgrounds for Feeding Medina County's February Free Food Distribution.
"I thank Medina's Ohio Army National Guard and each and every one of you - our loyal Volunteers. With your help, we work with 24 local food pantries and 4 free food distribution centers across Medina County, delivering approximately half a million pounds of food every year that feeds 7% of Medina County's population."
You're Invited!
Feeding Medina County is thrilled to announce that we will hold a silver anniversary gala, Our Bountiful Table: Ten Years of Feeding Medina County Together, on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the Buffalo Creek Retreat in Seville.
This event will celebrate the work that we have done together over the past decade to feed every child, senior, and family who needs us. We were able to raise $135,000 at our 2020 Gala, and our goal for 2022 is to reach $150,000 so we can continue to provide fresh, nutritious foods for the growing number of families and individuals that need our assistance.
The IFSR, International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, is a Rotary Fellowship promoting service to Youth through Scouting and Guiding. As IFSR webmaster, I search for reports of Rotary-Scout interaction and send an email of commendation to the Rotary Club involved. Your publicizing your club’s relationship with Scouting has served as an example for other Rotary clubs looking for ways to promote the Scouting movement.
We know about you, you should know about us. IFSR is composed of over a thousand Rotarians in 45 countries that work to promote Scouting and Guiding through their membership in Rotary. We have a website: ScoutingRotarians.org and a Facebook page.
IFSR Certificates and Awards for your club to present
On our website, we have certificates the Rotary Clubs can award Scouts and Guides and an award that Rotary Clubs can award a Scout or Guide unit that has performed community service. The IFSR Community Service Award may be awarded by any Rotary Club to a Scout or Guide unit of their choice they wish to recognize for performing community service. The award may be given annually to any Scout or Guide unit by any Rotary Club. Recipients are selected by the Rotary Club.
This is not a Scouting award nor a Rotary award, but an IFSR award and is intended to permit Rotary Clubs to recognize Community Service performed by local Scout and/or Guide units.
To help Rotary Clubs create and print the award locally, this website has a fillable PDF version of the certificate which is easy to fill out:
2) Enter the name of the Scout or Guide unit (such as, Troop 101, Metropolis)
3) Enter the name of the Rotary Club (such as Metropolis Rotary Club)
4) Enter the date of the Award presentation
5) Then print the award or save and print at a print center.
Please notify the IFSR webmaster [webmaster@scoutingrotarians.org] of the Scout or Guide Unit Name, Rotary Club Name and Date and a record of the award will be posted on the IFSR Awards webpage.
Steve Henning
IFSR Webmaster
"Committed to making a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond
Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
Spring is just around the corner. The snow is melting, the days are getting longer, and we are starting to warm up. The next thing we will see are spring flowers popping up and trees starting to green.
As we are enjoying the changes in the seasons and making our plans for spring and summer, let us do the same for our clubs. This is the time to look around your communities and plan service projects. This could be as simple as helping seniors and those with special needs with yard cleanups after this long winter. Maybe you could plan a trash cleanup day which could take place at a local park, community center, roadside, etc. Just maybe you want to do something to impact a segment of your community that is in need. Reach out to your local school system, family and community service organization, groups that work with individuals with disabilities, and other non-profit organizations for Ideas. If you have an Interact or Rotaract club close to you, reach out to them as well. They will most likely wish to participate, and maybe have some ideas for future service projects. This is also great way to involve our youth and young professionals.
Spring is a very exciting time for Rotary. Not only are we continuing to serve, we are also preparing our leaders and clubs for the new year as we come together at our District Conference of Clubs and our Rotary International Convention.
The most comprehensive training that goes on throughout the year is that of the Presidents Elect (PE). The responsibility of training the PEs is that of the District Governor Elect, who this year is David Jones. David works with our LEAD (Leadership Education & Development) Committee, led by Ryan Knotts, to develop the educational format and construct the training sessions. Our education and leadership initiatives do not stop with the PEs. Ryan and the LEAD Committee also help in the development of sessions for the District Leadership Assembly, held at the District Conference of Clubs, and special trainings such as the Youth Protection Training. Another very important training that is developed and hosted by the District Grants Committee is the Grants Management Seminars (GMS). At least two members of your club need to attend the GMS to be eligible for a District Grant in the coming Rotary year. There also are a couple other eligibility requirements for grants that will be discussed at these sessions.
This year we will be back in-person for our District’s Conference of Clubs. The District 6630 Conference of Clubs will be April 22-23 at the Sheraton Suites Akron-Cuyahoga Falls. Our conference will start with the honoring of those Rotarians that we have lost through the past year. The Annual Meeting of clubs will follow, and is very important to have at least one representative form your club in attendance as we will have several Items to vote on. If you have not thought of where your club meeting will be held the week of the Conference, why not have it at the Conference on Friday, April 22? Following the lunch, we will offer our first two sessions of our District Leadership Assembly – something you will not want to miss. We will wrap up the first day with dinner that will feature keynote speaker Jim Mulholland from Companion Community Development Alternatives (CoCoDA). Wait until you see how much outreach this organization has in Central America, Simply AMAZING. Now that I have you on the edge of your seat, I am going to do like any great TV show and leave you with a cliff hanger. Until next month!
Have you heard that the Rotary International Convention is here in the States this year? This year the Convention is being held in Houston, Texas June 4-8. It is not too late to get registered. Matter of fact, Rotary International has a special rate for registration going on right now, but you need to act fast as it will expire on February 28. See all the details below in this newsletter.
As you can see Spring is almost here and it is bringing with it opportunities for service, leadership, education, fellowship, travel, and CLIFF HANGERS. Tune in next month at the Same Rotary Time, Same Rotary Station.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Larry Lohman
2021-2022 Rotary International District 6630 Governor Home Club: Rotary Club of Kent, OH USA
The annual 4-Way Test Speech Contest is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our young people around Rotary’s core values of the 4-Way Test. The speeches are always interesting and thought provoking.
This year’s District Speech contest will be held at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent on Saturday, April 9. The planning committee is hard at work, but they need your help.
Judges and timers are needed to make the contest a success. If you can help on contest day and can spare about an hour for online training a few days before the contest, please reach out to Head Judge Rachel Kerns at rkerns@habitatofportage.org.
All information is posted on our District website page - CLICK HERE for all the details and forms!
Take action to create positive change locally and globally
Using data to increase our impact
Samson Tesfaye Woldetensaie and his fellow members of the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Central-Mella, Ethiopia, used data that they gathered through a community assessment to help identify local water needs, determine the best way to address them, and make a bigger impact. “To collect data, first we observe,” he notes. After that, he says, “we do selective interviews from different perspectives.” Another important step is assessing the project after it is complete by observing and talking to people again. Learn more about how he and other members were able to use data to increase their impact.
GIVING UPDATES
Leaders in giving: The Paul Harris Society
Donations from Paul Harris Society members made up nearly 18% of all contributions to the Annual Fund last year. The society is a network of dedicated Rotary supporters who have expressed their intent to give at least $1,000 each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or approved Rotary Foundation grants. Subscribe to the quarterly Paul Harris Society Resource to learn more about these leaders in giving.
Celebrating Paul Harris
Rotary founder Paul Harris was born in Racine, Wisconsin, USA, on 19 April 1868. His legacy of creating opportunities for fellowship and for community connections endures to this day. Join us in celebrating the anniversary of his birth by learning about his legacy or by making a special gift to The Rotary Foundation.
As your Youth Protection Committee works to implement the District’s Youth Protection Policy(click here to view) with you, a few items have come to our attention. We thought we might forward suggestions on some of these points.
Second, your Youth Protection Committee has found that many Interact Advisors in the various schools where the clubs are located are an excellent resource and are very well versed in various safety protocols. To the extent you are not already doing so, we recommend that you closely coordinate with these school advisors.
Also, of course, you can feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, as well as the other members on the Youth Protection Committee. The Committee members are all listed on the District website and in the District Directory. If you wish to have a presentation made for your Club, please contact me.
As always, we thank you for your help and your attention. The Committee needs your continuing assistance to implement this program.
Sincerely yours,
Yours in Rotary Service -
John L. Reyes Chair RI District 6630 Youth Protection (2020-2022) Past RI District 6630 Governor (2019-2020) Past Chair RI District 6630 Nominating Committee (2020-2021) Past President, Rotary Club of Akron, OH USA Phone: (330) 258-6497 Email: johnreyes131@icloud.com
I am pleased to share the recent announcement by RI of a special registration rate of $495.00 running through February 28 for Houston 2022.
For those that have already registered, Thank You! For those that may have missed the December deadline, now is a great opportunity to save.
Please allow me to remind you why Houston 2022 must be strongly considered:
PROXIMITY— The best, cheapest, closest convention to attend. The next RI Convention to be hosted in the United States will be Honolulu in 2027. Cheap because of proximity. Basically, Houston is in our back yard.
2. OPPORTUNITY— Learn the magnitude of Rotary’s reach throughout the 220 countries and territories Rotary touches. Learn what Rotary is doing around the world as you visit booths in the House of Friendship, attend daily presentations and develop new friendships with those in attendance.
3. ADVANTAGES—Staying at Rotary suggested hotels allows for the Rotary Free Shuttle and convenience. Posted in the lobby of these hotels is the schedule of the pick-up and return times to the convention center or convention events. You never have to get into a car.
4. ADDED BONUSES— The daily presentations are only one part of the convention. There is a wide variety of Rotary sponsored events happening all around the city. Visit and have dinner at NASA, attend a professional soccer or rugby game, visit museums, enjoy an evening of dining and magic with friends, the list goes on.
5. INSPIRATION— The Convention will expand your Rotary knowledge, but even better, it will inspire you. You will no doubt return to your club with a renewed enthusiasm and great ideas for fellowship and projects.
Lastly please take note of the following important deadlines:
28 February 2022 Last day for Special offer.
31 March 2022: Last day for preregistration discount
Hundreds of Interact clubs around the world shared their service-learning journey through videos, photos, and essays in the 2021 Interact Awards.
Congratulations to the following clubs on their awards. "Best Video" - Interact Club of Valmiki Shiksha Sadan, Nepal "Best Photo" - Interact Club of Santa Rosa Science and Technology High School, Philippines "Best Essay" - Interact Club of North Balwyn High School, Australia
This 7-13 March the Rotary community join together to celebrate the accomplishments of our Rotaract clubs and Rotaractors. Join the Facebook Event for ideas on how to celebrate!
Join Rotaract leaders from around the world, increase your Rotaract knowledge, and gain valuable professional skills at the 2022 Rotaract Preconvention, 3-4 June in Houston, TX, USA.
Rotary Peace Fellowship application open now
Rotary’s fully-funded Peace Fellowships provides peace and development leaders with the knowledge, skills, and global networks needed to be more effective peacebuilders. Application deadline 15 May.
Program and Online Offerings Survey comingin March
Asmembers, Rotarians andRotaractorscan engage in avariety of programsthatenhance themembership experience. To learn what you like — and don’t like — anddiscover how our programs can be improved, Rotary will send a survey to a sample of our members in March.If you receive a link to thesurvey, please take a few minutes toshare your thoughts with us.
Test your Rotary logo knowledge
Find out how your club logo should look, how to use it properly, and why it matters in our new video, “One Voice, Every Club.”
RI President Shekhar Mehta is urging members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving other is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.
RI President-elect Jennifer Jones imagines a Rotary where members act to make their dreams become reality and they make the most of their club experiences. She urges members to engage more with each other and use these connections to build partnerships that change the world.
As we approach the end of 2021 the leadership of District 6630 would like to wish All Rotarians, your families and the community that you serve a Happy Holidays and a Happy Prosperous New Year 2022. We are proud to be a part of a District of Rotarians that support our clubs, our community, our families and each other during the year, and all that you do to make the Holiday’s for those in need more enjoyable. Your service projects, food drives, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and serving meals to the homeless makes a difference in your community. Thank You for all that you do to make the world a better place.
Over the past 4 months the club Presidents Elect (PEs) have been working hard to prepare for their year. Our first district meeting provided the opportunity for the PEs to meet each other and the district leadership as well as discuss the opportunity for trainings. We held two State Wide Multi-District trainings, that provided speakers from Rotary International, on the topics of Membership and the Rotary Foundation. Our next Multi-District training will focus on Public Image (register) and will be held on February 23. The Presidents Elect will attend an IN-PERSON PETS (register) on January 29 at the Orange Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library. PEs will receive additional information in an email.
All Ohio P.E.T.S. (AOP) is MANDATORY for Presidents Elect and will be held in Columbus on Friday & Saturday, March 11-12, 2022. Our theme is Breaking Boundaries:Inspire - Collaborate - Lead. The speakers for this event will be phenomenal. Friday night will feature Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin. Saturday will feature our very own Katie Spotz endurance athlete, charitable ambassador, author and world-record holder, M.J. Clark, Senior Leadership Consultant at Integrated Leadership Systems and Rotary International President Elect Jennifer Jones who will be the first Woman President of Rotary International. Jennifer Jones will also perform the Installation Ceremony for the Presidents Elect.
Presidents Elect Service Project for All Ohio PETS
My Very Own Blanket - Service Project Competition - With a goal to donate 16,000 blankets to warm the hearts of children in the foster care system throughout Ohio, the five Rotary districts in Ohio will hold a competition to see which district can donate the most blankets per capita, based on membership of each district as of July 1, 2021.
How can you and your club get involved?
Donate a quilt or knitted/crocheted blanket. - Work alone or with your quilt guild or knitting group to make your own blanket. Purchase a Blanket Tag to be sown on your blanket. Sign the Blanket Tag with your club’s name and bring the blankets with you to AOP
Purchase a fleece blanket kit - for $10 to get all you need to make a blanket for your club project. When ordering select your district (6630) and put your club name in the Comments box. Sign the Blanket Tag with your club’s name and bring the blankets with you to AOP
Sponsor a blanket. - Donate $10 or more to sponsor a blanket kit that will be made by other Rotarians. Purchase a fleece blanket kit - When ordering select your district (6630) and put your club name in the Comments box. Ship the Blankets to DGE David Jones at 1894 Lillian Road, Stow Ohio 44224.
IF you have any questions contact DGE David Jones at 330.603.4107 or DEJRotary@gmail.com
Jim Lechko, Foundation Chair announced the dates for the Grants Management Seminars. You club must send at least 2 members of your club to the GMS to begin your club qualifications.
As we begin this new year I would like to encourage Rotarians to get involved with District Committees. If you have an interest in one of our committees; Membership, Grants, Public Image, (other Committees we should add) please send an email to DGE David Jones- dejrotary@gmail.com.
If you are interested in helping our district with technology, we are looking for individuals that have skills in Audio and Visual support at district conferences and meetings, camera / video support for events, multimedia and Web support / development for our clubs and the district please send an email to DGE David Jones- dejrotary@gmail.com
Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
Welcome fellow Rotarians to 2022! As District Governor these past seven months have flown by. I have had the chance to spend time with clubs, both at their meetings as well as serving with them on their service projects. As a District we have taken time to celebrate our clubs, members and special friends. We have worked hard to develop our leaders of tomorrow and we have reached out to our youth to guide them to a life of Service Above Self. We also have taken the time to mourn and honor the memories of those we have lost. We, most of all, have stepped up to serve our communities locally and worldwide.
Yesterday is in the past and should never be forgotten! So what have we learned in the past six months, one year or two years? Can we apply what we have learned as we move forward? For some reason we believe that due to the Pandemic we must change the way we approach and live Rotary. Why? Couldn’t we also look at what we have learned and try to stretch that knowledge to fit today? Now think of the saying “reinvent the wheel”. Let us look at the wheel manufacturing history. Wheels themselves have been round since day one, just like the Rotary wheel, correct? Have wheel manufacturers tried changing a wheel from being round? The answer is no. What they have done has been to take and improve the product they know works. They do not completely change the product, but modify it to meet the needs of today.
So take a look at your club’s history and see what has made the club successful in the past. Take that success and stretch or modify it to work today. If you feel that you need change or need to “reinvent the wheel” for your club to move forward, please call me and let us see what we can do together.
For those who might not be aware, it is with sadness and deep respect I must share with you the passing of Dr. Donald Kwait, on January 22, 2022 in Northbrook, IL. Proud to call him one of our own, he was a world renown “Rotary Giant and Senior Leader” who was at the forefront of Rotary’s Polio Eradication effort. A retired dentist and long-time resident of Beachwood, OH this 65-year Rotarian served as President of the Rotary Club of Wickliffe in 1962 and was currently a member of the Rotary Club of Chagrin Highlands where he served as President in 1998-99. Donald Kwait served with honor and distinction as District 6630 Governor in 1969-70 and as Rotary International Director (1978-80), Treasurer (1979-80) and Trustee of The Rotary Foundation (1982-85). While serving on the RI Board, he was one of the team that administered the very first drops of the oral Polio Vaccine to children in the Philippines on 29 September 1979.
Not having had the personal privilege of knowing Don Kwait, I am learning how he was someone who lived his life with a commitment to service, to helping others, and to making this world a better place in which to live. A trusted friend and mentor to many, it has been shared that Don’s love for his wife Beatrice of 72 years and for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was beyond all else. Notes of condolence may be forwarded to the family at: 1000 Sunset Ridge Rd., Apt. 311, Northbrook, IL 60062.
We will be sharing additional background on his significant contributions and recognitions in the weeks to come but in the meantime, those who wish to honor the memory of Dr. Donald Kwait, the family has kindly suggested contributions to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International www.rotary.org/en/donate Those contributions may be donor designated to Polio if you so wish. Lastly, to view the notice or the video recording of his funeral service conducted on January 23, you may visit the website of Shalom Memorial Funeral Home www.shalom2.com who handled the arrangements.
Let us not stop here, let us keep our wheel rolling through the next 5 months as we continue to Serve to Change Lives. Let us give support to the leadership of our clubs as they prepare for the coming year. Let us all come together to celebrate at our District’s Conference of Clubs scheduled for April 22-23 at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls. Let us continue to celebrate at the Rotary International Convention in Houston, TX from June 4-8. Let us support our youth as they participate in the District 4-Way Test Speech Contest on April 9 at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent. Let us encourage our youth as we sponsor them to participate in Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) from June 12-16 at Baldwin Wallace University. Let us contribute to The Rotary Foundation, so that we can continue to provide service to our communities, whether locally, nationally, or internationally.
To find out more about these great events head over to our District Website rotarydistrict6630.org. I look forward to seeing and talking with all of you at club and district meetings, events and service projects.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Larry Lohman
2021-2022 Rotary International District 6630 Governor Home Club: Rotary Club of Kent, OH USA
Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
WOW, Where to Start? Well, let us start at the beginning. A long, long time ago in a far off…… Wait a minute that is not what I meant by the “beginning”. Let us start with our first district event in November, and then we will continue on to the Eve of the New Year.
Our First event in November was our Interact Interaction on November 6. What an event! Just imagine Interact Clubs from all over the District coming together in the name of Sharing, Learning and Service. Our youth are truly Amazing and an Inspiration. Thank you District Interact Chair Chelsea Talty for the guidance that you provided West Geauga High School Interact in planning this year’s Interaction. Please keep reading as Chelsea is going to tell you all about this year’s Interaction later in this letter.
November started out busy with all kinds of Impactful events. On November 11 as we paused to remember and honor the Veterans that have served in The United States Armed Forces, we also came together to celebrate our Clubs and The Rotary Foundation with our Warm Hand Warm Hearts Foundation Gala. Following true to the past year our Foundation Gala Committee choose to change things up a little. I am going to leave the rest of the tale to our District Foundations and Gala Chair Jim Lechko, who will regale us with tales from our Gala.
December 3 was a great day in our District, and a true privilege for me. I had the honor of officially announcing our 2024-2025 District Governor Dale Smith of the Rotary Club of Mentor. It was quite the honor to be the District Governor to make this announcement as Dale and I share some Rotary history. As most know I grew up helping the Rotary Club of Cambridge, OH. In the early 2000 Dale joined the RC of Cambridge and later served as President of the club. Due to the fact I left Cambridge in the mid 90’s Dale and I did not meet there. Fast forward a few years and after I joined the Rotary Club of Kent a gentlemen was introduced as a Rotarian transferring from the Rotary Club of Cambridge. This was my first introduction to Dale. Dale during his time in Kent was a true leader and helped to build our participation with The Rotary Foundation. When Dale left Kent due to a career move that took him out of state, his presence was missed. No matter where life has taken Dale, he has always found a Rotary Club and left a meaningful impact. Everyone please stand and give Dale Smith a round of applause. Congratulation Dale, I look forward to serving with you and seeing what Impact you leave on this District.
Saturday, December 11, is a day that we saw one of the worst tornado events that has been recorded in our history. We are not just talking about a couple communities, but communities throughout multiple states.
How you can take action to help the tornado victims:
One of my fellow District Governors whose district was hit has reached out about the damage and a project to help move forward.
There are two articles below about relief efforts (or click on the state names here to read each) - one is for the Kentucky areas and another is for the Tennessee areas affected.
As we close out 2021, I would like to wish all of you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. I look forward to a bright and refreshing New Year in 2022. Please take time to Hug your Loved ones, and even more importantly take a minute for yourself.
Once again, #RotaryResponds where human needs are great.
Last week, in addition to the devastation in Kentucky, a total of 15 tornados devastated towns in Middle and Western Tennessee as storms swept through the state. Winds of up to 135 miles per hour ripped up communities and tore up the lives of those who survived. Small towns such as Dresden, Dickson, Kingston Springs and Samburg in our own District 6760 have lost homes, entire business districts and neighborhoods, and destroyed livelihoods, with many people in need of basics such as a place to sleep and shelter, non-perishable food, gas cans and storage bins, as well as cleanup equipment. This article covering a visit to the area by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee includes photos of some of the hardest-hit communities in West Tennessee.
Rotary District Governor in 6760, Michael Babb, district leadership, and Rotary clubs in the devastated communities are organized to accept donations and contribute to helping these communities survive, recover and rebuild.
At this very special time of year, those who survive have little to celebrate. Please help. Here’s what is currently known, and what you can do.
Rotary District 6760 is accepting donations to assist communities in need who have been affected by the tornado. Please make checks out: to:“Rotary District 6760” and include “Disaster Relief” in the memo, and mail to: RI District 6760 Treasurer P.O. Box 399t Dickson, TN 37056
The Rotary Club of Dresden, through Past District Governor April Lieberman, has established a relief fund that they will use in assisting victims. You can make a donation:
By mail to Dresden Rotary Club Tornado Relief Fund, P.O. Box 652, Dresden, TN 38225.
If you have a network of suppliers who are willing to donate supplies, or are considering sending a team of recovery volunteers, please contact Michelle Balsley at rotary6760disaster@gmail.com.
Please help out our communities that are in need at this time of year when family, peace and compassion are especially important. Thank you for being a Rotarian, and thank you for your compassion.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Usovicz Director, Rotary Zones 30 and 31
District Governor Larry Lohman is very pleased to announce that Dale Smith is hereby declared our 2021-2022District Governor Nominee Designate, effective immediately, and the forms will be timely submitted to Rotary International for her certification.
Please join me in congratulating Dale as he begins this very exciting and amazing journey with our District. His email is rdalesmith@bellsouth.net. Dale is truly honored to serve in this capacity and is looking forward to working with all of the clubs in our district.
About Dale:
Dale Smith grew up in southeastern Ohio, graduating from Barnesville High School. Dale received a B.Sc. in Ceramic Engineering from the Ohio State University. He has a Six Sigma Black Belt from Sigma Breakthrough Technologies and is facilitator and practitioner of Kepner-Tregoe problem solving and decision analysis. His career began as a process engineer in ceramic tile manufacture and progressed to a very successful career in leading process and quality improvement in manufacturing, including lighting, automotive, building products, label materials and undersea telecommunication systems. Achievements include leading cost projects with significant financial impact including one saving $2,000,000 per year, solving several “intractable” industry issues, developing and successfully implementing a new manufacturing process for lighting products, leading multiple organizations through the development and certification of quality systems, improving spark plug manufacture to meet the voltage demands of electronic ignitions and other projects that remain proprietary to the organizations involved. Dale retired from Avery Dennison in Mentor, OH in 2021.
Dale’s service career began with a brief but impactful stint in town government while residing in Epping, New Hampshire, serving on the planning board and budget committee and as chair of the board of fire wards. He also chaired a new high school site selection committee.
He joined the Rotary Club of Cambridge (OH) in 2003 where he served as Club President in 2005/2006. As Dale’s career caused moves around the eastern US, he also was a member of the Downtown Macon (GA), Kent, and Camden (SC) Rotary Clubs.
Dale joined the Mentor Rotary Club in 2014 and served as president of that club in 2019/2020. Dale has served many roles in those clubs including leading many service and matching grant projects while also chairing Literacy, Foundation, and Public Image Committees.
He initiated and facilitated the Lake County Sunrise Satellite Rotary Club and is a member of the District 6630 Membership Steering Committee. Dale was twice named Rotarian of the Year and received a District Service Above Self Award. He is a Paul Harris Fellow +3 and a Bequest Society (Level 4) Member.
In addition to Rotary, Dale served as a director of the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia. He serves on the Barnesville High School Class of 1979 Scholarship Committee which provides a full scholarship to a single annual graduate of the Barnesville High School who attends one to the top universities in the US.
Dale is married to Jeri Ann, a native of Bath, NY. They reside in Newbury, OH on Raccoon Ridge. Dale is an avid gardener and seasonal winemaker and enjoys daily hikes in retirement with Murphy, Quinn and Keeva - the yellow labs that seem to run the household. Dale and Jeri Ann enjoy travel - especially visiting New York’s Finger Lakes.
ROTARY CONTRIBUTES TO INTERNATIONAL “TO SEE MY MOM” CHILDREN’S VISION PROJECT
The Board of the Lakewood Rocky River Rotary Club Sunrise has approved a $1,000 donation to an International Service project to reduce the number of cases of blindness in newborns and children living in a large regional center in the Ukraine.
This project was proposed to the Club by a former member of the Lakewood Rocky Rotary Club, Vitaliy Bezrodnov. Pictured below visiting a Rotary Club with a touring group from the Ukraine.
He is the Founder of The Rotary Children’s Fund (RCF), which gives young people Internationally an opportunity to show their talents while touring US raising funds to help needy children in their home countries. Vitaliy’s, who now lives in North Carolina has raised over $100 000 for Rotary Children’s which supports varies projects related to needy children. Vitaliy came to US from St. Petersburg, Russia in 1994 and joined the The Lakewood Rocky Rocky River Rotary Club in 2000. From 2007 in North Carolina, he plans trips for the children and youth, manages the RCF (formerly known as Rotary Childrens Fund that been renamed to Reunite Cultures Fund.
In September 2021, after 2 youth groups visited US from Ukraine, he secured approval of a Rotary International and USAID Hearts of Europe $53,580 Global Grant, for Project titled, To See Mom! The grant provides funds for the purchase of two pieces of ophthalmological equipment for a major Hospital in the Ukraine that provides in and outpatient and in-patient care for children with vision problems. The hospital annually treats around 5,500 children from birth to 17 years of age. Its Staff estimates that 7% of the children in the its region need vision care. This new equipment will enable the Hospital to carry out complex treatments, and significantly reduce the number of incurable cases in the region.
A requirement for Grant approval is the sponsorship of local Rotary Clubs by making contributions totaling $8,572. The Sunrise Rotary Club approved a $1,000 gift from its Foundation, which was established in 2015. Additional funds have been provided by Rotary Clubs in the Ukraine, and Vitali’s home club and his district.
Twinsburg Club Provides Lasting Recognition for Fallen Twinsburg Officer
Twinsburg Rotary has been getting a lot of great buzz lately. Our very successful Parade of Flags program, the club’s massive patriotic displays at the Friday night football game on Patriot’s Day weekend and then VFW’s Gold Star monument dedication are great examples of how one of the goals that Shannon Collins and I of have of working with other civic organizations are being realized.
The following project is especially meaningful – please take a minute to read this and watch the video using this linkhttps://youtu.be/rlaTKuEv4Eo
About the project:
-Patrolman Josh Miktarian was shot and killed in the driveway across from the fire hydrant
-Instinctively, the first back-up arriving dragged him out of "harm's way," which was across the street near the hydrant
-EMS, Life Flight docs and police officers worked on him (to no success) a that site.
-Each year on the anniversary of this line of duty death, police officers from all over gather at this location to pay tribute to Josh by lighting some road flares. There must be at least 20 cruisers there with their emergency lights on each year
gathered at that site.
-1000s of cars drive by that site daily, including our own PD and EMS workers.
-This is not a memorial. It is a marker of significant importance to those who responded that evening. The official memorial is located on Ravenna Rd/Miktarian Parkway, in front of city hall.
About the video:
The "Dan" who is mentioned first is Patrolman Dan Fidoe, a good friend and coworker of Josh who was the one who dragged him out of the area. He asked me about six months ago if I could "do something." After telling this to Shannon, I tried to think of a way to best honor him but keep the hydrant in service for use. After Shannon found some other examples, I worked out a design with Marsam Metals (awesome locally owned facility) and they engineered the two laser-cut badges.
After choosing the colors (no easy feat...do you know how many shades of blue there are?), we just took a couple of hours to make it happen. We didn't tell anyone, not even Dan Fidoe or our club. The area is too close to traffic with no place to pull off, so for safety and secrecy, we went "rogue." I created a video and then sent it on to Dan and Holly (Josh's widow) at the same time for the "reveal." As you can see...this is getting a lot of attention by other social media sites and I'm happy for our Rotary Club too.
I could not have done this without my co-president, Shannon. No way, no how!
We bought enough paint to maintain this project for many years to come. Also, we’ll reevaluate how the to the metal badges hold up with the weather and road salt (this hydrant happens to be very close to the road too). If they don’t hold up, we’ll have Marsam do powder coated versions.
I can’t say enough about Mark Brownfield (Marsam owner) and his two artist/craftspeople George Dufour and Jim Bayus. Marsam only charged us $25.00 each for the badges, which probably doesn’t even cover the materials. They also turned them around in three days!
From the Twinsburg Police Association:
A couple officers presented an idea to AC Bosso and he made that idea come to life.
Many of you have probably passed by the Fire Hydrant near 2454 Glenwood Drive. Many may not know that on July 13, 2008 around 2am Ofc. Josh Miktarians body was dragged to the road near this hydrant after he was shot multiple times in the head during a traffic stop. His blood draining from his body into the pavement near this hydrant.
Every year on that date and time officers from all over meet and place a lit flare at this hydrant. Every time Twinsburg Police drive past this hydrant it’s a reminder of that horrific incident. An incident both Twinsburg Police and Fire endured.
A couple officers felt it was time to spruce up that hydrant as it is a symbolic location where Officers realized there was no bringing Josh back. We would forever have those horrible images of the destruction done to Josh as we knelt around his lifeless body. Only the voice of one senior officer yelling at us to "Go find this Guy" broke the shock we were in, as we left Josh's side and proceeded to clear vehicles and setup a perimeter in the area we thought the suspect might be.
The work done on this hydrant is beyond expectations and fitting for the sacrifice Josh gave to the city of Twinsburg. It will forever be a permanent fixture and a reminder of that sacrifice.
Thank you to Twinsburg Rotary. AC Bosso and Shannon Collins for helping to make this happen. We are forever grateful for the continued support and dedication.
Sunday, Oct. 11th marked the second annual “Jeep Invasion” event held at the Mayfield Rd. Drive-In Theater in Munson Twp. This year close to 200 varieties of Jeep Wranglers from 1944 to brand new received a bountiful goody bag when they entered and participated in the 50 mile drive through scenic Geauga County. The route this year included some off road sections that put the jeeps through their paces.
Upon completion of the drive entrants regrouped back at the drive- in for hot dogs and refreshments and the announcement of prizes. Over 50 gifts of all types were handed out to the participants based on their free raffle ticket numbers in their goody bags. A separate 50/50 raffle raised $640 and the winner chose to take only $80 (for gas he said) and donated the rest of his share to the Veterans. The entire event raised over $12,000 for many Geauga County Veterans programs. A military presentation of the flag, the national anthem played over the sound system and the display of about 20 military jeeps proceeded the start of the tour. The 200 participants easily topped last year’s count of 140 and the RC of Burton-Middlefield looks forward to growing this event in the future as we feel it has much more potential for success.
The Jeep Wrangler owners are a great group of people and enjoy the camaraderie of getting together with other owners and showing off their Jeeps. The Rotary staff received many positive compliments about the event and the desire for another one next year.
The annual BW Rotaract’s international fundraiser raised $1,309 on Dec. 3 to benefit Fundacion el Arenal – a non-profit in Cuenca, Ecuador, that helps at-risk children. Rotaract’s goal was $1,000. Fundacion el Arenal provides educational and social services to the children of families who bring their goods to sell at La Feria Libre market. Most of these families are low-income with few resources. Rotaract funds will pay for school supplies and a laptop computer. Kaylee McKee, Rotaract president, will deliver the items during Winter Break.
Fundacion el Arenal was founded in 1997 and serves more than 60 children and teens with after-school programming, mental health counseling and a lunch program. Thirty-five students and Rotarians logged on to the Zoom-based fundraiser on Friday night. They were treated to an Oreo-eating contest, potato sack race, cake decorating contest (the winner used M&M’s) and the ever-popular High Heel Contest – a repeat from last year, among other fun activities. Last year’s champ, Kaylee McKee, was bested by Grant Cordle, who rocked those spike heels.
Rotaract adviser Marc West gave it his best shot in the lip sync contest.
At the $900 giving level, Marc West got pied by Kaylee McKee, but Marc got his revenge when he pied Kaylee and Rotaract Vice President Maddie Robinson. Two-at-a-time! Good job, Marc. The “pies” were 100 per cent whipped cream.
Members of the Rotary Club of Hudson, Scout Troop 321 and the Hudson Heritage Association have formed a task force to undertake restoration of the 90-year-old log cabin, located on Hudson’s West Village Green. Originally built in 1931 by the Scouts and Rotary, the log cabin is in considerable disrepair. The restoration project will ensure that an important historic landmark continues to enhance the Hudson Green and provide a traditional meeting place for scouting activities for the next one hundred years.
For close to a century, Scout meetings have been held once a week in the log cabin supplemented by community-oriented activities throughout the year. Over 125 Eagle Scouts have emanated from this cabin, setting a high standard for future generations of Hudson youth.
The restoration project will include replacement of the deteriorating exterior chinking(the insulating substance placed between the logs), repair and/or replacement of damaged/missing Wormy Chestnut logs, providing ADA accessibility and replacement of rotted roof eaves/soffits, fascia boards and rafters. The log cabin’s foundation and interior are in good condition, with electrical, lighting and mechanical system upgrades implemented in recent years.
The Rotary Club of Hudson will lead the $200,000 fundraising campaign with a $10,000 grant from its Foundation and proceeds from its 36th annual Gala in May 2022. In addition, it is anticipated that the Rotary District, the State of Ohio, scouting families, community foundations, organizations, businesses and individuals will consider donating to the restoration project. Significant contributing donors will be recognized on a Donor Plaque that will be prominently displayed inside the log cabin.
We encourage Hudson families and individuals to participate in the donor brick/paver campaign. The donor bricks and pavers will be placed along the edges of the log cabin’s west entrance walkway.
To purchase bricks and to donate to the Scouts Historic Log Cabin Restoration project, please go to the Rotary Club of Hudson site www.rotaryhudson.org.
Explore the Scout cabin history and scouting activities, follow the progress of the log cabin restoration and track the success of the fundraising campaign also at www.rotaryhudson.org.
The Scouts, Rotary and Hudson community thank all participants for their support and generosity in this important restoration project.
"Just dessert" after Chagrin Documentary Film Festival awards ceremony Saturday night at M Italia with a very proud film maker. I am so happy for Travis Pollert (pictured) and Jacob Kostelli and their team to be recognized for their passion and dedication to our work! Our documentary film “Open Hearts” followed one of our missions into Haiti for children’s heart surgeries and won the “Service above Self Award”’ This award was one of 9 awards made out of the 97 films accepted from hundreds of submissions from 38 countries. I was so pleased to see it on the big screen and feel the power of their story telling last Wednesday night. It was a .wonderful opportunity to share with so many of you that have heard me speak about Gift of Life North East Ohio. Now you were able to see and feel the impact of what we do. Thank you all for your continued support.
Travis is working through a distribution contract they have received from Gravitas Ventures for distribution of the film in the United States and Canada. They will be expanding internationally if all goes well and I have offered to notify Rotary Clubs, Districts and Gift of Life programs around the work on how to view the film once we know. I am hoping we can set up a simple purchasing process so clubs can buy and show it as an international projects night at their clubs. We will see?
If you attended this year’s Interaction Conference, you already know the students knocked it out of the park! Hosted by West Geauga High School on Saturday, November 6th, just under 100 students from 11 different Interact clubs gathered together to celebrate Interact. The event was sponsored by the Geauga West Rotary Club, who provided breakfast as well as support for everyone throughout the entire day. Students participated in bonding activities and icebreakers, and shared their club’s accomplishments for the past year and plans for the future. A special thank you to Will Underwood and Bob Heydorn for presenting about the Four-Way Test Speech Contest and the Youth Exchange Program, as well as to all other Rotarians who were able to attend!
Many students came prepared with wonderful ideas for a District-wide service project. Students worked in groups to decide which ideas were the best, and then voted on which project to adopt. This year, the service project that was chosen was to support the Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio. The mission of the Ronald McDonald House, according to their website, is to “enhance the healthcare experience for families and children through comfort, care and supportive services.” This organization truly does wonderful work, and I encourage all of you to check out their website for more information on what they are able to do to help families going through unimaginable situations. You can see more at https://www.rmhcneo.org/.
Our students are planning on supporting this amazing organization through many different means. Some of the ways you can help contribute are:
Collect pull tabs from pop cans. RMH collects these tabs and submits them for money. Last year they were able to make more than $6,000 from these tabs!
Sponsor a room at the house. The cost for a family to stay in a room is $100. RMH asks families for a donation of $20 when they stay in a room, but many families are unable to contribute. Families are never turned away because they can’t pay, so RMH appreciates donations from people like us. You can donate online and learn more information at https://www.rmhcneo.org/ways-to-give/room-sponsorship/.
Contribute to their Amazon Wishlist. RMH has a constant need for many different items, and an easy way to help is to buy something from their wishlist. The items are sent directly to RMH, so you don’t have to worry about dropping something off or shipping items yourself. Here is the link to the Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XXZBUFNHGZBM?ref_=wl_share
Unfortunately, the vast majority of the volunteer opportunities at RMH are suspended due to Covid. However, I encourage you to check back on their website later to see if there are other ways you can help out!
As always, thank you all for your support of our youth and the district service project!
Thanks to BW Rotaractors for staffing the Berea Rotary and Rotaract tables at Berea's Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 16. Thanks also to Bob Huge and his family for setting up the Rotary inflatable.
This Rotary sign marks the entrance to the Coe Lake Nature Trail off the American Legion Post 91 parking lot. More than 1,000 children plus parents and grandparents took part in Trick-or-Treating on the Trails.
Rotaractors supplied all of the candy plus designed and printed a flier promoting Berea Rotary. The flier was handed out to parents and will be used at the Non-Profit Information Fair on Tuesday.
Berea Rotary takes part in Non-Profit Fair
Berea Rotary staffed a table at the Berea Branch Library on Tuesday, Oct. 19 as part of the library’s Non-Profit Information Fair. Linda Kramer held down the fort with the help of Marc West. Thank you, Marc!
We handed out information about Rotary and talked to folks about what we do. We also had some productive conversations with other non-profits at the fair. There were 13 organizations with displays. Some might make interesting partners in a future joint project. More on this later.
District 6630 holds successful in person Annual Foundation Event!
District 6630 held its Annual Rotary Foundation Event Thursday, November 11th at Windows on the River. Over 100 Rotarians and guests attended.
District Governor, Larry Lohman presided over the event in which we heard from Kevin Kelly, TRF Major Gifts Officer, who discussed The Rotary Foundations’ (TRF) successes over the previous year, its focus and outlook for the coming year.
Pat Myers, Immediate Past District Governor, reviewed many of the successful club projects that took place during her year as DG. Pat and Jim Lechko, District Foundation Chair, presented Rotary clubs with awards and recognized individuals for their contributions and commitment to TRF.
Clubs were recognized as 100% TRF Giving and Every Rotarian Every Year, Polio Plus Clubs and the Top Three giving clubs. Individuals were recognized as Major Donors, Bequest Society Members and Paul Harris Society members. Nine Rotary clubs qualified to award Paul Harris Fellows to individuals for their support of TRF, club activities or living out the ideals of Rotary.
To view the highlights of the nights’ program including the lists of awardees and those recognized for their support of TRF:
The Rotary Club of Akron held its annual meeting in December and elected its new officers for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. In addition, officers for the Rotary Camp for Special Needs Children and the Akron Rotary Foundation were also elected - these entities operate on a calendar year basis.
The Rotary Club of Akron
Executive Team: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
President: Lynda Farkas
President Elect: Tom Knauer
Vice President: Nathanael Billow
Secretary: Terry Dalton
Treasurer: Michael Gladysz
Directors: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2025
Charles Billington III
Connor Jarvis
David Miller
Rima Muakkassa
The Akron Rotary Foundation
The Akron Rotary Foundation runs on a calendar year.
New Directors (terms as indicated):
Carol Marturano-Becker (two-year term ending 12/31/2023)
Marcia Holcomb (three-year term ending 12/31/2024)
Joe Swiatkowski (three-year term ending 12/31/2024)
The Akron Rotary Camp
The Rotary Camp runs on a calendar year.
New Directors: January 1, 2022- December 31, 2024
Amador Gonzalez
Bill Manby, Jr.
Sandy Naragon
Pat O'Neill
Bill Post
Ginny Wojno
Mike Wojno
Submitted by Karen Hrdlicka:
If you want a model for #positiveaging, look no farther than fellow Rotarian Malcolm Costa, which is why I nominated him to be a hall of fame inductee. Congratulations Malcolm, awesome citizen, amazing leader and fellow Rotarian.
President/CEO of Community Action Akron Summit, Inc.
Malcolm J. Costa has devoted his life to community service: developing programs and creating opportunities to benefit workers in Akron and Northeast Ohio.
Born and raised in Akron, Mr. Costa is a graduate of Akron South High School. He started his career at the IBM Corporation as a computer service dispatcher while earning a bachelor’s degree. From 1972 to 1974, Costa served as Director, United Services for All at the Akron Urban League while pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Studies and Public Administration. From 1974-1977, Costa held the position of Director of Student Development at Youngstown State University where he designed and implemented programs for non-traditional students. Costa also completed his master’s degree in Urban Studies at the University of Akron in 1977.
Since 1977, Costa has served as President/CEO, Community Action Akron Summit, Inc. where he manages 250 employees operating Head Start, the Foster Grandparent Program, Emergency Services, Child Assault Prevention, Emergency Home Energy Assistance (E-HEAP), and other community programs. In 1983, when Community Action Akron Summit, Inc. (formerly Akron Summit Community Action, Inc.) and Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership created the Greater Ohio Health and Welfare Benefits Plan (GOHIO), Costa was appointed as a trustee and vice chairman for 600 employees’ health benefits; he was elected chairman and administrator of the trust in 1989. Costa is certified as a community action professional (1996) by the National Association of Community Action Agencies. From 1994-2001, Costa served as an outside director of Bank One Akron NA. He is also a graduate of the 1990 Class of Leadership Akron.
Costa currently serves as Secretary - Downtown Akron Partnership. He received the University of Akron Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000.
Mr. Costa and his wife Crystal Ann have five children.
Mike Kovack, Medina County Auditor and "Quiz Master," welcomed Table Team Sponsor Medina Sunrise Rotary and and the other team contestants to the 2021 Match Wits Trivia Competition Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser to support Project LEARN of Medina County.
An evening of fun, folly and good fellowship was complemented by an excellent buffer dinner at the Blue Heron Event Center with desserts provided by the Honey Bee Bakery and autumn table decorations from Prudence Aylsworth.
Guru assistance was provided for the 8 trivia categories: Law, Tea, Disney, Nursing, Astronomy, Theatre, Olive Oil, and Music Terminology. Did you know that within our solar system there are 4 planets which have rings and that the Cleveland Playhouse is America's oldest continuously existing theatre venue? Hearty laughter and warm applause greeted this year's Match Wits' Champions - "Quizitina Aguilera".
100% of every dollar raised supports Project LEARN of Medina County's literacy programs, which include: adult literacy, Reading & Math, English as a Foreign Language, US Citizenship Testing, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Testing, State Nursing Assistant Exam, and the BookShelf.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MEDINA SUNRISE ROTARY MATCH WITS TEAM:
Kent & Wendy Morgan, Will & Kathy Koran, Mark & Becky Rahija, Ed Jakubick and David Lariviere
JACOB SEBAUGH PRESENTS HIS EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT TO ROTARY
Jacob Sebaugh, a student athlete at Medina High School and Boy Scout Troop 507 Leader, presented his completed Eagle Scout project to Medina Sunrise Rotary this morning. After his presentation, Jacob was honored by Past Rotary Club President Kevin Wermer and Jack Young*, Chair of Rotary International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians.
"My Scoutmaster Craig Wrobleski pointed me in the direction of Medina Sunrise Rotary for a Community Partnership. My project was designing and building a deck/ramp for a citizen of Medina who had been diagnosed with ALS, which is a disease that targets the muscles of the human body and after around a year basic tasks such as walking become challenging to where the patient is now wheelchair bound. The ramp's purpose is to add a second escape route if some house emergency were to happen and to allow her to spend her last few years with her family outside enjoying life. Thank You Rotary!"
Jacob is an aspiring young engineer whose academic achievements, commitment to service in the community, and leadership in scouting give us every confidence of his future success.
PDG Jack Young also presented him with a special Rotary Scouting pin for his accomplishments.
PHOTO (L to R): Dan Sebaugh - Jacob's father, Jack Young - Chair Rotary International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, Jacob Sebaugh - Troop 507 Leader & Eagle Scout Candidate, Kevin Wermer - Past Rotary Club President & Assistant Governor, Craig Wrobleski - Troop 507 Scoutmaster
MEDINA ROTARY INDUCTS COMMUNITY LEADER ANNA GUY-LEACH
Rotary District Governor Larry Lohman was the honored guest at Medina Sunrise Rotary this morning to conduct the induction ceremony of community leader Anna Guy-Leach, Children's Advocate and Development Director of the Children's Center of Medina County.
"Our mission at the Children's Center is reducing trauma by providing a pathway to healing for children and families impacted by abuse, neglect, and exploitation," said Anna. "We are grateful to be a partner with Medina Sunrise Rotary and for the generosity of our community this past week at Art With A Heart for Children Auction & Benefit that ensured children experiencing abuse and neglect receive caring and vital services here at the Children's Center."
Dear Rotary Members in Zones 30 and 31, Rotarians are People of Action.
Throughout the world in disaster recovery situations, our compassion and commitment to service are a significant part of relief efforts. Right here, right now, your help is needed here in our own zones.
The tornado that touched down Kentucky has devastated communities in 18 counties in our District 6710. The loss of life in many small towns, such as Dawson Springs and Mayfield, is heartbreaking, and survivors have lost their communities, their homes and livelihoods. In many areas, there is limited electricity, resources for food, gasoline and supplies and medical services. Now more than ever is the time for us to live our hashtag, #Rotary Responds.
Rotary District Governor Gail Story and the leadership of District 6710 are in the process of assembling a committee to identify needs and coordinate response across affected areas.
Here’s how you can help.
• Please make a donation, and encourage your club, club members and district to make a donation.
• Donations can be sent to the following address:
Rotary District 6710 Relief Fund c/o Sheila Stoke 7906 Westover Drive Prospect, KY 40059
Donations will be used to help affected communities in District 6710 Kentucky. At this time, donations are not tax-deductible, a tax-deductible option may be available in the future. If you have a network to suppliers who are willing to donate supplies, or are considering sending a team of recovery volunteers, please contact Kaytlin Edwards at kedwards.rotary@gmail.com.
Please consider helping those who have lost so much by responding with a donation. Thank you for being a Rotarian, and on behalf of District 6710 and people of Kentucky, thank you for your compassion.
Elizabeth Usovicz Director, Rotary Zones 30 and 31
I first want to thank all of you for reaching out and asking, what can we do? You are all so special and your kindness is what makes our world a better place. You give us hope for the future as we begin to rebuild our cities, towns, and our lives.
You will see my video above and other information related to what can be done now to assist the communities and victims of these devastating tornadoes.
I am grateful for your generosity and willingness to help. I apologize for the lack of words but I still cannot breathe.
Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
Welcome Rotarians to October! It is hard to believe that the First quarter of this Rotary years is already past. Time really does fly, your tomorrows all to quickly become your yesterdays. Take a minute and step back. Look at what is going on around you and take time to enjoy it.
As District Governor I am sure you can imagine what my schedule may look like. Not only am I DG, I work fulltime, and most importantly I am a father and husband. Sometimes when juggling these we forget what our priorities are, and we allow one thing to dominate our time. Dominating our time, no running our lives is closer to what happens. Once this happens the next thing we know is that time has passed, and we are not sure what we have missed.
Over the years I have fallen into this trap. I had family and friends try to tell me that I needed to take time to rest, relax and spend time with my loved ones. My response all to often was, Once I finished what ever I was doing I would take that time. Most of the time I would still just move from one thing to the next without ever taking a break. I found that I was stressed, not focused and honestly not very happy.
As I have moved through life, I have come to understand why it is important to take time for myself and my loved ones. Not taking this time is detrimental to your health, relationships, your family, work, and whatever you are trying to focus on. By taking this time you are allowing yourself to recuperate. When you have allowed your body the rest it needs, you will be able to perform at a much higher level, you will be happy and confident.
I have started setting aside time for myself, my family, and friends. Friday evenings through the fall are spent watching my daughter march the halftime show at the football game. Sundays are a day for me and my family. I have found that I enjoy my time at work and serving as a Rotarian more when I have taken the needed time to relax and enjoy those around me.
Please set aside time for you to recuperate from your busy schedule. Let me pass this piece of advice on that a very special person once told me. “Rotary will always be here tomorrow”.
The Dragon Dream Team was on Good Morning America Oct. 5th
GMA chose our organization and achievements to introduce Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
GMA spent a day with us in Pittsburgh September 26 filming at the Pittsburgh Dragonboat Festival (where we were competing) and interviewing various members. GMA will be broadcasting a live segment from our boathouse on Rex Lake this Tuesday morning!
It's exciting to be able to showcase the camaraderie and support this group provides to our members and newly-diagnosed patients in our area, and to encourage survivors to live an active life after breast cancer!
Many Rotary members have participated in the Dragon on the Lake Festival and know how beneficial and fun paddling together can be!
Our annual Trick-or-Treat will be held Sunday, October 31, 5-7pm
Our annual Trick-or-Treat will be held on Sunday, October 31, 5-7pm.
In order to make this fun for our campers and their families we are asking for donations of bags of wrapped candy, or by making a monetary donation. Campers will have the opportunity to Trick-or-Treat from cabin to cabin and enjoy a s’more around the campfire afterwards.
Donations can be dropped off at the camp office, or with Mella or Amanda at Rotary Lunch, by Friday, October 29, 2021.
Thank you for your support!
Presented by fellow Rotarian, Geraldine Wojno Kiefer
August 28 – October 29, 2021 at Akron Women’s City Club, 732 W. Exchange
Residencies, Reflections, Rememberings
A Retrospective Exhibition of Landscapes and Maps, Dedicated to Bruce W. Kiefer
> > October 16th 5pm-7pm:Reception, given by Virginia Wojno
The drawings comprise imaginative places inspired both by historical reproductions (exploratory sketches, Chinese brush paintings, historical maps) and by Dr. Kiefer’s processes of making, which include soaking watercolor papers in coffee-based solutions, then drawing and/or collaging over them. The colored-pencil-overlaid photographs were taken both by Dr. Kiefer and her late husband, Bruce Kiefer, architect and master art photographer.
As announced on September 10, 2021, we are currently seeking applications for our 2024-2025 District 6630 Governor. One of the most important decisions we make as a District is selecting our future leaders, and we are seeking the most qualified person for the position of District Governor.
If you are willing to share your leadership skills, passion, talent, and love to work collaboratively as a team with other leaders, we hope you will seriously consider this opportunity.
Qualifications of a Governor-Nominee. - R.I. Bylaws Section 16.010
Unless excused by the board, the person selected as a governor-nominee shall at the time of selection:
(a) be a member in good standing of a functioning club in the district.
(b) have served as club president for a full term or as charter president for at least six months.
(c) demonstrate willingness, commitment, and ability to fulfill the duties and
responsibilities of a governor in section 16.030.
(d) demonstrate knowledge of the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of governor as prescribed in the bylaws; and
(e) submit to RI a statement that the Rotarian understands those qualifications, duties, and responsibilities, is qualified for the office of governor, and is willing and able to assume and faithfully perform those duties and responsibilities.
Qualifications of a Governor- R. I. Bylaws Section 16.020 Unless excused by the board, a governor, when taking office, must have attended the International Assembly for its full duration, have been a Rotarian for at least seven years.
The members of the 2021-2022 Nominating Committee are as follows:
Chair/Immediate Past District Governor Patricia Myers (Hudson Clocktower)
Dr.Stephen Atkins (Willoughby)
Julie Brouhard (Cleveland)
Denise DiDonato (Conneaut)
Dr. Shail Jain (Medina Sunrise)
Todd Kiick (Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise)
PDG John Reyes (Akron)
Randy Rininger (Port Summit)
Adam Sonnhalter (North Ridgeville)
Chelsea Talty (Geauga-West)
PDG Stephen Zabor Ph.D. (Mantua)
Our District 6630 Nominating Committee will comply with RI’s election guidelines as described in the R.I. By-Laws-Articles 12 and 13 and the Rotary Code of Policies – sections:17.030.3, 17,040, 19.030.
A fundamental principle of Rotary is that the best qualified candidate should be selected for service in elective offices. The RI Bylaws prohibit any effort by a candidate, a candidate’s supporter, or any Rotarian to influence the selection process in a positive or negative manner, including, but not limited to, campaigning or canvassing. The RI Board developed these guidelines to assist Rotarians in better understanding election procedures.
The 17th annual Lou Groza Charity Golf Event was Sept. 2 at Bunker Hill Golf Course in Medina, our second year at this location. The weather was in the 70s and sunny.
The winning team was headed by Herbie Munoz, who owns a Berea business. Munoz said he’d be back next year and would be a sponsor. His team shot a 63. Thanks, Herbie! Coming in second was the Guy Turner team of Richie Ballantine, Greg Tomacek and Dave Pedersen. They shot a 64. Other winners were Judge Mark Comstock, longest putt; Curtis Grey, closest to the pin; Dave Millen, longest drive for a man; and Cathy “Cookie” Fortesque, longest drive for a woman. Winner of the $113 in the 50/50 raffle was Don Wcislo.
The day was capped with buffet of barbecued ribs, chicken, kielbasa, beans and potato salad.
The Lou Groza Charity Golf Event attracted seven four-somes to Bunker Hill Golf Course in Medina on Thursday, Sept. 2. We had a shotgun start at 9 a.m.
Winning team included Herbie Munoz, Dillon Munoz, Ace Salgado and Eric Hirsch.
Thanks to Berea Rotary's Golf Committee: Bob Huge, Linda Kramer, Bob Hammer and Alexa, Bob Huge's granddaughter and super 50/50 raffle ticket seller.
Mike Kovack, Medina County Auditor and "Quiz Master," welcomed Table Team Sponsor Medina Sunrise Rotary and and the other team contestants to the 2021 Match Wits Trivia Competition Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser to support Project LEARN of Medina County.
An evening of fun, folly and good fellowship was complemented by an excellent buffer dinner at the Blue Heron Event Center with desserts provided by the Honey Bee Bakery and autumn table decorations from Prudence Aylsworth.
Guru assistance was provided for the 8 trivia categories: Law, Tea, Disney, Nursing, Astronomy, Theatre, Olive Oil, and Music Terminology. Did you know that within our solar system there are 4 planets which have rings and that the Cleveland Playhouse is America's oldest continuously existing theatre venue? Hearty laughter and warm applause greeted this year's Match Wits' Champions - "Quizitina Aguilera".
100% of every dollar raised supports Project LEARN of Medina County's literacy programs, which include: adult literacy, Reading & Math, English as a Foreign Language, US Citizenship Testing, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Testing, State Nursing Assistant Exam, and the BookShelf.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MEDINA SUNRISE ROTARY MATCH WITS TEAM:
Kent & Wendy Morgan, Will & Kathy Koran, Mark & Becky Rahija, Ed Jakubick and David Lariviere
Medina Leaders Represented at NSME Accent of Excellence Awards Gala
Tangier - 532 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44303
Community leaders representing Medina participated in the NSME 49th Annual Accent on Excellence Awards Gala, hosted at Tangier in Akron on Thursday evening.
Tim Dimoff, President/CEO of SACS Consulting and Master of Ceremonies, along with 350 attendees, recognized personal and professional accomplishments of the 2021 Achievement of Excellence Awards Recipients which included the Outstanding Community Leader of the Year - Stuart Muszynski, President/CEO of Values-in Action Foundation and the Outstanding Executive of the Year - Don Taylor, CEO of Welty Building Company.
National Sales & Marketing Executives (NSME), an awesome professional association, provides high-caliber educational and valuable networking opportunities for sales and marketing leaders in the greater Akron/Canton region. NSME Akron/Canton members are known for identifying and mastering emerging trends and exemplify thought-leadership in their industries. Learn more at: https://nsmeakroncanton.org/
PHOTO (L to R):
Tim & Dianne Hagerty, David Lariviere, Anna Guy-Leach, Ashley & Fred Krause (missing from photo: Katy & Mark Fuerst, Janie Parish)
Everyone who owns a Jeep is invited to come and join the fun and games with a goody bag for each entrant, many prizes to be given away and a great tour through beautiful Geauga County with fall colors on full display.
Event includes a tour of scenic Geauga led by the Geauga County Sheriff including non-automotive trails in parts of the county park system. On line registration encouraged at Burton Middlefield Rotary website.
Rotary Club of Fairlawn’s 10th Speakeasy Fundraiser
Is October 23rd, 2021
The Rotary Club of Fairlawn will host its 10th annual Speakeasy Fundraiser on October 23, 2021, from 6:00 -11:00, at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. The Rotary Club of Fairlawn joins forces with Akron Children’s Hospital, Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation, Blick Center, and The Fairlawn Rotary Foundation to make this a very special event. This year’s Service Above Self Award will be presented to Rennick & DeeDee Andreoli for their service and dedication to our community.
The Rotary Club of Fairlawn has raised over $1 million for children in this community and around the world since 1964. The Speakeasy event is the club’s major fundraiser. Its purpose is to help fund special projects for local charities. Through the Fairlawn Rotary Foundation, this year’s proceeds will help local organizations that support children’s education, health and welfare. As this year’s recipients, Akron Children’s Hospital, Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer foundation, Blick Center, and the Fairlawn Rotary Foundation will receive proceeds from this event. At our last event, the Rotary Club of Fairlawn raised nearly $40,000 for local organizations.
The Speakeasy fundraiser will be a fun-filled evening of dancing to a live band in a nostalgic speakeasy atmosphere. The ticket price of $125 per person includes a sit-down dinner, an oral and silent auction, raffle entries for fabulous prizes, a cash bar and a “best-dressed” costume contest. Of course, the real winners will be the children of our community.
The Rotary Club’s efforts to support local charities and build goodwill throughout the community stem from Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Rotary’s compassion stretches well beyond Akron as it works to combat polio, poverty and illiteracy on national and international levels. Rotary focuses on service projects encompassing peace and conflict prevention and resolution, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, and economic and community development. To purchase event/raffle tickets or make a donation to the Speakeasy fundraiser, visit www.speakeasy.fairlawnrotary.com. For additional information, please contact Mark Whitlam at 330-321-8141 or at mark@jcwhitlam.com.
Corporate sponsorships start at $395, and program advertising starts at $50. If you are unable to attend, but would like to help, please send your check to the Fairlawn Rotary Foundation, Inc, at P.O. Box 13063, Fairlawn, Ohio 44334. The Fairlawn Rotary Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3).
CDC guidelines, state, local and venue requirements are to be in effect on the date of the event.
Due to Covid 19, Harvest Auction took a hiatus in 2020.
Chardon Rotary’s largest annual fundraiser will return this year, Friday, October 29, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mayfield Heights.
Many and varied donated items will be auctioned off via:
Silent Auction
Chinese Auction
Live Auction conducted by professional auctioneer Scott Mihalic
In addition, guests can bet on their luck on game boards to win hard to find wines or to stock their bar or to secure a bundle of Lottery Tickets. Guests can also win cash via an all-night 50/50 Raffle.
This year’s highlighted beneficiary via our Call to the Heart finale is the Salvation Army.
Many other causes are supported throughout the year from the proceeds of the event which start at 6:00 pm and lasts until approx.. 11:00.
A sample of who we support financially and through volunteer activities are as follows:
Maple Highlands Pavilion
211-United Way
Community Fund Partnership
Adopt-A-Highway Rte. 44
Adopt-A-Family
Old Glory Days
Home Delivered Meals
Salvation Army Clothing Drive
Chardon Fireworks
WomenSafe
Geauga County Home
Polio Eradication
Rock Foundation School - Masindi, Uganda
Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti
Thailand Sister Club
Rotary Student Exchange
Shelter Box - World Wide Relief
Chardon High School Interact Club
Five Scholarships for High School Seniors
NatureScope Binocular Program
Science Olympiad Support
Summer Reading Program
Third Grade Project
Tickets are now on sale. Guests can enjoy a full course sit down dinner and an open bar and all Auction activities throughout the proceedings.
Several sponsorship opportunities are still available.
If you have a service or item that you wish to donate, wish to sponsor, or to learn more about this event, please contact Steve Turpin at stevturpin@aol.com
As World Polio Day on 24 October approaches, we need everyone’s help to raise awareness about Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio for good. Download the World Polio Day Toolkit for resources and tips that will help you plan activities and promote a polio-free world on social media. Follow us @EndPolioNow to learn more about protecting children around the world from this paralyzing disease.
Register your club’s participationin World Polio Day to show how Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs around the world are taking action to eradicate polio. If you register your events, fundraisers, and promotions by 14 October, you’ll get early access to a download of Rotary’s World Polio Day Global Update one week before the program will be shown on 24 October on Rotary’s Facebook page and endpolio.org.
We are writing to share upcoming changes to Zoom software releases designed to optimize security and platform performance that may require action.
Beginning November 1, 2021, customers will be required to update their Zoom software to ensure it is no more than nine months behind the current version, at any given time. From that point on, users will be prompted to update their software when using the platform should their version fall behind this nine-month window. For example, if on November 1st the latest version of the Zoom Client was released in September 2021, customers who try to access Zoom services with a version prior to January 2021 will be prompted to update to a more recent version in order to access the platform.
This change is in line with industry practices and designed to help ensure that Zoom users receive the latest Zoom features, as well as any privacy and security enhancements we make to the platform. To prepare for the new schedule, we recommend customers update to the latest release supported by their organization or at minimum software version 5.5.0, prior to November 1st. Starting in September, we will introduce a prompted update to help customers update to the latest version of the Zoom client. If you have prompted updates turned off for your organization, you will not see the prompt.
As always, we recommend you regularly download and update to the latest version of the Zoom software by checking for updates within the Zoom client or by navigating to zoom.us/download to take advantage of all our latest security and functionality features.
This policy will affect:
Zoom Client: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android (5.5.0)
Zoom Rooms (5.5.0)
Zoom Rooms Controller (5.5.0)
Zoom Phone Appliances (5.6.0)
Outlook Plug-in (5.5.1)
Browser Scheduler Extensions for Chrome (1.6.3) & Firefox (2.1.13)
VDI Client (5.5.0)
Virtual Room Connector (4.4.6)
Meetings Connector (4.6.3)
Recording Connector (3.8.41)
Client SDK (5.5.0)
Please note that while the minimum Zoom Client software version required for this schedule is 5.5.0, we may require additional updates outside of this release window to address larger security or compliance features. We always encourage customers to look at our release notes for any included security enhancements.
We will continue to share reminders and additional information as we approach the implementation of this policy. Thank you for your partnership as we continually work to make our platform more secure and deliver a better experience for our customers. Please feel free to reach out to the Zoom Support Teamif you have any additional questions or need assistance to update your organization.
A ShelterBox Response Team is currently in the Dominican Republic in response to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti on Saturday.
Buildings have been flattened and hospitals already under strain from COVID-19 are overwhelmed.
Recent reports have confirmed that more than 138,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged leaving nearly 1 million people displaced after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on August 14, 2021. .
A ShelterBox team is on the ground working with fellow humanitarians to assess damage reports, understand from communities what they need, and working on the challenging logistics of delivering aid to areas where buildings have been reduced to rubble during a pandemic.
Communities who have lost their homes to disasters like these urgently need your support. Please donate and bring hope to a family today.
WHAT HAPPENED IN HAITI?
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the west of Haiti on the morning of August 14.
The epicenter was 90 miles from the densely populated capital of Port-au-Prince and was felt across the Caribbean.
Search and rescue is the priority right now, so damage reports will soar in the coming days and weeks.
Haiti is still recovering from the devastating earthquake in 2010 which caused extensive damage to infrastructure and the economy.
SHELTERBOX IN HAITI
ShelterBox has significant experience working in Haiti. We have worked there five times, including in 2010 after the magnitude 7 earthquake. 200,000 people lost their lives and 5 million people lost their homes.
With over 20 years of experience, we are experts in emergency shelter after disaster. We often work in places that others don’t, making sure that we reach families who need support to take the next step in resuming their livelihoods.
From Cameroon to Syria, all the way to the Philippines and the Caribbean, we have provided shelter to over 2 million people so far. And in these uncertain times, your support is more valuable than ever.
A family sits outside their ShelterBox tent in Haiti, after the devastating earthquake killed thousands in 2010.
Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
Hello fellow Rotarians, and welcome to another sunny day in the Rotary world! Let’s talk Youth Services. By a show of hands who here is a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle and/or cousin to someone under the age of 18? WOW, I see that everyone has their hands up, and I see several that have both hands up. Now with the same sign, but only one hand this time, how many of you bring these youth to your club meeting, service project and fund raisers? I am not seeing as many hands. One more question, no need to raise your hands just think about this one, how many of you have discussed what Rotary is with the youth around you?
My introduction to Rotary happened at a very young age. From the time I could walk my father had me at Rotary service projects and fund raisers. When I entered high school my father started to bring me to the club meetings, my senior year of high school I attended at least a club meeting a month. Rotary was a common topic at our dinner table, so much that my brother and I would try to start conversations that had nothing to do with Rotary. To say the least, Rotary in our home was a way of life.
Now in raising my two daughters I have tried to instill in them the same values of service that my parents did in me. Like the dinner conversations that dominated the table when I was growing up, our dinner conversations today are very similar. My daughters have attended many events with me through the years. I am extremely proud that they have found their own path of service through our church and their schools. My oldest daughter helped to form the Interact club at her high school during her freshman year and served as an officer for 3 out of the 4 years, as a freshman in college she is joining the Rotaract Club.
So where am I going with this? It has been said that our youth are the future of Rotary, and I tend to agree with this. Yes, our youth are our future, but they are also our present. If we want to build passion in our members, we need to do this at a young age. Instill a sense of “Service above Self” from day one. Introduce them to Interact. You do know that Interact is not just for high school, but also for middle school. Then, during their Interact years, as they are preparing for the next stage of their lives, helps guide them to Rotaract.
In a conversation with our District Interact Chair Chelsea Talty, I asked for her recommendation as to a focus for Youth Services for this Rotary year. I was not disappointed as Chelsea had already put a great deal of thought into the answer she gave me. She suggested the formation of an Alumni style committee for our youth. The idea being that we need to keep in contact with all our youth as they graduate from high school and move onto their next pursuit in life. Not only does she want us to just keep in touch with our youth but wants this committee to help guide those youth as they are preparing for their lives after high school and introduce them to Rotaract. We can help find Rotaract clubs in the community where they are going to live or go to college. Imagine what could happen to Rotary if we retain all of these youth.
If you our any of your club members are interested in our youth programs, please contact me or Chelsea to get involved and help to sculpt the future of our youth.
As you read in last month's newsletter, my major focus this year is having Rotarians and Clubs tell their stories. Let’s start by telling our stories to our youth.
By the way if your hand is still raised you can put it down.
Our Club was pleased to welcome Olivia (Liv) Pilon on August 10, 2021.
Due to a job relocation, she transferred to the Akron Club from the Kent Club where she had been actively serving since October 1, 2019.
She ran the Four-Way Test Speech contest for the Kent Club and volunteered on all their service projects.
Liv is the District Executive at Summit County Boy Scouts of America (BSA). She has been with BSA since July, 2019 and was previously based in Portage County.
In addition, she volunteers with Hudson Alzheimer's Association and the Young Professional Group - Benjamin Rose for young Alzheimer's volunteers.
Liv is also a member of Kent Jaycees.
She graduated from KSU in 2019. with her Bachelors in Sociology.
Liv has a tremendous dedication to community service and we look forward to serving beside her to make a difference in the lives of others.
The following quote from Margaret Mead is shared on Liv's LinkedIn profile:
All social change comes from the passion of individuals.
Our Club inducted the following three new members on August 24th:
Laura Duda was previously a member of the Akron and Tampa Downtown Daybreak Rotary clubs. Julie Brandle serves as her current club sponsor and her original sponsor was Steve Shechter.
She said she is happy to reconnect with old Rotary friends and make some new friends.
Rotary has been deep in her heart for many years - she participated in a group study exchange program and lived in India for several months during the cultural exchange. Laura said, “it changed my life”. She participated in polio immunizations and visited rural areas of the country, where the only reason there is a hospital, ambulance and a school, is because of Rotary.
Along with other scholars she formed a club in Tampa where she served as President.
Duda is Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. As the chief communications officer, Duda leads all internal and external communications for the company, including public and media relations, employee communications, corporate reputation management, philanthropy and community relations, as well as Goodyear’s fleet of world-famous airships.
Raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Duda attended Western Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing & Editing. She later received her Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication from University of Florida and her Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Tampa. She is accredited in Public Relations and is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society and a graduate of Leadership Tampa, Leadership Greater Chicago and Leadership Akron.
In 2020 and 2021, Duda was named to the National Diversity Council’s Power 50, honoring women in the C-suite from top corporations who endeavor to improve not just departments and companies, but communities as well. She was also named to PR Week’s 2021 Hall of Femme, recognizing inspiring women who set the bar higher within their organizations, nominated by their peers and colleagues, and as one of the 2021 Women of Note by Crain’s Cleveland Business. Duda was Goodyear’s 2020 Employee Resource Group executive sponsor of the year for her work with the company’s Asia India Middle East (AIM) ERG. Duda is a board member of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and a trustee of the Institute for Public Relations and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Duda and her husband, Michael, both avid hikers, live in Northeast Ohio with their four-legged children.
Candace Harmon may be new to Rotary but not to community service! She has over 20 years serving with Girl Scouts where she is a lifetime member.
Harmon enjoys being actively involved and is a member of the Akron Chamber, Medina Women's Endowment Fund Board, AFP NEO, and Leadership Akron women's program.
She refers to herself a “camp nerd” and served as a camp director so she is excited about helping with projects at our Rotary Camp for Special Needs Children.
Tamara Mora is her sponsor and shared “Candace has been involved in Northeast Ohio for years. She will make a great Rotarian because she has a passion for the general betterment of the Akron community. She has been in fundraising/development/non-profit work for 7 years. Candace has a fun and caring spirit.”
Harmon currently works as the Strategic Partnership Manager for Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates and is a graduate of The University of Akron.
She is married to Travis and they live in Copley with their 3.5 year old daughter. Harmon and her family enjoy spending time outdoors.
Michelle Wilson is the Executive Director of Global Ties Akron (GTA). At GTA, Wilson is responsible for international exchanges for professional developments through the U.S. Department of State and has written grants to bring professionals
from a myriad of countries to Akron, Ohio, usually up to 8-10 delegations per year. She has met many of our members through her initiatives and has spoken at numerous Rotary Clubs.
GTA, under Wilson's leadership, provides outreach to the Akron community linking our local children to the international scene.
On her Linkedin profile she states "Through my work both with Global Ties Akron and in the community my focus is on building mutual understanding and respect, helping others to realize the value of diversity especially through global education and citizen diplomacy, and connecting the Akron area and Northeast Ohio to world leaders and changemakers to build a global network of community builders."
Her sponsor, Susan Colville-Hall said, “Michelle Wilson is a miracle worker. These groups experience a schedule of interaction with community services and industries suited to their professional needs. They may be medical teams, educators, civic engineers, government servants, etc. Friendships and international connections are formed and Akron benefits because the rest of the world knows Washington, D.C., New York City and Akron, Ohio!”
She and her husband John reside in New Franklin, Ohio.
AKRON CLUB PARTICIPATES IN
KENMORE CLEANUP DAY
Michael Irby, President of 100 Black Men with Akron Club President Steve Buie
(they are also high school buddies)
On Saturday, August 28th, club members co-labored with Akron's 100 Black Men and members from Goss Memorial Church in Kenmore to pick up trash, cans, bottles, etc., working with Kenmore Community Development Corporation and Tina Boyes of Keep Akron Beautiful. Thank you to all who participated!
Yours in Rotary Service,
Steve Buie 2021-2022 Rotary Club of Akron President Tel: 330-701-2970 Email: sbuie@learningrx.net
Members of 100 Black Men
Keep Akron Beautiful
L-R: Andrew Buie, Michael Irby, President 100 Black Men and Sharon Buie
Akron Rotaract Members: Tony Millman and Christian Morton
L-R: Sean from Kenmore CDC, Tina Boyes and Steve Buie
The Rotary Club Of Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise Sets Goals For The 2021-2022 Rotary Year
by Larry Faulhaber
Assistant District Governor Adam Sonnhalter administers the oath of office to Sunrise Rotary Club President Jason Pickering.
Newly installed Club President, Jason Pickering, has accepted the challenge of Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta, of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, to add members to Rotary. The R.I. Theme for his presidency is “Serve to Change Lives.” New members will join existing members to practice the motto of Rotary, “Service above Self.”
The Sunrise Rotary Club members work through committees such as Community, New Generations, Vocational and International Service. Service projects implemented by these committees can truly “Change Lives” in Lakewood and Rocky River.
At his installation on July 28, President Pickering challenged the Club members to reach out to friends and business associates, particularly younger men and women, and give them an opportunity to help “Change Lives” by joining Rotary!
R.I. President Shekhar Mehta has been a Rotarian since 1985. He trained as an accountant and founded a real estate development company, Skyline Group, which he also chairs. Jason Pickering, Sunrise Rotary President, lives in Lakewood and is active in his family’s farm and retail market in Avon, Ohio. The Sunrise Club has a Co-President, Marty Harris, a past president of the Club, who will assist Jason during peak farm work seasons and share work with the various committees.
Rotary is a vibrant organization with a 116 year history, with 1.2 million members in 220 countries and geographic areas. It is the oldest and largest service organization in the world. It has a rich legacy of work in polio eradication and other humanitarian programs. President Mehta’s goal is to add 100,000 members by June 30, 2022.
To find out how you can be a part of the dynamic organization of Rotary, visit the Rotary Club of Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise website, www.lrrsunriserotary.org.
You will learn more about how you can join with men and women in your area to give back through service in your community, and internationally. Then contact Kathy Berkshire at sloopyohio19@gmail.com.
Larry Faulhaber is Public Image Committee Chair for Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Rotary Club.
Larry Faulhaber
Larry Faulhaber is Public Image Committee Chair for Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Rotary Club
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE CLUB FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
by Jason Pickering
Sep. 18 - Trials for Hope Saturday bag packing from 10 am - Noon. If you are interested in joining or need more information, please sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/4n5hu477.
Oct. 13 - Noon Club Clambake social. More details to come. NO MORNING MEETING THIS WEEK
Oct. 14 - Rocky River Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. Our club will have a table. Please talk to Jason if you would like to help out as we will need volunteers to run the table from 1pm-6pm. This is a great way to get our name out in the community and to recruit new members. Details at the following link: https://www.rockyriverchamber.com/events/details/18th-annual-business-expo-382?calendarMonth=2021-10-01
Oct. 16 - Trials for Hope Saturday bag packing from 10 am - Noon. If you are interested in joining or need more information, please sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/4n5hu477.
The story begins back in 2009-2010, when a Medina Rotary Club member, Bill Cohen, approached Club President Dr. Kelly Low about a special project. Outgoing Medina Mayor Jane Leaver asked Bill about the possibility of an “entrance to the city” welcome sign. Shortly afterward, Bill saw an ad in the New York Times stating that non-profit organizations could apply to the Port Authority of NY and NJ for a remnant of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. The Medina Rotary Club applied and was awarded a large section of steel 9’3”x31”x24”, weighing approximately 1 ½ ton. It is an I-beam from the North Tower, the first building struck. Thanks to the generosity of Medina’s Krakowski Trucking, it was delivered to the Coleman Family of Standard Welding and Steel Products in Medina for storage and safekeeping in late summer 2011.
Local architect and friend of Bill Cohen’s, Bob Arnold, felt that the beam could not just be laid on the ground, but that “we need to do something amazing with it”.
Two questions needed answers. First, what was Medina’s direct connection to 9/11? After being hijacked, United Flight 93 flew over Medina County on its new route that was assumed would take it on to the U.S. Capitol. While we were all safe going about our daily business, a fight for life was taking place above our heads. Anywhere that day could have ended up as Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Very good reason to pause and reflect. The second question, where could a large display be placed in the city? While many locations were considered, including some of those “entrance to the city” sites, the search took several years. Finally, it was determined that an area adjacent to Medina Fire Station #1 would be an ideal location acknowledging all first responders and the nearby Medina County Veterans Services offices. Many people joined first responder organizations and the military because of what happened that day. This memorial permanently recognizes the sacrifices of all involved.
Dr. Low and Mayor Hanwell saw the project through to completion and the memorial was dedicated July 28, 2018. The Medina Sunrise Rotary Club is honored to continue the solemn remembrance of this day in our history.
The Medina 9/11 Memorial Park is adjacent to Medina Fire Station #1, 300 W. Reagan Parkway at the corner of N. Huntington St. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 AM. Limited parking will be available at the fire station and ample parking is available at Regal Cinemas across the street.
Haiti has been struck by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. The poorest country the western hemisphere is in real trouble. COVID infections and deaths are increasing, the government is struggling after the assassination of the president and gangs have increased civil unrest. Now an earthquake and unstable weather makes life unbearable. The fear is palpable.
Gift of Life Northeast Ohio has supported improved health care for children now for almost 10 years. Working with local Haitian Rotarians we have made great stride improving care at St. Damien Pediatric Hospital. Now is not the time to give up.
We are working with Akron Children’s Hospital to urgently prepare a 40 foot container with much needed medical supply to enable the hospital to care for children. We are asking for your help as this will take money to equip and send the supplies.
Donations for St. Damien Pediatric Hospital in Haiti should be made through Akron Children’s Office of Pediatric Global Health. This is lead by Dr. John Pope who many of you may have seen on channel 8 TV news this week with pictures of our last heart surgery mission into Haiti.
It allows you to see what our last 10 years in Haiti has been like doing heart surgery missions and training that put us in a better position to help this time.
By pre-ordering you will help us find more audience by improving the film's placement on its release day.
Please share the Gift of Life story with as many people as we can. Here's the link: https://apple.co/3kbgdS2
AN UPDATE FROM FATHER FRECHETTE
To all;
I wanted to share Father Frechette’s update (see below) one week after the earthquake. Recognize St. Luc Hospital mentioned in his text is the adult counterpart to St. Damien’s Children’s Hospital, all part of the same organization under Father Frechette. John Pope is still working on getting a container on its way to help replenish the systems supplies being targeted to the most affected areas of the countryside.
Thanks to all who donated to Akron Children’s Global Health as we continue to raise funds to help the Haitian team on the ground help their fellow countrymen.
Ken
Dear friends,
Our strategy is well underway, in collaboration with local authorities (State or Church or both), and is fourfold:
1. Our medical team is working daily with the people at the various tragic sites, with their base at Port Salut, 2. St Luc Hospital (among other hospitals) is receiving medically evaluated patients, 3. We are sending loads of supplies daily to our emergency medical team, to other St Luc clinics in the affected areas as they restart their function, and to hospitals and clinics in Jeremie and Les Cayes as we receive requests, 4. We are starting to put a solid roof over people's heads.
This is all in progress.
We have some roofing activity starting in Rendel, Morne Blanche (Nippes) and Aquin, but on a larger scale the St Luke leaders have practical plans for roofing for all affected St Luke staff, and families of school children, in the hard hit areas along the fault line. This may call for as many as 600 roofs. We are trying to avoid tarps and tents, and provide roof shelter that might be a first step to a new "house".
My own team and I just returned from our third trip to the south, delivering these loads of requested goods, and then going by motorcycle and by foot through muddy rivers, to visit communities and see where our teams are working and what more is needed.
On this trip we went to Jeremie, Maniche, Ranbo, Port Salut and Aquin.
We had a surprise on arriving to Jeremie late last night with a loaded truck: the suspension bridge into Jeremie, with 16 cables on each side that suspend it, had 3 broken cables on the west side.
Also, since there are many places to buy scrap metal by the pound for export and recycling, someone with a huge wrench removed several the huge iron bolts where the cables originate.
Talk about being "penny wise and pound foolish." Weakening a feeble lifeline to the city for a few dollars.
Traffic had been crossing the bridge for all these days since the earthquake, but a heavy truck passing on the side of the three broken cables yesterday buckled the bridge, and put it in danger of collapse. So the only crossing allowed, as we got there at 10pm, was by motorcycle and foot.
In any other country the bridge would be condemned. But to condemn that bridge totally right now would be to condemn Jeremie city and beyond. It's the only practical way in.
A new temporary dirt road will soon be cut further to the east, where traffic can drive through the river shallows, until a bridge can be built
The scene at the bridge was phenomenal.
Food roasting on open fires, glowing on the dark street, rum flowing everywhere, overloaded motorcycles bobbing and weaving, bringing goods to the other side, clobbering foot passengers with their enormous cargo (including enough carbonated beverages to fill a lake , and tons of the ever present "cheese twists" or Cheetos.)
There were men rolling 50 gallon drums of fuel over the bridge by hand, and thieves were not taking. They are so good at their craft that they could steal the eyes out of your head.
I felt like I was in a scene from a movie about old time pirates at a Caribbean port town.
If, in your mind, you peel the thieves out of the scene, the human ingenuity and persistance is astounding and well worth imitating.
Instead of cheetos, we were crossing with high level intravenous antibiotics and ER/ICU medicines, syringes, IV fluids, oral medicines of all stripes, bandages and casting material, lidocaine and sutures.
Not sure how we would get our 400 boxes across the bridge, where Nebez already had a truck waiting for us on the other side, we settled on using three wheelbarrows and two motocycles, instead of a "combit" by hand.
I had to surrender any hope of the boxes arriving to St Antoine Hospital right side up, uncrushed and unopened, as we had meticulously packed them.
We succeeded after 10 crossings, largely because in order to pack as many boxes as possible on a motocycle, and not having large bags or sacks on hand for this unforeseen complication, we used body bags as sacks.
It is amazing how people ceded the way to us, owing to their doubt about the contents.
We got everything to St Antoine Hospital, Jeremie Ville, late last night.
It is more and more evident the earthquake is an off road/off radar emergency. It is not, like the last time, primarily a collapse of populated mega-centers. It means, as is evident if you visit, that there was more damage done by landslides and rolling boulders, to people who live and farm on high mountainsides, than to the cities.
Many of these landslides left scars on the sides of mountains, and became the burial ground for those taken under by the avalanche.
On the mountain pass at a place called "Fam pa dra" (a strange name meaning "women are not sheets"), we stopped to see what we once knew to be a high peak, look now like a crater.
The farmers of the area came to us as we looked on, and we had a quiet prayer. They told us us how many in the community were dead under the rubble, and about the 6 they were able to save.
These very poor people are community heroes. It only a minute they were horrified, stunned, and yet began a vigorous search and rescue for their neighbors.
Because the damage is not central in a city, help is characterized by long distance search and rescue, or in biblical language, by the work of the Good Shepherd seeking the lost sheep.
For believers, prayers for the dead recognize the passage of the soul from a life of flesh and blood to a life of light and grace, as the souls are made holy, by God's Holy Spirit.
We should all, each in our customary way, add to the prayers for the rite of passage of the souls of these people who died so tragically.
Sometimes there are messages from those who have crossed, to us on this side of the grave.
We just received a donation with many levels of meaning.
The father of Molly, a young vibrant women who died when our former hospital collapsed in the 2010 earthquake, just sent what was left in Molly's personal account with this message: "Molly would want this to be of help to the Haitian people." When I read this, I was totally speechless.
For us and for countless others, this earthquake has reopened many painful memories of sadness and loss.
And yet, in such a tremendously motivating way, from across a decade and across the Great Divide, the will of Molly is made known and becomes of practical and inspiring help, compassion from victim to victim.
Only the great Heart of God makes this possible.
Please pray for those who are struggling and suffering, as well as for those who have died.
We so appreciate the strength of your prayer, and your sacrifices to help at this urgent moment.
Fr Rick Frechette CP,DO August 21, 2021
EARTHQUAKE APPEAL FOR HAITI in COORDINATION WITH AKRON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND GIFT OF LIFE
What a great night for baseball, Rotary and” End Polio Now”
July 22 was a night for Rotary to shine in Northeast Ohio. Over 275 people (Rotarians ,families, and friends) from District # 6630, 6600, and 6650) attended the Indians game.
Many ate in the Terrace Club and participated in door prizes, special raffle and the First Pitch Paul Harris Raffle.
The winner of the First Pitch Raffle is Dean Thayer, of The Rotary Club of Northampton. He will receive his Paul Harris Fellow along with a chance to throw out the First pitch at a baseball game 2022.
Second place is Larry Bowen who received an Autographed Shane Bieber baseball and third place is Sherry Joy who received Indians tickets to a future game.
Thank you to all who participated in this annual event. Over $5,000 will be sent to Rotary International to help "END POLIO NOW!”
Stew Buchanan, PDG and Cherie Buchanan
"END POLIO NOW" WITH THE INDIANS: OVER $5000 RAISED!
Hudson Rotary wrapped up its fiscal year with an awards dinner and induction of a new President. I think our readers will agree that awardee Marty Hills was quite a remarkable citizen of Hudson.
Best, Jay
Rotary Celebrates a Successful Year, Recognizes Awardees
The Rotary Club of Hudson staged a Club dinner at the Blue Canyon restaurant to conclude the 2021 fiscal year, install a new President and celebrate two Rotary award winners. The past year was difficult for the Club with the loss of members and spouses, but President Marilyn Orr skillfully led the club to a higher level of planning, programming and membership, all without face to face meetings. Incoming President Patrick Scherer will return the Club to in person meetings at the new Hudson Meadows Retirement Community and re-institute the 36 year Annual Gala tradition with a dinner and auction at the Manatoc Scout Camp in the CVNP on September 10.
In 2015, the Rotary Club of Hudson established the Jimmy Sutphin Award to recognize a deserving Hudson community leader who closely reflects the Rotary “Service Above Self” standard. The initial recipient was Jimmy “Inky” Sutphin, a friend and colleague of both the Rotary Club and the Hudson community. Jimmy was universally loved by local citizens who benefited by his communication skills and empathy for all he encountered.
The 2021 Sutphin Award once again recognizes a Hudson leader who has made a difference in so many lives in our community. Marty Hills, wife of Rotary Past President Bob Hills, is a long time volunteer in Hudson and the originator of the community’s Random Act of Kindness. The Hudson League for Service and the Hudson Service Learning class at HHS both continue her legacy annually and she is well known for her extensive volunteerism as a member of the Hudson Congregational Church. Marty also served as President of the Hudson School Board and along with husband Bob was instrumental in having the Lavelli Stadium funded and built. She also served several terms on the Hudson City Council. In addition to the Sutphin Award, Marty received Rotary International’s Paul Harris award for lifetime contributions.
The Rotarian of the Year award for 2021 was bestowed upon James Field, HHS Board member, who deftly handled the Club’s adoption of Zoom meetings for the weekly sessions and Rotary committee meetings. James kept all weekly speakers informed of meeting procedures and then transmitted the videoed sessions to Hudson’s HCTV for broadcast during the following week. Based on James’s skilled work, many excellent speakers were introduced to the Hudson community during the past year. The Club will continue its weekly Zoom coverage while meeting in person on Wednesdays at 7:00 a.m. Check the Rotary website www.rotaryhudson.org for the upcoming speakers and to review news about the Club’s growing membership.
Photos L-R
President Marilyn Orr presenting the Sutphin Award to Marty Hills
James Field holding the Rotarian of the Year Award
New President Patrick Scherer being inducted by Rotarian Joseph Zapytowski
Westlake Bay Village Rotary Club hosted our first annual Art Festival on Saturday July 31st. Part community event and part club fundraiser, the event was successful on every level. We had a beautiful day, large turnout, and very happy artists. The festival was in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library and Westlake School district on whose campuses the festival was held. The day consisted of over forty artists, food trucks, a Kiwanis Pancake breakfast, kettle corn, and a beer & wine garden hosted by the library’s Foundation.
Planning for the event stretches back to 2019 as we had hoped to launch last year. With another year to plan, we were able do an even better job of attending to details, promoting the event, and creating something that surpassed all expectations. The effort was led by Rotarian Joe Kraft, a past club president, whose vision for this event was limitless. Joe successfully engaged our entire club, and it was, as much as anything, an opportunity to pull together for a hands-on project with a tremendous community impact.
As a fundraiser, the money that was raised will help to support the many causes championed by our club such as Connecting for Kids, Ames House (Hospice), Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, high school scholarships, and many others.
We are already planning for next year’s event to be even better!
Jen Toohey from Star 102.1 FM opens the Festival with a ribbon cutting. Also pictured (L-R), festival organizer Joe Kraft, Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough, festival Featured Artist Eileen Dorsey (with her mayoral proclamation for Eileen Dorsey Day in Westlake, Christine Dorsey, Rotarian and Westlake City Councilperson Michael O’Donnell.
A visit to the tallest Mass Timber Build in in the US
Architect: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture - Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors LLC
One beautiful day in July, the Heights of Greater Cleveland Rotary Club was invited to tour INTRO, soon to be the tallest 9 story Mass Timber apartment building in the United States. From what will soon be 10 magnificent penthouses, some club members were able to have a 360-degree birds eye view of Cleveland with Lake Erie in the distance. In the same neighborhood is Cleveland’s 125-year-old West Side Market, built in 1912, now on the register of historic places. It is reflected, like an art piece, in the new building’s glass wall. Both are situated in a very walkable retail and restaurant neighborhood.
We were not only impressed by learning about the advantages, (environmental, financial and esthetic) of cross-laminated timber but with the focus INTROS developers have on the people who will eventually live within. Included in the design are common spaces such as a community kitchen, dining room, fitness center, swimming pool and a neighborhood green space.
Picture is of us up on the 9th floor where Penthouses will eventually look out over Cleveland and the Lake.
Rotary Club of Conneaut celebrates its 100th annual installation of club officers on June 29th at Bucci Vineards.
Nicolas Perkoski, 2021 club president welcomed everyone to this special event. 1999-2000 Conneaut Club president and 2005-2006 District 6630 District Governor installed the new officers of the club for the Rotary year 2021-2022. In Rotary procedure, PDG Jack Young was presented the club gavel by current president Nick Perkoski who in turn presented the gavel to the new president for 2021 -2022 Ryan Wilson on behalf of the 2021-2022 District 6630 Governor, Larry Lohman.
The other new Rotary club officers for Conneaut for 2021-2022 were also installed by PDG Young. They are: Zach Freeman. Vice President Larry Infield. Treasure Wendy Dubey. Secretary Lori Riley. Sergeant at Arms Chris Brecht. Foundation Liason Tim Neal. Membership Amanda Smith. Program Chair.
In addition PDG Young inducted 4 new members into the Conneaut Rotary Club. They were: Tim Hicks Jamie Hochscko Dick Trigg Chuppie Holdson
For more information on the club and how you can become involved please contact Tim Neal, membership chair; Ryan Wilson, club president or any Rotary Club Member.
Those in the picture...L-R
Nicholas Perkoski..2020-2021 club president
Ryan Wilson...2021-2022 club President
District 6630 2005-2006 PDG and 1999-2000 Conneaut Rotary President Jack Young
On Wednesday, June 30, members and guests of the Hudson Clocktower Rotary Club honored Pat Myers – one of our very own members – for the work she did on behalf of all Rotarians while serving as District Governor. To say Pat worked tirelessly is an understatement!
Who could have imagined coming into office while the entire world was in the throes of a pandemic? The challenges were enormous, but with Pat's hard work, the clubs in District 6630 managed not just to survive but to thrive. Pat helped all of us overcome what many saw as insurmountable obstacles. In fact, despite having to meet via Zoom for the entire year, our clubs inducted 100 new members.
To honor Pat's service, we presented her with an engraved stone that will be placed in the pollinator garden at Ellsworth Hill Elementary school. The 50-pound stone will be a lasting testament to Pat's hard work and dedication to the values and ideals of Rotary International.
All of us are grateful to have had Pat at the helm during the turbulent year just passed. Congratulations, Pat, for a job very, very welll done!
At the same social meeting, we celebrated the induction of John Laird as our President for 2021-2022. John already has ambitious goals for the club, which we will be writing about in the weeks ahead. Congratulations, John, and best wishes for success in the year ahead
Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
Welcome Fellow Rotarians to this “Serve to Change Lives” Rotary year! Take a moment and reflect on the past year. This past year was a different year for all of us. We all had to find ways to navigate through the pandemic, and we did. Under the leadership of District Governor Pat Meyers our clubs and Rotarians continued to find ways to meet and to serve their communities. Our district never let up, we were there when we were most needed. This past year was filled with the loss of friends, cancelation of in-person gatherings, and many mandates that affected our daily lives. But, there were also positives; we learned how to use virtual platforms to our advantage, we continued to perform service projects, we thought outside the box on our fundraisers, and most impressively we continued to bring in new members. Unfortunately, we are not out of the woods in concerns to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we do know that the pandemic will not hinder our GREAT Rotarians!
I have been asked what my plan is to top the great service that our district clubs performed through the pandemic. My answer is always the same. Rotary is not about competing against the results of a previous year, it is about taking what you have learned and continuing to better it. This past year you have had the chance to hear Jenny Stotts speak at Presidents Elect Training, All Ohio Pets and The Rotary International Virtual Conference. One message she gives in all her talks is that change is a negative concept, and instead of changing we should Stretch. Stretching is taking what you are already doing and bringing some new ideas and practices in support of it. We did a great job of stretching this past year to accommodate the pandemic, and this year we need to keep stretching.
As with all District Governors I have a couple of key focuses for this year. The First Focus revolves around Public Image and our Clubs. For the past three years we have been focusing on Membership. We have held training programs at the Tri-District Membership Assembly, District Conference, Presidents Elect Trainings, and District Leadership Assembly. All of these were great sessions, but I feel there is still one key component missing, and that is our Public Image. Somewhere through the years we have forgotten how to tell our stories to our communities. I personally know when I am out in my community, and talking about Rotary, I would like to get a response when I mention Rotary, of “You are talking about the organization that helped the schools, the local Developmental Disabilities organization or brought fresh water to villages in Central America”. Without telling our stories the responses we get are a dumfounded look, or that lunch club, etc. I believe it will be easier to bring in new interested members if our story is known in our communities.
The Second Focus is based around our youth. After a conversation with District Interact Chair Chelsea Talty, we decided to create a youth alumni program. This program will help our district stay in touch with our youth after they have graduated from high school. This program will also benefit our youth prior to their graduation as we will be able to help get them in contact with Rotaract/Rotary Clubs as they prepare to move on. We will be assembling a committee to work with Chelsea to develop this program.
There are many opportunities to serve. Your clubs are the most important opportunity you have, but the District has many committees that are working to better our clubs and the experiences of our Rotarians. Please take a minute to talk with me, our Past District Governors and members of our district committees about opportunities to join our district team. All of our contacts can be found in the E-directory (click here) and on the District website at rotarydistrict6630.org.
At a July 21, 2021 meeting of COREL (Council of Regional Exchange Leaders), Lindsay Griswold, Rotary International Supervisor of Youth Exchange and Youth Protection, announced that Rotary districts may resume sending and hosting students on July 1, 2022. Districts are currently allowed to receive applications, interview and select students, orient prospective students and their parents, and sign exchange agreements with partner districts.
She explained that the Rotary International Board is unlikely to change this decision unless the COVID situation gets much worse.
Darryl Bishop Chair Marketing and Communication
NAYEN Conference February 17-19/2022 Washington DC
The District Governor Awards & Recognition Ceremony, District Governor Induction and Banner Exchange were July 14 at the Keystone Shelter, Cleveland Metroparks West Creek Reservation in Parma.
Special thanks to our official photographers, Linda Kramer and Maureen Garnett.
2020-2021 District Governor Pat Myers recognized numerous individuals and clubs in the District for their exceptional service and dedication to Rotary District 6630.
PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski swears in Larry Lohman as the DG for District 6630 for 2021-22, as his daughter looks on.
The Home Club banner was exchanged from the Rotary Club of Hudson Clocktower to the Rotary Club of Kent, DG Larry Lohman's home club.
PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski swears in Dave Jones as District Governor Elect and Julie Brandle as District Governor Nominee.
DISTRICT AWARDS NIGHT, BANNER EXCHANGE AND INDUCTIONS
The Rotary Club of Akron inducted the 2021-2022 President and Officers:
President: Steve Buie (photo) President Elect: Lynda Farkas Vice President: Tom Knauer Secretary: Terrance Dalton Treasurer: Michael Gladysz Past President / Nominating Committee Chair: Dr. Rob McGregor Sergeant-at-Arms: David Hall Director 7/2019-6/2022: Karen Hrdlicka Director 7/2019-6/2022: Tom Knauer Director 7/2019-6/2022: Nichole Major Director 7/2020-6/2022: Thane Billow Director 7/2020-6/2023: Katy Miller Director 7/2020-6/2023: Tamara Mora Director 7/2020-6/2023: Jacinto Nunez Director 7/2021-6/2023: GK Maddox Director 7/2021-6/2024: Doug Kohl Director 7/2021-6/2024: Katerina Papas Director 7/2021-6/2024: Laura Smiley Director 7/2021-6/2024: Mike Shearer
Aimee Wade was inducted into the Rotary Club of Akron on July 20, 2021. She was sponsored by Julie Brandle who said "Aimee has a heart to do good for others."
She is married to Ryan and is a life-long resident of Summit County.
She has worked with the ADM Board for more than a decade where she was recently appointed as the new Executive Director.
Wade is the first woman and the first person of color to serve as the Executive Director of the ADM Board. “I recognize the significance of this role in our community, and I am committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that quality, effective and equitable behavioral healthcare services are available for all Summit County residents,” she said. “Moving forward, I am concentrating on providing HOPE for the community: Health and Wellness, Outcomes, Potential and Equity. I firmly believe that together our collective impact has infinite potential.”
Wade holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminology from The Ohio State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Akron. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and an Ohio and Internationally Certified Prevention Consultant (OCPC).
She is also a member of the Summit County Opiate Abatement Advisory Committee and the Summa Community Engagement Committee. She is a past Board Member for Child Guidance and Family Solutions and a graduate of Leadership Akron Signature Class 35.
Please join us in welcoming Aimee to the Rotary family!
GREAT FUN AT
END POLIO NIGHT AT PROGRESSIVE FIELD
Stew Buchanan put together another successful End Polio Now Night at Progressive Field. (photo left with Dr. McGregor)
Everyone had a great time!
Dr. McGregor brought a guest and potential new Akron Rotarian, Ryan Palmer - they were still smiling in this photo (right) during the 7th inning stretch - unfortunately in extra innings the Cleveland Indians (soon to be known as The Guardians) lost the game.
The evening raised much need funds to continue our Polio eradication efforts worldwide.
A MAN WITH MANY NAMES
Rotary Club of Akron Past President, Pat O'Neill, organized an in-person send off for our esteemed 2020-2021 Club President Dr. Rob McGregor. This followed a virtual send off at Rob's final club meeting.
Rob, accompanied by his wife Sharon, enjoyed a beautiful evening on the lake at The Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs.
Surrounded by many Rotary members and guests, McGregor received accolades and a few fun jabs throughout the evening.
This photo archive (click here)includes photos from this special evening as well as the PowerPoint slides that were presented at Rob's last virtual meeting.
Special thanks to Julie Brandle, Pat O'Neill and Mella Castner for the photos and to Sandy Naragon for the PowerPoint slides.
The following poem was was written by Pat O'Neill and presented to Rob at the event:
With his suit neatly pressed and a bowtie around his neck,
His head is shining without a speck.
When we’d gather at Portage, he was known for his socks
It certainly was not for his flowing locks.
At the crack of dawn he hits the gym,
To get the guns, the abs and keep his waistline slim.
The world's strongest McGregor was a title he owned.
Thanks to those push ups that keep him toned.
He’s a man who is humble, and a man who won’t gloat.
But he sure puffs out his chest when he’s in a dragon boat.
When he walked Abby and Ali down the aisle,
From the International Space Station you could see his smile.
Sharon and Rob you sure raised your girls right,
But that black and yellow is a hideous sight.
He’s a medical doctor, that’s easy to see.
So who convinced him to be the President of Rotary?
“Rob, you’ll be our leader and it will be a piece of cake.
So little of your time this job will take.”
12 months later, and it was all a blur
Zooming each week, you became a tech connoisseur.
The ice breakers were a hit, just don’t call on me.
I can’t quickly recall my favorite memory.
Oh wait, yes I can, I remember this year.
The beautiful sight as Big Ben shed a tear.
He goes by many names including dad, doc, and Rob.
During the year of Covid, we had the best man for the job.
Our club had your back, for that much is clear,
As long as we didn’t ask, “how about just one more year?”
;
Mr. Past-President, we can’t thank you enough
I’m sure watching Steve take the mic won’t be so tough.
So, to the man with many names, you found your favorite this year
Being called Papa Mac will bring you the most cheer.
So Dr. Rob, I hope this poem you found cute,
Cheers to not having to say, “you forgot to unmute.”
Thank you to our Paul Harris Fellow +6
We proudly recognize and thank Sandy Naragon whose outstanding generosity;to the The Rotary International Foundation (TRF) demonstrates a spirit of giving which helps sustain and improve the lives of others.;
;
Sandy reached a new milestone in her donor legacy as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow (PHF). You will find more information below about the recognition levels and how you can become a PHF.;
Berea Rotary took part in Berea's Grindstone Parade on July 3. Riding shotgun was Judy Stull with her grandson, Rayce Hook, monitoring candy. BW Rotaractors marching in front of the car were Alexis Watkins, Rachel Vanarsdale, Corey Friedrich and Cole Lopez.
(Thanks to Beth Mlady of cleveland.com for the parade photos)
PDG Jack Young confirmed that the previous Shoe Boxes which were on hold were recently released by the government. Of Nicaragua and distributed to the Children.
Young is preparing to make his 12th trip to Nicaragua to help the impoverished children of the Chinandega Dump* with support from the Rotary Clubs of Ohio District 6630 and Shoe Boxes for Children of Nicaragua.
Shoe boxes for the Children of the Dump in Chinandega, Nicaragua, are filled with personal care items, clothing, school supplies and age-appropriate games or toys.
Each year, Rotarians travel to Nicaragua to deliver and participate in the work being done there, as well as to help deliver supplies to the children. The recently filled shoe boxes will be delivered to an area collection facility, where they will be picked up and transported with other clubs' boxes to Nicaragua. Shoes boxes were filled for young boys and 20 for young girls. They contained items like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, underwear, flip flops, one outfit of top and pants for girls or an outfit of shirt and pants or shorts for boys, a baseball cap, a doll and toys for girls and toys such as a yo-yo and matchbox cars for boys, card games, coloring book with crayons and markers, notebook, three pencils, pencil sharpener and a pocket folder.
The shoe boxes are used as incentive for children to remain in school. In order to receive one of the boxes, the child must be attending school on a regular basis and earning satisfactory grades. The goal is to break the cycle of poverty by providing food, education and programs to encourage good health. Rotarians said the ultimate goal is to relocate the children from the dump to a life of dignity.
*The Chinandega Dump began in 1998, in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, which dropped more than 60 inches of rain on the area. A 30-foot wall of water flowed down the volcano, picking up trees and boulders before smashing into a village, destroying everything in its path. Before the mudslide, the town had about 4,500 residents. Twenty-eight hundred remain buried from the disaster. They estimate that there are 800 children aged 5 or younger in Chinandega who are fending for themselves, often competing with dogs, cattle and goats for food.
ROTARY PROJECTS AROUND THE WORLD - SHOE BOXES FOR NICARAGUA
JACOB SEBAUGH ASPIRING EAGLE SCOUT FROM BSA TROOP 507
Jacob Sebaugh is a Troop Leader with BSA #507 in Medina. Accompanied by his father Dan, the mature sophomore from Medina High School joined Medina Sunrise Rotary this morning to present his Eagle Scout Project. His Scoutmaster Craig Wrobleski pointed him in the direction of Rotary to build a community partner for his ambitious project.
"What I will be doing for my project," explained Jacob, "is building an ADA approved wheelchair accessible deck/ramp for a neighbor in Medina who has been diagnosed with ALS. This is a debilitating disease that targets the muscles of the human body. Unfortunately, she has become wheelchair bound now. The ramp's purpose is to add a second escape route if some house emergency were to happen and to also allow her to spend her remaining time with her family and in her own home.
Following Jacob's well-received presentation, Jack Young (Past District Governor and Rotary International's Chair of the Fellowship of Scouting for North, Central and South America) congratulated both Jacob and his father. Jack expressed every confidence in Jacob's future success as he leaves this week for Philmont Scout Ranch - 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness with backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs - on his Adventure to Eagle.
PHOTO:
Leon Skowronski, Don Spickler, Kerry Gregoire, Dr. Mike Davanzo, Rev. Reid Miller, Jack Young, Jacob & Dan Sebaugh, Ed Jakubick, Kent Morgan, David Sheldon
MEDINA SUNRISE ROTARIANS BECOME FIELD BUDDIES FOR THE MIRACLE LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL STAR NATIONAL TEAM
"Play Ball!" announced Ken Richardson, President of The Miracle League Baseball of Northeast Ohio, as the All Star National Teams took the field at Sam Masi Park in Medina, a beautifully maintained, fully handicapped-accessible field for baseball, softball and T-ball.
Medina Sunrise Rotarians became field buddies for three fun and competitive innings of America's favorite pastime, "Baseball." The ball game was played by young athletes in an organization which allows individuals with special needs to play the great game of baseball in a safe and welcoming environment.
With handshakes and congratulations to the baseball players, everyone gathered around "Homer," the Miracle League Mascot, who recently arrived at our home field, Medina Lions Miracle League Field at Sam Masi Park. Homer is a gift from the Findlay Miracle League and traveled to Medina last week. He has been placed in an area specially designed for him by Dan Vinez of Vinez Construction and Matt Blynne of Blynnscapes Landscaping. Homer was fastened to his concrete pad by Parks and Recreation Director Jansen Wehrley.
PHOTO:
The 2021 Miracle League Baseball All Star National Team
Ken Richardson, President Miracle League of Northeast Ohio
At District 6630’s Rotary Youth Exchange planning meeting, Bob Heydorn, District Chair, explained the significance of this year for reinstating and building the District’s RYE program after the COVID recess. Although there are no exchanges for 2021-2022, the program will be in full operation in 2022-2023. The district is eager to find local students (ages 15-18 1/2 years) who want to and would benefit from study abroad. The district would like to make it easier for clubs to participate in the Youth Exchange by making information available to students on line and to clubs at district events. All clubs are encouraged to explore adding a RYE committee if they don’t already have one and to offer the exchange program as a scholarship valued at $25,000 that costs clubs almost nothing and students, very little in comparison.
Attending: District Governor Larry Lohman; District Governor Elect, David Jones; District Governor Nominee, Julie Brandle; David Vogelgesang, Rotex Chair; from Chagrin Valley Club, Richard Leskovec, President, and Albert Tien; Roger Cline, Short-Term Chair, connected via internet. Patrick Kelley, Outbound Chair; Bob Heydorn, RYE Chair. Susan Colville-Hall, Culture Trainer was the photographer!
RI sends out various newsletters throughout the month.
You can sign up/manage your subscriptions for publications at rotary.org- simply sign in, then go to news & media then select newsletters. If you need assistance, please EMAIL ME.
Since many of you already receive these email newsletters, in lieu of reproducing them in the body of the District newsletter, moving forward you can now use the links below to download them all or individually.
I have included the story headings to help you see what is in each issue.
RI sends out various newsletters throughout the month.
You can sign up/manage your subscriptions for publications at rotary.org- simply sign in, then go to news & media then select newsletters. If you need assistance, please EMAIL ME.
Since many of you already receive these email newsletters, in lieu of reproducing them in the body of the District newsletter, moving forward you can now use the links below to download them all or individually.
I have included the story headings to help you see what is in each issue.
We can see people’s smiling faces in-person again as the restrictions are being lifted. Clubs are planning to meet live while possibly offering a virtual hybrid option. Remember to check with your local health department as you are planning your meetings. A reminder, no in-person Rotary meeting or event shall be mandatory for any participant who may feel uncomfortable attending because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The District is planning an in-person Banner Exchange and Awards Ceremony with a possible hybrid option on Wednesday, July 14 at 5:00 PM. It will be held at the Keystone Shelter at West Creek Reservation in Parma, Ohio. Details and registration will be coming soon!
The Zone Conference "PATHWAYS to our FUTURE" will be in-person in September in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Governor line training is September 28-30 and Conference dates are sept 30-October 3, 2021. Meet Rotarians from 13 States and 31 Districts!
RI sends out various newsletters throughout the month.
You can sign up/manage your subscriptions for publications at rotary.org- simply sign in, then go to news & media then select newsletters. If you need assistance, please EMAIL ME.
Since many of you already receive these email newsletters, in lieu of reproducing them in the body of the District newsletter, moving forward you can now use the links below to download them all or individually.
I have included the story headings to help you see what is in each issue.
Membership Minute is a bimonthly newsletter that provides the latest membership trends, strategies, best practices, and resources to help strengthen membership in your clubs. The newsletter is sent to Rotary coordinators, district governors, district membership chairs, club membership chairs, club presidents and subscribers.
On Saturday, June 26th, E-ClubNEO met in person for the first transition of leadership in the Satellite Club’s history. Club President, Steve Warren, recapped the highlights of the Club’s first year noting service projects, fundraisers and all the inaugural milestones the Club hit in the first 13 months of existence.
Warren took time to recognize the work of Kathryn Craig and Juleta Craig who spent two years bringing PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski’s idea for an E-Club to fruition. He praised everyone for the 50% growth in membership of the Club over the year and applauded the diversity of the Club membership.
Steve presented the eight Charter Members of the E-ClubNEO with special “Charter Member” Rotary Pins.
Photo L-R: Kathryn Craig, Celeste Rininger, Caleb Robinson, Linda Boardman, Juleta Craig, Steve Warren. Charter members not pictured are Lulu McKee and Assad Khaishgi, MD.
There was a special presentation in which Steve passed the “Golden Mouse” to incoming President, Linda Boardman. Warren noted, “we’re an E-Club… we don’t need a gavel, but I’m pleased to present Linda with the E-Club’s “Golden Mouse” inscribed with her name and the years of her term.”
The E-Club also welcomed special guests, PDG Steve Zabor and PDG Cheryl Warren to the rare in-person meeting. PDG Warren presented outgoing President Warren with a Past President’s pin before installing Linda Boardman and presenting her with her President’s pin.
Linda spent a couple of minutes outlining her hopes and plans for the upcoming Rotary year. When she was finished, Kathryn and Juleta presented her with a stuffed “Flamingo of Change,” the iconic mascot of the E-Club. Astute Rotarians will recognize the reference from Past RI President Barry Rassin which was made in 2019 as the E-Club was forming.
Following the formal ceremonies, the group took a few minutes to brainstorm ideas for potential service projects, filling two large poster-sized sheets of paper.
They finished the gathering by stuffing bags with toiletries and other essential personal items to be distributed to shelters and others as needed.
Congratulations to both Steve and Linda!
Good luck and best wishes in the upcoming Rotary year!
Many of you are aware that youth protection and safety is a high priority of Rotary International, District 6630, and all of our clubs and members. You may be less aware that Rotary International mandates youth safety protections be implemented for all Rotary related youth activities, events, and contacts.
Rotary International has published a Youth Protection Guide for many years and provides a variety of resources to support this guide including a sample Youth Protection Policy, Abuse and Harassment Allegation Reporting Guidelines, Sample Youth Program Volunteer Application, and many additional resources.
Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth participating in Rotary activities. To the best of our ability, Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses, and other volunteers must safeguard the children and young people we come into contact with and protect them from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
In District 6630 this information has been supplied, including the Rotary Youth Protection Guide, to all Presidents-Elect at the P.E.T.S. 1 events for a number of years. Rotary International upgraded its emphasis on training for District Governors-Elect at International Assembly on this topic in recent years as well.
As a result, as the District 6630 May 2019 Board meeting, at the request of then-Governor Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski, the Board created a Youth Protection Committee. The members of the committee are John Reyes, Chair, District Governor, Pay Myers, District Governor-Elect, Larry Lohman, District Governor Nominee, David Jones, District Governor Nominee Designate, Julie Brandle, Past District Governor Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski, Dana DeCapite, Bob Heydorn, Sheila Hedrick, Ryan Knotts, Robert Oborn, Chelsea Talty, Nate Watson, and Fran Zettl. This committee has been working to create both the Youth Protection Policy and methods to implement it.
District 6630 starts with an excellent foundation in its safety programs for the Youth Exchange. These programs are well-developed, tested, and implemented. Special thanks are due to Bob Heydorn, Sheila Hedrick, and Patrick Kelly, and Susan Colville-Hall, among others.
However, the District does not have a similarly detailed or established program relating to other youth-related activities such as RYLA, Interact, the 4-Way Test Speech Contest, and a wide variety of club-related youth activities.
After considerable effort, the Youth Protection Committee presented to the District 6630 Board of Directors a comprehensive Youth Protection Policy in May of 2020 and the same has been adopted. You can find this policy on the District website under District Operations in the left bar or click here to access. Please note the Policy is only one part of the resources that are and soon will be available to assist the District in implementing it. The Youth Protection Committee is at the point where a rollout to all clubs in the District will begin soon.
The Youth Protection Committee members ask you to save the dates of either Wednesday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m. or Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. to attend an initial orientations session regarding the content and implementation of the policy. These meetings will be a first step and they will be duplicative so attending either one will suffice. However, every club must have at least two club members attend at least one of these meetings. Both meetings will be held via Zoom. While there will be no cost, registration information will be forthcoming.
This raises the question of who should attend. Each club should have its Club President in attendance and if a President-Elect is in place, the President-Elect should also attend.
A new requirement, which you will find in the Youth Protection Policy, requires each club to have a Youth Protection Officer and where appropriate, a Youth Protection Committee. If there is no Youth Protection Officer, the Club President automatically fills this roll. The position of Youth Protection Officer is new in District 6630 and we are in the process of creating a database that will record that information along with other club officers. At this time, each club should appoint a Youth Protection Officer if the Club is going to participate in or have any contact with youth.In addition, anyone involved with RYLA, the 4-Way Test Speech Contest, Interact, or any youth activity or club, should consider attending.
The approach used to implement the Youth Protection Policy is similar to that used by the Grants Management Committee in its Grant Management Seminars. That is, attendance is mandatory and it will be a condition precedent to taking part in youth activities.
The Youth Protection Committee and your district leadership are all aware that this is a new undertaking and that it will take time to fully implement the process. However, your cooperation and support is critical to meet this important mandate.
The Youth Protection Committee members would like to express their special thanks for the efforts of Past District Governor Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski, District Governor Pat Myers, District Governor-Elect Larry Lohman, District Governor Nominee, David Jones, and District Governor-Nominee Designate, Julie Brandle. Without their support and the support of the District’s Board of Directors, moving forward in this critical field would not be possible.
There are few activities in the District that are more valuable or more important than working with youth. It is imperative that all of us do our best as Rotary International mandates to make all youth activities as safe as possible for all involved.
If you would start by having your Officers and Directors review the Youth Protection Policy and move forward with appointing a Youth Protection Officer, we can then successfully take our first steps together. Your cooperation and support is not only critical, it is very much appreciated. Upon appointing a Youth Protection Officer, for your Club, please supply that information to District Secretary Michael Davanzo via email. Please include contact information, including an email address for the Youth Protection Officer. District Secretary Davanzo’s email address is mdavanzo@zoominternet.net.
John L. Reyes
Past District Governor
ROTARY YOUTH PROTECTION AND SAFETY - A COMPELLING AND CURRENT TOPIC
CHAGRIN HIGHLANDS ROTARY CLUB Sponsored Community Garden In Woodmere, Ohio
In June 2021 a Community Vegetable and flower garden, sponsored by the Chagrin Highlands Rotary, was built in Woodmere. Mayor Holbert announced that the village is starting this community garden offering residents a place to grow crops for self-use or to be donated to food dispensaries. The community garden concept was an initiative that came together through the generous donation of the local Chagrin Highlands Rotary Club. A ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted on June 1, 2021. The Village will offer raised planting plots to allow all age groups to take advantage of this recreational and community activity during the summer and fall of 2012.
Medina Sunrise Rotary Congratulates Rhonda Wurgler, Paul Harris Fellow and Honorary Medina Sunrise Rotarian!
For those wondering what I have been doing since I left my position as Executive Director of The Children’s Center of Medina County, I am honored to work at National Children’s Alliance (NCA) in Washington DC.
NCA is the national association, accrediting body, and grantor for 924 child advocacy centers (CAC) and 50 state chapters. We provide support, advocacy, quality assurance and leadership for CAC’s, all to help support the important work CACs do in communities across the country. I am so blessed to be working in a movement I love, and to do it on a national level. It is amazing. Every day I get to help CACs across America, which in turn help over 330,000 children annually heal from abuse.
This is such an amazing opportunity and I feel so blessed to be working for a National Organization where every day I get to help children and support CACs across the country.
BMR Scholarship winners! (l-r) Larry Fox, Greg Wenner, Sam Pleva, Samuel Layman and Jim Croup
On Wednesday June 9th. The RC of Burton-Middlefield held its annual scholarship night for recipients of our $2500 Service Above Self Scholarships. The students are asked to write a one page essay explaining how service above self has touched their young lives. This year we received a record number of applications with 19 in all from the three school systems we support. The winners were Greg Wenner from Auburn Career Center I-STEM school, Samuel Layman from Cardinal High School and Walter Pleva from Berkshire High School. All three winners attended our awards night accompanied by their parents and read their essays to the club membership. We are always amazed at the quality of the writing and the presentations by these gifted students.
Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs Campers Have Arrived!
Posted by Dan Reynolds
We are full of campers and we are still hiring staff.
If you know anyone 16+ who would be a great candidate to help, please have them contact Tina at tinag@akronymca.org or call 330.644.4512.
Akron Club Hosts Board Retreat
The current board and incoming board members held a retreat in June. This was designed to help these leaders transition, learn about their various communication styles, and plan for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year.
On June 30th, we will gather at the Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern in Twinsburg at 6:00 pm for an evening of celebration. The Jimmy Sutphin Award will be given to Marty Hills, City Councilwoman, member of the Hudson School Board and promoter of the Random Act of Kindness movement. Patrick Scherer will assume the presidency of our club and several club members are eligible for awards including the Paul Harris Award. The cost of $40 per attendee includes appetizers, a choice of entree (Pretzel Crusted Trout, 8 oz Tenderloin of Beef, Grilled Chicken or Wild Mushroom Ravioli). A cash bar will also be available. It will be a great kick off for the next year. If you'd like to attend, please send an email to marilynjorr@gmail.com with your dinner choices. This will be the only live meeting since March, 2020! Let's celebrate...
Live Meetings to Resume for Hudson Club
We are very pleased to report that the Rotary Club of Hudson will resume live meetings in July, 2021. The location will change to Hudson Meadows Retirement Community, 1275 Barlow Rd, Hudson. The meetings will start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 8:30 a.m. A continental breakfast will be available immediately prior to the meeting beginning at 7:00 a.m. We will gather in their pub area for a breakfast of yogurt parfaits, pasties, coffee and tea. At 7:30 a.m. we will enter their theater for a hybrid meeting (Zoom will still be offered for those who are unable to attend in person). The breakfast will be sponsored by the club for the initial return meeting on July 7th. Subsequently, if you desire coffee and continental breakfast, your dues will be increased by the cost of $7 per meeting. Basic dues will remain at $55 per quarter.
It is with a feeling of deep appreciation and admiration of the work of Rotary District 6630 Rotarians that I write my last newsletter article as District Governor.
All of us as Rotarians, in this difficult year of a worldwide pandemic, have taken the opportunity to stretch and learn new habits and develop new ways to reach out and lend a hand.
This certainly validates R. I. President Holger Knaack’s theme “Rotary Opens Opportunities”.
As District Governor, the plan on behalf of the district quickly became the following - which I have shared all year with each club:
MY VISION: This remained the same as the vision of Rotary International. “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.”
I felt so strongly that I had a banner made with the R. I. Vision statement and the Core Values of “Fellowship, Integrity, Diversity, Service, Leadership. The banner was used in every official visit with clubs and events.
Clubs have continually focused on uniting, acting, and creating change with others who share the same core values for over 116 years.
MY GOALS: To help each of our clubs and members remain connected and engaged while keeping the District strong and focused in its support of Clubs. To help achieve this, we:
Offered to reimburse virtual software licenses for each club.
When preparing our 2020-2021 Club Presidents and Officers, our LEAD Team (Leadership Education and Development), led by Ryan Knotts and Steve Zabor in conjunction with Assistant Governors, pivoted to virtual sessions. They incorporated topics to help our Clubs prepare for the unknown situation Clubs were facing with the pandemic.
Provided training of Zoom and other virtual technology.
► I am happy to report our district Rotarians did not stop! As Presidents began their year after completing their training, all clubs continued to meet virtually, except for one very small club who met in person.
► They each continued to care for each other, figured out ways to do service projects and fundraisers and even inducted over 100 new members.
MY OBJECTIVES:
1. To share with each member the opportunities, resources and support that Rotary International, the District and clubs can provide to each other.
2. To ask how we, in our clubs, and in the District, can take this time to review our committees, events, fundraisers, goals, and activities to effectively continue to be of service.
► Have completed 46 official visits thus far. This has been an opportunity to:
Acknowledge all each club was doing to still meet and serve others – even during a pandemic.
Share latest R.I. and District updates, resources, events.
Share creative ways with each club what other clubs were doing for service projects, virtual fundraisers and ways to incorporate fun into virtual meetings.
► Celebrated at the virtual Multi District Conference, how District 6630 clubs, including Interact and Rotaract, never stopped and continued to “Unite and Take Action”.
► Even in a pandemic Clubs:
Supplied PPE to communities, hospitals and schools, hosted blood drives, food drives, collected cloth and made masks for distribution, provided educational supplies, set up free book libraries, purchased and delivered refrigeration and sanitation equipment, participated in environmental projects both globally and locally.
Many clubs took the opportunity to learn ClubRunner and expanded their ability to communicate via Club Bulletins.
Public Image expanded its reach via more social media outlets using integrated software.
MY STRATEGIC DISTRICT PRIORITIES:
1. Membership – Continue momentum and develop a three-year plan.
The plan is developed and implemented with a strong leadership team, chaired by Peter Tuttle.
E-ClubNEO a virtual club chartered in June 2020 as a satellite of Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley held several service projects and continues to add members.
Mentor chartered a satellite club, The RC of Lake County Sunrise.
The District 6630, 6600, 6650 Tri-District Membership Seminar was held virtually with several hundred attending.
2. Bylaws and Manual of Procedures revised and updated.
Bylaws completed and approved by Board of Directors Feb 27, 2021 and the clubs at the annual meeting on April 22, 2021. The Manual of Procedures presented and approved June 8, 2021. Chaired by PDG Mike Davanzo.
3. Strategic Plan to update the District Strategic Plan of 2015-2018 and to align with the revised Rotary International Strategic Plan of 2020-2023.
Visioning workshop with R. I. Director-Elect Elizabeth Usovicz and District officers, chairs January 9, 2021. The District 6630 Strategic Plan 2021-2024 presented at the June 8, 2021 board meeting by Chair PDG John Bosco and Vice-chair Steve Zabor. Progress will be reported at all future Board of Director’s meetings by the Strategic Plan Champion Sandy Naragon. Click to view the Strategic Plan Initiatives.
I am happy to report that with the leadership of District officers, chairs, assistant governors, and the leaders in every Club, we have a strong district with strong clubs and our official district documents are current.
All is in good order and ready for the 2021-2022 District Governor, Larry Lohman, and the Clubs in Rotary District 6630.
Due to all of your efforts in following the CDC, local health departments and R.I. guidelines, I feel overjoyed that we are now able to meet in person and love seeing all the wonderful upcoming in-person events and activities in this newsletter.
Thank you each for your dedication, commitment, and service.
I wish you a phenomenally successful, fun, exciting 2021-2022 Rotary year!
The Akron Club proudly recognized and thanked the following individuals whose outstanding generosity to the The Rotary International Foundation (TRF) demonstrates a spirit of giving which helps sustain and improve the lives of others.
Each of these members recently reached a new milestone in their donor legacy as multiple Paul Harris Fellows (PHF).
Photo Left to Right:
Nathanael Billow - Paul Harris + 2
Dr. Robert McGregor - Paul Harris +3
Dr. Douglas Hausknecht - Paul Harris + 4
John Margida - Paul Harris + 5
ROTARIANS GET AKRON ROTARY CAMP READY FOR THE SEASON!
Thank you to everyone that came out for our Spring Clean-up days at Rotary Camp! Camp looks great and we appreciate all your hard work and energy to help us get ready for summer! Our first group of staff will be moving in next week into freshly clean cabins.
Thank you again, and we hope to see you back sometime this summer!
Amanda Warner Akron Rotary Camp
Welcome to The Rotary Club of Akron! DONNA SKODA, MS., RD., LD
Donna Skoda was sponsored by Cheryl Warren and has presented to our Club as well as many others throughout the area.
She is married to Dennis Skoda, CPA, CGMA who is a Financial Executive. Donna's mother Phyllis, who is 93, also resides with them in the Akron area.
She has spent the past 25 years rescuing Pug dogs and currently has five, Peyton, Beijing, Lucy, Fefei and Barron. She enjoys gardening and cooking her favorite is Italian dishes.
Donna serves as the Health Commissioner for the Summit County Public Health. She has worked in community based public health programs for over 25years. Her current responsibilities include overall management of the health district including the assessment and epidemiological components within the Health District, data and information systems and general strategic planning for the health district in the community. She has served as staff for the Summit 2020: A Quality of Life Project from the beginning and continues to assist with the local management.
Previously, she was employed in Cuyahoga County for 15 years implementing community-based programs in the areas of nutrition and many other areas in public health, the community and within hospital systems. She is a registered, licensed dietitian with a Master’s degree in Public Health and Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University.
Rotarians Spotted at Akron Zoo Wild Asia Grand opening
Photo L-R: Julie Brandle, DGND, ran into fellow Rotarians, Geraldine Kiefer and Ginny Wojno
On Friday, April 23, 2021, Baldwin Wallace University’s Student Life Center and the Brain Center for Community Engagement hosted the annual Student Life and Leadership Awards, honoring several campus organizations, students, and staff. The Baldwin Wallace Rotaract club is proud to announce that the club and its members were recognized for the following achievements. The Rotaract club as a whole received “Service Program of the Year,” which recognizes a successful program that provided a service to the BW or greater Cleveland community, engaged organization membership, encouraged students to participate in continuous community service, and contributed to the mission and purpose of the organization and Baldwin Wallace University. Specifically, the club was recognized for its first-ever Telethon event benefiting Action Against Hunger. The event was held virtually and raised $1,412.30.
The club is also thrilled to share that two of its members who held leadership positions in the past year were also recognized. Graduating senior Joey Bernardo is a four-year club member and past club president. Joey was recognized as “Outstanding Leader of the Year.” This honor is awarded to a student in recognition of the positive impact they have made through outstanding leadership and serving as a role model for others while embodying and uplifting the university’s mission statement. Joey exemplifies the meaning of an “Outstanding Leader.” The club thanks Joey for his dedicated service and leadership to the club throughout the past four years.
Also recognized was sophomore Kaylee McKee, who received two outstanding achievements, “BW Student Volunteer of the Year” and “Emerging Leader of the Year.” Last year, Kaylee served as the club’s International Service Chair and organized several incredible events for club members to participate with other Rotaract organizations worldwide. The BW Rotaract club is extremely proud of its club member’s hard work and dedication throughout the past year as they navigated COVID-19. The club looks forward to all the wonderful activities planned for next year.
Berea Rotary is a sponsor of the 2021 Grindstone Festival
We will staff a table July 3-4 at Coe Lake
Games – Prizes – Rotary Information
Berea Rotary makes three more KIVA loans
Kiva Chair Matt Lombardi reports that he made three Kiva loans, bringing our total to 842 loans with a value of $21,100. Matt says activity has been really low with COVID affecting entrepreneurs around the world. The number of countries we are able to make loans to have been limited and those countries have the greatest risk for currency exchange loss. Since we are running low on capital investment, Matt says he has been very selective with loans.
The most recent loans were made to Paraguay, Nicaragua and Vanuatu (a new country never before offered for Kiva loans). The loans were made for general store supply capital (2) and food production supply capital (1).
Final Fill A Bag, Feed a Family report Congratulations to everyone!
By Ben Askren, Aurora Club President
After nine months of planning, re-planning and more re-planning, the My Fill a Bag team is happy to announce that, thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, a record 26,400 lbs. of food were collected. This is 2 tons more than any previous drive.
Altogether, over 400 local volunteers donated their time to make this a success. For most adult volunteers, it was an opportunity to show their children the importance of helping others--. This is a great Aurora tradition.
Both the Volunteers of America-Aurora Food Pantry and the Aurora Family Relief Fund were very pleased with the results.
Because there was so much food collected, smaller amounts were shared with the Food for Friends pantry in Bainbridge and the Mantua backpack program.
Further, 100% of the cash donations will go toward fresh produce and will be deposited into the 2 Aurora Pantry’s accounts at the grocer of their choice.
I apologize for the delay in getting this good news to all of you. I have been focused on writing “thank you’s” and 501-c-3 letters to the over 100 families that sent in a cash donation. $8,055.00 has been received to date. (I believe that no additional donations will be coming in.)
To make this result possible, it took a tremendous effort from many wonderfully devoted leaders and some incredible donations from local companies/Churches.
Scott McFerren, (who lives in Hudson!) was the co-chair of this drive and along with Steve Waisala and Barry Wessels, conducted planning meetings back in October of last year. This team created an entirely new way to meet Covid-19 challenges and still reduce the food collection and processing time by over 2 Hours. Despite having to collect a record amount of food, the design enabled volunteer families to donate time but not get exhausted in the process.
Chuck Marusic is the master of transportation and again provided excellent direction for all volunteer drivers and their families.
Walden has been a huge part of the drive’s success. Jim Fisher worked closely with us and communicated everything needed to his 13 Walden association groups. Miriam and Ryan Conner, handled all the bag delivery and food pick-up in the stand alone Walden homes for the 7th straight year. And Carol Cole, once again, handled all the signage and bag deliveries (with help from Eileen Gaston) to all the Walden condo families-- and there are almost 700 of them!!
Jeff Filarski took on the task of doing 3 straight days of food collection at the Walden mail huts. He and Mike Fritz moved about 3,000 lbs of food around during that time.
And I cannot forget the support that we are given by our Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin. She and Kris Allen teamed up to remove roadblocks at the local Aurora Advocate and enabled promotion of this event.
Mary Kohanski and school Superintendent Michael Roberto supported every facet of this project, even to the point where teacher Mr. Logalbo brought 18 members of the football team to help move almost 700 bins (loaded with food) to our warehouse. Melissa Foster and her school Interact- student volunteer group were great helps and one member, Lydia Schiopota, managed our social media efforts!
But this project needed other areas of help that we critical to its success.
Amy McDougald Eckard and Erik Eckard provided, at no cost, 2 huge lift-gate trucks to move a mountain of supplies and food . That was a back saver!!
John and Terri Updyke, owners of Mad Jacks and The 1815 Tavern and Grill, rewarded all the volunteers (who worked to sort and store the donated food) by providing a large variety of pizzas and salads on two different occasions.
Ann Yan, owner of Surge Industrial not only supplied us with a place to do our final sorting but also a place to store the food. Without this donation--- there is no drive.
Christ Community Chapel, (Pastors Mark Lile and Todd Iannetta led this effort) did four-color printing on 6,000 letters and 100 posters and also provided a location for us to process and store (for a week) all the food donations. They also provided the location for the registration of all the events.
Many churches pitched in to help roll bags like Cornerstone Church along with Christ Community Chapel/Aurora,The Church in Aurora, and especially Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Thank you Jeff Botos, Mary Corrigan and Father Conoboy. You helped so much in so many areas.
As always, Aurora’s incredible group of instant volunteers--- the Rotary Club of Aurora, provided all 6,000 bags that were delivered and volunteers from their membership.
Dave Pavlick of Pavlick Marketing, provide the most unseen but critically needed support—financial donations to pay for the cost associated with running the drive. For years Dave has chosen to be the “anonymous donor” that help keep the operations side afloat. He is a previously “unheralded hero”.
Finally, everyone has seen the over 700 bins that we use to collect food. Those bins have been donated by the wonderful people at Akro-Mills in Seville, Ohio.
How generous is that company to donate to families far away in Aurora?!?!?!
As all of you (that were kind enough to read this far) can see, an effort like this takes the help of many people. We all know that the effort is worth it because our neighbors in need won’t have to worry about feeding their families. Ultimately, that is what this whole project is about.
Remember how many families would suffer if all of us did not take the time to make a difference.
Thank you to everyone who pitched in to help this past year. (If I missed your name or gift---I apologize.)
God bless all of you,
Bruce Bruce Harris, Executive Director – Food2Share Inc.
By Ben Askren, Aurora Club President
Dear Fellow Aurora Rotarians,
Melissa Foster and her Interact kids have been very busy this year, and we just wanted to let the Club see all the activities they participated in. They were show cased at the multi-district conference that was held a couple of weeks ago.
From all the members of the Aurora Rotary Club, "We Salute You" Interact Club!!! Thanks for taking part in so many important events.
This list includes all opportunities provided by AHS Interact Club, it does not include volunteer/service work that students sought out and completed on their own.
Stuff The Bus September 21 & 22 (3
Save Promis Club Virtual event Oct 21
Halloween Drive Through Oct. 29 (20 students)
Rake and Run November 7th (96 students)
Say Leadership Virtual workshop Nov. 10th
Interaction Day Virtual event Nov. 14th (5 students)
Cleveland Food Bank Dec. 3 (11 students)
Christmas Caroling at nursing home (20 students)
Polar Express Event Dec 5 (10 students)
Stuffed care packages for Foster care Jan. 29 (12 students)
Created Valentine cards for kids in Foster care and Elderly Feb. 10 (over 350 cards)
Decorated cafeteria for Valentines Day Feb. (3 students)
Sweatshirt collection for those suffering from homelessness March 12-collected 15 sweatshirts
Virtual Peer tutoring All year(several students)
Holy Angels PSR classes All year (9 students)
Four Way Speech Contest (1)
Virtual National Youth Summit April 17 (7 students)
Fill a Bag, Feed a Family May 2021(Several students)
City Wide Clean up (18)
Car Wash for Believe in Dreams(15 students)
Making Sandwiches for St. Herman’s Homeless shelter
Mulch Day at Tree Museum
By Charlie Fink, Aurora Club
For more information please go to aurorarotaryclub.org where we will post a link for registration and ticket purchases on June 30th.
Rotary Membership Allows Hudson Citizens to Get Involved
Want to lead or participate in a community project? The Rotary Club of Hudson offers many opportunities to give back to our community while enjoying the programs, events and social interaction with like-minded Rotarians. Many levels of involvement are available as a Club member.
Recently concluded Rotary Club of Hudson strategic long-range planning established eight committees for leading and participating in Club activities. All Rotary members are encouraged to contribute their experience and knowledge to one of the committees for the betterment of our community.
Following are brief descriptions of Rotary’s working committees, their tasks, projects and expected results:
Programs Committee--responsible for Rotary’s monthly theme and weekly speakers. Expectations include engaging community/business leaders and accomplished youth for weekly presentations.
Community Service Projects Committee--responsible for major undertakings such as the Scout Cabin refurbishing, Ellsworth School pollinator garden and other conservancy efforts. Expectations are to maintain a high profile of service to Hudson.
Youth Leadership Development and Education Committee--responsible for HHS Service Learning and college scholarships, the 4 Way Speech Contest, the WRA Interact Club and local Scouting. Expectations are to promote and sustain all of Rotary’s youth programs.
Community Health and Safety Services Committee--responsible for charitable projects including support for Gift of Life NEO, Hudson EMS, Hudson Food Bank and Hudson Job Search. Expectations are for the continued support of the critical services of the community and assistance for those in need.
Fund Raising Committee--responsible for the Annual Gala, the Fall Fund Raiser and Fine Day. Expectations are that significant funds will be raised to support the Hudson Rotary Foundation’s many grants to community causes.
Membership Development Committee--responsible for recruiting, orienting and mentoring new Rotary members. Expectations are that the Club’s growth will continue and include increasing numbers of women and minorities.
Community Events Committee--responsible for Rotary’s involvement/support of annual community social events and celebrations such as Santa on the Green, Art on the Green parades and concerts. The expectation is that Rotary will continue to be an “involved citizen”.
Marketing and Public Relations Committee--responsible for continuing communications with the community regarding all Rotary activities. Expectations are that Rotary will be prevalent in local publications, Facebook, YouTube, HCTV and on the Rotary website.
As an example of the cross section of Hudson citizens joining the Club, here are some of Rotary’s newer members:
Phil Butto--Treasurer of Hudson Schools
Terry Bortnik--real estate professional, Humane Society
Chris Foster--Hudson Council, publisher, bee keeper
Nikki Kowalski--Hudson Council, graphic arts marketing, Leadership Hudson
Geoff Korff--entrepreneur, lawyer
Pat Goetz--MD psychiatry
Jane Howington--City Manager
Chuck Nnabuife--home health care finance
Bill McClure--retired, Bikes for Christ
Bill Libby--veteran Cleveland Club Rotarian
In addition to these newer members, the Rotary Club of Hudson includes educators, business owners, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, printers, foundation principals, food retailers, hospital executives, marketers, entrepreneurs and retired professionals anxious to contribute their ideas and skills.
Joining Rotary is easy. All citizens concerned with the welfare and social communications in the community are welcome to apply by contacting Mike Swain at swainmp1448@gmail.com. A simple application, a casual interview over coffee and an expression of your interests will suffice to establish your candidacy.
The club has a very relaxed attendance requirement recognizing that many busy professionals and parents of young children might find it difficult to participate every week. The current Zoom broadcasts of weekly meetings will also continue after the pandemic has subsided and the Club returns to in-person sessions.
You are invited to join our Zoom meetings on Wednesdays at 7:30 am to enjoy one or more of our programs. Our website www.rotaryhudson.org features our upcoming speakers. Please contact Marilyn Orr, President at marilynjorr@me.com for a link. We look forward to meeting you.
Together, with our incredible family of supporters worldwide, ShelterBox has officially provided aid to 2,000,000 people across 100 countries.
While we supported the first million people in the first 15 years, you have helped us reach our second million in the space of just 5 years!
From the Caribbean to Cameroon, all the way to the Philippines and Vanuatu, you have helped transform the lives of 2 million people after disaster. This achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of individuals like you and our global network of partners that go the extra mile to help us reach more people.
District 6630 Past District Governor, Jack Young, is in the top 5 of highest individual fundraisers for ShelterBox and credits the members of his district for their ongoing support!
Katelyn Rupert, daughter of Tim (Medina Sunrise Rotary) and Cindy (Brunswick Rotary), was presented with her Eagle Scout Award, Scouting's highest honor, this afternoon, surrounded by Scout leaders, her family and close friends at the Medina First Christian Church.
Katelyn's Eagle Scout Court of Honor began with a welcome from Diana Strong of Troop 7507 who introduced Scoutmaster Renee Strong for the official award of Eagle Scout. Following the Eagle Scout Charge and special presentation address from Eagle Scout Aidan Kocab. The ceremony concluded with a benediction and outdoor reception, "Becoming an Eagle Scout is just about the only thing you can put on your resume age age fifty that you did at fourteen -- and still impress." -- Randy Pausch
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
FEEDING MEDINA COUNTY WELCOMES UBC YOUTH MINISTRY
United Baptist Church of Brunswick's Youth Ministry Team provided many helping hands and hearts this morning with the Feeding Medina County Free Food Distribution held at the Medina County Fairgrounds.
Katie Fuerst, FMC Executive Director, personally welcomed the UBC Youth and thanked the many FMC Volunteers, including: Rotary, Kiwanis, CERT, Ohio Army National Guard, 3-M, Hope Church of Brunswick, POPE, and our many Veterans who continue to serve our community.
Volunteers sang "Happy Birthday" to Jeff Sottile, who just recently joined Feeding Medina County and Katie reminded everyone of the popular "Pizza Palooza on Public Square" -- on June 19th.
Ohio Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Jeff Cain led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and wished, "Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2021!"
PHOTO:
United Baptist Church of Brunswick Youth Ministry, Staff Sergeant Jeff Cain, Katie Fuerst, Dan Meogher
Once again the annual Rotary Night at the Indians can be held without restrictions. While we missed last 2020, we are glad to be back now and raising money for End Polio Now.
On July 22, 2021, the Cleveland Baseball team will play the Tampa Bay Rays. And Rotary will be there too—in the Terrace Club, walk on the field with “End Polio Now “ T shirts, having the First pitch raffle and other exclusive raffle auctions. Now we just need YOU!!!
Please see the attached flyer and get your reservations in as soon as possible.
LAKEWOOD ROCKY RIVER ROTARY DOES BECK CENTER BEAUTICATION PROJECT
Members of the two Lakewood Rocky River Rotary Clubs got together on May 8 for the annual yard and garden clean-up project at the Beck Center for the Arts, in Lakewood, Ohio. Beck Center is a performing arts and arts education organization. It is the largest theater and arts center on Cleveland's West Shore, educating and entertaining over 65,000 people per year. They brought their rakes, hoes, shovels, brooms, and wheel barrows for a morning of hard work. The garden beds around the Beck building were raked of leaves and other debris from the winter, and mulch was put down. The front lawn was mowed and raked. As the theatre and classes open up, visitors will get to enjoy the fresh new look.
Pictured above is the hard-working Rotary Crew led by Project Chair, Bill Gaydos, seated in the center of the bench on the right side of the photo. Other members of the Sunrise Club who worked on the project were Chuck Drumm, Bob Hamed, Eric Jolly, Mallory Mertz, Jim Penning, and Jim Rowe. Joining from the Noon Club were Mark and Cindy Bacon, Curt Brosky, Doug Cooper, Jon Fancher, and Jim Harris.
For many years, Rotary and its members have supported Beck Center. The Beautification project was started over ten years ago by the Sunrise Rotary Club. Now it is a project of both Lakewood Rocky River Clubs. Beck Center and the Noon Rotary Club also cooperate on an annual Speech, Music, and Art competition for students from the public and private high schools in Lakewood and Rocky River. Artwork submitted by students is normally on display in the Beck Center first floor gallery area for several weeks in the spring for the public to view. Due to the Theater closing this year, the art exhibition was not held.
Earlier this year, the Rotary Club of Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise supported Beck Center with a project that involved buying masks and hand sanitizers. These items will be needed to comply with current State guidelines as the Center opens up its class and theatre programs. Funds were provided for the supplies from a special Rotary Grant program. Club members did the unpacking and sorting of the supplies and putting them in places for easy access for the people using the classrooms and theatres.
BURTON-MIDDLEFIELD ROTARY HOLDS INCREDIBLY SUCCESSFUL GEAUGA JEEP NIGHT
Friday, May 21, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM saw the inaugural Geauga Jeep Night at Madricks Tavern & Restaurant in Newbury, OH. Over 140 Jeeps showed up to support another wildly successful Rotary fund raiser, this time for the benefit of the Geauga Veteran’s Food Pantry. Over $10,000 was raised for the pantry along with half a truck load of non-perishable food item donations that will serve many Geauga veterans and their families. Event chairman Jim Dvorak, a long time Rotary member who also serves as a Geauga County Commissioner and Madricks owners Brett & Leha Frederick declared the event way more successful than planned. The generosity of the attendees and the sponsors was overwhelming and will make it far easier down the road for the food pantry to accomplish their goal of serving all veterans.
All attendees had a great time socializing and comparing their Jeeps, especially after the long pandemic shutdown. A great DJ played a stream of American pride music all evening long and there was an endless stream of door prizes and 50/50 raffle winners. This created an endless stream of winners going to the podium to collect their prizes. The 50/50 winner was ecstatic to collect her $500 prize. One of the highlights of the event was when the national anthem played and all in attendance removed their hats, faced the flag and sang together as Americans.
Madricks tavern manager Alexa Shenenian and employees were kept busy serving refreshments and great food all during the event and seemed to have a great time themselves. Their tireless efforts really helped to push the event over the top. Major sponsors Madricks Tavern & Restaurant, Junction Auto Sales and Ohio Stream Preservation provided great financial support and brought in dozens of attendees. The event was planned by the Burton-Middlefield Rotary organization as a build up to the huge Maple Splash Raffle drawing planned for July 3rd. at the Geauga County Historical Society grounds and the fall Geauga Jeep Jamboree held on October 10th. at the Mayfield Rd. Drive-In Theater. The incredible success indicates it may become part of Burton-Middlefield Rotary’s annual calendar of fund raisers for Geauga County’s non-profits.
RI sends out various newsletters throughout the month.
You can sign up/manage your subscriptions for publications at rotary.org- simply sign in, then go to news & media then select newsletters. If you need assistance, please EMAIL ME.
Since many of you already receive these email newsletters, in lieu of reproducing them in the body of the District newsletter, moving forward you can now use the links below to download them all or individually.
I have included the story headings to help you see what is in each issue.
Membership Minute is a bimonthly newsletter that provides the latest membership trends, strategies, best practices, and resources to help strengthen membership in your clubs. The newsletter is sent to Rotary coordinators, district governors, district membership chairs, club membership chairs, club presidents and subscribers.
Members in Ontario, Canada volunteer at largest vaccination center
Engaging the next generation of Rotary Leaders | May 2021
Young Leaders in Action is a monthly source of news, resources, and event information for young leaders in Rotaract, Interact, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, and New Generations Service Exchange and Rotarians who support them.
Celebrating Youth Service Month
Join the 2021 Virtual Rotaract Preconvention
Build strong intergenerational relationships
Service-learning resources now available in languages
At the 2021 Multi-District Conference of Clubs, we celebrated your exemplary Service Above Self during the challenges brought on by the world-wide pandemic.
698 people from the four districts and beyond registered. Being virtual there was no charge and everyone who registered received a T-shirt to wear in celebration.
On Saturday morning the four districts covering Northeast, Northwest, Southwest, and Central/Southeast Ohio presented a program specific to their Districts. I highlighted how District 6630 Rotarians and clubs continued to lead by responding to the many challenges and opportunities the pandemic provided. Rotarians stepped up to help those in need Click here to watch the video of my presentation.
Chelsea Talty, District Interact Chair, shared how Interact and Rotaract continued to lead and serve even when schools and their after-school programs were restricted. You can click on the following links to view them.
In addition to the Celebration of Life service, the District is buying and planting 57 trees in their memory this fall at Wood Hollow Metro Park in Hudson.
Rob Raylman reported on current Gift of Life activities. A former Rotary exchange student, now in law school, described her work as a human rights advocate. We also heard about how bringing sanitary systems to a village in Honduras changed lives.
PDG Stew Buchanan will be the delegate and PDG Cheryl Warren, the alternate to serve on the Rotary International Nominating committee to select the R.I. Director from Zone 30 in 2023-2025
PDG Julie West, Council on Legislation District Representative, gave an update on the Council of Resolutions.
District 6630 Rotarians created opportunities by adapting and pivoting throughout this year. You continued in fellowship and service and made a difference in the lives of others. I am so proud to serve with each and every one of you.
It has been a LONG haul, but we are closing in on the last phase of the "interpretive signage" project for the Rail to Trail. Two interpretive signs were installed several years ago - one just east of the bridge over the river and the other in the parking lot behind McDonalds. Recently David, Dean and I installed two new directional signs pointing toward the Rotary Grove and the Esker Trail. One is at the corner of Orchard and Line.
In the last week, thanks largely to Tim Benner, we have acquired 4 31 foot rails, ten ties and a bunch of spikes and plates that were removed from the Norfolk right of way near Chamberlain Road and 82. The rails have 1056 on them so they were in place when the train was still running passengers between Warren and Cleveland. Tim Benner managed to get T&L trucking and F&S Automotive to help with the transport of the rails and ties. One of the pictures shows a forklift loading the ties onto the T&L flatbed. The other pictures show the ties and rails being unloaded at the depot. It was amazing to watch today as the material was unloaded. I cannot imagine how much this would have cost if we had to pay for the trucking and unloading. Let alone for the rails with a scrap value of at least $800 each.
We have work to do, but the end is in sight. Hopefully we will complete the installation by the end of June and can have a dedication at Art on the Hill which is also when the Park District Foundation has its Adventure Race so the town will be hopping.
Stay tuned.
Steve
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Stephen L. Zabor, Ph.D.
Rotary District 6630 Governor 2011/12
Rotary District 6630 Vice Governor 2020/21
Board Member DMRC, ASGC, Portage Park District Foundation, Hiram Village Park and Recreation
Emeritus Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies, Hiram College 330-569-7063 (H) 330-569-4936 (M)
The Rotary Club of Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise faced the same issue as many other Clubs trying to raise funds for its planned service projects for 2021. The annual fund raiser was cancelled in 2020, and not even planned for 2021.
A local jeweler donated an attractive 14 Karat gold two tone bracelet with 14 diamonds totaling 2.42 carats for a fund-raising raffle. Having a raffle would be a challenge since the Club was meeting on Zoom, and selling tickets would be difficult with Covid restrictions. Current Club President, Eric Jolly, challenged the members to use Email, Text, Face Book and all other possible ways to “sell” tickets! A special flyer was prepared listing the many agencies and organizations that would receive support from a successful raffle. Virtual tickets were only $10 per ticket; $50 for 6 tickets; $100 for 13 tickets; and $200 for 28 tickets. For each ticket purchased the donor received one chance to win. The Club made donating to Raffle easy by giving people two choices, going to a special website and paying by credit card using its safe and secure online processing system or paying by check to the Rotary Club of Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Foundation.
The Goal was $6,000 and $6,715 was raised representing 91 different participants! The winner was the wife of a former member who has maintained contact the Club and helps with Club projects!
Two local community organizations that will benefit from the Fundraising Raffle are the Rocky River Assistance Program of family food distribution of non-perishable food to over 300 families in Rocky River and the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation program which delivers food to 300 needy families in Lakewood at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Recently, the Sunrise Club added the Trials for Hope program to the list of organizations it helps. This program provides food for the homeless and needy on the near west side of Cleveland.
News releases were prepared featuring some of these organizations and how support of the raffle will enable the Club to continue its support in 2021. The other clubs in the Cluster were contacted. The members really pitched in and made contacts with their friends and business associates. The Club decided to have the raffle as a virtual social, which featured a presentation by Rebecca Silber, Rotary International Foundation Zone Annual Giving Chair, who gave brief talk on the activities of Rotary International. Everyone who participated in the Raffle was invited to attend the virtual social. The drawing was done using a special online program that listed all the names of participants, including the number of tickets they purchased, and randomly selected a winner.
Rotary Fellowships consist of members who share a common interest in recreational, sports, skills, foster vocational development. And enhance the Rotary experience by exploring interests while developing connections around the world.
OVERVIEW
Help participants make lasting friendships outside their own club, District or country. Advance Rotary's public image and identity Serve as an incentive for joining Rotary and for maintaining active membership.
ORGANIZATION
Functions independently of Rotary International by establishing their own rules and requirements Are open to Rotarians, their family members, as well as participants and Alumni of all Rotary and Foundation programs.
For additional information on Fellowships please feel free to contact District Fellowship Chair PDG Jack A. Young.
Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians Past InterAmerican Region Chair (2018-20) for North, Central and South America.
Member of Rotary Fellowship for Past District Governors.
Rotary Club of Hudson Announces Upcoming Speakers and Community Projects
The Rotary Club of Hudson continues its weekly Zoom meetings with the following sports and entertainment speakers:
May 5-----Samantha Harsh, Conservancy for CVNP
May 12---Ross Binnie, Chief Brand Officer, Cleveland Orchestra
May 19---Dr. Christopher Kuhar, Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
May 26---Rotary’s Thomas O. Page College Scholarship Winners
Anyone wishing to join the Zoom calls at 7:30 am Wednesdays should contact Marilyn Orr, President, at marilynjorr@me.com. Also, check the Rotary of Hudson website at www.rotaryhudson.org.
The members of Rotary Club are currently involved in high profile projects that will benefit the community for years into the future, including:
Refurbishing the Scout’s historic Wormy Chestnut log cabin located along Main Street that was originally built in 1931 by the Rotary Club of Hudson. It is anticipated that, when completed, the grounds and cabin will offer opportunities for community gatherings as well as scouting activities.
Establishing a pollinator garden at Ellsworth Elementary School by first removing the invasive plants and weeds from the designated area and then planting the bushes and perennials that will attract birds and bees so vital to our natural environment.
The Rotary Club of Hudson recently completed a long range strategic plan to guide its member growth, service projects, community grants, special events and weekly activities in coming years. Core values of service, fellowship, integrity, leadership and diversity were defined by the plan.
Hello Rotary District 6630, Club RYLA Chairs and Supporters of the RYLA Program:
Thank you for your patience with us as we work to sort through the myriad of information that we have been evaluating regarding COVID-19. As you are aware, there have been significant changes occurring across our region. The information is developing with each passing day and we have been diligently working to make a decision about this year’s Camp RYLA that is in the best interest of all involved.
I am writing to let you know that, regrettably, we have made the decision to cancelthe 2021 Camp RYLA. Some of the reasons for this decision are below:
Baldwin Wallace University will not be hosting overnight camps this summer.
Many school districts will still be in session during the time Camp RYLA is supposed to be held.
Camp RYLA will not be able to be as effective or deliver quality outcomes virtually.
We appreciate your continued patience as the RYLA District Committee will meet soon to discuss plans for reinvigorating Camp for June 2022.
Thank you in advance for your understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at mwest@bw.edu
We will be in touch in the near future regarding the 2022 Camp.
D. Marc West --- Chair – Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (Camp RYLA) District 6630 RYLA Committee Rotarian – Rotary Club of Berea Advisor – Rotaract Club of BW & Berea
Student Life Center – Union (Strosacker Hall) Baldwin Wallace University 275 Eastland Road Berea, OH 44017-2088
Just wanted to let you know before the Official word gets broadcast that the Barberton Club will be having a NON-Virtual golf outing on August 6th at Chippewa Country Club.
To that end I have attached the signup material and the Prize and Sponsor's lists for your review.
Please attend with your group and be part of the fun (for real) this time around. CLICK TO OPEN/PRINT FLYER
All the Best,
Bob Rees, President
McCafferty Clean Up Success
10 Rotarians Came, Saw, Cleaned, and Enjoyed!
8 AM the morning of March 23, 2021, ten members of the Barberton Rotary Club began the ritual of Clean Up at McCafferty Park for the new year.
From Left to Right; Shelly Habegger, Barb Kirbawy, Bob Critchfield, Dustin Zuravel, Dave Barrett, Todd Sabol, Don Kaser, Ruth Kaser, and Chris Stoll, braved the beautiful spring morning with trash bags gloves and great attitudes, to make the Park sparkle.
We can only hope that all of the coming morning clean ups can have this kind of beautiful weather and comradery.
The Akron Club celebrated 107 years of distinguished service on April 1, 2021.
President, Dr. Rob McGregor said, "Hmmm, seems our club has always had a sense of humor since we got chartered on April Fools Day! 107 years of being official!"
by Sandy Naragon
The Rotary Club of Akron sponsored a 4-Way Test Speech Contest for students at North High School. The contest provides a challenging way for students to develop critical thinking, ethical decision making and public speaking skills.
The purpose of the speech is to apply the principles of the 4 Way Test to a current ethical issue. Students are challenged to identify a topic they feel passionate about and to adopt a point of view from which they will seek to persuade others. In addition to recognition, students can also win cash prizes at the Club and District levels of the contest.
The contest was held on March 31st. Rotary judges included Lynda Farkas, Sandy Naragon and Cheryl Warren. Based on the judging criteria and point distribution guidelines from Rotary District 6630, judges awarded:
Tam Chau – Third place with prize of $75
Ter Nay – Honorable mention with prize of $50
Although the Club didn’t have a contestant qualify for District, the students had strong messages and were given constructive feedback to raise scores based on Content, Organization and Delivery. They were encouraged to enter again.
Yours in Service -
Sandy Naragon
Speaking of fun ... The Akron Club is having a little fun while recognizing members.
Congratulations to our newest Akron Crown recipients
(L-R) Terry Dalton and Wanda Raber Whipkey
Terry was selected as King for being an integral part of the Zoom meetings, keeping Dr. Rob's Rotary calendar straight, all his work on the scholarship program and for writing the weekly speaker re-caps.
Wanda was crowned as Queen of the Chili Open for who has shepherd it the past couple years with various co-chairs. She did an outstanding job again this year and continues to set the bar higher each year for the event.
ABOUT THE AKRON ROTARY CROWN
When our Club began meeting remotely, Katy was so impressed with Cheryl Warren's handling of our Zooms that she spontaneously sent her a Tiara and crowned her the Queen of Zoom!
Cheryl approached Katy to ask if they could "pass it forward", so they decided to keep it moving every other month or so, crowning a Queen or King or Both for their efforts to benefit our club! Katy secured a Kings crown to have in addition to the Tiara.
The member(s) who receives the crown(s) must wear them for a month to our weekly meetings – either virtually or when we go live.
We will do it every other month to allow time in between to transition the “Akron Rotary Crown”
The member(s) who last received the crown(s) then helps Cheryl and Katy identify the next worthy member(s) then he/she drops off the committee and the next recipient joins us – so it rotates.
Now, Terry and Wanda will be part of the committee to help pick the next recipient(s) and will then drop off and the new recipients come on...so it rotates.
It's important to point out that this is not a popularity contest - some month's there may be no one and other month's there may be more than one person. We are looking for members who are often doing things quietly behind the scene or big things too.
We encourage the committee chairs and all members to submit ideas to Katy and Cheryl - just email us. We want to continue recognizing members for all their good deeds!
Student Scholarship Program - Parts II and III
On April 20, 2021, our Club honored students in the fields of Allied Health, Automotive, Bio-Science, Criminal Justice and Education.
On April 27, 2021, we honored the last of our 2020-2021 students. This group focused on career fields of Business and Hospitality/Tourism.
Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship from the Akron Rotary Foundation.
Terry Dalton serves as a member of the Akron Rotary Club Board of Directors and as the Club Secretary and has chaired the Rotary Scholarship Committee for about 10 years.
Thanks to the committee members who participated in the interview and selection process: Ryan McCauley, Zach Prosser, Jay Rutter and Kevin Smith.
We are very pleased to be able to provide this St Thomas Global Grant Application Update:
You may not recall, as your participation in this International Rotary Grant began over three years ago.
In the fall of 2017, hurricanes severely damaged the schools of St Thomas of the Virgin Islands. Based on the pleas for help from a West Geauga High School Alumni teaching on the Island, the West Geauga Interact club initiated a project to raise funds to support the recovery of the Island's Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.
By the fall of 2018, 19 District 6630 Rotary Clubs and 13 Interact Clubs joined with 2 St Thomas Rotary Clubs and the Ivanna Eudora Interact Club to raise $38,488. We are now pleased to report that the Literacy Grant for St Thomas Ivanna Eudora Kean High School was fully funded. With matching funds from District 6630, Virgin Islands District 7020 and Rotary International, $109,938 will enable a 4-year literacy project to raise severely under-grade reading levels of St Thomas students.
This 4-year project will provide 900 Ivanna Eudora Kean High School students of St Thomas VI with the tools, resources and classroom instruction required to acquire the reading skills needed to secure the education, training, and life skills to contribute to their community and attain their life goals. Our goal is to have students graduating at the reading level required for college, career training or immediate employment.
This week, planning has been initiated to launch this literacy project with the school year beginning September2021. The project has four core elements. (1.) Teacher training, (2.) reading books for all students, (3.) English classroom workbooks and (3.) the highly regarded online Achieve 3000 literacy solution. Achieve 3000 is used in 48 countries to ensure all students, especially the most vulnerable, continue to accelerate their literacy growth.
Your club's participation is greatly appreciated. Please share this exciting news with your members. It is another great example of how Rotary clubs join to impact lives around the world.
Peter D. Tuttle
Membership Chair Rotary District 6630 Youth Chair Geauga West Rotary Club ptuttle@ptcdi.com 216-470-4352
REGISTER NOW June 12-16, 2021 Virtual Rotary International Convention
The 2021 Virtual Convention will be better than ever, opening more innovative opportunities to learn and to engage with the family of Rotary, near and far. You’ll be able to network in virtual lounges, meet new partners in service, and join fun activities with Rotary members from around the world.
This event is open to all Rotary members and participants from 12-16 June 2021. Registration fees are as follows:
US$65 - 8 May through 16 June
*Registration must be paid in full between 16 April and 7 May to receive the US$49 rate.
This year’s event will connect you, virtually, with members around the world. It will open new opportunities to learn and to engage with the family of Rotary, near and far. Together, we’ll inspire action, strengthen our commitments, work on our challenges, and celebrate our successes.
Visit the convention event page on Facebook to connect with other participants and share what you’re looking forward to experiencing with #Rotary21. The Virtual Convention is open to all Rotary members and participants, so invite a friend to join you or share the event with your community.
MEDINA SUNRISE HONORARY ROTARIAN STAFF SERGEANT JEFF CAIN AWARDED NATIONAL GUARD RECRUITING & RETENTION TEAM LEADER
Since first putting boots on the ground in Medina two years ago, Staff Sergeant Jeff Cain has clearly established himself, along with his Soldiers in the Ohio Army National Guard, as on a mission to support our country, community and kids.
Building strong community partnerships, SSG Jeff Cain and the GUARD are engaged with our high schools, Career Center, local businesses and community service organizations, including: Medina Sunrise Rotary, Feeding Medina County, The Cleveland Clinic, Lafayette Township Fire Department, The Children's Center and Medina Creative Housing.
If the Medina Armory seems to be more alive with activity than ever, in part, it can be because SSG Jeff Cain and all the Medina Soldiers of the Ohio Army National Guard are truly "Always Ready. Always There." Medina Sunrise Rotary congratulates Staff Sergeant Jeff Cain and his recent National Guard Recruitment & Retention Team Leader Award and thanks him for his service and his leadership as he is committed to making a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond.
PHOTO:
SFC Eric Hammond and SSG Jeff Cain
MEDINA COUNTY DISTRICT LIBRARY (MCDL) -- REACHING KIDS & COMMUNITY COME SEE US --WE'RE OPEN, WE'RE HERE!
Medina County District Library's (MCDL) Assistant Director Suzie Muniak joined Medina Sunrise Rotary in a lively and well-attended Zoom meeting early this morning. "The shared mission of helping kids and community is one which the MCDL and Rotary have continued throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic," noted Ms. Muniak.
2020 was the library's year of virtual events. We greeted over 8,000 people who attended 300 virtual library events. We kept something old: Personal Shoppers, Anytime Lockers, Virtual Programs & Storytimes and Outreach to Daycare Center. We offered something new: Curbside Service, Virtual Reference, Virtual One-on One Genealogy and Virtual Chat Service. And we found ways of reaching our kids with programs in new and different ways.
Come and see us at Medina County District Library. We're open. We're here!
The Rotary Club of Wadsworth will be hosting our 2nd Community Paper Shredding Event in coordination with the City of Wadsworth on Saturday, May 15th from 9:00am – 12:00pm. In May of 2020, in the RAIN, we held a successful event and collected and shredded on-site a whopping 14,000 pounds of paper! This paper is then sold and recycled into toilet paper and tissues and, as we experienced last spring during the Covid Pandemic, there was a serious shortage of toilet paper!
Our Wadsworth Club is also providing some custom designed park benches engraved with the Rotary logo for the City of Wadsworth Parks Department and the Wadsworth Walking Trail. These should be installed sometime this spring. In addition, we are providing 2 Wadsworth High School students with college scholarships based on the Rotary ideals of Community Service, Volunteering and being Beneficial to All Concerned.
This year marks the 10th year of the war in Syria. Described as the worst humanitarian disaster of our time, the conflict has caused untold suffering for more than 11 million people. Families continue to flee unspeakable violence, only to find themselves in crowded displacement camps facing the life threatening danger of corona and freezing winter temperatures.
Syrian families are in desperate need of Shelter, blankets and hygiene items their children safe, warm and protected. While Shelter Box remained committed to do everything we can to help families displaced by the violent conflict, there is an ever increasing. Need for humanitarian aid.
Most recently, snow and high winds , followed by torrential rains, created extreme flooding within the camps, forcing more than 20,000 families to abandon their tents. Many families are living in public spaces, making them even more vulnerable to contracting COVID 19, while others are sleeping unprotected outside in harsh conditions that typically fall below zero at night.
Shelter Box has been responding to the conflict since 2012. Working with our partners, we have sheltered over 250,000 people affected by the conflict. Our custom kits contain emergency shelter and supplies needed to survive the winter.
We need your continued support now more than ever to provide families with the essential supplies to protect them from contracting the virus and help them make it through the winter.
For more information please contact PDG and Past SB Board of Director Member Jack Young. (Jack1villa@aol.com or 440 759 4000)
With gratitude,
Kerri Murray President, Shelter Box USA
Rotary District 6630 Past District Governor, Jack A. Young of Brunswick makes Shelter Box presentation to Residents of Echelon Independent Living facility in Medina.
On April 7, PDG and Past Board of Director of Shelter Box USA md In House Presentation on SB to residents of Echelon Independent Living facility in Medina. He explained how Rotary supports the disaster relief organization in responding to various disasters throughout the World.
Shelter Box was founded by a Rotarian in Cornwall, England in 2000. Shortly there after the Organization was brought to the USA by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, Florida. PDG Young and past President of the Rotary Club of Conneaut and Rotarian Marsha Pappalardo of the Rotary Club of Brunswick were invited by the Founder to visit where Shelter Box was founded in England.
The USA is the largest of the 18 Shelter Box affiliates in the World. Shelter Box has provided shelter to over a Million people in the World in time of need.
Rotary provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with other people in so many ways. A unique example was demonstrated in the March Rotary. A Covid-19 unit nurse received a Rotary bracelet from her Dad when she joined her club. She wore the bracelet to work and had a patient who did not speak English. The language barrier was preventing the nurse from connecting with him. The patient then pointed at her bracelet. At first, the nurse did not understand. Then he said, "Rotary." From then on, beyond being a nurse, he know who she was. The symbol made him recognize the kind of person she must be. It is wonderful to know that we are part of an organization that has the universal "language" of Rotary!
What did Rotary Clocktower do in March?
On March 3rd, we welcomed J.R. Campbell, Professor and Executive Director of the Design Innovation Initiative at Kent State University. Kent State's DI Initiative brings together students, faculty, staff, community members, and leading experts from diverse disciplines who are thoughtfully addressing technology and society through design to become creative, intersectional problem solvers and fearless collaborators in the face of complex, messy problems. This presentation was live streamed and is available for viewing on our Facebook page.
We also welcomed Amy Manko, a former Rotarian from Washington, Pa., who came to speak about her new Hudson business, Ross Farm Mercantile, our March business of the month. This local yarn shop sells many different yarns from sheep on the Ross Farm as well as fine British and other wool yarns. Amy plans to have trunk show collections and will be teaching knitting.
Finally, our District Governor and member, Pat Myers, lead an induction of new members from the 2020 Leadership Hudson class. Pat provided inspirational comments including that all Rotarians share the same core values. Thanks again to Pat for leading this induction and to the sponsors of these new members!
On March 10th, we continued our book discussion, turning our attention to the book, "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek. De-De Mulligan and Jake Jackson led an interesting discussion of the questions: "Why did you join Rotary?" and "Why do you stay in Rotary?" This discussion will continue on April 14th on a different aspect of the book. Thanks De-De and Jake for your work!
The next evening our club held the 4-way speech contest for students at Western Reserve Academy. The two winners with compete with the two winners from Hudson High School on April 7th.
March 17th, St. Patrick's Day provided an opportunity to celebrate some of our members. Wayne Nieman shared about his involvement with the Northeast Ohio Roy Hobbs Baseball, Not only did we learn a lot about Wayne's activities outside of work, but we also learned how every year as part of tournaments, he gets to play at MLB spring training sites, including the Jet Blue Stadium, the training facility for the Boston Red Sox, with its own "Green Monster." Local championship games are played at the Ballpark of Hudson. We hope to catch Wayne play in the local championship. Thanks Wayne for providing such interesting information!
Kate Schlademan, continued our monthly member spotlight segment of "When in your life did you feel most vibrant?" Kate shared about her time living in South Korea for five years and encouraged anyone having such as opportunity to take advantage.
Mavis Jennings concluded the meeting with some special St. Patrick's Day fun by leading us in St. Patrick Day songs. In addition to music, Mavis, having traveled and performed with Cique du Soleil, shared stories from his travels in Ireland. Thanks Mavis for celebrating St. Patrick's Day with us and allowing all of us to be Irish for the day!
March 24th provided an opportunity to hear from Susan Licate, a Media, Partnership and Congregational Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau. Key information provided included business resources available from the Census Bureau.
Our monthly "What is Rotary?" segment highlighted the cluster and cluster projects. Jake shared information about the status of last year's project, which was delayed because of Covid, is ready to be completed. Eighteen camp stoves were purchased for the cabins at Camp Manatoc. They will be installed on April 13th at 9:00 a.m. All Rotarians are invited to come and assist with the completion of this project on the 13th!
Additionally, the next project has been selected by the cluster of clubs which is the installation of bare root stock for 1.7 acres at Wood Hollow Metro Park in Hudson. The Cuyahoga Falls club is heading this project.
On March 31st, Elaine Marsh, Summit Metro Parks Watershed Specialist, discussed the removal of Gorge Dam and what it means for the environment and the region in her presentation, "Bringing Down the Dam, Freeing the Falls."
Rotary Clocktower provided a letter of support to the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, which is the largest land trust in Ohio, in its efforts to acquire and preserve the 55 acres by historic O'Brien Cemetery in the city of Hudson. This O'Brien Preserve promotes conservation elements such as: protecting forest, wetlands, and streams, providing habitat for over 130 bird species; and offering outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. Additionally, it is adjacent to the Summit County's Hike and Bike Trail. A representative will be speaking to our club later this year.
Update on pollinator garden project. The two Rotary clubs of Hudson and Hudson Clocktower are moving forward with the creation of pollinator gardens at each of the Hudson Schools. For 2021, the first garden will be created at Ellsworth Hill Elementary. Representatives of the two clubs met with Hudson school representatives, including Curt VanBlarcum, the Hudson Schools arborist, to begin the planning process. We are looking forward to creating a great learning experience for the students which aligns with Rotary's new area of focus on the environment. If you would like to assist, the initial work at Ellsworth will occur Tuesday, April 6th and Wednesday, April 7th at 5:30 p.m. to remove the invasive plants and weeds from the designated area.
Update of Hudson High School Students collecting used books. Jeremy Lavoie contacted me to share that the students have decided to restart the book drive, and are running it until April 15th. Anyone wishing to donate books can drop them off at Jeremy's house, 7165 Colesbrooke Dr. To date, the students have donated over 12,000 books to organizations, including the Findley Learning Center, Cleveland Literacy Project, various Ohio prisons, and Bright Star in Akron.
I hope to see you soon at one of our upcoming Rotary meetings!
On APRIL 22, District 6630 PDG Jack Young and Past Chair for the North American Region (North, Central and South America) for the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarans was presented The Silver Wheel Award from the FSR.
The Silver Wheel Award was presented to PDG Jack in Brunswick, Ohio in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the advancement of the understanding and cooperation between Rotary International and Scouting.
The IFSR Silver Wheel Award has been reserved for those individuals with outstanding International Service to Rotary and Scouting. Therefore PDG Young was recognized for his years of exceptional and exemplary service in support of IFSR International activities, Scouting and guidance of International Service. He is also a Past Board of Director Member for the IFSR and a Past advisor for the Ashtabula County Scouting Venture Organization and has attended a number of Scouting Jamborees in West Virgina along with receiving the Cliff Doutcherman Award, Past Rotary International President Scouting/Rotary Award.
Pictured L-R
Steve Wilder..Ohio Rotary District 6650 Governor Elect 2021-2022 and Mayor of Canton Ohio.
Ohio Rotary District 6630 Jack Young and Past Chair for the North American Region.
Lee Peters..Rotarian of Ohio Rotary District 6600 and Unit Commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America.
Kent Rotary Foundation made four awards at its recent meeting. Portage County Literary Association received $2000; Tree City Preschool received $2350 to replace their playground. The Girl Scouts received $3063 to help sanitize and create a safe environment for camping this summer and Edible Kent received $735 to support its community garden, which provides homegrown food to local residents at no cost.
President Randy announced that we will likely go back to in-person meetings at the Kent United Methodist Church starting in late June.
Vilhelm Bjarnason, a 2005/2006 exchange student from Iceland to our District (hosted by North Royalton - Broadview Heights) will be speaking at our Westlake-Bay Village Rotary meeting Wednesday, March 31 at 7:30am.
He is currently a PE teacher at an elementary school and will talk about what he has been doing since his exhange experience and what life in Iceland is like during the pandemic.
His father, Bjarni Grimmson, will also be joining him.
Bjarni is a long time Rotarian and the incoming District Governor for Iceland.
Here is the Zoom link if you would like to join us.
E-ClubNEO welcomed District Governor Pat Myers to their regular meeting on February 27th for the Governor’s Annual Visit. Prior to DG Pat’s address to the Club, she presented (virtually) to Kathryn Craig, the Governor’s Citation for Exemplary Service to Rotary E-ClubNEO and its members as the 2020-2021 "Rotary Unsung Hero". Club President Steve Warren stated that the choice was a tough decision and how difficult it was to pick one member to be singled out.
President Warren went on to say that the fledgling E-Club was halfway through it’s inaugural year and would not be here without the driving force and determination of one of its members. Kathryn Craig caught the smoldering ember of the E-Club idea from (at the time) DG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski and kept it alive and burning for 2 years; doing the legwork and the research to bring the E-Club to life.
While not trained in Website Design, Kathryn worked diligently to learn the Club Runner tools to get the website up and running … a key component for an E-Club.
Working with the RC of Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley, she pushed and pulled the E-Club across the starting line last June. Since that time, Kathryn has been instrumental in guiding the Club, delivering instructional programs for our new Rotarians and providing leadership of the two Service Projects the E-Club has undertaken so far this year.
Please join me in celebrating your leadership through this year of opportunities, at our virtual Annual Meeting and District Conference of Clubs April 22-24, 2021. For the first time we will not only meet virtually, we will be a hybrid conference by joining with three other districts in Ohio on Friday and Saturday as we all share our year, celebrate and have fun together.
Watch for the registration link this week-end and sign up early to receive a T-Shirt to wear particularly on Friday night April 23 .
Please note important information for annual meeting, brief schedule, letter from R.I. President Holger Knaack regarding Youth Exchange programs, the unfortunate need to cancel RYLA in June of 2021 and the many activities and opportunities in the newsletter.
Annual Meeting
On March 8, each club received a packet of information sent via DocuSign. This packet contained directions for each club to name elector(s) to the annual meeting. The meeting will be On Thursday, April 22, 2021. Please enter the meeting at 5:45 PM. in order to be checked in. The meeting will start at 6PM.
Included in the information you received were seven important documents for our District 6630 Annual Meeting. Please note that the packet was sent from DocuSign not from Mike.)
Voting Certification Instructions.
The required Elector Credential Certificate form. This form MUST be returned to Mike Davanzo (mdavanzo@zoominternet.net) by April 12, 2021. This is required to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.
A spreadsheet showing the number of eligible electors for each club.
The documents for the proposed District 6630 Bylaw amendments:
2018-19 Financials which had been approved via a vote in December 2020, and now need to be ratified per our Bylaws at the Annual Meeting.
2019-20 Financials which need to be approved per Rotary International at this meeting.
Annual Meeting Agenda.
If you have any question about the Annual Meeting, please contact Mike Davanzo at mdavanzo@zoominternet.net or 330-441-1507
Our District 6630 Conference of Clubs
District 6630 Rotarians, please join me in a virtual Multi-District Conference of Clubs.
We will be joining together with D6600 (NW Ohio),) D6670 (SW Ohio) and D6690 (Central and Southern Ohio).
Thursday evening is dedicated just to our own D6630 and Friday evening and Saturday morning we are planning a fun event and interesting speakers. You won't want to miss it!
Thursday 4/22/2021 D6630 Only:
6 pm Annual Meeting
7 pm - 8:30 pmConference Kick-off: Recognition of those achieving 50 years in Rotary in 2019-2021 and Celebration of Life with families of those who have passed away 2019-2021
Friday 4/23/2021:
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Enjoy a fun radio show with music, keynote speaker, trivia. BYOB.
Saturday 4/24/2021: 9:00 am - 11:00 am We will have interesting speakers from around the country and world plus comments from the four District Governors. 11:00 am - 1:00 pm District 6630 will have an exclusive breakout with our 4-Way Test Speech Contest winners / Interact-Rotaract Recognition and more!
Registration will open soon - watch your email!!
I look forward to seeing you with us at this special event.
This is an initial invitation to join in fellowship and service with Medina service clubs, US Military Service, and Public Service to come together as a community at:
THE 2021 ANNUAL MEDINA SERVICE CLUBS GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER BREAKFAST
Williams on the Lake
Friday, April 2, 2021
7:00 am to 8:30 am
$12.50 per person
Thank you for your participation and support of this time honored community holiday event. Please be sure to confirm your attendance well in advance of the event. The reservation and deposit have been sent in and our hosts, Mark & Aly Williams, will expect a head count.
It is a voluntary hybrid meeting, in person and Zoom, in compliance with the Medina Health Department and Governor of Ohio's State guidelines.
We are especially grateful to: Mayor Dennis Hanwell, US Military Chaplain Reid Miller, TSgt Cody Hoffman, Father Mike Ausperk, Soloist Kimberly States, Music Director Tom Bonezzi, Medina Sunrise Rotary President Kevin Wermer, Kiwanians Roy Lehman and Alan Penn, our Medina County service clubs, and Mark & Aly Williams from Williams on the Lake.
Very respectfully,
David
"Committed to making a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond through our time, talents and treasures."
On March 16, 2021, our Club honored students in the Manufacturing, Engineering, Skilled Trades & Health and Human Services categories.
Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship from the Akron Rotary Foundation.
Terry Dalton serves as a member of the Akron Rotary Club Board of Directors and as the Club Secretary and has chaired the Rotary Scholarship Committee for about 10 years.
About the Scholarship Recipients:
The Students of the Year recognized March 16th were Anna Gray, Jennifer Skerlong, Mary Winer, Anjana Tamang, Tam Chau, and Emma Grass.
We were pleased that four of the students were available to join our meeting [click to view recording].
These students are extremely accomplished students and active community volunteers.
Geraldine (Gerry) Kiefer, PhD, was sponsored by her mother, Virginia (Ginny) Wojno.
Geraldine recently moved back to Akron from Winchester, Virginia after retiring from Shenandoah University where she was a Professor of Art. Gerry has extensive art background as she is a graduate of Kent State University and earned a Masters Degree from Oberlin College and her Ph.D., Art History, from Case Western Reserve University.
Gerry was a longtime member of the Frederick County Rotary Club and the Winchester Rotary Club. Thanks to Ginny, she has considerable knowledge of The Rotary Club of Akron having attended several times as a guest. Gerry said she considers herself "an Akron Rotarian since birth".
Gerry is very familiar with the Camp and looks forward to participating in events and service opportunities. You may spot Gerry driving around town in her new car (her old one just conked out) and she is thrilled that she is able to transfer her Rotary license plates!
Gerry is a Rotary Paul Harris+5 (Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition is given in appreciation to anyone who contributes, outright or cumulatively – or in whose name is contributed – a gift of US$1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, PolioPlus Partners or the Humanitarian Grants program. The recognition consists of a certificate, pin, and medallion. Recipient's recognition amount level. US $2,000 to 2,999.99 - one sapphire; 3,000 to 3,999.99 - two sapphires; 4,000 to 4,999.99 - three sapphires; 5,000 to 5,999.99 - four sapphires; 6,000 to 6,999.99 - five sapphires 7,000 to 7,999.99 - one ruby; 8,000 to 8,999.99 - two rubies; 9,000 to 9,999.99 - three rubies).
She is very energetic and plans on being extremely engaged with our club through participation on various committees and service projects.
Ryan McCauley was sponsored by Dan O'Connell.
Born and raised in Stow, Ohio, and lived in Phoenix for seven years where he worked as a project manager at Bank of America.
Ryan and his wife Jessica and their one year old, moved back to the area about six months ago when he joined the family business, McCauley Financial LLC.
He is involved with the Fairlawn Chamber of Commerce and through his father and brother`s work at The Hudson Rotary Club, knows a lot about Rotary and is excited to give back through our service projects.
He is a graduate of Western Reserve Academy and received his B.A. from Kent State University.
When not working , Ryan enjoys golf and working around his new house, which is just around the corner from our Rotary Camp.
The following testimonial from John Bosco is outstanding. The Nordonia Hills Club is a fantastic example of how to grow membership by 60% in a 12 month Rotary Year. How did they do it? John Bosco said "How did we get so many new members? We asked people to join Rotary and they did".
THE ROTARY CLUB OF NORDONIA HILLS
During Rotary year 2019-2020 the Club added approximately 15 new members. The Club went from 25 to 40 and even with the Pandemic we have retained all but 3. 2 moved out of the area and 1 was not a good fit.
How did we get so many new members? We asked people to join Rotary and they did. Getting new members, to join a club that has become stale or set in its ways, requires trying something new. We not only asked community leaders to join us, but we tried to find out the real reason they have not joined in the past.
Many told us they had never been asked or they did not know what Rotary did. That was easy to remedy. Some, especially the younger generation, were concerned about the financial obligations and the time commitments. We tried to make Rotary affordable by changing how we charged for meals. Our regular members were prepaying for meals, so we allowed the younger members to only pay for the meals they ate. We were able to do this because we did not have to commit to a certain weekly minimum. We also waved a portion of the dues for 1 year if it would help someone on a fixed income or if they could contribute to the club in other ways such as putting our club in the local newspaper and online every week.
In other words, we were creative. We were not afraid to go to the Board of Directors and say, let us try something new to increase our membership”. Most of the time they said yes, and it has paid off.
We added a new member last month because she was following our club on Facebook. She asked to attend a few meetings and then she wanted an application. She is not only highly active, but she is inviting one of her friends to join our meeting next week.
People have many misconceptions about Rotary. It is not like it was when I joined in the 1970’s. For example, a member is not asked to leave if they miss a meeting or two anymore. There are many ways to be a good Rotarian even if you can not attend every meeting. Rotary is no longer just a “Men’s Club “ either. Rotary membership is open to community leaders and others who want to help make the world a better place. We must be enthusiastic participants and tell our friends and acquaintances about Rotary.
I was told a long time ago to let people know that Rotary can help someone fulfill their passion. That is very true and also much easier to attain with the help of a worldwide organization.
No need to reply but it would be great to know who decided to participate.
Happy Storytelling!
Megan A. Mannion Library Media/SEL Learning Specialist Ott Staff Development Center Sylvester Small Administration Building 10 North Main Street | Akron, OH 44308 330.761.3045 | mmannion@apslearns.org
Julie Brandle, DGND, Assistant Governor - S Summit and Medina Cluster Past President, Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio Cell 330.858.6672 | jbrandle@metisconstruction.com
The past 12 months have been difficult for organizations that depend on fundraising to finance their community service. When the Crestwood Middle School Sunshine Fund approached the Rotary Club of Mantua to help make up for their inability to do their in-person events we sympathized, but said we too had to cancel our own fundraisers. Instead of leaving it at that, we decided to try a virtual reverse raffle. Having been approached by Bob Oborn to support theirs, we reached out to him for guidance about how best to run a successful virtual event. He was extremely helpful, and we decided to proceed.
Knowing that Rotary and the Sunshine Fund could not do it alone we reached out to the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC)and businesses in the Village for their support. We were hopeful, but not confident that we could sell 150 at $100 each. We did have on things going for us. A good cause that the community would likely support – the Crestwood Middle School Sunshine Fund that provides financial help to students and families experiencing financial difficulty. As we look back it is clear that being able to clearly identify who would receive most of the net proceeds helped generate support.
For publicity we utilized our personal and the school’s social media, articles in The Weekly Villager and The Portager, broadcasting through organizational email lists, and enlisting five Mantua businesses to place posters in their windows or on their counters and to sell tickets. Two of the businesses, JAKEs Eats and Restoration 44 Coffee shop, have many local patrons and they placed table tents on their tables.
It did not hurt to have attractive prizes. The top prize was $2,000 with $1,000, $500, $250, and $100 being the second through fifth prize. In addition, the first ticket pulled and then every tenth one beginning with the tenth received a $50 gift certificate to one of 12 Mantua businesses. The net revenue was more than $10,000 and two of the cash winners gave all or some of their winnings to The Rotary Foundation or the Sunshine Fund. Half of the net revenue went to the Sunshine Fund and the other half was split between DMRC and Mantua Rotary.
During the event on March 13th, a Middle School student’s video presentation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a video of the Middle School choir singing The Bohemian Rhapsody, and presentations by the 6th and 8th grade bands provided entertainment. And to raise the public image and to promote an understanding of the three cooperating organizations, the Rotary Club of Mantua, Crestwood Middle School Sunshine Fund and the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation had an opportunity to talk about their history, their mission and their recent service projects.
This was a wonderful event to raise the public image of The Rotary Club of Mantua, to generate a list of potential members and to raise funds for future service projects as we netted over $2,500.
The District 6630 4-Way Test Speech Contest will be held VIRTUALLY April 10, 2021
9AM - 2 PM Time may be shorter. We are working on the virtual timeline
We are in the home stretch leading up to the District Speech Contest, but we need your help!
We're asking every club that is sponsoring a student contestant to please volunteer one Rotarian to be a judge or timer on contest day (April 10). If we don't have enough judges, the contest can't happen. Please send the name and contact information (phone and email) for your club's volunteer judge to Head Judge Rachel Kerns: rkerns@habitatofportage.org.
And a reminder please to send me the name, phone number, and email address for your club contest winner(s) using the Contest Entry Form (CLICK HERE) as soon as your club's contest is complete. Please include an email address for the student’s parent or guardian so that we can copy them on correspondence.
Thank you for your service.
Will Underwood
Rotary District 6630 4-Way Test Speech Contest Chair, 2020–21
For many years, The Rotary Club of Hudson has featured monthly themes for weekly meeting presentations. Speakers in February included medical professionals discussing cancer research, mental health, underprivileged student mentoring and the pandemic's psychological and health impacts on children. These past programs can be viewed on YouTube Rotary of Hudson or HCTV.
March programs offered a trip through the local Arts and Culture scene with 7:30 a.m. Zoom broadcasts as follows:
March 10 we hosted Seema Rao, Chief Experience Officer, Akron Art Museum
March 17 we hosted Chris Meyers and Ali Miller, Cleveland Playhouse Square
March 24 we feature Dahia Fisher, Director of External Relations, Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
Anyone interested in joining the Zoom calls for these meetings should contact Marilyn Orr, president, at marilynjorr@gmail.com. Check the Rotary website www.rotaryhudson.org for information about the club's activities.
Scholarship applications due March 25
The Rotary Club of Hudson will award six scholarships worth $3,000 each.
The applications are available in the Hudson High School guidance office. The completed applications are due to the guidance office by Thursday, March 25. If you have any questions, contact Kathryn Sines or Dan Williams of the scholarship committee at sineskathryn2@gmail.com or jdw@uakron.edu.
PDG Jack Young presented at Medina Echelon Independent Living faculty on the Children of the Dump. Call Jack at 440-759-4000 if your Club would like a presentation.
Eileen Dorsey and the Westlake - Bay Village Rotary Art Festival
Award winning artist Eileen Dorsey returns to her roots as the featured artist at the Westlake - Bay Village Rotary Art Festival. All look forward to her visit from The Studio inside 78th Street Studios in Gordon Square.
Dorsey is known for her oil landscape paintings. Capturing both local landscapes and fantasy scenes in vibrant hues, Eileen Dorsey paints meditative forests of light and color. Dorsey expresses the energy of the places she visits through impressionistic or expressionistic marks. Emphasizing our connection to nature as a healing and rejuvenating experience, Dorsey’s paintings transcend reality to achieve an emotional impact.
“Best Artist” of 2020, 2019 and 2018 - Cleveland Magazine and Scene Magazine, Westlake welcomes her with pride and admiration. One can’t miss her works including murals seen on city buildings, canvases in numerous galleries and pages in periodicals from CAN Journal to Canvas and the Plain Dealer.
Westlake - Bay Village Rotary Club meets Wednesdays in the Community Room in Bay Village. Since COVID, like many others, they’ve been ZOOMing and membership continues to increase under the leadership of Dr, Scott Goggin. This non-profit festival will support education including the arts; special needs including Connecting for Kids, Milestones Autism Resources, Autism Society of Greater Cleveland, Lakeshore Day Camp, Meals on Wheels, The KnickerBocker Apartments, Hospice of the Western Reserve; Annual support to "sister club" in Chinandega, Nicaragua (clothing and school supplies for nearly 1,000 children); and the ongoing effort with Rotary International as it continues to lead in eradicating the World of polio.
Rotary Youth Exchange is where my heart is. As you probably know my wife Susanne and I hosted more than 40 youth exchange students over the past years.
Many Rotarians over many generations have shared in this experience, and I want to thank Youth Exchange officers, host families, and other volunteers for their contributions. Together, we’ve helped young people build an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, learn new languages and forge lasting friendships across the globe.
To ensure that our legacy continues, these valuable, life-changing experiences must build from a foundation of safety and well-being for all our students, families and communities. To that end, Rotary’s Board of Directors has been regularly monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities around the world to determine whether it is safe to reinstate the Youth Exchange program for the 2021-22 school year.
With the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and COVID-19 virus variants, inconsistent disease mitigation efforts, and the global imbalance of vaccine access – the board has decided to suspend the Youth Exchange program through 30 June 2022.
The board’s decision was informed by scientific data, global health guidance and a number of factors required to guarantee a safe, equitable and quality experience. Careful consideration was also given to ease and availability of international travel, access to medical care and insurance coverage, school delays and closure, potential financial impact on participants’ families and Rotary volunteers.
Given the global imbalance of access to the COVID-19 vaccine and the financial impact of the pandemic, many areas of the world would be unable to participate in 2021. Moving forward with only the limited number of participating countries with access to the vaccine would contradict Rotary’s core value of fairness and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our ability to meet in person is limited now, but we know that Rotary Opens Opportunities, always. Now is the time to get ready, so that when the pandemic is behind us, Rotary’s Youth Exchange program will come back stronger than before, serving a world that is yearning to reconnect.
Sincerely,
Holger Knaack President, Rotary International 2020-21
Motivated by other clubs that have replaced in-person fundraisers with creative virtual solutions, The Rotary Club of Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise has launched a virtual "Jewelry Raffle". The Raffle replaces our annual fundraiser dinner and auction that has been in place for 12 years. Transactions are virtual through credit cards or the good old US Mail.
The attached flyer has all the details as well as a picture of the diamond bracelet valued at $3750. Information and links for payment are also available on our club’s website: https://www.lrrsunriserotary.org/page/raffle.
Please help us by sharing this information and/or purchasing a raffle ticket, one ticket is only $10 or you can purchase a bundle of tickets at a discount!
Thanks for your help and support,
Eric Jolly, President, TRC Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise
The Medina Sunrise Rotary Club is deeply grateful to receive this unexpected and selfless donation, especially during these difficult times of the coronavirus pandemic. It was surely given in the same spirit of Service Above Self to which Rotary aspires. This donation will allow Medina Sunrise Rotary to carry on serving its mission of “continuing to make a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond, through our time, talents and treasures.”
"What great news this morning of this wonderful, anonymous $50,000 donation to our club!" exclaimed Toby Butt, a distinguished Paul Harris Fellow from the Medina Sunrise Rotary Club. I hope that every Rotarian and every beneficiary of our community service knows that this generous contribution comes from the heart - and represents ALL of us.
"It is an honor to belong to an organization of people like Rotarians who have shared the same core values for over 115 years. One that shares their resources and skills, uniting with others to create sustainable change by meeting needs in their communities, in the world and in themselves. How fortunate for the families and children in Medina County." -- Patricia A. Myers, Rotary Ohio District 6630 Governor, 2020-2021.
One of the most excited new opportunities is welcoming members of the 2020 Leadership Hudson class as members of our club. We are looking forward to getting to know our new members and hope that they enjoy being part of our club and learning about Rotary and its many wonderful experiences! Thanks to all of the Rotarians who have volunteered to be sponsors. Photo: The 2020 Leadership Hudson Class, courtesy of Leadership Hudson.
Our weekly meetings provided several opportunities.
January 6, 2021 We began the month hearing from Jim Ahern, Director of Hudson Job Search which is an ecumenical effort of churches in Hudson to help job seekers find positions. As of today, 4500 clients have found success through Hudson Job Search. Jim is also one of the facilitators of the 4-way speech contest.
We continued our monthly segment of "When in your Life did you feel most Vibrant and Alive?" Ted spoke of two experiences while a college student at Dartmouth and their effects on him.
January 13, 2021 We kicked off our new book discussion group with the Leadership Hudson Alumni on the book, GMorning,GNight! by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Books were also chosen for February of Blink and Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladstone. Readers are invited to read one or both books.
Jeremy Lavoie, the Hudson High School student presented the book collection project for the Cleveland community and prisons which has collected 9,100 books. Books are still being collected and can be dropped off at Jeremy's house, 7165 Colebrook Dr., Hudson by the garage. Jeremy will also pick up books. His e-mail: pslotter@windstream.net. The next book distribution will be during the Hudson Schools Spring break at the end of March.
January 20, 2021--no meeting so members could witness the inauguration.
January 27, 2021--Dan Reynolds, the Executive Director of the Akron Rotary Camp joined us as part of our monthly segment of "What is Rotary?". We learned about all of the great work that is being done at the camp to provide a summer camp experience for disabled children.
We also featured our "Business of the Month": Lager & Vine. Cliff Cravens, owner, spoke about the experience in operating a restaurant during Covid-19 including the safety features that have been added. Lager & Vine is our home for our meetings and has been featured on our website during the month of January. Thanks to John Murphy. our webmaster for an excellent presentation about Lager & Vine, which Cliff very much appreciated!
Looking ahead...
February 3, 2021--11:45---Lisa Sabol, President, Leadership Hudson Board.
February 10, 2021--5:30--Book discussion group--led my Jim Knauf and Kate Schladerman. Books: "Blink" and "Tipping Point".
February 17th--11:45--Donna Skoda, Summit County Health Commissioner
February 24th--Bob Drew--2021 Tax Update. Club Assembly: election of officers for 21-22.
February Business of the Month--Olive My Heart. The new owner, Gayle Creme will be speaking at the February 24th meeting.
Leadership Hudson Alumni update. Rotarians are invited to the February 11th, 7:00 p.m. meeting at which Dr. Danielle Coombs will be speaking. Danielle is an assistant professor at the Kent State School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is an author and media commentator.
We have a Snowman!! Rotary Clocktower teamed with the Leadership Hudson Alumni to create a Snowman for the Hudson "Tour of Snowmen". Downtown Hudson is overrun by snow people! We can vote for our favorites through February 28th while making a donation to the Hudson Community Service Association. I hope that you will have an opportunity to take the tour. Our Snowman is on Main Street in front of the Fair Trade Store.
Rotarians tackle the environment! In June, 2020, Rotary International approved a new area of focus for Rotary: the environment, which is Rotary's seventh area of focus. It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.
In case you missed it, the October, 2020 Rotary has an excellent article about pollinators, which stated: "Seventy-five percent of the world's plant species are dependent on pollinators to survive." Without the help of pollinators, 30 percent of the food in any grocery store would disappear.
Rotary Clocktower is in discussions with the morning Rotary Club on a joint project to create pollinator gardens within the Hudson community. A proposal is being prepared to give to the Hudson Schools to create pollinator gardens at the schools. Chris Foster, a member of the morning club has offered his greenhouse for the planting of the seeds. We are exploring the possibility of offered the plants to Hudson citizens at the Farmers Market. Pat Myers is co-chairing this service project on behalf of our club, and Ted Olson will be working with this committee as will I. Please contact us if you would like to be involved.
I hope to see you soon! (Virtually, at least for awhile longer)
February 2021:
I begin this month by sharing information from a recent news article which caught my attention about vaccines which included information about the importance of Rotary in the fight to eradicate polio.
The March of Dimes, founded by President Franklin Roosevelt, who was diagnosed with polio, funded development of the first polio vaccines, which were created in the 1950s. Polio numbers in the U.S. fell off dramatically, with the last recorded case in 1979.
Around the world, infections were still widespread. Rotary International and the United Nations established the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988. The group aimed to make polio the second human disease after smallpox to be vanquished. The alliance was joined later by more partners including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and it has provided more than $173 billion towards the eradication of polio.
What did Rotary Hudson Clocktower do in February?
On February 3rd, we welcomed Lisa Sabol, President of the Leadership Hudson Board. As Leadership Hudson is the primary service project of our club, it was a good opportunity to get an update on the planning for the next class and changes being addressed by the Board.
We also heard from Cynthia Peeples from the Emergency Overnight Shelter in Akron, a service opportunity that was brought to our attention by 2020 Leadership Hudson class members, Melanie Johnson and Jenn Scheeser.
For our member spotlight we heard from our President-elect John Laird about his business career that took him to many different locations.
On February 10th, our book discussion group continued with a focus on the Malcolm Gladwell books, "Tipping Point" and "Blink". Thanks to Jim Knauf and Kate Schlademan for leading this conversation where aspects of both books were highlighted including that people can be connectors or salespeople; but raised the questions of "What is the tipping point for our club?" and "What are our broken windows--what do we need to fix?"
Books were selected for future months---March and April: "Start with Why", by Simon Sinek; and May: "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown.
On February 17th, we were fortunate to have as our speaker Donna Skosa, the Health Commissioner for Summit County. Donna reviewed various aspects of the Covid-19 vaccination process and other responsibilities of the Health District.
We continued our monthly segment of "What is Rotary?" by Ted Olson sharing the details of the upcoming 4-way speech contest involving students from Hudson High School and Western Reserve Academy. The WRA students will compete on Thursday, March 11th at 8:00 p.m. Thanks to the Rotarians who have volunteered to be a judge. All Rotarians are invited to observe the competition even if you are not a judge. The final competition will occur on April 7th at 7:30 a.m. Thanks Ted for organizing!
On February 24th, our member and resident tax expert, Bob Drew presented the annual and popular tax update. Thanks to Bob for his work in providing a comprehensive overview of the tax changes in the past year!
During a club assembly, the following officers were elected for 2021-2022:
President: John Laird
President-elect: Kate Schladerman
Co-President-elect: Cheryl Maimona
Club Administrator: Gerry Sawyer
Secretary: Kathy Cybulski
Treasurer: Jake Jackson
Board member: Jim Knauf
Board member: Ted Olson
Board member: Gerry Sawyer
My best wishes to John as he continues the process of planning for his year as President which begins on July 1, 2021!
Also, during the club assembly, the 2020 Leadership Hudson class members were accepted into membership as associate members. The formal induction of the members will occur on March 3rd.
Looking ahead...
Wednesday, March 3rd--11;45 a.m. J.R. Campbell, Executive Director, Design Innovation Initiative,Professor, The Fashion School, Kent State University; Induction of Leadership Hudson 2020 Class by District Governor and member, Pat Myers; and Business of the Month, Amy Manko, owner of Ross Farm Mercantile.
Wednesday, March 10th--5:30 p.m. Book Discussion: "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek. Jake Jackson and De-de Mulligan discussion facilitators.
Wednesday, March 17th--11:45 a.m. St. Patrick's Day music by Mavis; and "Baseball!", by Wayne Nieman
Wednesday, March 24th--11:45 a.m. Susan Licate, U.S. Census Bureau
Wednesday, March 31st--5:30 p.m. Elaine Marsh, Summit Metro Parks Watershed Specialist: removal of Gorge Dam and impact on environment
Borrowing from the Rotary International webinar of February 25th on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Be engaged! Be an example!
As a member of The Rotary Club of Aurora and co-Chair of our Fundraising Committee 2020 posed several challenges for us as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic and CDC Guidelines for safe distancing and limits to the number of people allowed for social gatherings. Traditionally, our main fundraising mission is The Taste of The Western Reserve. Due to the aforementioned constraints we were forced to postpone the “Taste” and in lieu of this venue were faced with coming up with ideas for alternate venues for raising money for the causes that we support, locally, nationally and internationally. It was decided that we would research online fundraising platforms to take the place of “The Taste”. In our search we came up with two possibilities, Q- Give and e Tapestry. We decided on e Tapestry due to the versatility in tracking and reporting capabilities for metrics like donor profiles, real time fund tracking, transaction reporting downloadable as pdf, excel and other formats. Q- Give did not provide these capabilities.
E Tapestry is a platform designed by Blackbaud.com which requires subscribing to a minimum three year contract billable on a yearly basis. E Tap and Blackbaud have different menus of offerings, and we decided since this was our first venture into this type of event, we would go with the basic platform which included tracking and reporting, training and online credit card transaction and funds disbursements into designated accounts, (via e commerce and Blackbaud Merchant Services), our bank account is in the name Rotary Club of Aurora Foundation. In addition to the subscription bill of $99/month plus training there are also credit card processing fees and transaction fees which are fractional percentages of the ticket purchase price. Due to time constraints we decided to launch a Valentine’s Day 50/50 Raffle, whereby donors, (accounts) could buy tickets online by clicking on a QR code that we set up on an e-flier with a link to our website where we embedded a link to an order form that I designed through an e Tap template.
Initially the time involved to take the online training and get up to up to speed on the platform was fairly extensive, but being online you can do it from home on your own schedule which made things much more flexible. I also set up a daily running total of ticket purchases on our Club Runner website aurorarotaryclub.org. The Valentine’s Day 50/50 Raffle was launched at the end of December with the first ticket purchases logged in the first week of January. We set the timeline for the drawing to expire on February 13th at Midnight with the drawing on Sunday the 14th. Over approximately 6 weeks of online ticket purchases we sold 340 tickets, our half more than covered the cost of implementing the e Tapestry platform. Each ticket sale represented an individual transaction which logged the purchasers’ contact info including Name, Address, Phone # and e mail address. This information automatically gets uploaded into a data base which also included past donors from “The Taste” and Rotary Club members which were uploaded separately as an excel file.
I won’t say that this process was entirely seamless, as we did learn a lot along the way, including how to generate various reports which allow us to slice and dice data, maintaining best practices like not posting personal information on our Facebook page nor on our website due to privacy laws etc. and being able to reach out to past and prospective donors electronically to thank them for their past support and to encourage their continued patronage to our fundraising missions.
I would consider this new online fundraising mission a success, one which we will be utilizing on at least a quarterly basis going forward. Feel free to reach out to me directly should you have any questions. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank and mention fellow Rotary Club Members Cheryl Duraski Warren for her guidance and expertise in Club Runner functionality and Alex Jacobs for his desktop publishing skills in creating our flier and assistance in website maintenance.
RI sends out various newsletters throughout the month.
You can sign up/manage your subscriptions for publications atrotary.org- simply sign in, then go to news & media then select newsletters. If you need assistance, please EMAIL ME.
Since many of you already receive these email newsletters, in lieu of reproducing them in the body of the District newsletter, moving forward you can now use the links below to download them all or individually.
I have included the story headings to help you see what is in each issue.
Ideas for strengthening membership | February 2021 (a bimonthly publication)
Membership Minute is a bimonthly newsletter that provides the latest membership trends, strategies, best practices, and resources to help strengthen membership in your clubs. The newsletter is sent to Rotary coordinators, district governors, district membership chairs, club membership chairs, club presidents and subscribers.
Achieve your professional development goals in the new year
Rotary Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity
World Rotaract Week is March 8-14, 2021
State of Rotary's Membership
The 2019-2020 RI Annual Report
3 ways to create a harassment-free zone in Rotary
RYLA fuels the creation of new clubs
How we held our speech contest on The Four-Way Test online
Connect. Partner. Serve. | February 2021 Rotary Service Newsletter
The Rotary Service newsletter provides information to help Rotary members plan effective and inspired service projects. The bimonthly newsletter is sent to subscribers, District Governors, District Community Service and International Service Chairs.
Be an everyday peacebuilder
Collaborate with our partners to foster peace
Newly recognized Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration
Connecting students and communities around the world | February 2021
This newsletter is a source of news, resources, and event details available every other month for those who promote global understanding through the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
Create and take part in meaningful virtual exchanges
2021 Youth Exchange Officers Preconvention to be held virtually
Engaging the next generation of Rotary Leaders | February 2021
Young Leaders in Action is a monthly source of news, resources, and event information for young leaders in Rotaract, Interact, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, and New Generations Service Exchange and Rotarians who support them.
Dan Riemenschneider, a fellow Rotarian, suggested that we share this information for venues that have been shuttered because of COVID and may not be aware of this grant.
Emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by the COVID pandemic.
Eligible entities may be live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theatre operators, and talent representatives, per the Economic Aid Act. Additionally, entities of these types owned by state or local governments (for example, museums or historic homes) are eligible to apply if the governmentally-owned entity also acts solely as a venue operator, museum, etc. and not also include other types of entities.
Anna Dey, the Event Creator/Director of The 24 in 24, had the honor of being named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Mentor Rotary Club, “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”
Rotarians designate a Paul Harris Fellow as a tribute to a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives of Rotary International Foundation. In becoming a Paul Harris Fellow, Anna will join a remarkable company of persons throughout the world. This is an award recognizing those for the devotion to the ideal of goodwill, peace, and understanding, as is the shared purpose of the Rotary Foundation.
Anna wrote on Facebook "Thank you to Chester and Lee of Mentor Rotary for not only sponsoring The 24 in 24 (and Lee for running it!) but also for deeming our event worthy of such an honor."
She added "Thank you to Chester and Lee of Mentor Rotary for coming to Smoothie King for this presentation, and for bearing with me as I was dressed in uniform and had to work this day. 🤣 My dress and choice of location are by no means intended to undermine the significance of this honor or how much it meant to accept it. I will proudly wear my pin, and I vow to continue dedicating myself to The 24 in 24 and try to make my tiny part of the world a better place. Thank you Mentor Rotary"
Congratulations Roger Sustar! What a great Rotarian!
Rogers Sustar is the founding member of AWT (training center for skilled manufacturing workers). Roger Sustar and AWT received the Lake County NAACP 2020 Selma C. Award! A special thank you to
Dear Rick & the Rotary District 6630 Grants Committee,
Thank you again for your support of University Hospitals during this unprecedented pandemic and especially for safe guarding the health of UH front line caregivers. Here’s a quick update from UH Geauga’s Supply Chain manager on the importance and value of the 1500 Level II Isolation gowns the Rotary contributed to us in 2020:
The gowns arrived at UH Geauga Medical Center just in time for the largest surge of COVID patients seen yet which took place in mid-December. Upon receipt of the donation, the Rotary gown supply was used immediately to replenish our disaster stock which we were depleting during a very stressful time. COVID was heating up and the isolation gowns we were ordering were not meeting the demand. Usage of the gowns was skyrocketing- we were literally just getting enough to make it through by using safety stock from Corporate Supply Chain.
As the vaccine rolls out across Ohio, I know everyone is anxious to get on with vaccinations when available for your age group and to learn what is next. Below are links to register for vaccines and to Monday’s webcast with UH experts which is always proactive, informative and often encouraging. I hope it helps.
Thank you again for supporting UH!
Sincerely, Emilie
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS GEAUGA MEDICAL CENTER THANK YOU
The total amount raised this year was $315,961(photo was taken prior to the final tally)!
Our presenting sponsor Wayne Homes has been a part of the Chili Open since 1993. This year they stepped up their support with a matching raffle ticket purchase which resulted in $7,420 in raffle ticket purchases. Wayne Homes leadership also presented the Chili Open with a $5000 donation in addition to the presenting sponsorship. Thank you again to all the sponsors listed below in this newsletter.
Congratulations to our raffle ticket winners:
1st Prize:
Rhonda Mele
Vandevere Sponsored 2021 Chevrolet Trax LS
2nd Prize:
Keith Anstine
S Group Sponsored 55" 4K Smart LED TV
3rd Prize:
Julie Lehman
Steve Warren Sponsored FOX Sports Ohio Media Package
SnowmaniaWinner: David Miller
Our club members went above and beyond in securing sponsorships, camperships, raffle ticket sales, donations, and silent auction items. It was truly a remarkable day to celebrate as a club.
Mark your calendars for the 32nd Chili Open on Saturday, February 5, 2022 where we hope to be back at Hale Farm.
We welcomed two new members Steve Bossart and Zach Prosser!
Steve Bossart was sponsored by Julie Brandle. Steve has been attending our meetings routinely before his induction.
He is the Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Coleman Professional Services and has over 30 years of professional experience, his past 14 years were in the healthcare and behavioral health industries.
At Coleman, he leads a team that includes regional development and marketing executives and grant writing staff. He is also charged with exploring avenues to expand the Coleman business throughout the state.
He has an established history in the nonprofit sector of our community and is very passionate about community service and philanthropy.
Julie wrote, "Steve embodies the word service. He is optimistic and enthusiastic about serving others".
Steve is very involved with his fraternity, Delta Chi, and serves as an alumni advisor.
He is married to Lorrie and they have two young children.
Steve earned a degree in Public Relations from Kent State University and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
Zachary (Zach) Prosser is not new to the Akron Rotary Club, he was a member of our Club previously but had to step away temporarily and is thrilled to be back.
He was originally sponsored by Sam Lupica and recently, Tom Knauer helped him get back into our Club.
Zach and his wife Heather life in Stow. He leads a very busy professional life. He has completed his tenure as the president of a nonprofit coaching organization, and now remains active as Lead Pastor in North Hill at Celebration Church. He also founded Zach Prosser Coaching and is a Master Facilitator and Coach Trainer.
As a trainer, Zach provides International Coaching Federation (ICF) approved coach training to those desiring to utilize coaching skills either professionally as a coach or those looking to advance their skills in leadership. He received the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Young Leader Award (Prague) and the ICF Chapter Recognition Award (Dublin).
In addition, he is now the Director of Coaching & Coach Training for Emerge in Akron.
He shared that he "always enjoyed being a part of Rotary and the projects and is looking forward to re-engaging and serving".
Akron Rotary Foundation & Akron Rotary Members Help Refugio de Ancianos San Cristobal in Medellin
Claudine Schooley shared the following thank you sent to the Foundation and Club Members. The report of how the funds were used along with photos are also included below their thank you.
Rotary Club of Akron
District 6630 Ohio
Mrs. Claudine Schooley
Dear Rotarians,
As legal representative of the Refugio de Ancianos San Cristobal in Medellin I wanted to express my deepest appreciation for your kind donation to our institution.
Your donation is very important and will help us maintain a dignified and brighter life for our 60 seniors, all of them coming from a previous life of neglect and abuse.
Please remit our appreciation for your generosity to the members of your club.
Warm regards
DORA LUZ MEJIA PIEDRAHITA
Director
AYUDAR A UN ANCIANO ES PREPARAR NUESTRO INCIERTO FUTURO
Teléfono 216 16 58 - 216 16 40
Nit 890 984 879-8
Personería Jurídica 12191
Report on the $500 donation from Akron Rotary Foundation
When Claudine Schooley first reached out to me about a donation to buy food for families on the dam where the Alberto Chedrani School is located, they were suffering from the pandemic. Many people lost their jobs, others could not even leave the area due to government restrictions.
Then, in November, two tropical storms impacted Honduras within 10 days. The general area of the dam was among the hardest hit, and thousands of families lost everything in the floods.
2020 was a truly tragic year, and this year will be complicated, too. This is why I am so happy and grateful for your donation of $500 for food for poor families on the dam. It brings a ray of hope in a time of great suffering. Thank you so much for allowing us to serve.
With the funds, equivalent to 12,192 Lempiras, we purchased 300 lbs of rice, 200 lbs of beans, 50 lbs of coffee, 82 lbs of sugar, 144 lbs of wheat flour, 75 lbs of spaghetti, 50 lbs of fat, 50 tomato sauces and 270 lbs of corn flour. This is the basic Honduran diet. The kids at El Refugio packed 50 bags for equal number of families. We think that each bag feeds a family of six for up to a week.
We distributed the bags all along the dam, all the way from the beginning to the school. We handed one bag to each mother or grandmother present and took many pictures.
I hope you can feel how happy these families are to receive your gift.
The Rotary Club of Nordonia Hills presenting a $1,000 donation to Joyce Hunt, Executive Director of The Emergency Assistance Center.
The Rotary Club of Nordonia Hills presenting a $1,000 donation to Michael Wolfe, Director of Nordonia Campus Life.
Steve Bugenske, President of The Rotary Club of Nordonia Hills, presented $1,000 checks to two cherished community service organizations, The Emergency Assistance Center and Campus Life, aligned with the club’s goal of serving the community. “The services provided and the ethics that both The Emergency Assistance Center and Campus Life live by perfectly align with what Rotary is all about. It is a privilege to support both organizations!” said Bugenske.
The Emergency Assistance Center volunteers Tom Dirmyer and Vini Ventura unloading supplies.
The Emergency Assistance Center provides food, clothing and personal hygiene items to Northern Summit County neighbors in need. First and foremost a pantry, it provides a monthly 7-day supply of food to feed the hungry. They serve those in need of emergency help, as well as those in the service area who need continued help. According to Joyce Hunt, Director, “This generous donation comes at a critical time when so many families are experiencing difficulties, often for the first time, brought on by COVID-19.” www.teacenter.org
Nordonia Campus Life outing to SkyZone
Campus Life is a program of Youth For Christ, a non-profit organization that has been active throughout the United States for over 65 years, with over 1,000 sites located throughout 40 states. Campus Life Nordonia Hills combines healthy relationships with creative programs to help young people make good choices, establish a solid foundation for life, and positively impact their schools through bi-weekly meetings, fun trips and events. The program is open to every student regardless of their race, gender, religious beliefs, or economic circumstances. Per Michael Wolfe, Director, “This generous donation will go towards Nordonia students as we offer bowling, sky zone, laser-tag etc. which does cost something per family. We have never left a student out of anything based on finance thanks to partners like the Nordonia Rotary.” www.nordoniacampuslife.com
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Right here in your community, your local Rotary Club generously donates funds, time, labor and love for numerous vital endeavors such as upgrades to the Veteran’s Memorial Park, Safety Town, Student of the Month, The Chuck Sterling Scholarship Fund, and so much more!
The Rotary Club of Mantua and the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation have joined together to organize a virtual reverse raffle on March 13th.
GET THIS!
First place - $2,000,
Second Place $1,000
Third Place $500
Fourth Place $250
Fifth Place - $100.
Other prizes include $50 gift cards for Mantua Village businesses for the first number drawn and every 10th number beginning with the 10th and ending with the 140th.
Only $100 per ticket!
Only 150 tickets sold.
The Crestwood Middle School Student Sunshine Fund assists students and families with basic housing and nutritional needs as well as for pay-to-participate fees, field trip fees and clothing needs that cannot be met with the existing CMS Clothing Closet. There also may be times that families also need access to fuel to heat homes or gasoline to transport students.
Visit one of these five Village of Mantua stores Restoration 44 Coffee Shop, Jake’s Eats, Bibury & Co., Crooked River Florist, and R44 Butcher and Baker
President-elect Shekhar Mehta encourages members to be changemakers and announces his theme for the 2021-2022 Rotary year, Serve to Change Lives.
RI President-elect Shekhar Mehta is urging members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving other is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.
First and Main area of Hudson has been overrun by snowpeople! The Hudson Shop Local/Shop Hudson team's "Tour of Snowmen" is well underway in downtown Hudson.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to get out to see more than 60 decorated snowmen located throughout First and Main,vote for their favorites (click here), and patronize local businesses from January 24 through February 28.
Be sure to find the Leadership Hudson Alumni/Rotary Club of Hudson Clocktower snowman (pictured here) while you're out!
At the beginning of January, a committee of two Chagrin Valley Rotarians...Jeff Griff & Mary Ann Ponce, on behalf of the Club Board met to hash out the details with a “Gift” we wanted to give the Rotary Clubs in our District 6630.
Rotarian Mary Ann actually founded the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival 11 years ago...a tribute to her 20 year old son, a filmmaker who died of cancer.
For the past 5 years, the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club has sponsored a special Award...”Service Above Self” that embodies the Rotary Motto. So Jeff Griff suggested we offer all 4 films to our District Rotary Clubs...no charge because it is the right thing. The films can be viewed on line during the whole month of February!
Service Above Self Award Winner: In Case of Emergency
Three Runners-Up: “A Flash of Green”, “Liberation Heroes: The Last Eyewitnesses”, “My Father’s Brothers”
THE LAKEWOOD RIVER SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB BOOKS FOR KIDS PROJECT IS A BIG SUCCESS WITH OVER 3,500 BOOKS DONATED TO THE BOOK BANK.
The Citizens of Rocky River and visitors to the Umerley Hall Books for Kids Donation Bin have generously supported this Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Rotary Project. The photo above shows just one of the twice a month pick up of books from the Bin. Club members, Patty Boesken, Carol Barrett and Club President, Eric Jolly are shown unloading the Bin for delivery to the Book Bank in Ohio City. The Book Bank reports that over 3,500 books have been collected from the Bin since its installation by Civic Center staff in August 2019.
The Books for Kids project is a national program that was established in 1986. It is founded on the belief all children have a right to books and deserve dedicated spaces where they can read. The project is designed to expand access to books in the places where children learn, live, and play, and to empower adults to read alongside them in order to develop lifelong literacy skills during the most critical years of their development.
The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank mission is to foster literacy and a love of reading by distributing free books to children in need through collaboration with community organizations. The Kids’ Book Bank opened in February 2016 to receive, manage, and distribute truckloads of books every month. About 30% of their books come from the community. The rest come from online used booksellers.
The Rocky River Kids’ Book Bank outdoor collection bin, just one of several around the Cleveland, provides a place where community members can deposit new and gently-used children’s books that they are no longer using. The Book Bank distributes the donated books through over 1,000 partner organizations who work with children and parents to encourage them to read.
The Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Rotary appreciates the continued support of Rocky River Mayor Pam Bobst, who arranged for the Bin installation and promoted book donations for this worthwhile project. The staff at Rocky River Civic Center, Mike Balla and Bob Holub, selected a location and arranged for the installation of a pad for the Kids’ Book Bank collection bin. It is located on the Memorial Hall side of the Don Umerley Civic Center, on the way to the Rec Center entrance.
The Sunrise Club is one of two Rotary Clubs in Lakewood and Rocky River. One Club meets on Mondays at Noon and the other meets on Wednesdays at 7:30am. Both currently meet on Zoom, but hope to soon resume meeting at the Umerley Hall of the Rocky River Civic Center located at Hilliard and West 210, behind Rocky River City Hall. Both Clubs follow the motto of Rotary – Service Above Self. The Books for Kids project, in partnership with the Kids’ Book Bank, is just one of Rotary’s many Community, Vocational, Youth and International projects.
You are invited join with the men and women of Rotary and add your time and talent.
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Rotary in Review
22 January 2021
A roundup of Rotary news
Help on wheels
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, strict travel restrictions were making it difficult for some pregnant women to get to a hospital to deliver their babies. After reports that some mothers and their babies had died, the Rotary Club of Rubaga, Kampala created a free transportation program, retrofitting a member’s vehicle into a makeshift ambulance. The club provided more than 75 rides before travel restrictions were eased. They continue to support mothers and children through health events that provide free dental, optical, and reproductive health care. It's just one example of how clubs around the world have been stepping up to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
This week's stories
Share your COVID-19 related efforts
Rotary clubs are encouraged to use the collective knowledge of vaccine safety and efficacy we have gained through our polio eradication experience to support vaccination education and outreach in your communities. Clubs are also encouraged to engage with our current polio eradication partners WHO and UNICEF at the country level where applicable to offer Rotary’s support to COVID-19 response activities, and to partner at the local level with health departments and other agencies. Let the Rotary world know what your club or district is doing to support COVID-19 vaccine introduction efforts by sharing them on Rotary Showcase.
Why Rotary branding matters
It might seem like a small thing, but a logo that isn’t used properly can create confusion and mistrust. When clubs use Rotary’s logos consistently and properly, we maintain a global Rotary brand that members, donors, and the public can trust. In the first of a series of Rotary Voices blog posts on this topic, Rotary’s brand specialist Liz Thiam explains why clubs should use the Rotary logo correctly in their communities.
Virtual Presidential conference in Nigeria
Join RI President Holger Knaack and Nigerian Rotaractors during a virtual conference 22-24 January celebrating the power of Rotary and Rotaract working together as partners in service.
What's new in the Learning Center
In the Our Logo: Representing Rotary course in the Learning Center, learn why Rotary's visual identity and logos are important and how you can use them to best represent Rotary. My Rotary login required.
The Rotary Club of Brunswick is pleased to present an opportunity that can make Super Bowl LV on February 7, 2021 even more exciting than it already is!
Super Bowl Squares!
Super Bowl Squares gives you 3 chances to turn a $50 wager into $500, and a final chance at the end of the game to win $1,000!
The Rotary Club of Aurora is holding a 50/50 raffle for Valentine's Day. The deadline to enter is Feb. 13 at midnight and the drawing will be on Valentine's Day.
The drawing will replace the Aurora Rotary's biggest fundraising event this year, which was cancelled because of the pandemic.
The global pandemic has made the past year difficult, particularly for disaster affected families around the world who have lost their homes and are unable to socially distance.
Despite the challenges posed by coronavirus, ShelterBox served 200,000 people (that's 40,000 families!) across 13 countries with emergency shelter and life-saving aid and hygiene supplies.
Without you, none of this would be possible.
Thank you for standing with us in a time when having a place to call home is more important than ever.
The Jingle Bell Gala is our main fundraiser for the Brunswick Rotary so we couldn’t just let it go this year! We usually hold it the second Thursday of November but since we needed to do it virtually this year we decided to move it to the first Thursday in December. We still got sponsorships and in return we made sure that their names and logos were on our Facebook page as well as our Website and they were all listed in the online catalog. Taking pictures of “baskets” doesn’t do much since they are hard to see so we didn’t worry about things being in a basket with a bow but rather one of our members, Deb Wasylko, who owns Baskets Galore, is trained in “staging” so she offered to do the photography for the online catalog. Things were laid out so you could see items.
In order to do an online catalog along with a 50/50 raffle, a lottery tree raffle and a raffle for a diamond necklace that was donated by member Dave Wiant of Wiant Jewelers, you need a “program” We used Ready Set Auction. Yes we paid for it but it’s good for a year so we will be using it to do a 50/50 Raffle for New Years Eve!
On the day of the event we were blessed to have Evan Prunty of Black Valve Media (blackvalvemedia.com) who brought all of his equipment and we were set up like a real TV studio! We were live for one hour where we thanked all of our sponsors and talked about club projects and did the drawing so people could watch. This was live on Facebook and Zoom. This made it very professional. We were able to use part of the hall at St Ambrose for the live studio. Then the next day we set up in the same hall and from 5:00 – 7:00 people could pick up their items (part of the production was on our website to view).
This system lets people know if they have been outbid, you send them an invoice immediately when the bidding closes and they pay on the secure website. The money was deposited directly to our Foundation checking account. You can print reports of who hasn’t paid so you don’t give them their items if they haven’t paid. You can also run reports by winners so if Joe Smith got 5 items, they will all be listed under his name! This makes it so easy to pull the items together for pick up! It also gives you the dollar amount you sold!
In October we did our Pig Roast Reverse Raffle virtual. This one we did ourselves on Zoom and Facebook Live. We sold tickets like always the people drove through and picked up their meals which we had packaged family style. They could pull up and buy side board tickets or purchase 50/50 tickets without having to leave their car. Then they went home and ate while watching the reverse raffle! We actually made $2500 more than we’ve ever made before! Tickets sold out very quickly!
So don’t let the virtual stop you. This year more than ever there is such a need in our communities! We can’t help if we don’t have the money to help!!
Yours in Rotary Spirit and Friendship
Marsha Pappalardo, Rotary Club of Brunswick
HOW THEY DID TWO SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL FUNDRAISERS: THE JINGLE BELL GALA & PIG ROAST
Even though we've been quite challenged with all of the COVID restrictions, the Rotary Club of Mentor has continued to follow through with community projects.
Our Grant Project
Hand Sanitizer Dispenser deployment throughout the Mentor School District facilities / Research, Procurement, Delivery and Installation of Hand Sanitizing Dispensers / Completed September-October 2020 / Mentor School District, Mentor, Ohio 44060.
With the current COVID-19 and possible future pandemics, Mentor Schools had a need to dramatically increase sanitation for those using school facilities. The Mentor Rotary Club proposed a large-scale project to supply sanitizing station dispensers and initial fills of the same for all school district classrooms and needed common areas. Mentor club rotarians sought out, negotiated the purchase, coordinated the delivery and assisted with the installation of sanitizing stations throughout the Mentor School District. The Mentor Rotary Club worked directly with the Mentor School District's Superintendent and Director of Business Operations, to ensure the stations met any guidelines and/or standards/specifications that are permitted by the State Dept. of Health or any other regulatory bodies that oversee school facilities. A total of 750 wall mounted hand sanitizing stations have been strategically placed in every classroom and specified common areas.
Approximately 8,600 people directly benefited from this project. Mentor Public Schools is a suburban school district that serves more than 7,600 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade from the City of Mentor and the surrounding communities of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Concord Township, and Kirtland Hills. The school district operates seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and one state-of-the-art specialized school for students with autism, with just under 1,000 employees.
"Kids Christmas Party"
Another Seasonal program which is very near and dear to our Mentor Rotarians' hearts is the annual "Kids' Christmas Party''. This event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mentor every December for the past 35 years! With the cooperation of the Mentor School District, the Mentor Club provides a day with Santa complete with a mobile petting zoo and presentation from "Jungle Terry" a chance to build a wooden toy in Santa's Workshop followed by a pizza party and gifts from Santa!
Each year, Mentor School District students in the "Mentor Structured Language Program" have an opportunity to write a letter and share some gift ideas with Santa. Unfortunately, COVID restrictions curtailed this year's event due to remote learning. However, that didn't stop Santa! For the 35th year, Mentor Rotarians helped Santa make Christmas dreams come true for these very special children.
Thanks to our long-time Mentor Rotarian Ed Peltz for starting this project 35 years ago! Patsy Hixson, coordinated this year's event with plans to continue as the Mentor Rotarian chair for the coming years! We thank Patsy for her leadership, coordination and hard work, the Mentor Roatrians (elves) for providing our special students' gift requests, the Mentor Schools for their help for allowing this event to continue, as well as Mentor Schools bus drivers for volunteering to deliver the presents and Santa for riding along!!!
Other projects and events of note:
3rd Grade Dictionary Project:
All 3rd Grader students in the Mentor, Perry and Madison school districts as well as the area parochial and private schools received their very own dictionaries. The Mentor Rotaraians coordinate the purchase and deliveries of these dictionaries accompanied by a short in-school presentation. The presentation introduces Rotary to the students and then presents the dictionaries to the students for promoting literacy. This year's chair was Wayne Brodnan, Mentor Rotary Club.
Shandle Family "Be The Match" Campaign:
The Mentor Rotary Club adopted this program to build awareness of the National Marrow Donor Program and Registry. We also raise funds to assist the National Be The Match organization with those qualifying individuals who wish to be tested and added to the National Bone Marrow Registry!
When one of Mentor Rotary's long-time member and past President's (Cliff Shandle) daughter was stricken with the life ending battle from leukemia, Cliff and his wife (Shirley) made a vow to help others by building awareness of this National Program.
This year, the Mentor Rotary Club, under the banner of the Shandle Family "Be The Match" program, sponsored one mile of a 24 mile in 24 hours event. This 24 In 24 event, held at Classic Park, Home of the Lake County Captains, allowed the Mentor Rotary Club to reach out to 200 runners, their friends and families as well as all the other community and sponsoring organizations via print and virtual media.
Thank you Sandy Hinkle for six wonderful years of service, growth, leadership and love to Feeding Medina County!
Grant Swain, Cloverleaf HS Senior - National Honor Society Dennis Powers, Medina Sunrise Rotary Secretary Rev. Dr. Reid Miller, U.S. Military Chaplain Mark Rahija, Pres/CEO Datamark Technologies Kevin Wermer, Medina Sunrise Rotary President
The year 2020 has presented the ultimate challenge to the Rotary Club of Hudson, testing its strengths in engaging its members, attracting new members, presenting meaningful weekly speaker programs, raising funds for community needs, serving local youth and planning for the future.
The Club is pleased to report a successful 90th year in most regards including an evolving strategic plan for the coming years. Some of the areas embraced by the Club’s membership include the following:
Weekly meetings:
Using Zoom technology, a meeting has been held every week since the pandemic “stay at home” order featuring many of the typical topics from past years. Speakers from a variety of professions, businesses and institutions provided engaging, enlightening and useful presentations that got high marks from Club members. Major topics included medical/psychological guidance, summer fun parks and activities, educator advice, local foundation focuses, major league sports insights, candidates for office debates, local business success stories and panels of our own members sharing ideas. Typical on-line weekly attendance has averaged 35 members and guests.
New members:
Sadly we lost a few long time contributing members, but we gained some enthusiastic participants from various professions including: John Adams, finance; Phil Butto, HHS administration; Chris Foster, Hudson Councilman; Bill Libby, veteran Cleveland Club Rotarian; Pete Spacagna, General Manager auto dealership; Jane Howington, City Manager; Keith Viers, banking; Chuck Nnabuife, home healthcare finance; and Bill McClure, retired. All have committed to becoming involved in a chosen service area of the Club.
Fund Raisers:
Even though we had to cancel our Annual Gala from which we generate a majority of our funds to support local causes, the Club in conjunction with the Clock Tower Rotary and EMS Outreach Hudson raised over $25,000 from the public and internally to purchase Personal Protective Equipment for Hudson EMS and Fire Departments. The Gala will return in 2021 honoring our past presidents many of whom are still active with the Club.
We also successfully solicited contributions from Club members this Fall, in lieu of our annual roses and popcorn sale, to bolster our Hudson High School college scholarship program.
The Hudson Rotary Foundation continues to contribute to community causes even though, understandably, less foundation funding has occurred this year. However, over the past 20 years, the Foundation has granted over $750,000 for Hudson area community needs.
Youth Education support activities:
The Rotary Club of Hudson continues to be involved with Hudson High School and Western Reserve Academy educational programs.
The Service Learning class at HHS has long been supported by Rotary with funds and Club member participation. In turn, the Service Learning students participate in our weekly meetings as speakers. Many Club members join in Service Learning class exercises at the high school and local camps.
A Rotary Interact Club was recently established at WRA with the students choosing service projects in line with Rotary guidance. Both HHS and WRA participate in the Rotary Four Way Test speech contest providing entertainment and enlightenment for Rotary Club members.
Each year, multiple $3000 scholarships are granted to college bound students selected by an interviewing process involving Rotary members.
Scouting is also very important to the Rotary Club of Hudson who built the original log cabin on Main Street in 1931 and continues to support scouting activities in Hudson and at Camp Manatoc. Scouts regularly appear at Rotary meetings to report on their activities and assist with fundraising events.
Strategic Planning:
The Covid-19 pandemic has altered life in our community and in the Rotary Club of Hudson. Consequently, it was decided to develop a strategic plan for the next 3-5 years that would anticipate the Club’s challenges and opportunities going forward. A strategic planning committee has been meeting since August and has examined all facets of programming, membership, fund raising and community involvement. Recommendations for the future will embrace our sustainability, leadership, new member recruiting, fund raising and community commitments. A major high profile community project will probably be in our future.
We invite all who are interested in the work we do and the community and school involvement we enjoy to examine our website www.rotaryhudson.org. We are looking for a few good members!
OUR PAST PRESIDENTS
(L-R) Rich Warfield, Kathryn Sines, Ron Strobl, Joe Avella, Alison Pfeister, George Snider, Gail Royster, Dave Basil, Jim Hackney, Andy Morris, Lee McCauley
HUDSON CLUB THRIVING AFTER 90 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
On January 28th at the noon Luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Northampton / Cuyahoga Valley Mark Maloney will be the featured speaker. He will be talking about his year as Rotary International President and anything else he wishes to talk about.
We are honored and excited that Mark has accepted our invitation to join us. Mark has been advised that this meeting is one of our regularly scheduled weekly Club meetings and he has been advised that the dress for the meeting is casual.
Anyone who wishes to join this Zoom meeting should send their email address to Joe D’Avello so he can include you on the Zoom invitation for that meeting. Joe’s email is drilledeagle@yahoo.com.
The Advisory Council of Past District Governors met virtually last week for their Annual Holiday Gathering. The above captures this incredible Family of Rotary that was 32-strong in attendance and joined by a number of Spouses and Partners. DGND Julie Brandle and Steve were formally introduced to the Council members which also included the current leadership chain in attendance. Governor Pat Myers then presented the “State of the District,” and everyone had the opportunity to share with one another on how they are doing. We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and committed Council, willing to support however they may be needed.
On behalf of the Council of Governors, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!
E-ClubNEO, the District’s first E-Club, marked a new milestone at their December 19th meeting when Daneysse Daniels and Kim Sanders were inducted into membership of the Club. These are the first new members to join the E-Club since it was commissioned as a Satellite Club of the Rotary Club Northampton – Cuyahoga Valley in June, increasing the E-Club’s membership by 20% to a total of 10 members. Click to view the induction video.
Photo L-R: Kim Sanders and Daneysse Daniels
Past District Governor Jim McKee was on hand for the virtual meeting and conducted the Induction Ceremony.
“We are really happy and excited to have Daneysse and Kim join the E-Club.” said Steve Warren, Chair of E-ClubNEO. “They are both very excited to be part of the Rotary Family and both have already jumped in with both feet to assist in our service projects. The E-Club is a great fit for both of them and we look forward to their participation and contributions to our Club and Rotary.”
For more information about E-ClubNEO, please visit www.eclubneo.org or contact Club Secretary & Membership Chair Juleta Craig: craigjuleta@gmail.com.
E-CLUBNEO STARTS 2021 WITH NEW SERVICE PROJECT
E-ClubNEO is kicking off the New Year with a new service project! We will be creating and providing “Birthday Bags” for children served through the Portage County Department of Jobs and Family Services.
We will miss doing this as a group, but to remain Covid-safe we will all be assembling the bags and contents in our own homes with a goal of the first delivery being made before January 1, 2021.
Portage County JFS would love to have enough bags for 200 children between the ages of 1-18. The bags will contain items to help hold a birthday party for the children like cake mix, frosting, candles, birthday plates & napkins, balloons, etc. The bags and contents will be color-themed and be age-appropriate for the various age groups, as requested by JFS.
The current plan is for E-ClubNEO to provide 20 bags per month to cover the 200 bags needed over the course of the year.
If you would like more information on the project or would like assist the E-Club in fulfilling the 200-bag commitment, please contact Project Chair Kathryn Craig: craig.kathryn2008@gmail.com
For more information about E-ClubNEO, please visit www.eclubneo.org
E-ClubNEO INDUCTS MEMBERS & STARTS NEW SERVICE PROJECT
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Rotary in Review
11 December 2020
A roundup of Rotary news
Doing Good through the World Fund
The Rotary Foundation World Fund enables Rotary members to take action for lasting change in their communities and around the world. Last year, a record amount of funds were released supporting 490 district grants and 1,359 global grants. Your generous year-end gifts help replenish the World Fund and ensure members can keep doing life-changing projects in their local communities and globally. Read Trustee Brenda Cressey’s blog post for more information on how you can help.
This week's stories
3 ways to create a harassment-free Rotary
All Rotary leaders, including club presidents, are provided with annual training on Rotary International’s policies on maintaining a harassment-free environment. But it’s not just up to leaders to ensure that harassment is not tolerated at meetings, events, and activities. Learn what every member can do to help.
In pursuit of social justice
Many Rotarians and guests heard Xavier Ramsey speak at the 2018 Rotary International Convention in Toronto. The Chicago Rotarian and founder of Justice Informed speaks eloquently about the key to creating an equitable society. Learn more about this inspiring young leader and what he has to say about race relations
Foundation Trustee Hipólito S. Ferreira dies
Ferreira, an accomplished engineer in Brazil, died on 25 November. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Contagem-Cidade Industrial and served RI in many capacities including RI director. During his term as president of the Brazilian Association of The Rotary Foundation, donations doubled. Read more
We're taking a holiday break
There will not be an issue of Rotary in Review for 25 December, while we take a short break for the holidays. We will be back with more exciting news about Rotary on 8 January. Wishing you a happy holiday season and a joyous new year.
RI directors-nominee declared
Rotary International President Holger Knaack on 1 December declared six Rotary members to be RI directors for 2022-24. Read more
The following is excerpted from Carol Crimi's award speech presenting the Glenn Saltzman Award For 2020:
Dr. Glenn Alan Saltzman was a member of the Rotary Club of Kent for many years serving as Club President during the 1980-1981 Rotary Year. As a husband, father, grandfather, Navy Captain, educator and Kent community leader, Glenn was known as a man of conscience and humor who touched the lives of everyone with whom he came into contact. Dr. Saltzman tirelessly donated his time and expertise to multiple local area organizations and causes during the many years he lived in the Kent community. It was through his vision that the seeds of the Kent Rotary Foundation were planted, and it was through this Foundation, using proceeds raised by the Kent Rotary Club and other private donations, that many local and area organizations have been financially helped. Dr. Saltzman’s legacy is celebrated today with this award, given each year, to the individual who exhibits those traits that were endeared in the man himself; integrity, compassion, vision and pride in professional accomplishment.
Todd Kamenash, and Alyssa Robinson, on behalf of the Kent Rotary Foundation Board of Directors, I am honored to present you with the Glenn Saltzman Award for 2020 tonight. We have only one question: We are all wondering what you do the two of you do with all your spare time???
In addition to a certificate of Award for both of you, as a means of further honoring you both, the Foundation Board has pledged to donate the sum of $500.00 to the charity of your choice.
When you receive messages from Rotary’s Learning Center, they’ll soon come from a new email address, learn@learnmail.rotary.org. These messages will include reports, information about courses you’re enrolled in, or notifications about new courses. Be sure to add this address to your list of contacts to keep these messages from being directed to the spam or junk mail folder.
All district committee members should be encouraged to start with District Committee Basics learning plan. More learning plans are coming soon and additional courses will be added to these learning plans as they are created.
We're on Facebook
Rotary’s Learning Center is now on Facebook! Visit us there to find updates about what’s available, new courses, and more.
Training Tip
The best way to access the Learning Center is by using Google Chrome as your web browser. If you still can’t get to it, you may need to clear your browser’s cached images and cookies. Find step-by-step instructions below on how to do that. If you still can’t sign in to the Learning Center after that, send a screenshot of your error message to learn@rotary.org.
Does your Rotaract club or district have an outstanding project? Nominate it to the 2020-21 Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards to receive recognition from Rotary International and inspire others around the world to take action!
Awards will be granted to one winner in each of the six designated geographic regions. Awards will also be granted to international winners for a project submitted by a single club, and a project by more than one club, an entire Rotary district, or a multi-district project. The international awardees will receive US$1000 for future project activities.
Here's how to get started:
Identify one project. Choose your best club, district, or multidistrict project.
Collect photos and videos. Include photos, social media posts, media coverage, and videos of your members in action.
Which video will be the 'Fan Favorite' in the 2020 Interact Awards? Anyone can vote for their favorite video every day, once per day through 18 December 2020!
Explore this year's submissions in the video gallery. Click on the thumbnail of your favorite to see the "Vote" button. Don't forget to share the video with your friends, family, club members, and advisors!
Apply to serve on the NEW Interact Advisory Council
There's still time to apply to serve on the Interact Advisory Council. Submit your application by Sunday, 20 December 2020 at 11:59 PM UTC-6 (Chicago time) for the opportunity to share your voice and advise the Board of Directors of Rotary International. Current Interactors and recent Interact alumni are welcome to apply.
Join Rotary International President Holger Knaack for a presidential conference series focused on opening opportunities for both Rotaract and Rotary members.
The first virtual presidential conference is hosted by Rotaract Brazil MDIO, 15-16 January 2021. Sessions will be in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
This is a picture of our second delivery of items at the Wade Park VA Hospital this past week.
Due to the help of DGND Julie Brandle, Linda Farkas and PDG Jack Harig, I was able to make our Second delivery of games, puzzles, CD’s to our Vets who are experiencing health issues.
I delivered the items to the office of Cortney who is the manager of volunteer services at the hospital. In the 2 deliveries I estimate our District thus far has donated over $700 of new board games, puzzles, CD’s and video items. Remember they must be new items. Due to Covid 19 the VA cannot accept paper type books.
Hopefully we can make this a total District 6630 wide project to help our Veterans and have all clubs participate in some fashion. Sine the first article in our newsletter, I have already received two additional Rotary clubs contact me as to how the can help.
For more information as to how you or your Rotary club can help, please contact me at 440-759-4000 or Jack1villa@aol.com. Best wishes to you and your family for the Holidays and remain safe.
Looking ahead to 2021 — important year-end updates
This year has been a challenging one, and 2021 brings hopes for better times and new opportunities. In-person meeting possibilities remain limited in many places, but now is the perfect time to visit and connect with other clubs around the world through online meetings and virtual events. The newly improved Club Finder tool can help with this. Don’t forget to update your club meeting information (time, place, meeting language, and whether your club meets in person, online, or both) so fellow Rotarians and clubs can easily find you.
Every January, we see a significant increase in inquiries about joining Rotary. District and club leaders, these future members are waiting to hear back from you. Remember to follow up with these prospective members and ensure that their experience with Rotary is a positive one. Consider generational or other cultural communication preferences when contacting them. Some prospective members may prefer phone calls, while others might be more likely to reply to a text message.
Whether it’s by building new relationships or helping expand Rotary’s reach, a new year is the ideal time to set new goals and work toward achieving them.
Recognizing exemplary service to The Rotary Foundation
The Distinguished Service Award honors individual Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary service to the Foundation and received the Citation for Meritorious Service at least four years earlier. If you know someone who fits this description, tell your district governor. District governors can nominate candidates between 1 January and 28 February. Write to us at riawards@rotary.org if you have any questions.
Improve your communication skills to be a more effective leader
Communicating effectively can help you get ahead in the workplace and in life. Sharpen your communication skills with these new courses in Rotary’s Learning Center (My Rotary login required):
Inspirational Speech — Learn how to succeed in persuasive and motivational speaking so you can engage, influence, or inspire an audience.
These courses, developed exclusively for Rotary by Toastmasters International, include assignments that put your new skills into practice and peer evaluations that expand your knowledge through collaboration.
Rotaractors promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
Rotaractors from the Big West Rotaract MDIO, California, USA, are having much-needed conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Find out how they are helping implement DEI practices in their district, learn more about Rotary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement, and see how you can put it into practice to create positive experiences.
Why I finally joined a Rotary club
Even though she’s been involved with service for much of her life, Erin Maloney held back from joining Rotary for many years because the traditional club model did not appeal to her. Her thinking changed when she attended the 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention. Read about the three things that convinced Erin to join Rotary.
Membership Minute is a bimonthly newsletter that provides the latest membership trends, strategies, best practices, and resources to help strengthen membership in your clubs. The newsletter is sent to Rotary coordinators, district governors, district membership chairs, club membership chairs, club presidents and subscribers. Please forward this to anyone who may be interested.
One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201-3698, USA
Your opportunity to qualify for matching money for your local or global project is coming soon. District 6630 will receive $94,786 in District Designated Funds as part of the Annual Fund Share program. This amount is equal to 50% of our Rotary Foundation Annual Fund contributions from three years ago (2018-19). We can allocate up to 50% ($47,393) for local projects. The other 50% can be allocated for global grants, polio plus and peace fellow programs.
Among other things, two club members must attend a Grant Management Seminar (GMS) to be eligible for a matching grant. Other qualifications include:
Your club must:
be current on Rotary International (RI) Dues
be current on District Dues
be current on reporting for any existing grants
have attained $40 in per capita giving, to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund, prior to June 30, 2021 (based on club membership as of July 1, 2020). Your per capita giving status may be found on your Club Fundraising Analysis report from Rotary International.
submit your grant inquiry for your local project no later than May 15, 2021.
Global Grant applications may be submitted at any time during the year.
We will be holding two GMSs in February. Due to Covid19 restrictions, we will be holding the GMSs via Zoom. Below is the registration link on ClubRunner. You must register to be able to attend.
Our Club is very excited that one of our members and Past President, Julie Brandle has been selected as District 6630 Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) in line to serve as our Governor for the 2023-2024 Rotary year. We are very proud of Julie and all she does to support Rotary! You can read more about Julie in the article above.
Julie Frey,Curator, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens took us on a virtual tour of Stan Hywet Hall during our Tuesday, December 15th holiday club meeting. Click to read the recap and view the video
Our Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Rotary Club of Akron was conducted on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 The purpose of our Annual Meeting is to announce the election of Officers and Directors for the Club, the Rotary Camp Board, and the Akron Rotary Foundation (See the results below), provide an update of the Club’s financial condition, an overview of the past year’s activities, and potential goals and activities for the next year.
Shared below is a synopsis of the Annual Meeting presentation.
Financial Report for the fiscal year July1, 2019 through June 30, 2020:
The year ended with the Club in a positive financial position. The 990 has been filed and is posted online accordingly.
Achievements in 2020:
While the past year has been challenging with the onslaught of COVID 19, the Club has much to be proud of.
Membership: As of November 30, 2020, the Club has 136 Active Members (plus 3 approved/pending induction)
Club Activities:
New Council of Chairs meeting monthly, new Risk Management Committee meeting monthly, broader approach for Virtual Speakers.
Creation of Diversity team including a small socially distanced service project with PPE distribution to minority owned businesses.
A sampling of the Club’s Service to the Community projects: Shoe Box Project, Paul Harris Award Presentations, Assisted Urban League in PPE Distribution, James Bond virtual cocktail party, Together but Apart - # Akron Rotarians hiking the Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree (made Fox News), ICC launched with former Club member Claudine Schooley leading the effort, virtual service project – Interview Coaching for North High School Seniors, Collaboration to plant trees with Davy Tree and Akron Public School Supply Distribution, Planting of Monarch Butterfly garden at Rotary Camp, End World Polio Day activities, Kicked of 2021 Chili Open fund raising, Rotary Disaster Grant award presented PPE to Akron Children’s, Coordinating Akron Rotary Holiday outreach.
2020 – 2021 Outlook:
Optimism – Glass Half-full, Victim versus forward thinking.
Revisit our Strategic Plan and move forward on our various goals and strategies.
And finally, quoting Dr. McGregor “We can’t let what we can’t do, interfere with what we can do!”
Our Newly Elected Officers and Directors
The Rotary Club of Akron
Executive Team: July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022
President: Steve Buie
President Elect: Lynda Farkas
Vice President: Tom Knauer
Secretary: Terry Dalton
Treasurer: Michael Gladysz
Directors: July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2024
Doug Kohl
Katerina Papas
Laura Smiley
Michael Shearer
The Akron Rotary Foundation
Directors: Terms as noted
Doug Kohl (two-year term ending 12/31/2022)
Mark Krohn (three-year term ending 12/31/2023)
Dan Riemenschneider (three-year term ending 12/31/2023)
Jeff Sitz (three-year term ending 12/31/2023)
The Akron Rotary Camp
Directors: January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Tim DelMedico
Michael Gallucci
Nick George
Pam Kiltau
It's good to have fun!!
During our December 15th meeting, we added more fun by having a virtual "Holiday Top Contest". President Rob McGregor had secret judges who selected the Most Stylish, Most Original and Tackiest.
At our Holiday Gathering December 15th, members were encouraged to wear their holiday tops. We had some great spirit and fun before doing the virtual tour with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
Secret judges awarded for Tackiest, Most Unique and Classiest. Here are screen shots of some of the participants (we did our best - sorry if some are blurry or small!) you can click here to watch the video to see all of them!
The winners were:
Tackiest: Steve Buie with a Santa hat and elf sweater outfit and Wanda Whipkey with her Christmas light necklace and sweater
Classiest: Rob McGregor with his bow tie and cummerbund
Most Unique: Cheryl Warren as Mrs. Claus deferred her award so we could give out TWO for Tackiest!
Here are a few of the fun photos ...
What? You can’t make it out to the event. While we sincerely appreciate everyone’s donations of time, money, and prizes, the children whose summer you help make unforgettable are the ones who are truly grateful!
Purchasing raffle tickets at our website (click here) is a great way to show your support and help the Rotary Camp.
The Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, in cooperation with the Akron Area YMCA, offers camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities.
Raffle drawing will be held at the Chili Open Purchase raffle ticket(s) at $20 per ticket for your chance to win the following prizes. 1st Prize: 2021 Chevrolet Trax LS from The VanDevere Bunch 2nd Prize: 55-inch 4K Smart LED TV courtesy of S Group, Inc. 3rd Prize: Fox Sports Ohio/SportsTime Ohio Behind-the-Scenes Media Package at a 2021 Cleveland Indians Game. Includes four diamond box seats and behind-the-scenes tour. Choice of dates to be provided by Fox Sports Ohio/SportsTime Ohio.
You can also qualify for a chance to win $50,000!!!
Any individual purchasing five (5) Chili Open raffle tickets (for a total of $100.00) will be automatically entered into the Chili Open SNOWMANIA drawing for a chance of winning $50,000. This is in addition to the five (5) chances for the regular drawing.
For SNOWMANIA to go live we need 6-inches of newly fallen snow accumulation on February 20, 2021 between 12:01am and 11:59pm at the Akron-Canton Airport, Ohio as independently determined by Weather Command.
The qualifying winning ticket for SNOWMANIA will be drawn on February 6, 2021 at the Chili Open. Winner need not be present.
AKRON CLUB: We can't let what we can't do, interfere with what we can do!
Last year’s wildly successful raffle featuring the award of a brand new Chevy Equinox vehicle to the lucky winner, will once again give away a brand new 2020 Ford F-150 vehicle to a lucky winner.
The vehicle is provided by the Pat Preston family of dealerships and Preston Ford in Burton, Ohio.
Many other great prizes including individual cash prizes of $2500, $1500, and $1000, a Chain Saw Package, a Diamond Pendant, a Big Screen TV, a Snow Blower and Instant $100 cash tickets.
This year we are featuring Early Bird cash drawings in varying amounts to be awarded monthly until the main drawing in July.
Last year over $50,000 was given away to many community organizations including food cupboards, The Red Tulip Project, Next Step, children’s meals, scouting projects, the Geauga County Historical Society and many other worthwhile organizations throughout the county.
This year we hope to equal or surpass last years funds and continue our club’s long tradition of being an active and strong supporter of our community.
Julie Brandle has been selected as District 6630 Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) in line to serve as our Governor for the 2023-2024 Rotary year.
Julie Brandle is a past president of the Rotary Club of Akron and currently serves District 6630 as Assistant Governor for Summit S - Medina County Cluster, chair of the District Conference Committee, and member of the Foundation Gala committee. She has also served the District as a facilitator for the Tri-District Membership Event and chair of the public image committee.
Julie is a committed community advocate and currently serves on the boards of Kent State University's Construction Management program, the Portage Development Board (economic development), Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Urban League, Greater Akron Chamber, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) Northeast Ohio, and the Rotary Club of Akron. Julie volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. Julie is a Lifetime Gold Award Girl Scout and holds the adult honors of Women of Distinction and the Thanks Badge.
Julie is a graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, as well as Bowling Green State University where she earned a double major in Interpersonal and Public Communication and Soviet Studies and a travel grant scholarship to study in Kiev, Ukraine. She is a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses, ScaleratorNEO, Leadership Portage County and is currently in Leadership Akron's Class 37.
Julie is the president and a founder of Metis Construction Services, a female-owned commercial general contractor located in Kent. Metis completes ground-up, renovation, and facilities maintenance projects throughout Ohio, along with projects currently in PA, IL, KY, MI, and NY. With over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and public relations, Julie oversees these areas of expertise for Metis along with being an integral part of the management team that designs and manages the overall business strategy for Metis Construction.
Julie is the daughter of Rich(deceased) and Leann Soika and has a brother Rich (Sharon) and sister Kristen (Orlando) and 5 nieces and nephews (Orlando, RJ, Lydia, Ardynn and Reid). Julie and her husband Steven reside in Brimfield Twp. Their daughter Kimberly is a senior Intervention Specialist major preparing to graduate in May 2021 from Bowling Green State University.
BRANDLE SELECTED TO SERVE AS GOVERNOR IN 2023-2024
In March of 2020, Rotary International released Disaster Relief funding to help fight the Coronavirus Pandemic. Each Rotary District was to provide emergency services in their region to those most in need. Rotary District 6630 received $25,000 in funding for Northeast Ohio. All 53 Rotary clubs partnered together and decided to provide PPE to selected hospitals on the front line of fighting Covid-19.
Seven Northeastern Ohio hospitals, with the greatest needs, were carefully chosen and 1,500 PPE Level-2 medical gowns were purchased and personally delivered by the Rotary 6630 District Grant Committee representatives to each of these 7 leading hospitals:
In March of 2020, Rotary International released Disaster Relief funding to help fight the Coronavirus Pandemic. Each Rotary District was to provide emergency services in their region to those most in need. Rotary District 6630 received $25,000 in funding for Northeast Ohio. All 53 Rotary clubs partnered together and decided to provide PPE to selected hospitals on the front line of fighting Covid-19.
Seven Northeastern Ohio hospitals, with the greatest needs, were carefully chosen and 1,500 PPE Level-2 medical gowns were purchased and personally delivered by the Rotary 6630 District Grant Committee representatives to each of these 7 leading hospitals:
Akron Children's Hospital - Rotary Club of Akron, President Dr. Rob McGregor
Ashtabula Medical Center - Rotary Club of Ashtabula, President Trevor Sprague
Cleveland Clinic - Rotary Club of Cleveland, President Ron Felgenhauer
Southwest General Hospital - Rotary Club of Berea, President Linda Kramer
UH Bedford Medical Center - Rotary Club of Bedford, President Hazana Rivers
UH Geauga Medical Center - Rotary Clubs of Chagrin Valley and Chesterland, President Kathaleen McWilliams
Western Reserve Hospital - Rotary Club of Cuyahoga Falls, President Rick Pollak
"The hospitals were very appreciative for the timely front-line medical assistance and all Rotarians were proud to be able to be part of providing help to our community during this Coronavirus Pandemic," stated Patricia Myers, Rotary District Governor for Northeast Ohio #6630. "I am so very proud of all our Rotary clubs helping in the project. . Together, we make a difference in the lives of those in need both here in our community and beyond through our time, talents, and treasure. This is the Heart of Rotary. Thank you Rotarians!"
Rotary International District 6630 includes over 50 clubs of active community service leaders throughout Northeastern Ohio. We are your neighbors, community leaders, problem solvers, and global citizens uniting for the common good. With you, we can accomplish even more. Rotary International has over 1.2 million members worldwide. Our members join together, working for inclusiveness, equality, peace, and to help to make the world a better place.
PHOTOS PROVIDED:
Rotary Club of Akron
Rotary Club of Chagrin Valley & Geauga West
Rotary Club of Cuyahoga Falls
RC of Akron
RC of Cuyahoga Falls
RC of Chagrin Valley & Geauga West
NE OHIO ROTARY CLUBS DONATE $25,000 TO REGIONAL HOSPITALS TO FIGHT THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
We were thrilled to team up with Ashtabula Kiwanis Club to help provide this new needed refrigerator for the Good Karma Soup Kitchen here in Ashtabula!
Rotary Global Rewards wishes you a happy holiday season. We hope that you are healthy and safe.
This message contains an offer for videoconferencing to help you stay connected during this time. You’ll also find an easy way to shop online for holiday gifts while giving back to Rotary.
With help from the Philippine Navy, ships are being loaded up with aid in Cebu. This aid, headed to the Bicol region of the Philippines, will be delivered to families affected by Typhoon Goni. Aid should be start arriving to families this weekend.
Thank you to all our amazing supporters who helped make this possible with your generosity and compassion!
The Rotary Club of Painesville along with its community partners (Laketran, Fairport Harding High School, LCE Federal Credit Union, Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce, First Federal Lakewood Concord Branch, and Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood)"Fill the Bus" to help those in need living in the Painesville and Mentor areas.
Thank you St. Gabriel Food Pantry for everything you do for those in need in our community!!
Each year, the Community Service Committee selects and individual or organization who has demonstrated, in both their professional and personal life, outstanding “service above self” in the greater Cleveland community. This year’s recipient was Brandon Chrostowski, Founder, President and CEO of EDWINS Restaurant and Leadership Institute. Brandon was chosen because he has selflessly helped so many people restart their lives and find purpose through his motto, “Every human being, regardless of their past, has the right to a fair and equal future.” He has created a program where formerly incarcerated adults are trained to work in EDWINS fine French cuisine restaurant, EDWINS Butcher Shop and EDWINS Bakery. Brandon’s program gives these individuals a foundation in the hospitality industry while providing a support network necessary for a successful reentry. EDWINS Leadership Institute had a recidivism rate of less than 1%.
On a Zoom call, Jennifer Kelly, Chair of the Community Service Committee, gave Brandon the award live from EDWINS Bakery. Then Brandon spoke to the Club and discussed the mission and goals of the program, why it has been successful, and future plans moving forward. Members had a lot of questions, and there was a lively Q&A discussion after Brandon’s talk. It was a great opportunity for Club members to understand how EDWINS Restaurant and Leadership Institute is positively impacting the Cleveland community, the east side’s vulnerable neighborhoods, and attracting national accolades for his efforts. There was also discussion regarding how the Rotary Club of Cleveland can work with EDWINS moving forward via community service and vocational service avenues. This program was one of the year’s best and was well-received by the members.
Our R.I. President has announced that no Rotary youth exchange can occur until after June 30, 2021 because of the pandemic. Our multidistrict (OE, Ohio-Erie) is committed to doing all it can to have a short term exchange this summer and a long term exchange in the Fall 2021. We can still have a short term exchange after June 30 and the Fall exchange as well. Some say there is no way the world situation will be safe by that time. If the short term exchange cannot happen this summer, then I expect the short term exchange will be virtual as it was this last year. The long term exchange should encounter less difficulty. If the pandemic persists then, of course, there will be no exchange, except perhaps virtual. However, our multidistrict will prepare the students for the exchange even though it may have to be postponed and rescheduled. There is even discussion of raising the age limits if confronted with another postponement. With whatever adjustment is necessary, we are committed to keeping the students safe.
Covid 19 has been hard on the Youth Exchange, Last Rotary year our students have for the most part had to end their exchanges early---both the inbound and outbound. For months we had no idea when the program would resume. Of course, no one can know for sure, but our multidistrict organization, OE, is now committed to a program for 2021- 2022! Unfortunately, that decision came late, but given the state of the world, we understand. That means we must consider that both the Long Term Program and the Short Term Program are a "go" for the next Rotary year.
So, what is the upshot of all this? The upshot is HELP! We need to recruit students for the Long Term and Short Term Outbound Program NOW. For the Long Term Program we have only this December to recruit and put together applications. Unfortunately, this timeline does not appear to be flexible. The Short Program timeline is a little longer and more flexible but still presents a difficult challenge. Your District Youth Exchange Committee is asking that each Rotarian, and friends, identify high school students who are prospects for these programs and tell us about them, or better yet, make sure the student contacts one of the Committee members (see the District website) to express interest. They can express interest through the 6630 Website at the link "Youth Exchange" or contact one of us using the contact information on the website.
We do need to be realistic, so if we cannot get commitments for 2021-2022, there is always 2022-2023 and beyond. But we cannot give up on next year!
I have been with the District Youth Exchange Committee since 2013 and I can say that, in all those years, most students in the Long Term Program call their Exchange year the "best year of their life". Believe me, I am not exaggerating. But it does take a special kind of student. They must be good students, because the program really is a "study abroad program". They need to be ready for adventure and to extend their life experiences beyond their own community. They should want to open their eyes to new cultures to gain perspectives about our own culture. They should want to become fluent, or understand the need to become fluent, in a language other than English. They should want to test their own skills to be independent. They need to value the need to build
strength of character to face adversity in life and develop problem-solving skills which will benefit them throughout life. In short, they should want to be better prepared for life's challenges, whether in pursuit of a career or advanced education. There is no doubt the students come back as stronger individuals. and with a better resume. As one returning outbounder reported:" [t]he year I spent on my exchange saved my life". She is now on the path to success in higher education. Why would you not want a result like this for the young people in your family or others who you know to be good candidates? By the way, Rotarian family members and non-Rotarians are eligible!
The Program is known to many as "the Rotary scholarship for high school study abroad".-ln fact, it really is a scholarship. Rotary provides for your schooling abroad, often at a private school, and further provides for room and board with host families who have been meticulously qualified to ensure the well-being of the student. The actual value of those services has been valued at anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000. The student pays for an administrative fee of $1175, insurance for around $1000, the cost of the flights, and spending money. All of this is immensely more inexpensive than if the student would utilize a private, "for profit" organization for a year-long exchange. And, I have been personally told by State Department officials that they are not worried about Rotary. It is the "for profit" groups that produce the most trouble. We play it by the rules and do our best, through committed and fully vetted volunteers with professional backgrounds, to produce a respected and safe program.
For some, the year abroad in the Long Term Program does not fit their life plans--at least not just yet. A great way to test the waters or simply get a valuable experience with memories that will last a lifetime, is the Short Term Program. Basically, it is an eight week program., and is a family to family exchange. The American student and family are linked up with a foreign student and family. Choices are given so the families can agree they are compatible. The American student goes to the foreign family and lives . with them for four weeks (usually). Then the foreign student returns with the American
student and lives with the American family for four weeks. The students become fast friends for life and often the families visit each other. What a great way to build a close relation to those in other countries! Truly, the Short Term Program lives up to the RYE credo: we will build world peace one student (and one family) at a time. There is an administrative fee of $450 and the student must bear travel expenses. The families provide room and board. Is it worth it? Ask PDG Jim McKee whose daughter went on three separate short term exchanges during high school!
The countries we exchange with include most of western Europe, select countries in Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, and at various times Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Columbia), and select countries in Asia,(Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and India). The students choose the countries they want for their exchange and rank them. We do all we can to make sure the students get their first choice or close to it.
Want to learn more? I am sure your prospective candidate will want more information. It is all there at "Youth Exchange" on the District website. Don't even think about it---just act. Give the gift of a life-changing experience to a deserving young person. Find that great candidate for the Rotary Youth Exchange!
Bob Heydorn, Rotary District 6630 Youth Exchange General Chair.
We are currently accepting donations of toys and gift cards for our annual Holiday Party on December 20th. Like all of us, our campers’ and their families’ lives have been completely turned upside down this year. This year’s Holiday Party for Camp will most likely be a drive through event due to COVID-19 precautions but for many of our campers it is the only time they see Santa, so our goal is to make it as joyous as possible. Help us spread a little joy by purchasing a gift that Santa can share or a gift card for groceries.
Gift cards in any amount from major stores such as Target, WalMart, ACME, and Giant Eagle are also being accepted.
Gift cards and donations can be mailed or dropped off at Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Dr., New Franklin, OH 44319. Questions? Call camp at 330.644.4512 or email Dan Reynolds at danr@akronymca.org.
Although the Chili Open will look different from previous years due the impact of COVID-19, and whether you choose to attend in person or virtually, your gift will make a significant impact allowing us to continue to serve the vulnerable youth in our community.
The annual fundraiser represents 30% of operating costs to the Rotary Camp's annual budget. This ensures that no child is turned away due to their family’s inability to pay. We are extremely thankful to our Chili Open Presenting Sponsor, Wayne Homes for their continued commitment to the camp.
FEEDING MEDINA COUNTY WELCOMES OUR MILITARY VOLUNTEERS
Under the joint leadership of Staff Sergeant Jeff Cain and Sergeant First Class Steve Callahan, of Medina's Ohio Army National Guard, and Sergeant Andrew Simons of the U.S. Marine Corps, this morning's Feeding Medina County Thanksgiving Food Distribution at the Medina County Fairgrounds was truly inspiring.
Before the light of dawn, five eager new Marine Corps Recruits - "poolies" - all from Medina County reported for duty, along with Jennifer Webb, the Director of Ministry and Communications at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Medina County ESC Superintendent Dr. Bob Hlasko, Kiwanis, Rotary, CERT and many faithful FMC volunteers who came out to help the hundreds of families experiencing food insecurity here in Medina County.
"It was wonderful to have so many volunteers come out to help during this busy time of year," said FMC Executive Director Sandra Hinkle. "We are especially grateful to the the men and women of the U.S. Military for their friendly help and teamwork during the pandemic with the Feeding Medina County food distributions. Thank you to U.S. Marine Corps Commander Major Brian Hubert who made a special trip to be with us this morning to support our mission. Thank you all for your service. We could not have made it through this year without all of you. Happy Thanksgiving Medina!"
FMC Volunteers
USMC Volunteers
Staff Sergeant Jeff Cain
Medina Sunrise Rotary
Honors Sandra Hinkle - Feeding Medina County
Medina Sunrise Rotarians joined together in virtual fellowship on Thursday evening, via ZOOM, for the annual NE Ohio District 6630 Rotary Foundation Awards Gala to honor Sandra Hinkle, Executive Director of Feeding Medina County.
Along with Rotary International and Ohio District Officers, Sandra Hinkle was presented with Rotary's prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award, in recognition of her service and leadership with Feeding Medina County and for her tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.
Berea Rotary president Linda Kramer and past president Bob Huge present 1,500 isolation gowns to Southwest General Health Care Center in Middleburg Heights. Distribution Manager Pat Neal said the donation was very much needed and greatly appreciated.
Ashtabula Rotarians presenting 1,500 gowns to ACMC staff. Richard Trice, VP, Clinical Services, Bart Millard, ACMC Maintenance, Trevor Sprague, Ashtabula Rotary President, Jacquelyn DiFore, Chief Nursing Officer and Mary Lou Howe, Ashtabula Rotary Foundation Treasurer.
I wanted to take a moment to update the club on some service projects we are working on.
First, we we delivered hospital gowns to ACMC. Thank you to Mary Lou for all the work on this. (Photo)
Feed Our Vets collection items were under way during November.
The club will be adopting a family in the Halo program for Christmas. Please contact Greg Church or Bruce Schlosser if you would like to be more involved in interviewing the family, purchasing gifts, wrapping gifts, or putting together food items.
It's great that our club, despite Covid-19, continues to serve our community! Thanks for all you are contributing in time, talent, or treasure to help our club serve!
During a recent stay for medical challenges at Wade Park VA and rehab at their Cares Tower, PDG Jack Young had the opportunity to talk with Vets and staff. Since the cares towers unit was completely shut down to visitors due to COVID the morale and hope was low.
The Veterans did have some board games, CD’s and puzzles but one can only use the same item so many times before they become boring. They did receive a virtual TV and headset and PDG Young was asked to be the first Vet to use it, but only one Vet at a time could participate.
With the conversations he had with the Vets, PDG Young saw a need to secure more new games, CD’s and puzzles to be used by the Veterans. Because of COVID, no used items can be accepted by the VA. ONLY BRAND-NEW ITEMS can be accepted.
With that PDG Young contacted Andrew Mangels of the RC of Westlake-Bay Village to see if he could have several clubs help get items for the VA. He also asked Rotarian Marsha Pappalardo if the Rotary Club of Brunswick might be willing to help as well.
In addition, he was talking with PDG Jack Harig who is a Veteran and works with Veterans and asked if he could possibly do the same thing in the Akron area.
With that PDG Jack Young talked with Courtney Mashits of the Wade Park VA Volunteer Services about the need for these items. Thus, they scheduled the first delivery of items from the Rotary Clubs of Westlake and Brunswick for Thursday, November 19. PDG Jack Young met PDG Jack Harig and presented the items to Volunteer Services. Over 25 new games, etc., were delivered to the VA.
In addition, PDG Harig contacted Julie Brandle and Linda Farkas of the RC of Akron and they are collecting items from the Summit County S-Medina County Cluster to be delivered to the VA Hospital the first of December.
PDG Jack Young that this process and suggestion is only designed to help those Veterans who are hospitalized and served our country. These types of games give them hope during their time in the hospital.
He also hopes that after the second Delivery in December that all clubs in Rotary District 6630 can help with items or cash donations to the VA. This would send a special message from our district to all individuals in Ohio that Rotary really cares about those who have served our country.
As a final note, PDG Young has also shared this process with are Rotary Friends in Michigan, PDG Larry Wright and past Rotary International Director Mike McCullough to see if they may want to do the same thing in their district. As a final note, the reason for sharing this information with the district is to give back to those Men and women who have served in the military to defend our freedom.
Special thanks to PDG Jack Harig and Andrew Mangels who have helped make this process a reality. For more information, please feel free to contact PDG Jack A. Young (Jack1villa@aol.com or 440-759-4000)
Photo L-R. : Courtney Mashits, VA Volunteer Services; PDG Jack Young; PDG Jack Harig
We appreciate those who were able to be with us for our virtual 2020 Annual Foundation Celebration.
This event celebrated our success from the 2019-2020 Rotary Year and recognized those Rotarians and Non-Rotarians who live on motto “Service Above Self,” and the 4-way Test.
Simply click here to view the event and celebrate the spirit of giving!
We are thankful for each and every one of you and to all who have given their time, talents and treasures to make a difference through Rotary.
Spring is coming! I can almost see the early spring flowers popping up and birds are making their nests. With many of us starting to receive our vaccines, there is hope filling the air. My friends are taking hikes in the parks.
Thank you, my fellow Rotarians, for keeping safe through this year of a pandemic and for finding opportunities to reach out to lend a hand to others.
I often say, this is what we do – who we are, we continue to find opportunities to connect, unite and take action.
Rotary International (R.I.) has been taking opportunities this month to address two important priorities, Diversity, one of our 5 core values for 116 years, and the new focus, the Environment, which will be elevated to become the seventh area of focus of R.I. as of July 1, 2021.
Environment: Rotarians around the globe have become increasingly concerned about the environment and the need to work together to ensure that when addressing clean air, water and sanitation, peace and conflict prevention, curing and preventing disease, the underlying conditions in the environment provide that opportunity. Gary Huang, the chair of the Rotary Foundation Trustees, said “Rotary is a global group of problem solvers with diverse talents.” Therefore, the Foundation has made the Environment the seventh area of focus and has established guidelines in the grant funding models with applications now available for funding beginning July 1, 2021. Click here to access the Areas of Focus Policy Statement.
Diversity: Rotary has always united with other countries and cultures around the world, whether to eliminate polio, support exchange students and youth programs, peace fellows, global grants, and more. R.I. President Holger Knaack said, “we should be proud that Rotary reflects so many cultures, generations and lived experiences, and offers the potential for countless leaders to tap into those experiences to make a difference.”
R.I. has established a task force to prepare a concrete plan to make sure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are ingrained in everything that we do and reflected in the actions we take.
DISTRICT 6630 CONFERENCE OF CLUBS
The inability to hold an in-person District Conference is not stopping our conference committee from planning a celebration of all our clubs on April 22-24, 2021.
We have an exciting opportunity to join with other districts in Ohio for a portion of our own District Conference. During the joint sessions, we will be able to showcase our District and have some fun together.
In our stand-alone District Conference sessions, we will feature our Four-Way Speech Contest, Celebration of Life honoring all Rotarians who have passed away the last two years, 50-Year Rotarian Celebration honoring those members who belonged to Rotary for 50 years, Interact and Rotaract. We will also conduct our Annual Meeting. Registration will open soon.
WOW!!
I am so impressed with everything going on in the District, that I encourage you to read the entire Newsletter to see everything that is happening in Our District. I am so proud to be a member of Rotary with each of you.
As we enter a new year and reflect on the last year, we are filled with hope of a “new” year – even though January 1 is just the day after December 31. My reflections are of sitting in a third-grade classroom learning about Orwell’s book “1984” and wondering if I would live to see the year 2000. Now here we are in 2021.
This last year we each shared life-changing events in lives all over the world, in our communities and in ourselves. We realize how precious life itself is, and true to our shared values, I see Rotary members reaching out and lending a hand to others, protecting each other by being safe and careful, and sharing our resources.
Every Rotary meeting I attend, I feel such a sense of pride and gratefulness for being a Rotary member with each of you. To quote an Assistant Governor “Covid did not stop our clubs.” Everywhere in the district, clubs have found ways to assist people in their communities with needs that the pandemic brought, whether it is food, PPE, school supplies, protection for front line workers in hospitals, fire departments, or in nursing homes. Everyone learned new tech skills to facilitate meetings and fundraisers and found opportunities to meet the challenges. Fellowship is so important to us. We like to be with our friends, but we put safety first and learned to depend on our health departments’ guidance while we wait for vaccines.
Many of you have asked if I have had further guidance from Rotary International regarding in-person meetings. I have not received an update since the one stating that as a representative of R.I. I was to not attend club meetings or hold any district events until December 31, 2020, and to suspend Youth exchange programs until June 30, 2021. We were notified that the International Assembly of District Governor’s elect will be held virtually From February 1-11. The District has held virtual meetings for all Presidents-Elect training and Interaction. Moving forward we will continue to hold virtual meetings for:
• All Ohio Presidents-Elect Training March 11-13, 2021
• Four-Way Test Speech Contest April 10, 2021
• District Conference of Clubs April 22-24, 2021
• District Leadership Assembly (dates to be announced)
R.I. President Holger Knaack informed the District Governors last week that an announcement will be forthcoming regarding whether the International Conference scheduled for Taipei in June will be held in person or virtually.
As District Governor, my strong recommendation is that you continue to work with your local health departments and your club legal advisors as you consider events and meetings.
Check out all of the exciting things happening in our clubs in the newsletter this month and contact those of us volunteering this year in positions, such as Assistant Governor, public image and membership committees, for support and ideas for your clubs. We are all here to serve and we love to celebrate and share good news and creative ways each of you are staying connected.
As the first half of our Rotary year closes, and the New Year is upon us, we look forward to continuing our service to make the world and the communities in which we live a better place.
The challenges of this year have made each of us, find creative ways in which to meet the needs in our communities, by hosting fundraisers, service events and engaging meetings with some great speakers. As past Rotary International President Ian Riseley says, “Our challenges are our strengths.”
I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful Rotary District with members who are so very committed and dedicated. On behalf of all the people you have lent a hand to this year, thank you for your ongoing support.
May you and your families have a very Happy New Year of good health and happiness.
This month we each look forward to setting aside time to be grateful for all of our blessings, such as: having what we need, families and friends, and sharing with others. I am grateful to be in the family of Rotary.
Rotarians, in their clubs, continue to reach out to others. They are filling and distributing Thanksgiving baskets of food, distributing supplies to schools, hospitals and a women’s shelter, raking leaves in someone’s yard, providing meals, writing notes to people isolated in nursing homes, collecting games and puzzles and taking them to Veterans who are alone in their rooms in the V.A. hospitals and more.
The gifts donated to the Rotary Foundation assist so many others even if we cannot see their faces or if they are somewhere else in the world.
What hearts of service…
I am so thankful to know each and every one of you, who care so much for others.
The beautiful fall weather has been such a pleasure. Even with a pandemic, and the unrest in our nation, we Rotarians remain true to our values, support each other, our communities and others around the world. We seek peace, conflict resolution, healing, education, supporting local businesses, respecting our environment and each other. I feel so fortunate to know each of you.
You have heard me say “we are where we are supposed to be at this time, now.” Dr. Robert McGregor, President of the Akron Rotary Club and Chief Medical Officer of Akron Children’s Hospital, formed a risk assessment team of Akron Rotary members who have medical, legal, and insurance expertise. They utilized a risk assessment rubric and system for the club members to use when making decisions of what their risk of exposure is to COVID if attending or holding an in-person gathering. He graciously offered to share this rubric with each of you (click here and if it appears small simply increase the view size).
The Annual International Assembly of District Governors Elect to be held in February 2021, will be virtual. When we hear any further guidance from Rotary International regarding Club meetings, we will let all of you know.
We are looking forward to celebrating your contributions to the annual fund and toward continuing the fight against polio on November 19th at the virtual Foundation Event.
The Membership Committee has exciting plans and programs in place. What a team! Invite one of the members to speak to your club – contact chair Peter Tuttle at ptuttle@ptcdi.com. They are also working hard under Jim McKee’s leadership, as Club Extension, to assist clubs by reaching out to former members who have left in the last few years for various reasons, letting them know what is happening in the Rotary world.
We are starting to list in the newsletter speakers that others may want to schedule for their clubs. When you have a great speaker – please send their contact information and details to Cheryl Warren at RotaryDistrict6630@neo.rr.com (see the article below). In Lake County, three of the clubs, Chardon, Painesville and Mentor are holding joint meetings with exceptional speakers.
Congratulations to the “Unsung Heroes” in clubs:
Jim Lechko, Lakewood-Rocky River
Barbara Stettnisch, Strongsville
Dr. Joseph Boydel, Hudson
Gayle Woodrow, Painesville
Terry Dalton, Akron
Tom Kaser, Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley
Marc West, Berea
I love seeing photos when they are taken and posted – remember to send them in to RotaryDistrict6630@neo.rr.com to include in the newsletter.
Distributions completed in Philippines and Vanuatu
Philippines: Typhoon Vongfong (known locally as Ambo) devastated communities across Eastern Samar in the Philippines earlier this year. The destruction caused by the typhoon and the torrential rain that it brought with it affected nearly half a million people. ShelterBox quickly responded, working closely with our partner Terres des Hommes (TdH) to provide essential aid items to families whose homes were destroyed by the powerful typhoon. We distributed tarpaulins and rope, as well as additional household items which will enable families to rebuild their homes and provide a private space to protect themselves from the threat of coronavirus. Post-distribution monitoring was completed in late September, drawing our fourth response in the Philippines since March to a close.
With Tarpaulins and other household items families can begin the process of recovery after Cyclone Ambo.
Vanuatu: Tropical Cyclone Harold made landfall in Vanuatu earlier this year devastating communities across the country. The catastrophic cyclone decimated everything in its path as it tore across Vanuatu. It also damaged food crops and infrastructure. We have been working with our local partner CARE Vanuatu to get much-needed ShelterBox aid to 2,000 families. In September, the final distributions in South Pentecost were completed. These distributions targeted any remaining gaps identified after post-distribution monitoring. Families received tarpaulin, rope, tools, solar lights, and kitchen sets. READ MORE HERE https://www.shelterboxusa.org/home-page/news/vanuatu
Distributions underway in India and Tanzania
India: When Cyclone Amphan hit India’s coastal regions of West Bengal and Odisha earlier this year it destroyed 1.7 million homes. The cyclone was the strongest to hit the River Ganges Delta since 1999. We quickly responded, working with our partner Habitat for Humanity India to distributed essential aid items to 1,400 families in the Sundarbans, one of the worst affected areas. Throughout September distributions of tarpaulins and rope, household items and hygiene kits have taken place. The hygiene kits include masks, soap, and a bucket to support families in preventing the spread of coronavirus. India is currently dealing with a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases. To ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, and the people we are supporting, our trusted partner Habitat for Humanity India ensured mitigations against the spread of the virus throughout the response. https://www.shelterboxusa.org/home-page/news/cyclone-amphan
. Distribution site for Cyclone Amphan response
Tanzania: Torrential rain and flash flooding across the south-east regions of Tanzania earlier this year resulted in thousands of homes being severely damaged or completely washed away. This has forced families to resettle to camps on higher ground. We have been working with the Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS) to support families who lost their homes to the flooding. Throughout September TRCS completed distributions of shelter kits and solar lights to families displaced by the flooding. To mitigate against the spread of coronavirus, the number of people present at distributions was limited, social distancing was promoted on site and handwashing stations were made available. Post-distribution monitoring began at the end of September.
Tanzanian Red Cross preparing demonstration of aid package supplied by ShelterBox.
Protracted Responses to conflict displacement
Did you know over 79 million people are displaced right now due to conflict? That is the most in recorded history. ShelterBox has earned two Nobel Peace Prize nominations for our work helping families displaced by violence and war.
Cameroon: Violent Boko Haram attacks, extreme weather conditions and the impact of coronavirus in the Lake Chad Basin have resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis in the Far North region of Cameroon. The area now hosts over 114,000 refugees and more than 320,000 internally displaced people. To add to the already critical situation, heavy rains throughout September have seen thousands of people affected, with the region being one of the worst hit in Cameroon. We have been working with our trusted partner IEDA Relief in the Far North region to support families who have been forced to flee their homes. In September, we completed distributions which included 743 tents with household items including water carriers, kitchen sets and blankets, 560 shelter kits, 2,000 tarpaulins and rope, and additional household items for families with added vulnerabilities. We are now beginning our next project in the Minawao refugee camp. PDG Louis Turpin, D7210 NY, is looking for Global Grant partners to help fund this work. He can be contacted atrotary.turpin@gmail.com
Ethiopia: Rapid political and social reform in recent years and an increase in inter-communal and secessionist violence across Ethiopia have led to volatile patterns of displacement. Conflict, drought, flooding, an infestation of locusts and now the coronavirus pandemic continue to be key drivers of humanitarian needs across the country. It is reported that more than two million people in Ethiopia need shelter assistance. Throughout September, we have continued to work with our trusted partner the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and distributed tarpaulins, rope, and essential household items to 3,500 families.
ShelterBox and IOM distribution in Ethiopia
Syria: There is still no end in sight to the conflict and violence that continues in Syria. The focus is now on the last opposition stronghold of Idlib in the North West of the country, where up to one million people have fled their homes since December.
As well as the constant fear of violence, families displaced have the added threat of coronavirus to add to their worries. We have continued to work with our trusted partners ReliefAid and Bahar Organisation throughout these difficult times. In September, we helped 800 families with shelter and household items. We are now planning the next project a winter response in Syria with ReliefAid which will include shelter, household items, and warm clothing for children.https://www.shelterboxusa.org/syria
Online speakers available for club and district meetings and events Looking for a presentation or keynote address? Need video to share at your next event? Send me a note with your requests and I will be sure to get it scheduled. We have curriculum for PETS and District training and leadership learning events. Contact me for more information btobin@shelterboxusa.org
Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Baldwin Wallace University and Director of the Cognition, Brain & Language Lab. pledwidg@bw.edu 440-826-3173
His theme throughout the presentation was “people driven excellence.”Mr. Taylor is an American business executive, dynamic speaker, and leadership guru. He is the CEO and President of LinkedXL, a Business Operating Systems Architecting Firm. Mr. Taylor spent 30 years with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT), serving as Director of North America Manufacturing and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. As the Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion for Goodyear, Mr. Taylor led diversity and inclusion strategies for 64,000 employees across the 22 countries where Goodyear operates. Mr. Taylor has been called upon by universities, international conferences, global publications, and the U.S. Army to demonstrate how to drive and sustain effective results through embracing the culture and enabling employee ownership.
DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
Don't forget about people within our own District who would love to present as well (https://rotarydistrict6630.org/districtorganizationchart ) Jim Lechko, Foundation Chair; Rick Pollack, Peace Fellows; Jack Young, ShelterBox; Cheryl Warren, ClubRunner and MyRotary; to name a few!!
THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION has speakers available for virtual appearances at Rotary Clubs. The FTC protects economic markets by investigating and prosecuting deceptive advertising and unfair methods of competition and by providing free resources for individuals and businesses. As part of its education mission, attorneys, investigators, and paralegals from the Commission’s Cleveland office routinely speak on topics such as Coronavirus scams, privacy, scams that target small businesses, and much more.
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center Collection
Hello fellow Rotarians!! Recently PDG Jack Young stayed in the VA Hospital for an extended period due to a recovery from surgery. (I spoke with him yesterday and he is doing quite well!!) During his stay he found that the VA was in a sorry state when it came to entertainment for its patients, our US Veterans.
You know it didn't take long for Jack Harig to rally the Rotary troops to begin gathering these much-needed items. Spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Brunswick and the Summit County S-Medina County Cluster, the needed items include:
Crossword/Sudoko/word find books (new, wrapped is not necessary) games, puzzles, and crafts all new, original factory sealed. Games (single use or multiple players). Other needed items are socks with tread (not regular socks) & non-skid slippers, 3 blade or better razors, 3 in1 body wash/shampoo /conditioner (White Rain or Arm and Hammer Brands at the Dollar Tree) and men's deodorant and underwear (sizes M, L, and XL). Items will be delivered to the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center for Thanksgiving with the goal of helping keep minds and bodies active and stimulated and letting our veterans know we welcome them home.
Want to help? Please deliver items to the Rotary Club of Akron 4460 Rex Lake Drive Akron, OH 44319 or ship direct to the same address ATTN: Mella Castner - VA
Want to make a monetary donation for specialty purchases as needed? You can always donate direct (click here).Please use 1002 (General Fund) when asked where to use the funds specifically.
Make A Difference: E-Donate
The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the account. E-Donate, a new online donation option at http://go.usa.gov/2zJV provides community members who wish to give back to Veterans at a VA medical center a simple and safe way to pledge their support to the account of their choice. We have known for years that our citizens want to show their support to the service members who defended their freedoms. While not everyone will have the time to volunteer, now anyone can take five minutes online to thank Veterans in any number of ways. The E-Donate option allows donors to select from a number of accounts at the medical center they wish to donate to. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative costs are appropriated, so donors can be sure 100 percent of their donations go to the accounts they select and the Veteran patients they are choosing to support. People would be amazed if they could see how far their dollar goes toward making a difference in the lives of the people who dedicated themselves to us first. Donors can use the E-Donate button below. Donations can be made by credit or debit card or directly from any US bank account. The actual donation is made through a secure website of the U.S. Department of Treasury Department. A minimum of $5 is required for online donation.
On behalf of ShelterBox Ambassador PDG Jack Young, the following Clubs have been extended our appreciation and congratulations on receiving ShelterBox HERO recognition for Rotary Year 2019-2020.
1.6 million people have been sheltered since 2000, we could not have reached them without clubs like yours.
COVID 19 has not stopped our efforts, your help has provided aid to over 87,000 people so far in 2020.
Thank you for being a ShelterBox HERO!
A ShelterBox HERO is a Rotary Club that has committed to making an impact in worldwide disaster response by giving $1,000, $3,000, or $5,000 within the Rotary year.
HERO Clubs enable ShelterBox to have the resources and time to be ready when disaster strikes by allowing ShelterBox to purchase and pre-position aid in or near countries where we respond often, resulting in a more efficient and timely response.
There are three HERO levels: Bronze ($1,000); Silver ($3,000); and Gold ($5,000)
District 6630 is honored to have one silver and seven bronze recipients.
To become a HERO, funds must be sent directly from the Club or a combination of gifts from individual members all sent in together.
We ask that all gifts specifically state “HERO Gift” on the check or accompanying note. Gifts via the HERO program will be designated to Deployment Essentials, directly and quickly aiding families in need.
Congratulations on achieving Peacebuilder recognition for your District! You’ve achieved this distinction by donating District Designated Funds to help Rotary Peace Fellows become catalysts for peace around the world.
Peacebuilder Districts like yours play a critical role in supporting the work of the Rotary Peace Centers. Each year, DDF contributions are part of the funding that allows up to 130 peace and development leaders to study at one of our seven Rotary Peace Centers. Starting in 2021, Rotary is offering a yearlong certificate program at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, the site of our newest peace center.
More than 1,300 alumni of the peace centers program are actively building a more peaceful world, through work that ranges from leading grassroots initiatives to helping guide policy development at the United Nations and the World Bank.
Peacebuilder Districts like yours contribute to this important work. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of the Rotary Peace Centers!
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Rotary in Review
2 October 2020
A roundup of Rotary news
Educating during a pandemic and beyond
For years, Rotary clubs and districts have been using Rotary Foundation global grants to work with our partners to expand access to learning, realizing that education is a pathway out of poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic, with school closures, loss of jobs, and social distancing, has threatened to reverse some of those gains. Learn how Rotary and partner organizations are pivoting to meet the challenges imposed by the pandemic, including supporting remote learning. And find out how you can make sure your grant project has the desired impact and leads to sustainable outcomes.
This week's stories
Tunji Funsho named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People
Dr. Tunji Funsho, chair of Rotary’s Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee, joins 100 pioneers, artists, leaders, icons, and titans as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. TIME recognized Funsho for his instrumental leadership and work with Rotary members and partners to achieve the eradication of wild polio in the African region. Read more
Your passport to adventure
Youth Exchange students often say their experience abroad was the best time of their lives. The program can be life-changing for Rotary members as well. Read more
Service Above Self Award
Nominations are now open for Rotary’s Service Above Self Award. The award honors Rotarians – and now also Rotaractors – who help others by volunteering their time and talents.
Ideas for Strengthening Rotary's Brand October 2020
NEW! Videos Added to Rotary's Public Service Announcement Campaign
Rotary's newest PSA video, Rotary Responds, shows how Rotary members take action in times of crisis. Visit rotary.org/brandcenter to download and share Rotary’s latest PSA video.
Get more information on how you can get involved in this exciting campaign at the U.S. Public Service Announcement Campaign Learning Topic on the Learning Center.
What's New on the Brand Center?
Template for Virtual Meeting Backgrounds
Create your own club-branded virtual meeting background with our new Template for Virtual Meeting Backgrounds. It’s easy to use and takes a few minutes to create. It can be found under Club Resources in the Materials section.
Videos
Watch the video "Anytown," to find new ways to adapt and grow Rotary membership. "Voices of Members," shows members from around the world and their COVID-19 projects.
Guidelines
Find Rotary Face Mask & Hand Sanitizer Guidelines and new End Polio Now Logo Visual Guidelines in the Guidelines section of the Brand Center.
Take this course to learn how to build awareness of Rotary and the impact your club makes ins the community by promoting your club as people of action.
Our Logo: Representing Rotary
Learn how you can strengthen Rotary's brand by using logos in accordance with our global guidelines. This course will show you how to customize your Rotary, Rotaract, or Interact logo for your club, district, or zone.
Virtual Convention Breakout: The Rotary Brand
Learn about the importance of promoting Rotary to the public in a consistent and compelling way. This presentation includes in-depth discussions with experts on how clubs can strengthen and protect our brand.
People of Action helps define Rotary for those who don’t know us. Describing and showing Rotary members taking action in their communities creates a personal connection with the public and expands our reach.
Do you have an example of your club taking action in your community? Submit your story, and you might be featured in an upcoming ad, newsletter, or convention breakout!
Rotary International One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201-3698, USA
Share how your Interact club members are taking action across the globe, in your community, and in yourselves in the 2020 Interact Awards.
NEW this year, we’re inviting Interact clubs to submit a video, photos, and/or an essay showcasing their club’s service projects or leadership development activities.
Submit your nomination by 1 December 2020 for a chance to be named “Best Video,” “Best Photo,” or “Best Essay” and receive funds to support your Interact club’s next project. Rotary clubs, Rotaract clubs, teachers, and parents can all work together to make your Interact club’s vision a reality.
Share your expertise at the 2021 Rotaract Preconvention in Taipei, Taiwan! Submit a breakout session proposal or volunteer to be a sergeant-at-arms or social media ambassador by 1 November.
Rotaractors, Rotarians, Rotary alumni, or Rotary partners may propose breakout sessions. The Rotaract Preconvention is currently scheduled to be an English-only meeting.
There is no registration fee and of course no cost for dinner! Further, there will be no GoFundMe event via the internet either, but you must register to attend!
Please plan to grab your favorite beverage and snacks and join us via Zoom November 19, 6:30-7:30. Pre-Registration is required to attend. Also note our special guest is Rotary International President-Nominee Jennifer Jones.
Click here to now. You may also find the registration link on the District 6630 Home Page. I look forward to seeing all of you via Zoom on November 19.
MEDINA — The Patriots Day ceremony on the 19th anniversary of Sept. 11 was inspiring to many Friday at the 9/11 Memorial behind Medina Fire Station 1.
On a marble slab, Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93, is quoted by saying, "Let's roll."
He led the charge on the flight to stop the terrorists from possibly crashing into the White House. The plane then crashed in Pennsylvania after flying over Medina County.
Before leading the charge, he recited the Lord's Prayer and the 23rd Psalm with the other passengers. Psalm 23 reads: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Medina's David Lariviere, of the U.S. Army, said he's heard the actual flight recordings from that day and that Beamer's words make the hair on his neck stand up.
"He was appealing to someone higher," he said Friday after the ceremony.
Lariviere said next year's celebration will be extra special when a group of ministers will consecrate the memorial.
"It will be on sacred space or hallowed ground," he said.
Medina Sunrise Rotary President Kevin Wermer said the ceremony Friday was to memorialize the people involved in that fateful day. He and his wife were both born Sept. 11 the same year. They were in Hilton Head, South Carolina, on 9/11.
"Ever since that day, we've not celebrated our birthday on that day out of respect for what happened," Wermer said.
He said they celebrate their birthday the following day.
"It all changed for us in 2001," Wermer said. "This is a remembrance for those we lost. We want to honor their sacrifices."
Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell said Medina's 9/11 Memorial was dedicated July 28, 2018. The Sunrise Rotary's Dr. Kelly Low raised funds to build the memorial.
"It seemed fitting and proper (for it to be located behind the fire station)," Hanwell said. "It will continue to be a lasting memorial. We can pass this on to future generations."
A steel beam from one of the Twin Towers in New York City is the main focus of the memorial.
"9/11 has touched each of us in some way," Medina Fire Chief Bob Painter said.
In November of 2010, when I was our district’s Governor Elect, I traveled to Nigeria as part of a Rotary Project Safari led by Elise Cadigan from Rockford, Illinois. During our two weeks in Nigeria we visited many Rotary Clubs and talked about the projects they have done and those they were hoping to be able to initiate. It was in Kaduna, Nigeria that I was first able to administer polio vaccine. My memory of the young mother holding her baby while I squeezed two drops into her child’s mouth will never fade. Later in the trip we visited Dr. Tunji Funsho’s home and I was able to spend the night there and to share a meal with him. We talked about the difficulties faced by the polio eradication effort in Nigeria and the efforts in place to overcome those challenges. Primary among the challenges he mentioned was the presence of Boko Haram. Their goal was to create an Islamic state and reverse the Westernization of Nigeria. They were opposed to the immunization process. At one point it looked like Nigeria would be declared polio free until a little more than four years ago a child escaped from Boko Haram and was discovered to have polio. During my brief time with Dr. Funsho I could see firsthand his passion for Rotary’s effort to create a polio free world and his understanding of the challenges that had to be overcome. The achievement of a polio free Nigeria is extremely significant and this recognition is well deserved.
TIME 100 recognized Funsho for his instrumental leadership and work with Rotary members and partners to achieve the eradication of wild polio in the African region.
Dear Rotarians/ International PolioPlus Committee members/ Directors and Trustees,
It is with great pride that we inform you that one of our own has been named one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Just a few moments ago, Dr. Tunji Funsho, Rotary’s Nigeria National PolioPlus Chair was named to the TIME 100 list for his critical leadership in working with Rotary members and our partners to achieve a wild polio-free Nigeria and eradicate the wild poliovirus in the African region. He is the first Rotary member to receive this honor for our work to eradicate polio.
You can view Dr. Funsho’s profile on the TIME website here.
Dr. Funsho is a member of the Rotary Club of Lekki in Lagos, Nigeria and is Past District Governor of District 9110 and member of the International PolioPlus Committee. Dr. Funsho is a cardiologist with a lifelong commitment to building a healthier world. As Nigeria National PolioPlus Chair since 2013, he has built on the work of his predecessors by leading PolioPlus efforts in Nigeria. Working alongside his fellow Rotarians, Dr. Funsho has built awareness for the importance of polio immunization, encouraged governments and public figures to support polio eradication, and served as a vocal leader and advocate for Rotary and our fight to end polio.
The TIME 100 list recognizes the activism, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals. Dr. Funsho joins the list with some of the most important and well-known public figures in the world who have been past recipients of the honor: heads of state such as Angela Merkel, religious figures like the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Bono, philanthropists like Bill Gates, and activists such as Malala Yousafzai.
Dr. Funsho stands on the shoulders of the countless women and men of Rotary who have dedicated their lives, their time, and their money to Rotary’s top priority of eradicating polio. This honor is not just a testament to his work, it is acknowledgment that Rotary members make a difference in the world—one that is worthy of international recognition among the world’s most distinguished leaders.
Every Rotarian can be a leader in the fight to eradicate polio. We hope you’ll use this recognition of Dr. Funsho and Rotary as an opportunity to put renewed energy and focus into creating a world where no child ever again has to be paralyzed by the poliovirus. We’ve come so far into our fight to eradicate polio, and we’ve made incredible progress in the face of enormous challenges. As we join in congratulation to Dr. Funsho, let’s join together and deliver upon our promise to End Polio Now.
Sincerely, Holger Knaack K.R. Ravindran President, Rotary International Chair, The Rotary Foundation
ROTARIAN TUNJI FUNSHO NAMED ONE OF TIME's 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD
Well, since we can't be social in person yet, how about a fun way to be active and social in tandem with your fellow Rotarians?
Here is a fun idea I came up with as your Social Chair to participate in the Summit County Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree together but apart.
As Julie Brandle, our Assistant District Governor shared, The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment. This seems like an opportune time to get out there and reconnect with our local environment, Maybe a project that supports this focus will come to mind as you are enjoying our park system.
This years theme for the Fall Hiking Spree is From Fields to Forest. This year, the Fall Hiking Spree celebrates the rich history of the properties they proudly manage for our enjoyment and their successful return to nature. Take a journey on this year’s spree and explore the former farms and fields that are now forests.
As you hit the trails, snap a picture on your trail of choice, pre hike, while on the hike or post hike and send to me, You can email me, text me or post to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #AkronRotaryHikes
Each week I'll collect the photos and post to our Rotary Club of Akron FB Page and our Akrotarian to see your fellow Rotarians out taking advantage of our amazing park system.
Please remember that if you choose to hike with fellow Rotarians while distancing, please keep your distance in your photo! I will not be featuring photos that don't follow social distancing guidelines.
Anyone who finishes the whole spree, and sends me a copy of their completed form will be entered into a drawing for a Fall Basket of goodies!
When DG Pat Myers visited the club on September 16, she awarded the District Governor's Citation to Father Joe Boysel. Fr. Joe has been a member of our club for only 9 years, joining in February 2011. We are better because of his kindness, clarity and gentleness. He humbly brings us a message of hope and inclusion. This award is made at the discretion of the Club President and it was a very easy decision for President Marilyn. And we surprised him! Even better! It is an award well deserved.
For many years the Ashtabula Rotary Club has supported Kingsville Public Library’s summer movie night with a contribution of $1,000.00. This year, due to social distancing challenges, the Library staff created an outdoor event for families to enjoy safely. Ashtabula Rotary was very pleased to continue our contribution for this new event. Rotarians were introduced to the project at the August 12 Rotary Meeting via Zoom by Mariana Branch, Director and A J Petro, Adult Services Coordinator of the Library. A written description of the program was provided in their August 10 press release:
The Kingsville Public Library is excited to announce the opening of Ashtabula County’s first StoryWalk® on August 21st located in Kingsville Township Park across from the library. StoryWalk® is a creative and engaging way for everyone to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. The pages of the children’s book, “Stella Fairy of the Forest” by Marie–Louise Gay, have been transformed into signs with reader questions and ideas for an interactive experience. This activity was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and has continued to develop with the help of Rachel Senechal, from Montpelier’s Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalks® have been installed in 50 states and 12 countries including, Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea. “We wanted to find another outdoor library activity for the community to enjoy when we realized the summer outdoor movies would need to be postponed until next year for public health and safety. With the support of the Kingsville Township Trustees, allowing us to set up in the park, and the generosity of Rotary Club of Ashtabula, funding the purchase of materials and books, it was the perfect time to introduce this StoryWalk® activity,” said Mariana Branch, Director. “Our creative library staff also decided to hold the Imagine! Storybook Cover Contest to have a creative display of oversized 3-D book covers around the library and near the park to view.”
A virtual ribbon cutting will take place on Facebook at 10am on Friday the 21st and both the StoryWalk® and Storybook Cover Park will be open for the public to enjoy by walking through or driving by during the month of September. To make this grand opening extra special, popular book characters will be waving to visitors who are driving through Storybook Cover Park on Academy Street from 10am-11am.Visitors may stroll through the park starting at the sidewalk into the park on Academy Street and follow the numbered signs. Caregivers with children are encouraged to read the story out loud and have the children answer the active reader questions. Social distancing is requested from all visitors participating in these activities.
Nostalgia time as Rotary revisits music of the 1960s
John Fred and His Playboy Band
were part of the One-Hit Wonders of the 1960s.
Thanks to Dr. Joel Keller for sharing his video presentation of One Hit Wonders of the 1960s to Berea Rotarians on Tuesday, Sept. 22. We were tempted to dance and sing along.
Dr. Keller, a retired podiatrist, has collected videos and musical history from the early days of Rock n Roll. He coupled that with history of the times to give a nostalgic trip back to high school and college days – at least for some of us.
Music included these Oldies: “Teen Angel” by Mark Dinning, “Mother-in-Law” by Ernie K-Doe, “Hey, Baby” by Bruce Channel, and instrumentals such as “Stranger on the Shore” by Acker Bilk, “The Stripper” by David Rose and “Telstar” by the Tornadoes.
John Fred and His Playboy Band ended our night with “Judy in Disguise (with Glasses)” – a parody of the Beatles “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”
All of these performers and their recordings were One-Hit Wonders – never to appear on the Top 40 charts again. But, hey, they were great for those Sock Hops and class reunions.
Guest Sharon Lerch from the Rotary Club of Cleveland recalled that her husband’s brother-in-law was Jamie Lyons of the Music Explosion, a garage band from Mansfield. Their one-hit wonder was “Little Bit ‘O Soul,” which reached No. 2 on the charts.
Jim Walters said a friend’s local band was just getting started in the 1960s when a newcomer named Peter Thorkelson applied as a keyboardist and guitarist. He was rejected but went on to be Peter Tork of The Monkees.
If you have stories of your own encounters with One-Hit Wonders, save them for next time. Dr. Keller was a huge hit and we’ll have him back.
We make five more Kiva loans
Matt Lombardi, Kiva chair, made five more Kiva loans, bringing our total to 817 loans with a value of $20,475.
The recent loans were made to Guatamala, services; Paraguay, personal use and food; Rwanda, agriculture; and Nicaragua, retail.
The loans were made to support clothing resale supplies, food supplies for vending, agriculture supplies and retail beauty supplies. There also was a new venture – the ability to refinance and consolidate debt and take advantage of low interest rates.
All loans were made to individuals who are going into their third loan cycle or higher.
Excerpts from the Rotary Leader September 2020 edition
Rotary Leader Helping club and district leaders achieve success
MEMBERSHIP
Why growing membership is so important
One of the most important things your club can do is nurture and sustainably grow your membership. Surveys have shown that prospective members are attracted to our clubs that offer them flexible formats. It’s also critical to encourage participation by offering people service projects that create lasting change in their communities. See some of the ways that clubs are being innovative and watch this video about the importance of providing a variety of formats for potential members.
ALUMNI
Get ready for Reconnect Week
During Rotary Alumni Reconnect Week, 5-11 October, Rotary members and alumni will gather to share their experiences, network, and exchange ideas for staying involved in Rotary. Join the action! Create a post on social media and tag it #RotaryReconnect. Hold a virtual meeting with alumni to share ideas. Invite an alum to speak at your online club meeting. Read inspiring profiles of alumni who are making a difference. And visit our Reconnect Week page for even more ideas.
DID YOU KNOW
Rotary Representative Network helps us succeed globally
Rotary shares a humanitarian mission with the United Nations to advance peace and improve the lives of those most in need. Helping Rotary strengthen this connection is the Rotary Representative Network — volunteers who are appointed annually by the RI president to represent Rotary to the United Nations, its specialized agencies, and other international institutions. The network advocates for polio eradication and other humanitarian issues. Members of the Rotary Representative Network also serve as the lead organizers of Rotary Day at the United Nations.
Club Installs Informational Plaques on Ohio Tow Path Trail
In spite of the numerous events of 2020 taking place this administrative year, the Rotary Club of Barberton, Ohio is doing all it can to make things better for our community and its citizens.
First, with the help of matching funds from the Rotary district and R.I., the Club was able to support the installation of three (3) informational plaques along the Ohio Tow Path Trail. While we recognize all of the Club members for their efforts in providing the necessary funds, we thank all of the people responsible for making this endeavor possible.
Tow Path Trail off Snyder Ave.
Club members at the Ribbon Cutting: L-R…Ann, Barb, Dave, Rick, Vic, Bob & Dustin
The group was joined at the Ribbon Cutting by the Barberton Hearld newspaper which published a great story about the signs and Rotary’s help in funding them. The Mayor, William Judge along with additional representative from the community and the Barberton Library which assisted in the research for the signage.
Barberton Rotary Cleans UP!
(Monthly at McCafferty Park)
The Rotary Club of Barberton has taken on the responsibilty of physically cleaning up the community. Weather permitting, during the Club’s last meeting in each month, the members of Barberton Rotary put on masks and gloves and clean up one of the City’s Metro Parks used a great deal by young people.
Unfortunately because of its relative remoteness, it collects a good bit of trash and junk. Rotary cleans up the Playgounds, picnic area, and the parking lot of unacceptable forms of debris. We get precious little community recognition, but the smiles and laughter of the kids who can now play in a safer, cleaner environment, really make up for that.
World Polio Day is a time for Rotarians and Rotaractors across the globe to raise awareness about our work to eradicate polio for good. If we stay committed to making progress, polio will be the second human disease ever to be eradicated.
In our fight to end polio, we’ve used our collective strength to defeat this devastating disease in almost every part of the world. This year, the World Health Organization’s African region was certified free of wild poliovirus – showing that eradication is possible even in very difficult circumstances. Wild poliovirus still paralyzes children in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and as long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere.
Let’s Take Action A polio-free world is possible, but we can achieve it only by taking action together. With the challenges to vaccination programs posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more crucial that Rotary continues to build awareness and raise funds for polio eradication.
Join the effort to vaccinate children and end polio by organizing a World Polio Day event for your community. In 2019, Rotary members held more than 5,900 events in 136 countries. This year, online events and activities will allow us to expand our reach even more and inspire others to join us.
Not sure how to take action for World Polio Day? From virtual event ideas to social media posts and photos, the World Polio Day Toolkit can help you start planning and promoting your activities now.
Mark your calendars to watch Rotary’s World Polio Day Online Global Update on 24 October. New this year: Those who register World Polio Day events by 15 October can download the 2020 global update program early – a week before World Polio Day.
(Note: this ceremony took place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but was just recently submitted to the District news, hence members are not socially distanced or wearing masks.)
The Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Rotary club was pleased to honor Marty Harris with the 2020 Unsung Hero Award. Marty is a Charter member of the club which was chartered in 2007. Her husband, Jim was District 6630. 1993-1994. She is a Club Past President, and Chair of the Club’s International Service Committee. She has been the coordinator of the Rotary International Rotary Student Exchange Program for the Sunrise Club since it started. Prior to the founding of the Sunrise Club, Marty spearheaded that program for her husband Jim’s, Lakewood Rocky River Rotary Club. Marty has a passion for supporting youth. This passion drives Marty to go above and beyond expectations. During her career as a Lakewood High School Counselor, she continuously encouraged students to expand their connection to the world by signing up the Rotary Student Exchange program. Students spend nearly one year in a foreign Country living with host families, going to school, and learning the culture of the country.
The Sunrise Rotary has hosted students from Brazil, Germany, Poland, Japan, and Norway. Marty ensures that our club is compliant with strict Rotary and US Government requirements. She finds good homes for incoming the Sunrise Club exchange students, and often helps find host families for the Other Lakewood Rocky River Rotary Club. Marty connects the students to the community, sports, and Club members. Over the years, Marty has formed a special bond with exchange students. Most keep in contact with the local club through Marty, and often return for a visit to sponsoring Club. She also gets invited to significant events, like graduations and weddings.
In addition to the Rotary Exchange, Marty steps up, whenever the club needs volunteers, from leading portions of the sunrise Club’s annual fundraiser, to sorting toiletries for local charities, like Trails for Hope. Recently, she arranged for the installation of a Rotary sponsored Mini Food Pantry at her Church, the Lakewood United Methodist Church. It provides emergency food of church members and neighbors in need. She works with church youth to keep the Pantry filled.
Past President, Lynda Carter says, “The Sunrise Club is fortunate to have Marty’s passion and positive can-do attitude in the club. She defines the standard for a Rotary’s Unsung Hero through service to the community and club that is outstanding but often goes unnoticed.”
Photo - Past District 6630 Governor, John Reyes; Past Sunrise Club President, Lynda Carter; Unsung Hero Marty Harris
Another 105 Dolls for the House of Unwed mothers in Nicaragua will be on its way to Nicaragua this year. Helen Shurance, now 94 years old from Seville, Ohio has hand crochet 105 more dolls to be sent the children of the Dump this year. After an article appearing in the local newspaper several years ago, she contacted PSG Jack Young and wanted to help in some small way. Therefore, during this time she has sent over 500 hand made dolls for the new born children at the Women's pregnant shelter in Chinnendega, Nicaragua.
This year at 94 years young she continues her dedication to this process for the women and children that our district has supported since 2006. During the Governors year, PDG Bev presented her a special award at the RC of Wadsworth meeting as a Rotary supporter of what we do as Rotarian's.
This year Helen could not be at a RC Meeting with all that is going on, but still continued her commitment in doing something for these children in Nicaragua. We thank her for her dedication and wanting to help others during her 94 years of service.
The Rotary Club of Stow-Munroe Falls, like many other clubs, has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 virus. We went from in person meetings to virtual meeting in March as the pandemic gripped our nation. We had to cancel our golf outing scheduled for June due to the virus. We have two main fundraisers that fund all the great things our club does. The golf outing and our reverse raffle. After cancelling the golf outing we were wondering how we would do the reverse raffle that usually has over 250 people in attendance.
Our board met virtually as we discussed our options for the reverse raffle. We began talking about holding it virtually, but had no idea how we would do it. It came to us that we may be able to do it by Zoom. With the proper license with Zoom, we could have virtually an unlimited amount of participants. While our traditional reverse raffle had side board betting and a Silent Auction, we had to limit what we could do. We decided to sell 150 tickets at $100 per ticket and have three prizes. First place would be $2,000, 2nd and 3rd place would be $500. We wouldn’t be able to pool the last five into sharing, as that would have been too difficult. Now we had to figure out how we would sell the tickets.
We decided we would do it word of mouth. If a person was interested, we would mail them a ticket with a self-addressed envelope included to mail back the stub and the money. The stub would include their name, phone number and email address. The latter is important as that is when we need to do the virtual raffle. We started by selling the first 125 tickets as we did not know how it would be received. We found out quickly that people are still quite generous and want to help clubs that do good things.
One thing that our club has that made this event a success is great members who care. One member; Dick Hall, was very impressive. Dick sold over 55 tickets himself! Virtually all our member stepped up and bought and sold tickets. In a little over one month we were completely sold out. We have collected over half of the money, and each day more comes in. We also collected gift cards donated by our members for prizes. The first person out, every 10th ticket and the last two tickets out before the prize winner all would get a gift certificate. Those were donated as well.
As far as the actual drawing, our club has a reverse raffle board. We will stage this at the community center in Stow, where we will have 5 members, socially distanced, who will draw the numbers. We have not quite figured out what we will broadcast the Zoom meeting with, but my daughter has volunteered to do it by her phone!
So that is our story. We have all had our lives turned upside down by the pandemic. Rotarians are a special breed. We find ways to help in any situation. Although this raffle will be way different, we will still be able to fund all our projects. I hope our event goes smoothly, I am sure there will be glitches. But in the end, we continue to give back due to the generous hearts of our participants.
Yours in Rotary Service -
Bob Oborn
Rotary Club of Stow-Munroe Falls, Fundraising Chair
Rotary District 6630 Assistant Governor and Rotaract Chair
HOW TO DO A VIRTUAL RAFFLE AND SELL OUT IN ONE MONTH!
Beautiful sunshine beamed down on Sunday, August 30, as the members of recently commissioned Rotary E-ClubNEO completed their first service project. The members gathered at the Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs on scenic Rex Lake in Summit County. With masks on and plenty of room to social-distance in the spacious picnic pavilion at the Camp, the E-Club members set about packing shoeboxes for the "Children of the Dump" in Chinandega, Nicaragua.
The eight members of the club loaded 15 boxes with clothing, footwear, bath and hygiene supplies, along with school supplies plus some toys and games. It took some creative packing skills and a lot of coaching from some members who have packed the shoeboxes before, but everything fit and is now on its way to the new owners.
Once the boxes were finished, everyone broke out their picnic lunches and the group had a chance to chat, enjoy the lakefront scenery, talk Rotary, kick around ideas for the next service project and just get to know each other. For some of the members, this was the first time they had met in person! Another great day to be a Rotarian!!
If you, or anyone you know is interested in joining Rotary E-ClubNEO please email us at RotaryEClub6630@gmail.com.
The World Health Organization’s African region was officially certified free of wild poliovirus on 25 August. This milestone comes four years after Nigeria — the last polio-endemic country in Africa — recorded its final case of wild polio. It’s a significant step forward in the fight to eradicate polio and protect the world’s children from this paralyzing disease.
This incredible achievement is the result of a decades-long commitment by Rotary members, working with our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), African region leaders, and millions of dedicated health care workers and supporters. Read more.
Take action for World Polio Day
Get ready for World Polio Day on 24 October by promoting awareness, raising funds, and planning club events. This year, calling attention to our efforts to eradicate polio is as important as ever.
We’ve shown that we can defeat this devastating disease, as five out of six regions are now free of wild poliovirus — but the fight is not over. Wild polio still paralyzes children in Afghanistan and Pakistan. As long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere.
This World Polio Day, let’s take action to help end polio for good. Download the toolkit for resources to help you host a virtual event for your community, share information over social media, contact your local media, and more. Don’t forget to register your event on EndPolio.org. New this year: Clubs and members that register their events will receive early access to the downloadable World Polio Day program.
Rotary clubs in Canada are sharing their model for holding a successful online event for World Polio Day. Using local education and technology resources, community involvement, and compelling guest speakers, 10 clubs in District 7070, Ontario, Canada, began collaborating in 2018 to host a creative and meaningful livestream event each year. Get inspiration from their experience to plan and promote your club’s virtual outreach for World Polio Day.
Rotary members who are survivors of polio are talking about their experiences and the parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rotary member Shirley Griffin reflects on having polio as a childin an interview with AARP.org, and discusses her efforts with Rotary to raise funds and administer vaccines in the fight to end polio.
A media trip to India with Rotary for a National Immunization Day program inspired this article in Forbes that covers India’s efforts to mobilize country-wide vaccinations. The piece then explores the similarities and differences between polio and COVID-19, with interviews from polio survivor Ann Lee Hussey, Rotary member and past district governor, and Peter Salk, president of the Jonas Salk Legacy Foundation and infectious disease professor at the University of Pittsburgh. His father Dr. Jonas Salk developed one of the two polio vaccines.
Despite immense challenges, India was declared wild polio-free in 2014. In a column that appears on the India-based news platform The Quint, Rotary’s India National PolioPlus Committee Chair Deepak Kapur explains what it took to achieve that success in eradicating wild poliovirus, including mass vaccination campaigns organized by thousands of Rotary clubs across India. Kapur also emphasizes the need to remain dedicated to global polio eradication so that children stay protected from polio and other diseases.
Your donation goes further to eradicate polio
Rotary is committed to raising $50 million per year to end polio, with every dollar matched with two additional dollars from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Thanks to our generous members and donors, we reached our 2019-20 PolioPlus fundraising goal.
We need your continued help to keep raising $50 million annually. With every contribution multiplied, your donation goes even further to help us reach children in every part of the world with a polio vaccine as well as other life-saving vaccines and health care.
John Shulan recently spoke at the Medina Sunrise Club.
The heavens are coming into focus with the new Rotary Observatory at the Bath Nature Preserve.
Astronomy aficionado and Bath resident John Shulan took up the Rotary Club of Fairlawn’s challenge to build an observatory with confidence. The president and co-founder of the Summit County Astronomy Club met it with a lot of help from friends. Shulan says the Summit County Astronomy Club’s more than 370 meetup.com members with a $1,500 annual expense budget have been generous in their memberships, making them some of many to help bring the project to fruition. The observatory is located at the Bath Nature Preserve in Bath Township, promising to bring the celestial world into focus for community residents and visitors.
"It is a beautiful Universe," exclaimed John. Our very own Summit County Astronomy Club is a 501(C)3 organization to create curiosity about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through exploration of the Universe. Star-gazing with the Rotary Observatory at Bath Nature Preserve on announced nights and Solar observing at various locations.
The World Health Organization’s African region is officially certified free of wild poliovirus!
Rotary and its GPEI partners celebrate a monumental achievement, say global eradication of wild polio is possible with the continued dedication and persistence of Rotarians
The World Health Organization (WHO) on 25 August announced that transmission of the wild poliovirus has officially been stopped in all 47 countries of its African region. This is a historic and vital step toward global eradication of polio, which is Rotary’s top priority. After decades of hard won gains in the region, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) — WHO, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the vaccine alliance — are proclaiming the milestone an achievement in public health. They offer it as proof that strong commitment, coordination, and perseverance can rid the world of polio.
Fellow Rotarians, it's that time again! Help Akron Rotary Camp earn $ to send kids to Camp! Save your ACME receipts from August 6 to December 26 to earn some Community Cash Back on ACME Fresh Market Store Brands. Receipts can be mailed or dropped off to Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319. As always, thank you for your support!
Regards,
Mella Castner Director of Development Akron Rotary Camp 4460 Rex Lake Drive Akron, OH 44319 330.644.4512 ext. 3206 330.322.7206 www.rotarycamp.org
"Feeding Medina County's mission has grown from supporting 15 to 32 schools," stated Executive Director Sandy Hinkle.
When we learned that our Wednesday morning work session which packs meals for children was in desperate need of volunteers, the call went out overnight. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church & School responded with whole families arriving just in time to complete the work of packing meals to feed so many children in Medina County who are food insecure.
Along with our wonderful helpers from St. Francis Xavier, we were joined this morning by Air Force Tech Sergeant Cody Hoffman, US Military Chaplain Dr. Reid Miller, retired Buckeye Schools Superintendent Kent Morgan and his daughter, the Medina Sunrise Rotary, and our Feeding Medina County & Medina County School District volunteers.
Thank you all for your community support of Feeding Medina County!
FEEDING MEDINA COUNTY - A COMMUNITY MISSION OF SERVICE
When Staff Sergeant Jeff Cain, of Medina's Ohio Army National Guard, reached out to the community for help with this morning's Feeding Medina County Free Food Distribution at the Medina County Fairgrounds, the response was truly inspiring.
Jennifer Webb, the Director of Ministry and Communications at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, efficiently mobilized parishioners, her husband Craig, 20 players on the Medina High School Basketball Team and their coaches.
"It was wonderful to have so many volunteers come out to help," said Mrs. Webb. "We were especially grateful to the Medina High School Boys Basketball Team and their coaches for all their friendly help and teamwork at the Fairgrounds with the Feeding Medina County food distribution.This is our hometown and we are proud of it. Thank you Medina!"
PHOTOS PROVIDED:
Jennifer Webb, Director of Ministry & Communications
Rotary’s 2020 Awards go to SAGE Community and Retirepreneur founders of services for Seniors.
In 2015, the Rotary Club of Hudson established the Jimmy Sutphin Award to recognize a deserving Rotarian or Hudson Community leader who most closely reflects dedication to the “Service Above Self” Rotary standard.
The initial recipient was Jimmy “Inky” Sutphin, a friend and colleague of both the Rotary Club of Hudson and the Hudson Community. Jimmy was universally loved by local citizens who benefited by his communication skills and his empathy for all he encountered.
The Sutphin Award once again recognizes a local leader who has made a difference in so many lives in our community.
The criteria for consideration of an individual for the award include:
✔ Is actively involved in the Hudson community(not necessarily a resident).
✔ Exhibits the general objectives of Rotary in his/her personal and business life.
✔ Exhibits the ideals of the 4-way test in his/her personal and business life.
✔ Demonstrates leadership qualities.
✔ Makes a significant impact on the overall community.
✔ Demonstrates creativity and initiative.
✔ Demonstrates responsibility and dependability.
✔ Doesn’t have to be well known, but could be an “unsung hero” doing good deeds throughout the community.
The 2020 recipient of the Jimmy Sutphin award is Iris Whittington Gold, founder of Hudson’s SAGE Community a senior outreach program dedicated to lifelong learning. SAGE stands for stimulation, adventure, growth and education for like minded intellectual seniors. It is built on the premise that seniors “need more as we stay older longer”. The program grew out of an initiative by Cuyahoga Community College where Iris started its first Senior Adult Education program employing college students, advisers and educators.
After a period of 12 years living in Savannah, Ga., Iris returned to Ohio settling in Hudson and reuniting with Tri-C to develop an Encore Campus Hudson Lifelong Learning Program. Three years later, the program became a non-profit organization changing its name to SAGE Community. Iris led this evolving program for 13 years and loved being involved with Hudson seniors. Her SAGE friends describe her as an inspirational shepherd with the “disposition of a warm puppy”.
We are fortunate to have such a qualified and dedicated leader in our community.
The Rotary Club of Hudson was additionally pleased to bestow its annual Rotarian of the Year award on Club member Donna Kastner, who has also dedicated her recent years to local seniors by launching the Retirepreneur, offering guidance to forward thinking executives for establishing new income generating professions in retirement.
Donna was recognized by Rotary for leading the Club’s transition into the stay-at-home Covid-19 period by establishing ZOOM meetings and educating its 55 members in the subtleties of on-line protocols. With Donna’s hands-on assistance, the Club continues to feature weekly community speakers and to conduct the Club’s community service projects. Donna leads the Rotary flock with kindness, patience and and a determination to bring all into the cyber communication age. It has been a great success!
The Rotary Club of Hudson was additionally pleased to bestow its annual Rotarian of the Year award on Club member Donna Kastner, who has also dedicated her recent years to local seniors by launching the Retirepreneur, offering guidance to forward thinking executives for establishing new income generating professions in retirement. See www.Retirepreneur.com for networking and upcoming conferences.
Kastner was recognized by Rotary for leading the Club’s transition into the stay-at-home COVID-19 period by establishing Zoom meetings and educating its 55 members in the subtleties of on-line protocols. With Donna’s hands-on assistance, the club continues to feature weekly community speakers and to conduct the club’s community service projects. Kastner leads the Rotary flock with kindness, patience and and a determination to bring all into the cyber communication age. It has been a great success.
Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation and the Rotary Club of Mantua
Pollinators (Bees, Butterflies, Birds, Bats, Beetles, and Moths) are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops. We all depend on these industrious pollinators to provide us with the wide range of foods we eat.
Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides.
Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation and the Rotary Club of Mantua contracted with Alexia Paul’s Re-Ecology LTD to design and install this initial phase of a pollinator garden in Mantua near the bridge over the Cuyahoga River along the Headwaters Trail. Alexia grew up in Hiram and her company specializes in landscape architecture and ecological stewardship.
There are 22 species of native plants in this garden that will take two or three years to be fully established. Please be patient and watch for change as the plants take hold and pollinators begin to arrive. When in full display this garden will serve the pollinators well and will be an attractive addition to our landscape.
The Rotary Club of Brunswick and the Residents of the Cities of Brunswick and Brunswick Hills showed their appreciation and support of our First Responders through our drive-by at Brunswick City Hall on Sunday, August 23, 2020, next to the Police Station.
We were pleased to have Ohio State Senator Larry Obhof, Ohio House of Representative Steve Hambley, Brunswick City Manager Carl DeForest and Brunswick Hills Trustee Mike Esber will be in attendance. The Medina Gazette dent a reporter and we appeared on the Channel 5 News!
Past District Governor Jack Young works to attach one of the two Rotary Club of Brunswick Inflatables (available for purchase through TRC Brunswick!) to the beautiful trucks provided by Dave Tenny.
Don and Terry Kammer pose with their signs of support.
TRC Brunswick President Mike Sheppard poses with Senator Larry Obhof, President of the Ohio Senate.
City Manager and TRC Brunswick Vice President Carl DeForest.
Brunswick area volunteer, Jack Young, has been recognized by the US Presidential Administration and humanitarian organization, ShelterBox USA, with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his efforts in 2019 to provide emergency shelter and supplies to people who have lost their homes to natural disaster or fled because of civil conflict.
With help from Young’s efforts of raising awareness and funds for ShelterBox, the organization provided shelter and life-saving supplies to more than 145,000 people in 11 countries, including Paraguay after severe flooding, Malawi after Cylone Idai, Syria to support families affected by conflict, and many others. “The lifesaving work of ShelterBox is only possible because of our inspiring volunteers like Jack Young, whose service in their communities is ensuring families made homeless by disaster and conflict situations have access to essential shelter and supplies.” said Kerri Murray, President of ShelterBox USA. “This distinction truly sets him apart as someone committed to serving others and making the world a better place.”
ShelterBox provides humanitarian aid in the form of family-sized tents and essential tools to start repairing and rebuilding homes. Additionally, the organization’s kits and boxes contain items that help transform shelter into a home, like cooking sets, solar lights, blankets, water filtration, and mosquito nets. More than shelter, these items enable families to recovery following disaster, providing a way to keep communities and families together and allowing them the space to focus on the future.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a special recognition presented on behalf of President Donald Trump. The award is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for individuals of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities.
Founded in 1924, Toastmasters International has a lot in common with Rotary International, said Alicia Smith-Kirk, the newly elected director of Toastmasters District 10, which encompasses northeast Ohio. In many ways, she is the equivalent of the District 6630 governor.
Smith-Kirk told Berea Rotarians on Aug. 4 via Zoom that, like Rotary, Toastmasters is global with similar objectives. It is diverse and inclusive with the education component a priority. “Leadership in the community is dominant,” she said.
The main focus of Toastmasters is public speaking and making members comfortable with composing and delivering a variety of talks. Speeches are evaluated. “We have um and er counters,” Smith-Kirk said.
Rotary and Toastmasters announced last year a new collaboration with Toastmasters adding to the Rotary leadership training partnership. The two groups have put together a series of eight courses to improve public speaking and leadership skills. The courses can be found on the RI web site.
Smith-Kirk, who used to be a dancer at the Cotton Club in Harlem, said she became involved in Toastmasters in 2012. “I love words. I love listening to people speak. I wanted to get better, to get my message across,” she said. “I stayed in the club because of the leadership opportunities. You can grow and learn.”
Smith -Kirk, who lives in Berea, is a member of Westlake Toastmasters. It meets 12:15-1:15 p.m. on Wednesdays – now via Zoom. The district is in the process of forming a Berea Toastmasters Club.
Smith-Kirk invited Rotarians to visit a Toastmasters meeting and Marc West invited her to speak to Rotaractors at BW. Young people tend to speak very rapidly and older folks often have a hard time understanding what they are saying. Smith-Kirk said that may be because of social media. “They are used to posting and learning quickly,” she said. For teens and young adults, verbal communication is not a priority.
For more information, visit www.district10.org, www.toastmasters.org or contact Smith-Kirk at districtdirector@district10.org or 216-219-9619.
Presents
Lou Groza Charity Golf Outing
Thursday, Sept. 3
Bunker Hill Golf Course
3060 Pearl Road, Medina
Shotgun start 9 a.m.
18 holes of golf, lunch at the turn, beverages & snacks
All proceeds benefit Scholarships for Berea-Midpark High School students, Dictionary Project for 4th graders, Shred Fest & Electronics Roundup, Food Pantries & other community projects.
On July 25th, 2020 the Rotary Club of Kent held an online event that was created and produced by club members to remain socially active while being physically distanced. The event was a variety show complete with musical features, live skits, and pre-recorded segments intending to entertain. Keeping in line with putting service above self, multiple components of the event were designed to raise money for the club’s foundation account which in turn provides it right back to the community by way of accessible grants. A special part of the program targeted a collection for Kent Social Services, a community organization serving meals to those in the community who are in need. Kent Social Services, like many non-profit public resources, has been challenged significantly as typically reliable volunteers are understandably unavailable through the pandemic.
More than 60 Rotarians and friends participated, and over $11,000 was raised in this 90-minute extravaganza. Co-hosts Alyssa Mazey and Todd Kamenash worked with a planning committee to develop content and incorporate a positive spirit sorely needed in our current times.
Pictured is a before & after of co-host Todd Kamenash, who agreed to have is full and luscious head of hair shaved if the participants raised $1,000 for Kent Social Services. As you can see, the goal was met and Charlie Kamenash (Todd’s son) did the honors!
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
Jones will officially become president-nominee on 1 October if no other candidates challenge her.
Jones says she sees Rotary’s Action Plan as a catalyst for increasing Rotary’s impact.
“As we reflect upon our new strategic priorities, we could have never envisioned that our ability to adapt would become our North Star during what is inarguably the most profound time in recent history,” Jones said in her vision statement. “Silver linings rise out of the most challenging circumstances. Using metric-driven goals, I will harness this historic landscape to innovate, educate, and communicate opportunities that reflect today’s reality.”
As the first woman to be nominated to be president, Jones understands how important it is to follow through on Rotary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement. “I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion … begins at the top and for us to realize growth in female membership and members under the age of forty — these demographics need to see their own reflection in leadership,” Jones said. “I will champion double-digit growth in both categories while never losing sight of our entire family.”
Jones is founder and president of Media Street Productions Inc., an award-winning media company in Windsor. She was chair of the board of governors of the University of Windsor and chair of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has been recognized for her service with the YMCA Peace Medallion, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Wayne State University’s Peacemaker of the Year Award, a first for a Canadian. Jones holds a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.).
A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Jones has been a Rotary member since 1997 and has served Rotary as RI vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor. She played a lead role in Rotary’s rebranding effort by serving as chair of the Strengthening Rotary’s Advisory Group. She is the co-chair of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee, which aims to raise $150 million for polio eradication efforts.
Jones recently led the successful #RotaryResponds telethon, which raised critical funds for COVID-19 relief and was viewed by more than 65,000. Jones has also received Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. She and her husband, Nick Krayacich, are members of The Rotary Foundation’s Arch Klumph Society, Paul Harris Society, and the Bequest Society.
The members of the Nominating Committee for the 2022-23 President of Rotary International are: Robert L. Hall, Dunwoody, Metro Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Bradford R. Howard Oakland Uptown, California, USA; Per Høyen, Aarup, Gelsted, Denmark; Peter Iblher, Nürnberg-Reichswald, Zirndorf, Germany; Ashok Mahajan, Mulund, Mah., India; Sam Okudzeto, Accra, Accra, Ghana; Eduardo San Martín Carreño, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Takeshi Matsumiya, Chigasaki-Shonan, Chigasaki Kanagawa, Japan; Michael K. McGovern (secretary), Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA; José Alfredo Pretoni, São Paulo-Sul, São Paulo, Brazil; Saowalak Rattanavich, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand; Hendreen Dean Rohrs, Langley Central, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; Kenneth M. Schuppert, Jr (chair)., Decatur, Alabama, USA; Ravindra P. Sehgal, Belur, West Bengal, India; Noel Trevaskis, Merimbula, Tura Beach, Australia; Giuseppe Viale, Genova, Genova, Italy; and Chang-Gon Yim, Daegu-West, Daegu, Korea.
JENNIFER JONES - FIRST WOMAN NAMED ROTARY PRESIDENT NOMINEE
Completing your club administration tasks just became much easier. The My Rotary site is now faster and easier to navigate. It has enhanced search functions and streamline workflows. Plus, it’s accessible on all mobile devices.
Ready to begin using the updated My Rotary? Get started here:
Create a My Rotary account (if you don’t already have one). To access the new site, you’ll need to sign in to your My Rotary account.
Update your club profile. With the new My Rotary, you can add when your club meets, how often, where, and even whether the meeting is in person or virtual. You can also add club officers, contact information, and the meeting language.
Create your own profile (and encourage your members to do the same). Add your personal, club, and contact information, and then adjust your privacy settings to indicate what information you want to share and with whom.
Download resources. Go to the My Rotary: Club Administration course in Rotary’s Learning Center to download how-to guides that will help you use the new My Rotary.
Try the search function. Use the enhanced club and member search to find a club to visit or to connect with someone you met at a Rotary International Convention or district assembly.
At the beginning of her exchange, her parents had planned to join her in the US following her HS graduation and travel in the states before all returning back to Brazil. Because of COVID-19, the family's plans to travel here were cancelled. Starting in March, the family went back and forth as to whether it was necessary to bring Giulia home immediately or "wait and see". She ended up finishing her virtual learning and graduating here in the US. Then, starting in early June, her family decided to book a ticket to bring Giulia home. After many cancelled flights, she made it out of the US on July 2, 2020
The picture was taken upon arrival back in Brazil--as her parents greeted her at the airport.
Giulia Cintra Fernandes Giampietro (pictured right) and herAdriana Maria Cintra Fernandes Giampietro (pictured left).
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Rotary Service and Engagement
August, 2020
Connect.Partner.Serve
Rotary Opens Opportunities
As RI President Holger Knaack declared at the Rotary International Assembly earlier this year, Rotary isn’t just a club for people to join, but rather an invitation to endless opportunities. Rotary Opens Opportunities — everything we do opens another opportunity for someone, somewhere, said Knaack. Rotary opens pathways for members to improve their lives and the lives of those they help through service projects. Rotary opens leadership opportunities and gives members the chance to travel the world to put their service ideas into action and make lifelong connections.
Knaack continues to encourage Rotary to be open to new approaches and embrace change. In 2020-21, he recommends that every club have at least one strategic planning meeting. At that meeting, members should use Rotary’s Action Plan to guide their discussions, asking themselves what they want their club to be like in five years and how they can bring more value to their members.
The 2020-21 Rotary Citation will recognize clubs’ accomplishments that are related to Rotary’s strategic priorities and make a positive difference in their communities. Encourage your clubs to work toward the citation’s goals.
Membership and New Club Development Month
August is Membership and New Club Development Month, a time to recognize our members and the amazing work they do in their communities. In 2020, Rotarians around the world are finding ways to open opportunities, showing their incredible commitment to making the world a safer and better place. Read their stories.
Membership Month is also a time to consider how people can engage with Rotary. Learn about how you can grow membership through service, develop leaders, find new opportunities to network, and build a community within Rotary’s global family.
2020 Rotary Virtual Convention breakout sessions
Rotary’s first-ever virtual convention attracted more than 60,000 registrants and 175,000 viewers during its weeklong program. The robust participation shows that Rotary members are finding ways to experience key parts of Rotary’s annual international convention, fellowship and fun, despite the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the cancellation of the in-person convention that had been planned for Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, this year.
Learn more about planning and implementing projects that make an impact. The recordings of several breakout sessions from the 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention are now available. You can also view the slide presentations and find other materials from these sessions in the 2020 Virtual Convention Breakout Presentations topic in the Learning Center.
Why It’s Worth Your Time! How It’s Different from Other Training!
This will be a unique opportunity to:
network online with other Rotarians;
get a quick, 20 minute overview of four key Rotary initiatives;
take a deeper, 60 minute dive into one of six specific areas of interest;
get a quick, 15 minute update on Rotary’s progress toward global Polio eradication;
hear a humorous and motivational message about Rotaract;
get new ideas on building your club’s membership;
hear from the Rotary International President-Elect Shekhar Mehta or Foundation Trustee Ian Risely;
get tips on leading your Rotary or work team through a crisis;
support our Zone service projects
and more, all without having to pay for registration, meals, travel or lodging!
The 2020 Virtual Summit is what we used to call our “Zone Institute”. It is designed to let Rotarians share information, build connections, and exchange ideas about Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation.
Our 2020 Virtual Summit will start at 8:00 a.m. (Central Standard Time) on Saturday, October 10 th and will wrap up at 3:30 p.m. when the last breakout sessions conclude. The entire event is online, so you’ll incur no travel, lodging, or food costs.
In the morning, we’ll get updates on our final push to end Polio, timely thoughts on diversity, an energetic pitch on “Do Goodery”, and learn how to be better leaders in times of crisis and disaster. For first-timers, there will be quick overviews of Rotary’s Membership, Public Image, and Rotary Foundation initiatives.
Afternoon breakouts chosen at registration, will engage you with in-depth discussions about our new Area of Focus, Supporting the Environment, Grant ideas for your club or district, engaging younger members, continuity in planning from year-to-year, public speaking, and more.
Visiting our House of Friendship will allow you to dive deeper into a variety of Rotary experiences, shop our vendors and network with old and new friends.
There is no registration fee, so be sure to invite others in your club and district to join you in attending. If you can do so safely, you and others may want to get together in one place to watch on a big-screen TV, where you can also enjoy each other’s company. We look forward to seeing you virtually on October 10th.
Welcome to fall of 2020. We have all shared in beautiful weather and are now looking at how we proceed.
How fortunate we are, as people who hold onto our core values of service, integrity, diversity, leadership and fellowship, at this time of this particular year. I am so proud of how each of you are adapting and reaching out to others in your clubs, communities, and even in the world.
Fellowship is important to us, just as protecting each other from disease and harm. We want to be together, to laugh and care for each other, and work on projects together. Many of you are reaching out to me for my position, and what I am hearing from RI, as to in-person or virtual meetings and events.
While I understand that members are eager to meet in-person, please be aware that as the Rotary International and District’s representative, I have been advised to attend all club meetings and events, virtually, until Jan. 1, 2021. I have no ability to authorize nor to publicize, an in-person event or meeting, until January 1, 2021 at the earliest. If we receive any further guidance from Rotary International, I will share with everyone in the district.
As District Governor, I very highly recommend that clubs seek advice from legal counsel and the City or County Health Department for advice and confirmation that you are following legal and government guidelines. As promised, please refer to the side bar for an update on recently adopted state legislation regarding “limited immunity”’ (House Bill 606) prepared by Past District Governor John Reyes.
What an honor to read about a fellow Rotarian Dr.Tunji Funsho being recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world for his work eliminating Polio. The entire continent of Africa is now polio free. Past District Governor and Vice-Governor 2020-2021, Steve Zabor, had the privilege while distributing polio drops to children, to stay at his home. Read his account following this letter.
World Polio Day is Oct. 24. Clubs across the district are planning fundraisers and programs to bring awareness of Polio and the work that is being done around the world to finally eliminate this disease. If you need some ideas and resources follow this link.
We may be meeting virtually but that does not stop Rotarians from honoring veterans and unsung heroes, focusing on the environment by installing interpretive signs in the parks, working with a library to continue the summer movies, having virtual fund raisers, sending shoes boxes, learning leadership skills, and still having fellowship fun. Rotarians find a way!!
Membership! We hear about membership often, and this month is Rotary membership month.
What does it mean? To me, it does not mean a number. To me it is personal – it is being with a group of people that I like to be with. People who share the same values; but, may be entirely different in what political party they belong to, what their religion is, what they look like, how much money they have– to me, it is their heart. Together we serve others in our community and around the globe, with integrity, truth, and respect.
How great it is to be with people with hearts like this – to laugh together, cry together, seek ways together to meet needs of others with whatever gifts and talents we have. It is amazing to see suddenly how much it satisfies our own needs. That is why I am a Rotary member.
As I virtually attend club and cluster meetings – I see everyone doing just that, even though we are living through what some call “a seismic shift” in how we are living and functioning because of the Covid 19 pandemic. Clubs and members are still doing what we in Rotary have long done – all because of who we are and the core values we all share.
The people serving as your district officers and chairs are also seeking opportunities to solve any problems of clubs dealing with change due to the pandemic. Joining with two other districts in northern Ohio, for the third year in a row, a virtual Tri-District Membership Workshop will be held on two dates, Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 23 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Registration is on the District Website – below the newsletter. You can sign up for one or both of the virtual workshops, which will focus on keeping members engaged and clubs vital, Rotary work and service, sharing joy, and what to do next to keep the momentum.
If you see opportunities in your club or community for others to join together or with you, contact Peter Tuttle, District Membership chair, and PDG Jim McKee, District Club Extension chair and past Membership chair.
Many of the clubs are sharing what they are doing as you will see as you scroll through the newsletter. It is impressive to see that Rotarians are honoring first responders, feeding schools and people in their communities, providing dictionaries, working at and supplying food banks, starting a pollinator garden, working with other community organizations such as the Urban League and Social Service Agencies, other districts efforts around the globe to assist with needs caused by the pandemic.
The district’s Rotary club Presidents and I have been preparing all year to assume the titles and responsibilities of our year, in order to lead our clubs and the district. We are honored to have been chosen, and have realized that some of our longstanding club and district events and traditions have to be set aside. So, how do we function in our clubs and communities while following the laws and keeping all safe during this year? It is stretching us in a difficult time.
But we are Rotarians, and this is what we do, when we see a need or challenge among our communities and others. As the cover of the August issue of The Rotarian magazine says, “This is our moment.” “We do the hard work – we bring people together-we solve problems.”
As R.I. President Holger Knaack’s theme says, “Rotary Opens Opportunities,” your district, club, and international officers are seeking from you and others new ideas for opportunities of service and yes-even virtual fundraising in order to meet the needs of others.
The district website will illustrate the opportunities. One such opportunity on the home page of District 6630 is the sign up for the Zone 30-31 seminars – easy to do and they have been very helpful and free – no travel and no cost to register. Note the time zone it is one hour later for us. In addition, Zone 30-31 will be holding a virtual summit on October 20, 2020. It is free and virtual.
Remember the great Tri-District Membership Summit last year? We are building on it this year on September 15 and September 23, 2020. Look for the registration soon.
Every time I talk with a club President, I am so impressed with all the creative activities, and ways you are reaching out to each other and to your communities with offers of help. The sharing of these ideas may be very helpful opportunities to others in your cluster of clubs and can be shared throughout the district. The district public image committee is always ready to assist you. All of our current officers and chairs can be found by clicking here.
I wish each of you and your families, a safe and successful year.
Akron Club Members Stepping Up To Help The Akron Urban League
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution Project
The Akron Urban League is part of an initiative with all Urban Leagues in the State of Ohio to assist with the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for those in need in our community. We have received hand sanitizer and over 7,000 masks to give away. The corporations of Proctor & Gamble and Cleveland Whiskey teamed up with The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) and the Greater Cleveland Urban League, to manufacture and provide these needed items to cities across Ohio served by Urban Leagues. All of that is wonderful news and this is where we come in!
This week, the staff will fill 500+ 12 oz. bottles with hand sanitizer so that we can distribute to households, but we also have gallon containers that will be distributed to minority businesses, churches, non-profit agencies, etc.
Our members will distribute the PPE on Tuesday, July 28th and Saturday August 1st from 11am – 3pm in the AUL parking lot.
Sanitizer kits will be loaded into car trunks that pull in so that there is “no touch”.
A flyer will be distributed this week to WFD clients, minority businesses, barber shops, hair salons, day cares, AMHA, Head Start, non profits and churches, inviting them to register and plan to drive through and get their FREE PPE.
If you have questions about this project, please contact - jbrandle@metisconstruction.com or 330.858.6672
David Lariviere has successfully completed the Local Coordinator Training (U.S. Department of State) course in Public Diplomacy and federal regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program with a score of 100%.
An updated My Rotary that’s faster, easier to navigate, and accessible on your mobile devices launches later this month. What can you expect from this improved site? Quite a bit.
Here are five ways the new My Rotary will make your job as a club officer a bit easier:
Streamline accounts with ease. The updated registration process makes it possible to match existing records and eliminate duplicate accounts for the same person.
Quick access to your club pages. When a member signs in, their home menu will provide access to pages that display information about their club, including its finances, goals, and reports. As a club officer, you can easily update meeting information, add club officers, and make changes to your club’s roster right from your homepage.
Add detailed meeting information. Not only can you add the time, place, and format of your club meetings, you can also list the many ways your club interacts. This level of detail makes the new meeting search capabilities more robust.
Find members and clubs quickly. Looking for a Rotarian you met at the Rotary International Convention? Thinking of visiting another club’s meeting during your vacation? You can use My Rotary to search for a member or club. Member profiles may include a person’s name, club, role, and contact information, depending on their settings. Club profiles, which are displayed on a map, include meeting times, locations, and the meeting language.
Secure your personal information. When you create your member profile, you determine what information you want to share and with whom.
Learning resources will be available
Next week, the My Rotary: Club Administration course in the Learning Center will have how-to guides that will help you use the new My Rotary.
On July 8, our Zones 30 and 31 had set up a zoom meeting with Past Rotary International President and Scout Icon Cliff Dochterman from his retirement home facility in California. His presentation was about his experiences as a Rotarian and Past Rotary International President in 1992-93.. After the meeting, Cliff and I talked further about some of his experiences, especially since he had lived in Ohio for several years. Marsha and I have know for a number of years and he is one of the finest and down to earth person that I have known.
Since he had lived in the Buckeye State for several years, it was great to go over some of the memories. Cliff later became a club member of the RC of Berkley, California and it so happened that I lived in Barstow, California for several years when I was in the Air Force.
Cliff at the age of 94, shared several additional comments about his time in Rotary and serving the world. AS everyone knows, he was not only a Rotarian but a youth and adult leader in Scouting, receiving a number of honors and awards. Just listening to his sharing stories is an honor and time that I will always remember. When I do an new installation of Rotary Club Officers, I use several of Cliff's comments to share with the club . regarding his devotion to Rotary and Scouting.
I suggest that if you have anyone in your Rotary Club who has gone above and beyond in serving both Rotary and Scouting, may I suggest you consider nominating them to receive the special Cliff Dochterman International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarian award. If selected that person will always have a cherished peace of history and it will be a special part of your life.
There is no question that everyone in the IFSR loves and admires him and is grateful for the selfless example Cliff sets for "Service Above Self" From the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians from all over the world, we wish Cliff all of the best and thank him for his service to Rotary and our youth.
Medina Rotarians among VIPs who welcomed Ms. Wheelchair USA July 20, 2020. City of Medina and Medina Creative Housing was first official stop for new Ms. Wheelchair USA and titleholders.
Executive Producer Ms. Wheelchair USA Lowery Lockard
Executive Director Client Services Dane Foundation Patty Moser
Congressman Anthony Gonzalez Representative Brandon Gibson
Medina County Common Pleas Judge Joyce Kimbler
US Navy Commander, Medina County Auditor Michael Kovack
Medina County Commissioner William Hutson
Medina County Prosecutor Forrest Thompson
Main Street Medina Board Kevin Rych
US Military Chaplain Dr. Reid Miller
Executive Director of Medina Creative Housing Dianne DePasquale-Hagerty
Past Judge Ms. America Lynda Bowers
President of Medina Sunrise Rotary Kevin Wermer
Rotary International Director for Wheelchairs in Latin America Jack Young
President of SACS Consulting Tim Dimoff
Operations Director of Medina TV & Videographer Miles Reed
FEEDING MEDINA COUNTY
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
Rotary Youth Exchange Student (Medina Sunrise Rotary) Sergio Neto from Brazil and his host brother Medina High School Freshman Dominik Takacs (son of Joseph and Judit Takacs) worked together with Sergeant Jeff Cain and the Ohio Army National Guard, and other volunteers from Feeding Medina County to pack 1,000 Weekender bags of food for children in Medina County.
Sergio, flew over 4,000 miles from his home in Londrina, Brazil, to study as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student at Medina High School (2019-2020). Graduating this spring, he and his family were honored to learn that he had been accepted into one of the US News & World Report's Best Ranked Colleges of Engineering at the University of Toledo.
"Rotary represents 'Service above Self'," said Sergio and his host brother Dominik. "We volunteered over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and wanted to help out today during our summer break because there is still such a great need in Medina County among some of the students who would go hungry without Feeding Medina County."
Sergio added, "I learned always to say, 'Obrigado' -Thank you. Thank you to my parents. Thank you to my teachers and friends. And thank you to Rotary for helping make my dreams come true in America!"
PHOTOS
Sergio Neto and Dominik Takacs
Sergeant Jeff Cain & the Ohio Army National Guard
Feeding Medina County Weekender Program Volunteers
DANE SANDRIDGE - VP SANDRIDGE FOOD CORP THANKS FEEDING MEDINA COUNTY VOLUNTEERS
Dane Sandridge, VP at Sandridge Food Corporation and Board Member of Feeding Medina County, thanked Medina Sunrise Rotary, the Ohio Army National Guard and all the Feeding Medina County volunteers this morning who worked together for the weekly packing of 1,000 Weekender Bags for children in Medina County.
"As Sandridge celebrates 50 years in Medina as a family business, we were happy to donate the large walk-in freezer to Feeding Medina County. My family has helped shape our core values of being a caring environment for all our employees and customers. Dad (Mark Sandridge, CEO of Sandridge Food) grades our executive team on our values and how we contribute to our business, customers, employees and our community. He says that when you have a family business, you have the privilege of running it the way you want. It’s not just passing it down to family members. It’s about creating a close family with everyone you work with."
PHOTOS
Dane Sandridge, VP and brother Jordan Sandridge, COO
Feeding Medina County Weekender Program Volunteers
MEDINA SUNRISE ROTARY HONORS SERGEANT JEFF CAIN & THE OHIO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Sgt-Jeff Cain and the Ohio Army National Guard are honored by Medina Sunrise Rotary for "Service above Self" to Feeding Medina County during the C-19 pandemic.
SPC DUSTIN GREEN, TOBY BUTT, DAVE BROWN, SGT JEFF CAIN, LEON SKOWRONSKI, COL REID MILLER
TRIALS FOR HOPE RECEIVES WALK IN FREEZER FROM CUYAHOGA COUNTY NORTHWEST-LORAIN COUNTY CLUSTER GRANT
The Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Rotary Club successfully led the Cuyahoga County Northwest-Lorain County Cluster in receiving a District Matching Grant to secure funding for the purchase and installation of a walk-in freezer at the headquarters of the Trials for Hope. Pictured above are representatives of the Clubs involved. Jason Pickering, Trials for Hope project coordinator and member of Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise, Adam Sonnhalter, Assistant Governor of the Cluster and member of the North Ridgeville Club, Johnathan Gray, Executive Director of the Trials for Hope, Marjorie Corrigan of the Lakewood Rocky River Club, Mallory Mertz, Treasurer of the Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Club, and Eric Jolly, President of the Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Club.
Director Gray started out by passing out trial size toiletries; soap, toothpaste, shampoo, at homeless camps in Cleveland. The homeless were so appreciative of Johnathan’s outreach, that they remarked “you give us hope”. Johnathan formalized his outreach forming the non-profit: Trials for Hope. Eight years later, Trials for Hope is bringing fresh produce, non-perishables and toiletries to hundreds of homeless individuals/families in poverty every week.
With the gift of this walk-in freezer, the organization will be able to expand its outreach to the homeless and needy on the near west side of Cleveland with frozen meals and other items that will be stored in the freezer. Director Gray was able to show the group that the freezer was already nearing full capacity of items that will be distributed in the next few weeks.
The District Grant programs gives local Rotary Clubs the opportunity to take advantage of their support of the Rotary International Foundation. In the case of the Freezer, $2,800 was received as Matching Grant Funds as part of the total cost of the purchase and installation of the freezer for Trials for Hope.
Sunrise Rotary Members will also continue to support Trials for Hope by helping out monthly at food and toiletry item packing. This is just one of the many Community, Vocational and Youth Service Activities of the Lakewood Rocky River Rotary Clubs. A Noon Club meets every Monday and a morning club meets every Wednesday, both at Don Umerley Hall of the Rocky River Civic Center.
Stop in or contact Kathy Berkshire at sloopyohio19@gmail.com to learn more and find out how you can join with men and women in your area to give back through service in your community, and internationally.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY NORTHWEST-LORAIN COUNTY CLUSTER NEWS
Over $6000 was raised to help Hudson EMS purchase Personal Protective Equipment
Rotary is teaming with various Hudson community organizations to support the EMS first-responder volunteers as they deal with Covid-19 emergencies.
The Rotary Club of Hudson hosted Hudson EMS and Fire Chief Jerry Varnes on April 22 who spoke of the EMS response to the Coronavirus Pandemic and its severe impact on the operations and supply needs of the department. The news was alarming. In prior years, EMS used approximately 5 N-95 medical grade protective masks per month. But then, many emergency calls did not require the use of extensive Personal Protective Equipment(PPE).
With the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic, each patient encountered requires the use of PPE by each member of the EMS response team. The needs of the department have grown exponentially. Early in the pandemic, a large shipment of masks was received but subsequent orders have been placed on back order. A request made to the Strategic National Supply resulted in only 8 masks received. All items routinely required by safety forces (masks, gloves, gowns, eye protection, etc.) are in need. Unfortunately, an EMS volunteer actually contracted the virus from a patient and had to be quarantined for two weeks.
Chief Varnes expressed gratitude for previous donations of hand sanitizers, masks, face shields, gowns and gloves received from various community members and organizations. Asked after his Rotary presentation: “Is there anything we can do as a club to support your efforts?”, Chief Varnes requested financial support to establish a 90 day supply of necessary Personal Protective Equipment for all safety departments. The Rotary Club of Hudson took that as a call to action. Together with the Rotary Clocktower Club and the generous support of Northwest Bank, University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, the Tobin Family Foundation and the Rotary Club of Hudson Foundation, Rotary will provide a substantial grant exceeding $6000. This contribution will enhance the efforts of an upcoming direct letter appeal to individual Hudson citizens by the President of EMS Outreach of Hudson, Heidi Schweighoefer.
The President of the Rotary Club of Hudson, Marilyn Orr and the President of the Rotary Club of Hudson Clocktower, Cheryl Maimona “welcome the opportunity to participate in this important outreach for the EMS volunteers and are very thankful for the service they provide to the Hudson community”.
A video of Chief Varnes’ presentation to the Rotary Club of Hudson can be viewed below or on YouTube by clicking hereor Facebook Rotary Club of Hudson.
The Rotary Club of Wadsworth recently hosted a city-wide paper shredding event in conjunction with the City of Wadsworth. On a rainy Saturday morning, we had 18 Rotarians, Interact students and friends of Rotarians get together for a 3-hour event and it was declared a very successful event. Cars were lined up more than hour before the event was scheduled to start and we collected 14,500 lbs. of paper! Our club plans to do it again in the spring for the community.
Here’s what’s happening in the Foundation Committee:
Grant committee:The Grant Committee has been hard at work the last couple of months reviewing the grant inquiries submitted by clubs throughout the District hoping to obtain matching grant funds for their club projects. It looks like our total District Grant Spending Plan will include grant requests from 20 clubs totaling $57,476.
To qualify for matching grants, clubs must do the following:
Have at least two club members attend a Grant Management Seminar
Be current on reporting for any existing grants
Be current on District and International dues
Have Foundation goals entered in Club Central
Have a level of $35 per capita giving to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund based on club membership as of July 1st of the previous Rotary year.$40 for the 2020-21 Rotary year for grant requests in the 2021-22 Rotary year.
Disaster Response Grant (DRG): The Rotary Foundation (TRF) made Disaster Response Grants available to Districts around the world for projects focused on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The Grants were for up to $25,000 and funded by the Disaster Response Fund.
District 6630 applied for a DRG earlier this year but all available funds had already been used. When additional funding became available, our grant request was approved.
We surveyed the clubs in the district to determine the needs of the local hospitals. Several clubs responded to our request for information and it was determined that level 2 safety gowns which can be used throughout the hospital except in surgery was the common need among the hospitals.
We will be purchasing somewhere between 7700 – 7800 gowns to be distributed between seven local hospitals that indicated a need for assistance:
Akron Children’s Hospital
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Southwest General
University Hospital Bedford
University Hospital Geauga
Western Reserve Hospital
Ashtabula Medical Center
This project should be completed by the end of July.
Foundation Giving: Here is a summary of the District 6630 contributions to TRF for the 2019-20 Rotary year:
Annual Fund:
$204,195
Polio Plus:
$121,579
Other Funds:
$20,675
Endowment Fund:
$0
Total Giving:
$347,169
This represents a slight increase from the 2018-19 Rotary year total of $347,028. All Rotarians are to be commended for their ongoing commitment to TRF even during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis where many of us have been challenged financially due to loss of jobs.
Other TRF stats:
We have 68 Paul Harris Society members in the District. The PHS members have committed to contributing a minimum of $1,000 annually to the TRF Annual Fund and/or Polio Plus.
We have 153 Benefactors who have committed to leave at least $1,000 to TRF through Estate Planning.
We have 36 Bequest Society members who have committed at least $10,000 to TRF through Estate Planning.
We have 57 Major Donors who have contributed a minimum of $10,000 to TRF.
3,734 all- time Paul Harris Fellows in the District
We have 87 Rotarians who participate in Rotary Direct, an automatic payment system for Rotary contributions.
We had 11 Rotary Clubs with 100% member giving to TRF.
We had 7 Rotary Clubs with 0% member giving to TRF.
41% of District 6630 Rotarians contributed to TRF during the 2019-20 Rotary year.
59% of District 6630 Rotarian contributed $0 to TRF during the 2019-20 Rotary year.
Providing our members more ways to bring about positive change in the world. Learn more: https://on.rotary.org/3i4zNxl
The Trustees and Directors have unanimously accepted our recommendation to create a 7th Area of Focus of our Rotary Foundation, being the Environment. As Chair of the Task Force that put together and argued for this decision, I'm enormously proud today. This photo is of the 4 Trustees, 1 Director and 1 Rotaractor who comprised the Task Force plus the outstanding and dedicated staff who assisted us in arriving at our recommendation. We still have lots of work to do, including finalizing the Area of Focus statement and getting the fundraising going to support the grant applications that are sure to come flooding in after 1st July 2021. Congratulations team, we just made Rotary history!
Worlds Strongest storm of 2020 Hits the Philippines
Over the last weekend of October, the strongest storm to make landfall in 2020 occurred. Super Typhoon Goni, devastated the eastern Philippines. The fifth tropical storm to hit the island nation in the past 3 weeks. It’s winded of 140 miles per hour and torrential rainfall have caused landslides and extensive flooding, forcing almost 1 million people from their homes.
In addition to seeking shelter in evacuation centers and unable to protect themselves from COVID-19, thousands of families are particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus.
ShelterBox is working hard to mobilize our response teams to respond to affected areas to help the families Needing help. With that ShelterBox needs you and your Rotary Club's continued help and support.
For further information as to how you can help, please feel free to contact Jack at Jack1villa@aol.com or 440-759-4000
SHELTER BOX USA MOVES OFFICE Effective July 1, 2020
For the past 2 and 1/2 years, Kerri Murray ShelterBox USA was been the President and CEO has been managing the operations of the United States affiliate from her home located in Santa Barbara California. After discussion by the Board of Directors in the U.S. the decision has been made to move the operations and headquarter of the office of ShelterBox USA to California from Florida. The effective date of this move will be July 1, 2020. .
The new address will be: ShelterBox USA, P.O 5055, Santa Barbara, California 93150
The new telephone number as of June 30, 2020 :1-805-608-2400
Mail will be forwarded from the Florida address for a period of time as well as to the old phone number.
If you have questions please feel free to CONTACT District 6630 PDG and past ShelterBox Board of Director member, Jack A. Young at 440-759-4000 or Jack1villa@aol.com
As always, ShelterBox appreciates the support of all Rotarians and Rotary Clubs for helping those who have been affected by disasters.
With all of the challenges going on in our world today, your help and support is truly needed.
June 11, 2020 was another milestone day for District 6630. During the noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley, District Governor John Reyes commissioned the new Rotary E-ClubNEO. Paying off two years of hard work by many people, the new hybrid E-Club became a reality. The idea of the hybrid Club is to have both online and in-person interaction. Business meetings, guest speakers, Rotary education and other relevant presentations will be available online (something we are all getting used to these days) while social events and service projects can happen “in person” (when it’s again safe to do so.)
The idea was formulated early in the tenure of PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski’s year as Governor. Recognizing that there are many current and potential Rotarians whose schedules and lives don’t permit them to be as actively involved with Rotary as they would like, Bev tabbed Kathryn Craig (spouse of PDG Steve Zabor) to pick up the reigns and begin to pull the new hybrid E-Club together. Kathryn teamed up with Juleta Craig (whose husband Tom is a member of the recently chartered RC of Green) and the two of them got busy recruiting potential members, planning, and doing a TON of research.
As the Rotary calendar flipped over, District Governor John Reyes continued to encourage and support the formation of the new Club. PDG and District Membership Chair Jim McKee got very involved and his home Club, RC of Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley agreed to be the host Club with E-ClubNEO organizing under their wings as a Satellite Club. With guidance from Jim and the RC of Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley, all the paperwork was completed, forms filed and Rotary E-ClubNEO was officially commissioned.
DG Reyes said, “this visionary club came to fruition because of the heart, soul, enthusiasm and tenacity of Kathryn Craig and Juleta Craig, along with the support of the entire Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Club.”
6 new Rotarians were inducted and the Club was commissioned during a Zoom meeting with dignitaries from RI, Zone, District and other Rotarians from across the state (and one from Pakistan!) looking on.
Steve Warren, who was elected as President/Chair of the new Satellite Club said, “I’m honored and excited to be part of the formation of this historic new way to be a Rotarian. My work schedule has precluded me from attending most of the weekly meetings of my former Club. By transferring my membership to E-ClubNEO, I have been able to attend all the meetings and am anxiously awaiting our next service project, with all of our new Rotarians participating.”
Many of our Clubs have experienced the flexibility of meeting “virtually” during the COVID-19 pandemic. A hybrid E-Club is a great alternative for people who can’t get to traditional Club meetings due to work, school schedules or transportation issues.
This is an opportunity to participate in a Rotary Club and its service projects – for busy professionals, homemakers, individuals with health needs that limit mobility, caregivers who cannot be away from home, individuals who now live outside of Rotary District 6630 boundaries but want to stay involved in this area, business owners who find it difficult to attend traditional meetings, college students who do not have access to Rotaract club and so many others.
This focus on making Rotary more flexible and therefore more accessible has the potential of significantly growing membership in Rotary with quality individuals.
The future is looking good for Rotary – all you need is innovative thinking and people of action!
If you are interested in learning more, visit www.eclubneo.org for information. Congratulations to the new Rotarians and members of E-ClubNEO… welcome to District 6630!
To help First Responders sanitize vehicles and equipment, the Rotary Club of Berea has donated a mobile disinfection device to the Berea Fire Department.
The Diversey MoonBeam 3 uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces.
Assistant Fire Chief Tom Emling said that ambulances are wiped down after each run with sanitary wipes. “They kill about 50 percent of the bacteria and viruses,” Emling said. “This (the MoonBeam 3) kills 99.9 percent.”
This method also takes less time. Hand-cleaning a squad can take 20 minutes or more to get to hard-to-reach areas. The MoonBeam takes 3-5 minutes. That means firefighters and paramedics have less turnaround time to handle runs for emergency calls.
Fire Chief Mark Kaufhold said that Southwest General Health Center uses a MoonBeam 3 in operating rooms and the emergency room. The hospital has purchased a second unit to be used by local fire departments when they deliver patients to the ER. The Middleburg Heights Fire Department also uses a Moonbeam 3.
Kaufhold said Berea’s MoonBeam will be used throughout the fire station to make sure living areas are germ-free.
Emling said the unit is “much like a tanning bed only stronger. It’ll kill C. diff (Clostridioides difficile – a bacteria that causes diarrhea and colitis). That’s how strong it is.”
The three arms of the MoonBeam each emit ultraviolet light. The arms can be adjusted to multiple directions – up, down and sideways – to reach all the nooks and crannies. The ultraviolet light bulbs are good for around 600 hours.
The unit is operated remotely. During a demonstration, Emling placed the unit in a squad, shutting all the doors tightly. He programmed the timer and pressed the start button from a remote control nearby. The unit has a motion sensor. If someone opens the door or a person is detected within the squad, the MoonBeam automatically shuts off. The MoonBeam must be operated in unoccupied areas because of the intensity of the UVC.
The MoonBeam 3 is manufactured by Codonics Inc. and distributed by Daylight Medical – both based in Middleburg Heights. The unit retails for $31,000. As a special during the coronavirus pandemic, Codonics offered the device to Berea for $24,900. The Berea Rotary Foundation picked up the cost.
Berea Rotarian David Skrzynski, a past club president and past district governor, said he saw a story on a television newscast about the Middleburg Heights MoonBeam and brought the idea to the Berea Club to consider. “It was the right thing to do,” he said.
Berea Assistant Fire Chief Tom Emling, left, and Fire Chief Mark Kaufhold, right, demonstrate the MoonBeam 3 for Bob Huge, president of the Rotary Club of Berea.
BEREA ROTARY DONATES MOBILE DISINFECTION UNIT TO CITY
The Rotary Club of Green donates masks and hand sanitizer to the Summit County Sheriff’s office
The Rotary Club of Green donated a reusable, washable mask for each of the 350 Summit County Sheriff Deputies. In addition to that donation, the club purchased 250 personal bottles of hand sanitizer for the Deputies.
This project was the result of fundraising efforts the club has done throughout the year and due to a matching grant received from Rotary District 6630.
This donation came together through the coordination of businesses and entities switching operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rotary Club of Green worked with local business, Liquid located in Canton, Ohio, to make the customized SHERIFF masks. Liquid; normally a t-shirt and custom gift company; switched operations to mask making since the pandemic.
The hand sanitizer was produced by Rootstown Community Pharmacy at NEOMED in Portage County. Once the COVID pandemic hit, they started producing hand sanitizer and was happy to help the Rotary Club facilitate this purchase for the Deputies.
“Our Club was excited to provide these frontline heroes with something they can wear every day to help keep people safe during this unprecedented time,” Jeananne Chadsey said, Chadsey is President of the club. Jeananne added that the Club is very proud to have added 6 new members since January!
The Summit County Sheriff's office wrote on Facebook: This group of generous individuals heard we needed masks and sanitizer so they scrambled to provide both for our men and women in Patrol. Using monies from fundraising events and a grant from Rotary District 6630, the club worked with Liquid - a tee shirt maker in Canton, to produce 350 customized Sheriff masks. The club also arranged for Rootstown Community Pharmacy at NEOMED in Portage County to provide 250 bottles of sanitizer.
The Rotary Club of Green is committed to helping the Green community in any way possible during this challenging time. The Club was chartered in 2018 and continues to be a club of action with different efforts to further Rotary’s mission of “service above self.”
There is an old saying: “Actions speak louder than words”.
However, with the current social restrictions caused by the pandemic, in some instances, the reverse may be more true….words are actually becoming more powerful. With fewer personal interactions, the written word (texted or emailed) is having more & more of an impact…both positive & negative. Our words are now highlighted by inanimate emoji to express our feelings & are sent with lightening speed without accompanying body language or emotional content.
So before pressing the ‘Send’ key, consider this:
Words are powerful.
They can be a gift or a weapon, depending on how, when, & where they are used.
Words can lift your spirits or crush your hopes.
So think before you speak, write, or text them.
Know both the meaning of the words & your intention for using them.
Use words to inform…not insult; to comfort…not coerce; to create…not destroy.
Youth Service Month is a special time in Rotary. Throughout the month of May, members of Rotary clubs, Rotaract, Interact, and those involved in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and Rotary Youth Exchange celebrate the opportunities Rotary provides to connect, grow through service, develop leadership skills, mentor or be mentored, and have fun.
The outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, may alter the way we observe Youth Service Month this year. But it need not dampen our enthusiasm, excitement, and gratitude for these programs and the volunteers who make them possible.
Check out four ways to safely celebrate Youth Service Month and share your celebrations with #RotaryYouthService.
The Rotarian Magazine asks Lynda Rocha, RYLA chair, District 5040 (British Columbia), five questions about organizing a RYLA event.
Interested in hosting a virtual RYLA? Get tips for adapting in-person training to online learning. Visit the Meeting Online learning topic to find and share resources, join discussions, and ask for expert advice about creating online meeting spaces.
The newly designed Rotary Youth Exchange Annual Report for the 2018-19 Rotary year is now available! Read a message from Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin, along with inspiring stories and statistics about the program (available in English only).
"When we thought about how we as Interact Club members could bring about Positive Peace, we thought about our desire to give back to the community, our drive to work with organizations that also promote peace, and our efforts to run our club in a way that builds harmony. We realized that there were many similarities between what is important to us and the eight pillars of Positive Peace."
Learn more about how Interact clubs can get involved with Positive Peace.
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Rotary in Review
15 May 2020
A roundup of Rotary news
Italian Rotarians aid in coronavirus fight
While Italy has been largely locked down to fight the coronavirus, members of the Rotary Club of Morimondo Abbazia have provided support for people and businesses reeling from the effects of the pandemic. Their efforts are addressing both immediate and long-term needs including donating meals to health care workers, organizing a supply chain to get ingredients for liquid sanitizer, and helping businesses that depend on in-person commerce move their operations online. Read more
This week's stories
How to support Rotary Youth Exchange students during COVID-19
Rotary Youth Exchange students are facing unique challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic radically altered the realities of their exchange year. Some returned home, where they faced recommended periods of quarantine, while others stayed with their hosts but in a much different experience than they expected with online classes and social distancing. Rotary’s youth exchange and youth protection staff gathered advice from two district leaders onhow to support exchange students in these unusual times.
Interactors share thoughts about positive peace
During Youth Service Month, we celebrate the many opportunities Rotary provides for youth and young adults to connect, develop leadership skills, and grow through service. Recently, co-presidents of the Interact Club of South Delta Secondary, British Columbia, Canada, shared what Positive Peace means to them and how Interact gives youth the opportunity to contribute to peace beyond the borders of their local communities.
Join our Facebook Live series
Join our next#RotaryResponds Facebook Live event 20 May to make connections and take part in engaging conversation. The series features Rotary leaders, members, and leaders from partner organizations sharing how they're taking action in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020 Rotary Virtual Convention
Join the family of Rotary at the 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention 20-26 June. Learn more.
As every outgoing District Governor realizes at this point, the year advanced with incredible speed. There is always much more to accomplish, but the time for me to assist in those accomplishments as your Governor has passed. I am both humble and thankful for the opportunities that have presented themselves in the past year and very much look forward to our future.
This year has really been two separate years. There is the relatively “conventional” Rotary year as it took place from July 1, 2019 through March 13, 2020. And then “COVID” descended upon us, and we moved to an entirely different year.
I would like to focus for a few minutes on the “COVID” year. In March of 2020, we all found ourselves in what appeared to be a very unique situation—something that has not occurred in one hundred years. However, as I learned reviewing a City of Cleveland Department of Public Welfare communication from October 15, 1918, our parents and grandparents (not to mention our early Rotary family members) experienced this too. I have included the communication for you to review and reflect upon (click here to view).
Reflections aside, because of COVID the District made a tremendous pivot. By way of example 45 clubs now meet virtually and on a regular basis. In a very real way, this change has moved our District into the 21st Century. That movement has not taken place without loss or difficulty, but it is still a great achievement and one that we are still in the process of shaping, directing, and moving forward.
So what now? We face a world full of turmoil, both with regard to racial injustice and the impact of the COVID pandemic. We can retreat, wring our hands and give up, or we can take these challenges as opportunity, and one that Rotary is particularly well positioned to attack.
What is more deeply engrained in Rotary’s “DNA” than conflict resolution? We routinely sponsor Rotary Peace Fellows and we have for the last several decades participated in peace days in areas of conflict throughout the world so that Polio immunizations can take place. And what else is more deeply engrained in Rotary’s “DNA” than our concern with health and safety of all Rotarians, family, and friends? To borrow the recent comments of Rotary International Holger Knaack, “We [Rotarians] also have a special responsibility to be an international leader in public health.” Rotary has, for years, worked to improve public health through polio immunizations, fighting malaria, working on clean water projects, and many other health-oriented activities.
Thus, each of us and each of our clubs have an opportunity to continue to meet the challenges we face in our world today. We should do so with confidence, compassion, and energy. My best wishes to all of you in this endeavor and I look forward to working with you in Rotary service.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
Medina Sunrise Rotary proudly announces ‘Rotary Woman of Action’, Paula Knizner, will become the club's next Chairperson of International Service. As a highly respected Cleveland Public School teacher who brings her knowledge, time and passion for helping children in countries around the world, Paula exemplifies the 2018-2020 Rotary International Theme - "Rotary Connects the World”.
Paula recently spent a six-week sabbatical at St. Adrian's School for orphans in Uganda. There she tutored, farmed, did daily chores, and most importantly – nurtured and mentored children from Pre-K to 18 years of age. She returned to Medina in April 2020, with a heart full of love, and a Memorandum of Understanding from the Rotary Club of Kajjansi to initiate a Rotary 2020-2021 International Literacy, Vocational and Basic Educational Global Grant. This Grant is in partnership with Medina Sunrise Rotary and the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo, California. Rotary Global Grants support large international activities with sustainable and measurable outcomes in Rotary's areas of focus, working with other Rotarians to respond to real community needs.
"My own life's mission has always been to join with others to make a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond, through our time, talents and treasures," said Paula. "Rotary has a heart and is the perfect fit for me and other people of action."
FATHER & SON SERVING COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY IN THE NATIONAL GUARD
On his day off from work at Lowe's in Dublin, Ohio, SPC Lucas Hammond drives over 100 miles to Medina, Ohio, to volunteer alongside his father, Sergeant First Class Eric Hammond. Together they join the National Guard, Medina County Sheriff, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and other volunteers in packing 1,500 school meals at Feeding Medina County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am excited for the opportunity to serve in the National Guard with my son, Lucas, who is a construction and engineering Specialist," Sergeant Hammond stated proudly. "It's an honor to have him follow my path in the National Guard and watch him progress as an adult and a Soldier while he serves our state and nation. Lucas is the third oldest of our 12 children, and he sets a great example for his younger siblings."
The National Guard is as proud of the legacy of the Hammond family as Sergeant Hammond is of his son Lucas. They represent both the history and the future of men and women in meaningful service. Can you see yourself serving your country and community in the National Guard? If you can, please contact Sergeant Jeff Cain: 330-631-5836, or jeffrey.w.cain.mil@mail.mil
FEEDING MEDINA COUNTY
Feeding Medina County free food drive-through was made possible by the selfless service of The Medina County Sheriff, The Medina Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Community Emergency Response Team - CERT, Rotary Club of Medina Sunrise, Kiwanis, and loyal Feeding Medina County volunteers.
"We provided food to 265 households this morning," stated Sergeant Jeff Cain from the Ohio Army National Guard. "During this COVID-19 crisis, we are grateful to be able to bring help and hope to our friends and neighbors in Medina County, where we live and serve. We look forward to serving you at the next drive-through."
If you are interested in volunteering at Feeding Medina County, please contact Dan Meagher: tel 330.421.3051 or email dan@feedingmedinacounty.org.
For more information about registering for food at Feeding Medina County, please contact Michelle Cottrell: tel 330.421.4816 or www.feedingmedinacounty.org
CONGRATULATIONS to Rotary District 6630 Youth Exchange Student Sergio Neto (Brazil) on his acceptance to UT!
All of us in Rotary (and beyond) have now been dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic for what seems like a very long time. The challenges, difficulties, and ramifications of the pandemic, both for our personal health and economic well-being as well as for our Clubs, have been severe and will likely continue for months.
This raises an especially important question—how do we deal with these challenges without allowing them to become overwhelming?
I was recently privileged enough to attend the Rotary Club of Rocky-River Sunrise meeting on April 29, 2020. As part of the virtual meeting, Dr. Robert (Bob) Smith, a psychologist at Metro General, spoke. Dr. Smith gave a truly inspiring talk about the concept of “Positive Psychology.” This approach to psychology is based on training your brain (something we can all do, regardless of age) to focus on the positive.
As I understand “Dr. Bob,” emotions follow thoughts. Thus, the more positive thoughts you have, the greater likelihood that your emotions will follow suit and be positive. While your life may not change, it will certainly seem much better.
Thus, the basic question becomes, what are you going to focus upon? As Dr. Bob points out, the brain changes and grows constantly. The direction in which it grows, that is which “muscles” strengthen, is based upon the “muscles” you choose to train. If all you do is look at the negative events you encounter, you are training your brain to focus on the negative.
Dr. Bob’s suggestion is while we cannot ignore problems, we also cannot afford to miss the “good stuff” that occurs all the time. It may be something as simple as a great sunrise, something your spouse, children, grandchildren, or a co-worker happened to do in the moment, or even the birds at the birdfeeder outside of your window. Many of these things come and go in an instant and may never be repeated. Thus it is extremely important to be looking for these things every day.
Dr. Bob, in a very frank set of comments, pointed out that there are only four “absolutes” in life. One is that it is in our nature to age. The second is, it is our nature to become sick as our bodies are frail. Third, it is in our nature to die. And fourth, it is in our nature that everything we care about will change and eventually go away.
Thus, the question becomes not how to avoid these immutable facts, but what we are going to do with the time in between these events? You want to train to look for balance. Enjoy your family, friends, and the things in life that make you feel good every day.
The key concept in this process is “mindfulness.” It is easy in concept, but hard to do. You need to live in the moment with no judgment. While living in the moment, use all of your senses to experience what is happening now.
In this process, you will want to avoid worrying about past events which you can no longer change or fix. Simply learn the lesson from them and move on. Further, excessive worry about the future will also divert you from living in the moment. We certainly all plan, but we need to understand that plans are just that, and we will need to actually live the events as they occur.
One way to help train your mind to focus on the good stuff is a really simple exercise. Get in the habit of writing down three good things that happened each day, and share those with someone close to you. In Dr. Bob’s experience, the first week of this undertaking can be difficult. The second week it gets a little better. The third week, you generally start to enjoy the process. By the fourth week, you have built this into your brain, and you recognize more and more good things that happen every day. This is a great way to have positive emotions built by those good thoughts.
Give it a try! Oh, and thank you to Dr. Bob and the Rotary Club of Rocky-River Sunrise!
The Immediate Future of In-Person Meetings
As all of you know, in-person club meetings, District Committee meetings, and other Rotary events are currently not permitted. I hope to be somewhat helpful to all of you by providing the most recent information I have received on when such meetings may become possible again. Of course, the situation is and will continue to be fluid and will require further updates as we move forward.
Governor DeWine’s Stay Safe Ohio Order entered April 30, 2020 extends the limitation upon public gatherings of unrelated individuals, together with social distancing requirements, through May 29, 2020. This continues the prohibition on in-person Rotary meetings in Ohio for at least that period of time.
Rotary International’s Board met virtually on April 21-24, 2020. The Board issued several important statements/instructions, including the following:
The health and safety of all participants in Rotary programs, meetings, and events is of paramount importance
No in-person meeting or event shall be mandatory for any Rotary participant who may feel uncomfortable because of the pandemic
All conveners and organizers of Rotary meetings are strongly encouraged to consider all health concerns in deciding whether to hold in-person meetings
All conveners and organizers of Rotary meetings should fully comply with all health and safety rules in effect in that location
The Board further decided that with these principles in mind, the Board adopted the following rules and guidance for Rotary activity.
All R.I. Board meetings shall be conducted virtually (and not in-person) for the remainder of the calendar year 2020
All R.I. Committee meetings shall be conducted virtually (and not in-person) for the remainder of the calendar year, 2020
***
Governors are strongly encouraged to use virtual meetings for club visits during calendar year 2020
Regional leaders are strongly encouraged to use virtual meetings for training seminars and other events during calendar year 2020
As noted, updates and revisions will be forthcoming as warranted. In the interim, please continue your adherence to these rules—the protection of fellow Rotarians, friends, and neighbors continues to be important and we have and can do our part to help. Here at Buckingham, we are slowly re-opening our office and we are now all wearing masks and maintain our social distance (and some wags would say lawyers should always have worn masks) and it’s working out rather well. Hopefully all of you are encountering similar success.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
Together, we’ll still experience the spirit of Rotary, be inspired by innovation, celebrate our resilience, and explore how clubs are addressing COVID-19. Experience Rotary in action during our Flag Ceremony, witness the power of connection during our general sessions, learn new ways to engage with Rotary during our breakout sessions, find inspiration from our global speakers, and much more.
We have never needed Rotary — and we have never needed each other — more than we do now. We hope to see you online, because Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World.
Below is a list of dates and times for Virtual Convention programming. As you can see, the convention does not run the entire day, but instead will be broadcast at a few set times each day. Additionally, if you miss the live broadcasts, they will be readily available on the convention website, providing some flexibility for you and event attendees to participate at your own convenience. The Virtual Convention is free to all attendees, however, there will be a sign in process in order to access the programming. Detailed Instructions for this process will be provided before the event.
We hope that you will participate in some of the fun features of the Virtual Convention: wearing and sharing photos and videos of us in our Aloha wear, the Virtual Walking Challenge, and interacting with others in the virtual House of Friendship. Please know that we understand and appreciate that you are looking for more detailed information about the Featured Breakouts, the platform that will be utilized, and instructions for accessing the programming and transitioning back and forth between events. That information will be shared with you as soon as it is available. Look for additional messages in the coming weeks and check the convention website regularly.
Kindest regards,
Mark Daniel Maloney 2019-2020 President, Rotary International
Saturday 20 June
8:00 – 9:15 Chicago Time (UTC-5) – Together We Connect – Virtual Convention General Session 1
14:00 - 15:15 – London/Lagos Time
21:00 - 22:15 – Taipei Time
Sunday 21 June
8:00 – 9:15 Chicago Time (UTC-5) – Together We Learn – Virtual Convention General Session 2
14:00 - 15:15 – London/Lagos Time
21:00 - 22:15 – Taipei Time
Monday 22 June – Friday 26 June – Featured Breakouts (more details coming soon) Daily, one breakout will be offered at each of the following times*:
8:00 – 9:00 Chicago Time (UTC-5)
12:00 – 13:00 Chicago Time (UTC-5)
18:00 – 19:00 Chicago Time (UTC-5)
*Please be sure to check the date and time that is equivalent to the Chicago date and time in your area
Barberton Schools have been distributing food to families during the school closure. The Rotary Club of Barberton wanted to help ease the strain of the school closure with some fun. Club members brought game packs to be distributed with the May 11th food distribution consisting of a deck of cards and an instruction sheet. The instruction sheet contained the rules of some simple card games as well as a magic trick.
The club also tried to help the area food insecurity with two donations: a $2500 donation was sent to Barberton Area Community Ministries (BACM), and a $2500 donation was sent to the Ben Curtis Family Foundation. BACM serves the residents of the Barberton area, providing food assistance and other programs though the support of individual donors, churches, community groups, businesses, foundations and volunteers. No child should worry about when they’ll get their next meal. The Ben Curtis Family Foundation started the Birdie Bag Program to send packages of food and toiletries home with food insecure kids over long weekends during the school year.
The photo is of from left to right : Dorothy Suchka Somerville, Executive Director of Barberton Area Community Ministries and David Stephens, BACM board member and member of the Rotary Club of Barberton.
Hats off to Skip Claypool, Terry Palermo, and Bob Piecenski.
Caretakers at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center did not know why firetrucks from five different cities were parked outside the main entrance to the hospital last Thursday morning.
A few nurses trickled outside to take pictures of the large U.S. flag suspended in the air between the ladders of two trucks.
The grand display was part of a lunch delivery the Chesterland Rotary Club provided — 300 pizzas to feed the entire hospital staff.
With a police escort, rotary club President Walter “Skip” Claypool led a procession of club members who honked and yelled “Thank you!” from their cars to the cheering hospital staff.
Claypool (affectionately known as Bada Bob) drove to the front door of UH to make the drop off, his car sporting a Bada Bing Pizza delivery sign.
PDG Jack Young, a Air Force Veteran and Viet Nam Era Veteran has been working for the past 4 years with Rotary clubs to honor Rotarians who are Veterans. One of the areas that he has been working on is supporting Medina Country Veterans who are adding several HISTORICAL displays to honor Veterans. (More Information will follow)
Working with Dave Taylor Commander, Legion Post 202 in Medina, Dave has arranged a Vitural Meeting with Ohio Congressman Anthony Gonzalez and his staff to answer various Questions for Veterans to learn more about their COVID-19 benefits and concerns.
If anyone, especially Veterans and or their families would like to be part of this virtual meeting, please contact PDG Young wirh you contact information so that you can be added to the list. This meeting is being planned for June 10th in the PM. If you are not sure you can join the meeting and have questions, please contact PDG Young with your questions by June 1st so that he can ask them on your behalf. (Jack1villa@aol.com)
BEST wishes and thank you, our Veterans, for your service to our country.
The RC Cleveland has started holding its weekly meetings via Zoom with over 50 members and guests attending each meeting. On April 16, 2020, their guest speaker was Jennifer Andress, Executive Director of Medworks. Medworks traditionally offers 100% free medical, dental and vision care to anyone who needs it. They have shut down all of their clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic, because their platform would be difficult to manage during this time of social distancing. Instead, they have turned their focus to providing food to those in need and the front line healthcare workers. The COVID-19 Relief Fund is used to purchase gift cards and meals from local restaurants to distribute to vulnerable families and those on the front lines, helping not only those in need but the restaurants too.
During our meeting one of our members offered to match the first $1,000 pledged to the Medworks Relief Fund. Rotarians and the guests stepped up and pledged $1,000, triggering the matching gift. THIS is the power of Rotary and shows both the compassion and generosity of our Club. All of the funds raised will be put back into the community. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Medworks and donating to the COVID-19 Relief Fund can go to their website: www.medworksusa.org.
Last month I wrote to tell you that all grant-funded travel planned for March and April was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Rotary has extended its travel ban to every country. If your grant involves travel to another country, you will need to wait until this global travel restriction is lifted and make sure that your destination country is not still on the Travel Ban List then. I encourage you to check the list often.
Abby McNear Director of Grants Tel +1-847-425-5656 Rotary.org
cc: Rotary International Board of Directors, The Rotary Foundation Trustees, Rotary Foundation Programs Committee, regional Rotary Foundation coordinators, district governors, district governors-elect, district Rotary Foundation chairs, district grants subcommittee chairs
We continue to deal with the extraordinary situation brought on by the COVID-19 Virus. My thanks to all of you for finding ways to help your fellow Rotarians, friends and neighbors. If we continue to work together we can and will accomplish much in spite of the challenges we face. District leadership will try to keep you apprised of opportunities to help and areas of need such as the message recently circled concerning the needs of the Red Cross in northern Ohio for blood donations and the relaxed grant requirements recently announced by The Rotary International Foundation.
I will also, unfortunately, keep you apprised of future District events that are canceled or postponed.
Cancellations thus far include those listed below. Chairs for all events will follow up with further information. While no one can see into the future we hope and plan to hold events as usual in 2021.
For PEs, Pat Myers and the LEAD Committee are looking at further remote training opportunities at this time.
Thank you for your patience and persistence. Stay well.
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020
We are pleased to invite you to participate in a COVID-19 #RotaryResponds one-hour Telethon to raise critical funds for disaster response. This Facebook Live event will be simulcast on the Rotary International Facebook page. The goal is to raise more than $1 million dollars.
Rotary’s 1.2 million members across the globe have taken swift action to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than $3.4 million in Rotary Disaster Response Grants have already been put into action on the frontlines to battle COVID-19.
Additionally, millions more have been raised by our #PeopleofAction - they have responded quickly and are truly saving lives. Now, we need to do more and the need for additional funding is a priority.
Join this live event to hear stories of hope, inspiration and gratitude from Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary from across the globe as they share what they are doing to help their communities. The telethon will also showcase how our polio eradication infrastructure is helping to combat COVID-19.
How can you participate:
1. Participate in the telethon on Facebook Live on 2 May at Rotary International's Facebook Page (facebook.com/rotary). The live stream will be simulcast in eight languages.
2. Share this event & spread the word through your social media channels.
3. Invite friends, family, and members of your community to watch and see first-hand what Rotary's People of Action are doing to combat COVID-19.
4. Post on social media during the broadcast and on the day of the event using the hashtag #RotaryResponds.
6. Encourage your Rotary District to donate District Designated Funds (DDF) at https://on.rotary.org/ddf-donate. (Note: DDF received between April 22st and May 3rd will be considered part of the telethon fundraising total.)
The Coronavirus 19 is affecting all of us in some way and I hope you and your family remain well.
The following is an update regarding how ShelterBox continues to respond in a safe manner and is providing support to the best that we can with our Rotary Partners can do in these difficult times to those who need our support in the world.
Kerri Murray, Shelterbox USA Presidents reminds us that Shelter is a critical need for people who are simply struggling to survive after loosing their home due to a natural disaster and even war. The outbreak reminds us of the fundamental importance of home is to our health and well being. Our continued work to provide shelter can help slow down the spread of this disease. Unfortunately, disasters and conflict do not stop even during these difficult times.
We are currently responding the best that we can to Ethiopia, Syria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Somililand, Malawi and the Philippines.
ShelterBox USA HERO CLUB AWARD
I have received word that 13 clubs in Ohio, 6 Rotary clubs from our district, have been recognized as HERO AWARD Clubs, of Shelter Box USA. During the Rotary Year 2019-2020 the following clubs have donated at least $ 1,000 to ShelterBox to continue the efforts of providing hope to others in the world.
Congratulations to Rotary Clubs in our District who have recently supported our efforts:
Solon, Burton-Middlefield, Westlake Bay Village, Fairlawn, Northhampton Cuyahoga Valley and Painesville.
If there are any other Rotary Clubs in our district who have responded during this time to ShetlerBox, please let me know. Even though I am not a member of my hometown Rotary Club of Marietta in the Southwest Ohio, I am pleased to note that they recently raised over $ 12,000 dollars since late last year for ShelterBox.
As in any organization, we do not want to put our response team members in harms way. We will do everything we can to accomplish our miss,ion and protect our staff and volunteers. With that below is the message from our President Kerri Murray of ShelterBox USA that was conveyed in a recent conversation with me about our current world issue.
"ShelterBox" is a critical need for those people who are simply struggling to survive after loosing their home due to a disaster or war. Now with this outbreak, it reminds us of the fundamental importance of home is to our health and well being. The continued work of ShelterBox to provide basic shelter can help slow down the spread of this disease. Unfortunately, disasters and conflict to not stop even during this stressful times."
"She further adds that for Rotary Clubs and Rotarians, the first thing that we need is your continued support MORE THAN EVER. As this virus continues to spread in the United States and around the World, our goal is to not only to continue to provide basic shelter but to make sure our volunteer response team s and their families remain Safe."
"In many countries, they have sealed their boards and impose quarantines of unprecedented .scale to flatten the curve. The key issue then is what is a family to do when they have no home, clean water a a structure to protect them. Therefore, the Coronavirus has the potential to ravage the most vulnerable."
Please know that ShelterBox, staff, and volunteers remains committed to helping those in the world who need our help, For more information as to how you or your club can help, please feel free to contact PDG Jack Young, Past Board of Directors and Board of Director Emeritus.
Congratulations to the Akron Rotary Club/Akron Rotary Camp for the generous $5,000.00 donation has been received from the 2019 Bridgestone Senior Players Championship Tournament.
A friend of Akron Rotary member, Lynda Farkas, Karen Keasling, member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, longtime volunteer of the tournament and Tournament Board member immediately thought of the Camp as her choice of charities to receive the donation.
Our thanks are extended to Karen for thinking of the Akron Rotary Camp.
Due to the generosity of our 1,000 volunteers, $825,000 went to Northeast Ohio non-profits!
Due to the success of the 2019 Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS additional funds became available for charitable proceeds. Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation recently announced that ten past grant recipients were selected to receive a one-time discretionary grant. We commend these groups on the work they are doing to improve the lives of residents of our community and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to help fund their mission.
The selected charities include; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina and Stark Counties, City of Akron Fire Department’s REACH Program, Elves and More of Northeast Ohio, Embrace Clinic and Care Center, Embracing Futures, Faithful Servants Care Center, First Tee of Canton, Open M, Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs ($5,000.00), and Summit Choral Society.
Have you promoted your club as People of Action, making a difference in your community? We want to hear from you! Share examples of what you have done by submitting your People of Action digital or print ads, social media graphics, videos or other examples via the link below by 26 April, and your project might be featured in an upcoming advertisement or Rotary Voices story. Help us show the world we are People of Action!
Rotary clubs around the world are mobilizing to fight COVID-19. Make sure your club gets recognized for its efforts to keep our communities safe by using your club or district logo in all your communications.
If you don’t have a logo, you can create one using the logo template on the Brand Center. The Rotary club or district logo comprises the Masterbrand Signature plus the club or district name. The Masterbrand Signature should not be used alone on club or district communications.
Also, please do not adapt Rotary’s End Polio Now logo or phrasing for use in communications your club is sending that relate to COVID-19. Manipulation of the End Polio Now logo can confuse our messaging about our polio eradication effort and weaken our branding for that work.
Rotary International One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201-3698, USA
Brand News is an email about public image and branding that goes out periodically to Rotary Leaders. If you know someone who would like to receive it, please have them email PR@rotary.org
I hope you were able to celebrate the recent holidays, including Passover and Easter, in the best fashion available in this new Coronavirus era. These holidays have given all of us a chance to reflect on the blessings we retain, and perhaps more importantly, to reflect upon the blessings we hope to provide others.
This era presents challenges, but it also presents opportunities. For instance, an impressive number of clubs, clusters, and committees all over the world are meeting virtually on a regular basis. The platforms used (Zoom, GoToMeeting, Google Meets, etc.) are varied, as are meetings themselves—some being simple phone calls, and even an email meeting. In this time of physical isolation we can do much to support each other through these (virtual) contacts and I encourage all of you to do so with particular attention to your fellow Rotarians, friends, and neighbors who are most vulnerable.
The list of challenges that are being turned into opportunities is lengthy. Some districts and clubs planned events using a Netflix Party to help stay in touch. At least one club raised money to buy lunches for local grocery store workers, local school workers, and emergency medical staff. As John Hannes pointed out, this is a great way to thank others for their hard work and support local businesses.
At least one district found an E-Club President and I.T. professional who have offered to get smaller clubs online and comfortable with available resources. This is something our District is working on very hard (thanks to Cheryl Warren, David Jones, and many others).
In many districts, smaller clubs are starting to hold joint meetings, alternating the responsibilities of programs and running the meeting each week. Perhaps we can take advantage of this as well.
The Rotary Foundation is no exception. As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread hardship around the world, Rotary members in rising to the challenge have been innovative in helping care for those affected and showing that even at a distance there are ways to help.
I have received reports that in Italy, one of the most heavily affected countries, clubs in District 2080 are raising funds to purchase ventilators and protective gear for over-extended hospitals. In addition, when the outbreak was as its worst in China, the same District’s clubs raised more than $21,000 for protective masks to prevent the spread of the disease there.
Reports have also come in that Rotary clubs in Sri Lanka installed thermometers in airport restroom facilities and produced posters to raise awareness of the Coronavirus for schools across the country.
The Rotary Club of Metro Bethesda, Maryland, is contacting neighbors who live alone and are quarantined. Volunteers are asked to contact at least five of these people each week to ask how they are and if they need anything. Members are also leaving flowers on their doorsteps.
In our own district, Peter Tuttle of the Chesterland club, together with his club members, came up with the Every Rotarian Every Week program. By now I hope all of you have heard of it. The idea is to make sure that every Rotarian in your club is contacted at least once a week by a fellow club member. The methods of doing this are varied.
Your District Foundation Committee is also active. As all of you should know by now, Foundation Club Chair Jim Lechko recently reached out to all club leaders pointing out the availability of Disaster Response Grants (The Rotary Foundation is making available to each District a single DRG in the amount of $25,000). District 6630’s intent is to purchase as many N95 masks, face shields, gowns, nitro gloves, sanitizer, or other Personal Protective Equipment as the $25,000 can buy. Hopefully your club is taking part.
Jim and his team (Matt Liebson, Rick Pollak, and the entire committee) also point out that COVID-19 District Grants 2020-2021 are also available. That is, clubs can request District Grant funds to support local activities like purchasing thermometers, protective medical gear, or other items to donate to medical professionals or first responders who need them. As a one-time exception, the Rotary Foundation will allow expenses related to COVID-19 which were incurred since March 15, 2020 to be reimbursed through 2020-2021 District Grants. In other words, once a grant is approved, clubs can spend this project money even though the project will be treated (and funded) in the upcoming Rotary Year. (For details on all of this, contact Jim Lechko, District Foundation Chair Coordinator, Matt Liebson Grant Committee Chair, and Rick Pollak)
Last but not least, DGE Pat Myers and the LEADS Committee are in the process of working with the District’s Assistant Governors to provide the necessary preparation to Presidents-Elect they otherwise would have lost through the cancellation of All Ohio PETS and the District Leadership Assembly. The work done in creating the curriculum, preparing the AGs, and conducting multiple cluster meetings is an impressive example of what we can achieve to overcome a challenge.
In closing, my best wishes to all of you, your family, and friends, as we move through these uncharted waters. Please stay safe, continue to work with Rotary at all levels, and there are great things we can achieve.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
Article written by Mike McGovern, Chair of the Rotary International PolioPlus Committee and John Germ, Past Rotary International President and Chair of the Polio Countdown to History Committee
A program begun by Rotary is employing thousands of health workers to address the Covid-19 pandemic. The program is the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) which includes Rotary’s PolioPlus program.From the earliest days of polio eradication in the Philippines, the generosity and advocacy of Rotarians and our partners has nearly stopped polio, stopped Ebola from becoming an epidemic in Nigeria and now responds to Covid-19.
Over the next four to six months the polio program is offering its tools, workforce and extensive surveillance network to support countries as they respond. Globally, the polio surveillance network is being trained on Covid case detection, contact tracing, laboratory testing and data management. GPEI is deploying its coordination mechanisms such as emergency operations centers and sharing physical assets like vehicles, computers and mobile phones to combat the pandemic. In Nigeria, an extensive network of polio communication assets including 20,000 volunteer community mobilizers are working across the country to promote hand washing to reduce transmission. In Pakistan, polio staff have sensitized more than 6,000 health workers on Covid-19 and re-purposed a helpline originally used for polio related calls to also address Covid questions. The polio surveillance team in Angola is training health care staff on case management of Covid-19. Polio staff in Benin are developing a pandemic preparedness plan for that country. Each day we hear of more deployments of polio staff to address Covid issues in additional countries.
So what about polio itself? The Polio Oversight Board made the hard decision to pause house to house vaccinations knowing that this may lead to an increase in polio cases. Polio surveillance will continue while also supporting Covid surveillance. The GPEI is working to ensure that once it is safe to do so, countries can be supported to rapidly resume polio immunization campaigns. We will have a message in every country that vaccines, including the polio vaccine, stop viruses from attacking children and adults. We must seize the moment to let every village understand that the polio vaccine saves lives.
For over 40 years, Rotarians have never wavered in fulfilling our commitment to the children of the world to end polio. Today, in contributing to PolioPlus we are also addressing this evil Covid-19 pandemic. The goals this year for contributions to PolioPlus have not changed. The opportunity to do good in the world has only increased. If you or your club have not given to PolioPlus lately, today is the day to do so. All funds donated are matched 2 to 1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. If your District has underutilized District Designated Funds, any allocation is matched 6 to 1 by the Rotary Foundation World Fund and the Gates Foundation. And if you want to know more about how Rotary and the GPEI are addressing Covid-19 while not losing focus on eradicating polio, seePolioeradication.org
We are currently operating with minimal staff as a result of a regional stay-at-home order which runs through April 22. We will be doing everything in our power to meet your need-by date and we will keep you updated during this period. We ask for your patience as we navigate these extraordinary times together. We continue to be available by email, fax and phone, and will respond as quickly as possible. Placing your order online continues to be the best option. Even as this pandemic displaces "normal" and causes so much suffering in our world, we are here for you and we will stay in touch.
EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL!
Order your outgoing officer and Rotarian of the Year awards, gifts and pins by April 20 and
The Mentor Rotary Club has repurposed the funds from our planned 2019/2020 grant for COVID-19 relief. Our project - Lake County COVID-19 Superhero Supplies - will purchase personal protective equipment to protect those helping persons especially vulnerable to COVID-19 or with limited ability to help themselves. In particular, the funds will purchase KN95 and cloth masks, PPE, thermometers and other needed equipment to
1. Protect Deepwood Foundation/Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities personnel as they assist their residents who fall ill but are not eligible for hospitalization
2. Prevent the spread of COVID-19 by providing LCCOA and Project Hope for the Homeless volunteers and guests with cloth masks.
3. Protect Meals on Wheels and other Lake County Council on Aging volunteers and personnel and their clients from the spread of COVID-19 by providing cloth masks.
We will spend at least 33% more than the original grant budget budget ($6054) - the vast majority of our members are donating their pre-paid lunch costs from our cancelled meetings toward this effort. As of April 7, $8,154 have been committed to purchases for equipment.
Rotary District 6630 Leadership and Rotary International's great sense of urgency in helping us to re-purpose this grant and rapidly approve the same was vital to our response. The grant was approved at 9:23 PM Friday April 3. As of April 7, all materials are on order and in transit to provide a ten week supply of PPE as currently known. In addition to member donations, the Mentor Rotary Club is requesting donations for future supplies for this project at mentor-rotary.org. If these funds are not used in the current outbreak, they will be used to create contingency sets of equipment for future outbreaks.
Regards,
Dale
MENTOR CLUB REPURPOSES FUNDS TO SUPPORT COVID-19 RELIEF
The Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Club created a food pantry that is hosted by Lakewood United Methodist Church. The club paid for and built the pantry. The church youth painted the pantry and the church had it installed last week. The contents of the food pantry has been emptied and refilled many times already. This is a photo of the pantry the day it was installed.
With all of the challenges of the Coronavirus in our world and with many Rotarians and their families are doing in house activities, one might want to learn more about the Fellowships in Rotary. In addition you may want to educate yourself, your children along with your club and at the same time learn from others throughout the world those who have some of the same interest.
With that I have listed below some of the various Rotary Fellowships for you to review. All you have to do is go to Rotary Fellowships to connect to learn more about what they do throughout the world. Take care as we go through these challenging times and be safe.
Explore our fellowships - Interested in a particular subject?
Visit the group's website or email it to learn more.
Even though we are in a time where there are temporary changes in our life style, this might be the right time to educate our clubs, young people, Rotarians and Family members on the diversity of Rotary and how we can and have changed the lives of others through our Service Above Self.
If you have any questions about these International Fellowships, please feel free to contact Rotary or me. (jack1villa@aol.com or 440-759-400) Let us all use this time to further educate us on Rotary and how we connect the World as Rotarians. Take care and be safe.
Jack
Jack A. Young, PDG 2005-06
Ohio Rotary District 6630
Chair - Rotary Fellowships District 6630 2018-20
Fellowship of Scouting Rotarins - Chair 2018-20
InterAmerican Region (North, Central and South America)
Rotary International - Fellowship of Past District Governors (2019-21)
We know that disasters can devastate a community, leaving people in urgent need of medical care, housing, and other necessities. Unlike most natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a global impact that affects all of us. Rotarians like you are people of action even in a time of crisis, and Rotary is uniquely prepared to help communities around the world.
Clubs and districts can apply for Rotary disaster response grants to support COVID-19 relief efforts. These grants can be used to provide supplies and medical care and to support rebuilding efforts.
The Rotary Foundation Trustees recently approved placing $1 million in our Disaster Response Fund to make these grants immediately available for applications related to COVID-19. To make sure these grants can remain available, we’re asking for personal contributions to the Disaster Response Fund. Your contribution will support grants that help Rotarians care for and protect people in their local communities and around the world. Make a gift to the Disaster Response Fund now.
Thank you for your dedication and service on behalf of Rotary.
Sincerely, Gary C.K. Huang Chair, The Rotary Foundation 2019-20
Our club in the last week, in response to the Covid-19 out break, purchased 30 of these Aerosol Boxes to be donated to area hospitals that are currently treating Covid-19 patients. This was out of a request from local anesthesiologist to find a manufacture for the Aerosol Boxes. In quick fashion we were able to find a manufacture and purchase the material and get these boxes made. The manufacturer is continuing to produce the Aerosol Boxes.
These boxes were created by a Dr. who has been fighting Covid-19 in China and Taiwan. This is a new technology and something that we should be working to spread the word about.
I believe that other clubs could step-up and purchase these boxes for their hospitals. At the very least Rotary could act as a conduit to get the word out that we have a local manufacturer that is producing these critical protective equipment. I just spoke with the president of Lake Health Foundation, they are requesting 6 from the lot that our club had manufactured. We are also providing these to UH Geauga Hospital.
In the March 2020 of our District Newsletter, I indicated there was going to be a special dinner event Sponsored by the Medina Legion on May 9, at Williams on the Lake for all Veterans. I am working with all Rotarians of the District who are Veterans.
Unfortunately, with all of the challenges with the current Coronavirus, the event for May 9th will be
MOVED TO THE FALL OF 2020.
As soon as a new date has been established for this special Veterans Event, we will notify all clubs in the district to encourage their Veterans and family members to attend.
Just like Rotary, the health and welfare of all veterans and their families is our primary concern.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact PDG Jack Young (440-759-4000 or Jack1villa@aol.com).
Yours in Rotary Spirit and Friendship,
Jack A. Young, PDG 2005-06
Ohio Rotary District 6630
USAF Veteran
Event Planning Committee
SPECIAL INVITATION TO HONOR WW II VETERANS - THE GREATEST GENERATION
I am sure many of you are not surprised; camp is unusually quiet these days! Due to the COVID-19 outbreak we have cancelled programs from mid-March through the end of April. We will continue to follow the guidelines from Governor DeWine and his team as when to consider reopening. Our camp team is planning out different scenarios as to what camp will look like this summer. Our goal is to begin providing meaningful programs to our campers and families as quickly and safely as possible. Today, we are still planning on moving forward with summer camp as scheduled; we are hiring counselors and planning programs.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to the camp team. We appreciate your support and love for our campers. We look forward to seeing you at camp this summer for a Thursday Cookout and other events.
If there is anything that you need, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Be well!
Dan Reynolds
Director of Endless Possibilities. Akron Rotary Camp
AKRON ROTARY CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS UPDATE
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Membership Minute
March 2020
Ideas for strengthening membership
Connecting during the COVID-19 response
For more than a century, Rotary has connected the world through fellowship and service. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our daily routines and forced the cancellation of many in-person Rotary and Rotaract club meetings and events. But even when we can’t hold our usual events, members have lots of ways to stay engaged, connect with one another, and serve their communities.
Clubs can meet online using services such as Zoom, Skype or GoToMeeting. All three platforms offer robust support, from their directions for setting up an account to helping with technical issues. Rotary and Rotaract members get a discount on Zoomthrough Rotary Global Rewards. Members can also connect with each other on social media and with services such as FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or WhatsApp groups.
Learn how Rotarians and Rotaractors are staying in contact and keeping members engaged during these difficult times:
Read how the Zone 34 Rotary coordinators are maintaining membership engagement (hint: ingenuity and adaptability) and download their COVID-19 response guide.
See how Big West Rotaract, a multidistrict information organization in the western region of North America, is connecting Rotarians and Rotaractors who are experiencing difficulties with others who can help. Look at its Rotary and Rotaract COVID-19 Mutual Aid form.
Read advice from Charlotte Ahlberg, past chair of the Rotary International E-Club Committee, on taking your club online.
Visit Rotary’s website to get more tips and guidance for holding online club meetings.
How is your club or district keeping your members engaged during the COVID-19 response? Share your ideas and resources or participate in a discussion in the Meeting Online group in Learning Topics.
Professional and personal development opportunities
If you and your members are staying home and have time to acquire a new skill, remember the many professional and personal development opportunities available in the Learning Center. Online courses include options such as Mentoring Basics and Becoming an Effective Facilitator.
Connect with prospective members
This may be a good time for you to contact prospective members who have expressed an interest in joining Rotary. Use this time as a chance to connect with potential members who may be feeling isolated right now. A simple phone call could increase their awareness of Rotary and help them feel connected. Tell the prospective member how Rotary clubs in the area are responding to the crisis and how they could help. Learn how to find them by managing your membership leads.
Membership Minute is a bimonthly newsletter that provides the latest membership trends, strategies, best practices, and resources to help strengthen membership in your clubs. The newsletter is sent to Rotary coordinators, district governors, district membership chairs, club membership chairs, club presidents and subscribers. Please forward this to anyone who may be interested.
One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201-3698, USA
Over the next three months, I will be providing graphics for your club to use in your newsletters and on your website to promote a Paul Harris Society Campaign our District is participating in, along with our fellow districts in Zones 30/31.
Please include them in your newsletters and on your websites (CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE ONE SHOWN BELOW). I will be in touch with further details about the campaign in the near future.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation. Contact me with an questions.
Let me get right to the unfortunate news — the RI Board of Directors has decided to cancel the 2020 Rotary International Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. We are all part of the Rotary family, and your safety remains our highest priority. Like the more than 20,000 registrants who planned to attend this year’s convention, I am very disappointed. However, this is the right and necessary decision to protect the health and safety of convention attendees, as well as those who call Honolulu home.
At this point, we are unsure that Rotary could adequately protect convention-goers from the risk of COVID-19 infection en route to, during, and after the convention. We are also unsure if restrictions on travel to the United States will be lifted by June. We have heard from a number of you who voiced concerns about gathering at the convention this year. I also heard from many who were hopeful that we could continue with the convention as planned. The Board was very diligent and considered all the facts before taking this decision.
At this time, we kindly ask that you do not contact RI Registration to inquire about your registration, ticket or housing cancellations as we work diligently to inform all attendees. Here is an overview of our plans for handling refunds and travel logistics.
I recently circulated a memo notice to all of you concerning Governor DeWine’s orders limiting public gatherings to those involving 100 or fewer people. Since that time, the Governor has issued multiple additional orders closing restaurants, bars, gymnasiums, and a variety of other types of facilities. Under the circumstances, in-person meetings are probably virtually impossible for all clubs at this time.
This of course leaves Club Presidents and club members with questions about what to do. Peter Tuttle (and all of your AGs) have been circulating a “Every Rotarian Every Week” proposal, which is one way to organize reaching out to all of your members on an organized basis. I highly recommend you look at it, or consider a similar approach. Check with your AG.
Beyond that, with the Governor’s mandatory reduction in meeting size to 50 or fewer, and with the Governor’s “strong” recommendation that no in-person meetings of 10 or more persons take place, I again ask you to consider holding virtually no in-person meetings. This recommendation is also supported by the special consideration to protect individuals who are at higher risk (60 years or older and/or with an underlying health condition). Please use your best judgment but also please err on the side of sustaining Rotary’s goal of disease prevention, and protecting our fellow Rotarians, families, and friends.
If any of you have other creative ideas like Peter Tuttle’s “Every Rotarian Every Week,” I ask that you share them with your AGs so the ideas can be a collection for further distribution. I am attaching suggestions (click here) we received from District 6690 for your review and consideration as well.
I look forward to working with you.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
View prior Messages on COVID-19 from Governor Reyes (click on date):
Several weeks before attending the 20th Anniversary celebration of Shelter Box International, Ohio Rotary District 6630 PDG Jack Young, Chair of the International Region (North, Central and South America) was informed of a scouting Museum located Las Vegas. Since he was speaking at the conference celebration of SB in Las Vegas and was not aware of the scouting Museum. he contacted Rotarian, Robert Lynn Horn in Las Vegas.
Jack learned that Lynn was also a scout, Executive Director and Founder of this Scouting Museum in Las Vegas. The museum is home of the World's largest collection of Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Girl Guide Memorabilia. Jack indicates that the two story, 3,500 Square foot building on West Shara Avenue is one to see.
There were items such as the Scouting Patch which went around the Moon on Apollo 8 with James Lovell; a scouting belt buckle that saved the life a a scout; an Extensive Display from all 23 World Jamborees 1920-2015; Lady Baden-Powell 1924 World Jamboree; over 450 Girl Scout Dolls; 4 Automatons of Scouting dolls from the Swiss Marchal Museum; the Golden Eagle of Merit Top Girl Scout Award 1916-1919 (Only 1 known to Exist), a scouting crocheted emblem done by an Austrian Scout while in Auschwitz and scouting uniforms from 165 countries are on display.
There are also the largest collection of the Order of the Arrow patches ever assembled; individual name patches of those who lost their lives responding to 9-11 helping others; the actual Silver Buffalo Awarded to Burl Ives in 1986 along with thousands of other items and signed paperwork, scouting books and other items that are meaningful to scouts and scouting leaders throughout the world.
In addition, there are at least 3 other rooms that have items are are being planned for future display. Lynn spent over 3 hours going through the museum and with his knowledge and experience in scouting I could have easily spent another 3-4 hours looking at and hearing about what he has collected over the years to preserve scouting history and its impact on the world. As a final comment, the museum is a first class facility, well maintained by the several people who work there and certainly is a credit to both Scouting and Rotary. I also saw one document that had the name of Brian Thiessen on it. If you or others are in the area of Las Vegas, I would recommend you take time to visit this facility.
One final comment, in the two pictures with this article is a special frame of pictures of patches from Ohio and sent to me from Brian and I presented them on behalf of all of you who are in the Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians. Therefore, this picture frame and patches from the FSR is now in this historical museum. Thank you for all that you do for our young people throughout the world. And thank you to Lynn who started this remarkable Museum.
Rotary Club of Hudson Invites All District Rotarians to its Thirty Sixth Annual Gala and 90th Year Celebration
The Rotary Club of Hudson announced that it will honor its past Club Presidents and Gala Chairs at this year’s celebration to be held May 15 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Twinsburg. It will also recognize the many Hudson citizens that have faithfully supported the Gala over 35 years by sponsoring, donating auction gifts and regularly participating in the silent and live auctions. As a result of the Gala and other fund raisers, $1,000,000 plus has been donated by Rotary to local and international charities and to college scholarships over the 35 year period.
With Ron Strobl, Marilyn Orr and Kris Barker co-chairing last year’s Gala, over $45,000 net was generated for grants to Community First, The Gift of Life of Northeast Ohio, Boy Scout Troop 321, Hudson High School college scholarships and Service Learning programs and many community activities. Marilyn and Kris along with the Gala Committee will continue their dedicated efforts this year.
The featured beneficiaries of the Gala sponsorships and auction in 2020 will be:
The Gift of Life of Northeast Ohio, a program that the Rotary of Hudson has supported for many years. Funds raised at the Gala provide needed heart surgeries for medically struggling children in underdeveloped countries such as Haiti. Doctors from the area, some of whom live in Hudson, as well as local hospitals, donate their skills and provide facility access.
Hudson Community First’s “Uncharted Waters: What Every Senior Needs to Know Before Entering College”, a comprehensive full day workshop for all Hudson High School seniors to examine the challenges young people may face upon starting their college years. Topics include anxiety and depression, binge drinking, drugs, date rape, fire safety and overall wellness. Speakers include psychologists, lawyers, safety counselors, college administrators and college students.
Boy Scout Troop 321’s planned restoration of the historic Boy Scout Cabin located at Hudson’s Green on Main street downtown used by the Scouts for meetings and by the Hudson community for various activities. The log cabin was originally built by the Hudson Rotary in 1931 and is considered an important Hudson landmark. Founded in 1918, Troop 321 has developed leadership, personal and life skills in thousands of Scouts. Over the years, 145 local members have achieved Eagle Scout, a rank attained by less than two percent of all Scouts nationally.
Major sponsors for the 2020 Gala are currently being developed with the following committed to supporting Rotary again this year:
Kaulig Giving of Hudson-Platinum, lead sponsor, supports more than 30 non-profit organizations that assist the well-being of children, educational and health care institutions and non-profit organizations having a positive impact on the local community. Kaulig Cos. operates brands across a spectrum of businesses including consumer discretionary products, sports and entertainment, media and marketing services and finance and financial services. Some of their high profile brands include LeafFilter, Kaulig Racing, Kaulig Media, Kaulig Capital, LLC and Ellsworth Advisors.
Northwest Bank-Silver sponsor, providing J.D. Power award-winning retail banking services in the region, offers a team of people that like to take problems off their clients’ shoulders, “doing what it takes to make something happen, even when it is not easy”.
Akron Children’s Hospital-Silver sponsor, ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the country, taking a compassionate approach to treatment. Through a combination of treatments and patient experiences, their care does more than heal--it brings the entire family together for emotional support and understanding across multiple locations. A new facility opened in Hudson late 2019.
Forhan Family Foundation-Silver sponsor, established by Drew Forhan founder, President and CEO of ForTec Medical Inc, created to provide mobile access to technology and highly trained technicians on an as-needed basis for hospitals, surgical centers, medical offices and patients in more than 40 states.
University Hospitals, Portage Medical Center-Silver sponsor. UH, one of the nation’s leading health care systems, provides high quality, patient-centered medical care throughout Northeast Ohio. They offer the region’s largest network of primary care physicians, outpatient centers and hospitals and is an affiliate of Case Western Reserve University.
Major gifts for the live auction have already been announced including:
A comprehensive orthodontic care package for a child or an adult provided by John White DDS, MSD, owner of Smiles by White, worth $6500. White offers both Invisalign and traditional metal braces in that he can achieve the same results with both options at the same cost. He lets patients choose which treatment they prefer. White is recognized as one of the top orthodontists in the country.
An overnight stay, dinner and breakfast at the Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn, Hanoverton, valued at $500. Golf at the Zoar Golf Club, rafting on the Tuscarawas river and tickets to the Football Hall of Fame are available.
A sports convertible for the month of June or July generously donated by Don Sitts Auto Sales in Cuyahoga Falls, valued at $2500. Last year’s “ride” was a red 2019 Camaro convertible.
A unique dining experience for up to 14 guests created by celebrity chef Mitch Firis of The Blue Door in Cuyahoga Falls. Prepared at the host’s home, dinner will feature 4-5 courses of paired food and wine valued at $150 per guest.
A basket of assorted vintage wines chosen by Rotarians to please a range of palates, donated by the Rotary Club of Hudson Board and the Gala Committee valued at $500.
At the Friday Saturday night Banquet of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Shelter Box International, Ohio Rotary District 6630 PDG, Jack Young was presented ShelterBox's VISIONARY AWARDfor 2019 in appreciation of his extraordinary service and Dedication to Shelter Box USA and Shelter Box International. Since 2005, PDG Jack Young has served on the Board of Directors of SB USA for 7 years; was chair of the Rotary Relations Committee, served on 2 CEO Search Committees for a new CEO and along with Rotarian Marsha Pappalardo, Jack were personally invited by the founder of ShelterBox to visit their home site in Cornwall, England in 2010.
Since his selection to the Board of Directors, he has been selected into the ShelterBox USA Hall of Fame, is one of only 7 SB Ambassadors who has raised over $ 300,000 for ShelterBox in the past 12.years, and is currently the SB Ambassador for Ohio and surrounding States in the Mid West.
At the Celebration Event held last month Jack had the opportunity of meeting the co-founder of LuminAID, Andrea Sreshta and her husband John. Andrea was the Key Note dinner speaker Saturday night. LuminAID is the Solar light that goes into the Shelter Box that gives of light especially for the children to read in the darkness but also can serve as a small water proof pillow for sleeping. Within the last year, Andrea and her business partner were featured on SHARK TANK IN WHICH THEY RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT FUNDING FROM THE SHARKS TO TAKE THEIR ORGANIZATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
According to Jack, her presentation was very inspiring and it shows that through determination and hard work one can be successful. Now at least one LuminAID Solar light is placed in each ShelterBox.
Picture 1 PDG Jack Young is presented the Shelter Box Visionary Award, by ShelterBox USA CEO Kerri Murry.
Picture 2 PDG Jack Young with LuminAid Co-Founder Andrea Shreshta and her husband, John Alum
Did you know for 11 consecutive years The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating of “Four Stars” from the Charity Navigator. This is a BIG deal because only around 1% of US charities are awarded “Four Stars”. The Charity Navigator is an independent evaluator of charities in the US. This organization finds TRF has a high commitment to accountability and transparency and strong financial health. I am proud to be associated with a foundation held in such high regard!
So, how were our donations put to good use last year (2019 fiscal year)? A total of $335M expenditures:
$151M – PolioPlus
$87M – Global Grants
$26M – District Grants
$5M – Rotary Peace Centers
$12M – Other Grants
$20M – Program Operations
$34M – Fund development & General administration
If you have had the chance to be involved in a District or Global Grant you know there is much emphasis placed on sustainability and accountability. TRF has developed a process which assures oversite by several Rotarians including club, district and RI. I came across a quote from a regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Eric Kimani who said: “Anyone who knows Rotarians sees how we give of our time and resources. They know their money is in good hands”. That says it all!
Rotary is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and continuously assessing the potential impact on Rotary operations, events, and training meetings. The annual convention is still scheduled for 6-10 June in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Rotary’s peace program is expanding, pushing us from the point of being mere advocates for peace to being active and effective peace builders. Canadian Rotarian Chris Offer, a past district governor, writes about the exciting new programs that are making that happen.
We are all aware of the extraordinary situation that is developing around us literally hourly. Many of these developments impact us not only personally but also in our role as Rotarians.
Our District has many activities that are in various stages of development or being carried out. At this point, we are systematically evaluating these in light of developments including Governor DeWine’s recent Order banning virtually all public meetings over 100 people, and closing schools for the next three weeks. Both the District and all clubs need to review and follow this order. The District Executive Committee is meeting on March 16, 2020 and additional announcements will follow. At this time, two important and difficult decisions have been made.
First, the All Ohio PETS conference has been cancelled, as previously announced.
Second, the 4-Way Speech Contest was to have occurred, at the District level, on April 11, 2020. Under the combined circumstances, the contest is indefinitely postponed.
As noted above, further information will be forthcoming. In the interim, please check with your local health department or the Ohio Department of Health for specific advice. My general recommendation, subject to Executive Committee review, is serious consideration be given to cancelling any meeting or gathering that will involve more than 25 people, with particular concern for those who are at higher risk which includes individuals 60 years of age or older and who have underlying health issues.
I thank you for your consideration and cooperation.
These decisions are difficult. Much time and effort have gone into planning and execution of many activities. But the situation is complex and not without risk to the health of our fellow Rotarians, families, and friends. We will all do our best under these circumstances and hopefully will all be guided by one of the Rotary’s primary goals, which is disease prevention. During this time, we need to make smart, challenging choices for the greater good, and I look forward to working with you to do that.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
Just wanted to share the latest information from Kerri Murray, CEO of ShelterBox USA. The ShelterBox team is being cautioned regarding giving presentations over the next month or so. All team members are encouraged to call, text, email members and club regarding providing updated information on deployments and updated information on disasters occurring throughout the world. We are also in continued contact with the World Health Organization regarding updates and suggestions on sending our response team members.
With all of this going on in the world, ShelterBox, more than ever, needs the continual support of Rotarians, Rotary Clubs and Friends of Rotary to provide the basic support of shelter and giving those we serve the dignity of providing for their families. Therefore, we encourage all of you to help in the financial effort of supporting our mission.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further ways to help, please contact SB Past Board of Director and Ambassador, PDG Jack Young (jack1villa@aol.com or 440-759-4000. With everything that is happening, we as Rotarians and supporters of ShelterBox we will become stronger in helping those who need our support.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TRANSFORM DESPAIR INTO HOPE
Akron Rotarians supporting Harvest for Hunger! — attending Harvest for Hunger Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast with Mella Hawk Castner, Julie Brandle, Nichole Major, Lynda C. Farkas and Christina Horak at John S Knight Center.
Thank you Wayne Homes, for your amazing support for Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs!
Wayne Homes is at it again supporting the rotary camp! This year’s Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club Jump benefitted the Akron Rotary Camp and Ronald McDonald House of Akron. This year we had 8 jumpers and one chicken and we raised $785 as a team!!
The Leadership Education and Development Committee (LEAD) is in the process of creating a exciting and informative program for the District Leadership Assembly (DLA) Saturday morning of the District Conference (April 25th). Presidents Elect of all clubs should encourage their committee chairs, committee members and all interested club members to attend the program.
There will be separate sessions on Community Service Projects – learn about successful projects and how to implement one, Youth Programs – learn how clubs have engaged their members, schools and community in their programs, Fundraising Ideas – hear how clubs have raised the image of their club’s activities and raised funds, Growing Membership – successful clubs will share their best practices, and Public Image – learn about creative and successful public image efforts.
All five of these areas are critical to creating a Vibrant Club that engages its members, provides service to its community close to home and far away, maintains and grows its membership.
After participants have heard from other clubs in each area and had an opportunity to share their ideas and concerns with those in attendance time will be available for all members of a club to sit together to share what they have learned and to plan for the coming year.
The more members of a club that attend the greater the impact will be in the coming year. We learn from other’s successes and failures and when we share our hopes and frustrations in an open, supportive environment.
SUNRISE ROTARY SUPPORTS TRIALS OF HOPE AT FUND RAISER MAY 1, 2020
The 2020 Annual Dinner and Auction Fund Raiser will be Friday, May 1 at 6:00pm at the Don Umerley Center in the City of Rocky River Civic Center complex at West 210 and Hilliard Blvd. It will include a full course served dinner with cash bar, silent and live auction raffles. Trials of Hope will be a major benefactor of this year’s event. Tickets are just $30 per person.
The mission statement of Trials for Hope is to deliver dignity and hope to those who fall between the cracks, bringing wholesome food, personal care items, and warmth to the great Cleveland area.
In 2010, Trials of Hope founder, Johnathan Gray was gifted a large donation of trial-sized toiletries and decided to bring it to a local community meal. A line quickly formed, and the expressions of gratitude were encouraging, but a greater need was also revealed. Many in the community had needs and requirements that weren't being met by assistance programs and they had fallen between the cracks. Whether it was the inability or lack of funding to provide medical, clothing, or personal care - the community was struggling, and Jon saw a way to answer the need. Through dedication, personal connections, and tireless outreach to both the giving communities and those in need he has been able to continually answer 'yes' when those who struggle reach out for help.
As Johnathan began regularly passing out these trial-sized toiletry donations to various homeless camps throughout Cleveland, the individuals served began remarking “you give us hope.” Johnathan knew he had found a calling and formalized his outreach by forming the non-profit: Trials for Hope. Ten years later, Trials for Hope continues to provide unending support to those in need. Johnathan Gray (founder and CEO) donates the most valuable asset anyone has - time - and does this tirelessly without taking any sort of salary for himself. Not only does Johnathon give his time to helping those who are most in need but he knows how to connect with those he helps as he was once in similar circumstances as them.
The Lakewood / Rocky River Sunshine Rotary club has been so moved by the work of Trials for Hope that they have joined in to help. The club packed over 200 toiletry bags at their last weekly meeting. In addition, on select Saturdays, the club assists in packing additional toiletry bags and frozen meat bags as well as helping to organize the Trials for Hope storage basement. While Johnathan is out distributing his donations to the community and purchasing more supplies from the food bank, he has little time to organize his inventory and the Rotary club has volunteered to help alleviate this issue.
In addition to volunteering time, the Sunrise Rotary club worked with neighboring clubs to help fund a walk-in freezer that will make short term storage of food easier. The funding was approved this past year and the freezer has been ordered, pending installation once the concrete pad is poured for installation. The photo above shows Sunrise Rotary Club’s President, Lynda Carter giving a $6,600 check to Trials of Hope founder for the freezer purchase and installation. Rotary believes in service before self and working with Trials for Hope is a perfect fit for our club.
You can help by supporting the May 1 Sunrise Dinner and Auction as a sponsor, auction item donor, and or attending the Event on May 1. Tickets are just $30 per person. Contact Lynda Carter, lcarter@cectraining.com or Jim Rowe rowe1378@gmail.com
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Students enjoy a fun winter afternoon on the toboggan chutes and warming up with hot cocoa in front of the fireplaces at the Chalet in Strongsville. "They are midway through their academic year, 2019-20, living with their host families and attending schools in North East Ohio," said Robert Heydorn, Ohio Erie - District 6630 Chairman. "We are very proud that these highly qualified international students have been selected to be with us as we continue our year of adventure with the inbound, outbound and rebound students, families and Rotarians. I am delighted by how well they are speaking English now, and wish them a safe, happy and exciting spring term. They are all splendid representatives of their respective countries and the Rotary Youth Exchange Program."
PHOTOS:
Alexis Lewis - Cuyahoga Falls, Auri Gaston - Cuyahoga Falls, Elin Na - S. Korea, Serena Abritta - Spain, Konsta Keranen - Finland, Christian Hoefman - Germany, Sergio Neto - Brazil/Medina, Thomas Packard - Aurora, Giulia Giugianpletro - Brazil, Kylee Maibach - Wadsworth, Jacob Vogelgesang - Medina/Chile, JP - Chile/Medina, Lydia Olin-Hitt - Akron, Viet Nguien - Cuyahoga Falls, Audrey Caroll - Akron, Casie Ackerman - Hudson, Phakawan - Thailand, Zoe Mayeur - France, Margaux Faure - Belgium, Juliet Aini - Aurora, Estefania Orpheu - Brazil, Zoe - Belgium, Julia Syme - Medina, Patrick Kelly - RYE, Bob Heydorn - RYE, David Vogelgesang - RYE, David Lariviere - RYE
This year’s Interaction event at Aurora High School hosted approximately 300 students from more than 15 different Interact clubs. It was a huge success! For this year’s district project, students almost unanimously decided to support women’s shelters by donating needed items to help the shelters run as well as help women and children get back on their feet after a traumatizing experience. Our Interact clubs have already started collecting items to donate. All items will be brought together at the District Conference of Clubs on Saturday, April 25th, and Rotarians and Interact students will spend part of the afternoon that day organizing the donations to make them ready for delivery. Please consider helping the cause by donating items or making a monetary donation as an individual or a club! There are several items that are more valuable that we need the most help collecting, and we would love the help of every Rotary club in the district. We are working on an Amazon Wishlist to share with all Rotarians that will be available soon.
Higher value items are: Twin & Full Size Sheets, Twin & Full Size Comforters, New Bed Pillows, Coffee Makers, Toasters, Pots & Pans, Baking Dishes, and Tall Kitchen Trash Cans.
Additional items: Trash Bags (13 gallon and 30 gallon), Paper Towels, General Cleaning Products, Kleenex, Hand Sanitizer, Disinfectant Wipes, Liquid Dish Soap, Ziploc Freezer and Storage Bags, Bleach, Laundry Detergent, Mop & Bucket, Sponges, Hair Brushes, Hair Ties, Size 5 & 6 Diapers, Baby Wipes, Bath Towels, Shower Curtain Liners and Rings, Winter clothing, Bathing suits, Flip flops, and Pajamas/leggings.
Wow, “give where the need is greatest”, amazing how 6 little words can mean so much! When we give to The Rotary Foundation, we fuel our service projects not only locally but around the World. Projects that support our six areas of focus; Peace and conflict prevention/resolution, Disease prevention and treatment, Water and sanitation, Maternal and child health, Basic education and literacy. In other words,” we’regiving where the need is greatest”. Help support our humanitarian activities from local service project to global initiatives, by donating to The Rotary Foundation Annual fund.
Annual Fund contributions are eligible for the following donor recognition opportunities: Every Rotarian/Every Year; Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member; Paul Harris Fellow; Paul Harris Society; Major Donor; Arch Klumph Society.
Please join me this year and every year by supporting our Foundation. Visit www.rotary.org/give our Foundation needs our support to give where the need is greatest- donate today!
Randy Rininger TRC of Port-Summit, District 6630 Annual Giving Chair
As we approach our District Conference, let us Connect to each other by sharing our projects and experiences in the House of Friendship. This area gives our clubs not only the avenue to share their projects, but also the opportunity to meet other clubs that may be interested in helping. Many different types of media have been used for the table displays. Fire up your imaginations and be the talk of our conference.
I have been a part of the House of Friendship at our past six District Conferences. Each year I have set up tables for both my Club, The Rotary Club of Kent, and for the water projects that my club participates in, in El Salvador. I have had the pleasure of talking with many Rotarians about our projects and through these discussion have been able to form new partnerships for these projects. This has been a key fundraising strategy for our projects. Let me ask this where else do you have the chance to reach 200 + individuals, who are focused on “Service Above Self”?
Last year I made the challenge to our district for the clubs to be the most creative with their displays. That was accomplished, we had 28 of the best, and most informative tables I have ever seen in the House of Friendship. This year I am making another challenge! This year let us all, whether you have a table or not, visit all the tables and find a club to partner with in their project(s). Keeping in mind that this year’s Rotary International Theme is “Rotary Connects the World”. Isn’t connecting our District the first step in connecting the world?
I look Forward to seeing you all on April 24 and 25 at OUR District 6630 Conference.
The theme of our Rotary year is “Rotary Connect the World”. Let’s make those connections in the program and by attending the conference!
All Clubs, individuals and businesses are all invited to participate as sponsors in the District Conference program. See the options below or click here!
There is a special offer only for Clubs that is called Presidents of Action. For $100 your club can be listed in the conference program to show your support.
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This is a partial excerpt from the Rotary Service and Engagement news
February, 2020
Connect.Partner.Serve
Creating a more peaceful world
Through service projects, peace fellowships, and scholarships, our members are addressing underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, poor access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
During February, which is Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, you can build peace and mitigate conflict:
Incorporate conflict resolution and mediation into service projects that involve local schools, orphanages, workplaces, and community centers.
Support groups that are at risk of violence or persecution by providing relief to those who have fled areas of conflict.
Participate in fellowship and service activities with Rotary clubs in other parts of the world to promote greater international understanding.
Recruit candidates for a Rotary Peace Fellowship. Up to 100 peace fellowships are offered each year at Rotary Peace Centers at universities around the world.
Support your district’s participation in the Rotary Youth Exchange program, which sends students ages 15 to 19 abroad to live in another culture and build international bridges.
Join your district’s Rotary Friendship Exchange program to experience service, fellowship, or a profession in a different country while making new friends and fostering international awareness.
Start an Intercountry Committee: a network of clubs or districts in two or more countries that strengthens global goodwill and service.
Below are some resources to help you get started.
Take action
Bring your project ideas to life with guidance from a Rotary Action Group:
The Rotarian Action Group for Peace gives Rotary members resources and support to advance world peace and turn ambitious ideas into life-changing realities.
Get support for your initiatives from these partners, too:
The Institute for Economics and Peace, an independent think tank, helps Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary alumni address the causes of conflict and create conditions that foster peace. Use IEP’s Rotary Peace Academy — a free, online learning platform that includes interactive lessons and tools — to learn how to apply new peacebuilding methods and mobilize communities to address underlying causes of conflict. Learn more and contact the Rotary-IEP coordinator to get involved
Mediators Beyond Borders International works with clubs, districts, and Rotary alumni to build a more stable future by improving a community’s capacity to heal from conflict, reconcile differences, and prevent the escalation of issues. MBBI trains Rotarians, Rotaractors, and alumni to be peace facilitators and project leaders who can assist clubs with community assessments and peace projects and connect them with peacebuilding resources. Learn more (PDF) and contact MBBI to get involved.
Peace Corps provides opportunities for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to work alongside U.S. Peace Corps volunteers, training in humanitarian development to empower communities and connect them to resources that can brighten their future. By working together on water and sanitation, economic and community development, or basic education and literacy projects, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Peace Corps volunteers lay the foundation for peace, stability, and prosperity. Read the Rotary-Peace Corps partnership fact sheet and inspirational stories of Rotary members who have been affected by the partnership.
Through real statistics, Positive Peace helps identify the factors that make societies peaceful, prosperous, and resilient. As a professor of law, Mauricio R. Pernía-Reyes, president of the Rotary Club of San Cristóbal Metropolitano in Táchira, Venezuela, saw this as an opportunity to use data and tested procedures to start building Positive Peace in his community.
The Rotary Peace Fellow Alumni Association aims to unite peace fellow alumni, increase their networking opportunities, and facilitate their collaboration with clubs and districts to promote peace around the world.
It is hard to believe that we are now well into the second half of the Rotary year—All Ohio PETS is less than a month away and spring will soon be here! In the past, many of our families engaged in “spring cleaning” to get our homes in order for the spring and summer seasons. A similar “spring cleaning” is a good idea for a Rotary club.
A Rotary club spring-cleaning should include making sure the “administrative” and “governance” rooms in your house are in good order. Transition to a new leadership team is not that far away and it will be helpful to existing and incoming leaders that these important details have been looked after effectively.
A checklist of governance items could be long and rather tedious. But it is important to focus on at least a few basics. My list is in part based on my experience in traveling the District these past few months and meeting with club leaders. From time to time I have come across a few administrative items that need attention.
First, on a “spring cleaning” checklist would be a review of club finances and club financial procedures. All clubs, regardless of size, handle money for a wide variety of reasons whether it is collecting dues, administering fundraisers, and even collecting “happy dollars.” These activities raise a number of questions. Does your club have an effective system in place to handle these monies? Is there a Finance Committee? Does your Treasurer provide regular reporting to the club’s Board and/or Finance Committee? Good governance requires a significant financial review and periodic audit, such as when changing Treasurers. Does your club operate in that fashion? Of course, there are a number of basic accounting procedures that need to be followed, such as term limits for Treasurers, double signature requirements for check, and the like. Does your club follow these procedures? If you have not reviewed these questions, now would be a good time to do so.
Another area that suggests “spring cleaning” tasks is your club’s Form 990. The Form 990 filed with the IRS asks a series of questions about policies that your club does or does not have. While the list is somewhat long, a few are relevant to every club. For instance, does your club have a conflict of interest policy? Does your club have a document retention policy? Basic good governance strongly suggests that all clubs should have these basic policies in place, as well as others that are appropriate to individual clubs and their individual circumstances.
Assistant Governors have been circulating the new Rotary International Policy on Adult Harassment. As all of you know by now, this policy in an effective form, must be adopted by all clubs in the District. In addition to adopting the policy, all clubs in the District must also be prepared to implement it effectively. If your club has not taken active steps to meet these requirements, I ask that you do so. If you need assistance, please reach out to your Assistant Governor for support, input, and reference to further help should you need it.
Good governance is not always “exciting,” but it is critical to an effective Rotary club and to attracting and keeping good members. Good Rotary members are rarely interested in remaining with an organization that is not effectively run.
On a different note, there are sure signs of spring popping up all around us. As I prepare this article, the Cleveland Indians are only a few days away from their first spring training game in Arizona. The days are getting longer, and as noted, All Ohio PETS (AOP) is less than a month away. AOP is scheduled at the Renaissance Columbus on March 13 and 14, 2020. District Governor-Elect Pat Myers and her classmates have been busy assembling an extremely impressive list of speakers, including Mike DeWine, the Governor of the state of Ohio, Holger Knaack, Rotary International President-Elect, Rob Raylman, CEO, Gift of Life International, and David Brown, Founder/CEO of the Harmony Project. The opportunities presented by these speakers are amazing.
In addition, Pat and her classmates, together with Steve Zabor and Alison Frye, have been working on creating an excellent curriculum for both Presidents-Elect and Assistant Governors. Of course, President-Elect Knaack will be commissioning club presidents on Saturday evening, March 14, 2020. This ceremony is not to be missed.
If you have not registered, please do so today (click here). The opportunity to learn with the best is available to you and I look forward to seeing you there.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
Past District 6630 Governor Jack Young, USA ShelterBox Hall of Fame member and former ShelterBox USA Board of Director was one of the presenters at the February 20th Anniversary Celebration of ShelterBox International in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the conference, he met with the new CEO of ShelterBox International, Sanj Srikanthan of Cornwall, England.
Before Sanj joined ShelterBox International, he was the Senior Vice President of the International Rescue Committee for 10 years, worked at the United Nations office for coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, a Captain in the British Army and was the Emergency Field Director for responses in Mali, Liberia, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey.
20 years after ShelterBox was started by Rotarian Tom Henderson in Cornwall, England and with Global Rotary support, it has developed into an independent International Disaster Relief Organization that specializes in Emergency Shelter. In 2010 PDG Jack Young and Rotarian Marsha Pappalardo were invited by the founder to come to the UK to visit ShelterBox International offices and the place where it started with the vision of one Rotarian.
During the first 20 years of its supporting those individuals who have lost everything during a disaster, the staff and volunteers throughout the world, several key points are noted.
1. ShelterBox has supported over 1.5 million people around the world with emergency shelter
2. We have supported communities in 100 countries
.3. We have responded to over 300 disasters in the world.
4. We have responded in the Philippines more than any other country, (27 times)
5. Our work in Syria is the largest and longest running response, Since 2012 ShelterBox has helped over
250,000 people during their conflict.
6. ShelterBox is a cutting Edge Charity that hand delivers Emergency Shelter and Tools.
7. Right now there are around 88 million people who have been displaced by Natural Disaster or Conflict.
8. In 2019, we have responded in 11 countries and provided aid to over 145,000 people.
Jack gave a special thank you to all of the Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, friends of Rotary and the young people who were concerned about helping those in the world who truly have needed our help during difficult times.
Rotarians and Rotary Clubs have been a significant part of the fellowship who has been able to help ShelterBox carry on its mission as a project partner of Rotary International. It also should be noted that our partners in the field include:
A. United Nationals Human Refugee Council
B. International Federation of the Red Cross
C. International Organization for Migration
D. Handicap International
E. Habitat for Humanity
Along with this ShelterBox has received the high est Ratings from Charity Navigator (4 Stars) and was nominated in both 2018 and 2019 for the Nobel Peace Prize. For those who would like more information on ShelterBox and how they can support this effort or who would like to have a speaker, please contact PDG Jack Young at 440-759-4000 or jack1villa@aol.com.
Pictured above L-R:
Beth Palmer, Founding member from the RC of Lakewood Ranch Florida who first brought ShelterBox to the United States and contacted Jack about serving on the board of directors in 2005.
Sanj Srikanthan, New CEO of Shelter Box International.
PDG Jack Young, Former Board of Director for ShelterBox USA and Hall of Fame Member.
Kerri Murray, President of ShelterBox USA
ShelterBox Deployment Update
Twenty years ago this year this year there was a gap in Emergency Shelter. ShelterBox was created by a Rotarian in England to fulfill that need. Today we are still passionate to see a world whee no family is without Shelter. Our volunteers are at the heart of our mission and working with Rotary is both an honor and pleasure.
CURRENT DEPLOYMENTS/UPDATES:
The Philippines: We have finished our latest distribution. After back to back disasters (3 earthquakes in October and 1 Typhoon in December) ShelterBox has provided over 4,200 families with Shelter
Syria: We are finishing our distribution this month and will have provided aid to over 4,400 families. Since 2012, we have provided shelter to well over 50,000 families.
Ethiopia: Millions of People have been forced to flee their homes to the violent crimes and climate change. We have helped shelter over 3,000 families with Shelter Aid.
Nigeria: Since 2009 the extremist group Boko Haram has been committing deadly attacks across Nigeria. The conflict in Nigeria continues to impact structures/villages and 7.7 million people are in need of shelter. We have helped provide over 12,500 families in various camps with basic shelter.
Cameroon: An area that is also supporting refugees, we have provided housing for over 7,000 families in several areas.
Somaliland: Severe drought is devastating thousands of families forcing many of them to leave their homes and move to other parts of the country. We have been able to support over 4,000 families with the basic items found in the shelter box to help them survive.
I have been asked about several other disasters occurring in the world. At this time we have not been asked by the country to become involved. Most of you know that before Shelter Box can go into a disaster area, we have to be invited into that country by the government. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. (Jack A. Young, SB USA Board of Director 2007-14 440-759-4000 or jack1villa@aol.com)
We still need your advanced support so that we can respond in a timely fashion when we can help those in need.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TRANSFORM DESPAIR INTO HOPE
Jack A. Young, PDG and SB USA Board of Director 2007-14
Please join us at the 2020 Rotary International Convention, 6-10 June in Honolulu, Hawaii, to find and share your aloha. We hope to make it the most memorable convention yet and, with your help, have a record number of members from around the globe attend.
Be inspired by world leaders, philanthropists, and celebrities during general sessions.
Learn about international and local projects, enjoy live entertainment, and sample regional cuisine within the House of Friendship.
Experience the heart of Hawaii through a rich mix of cultures, cuisines, and traditions.
Explore thought-provoking topics and learn skills to strengthen your club through lively discussions, seminars, and workshops.
Connect with people of action from around the globe.
Form new friendships that last a lifetime.
As you plan your trip Consider:
Travel - Save between 2-10% on select airfares* when booking convention travel with United Airlines and select members of the Star Alliance network.
The CAVS, an exciting young team, and, The Rotary Youth Exchange students!
Come see the Rotary Youth Exchange Students participate in the “High Five Tunnel” for the CAVS players before the game with the Boston Celtics at 7pm on March 4, 2020.
Come watch Larry Nance Jr, Collin Sexton, Kevin Love , the newest CAV Andre Drummond and the rest of the CAVS team on March 4, 2020 at 7 pm against the Boston Celtics.
We have some great mezzanine level seats – Section M 203-rows 11, 12 and 13, for our Rotary and Rotary Youth Exchange game.
We will also have a pre-game get together for our group with a raffle for some CAVS items before the game. The get together will be on the Loudville level (Level 5) in the Overlook Lounge area located at the top of the escalator. Take the escalator by the team shop on the main level to get to the Loudville area. Food and drink are available for purchase by the Overlook Lounge.
A great deal to see the CAVS and greet our exchange students.
Be sure to sign up soon for a great night at the “CAVS” game.
We are all aware of the extraordinary situation that is developing around us literally hourly. Many of these developments impact us not only personally but also in our role as Rotarians.
Our District has many activities that are in various stages of development or being carried out. At this point, we are systematically evaluating these in light of developments including Governor DeWine’s recent Order banning virtually all public meetings over 100 people, and closing schools for the next three weeks. Both the District and all clubs need to review and follow this order. The District Executive Committee is meeting on March 16, 2020 and additional announcements will follow. At this time, two important and difficult decisions have been made.
First, the All Ohio PETS conference has been cancelled, as previously announced.
Second, the 4-Way Speech Contest was to have occurred, at the District level, on April 11, 2020. Under the combined circumstances, the contest is indefinitely postponed.
As noted above, further information will be forthcoming. In the interim, please check with your local health department or the Ohio Department of Health for specific advice. My general recommendation, subject to Executive Committee review, is serious consideration be given to cancelling any meeting or gathering that will involve more than 25 people, with particular concern for those who are at higher risk which includes individuals 60 years of age or older and who have underlying health issues.
I thank you for your consideration and cooperation.
These decisions are difficult. Much time and effort have gone into planning and execution of many activities. But the situation is complex and not without risk to the health of our fellow Rotarians, families, and friends. We will all do our best under these circumstances and hopefully will all be guided by one of the Rotary’s primary goals, which is disease prevention. During this time, we need to make smart, challenging choices for the greater good, and I look forward to working with you to do that.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
Save up to 20% at 1-800-Baskets.com, Harry & David, The Popcorn Factory, and more for Valentine’s Day. Rotary will receive up to 8% of your purchase. Use the promo code ROTARY at checkout.
It's that time again! Any clubs wishing to participate in The District 6630 Matching Grant Program for a district or global project during the 2020-21 Rotary year must have at least two members attend a Grant Management Seminar (GMS). Ideally, the 2020-21 President and President Elect should attend but do not have to. It is also recommended that the club Foundation Liaison or any club member involved in the projects attend also. All Rotarians are welcome.
Grant Inquiries for district grants must be submitted in ClubRunner by May 15, 2020
Click on the link below to register for the GMS of your choice:
In addition to attending the GMS, clubs must also:
-be current on District and International dues.
-be current on reporting for any existing district or global grants.
-in order to qualify for a grant during the 2020-21 Rotary Year, your club must have an average per capita giving of $35 to the The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Annual fund during the 2019-20 Rotary year.
-submit the Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) from TRF and (MOUa) from District 6630 signed by the 2020-21 President and President Elect.
-enter your Club's 2020-21 Foundation Goal on line at the Rotary International website.
Grant Inquiries for district grants must be submitted in ClubRunner by May 15, 2020.
Grant Inquiries for global grants may be submitted in ClubRunner at any time.
The 2020 District 6630 4-Way Test Speech Contest will be held on Saturday, April 11 at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent. Plans are well under way for another great contest, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kent, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Contest Chair Will Underwood and Co-Chair Shawn Gordon have assembled an enthusiastic committee of Kent Rotarians who are working with the administration and staff of Roosevelt High School and local vendors to make this year’s contest a success. “I urge all the clubs in our district to participate,” said Underwood. “Connect with your local high schools and encourage them to sponsor student speakers. The winner(s) of your club’s contest can compete in the district contest in April. I invite Rotarians throughout the district to volunteer as judges and timers on contest day. You can reach me at willunderwood1977@outlook.com."
Rotary District 6630 Annual Conference of Clubs and
District Leadership Assembly
District Governor John Reyes
Please join Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors from across the district as we gather at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls April 24-25, 2020 for our annual Conference of Clubs and District Leadership Assembly. The theme of this year’s conference focuses upon assisting at risk youth and the keynote speaker will be the nationally award winning Summit County Juvenile Court Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio. Watch for registration details coming soon!!!
For more information:
jbrandle@metisconstruction.com
Julie Brandle, District Conference Chair 2019-2020
In a continuing attempt to focus our interests and efforts in developing membership through new and innovative ways, I need to update you on recent activities of the District’s Strategic Planning Committee. The Strategic Planning Committee has been looking at realigning Clusters in District 6630, beginning its efforts in this regard in the 2018-2019 Rotary year. During that Rotary year, the Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by PDG John Bosco, was asked to look at the question of if and how existing clusters within the District should be re-aligned in light of shifting membership patterns. Simply put, the District has had 11 clusters for a number of years. Those cluster include Ashtabula County (Andover, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Geneva, Jefferson, and Rock Creek Grand Valley); Cuyahoga County Northeast (Cleveland, Hillcrest Sunrise, and the Heights of Greater Cleveland); Cuyahoga County Northwest-Lorain County (Westshore, Lakewood-Rocky River, Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise, North Ridgeville, Westlake-Bay Village); Cuyahoga County Southeast-Summit (Bedford, Chagrin Highlands, Nordonia Hills, Solon, and Twinsburg); Cuyahoga County Southwest (Berea, North Royalton-Broadview Heights, Parma, Strongsville); Geauga County (Burton-Middlefield, Chagrin Valley, Chardon, and Chesterland); Lake County (Mentor, Painesville, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willowick-Eastlake ); Medina County (Brunswick, Lodi, Medina, Medina Sunrise, Wadsworth); Portage County (Aurora, Garrettsville-Hiram, Kent, Mantua, Ravenna); Summit County North (Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Hudson Clocktower, Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley, Stow-Munroe Falls); and Summit County South (Akron, Barberton, Green, Fairlawn, Port Summit, Tallmadge).
Due to the fluctuation in the number of clubs, what started out a number of years ago as clusters of relatively even size has now shifted so that at least one cluster—Cuyahoga County Northeast has only three clubs, while others, such as Summit County South, have six. Further, and unfortunately, the Medina club recently went out of existence.
As a result of these changes, the Strategic Planning Committee recommended to the District’s Board on October 24, 2019, that the clusters be reorganized, effective December 31, 2019. Most clusters will be unaffected. However, after careful consideration, the Strategic Planning Committee did recommend a number of changes which were adopted by the District Board on October 24, 2019. In the ensuing time, all Assistant Governors have been briefed and have been in the process of describing these changes to the various clusters. A summary of the changes is:
Medina Cluster will be eliminated, effective December 31, 2019.
There will be no change to the composition of the Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, and Cuyahoga County Northwest—Lorain County clusters.
The Rotary Club of Chagrin-Highlands will move from the Cuyahoga County Southeast Cluster to the Cuyahoga County Northeast Cluster.
The Rotary Club of Tallmadge will move from the Summit County South Cluster to the Summit County North Cluster.
The Rotary Club of Port-Summit will move from the Summit County South Cluster to the Portage County Cluster.
The Rotary Club of Medina-Sunrise, and the Rotary Club of Wadsworth will move from the Medina Cluster to the Summit County South Cluster.
The Rotary Club of Brunswick and the Rotary Club of Lodi will move from the Medina Cluster to the Cuyahoga County Southwest Cluster.
Any Rotaract or Interact Club will remain in the same Cluster as the sponsoring Rotary Club when the changes in the various cluster become effective.
An endeavor has been made to accomplish at least two things. First, to better “equalize” the number of clubs in each cluster. While the perfect balancing is not possible, we have achieved a better balance.
Second, an endeavor has been made to place clubs, to the extent changes were made, where either connections have already developed or where there is the potential for connections to develop between clubs.
These changes, as noted, are the result of shifting membership patterns within our District. This is not the first time clusters have been re-aligned, and probably will not be the last.
You should know that the Strategic Planning Committee is now hard at work on the second portion of its charge originally adopted in 2018-2019. That is to carefully study our entire District to look for locations where new Rotary Clubs, of whatever type, might be started. This gives us even more opportunities to look at how we might grow our District, and thereby expand our reach, impact, vibrancy, and community involvement. We will certainly keep you apprised as these events develop, and if you have questions, do not hesitate to contact either myself or the Assistant Governor in your Cluster.
With regard to membership, has your club assessed its progress in gaining and retaining new member’s year to date? We are nearly at the half-way point in this Rotary year, and while the District has made progress in adding new members, that progress has been limited. Even though virtually all clubs are working hard to gain membership, your Membership Committee continues to work hard (having recently completed a successful Tri-District Membership Conference and having distributed well over two dozen Rotary Leads), our increase in membership has been limited. In fact, as of the time I write this, the District has increased in membership by 23. While that progress is welcome, I think it is fair to say if the District is to end the year with its first “net gain” of members in some time, we all will need to focus a little bit harder and stretch toward the challenge of reaching out for even more people of action to join us.
These are many ways this might be done, but one that your club might consider is looking at this year’s Presidential Citation for Rotary Clubs. As you can see with even a brief glance, the goals President Maloney asked each club to focus on are membership oriented. By example only, one of the five goals of the United People section is to appoint an active Membership Committee comprised of no less than five members, as well as to improve or maintain your club’s retention of current and new members by at least 1%.
With regard to retaining members, there are also multiple goals that clubs can and should focus upon, including increasing the number of members involved in service projects, or arranging for club members to tell your club’s and Rotary’s story. In summary, this year’s Rotary Presidential Citation is a “mini” membership plan in its own right. Consider using it for that purpose, and perhaps win an award in the process.
In closing, I want to wish all of our District members and their families a healthy and happy holiday season. We have much to be grateful for and much to look forward to as we move through the holidays. Please take time to reflect on not only the gifts we have received, but also the gifts we can give as we continue through a very exciting Rotary year.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
DGE Patricia Myers and partner John Laird attended the recent Rotary Zone meeting that included the Governors Elect Training Sessions (GETS). Many others from the District took part in the Zone Institute and attended various sessions to continue to support Rotary and our District and Club initiatives.
The Rotary Club of Mantua popular Christmas Tour of Homes
Four homes in the Mantua and Shalersville area will be open to visitors to tour prior to Christmas.
Each home will be decorated in the distinct style that is reflective the owners, giving visitors abundant ideas to inspire their own preparations for Christmas holiday. Homes on the Christmas Tour will be open November 15, 16 and 17.
Tickets for event will be $20 a person. Tickets will again be on sale at Mantua Station Drug Store in Mantua Village on the day of the event starting 30 minutes before the homes are open for the tour. On Fridays the homes are open to the public from 4:00 to 8:00. Saturdays from 10 Am to 4PM, and Sundays from 12:30 am to 4 pm.
On the behalf of Mayfield high schools Interact Club we would like to explain to you a little bit about our progress we have made thus far in 2019. Since the beginning of the school year we have gathered over 150 active members. Our club has partaken in many community service events. As the fall started, our club came to visit and help out with senior citizens at a local nursing home called Kemper House. One of our most popular events, Taste of Hillcrest, was a big hit with Interact members helping buss tables and serve drinks. During October, we engaged in many Halloween events by serving food, running games, and wearing spooky costumes at The Elementary and Middle Schools, as well as Mayfield Village.
One of our biggest volunteering events that is coming up this month is Leaf raking for senior citizens. We will be teaming up with three other clubs in our school and raking leaves for senior citizens who are not able to by themselves. The most recent event our club was able to help out with was Highland Hts Lions ClamBake to benefit Millridge elementary hearing program. We helped raise money by selling raffle tickets that was later donated to millridge elementary school. We have been participating in this event for three years now raising more attention and money every year, working with Lions Club of Highland Hts has been an honor and it allowed for an opportunity for our community to come together and help out for a great cause. Looking forward we wish to be more involved in our community and help organizations in our neighborhood that need our help.
Jerry Turk, Kate McCartney and Mayfield Interact Officers
Tine Hreno tells Rotarians about American author Edgar Allan Poe.
Although American author and poet Edgar Allan Poe is best known for such 19th century macabre works as “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven,” he actually is considered the Father of the Detective Story. Tine Hreno, literary historian at the University of Akron’s Hower House Museum, told Berea Rotarians on Tuesday, Oct. 29 that Poe was an innovative writer. His “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” is a classic detective story and Arthur Conan Doyle considered Poe his inspiration for the Sherlock Holmes series.
Poe (1809-1849) was orphaned at 3 and felt rejected by his adoptive family. He struggled with alcoholism his entire adult life and probably died of alcohol or drug abuse, although the cause of death is uncertain.
Hreno said Poe’s reputation as a writer of horror fiction stems from a literary rival, Rufus Griswold, who wrote a slanted obituary of Poe, casting him as a depraved, drunken, drug-addled madman. Poe’s friends countered the accusations but Griswold’s obit was widely reprinted and accepted.
Hreno, a native of British Columbia, recently curated an exhibit at the University of Akon on 19th century horror writers, including Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and Poe. Her husband, Travis Hreno, originally from Manitoba, teaches philosophy at the U of A.
Britnee Davis updates Rotarians on the BW Student Veterans Center.
BW Vet Center ‘feels like home’
Thanks to donations from Berea Rotary and dozens of other organizations and businesses, the new Student Veterans Center on the campus of Baldwin Wallace University “feels like home,” Britnee Davis told Rotarians on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Davis, a Navy veteran, is president of the BW Student Veterans Association.
She said the center is not only a quiet place to study and do homework but a comfortable spot for vets to talk and share common concerns. Randy Stephenson, the vet services coordinator, has an office there to offer counseling and a shoulder to lean on. But the veterans also lean on each other, helping comrades to adjust to civilian life.
“The military offers you structure,” Davis said. “You lose some freedoms – the freedoms to wear what you want, to live where you want, to move where you want.
“One day you have that, the next you don’t. I literally pulled off my boots and pulled on a backpack overnight.”
The transition can be difficult. Many veterans have to deal with the trauma of combat, sexual assault and other mental and emotional issues from their time in the military. The center is “a place to decompress,” Davis said. The veteran suicide rate is much higher than that of the civilian community. In fact, two BW vet students lost their lives in the past. Another was talked down just recently thanks to the vet center. “That’s why this place is important,” Davis said. “This place saves lives.”
BW has around 100 student veterans and another 25 students who are dependents of veterans. All are welcome at the student vet center, which was dedicated this summer with funding from Major League Baseball and the Cleveland Indians.
Berea Rotary Foundation donated $5,000 to furnish the center with comfortable couches, chairs, tables and a conference room on the second floor. Berea Rotary Secretary Jo Ann Solnick crocheted a blue and white blanket, which she presented to Davis for the center. Davis took Rotarians on a tour of the center after the meeting and placed the blanket on a couch in the living room.
Davis, who lives in Stow, was a military police officer for 8 ½ years and now is working toward a degree in human resources. She is interning at MetroHealth Medical Center. Her goal is to keep working on behalf of veterans.
“I have a passion for this,” she said.
Berea Rotary Secretary Jo Ann Solnick presents a hand-made blanket
to Britnee Davis for the BW Student Veterans Center.
Kiva loans
Berea Rotary made five Kiva loans recently, bringing the total to 791 loans worth $19,825. The loans were made to Burkina Faso (food) and to Kenya (agriculture and retail). All loans were made to entrepreneurs on their third loan cycle.
Ron Isgro and Berea Rotary President Bob Huge
4,000-mile bike ride honors wife’s memory
When Ron Isgro’s wife, Carol, passed away two years, he wanted to do something to pay tribute to her and to thank Southwest General Health Center’s Hospice for caring for her in the Isgros’ home. Ron and Carol were avid long-distance bicyclists and travelers. What better way to honor both than a 4,425-mile trek from Washington State to Maine.
Ron traveled with Bill Myers of Pennsylvania, who planned the trip and made sure everything went smoothly.
Along the way, they visited some spectacular sights, such as Glacier National Park, and met some incredible people. “I fell in love with my country all over again,” Ron said.
His goal was to raise $10,000 for Hospice. So far, the total is more than $22,000. Ron said he is very grateful that the family of Rotarian Dr. Ed White requested memorial contributions in his name be made to Ron’s Ride for Hospice.
Strangers on his journey also donated. One couple wrote a check for $100. When they mete up with Ron again a few miles down the road, they changed the amount to $1,000.
Ron called the trip a metaphor for life. “In the morning, we would see blue skies and hear the birds. By afternoon, there would be hills and headwinds. A tailwind in the evening let us cruise along,” he said. “Isn’t that like life?”
A retired teacher and coach, Ron, 81, said he couldn’t see himself sitting at home watching TV. “That’s not life,” he said. “Look what I’m seeing! And it gives me time to think.”
ROTARACTORS AT HARVEST FEST
BW Rotaract adviser Marc West helps Rotaractors Noah Kostick and Drew Kopchak hand out goodies
to trick-or-treaters at Berea's Harvest Fest at Coe Lake Park on Oct. 12.
Rotaractors Kaylee McKee (in the bee costume), Maddie and Grant staff the BW table. Harvest Fest was along the Nature Trail at Coe Lake.
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Giving & Grants
November, 2019
Take action to create positive change locally and globally
Helping communities recover after disasters
Rotary members and The Rotary Foundation play a unique role in disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. Through Rotary’s Disaster Response Fund and disaster response grants, clubs worldwide can now make a tremendous difference in communities affected by disasters like Hurricane Dorian.
The charitable season kicks off 3 December with Giving Tuesday, an online movement that celebrates and encourages giving to make the world a better place. This year, make The Rotary Foundation your charity of choice. A donationto the Foundation helps build sustainable communities around the world.
The Rotary Foundation supports the work of Rotarians who provide lasting solutions to their communities’ most pressing needs. But our work is far from finished. You can help us continue to make a difference by giving the gift of Rotary. With your support, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
Use the reports on My Rotaryto manage your grant activities. A guideto using reports that can help you with grants shows you how to see your grants by sponsor, participation, location, and more. These reports are especially helpful if you’re a district leader who wants to see the status of every grant application in your district.
Looking for advice on your grant projects? The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers can help! My Rotary also has a report that lists Cadre members. Send any questions you have about these reports to grants@rotary.org.
Programs of scale grants coming soon
Programs of scale grants are a new type of grant from The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation will award one grant to a club or district each year in a competitive, two-step process that includes a proposal and application. The process begins in January, and the Foundation Trustees will award the first grant at their October/November 2020 meeting.
These grants support activities that last three to five years, benefit a large geographic area or a large number of people, and are aligned with one or more of Rotary’s areas of focus. The grant award is $2 million. No additional Rotarian funding is required. However it is anticipated that Rotarians will leverage additional resources from partnering organizations. These grants don’t require an international Rotary partner, but the activities must be implemented by working with a partner organization. They will fund only activities that have been used successfully in the past. New or untested activities aren’t eligible. Send questions to grants@rotary.org.
Sex and labor trafficking can happen anywhere, and often happens in plain sight. Knowing what to look for may save the life of a victim – maybe a teenager who you know.
The Strongsville Rotary Club, in cooperation with the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, will host its Third Annual Community Forum on Human Trafficking on Wednesday, November 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Strongsville Middle School. The free educational event is geared toward adults and teens.
Contrary to what many people believe, human trafficking – a multi-billion dollar criminal activity - doesn't only happen in remote countries or large cities. And it usually doesn't involve snatching victims off the street like it does in the movies. Most often, clever predators manipulate victims into situations in which they become physically and/or emotionally controlled and are unable to escape.
Human trafficking is happening in towns all over Cuyahoga County, said Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Marilyn B. Cassidy, who oversees a special docket for human trafficking cases and is one of the featured speakers at the forum.
Speakers will discuss the current state of human trafficking activity in Greater Cleveland and what parents, teens and other community members can do to help prevent it.
Judge Cassidy will explain how the specialized docket for human trafficking survivors works to help them recover and transition toward normal lives by providing trauma counseling, housing, addiction recovery services and other support services.
She also will talk about bringing consumers to justice and arresting and prosecuting traffickers.
Alicia Ley, senior director of safe housing at Rahab Ministries, of Fairlawn, will discuss:
What is human trafficking and what does it actually look like right here in Northeast Ohio?
What is Rahab doing to combat this form of modern day slavery?
What can you do to be a part of the solution?
Along with other services for sex trafficking victims, Rahab operates a juvenile safe house for females between the ages of 11 and 17.
Dave Frattare, commander of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and Kathleen Caffrey, statewide outreach coordinator for ICAC, will discuss:
Tools and knowledge to protect yourself and your children from the dangers of the Internet, mobile apps, sharing personal information and online interactions;
The the dangers of popular Internet sites and mobile apps, problem areas and potential red flags;
Cyberbullying and sexting, and the consequences associated with these dangerous trends.
Social media sites - accessible to any kid with a cell phone - have become the main recruiting tools for child sex traffickers, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) warns.
“Traffickers will often seize any available opportunity to seek out a potential victim, including in-person tactics at malls, bus stops, walking to and from school and outside of group homes,” according to an NCMEC fact sheet. “However, the majority of traffickers now recruit children online through social networking apps and sites, and use the information obtained through these methods to relate to and build trust with children more quickly.”
The forum is free and all are invited. The information is targeted to parents and adolescents, but because of the mature subject matter, parents should use their discretion about bringing young children.
The Strongsville Rotary is one of more than 40 organizations that are a part of the Collaborative's Greater Cleveland's Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking, which includes law enforcement, healthcare, social service, religious groups and business organizations who are working together to provide a safety net in northeast Ohio for those victimized by this crime.
The free public forum will be held on Wednesday, November 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Strongsville Middle School, 13200 Pearl Road, Strongsville, Ohio 44136. An RSVP is not required, but appreciated. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Jeff Ellis (ikc4karate@roadrunner.com) or Ken McEntee (ken@thewriteco.com).
Another opportunity is presenting itself for a way to bolster our Foundation. This will be the 8th year Giving Tuesday will be celebrated. Giving Tuesday was founded in 2012 by The United Nations and New York’s 92nd Street Y as a day dedicated to charitable giving. In 2018 our Foundation received more than 1100 gifts totaling $321,000 on that day. November, being Rotary Foundation month, is a great time for us to spread the word about the GOOD we do. Please plan to spread that word within your club this month.
Traditionally we give to the Annual Fund and Polio Plus. The Annual Fund is important because it brings back dollars to our clubs to support our homegrown local and international projects. Polio Plus is near and dear to each of our hearts as we together fight to eradicate a terrible disease. Did you know that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is matching 3 dollars for every dollar Polio Plus receives this year?
There are 2 easy ways to make your contribution! Online giving, rotary.org/en/donate, is a snap and you can reap the benefits of credit card rewards. Online givingalso benefits the Foundation by reducing administration costs and bringing donations in faster. Another way to contribute is TRF Direct, which provides a way to give, on an ongoing basis, thereby providing our Foundation a more consistent flow of funding.
Our District 6630 goal this year is that every Rotarian give something (EREY). Whichever way you decide to give is your choice but consider a donation to help do GOOD!
Superintendent William Koran, Chris Rutledge and Jacinda Yonker, from the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Medina County, present the 31st edition of the INKSPOT to Medina Sunrise Rotary and thanked Rotary for their continued sponsorship of Medina County Schools' Literary Magazine. First published in1986-1987, the INKSPOT showcases exceptional and unique pieces of prose, poetry, and artwork. This literary review highlights the imaginations and creative thoughts of today's youth in Medina County.
The Father of our Country, President George Washington, wrote, "To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes his country." "This 31st edition of the INKSPOT proves that the art of writing is alive and well in the schools of Medina County," stated Superintendent Koran.
Medina Sunrise Rotary dedicates the INKSPOT to the 27,000 students in Medina County and to Rotary International's goal of encouraging and achieving global literacy. Whether Rotarians work to eliminate poverty, polio, or hunger, it all starts with education and literacy. As B. B. King, the King of the Blues, wrote, "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you!"
PHOTO (L to R):
Cloverleaf Schools Superintendent Dr. Daryl Kubilis, Jacinda Yonker - Medina ESC Director of Curriculum & Gifted Programs, Chris Rutledge - Cloverleaf Schools Gifted & Talented Programs, Buckeye Schools Superintendent Kent Morgan, Medina ESC Superintendent William Koran
Medina Rotary Sponsors The Inkspot - Medina County Schools Literary Magazine
For more information about the Rotary Club, its weekly speakers and ongoing community projects, please check our website, The Hudson Hub-Times, Facebook, YouTube and HCTV Channel 1021.Join us as a guest at a weekly breakfast meeting from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. held at the Laurel Lake Retirement Community by contacting Rich Warfield at rwarfield@dkc-cpa.com.
Join us as a guest for Foundations month in November.
Understanding the Hudson Rotary Foundation and its Good Works
It is with great pleasure that we send you the enclosed charter certificate for the new Interact Club of Bolich Middle School, sponsored by your club. Please sign the certificate for presentation to the new club.
Congratulations and best wishes to all who worked so hard to establish this Interact club. The investment in these young leaders of your community will undoubtedly produce great rewards in the future!
Please contact us if we can be of further assistance. Sincerely,
I would like to continue to explore potential ways to increase membership in our district. With one collective goal of extending our reach, increasing our impact and attracting people of action we need to look at new and innovative ways of adding members. Adding new members in new and innovative ways is central to President Mark Maloney’s goals for this rotary year.
There are at least eight “models” of a rotary club. Some are longstanding, others are relatively new.
The “Traditional Rotary Club” has been with us since 1905. A “traditional” club generally consists of professionals and aspiring leaders who meet regularly for service, connections and personal growth. This type of club tends to appeal to people looking for connections, service opportunities and traditions. Learn more at Start a Club.
The second model is a relatively new one known as a Satellite Club. The Satellite Club is one that is sponsored by a traditional club but has its own meetings, projects, bylaws and board. It also only takes eight members to charter a Satellite Club as opposed to 20 members to charter a Traditional Rotary Club. This type of club often appeals to those who want a club experience or meeting format or time other than what’s offered by the traditional clubs in the area. You can learn more by downloading the Guide to Satellite Clubs.
Another relatively new and innovative model is the “E-Club.” This is a type of club that varies widely in its design but the common thread is that it meets primarily online. This type of club appeals to people who travel frequently, whose schedules make it difficult to meet in person, or who prefer an online experience. Juleta Craig and Kathryn Craig are currently working on creating this type of club and if you are interested you can reach them at craigjuleta@gmail.com or Craig.kathryn2008@gmail.com. You can also learn more about the E-Club at Online Club Meetings.
A fourth model is a “Passport Club.” This type of Rotary Club allows members to attend other Rotary Club meetings as long as they attend a specified number of meetings that are in their own club each year. A Passport Club also appeals to people who travel frequently or those who enjoy trying a variety of club experiences and meeting a lot of new people. You can learn more about this by downloading the Guide to Passport Club.
Another new and exciting club model is the “Corporate Club.” This type of club has members (or most of them) who work for the same employer. This club will appeal to employees of an organization who want to come together to do good in their community.
Rotary also has “Alumni-based Clubs.” This type of club is one whose members (or most of them) are former Rotary or Rotary Foundation program participants. This club generally appeals to people who have participated in Rotary outside of the club setting.
If any of these models spark your interest, do not hesitate to reach out to me or to Jim McKee (hunnee1997@aol.com) with questions.
I would be remiss if I did not reference our recently completed Tri-District Membership Summit held at the Stanton Middle School in Kent on October 26, 2019. Approximately 150 participants from Districts 6600, 6630 and 6500 attended. We had 100 participants from District 6630 representing 40 of our 52 Clubs! The work of past district governors Steve Zabor and Mike Davanzo, together with many others who created an innovative and effective curriculum based upon small group discussion, was outstanding. The results and reviews have been excellent. My sincere thanks to all of those who took part in preparing and presenting this event and my special thanks to those who attended.
Remember the rapidly approaching Annual Foundation Awards Celebration. The event will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2019, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Bridge View Room, Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland, OH. The theme this year is Holidays Around the World and registration is open.
Much of what we do is supported by and in many instances only possible because of the resources of the Rotary International Foundation. This Awards Celebration gives us an opportunity to thank the many people whose generosity and continuing support allows the Foundation to assist us all in doing good. Please take the time to attend and you will not be disappointed. The famous Dessert Dash is back as is the Ugly Holiday Sweater competition.
You can register atwww.RotaryDistrict6630.org or call 330-495-9814 and I look forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
Where others see problems, Rotary International sees solutions. Our 1.2 million members see opportunities and possibilities in their communities around the world. Learn more at: http://rotary.org/rotary-people-action
Notes from the District 6630 Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Committee.
We are already a third of the way through the Rotary Year. Our ability to make a difference in the lives of others is both finite and substantial. One of those ways to make an impact is the continuous development of existing and future club leaders. How are you evolving in your leadership style? Who are you involving in your leadership journey? Who will be in line to take over when your formal position ends, and what have you done to help prepare them?
I strongly encourage you to visit the Learning Center on Rotary International’s website to find courses that can help you and that you can share with others (https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference). An additional bit of information can make the difference in recruiting one more member, running a successful club meeting, or making a lasting impact through service.
Polio still needs to be eradicated as there are still cases of polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rotary International feels there are 5 reasons to eradicate polio. They are:
To Improve lives
To invest in the future
To improve child health
To save money
To make history
All great reasons which not only address the effects the illness has on children but their parents, village or city and the financial burdens on the economy of the area in which they live. Wouldn’t it be great to make history by getting rid of polio in the world?
October 24th, World Polio Day, is just around the corner and your club’s plan for hosting an event should be well underway. All clubs in District 6630 should be planning an event for World Polio Day. It can be as easy as collecting all of the “ Happy Dollars” in October designating that money for World Polio Day. The Rotary Club of Strongsville is participating in that event. Or you can organize a concert like the Rotary Clubs in Reggio Calabria, Italy are doing. Whatever you are doing, please register the event with Rotary International so the Rotary World can applaud your contribution.
Help eradicate polio world wide—Celebrate World Polio Day on October 24th. And remember—we are this close!
Berea Rotary President Bob Huge and District Governor John Reyes present Jo Ann Solnick with the Unsung Hero Award for her enthusiasm and volunteerism for Rotary projects. Jo Ann is Berea Rotary’s secretary and all-time cheerleader. Congratulations, Jo Ann!!
SPECIAL HALLOWEEN PROGRAM
The Rotary Club of Berea presents
Author Tine Hreno
Tuesday, Oct. 29
6:30 p.m.
Colony Room, BW’s Strosacker Hall
125 Tressel St., Berea
On 19th Century horror writers
Mary Shelley (“mother” of Frankenstein)
Bram Stoker (Dracula)
Edgar Allen Poe (quoth the Raven ‘Nevermore’)
Tine Hreno currently has an exhibit at the University of Akron’s Hower House Museum
Berea Rotary President Bob Huge and Judy Stull hosted the club’s annual clam bake on September 24. Catering was by the Corkscrew Tavern of Medina. Rotarians and guests dined on clam chowder, broth, a dozen clams, chicken, corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, baked potatoes and date and nut cake from Dick’s Bakery in Berea.
Thanks to Bob Huge and Judy Stull for hosting Berea Rotary's annual clambake.
Enjoying the clam chowder are Judy, Bob, Sandy Hammer and Diane White.
PDG Corner: Bev Skrzynski, Jim McKee and Dave Skrzynski.
Julie Brandle was honored to accept the position of AG upon the request of 2019-2020 District Governor John Reyes. The South Summit Cluster includes the clubs of Akron, Fairlawn, Barberton, Green, Port-Summit and Tallmadge. Julie is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Akron, having served her club in a variety of roles including, Chili Open Chair, Public Image Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Chair, and DG Club Representative. At the District level you may know Julie for her service as District Conference Chair for the past 4 years and previously District Public Image Chair.
Julie is the President and Founder of Metis Construction Services, a female-owned commercial general contractor located in Kent, Ohio. Metis performs renovations, ground-up construction, and facilities maintenance throughout Ohio with a particular focus in camp, office, restaurant, and retail segments. Metis employs 56 team members, including two registered architects who provide our clients with in-house design/build capabilities. Metis has been featured by Crain’s Cleveland Business in 2019 as #28 in women-owned companies and #18 in construction companies and is a recipient of the Cascade Capital Growth Award, Medical Mutual Pillar of Community Service Award, GACC SBC Emerging Business Award, AFPNEO Small Business Leadership Award, Black Pages/Summit Magazine Business Advocacy Award and successfully completed ScaleratorNEO. Metis is certified through NWBOC as a female-owned and operated business.
With over 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing, and public relations, Julie oversees these areas of expertise for Metis along with being an integral part of the management team that designs and manages the overall business strategy.
Julie volunteers with Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity, and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, where she is a recipient of the Women of Distinction Award and the Thanks Badge for exemplary volunteer service to Girl Scouts. She serves as President of the Board of both Portage Development Board for Economic Development and CREW Greater Akron-Commercial Real Estate Women. Other current board service in addition to Rotary, includes the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, Akron Urban League, Akron Civic Theatre and the Coleman Foundation. Julie is a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses and Leadership Portage County.
Julie graduated from Bowling Green State University with a double major in Interpersonal and Public Communication and Soviet Studies. She resides with her husband Steven, Metis EVP of Construction Operations, in Brimfield Township. Their daughter, Kimberly, is a Junior at Bowling Green State University Intervention Specialist Education major and a summer camp counselor at the Rotary Camp for children with special needs.
Congratulations to our District 6630 First Lady, Linda Reyes for her lifetime achievement award she received from the Cleveland Clinic. You are an amazing, gifted and incredible woman. What a tremendous accomplishment!
The following was shared: "Your work ethic is second to none and it’s great to see your hard work pay off. We are so lucky to have you, and proud to call you Mom. Love you! Michael Schoolcraft and Sharea Schoolcraft
25th Anniversary of Service with its Community Partners
Gathered around the Rotary Burr Oak Tree, which is planted on the southwest lawn of Medina's Historic Public Square, Medina Sunrise Rotary celebrates its 25 Years of Service with some of its Past District Governors, fellow Rotarians from Brunswick and Wadsworth, Community Partners - The City of Medina Parks Department, The Children's Center of Medina County, the U.S. Army National Guard, and Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Brazil - Sergio Neto.
"The Burr Oak Tree came from the Morgan Park, Illinois, home of Paul Harris who founded Rotary in 1905," said first president of Medina Sunrise Rotary - Becky Shotwell. "It was little more than a 12" sprig when the City of Medina received it in the 1990's and, taking root in the community, now stands proudly at nearly 48 feet tall on Public Square. The Medina Sunrise Rotary Club returns each year in the fall to watch the sun rise over Medina, note the growth of our Rotary tree, and renew our commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond, through our time, talents and treasures."
"Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For 25 years, Medina Sunrise Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects," stated President Shail Jain. From literacy and peace to children's parks, water and health initiatives, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to making a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond through our time, talents, and treasure. We are part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Join us. Rotary Connects the World!
Thank you to our Community Partners, all our Rotarians, and thank you MEDINA!
PHOTO CREDIT BECKY SHOTWELL (L to R):
Becky Shotwell, Toby Butt, Roger Hassler, Dr. Mike Davanzo, Jack Young, Anna Guy-Leach, Dr. David Loeper, Sergio Neto, Marsha Pappalardo, COI David Lariviere, Supt. William Koran, SSG Kevin Clark, Janet Newcomer, Kevin Lauterjung, Dr. Shail Jain, Dennis Powers, Julie West, David Sheldon, Frank Festi, Kevin Wermer, Dr. Than Jain, Brendan Rose, Ed Jakubick, Robert Starcher, Dr. Reid Miller, Dale Huefner, Jansen Wehrley, Paula Knizner, Supt. Kent Morgan, Supt. Daryl Kubilus, Rich Pace
This is my 13th November as a Rotarian and as I reminisce about my start in Rotary I can’t help remember a special project our club sponsored. I joined Rotary because it offered me an opportunity to give back. I know many of you did for the same reason! Anyway, the project was a schoolhouse for handicapped children in the Dominican Republic. It may me feel so proud to be a part of an effort so far away to help children far less fortunate than mine. Every time we had an update from our partner club I felt honored to be a contributor and that my club was involved!
Over the next 13 years my club had many projects both international and local and I experienced the same feeling of helping, even in a small way. I know today, these projects which are carried out by clubs across District 6630 are funded by me and you through our commitment to giving. A large percentage of our donation to TRF comes back to the district to fund our local and International projects. What other charity offers an opportunity to direct your donation to a project you are personally involved? I believe being a Rotarian is a commitment of service and giving and that is why I chose to be the 2019-2020 TRF Fundraising Chair for our district. I ask that all Rotarians make a donation this year if you haven’t in previous years and also, increase your donation if you gave in 2018. Your club will be highlighting the TRF sometime in November. I am proud to be a partner with you in supporting TRF! Thank you!
As we head into another recruitment period for the next class of LEADERSHIP 6630 I would like to take a minute to celebrate the success of this committee. I have been a Rotarian in the RC of Burton-Middlefield and a member of District 6630 for over 30 years. I am constantly amazed at how this district and its leadership step up to solve problems and accomplish tasks that seem too big to overcome. Our incredibly successful Centennial Celebration, our unique A. Z. Baker Award, our Foundation fund raising drive during the Centennial Celebration, Rotary International officers that have come from this district and other accomplishments and achievements too numerous to mention give our district 6630 a distinct level of importance.
Since 2014 we have also had a very successful training program called LEADERSHIP 6630. This is a yearly (calendar year) group of Rotarians who have shown an interest in becoming more involved in Rotary above their club level and positioning themselves to step into a program or committee that excites them at the district level. It is not a classroom training as such but concentrates on exposure to all aspects of Rotary and provides speakers from various committees that speak at the LEADERSHIP 6630 meetings while encouraging the class members to reach out on their own to attend various committee meetings, fund raisers and simply visiting other clubs to expand their Rotary horizons. Members are not expected to move into a district position immediately but to do so at their own pace and schedule. The success has been amazing! In the six years the program has existed they have had 49 graduates. These include 2 District Governors, 2 AG Coordinators, 11 AGs, one membership chair, 2 Interact/Rotaract chairs, one Youth Exchange leader, one RYLA chair, 8 Grant Committee members, 10 District Conference Committee members, 2 Rotary Peace Fellowship Committee Members, one 4-WAY Speech Contest Chair and numerous club presidents. This certainly does not represent all of the dedicated Rotarians who have stepped up and accepted a district level assignment. But it has made a District Governor’s job of staffing their committees much easier and has identified a great deal of talent that may not have been recognized otherwise.
Rick Pollak, 2019/2020 president of the RC of Cuyahoga Falls is to be commended for leading the LEADERSHIP 6630 group since its inception and making the necessary adjustments over the years to make it more productive and successful. As we head towards the next new LEADERSHIP 6630 class that begins 1/1/2020 please contact Rick if you or someone you know exhibits the ambition that makes these class members stand out and show the promise of helping lead District 6630 into the future.
Please enjoy this October edition of the District 6630 Connections eNews. CLICK HERE TO VIEW
Thanks for all the great articles!
We encourage articles about your Club successes, fundraisers, publicity efforts, service projects, member drives, and more!
Please email future content toRotaryDistrict6630@neo.rr.com with DISTRICT NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSION in the subject line.
The next deadline is November 8, 2019 (subject to change).
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The District leadership team is very excited about the opportunities for networking, sharing and fun that you, as your club leader, will have at your workshop at 7:30 am on November 23, 2019 at The Akron Rotary Camp. I am happy to let you know that registration is now open on the Rotary District 6630 website.
There is no charge for PETS-1; however, please complete the registration. We will then know you are attending and be prepared with proper seating, materials and food at Rotary Camp.
If you have any challenges with accessing the district registration page, contact PDG and webmaster Cheryl Warren at 330-495-9814 – she graciously works with clubs and each of us whenever we ask. I would be happy to assist in answering any questions you may have.
Enjoy this beautiful fall weather. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Pavilion Going in at Veterans Memorial Park Thanks to $2,800 Rotary International Grant
The Nordonia Rotary received a $2,800 grant from the International Rotary Foundation for a pavilion at the Veterans Memorial Park. David Fike a Nordonia Rotary member said today that his company, Fike Developing and Excavating is helping with the project. The VFW volunteers are also helping the project. They were out today cutting up the rebar for the wire mesh. Medina Concrete is donating the footer mix for the foundation. The next step would be to pour the concrete slab. The local concrete union is donating their time to pour the concrete. The pavilion, with lights and power, will bring shade to 6 picnic tables.
On site today when I arrived: Alex Posar with dad Frank and Grandfather Frank. Also pictured: David Pristash, Jim Krasnicki and Dave Fike.
Nordonia Club was Event Partner for the Macedonia Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival September 15th
Macedonia Mayor Nick Molnar had this to say about the tremendously successful event: “The craft beer and food truck event was a definite success. While we ran out of the specialty brews, no one could have expected the turnout today. I can assure you that we will build on the learnings of our first ever event and continue to improve.”
Zoé Mayeur, Elin Na, Audrey Carroll (Rotex-Germany) and the Gedelian's (Elin's host family) at Mantua's Canoeing outing Camp Hi.
RYE Students and Cleveland Indians Game
On September 17, 2019, the RYE students, Rebounders, and Outbouders , along with host families and counselors enjoyed a night out with the Indians. A beautiful baseball night with all enjoying themselves.
Stew Buchanan took them to the Indians Team Shop, the Bullpen view for one inning, batting practice, and arranged for the Indian’s Ambassadors to visit with first game certificates and gifts for each student.
While the students may not have understood the intricacies of a baseball game, they knew how to start the “ WAVE” !
It was a great night for baseball and Rotary! Thank you Stew!!
Congratulations to PDG Jim McKee Ashtabula High School Class of 1979
Class president upon his graduation from AHS, Jim was the student body president at Kent State University, Ashtabula in 1980-81 when he earned the Outstanding Student Service Award before graduating from Kent’s Main Campus in 1984 where he served as the Executive Director of Student Government. While at Kent, Jim led a delegation of students to Washington, DC to convince Congress to make Martin Luther King Day a National Holiday. During the event, he stood behind Stevie Wonder and between Coretta Scott King and Andrew Young as Stevie led the crowd in “We Shall Overcome”. His efforts led to receiving the John B. Beacom Memorial Award for his civil rights efforts. He later graduated from the University of Akron, School of Law in 1987 where he was also Class President.
In 1986, he began a carpet cleaning business known as SPECIAL TOUCH of Northeast Ohio which services a 9 county area. The business was named a “Beacon’s Best” Business by the Akron Beacon Journal for 8 consecutive years from 2011-18. A tireless entrepreneur, he sold numerous mom and pop businesses that allowed him to package several real estate investments he owns today. A charter member and first president of TEEM (a business networking group in Summit County), he was named the Business Person of the Year in 2014. In 2008, he purchased American Storage Units in Kent.
In 1996, he became a Rotarian and served as his club’s president 4 times culminating in serving as the District Governor for Rotary District 6630 in 2016-17. In 2015 and 2019, he received the District Governor Award for Service acknowledging numerous programs and contributions. He assisted Rotary with making contributions locally and abroad emulating Jim’s philosophy and the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” One key program he has championed is SWAG (Student’s With A Goal) which serves Akron’s at-risk students. Jim’s signature project and proudest accomplishment was developing “Rotary Swims” in Cuyahoga Falls, which has taught over 300 youngsters how to swim.
Jim is dedicated to living a “green life.” He operates a farm with free-range eggs and grass fed beef cattle, solar panels to provide electricity, and a private CNG plant that he uses to power his carpet cleaning fleet with clean fuel.
Recently, Jim has been spending more time in Ashtabula looking to make a difference and give back in his home town. He founded the organization, “I’m in…Amazing Ashtabula” to collaborate various community organizations into working collectively on positive projects in Ashtabula, usually focusing on clean-up and beautification. His goal in all his endeavors is “to make a difference.”
Article provided by the AHS/HHS/LHS Alumni Association
Fellow Rotarian Inducted into Ashtabula Hall of Fame
On September 6 the Rotary Club of North Ridgeville proudly sponsored the North Ridgeville Library’s Senior Reading Buddies program. Jennifer Winkler, North Ridgeville Branch Manager (pictured with club President Pietro Trunzo), joined the meeting that day and detailed the program itself and how they hoped to use funds to get the project launched. Jennifer is the catalyst and champion for this brand-new program being offered. It is an intergenerational program that pairs young readers (kindergarten through 3rd grade) with a senior reading buddy.
As a club, this was an easy decision to make to support this project. The funds that were donated -- $1,200 -- will go toward purchasing up to 30-book sets to be used in multiple Senior Reading Buddies sessions—these books would be owned by the library and reused, but would not circulate. The funds will also be used to create circulating literacy backpacks that would contain books and literacy-themed games for emerging readers; and to purchase between 60-80 books that will be given away to participating families.
One of the pillars of Rotary International is literacy and our club is delighted to help support that initiative within our community. It is through all of our fundraising events that we are able to give back to the city in such a meaningful way.
North Ridgeville Club Champions Literacy Via Library
A bike share project in Solon is gaining momentum, thanks in large part to a donation from the Solon Rotary.
Last week, Solon city officials accepted a $7,000 donation from the Rotary to support “Solon Spins,” a project to provide residents of all ages an Opportunity to bicycle.
The project is a joint collaboration between the Solon Senior Center and Solon Recreation Department.
“It fits perfectly for us, and we are excited about it,” Donald W. Holub, recreation director, said.
Senior Center Director Jill Frankel explained to the City Council Finance Committee last week that although bicycling has both physical and mental benefits, it is not accessible to all.
“It requires strength and the ability to balance, as well as endurance to pedal,” she said. “For some, bicycles are not accessible due to cost and storage issues.”
The Solon Spins program will minimize these challenges, she said, by providing residents an opportunity to borrow age-friendly bicycles.
Although the number to be purchased has not yet been determined, the age-friendly bikes will include all different kinds, such as a child tricycle, a bicycle with training wheels, a step-through bike, adult tricycle and recumbent bike.
Three standard hybrid bicycles will also be purchased, along with bicycle helmets, baskets and bags for transporting items via the borrowed bicycle.
Through the grant, the city will also purchase a storage shed to safely store the bicycles and equipment, Ms. Frankel said.
Bicycles will be available to borrow through the senior center and Solon Community Center.
Beyond just offering bikes to borrow, the Solon Spins project will focus on bicycle education,Ms. Frankel added.
The first educational session was held earlier this month and presented by Bike Cleveland, with a handful of residents taking part and Mayor Edward H. Kraus also taking part in the ride. The Solon Police Department and Solon Bicycle will also offer an ongoing bicycle education program.
“We want our residents to enjoy biking our city, but we also want everyone to be safe while doing so,” he said. “We really encourage everyone to take advantage of the bike safety education that Solon Spins and the Solon Police Department are offering.”
Solon Rotary President Chris Janson said the club and the Solon Senior Center have had a longstanding relationship and the seniors are a “strong group of volunteers” at the Rotary’s monthly food pantry.
“We thought this was a real nice project that fit in with our mission, which is really providing benefits to people who need it,” Mr. Janson said. “We saw a lot of opportunities here and were happy to get involved and give the donation.”
The Rotary, comprised of about 24 members, also provides monthly a produce distribution for seniors.
Solon community members gather for a bike ride near the Solon Community Center. The Solon Rotary, Solon Senior Center and Solon Community Center are partnering to start a Solon Spins program which will allow residents of all ages and abilities the opportunity to borrow bikes and enjoy cycling.
Courtesy of the City of Solon
Rotary event supports the fight against hunger, homelessness
How far-reaching the causes of the Solon Rotary are was made clear during a fundraising event that combined exercise and entertainment last Saturday.
Presented for the ninth year, a Day for Freedom included a 5K Fun Run at the Solon Community Center and bowling party at Rollhouse Entertainment, all benefiting organizations freeing people from hunger and homelessness and aiding those suffering from addiction. A total of $15,000 was raised that evening.
“We partnered with True Freedom Ministries trying to find and help with the roots of poverty and educate people after they have been incarcerated,” Rotary member and Solon resident Jim Hyde said. “It’s the forgotten piece.”
While these issues are not as prevalent in Solon as they are nation and worldwide, the Rotary attempts to make a wider impact, Mr. Hyde said.
Lakewood resident Alex Zebrowski, who attended the bowling party, said he grew up in Cleveland’s inner city. He said it is critical to support True Freedom’s mission to assist those in need, especially children.
“The kids never get out of the system,” Mr. Zebrowski said, “and they need additional services.” It’s important to “break the cycle,” he said.
The causes supported that evening were a nice tie-in to the club’s overall mission of Service Above Self, South Russell resident and Rotary President Chris Janson said.
The Day for Freedom has gained momentum over the years, with about 100 in attendance last weekend, including Mayor Edward H. Kraus and some city officials.
“The Rotary is a great community organization,” Mayor Kraus said. “They are all Solon residents trying to make a difference. Their whole goal is to give back to the community.”
Solon resident and Rotary member Irina P’Simer said Rotary members are wonderful because they do so much in Solon and Cleveland as well as across the globe. For example, the club is working to bring clean water to the people of Uganda, she said. “For such a small club to do this is amazing,” she added.
In the Solon community, the club sponsors a monthly food pantry and free produce distribution for older residents. The local Rotary also works with the Solon Interact Club at the high school and travels to El Salvador to build wells for communities without easy access to fresh drinking water.
Attendees of the bowling party enjoyed games of laser tag and games of chance in the arcade, as well as an opportunity to socialize and a 50/50 raffle.
Past Rotary president and Rollhouse owner Glenn Gable, of Pepper Pike, said the Rotary grouped its efforts to also include benefiting the Theo Bowman Center in Cleveland, as well as its work in Uganda.
“Part of Rotary is to do something domestically and internationally,” Mr. Gable said. “They do such good work locally and internationally,” added Councilman William I. Russo, who was in attendance.
“It’s a good fundraiser,” Solon resident Owen Grossman, 13, a student at Solon Middle School, said. Owen bowled with a group of fellow teens. “It brings together the community to help out.”
Celebrity Chef Jonathan Sawyer Helps Strongsville Rotary Club Fight Hunger at The Tenth Annual Taste in Strongsville Hosted By Strongsville Rotary Club
Celebrity Chef Jonathan Sawyer of The Greenhouse Tavern will be Featured along with some of Northeastern Ohio’s finest cuisine at The Rotary Club of Strongsville’s Tenth Annual A Taste in Strongsville, on Thursday, October 3rd, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of the Pettiti Family, this unique event is presented at Petitti Garden Center’s Victorian Conservatory, in Strongsville, which is transformed into a bistro type of atmosphere.
This event is brought to you with the help of our sponsors and the 25 participating restaurants by the Strongsville Rotary Club with proceeds used to support the Strongsville Emergency Food Bank AND other area food pantries.
When it comes to food, fun and fundraising this is the place to be on Thursday, October 3rd.
A Taste in Strongsville, offers attendees the opportunity to sample a variety of delectable food, hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by 25 plus of the finest restaurants in Greater Cleveland in addition to the Greenhouse Tavern.
A Taste in Strongsville is sponsored by Petitti Garden Centers, Giant Eagle Market District, Sheiban Jewelers, Ellsworth Advisors,Rosewood Grill and Medina Auto Mall.
In addition to fabulous foods offered, attendees can enjoy wine tasting, craft beers and unlimited food sampling. A Taste in Strongsville features a silent auction, Rolex watch raffle and the raffling of a four-day, three-night V.I.P Trip for four to Napa Valley, California. The value of the Napa Valley trip is more than $12,000.
In addition to the main event, premium tickets are available for the Sheiban Jewelers VIP Lounge, featuring top shelf cocktails, VIP wines and food prepared by The Greenhouse Tavern.
In conjunction with A Taste in Strongsville, the Strongsville Rotary is raffling a Wine Country Experience of a Lifetime for four to Napa Valley, California. The package to the premier travel destination includes limousine service to a variety of exclusive V.I.P. winery tours, and a $5,000 stipend to defer the cost of travel. Raffle tickets are limited in quantity and cost $100 each.
A silent auction will be held, along with a raffle for a Rolex watch courtesy of Sheiban Jewelers.
Seating at A Taste in Strongsville is limited. The event has sold out in each of its first nine years. Main Event tickets are $85 per person, which includes the food, wine tastings and craft beer and an appearance by Celebrity Chef Jonathan Sawyer. Exclusive VIP tickets, which include the main event and the exclusive VIP Lounge, cost $150 per person.
If you do not yet receive the Russell Hampton Company newsletter for Rotary supplies, you may want to subscribe by clicking here. They run monthly specials and announce new products. Rotary products are a great way to promote your Club! The newsletter is too large to publish here - but visit their site for all the details!
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How will you connect the world?
Our Rotary service connects us to people who share our values and want to take action for a better world. It connects us to people we might never otherwise meet, people who are more like us than we imagined. And it connects us to people who need our help, allowing us to change lives in communities around the world.
Rotary is implementing a new strategic plan, but the real work of shaping Rotary’s future lies with you as we adapt and grow for the future. RI President Mark Daniel Maloney challenges you to strengthen the many ways that Rotary Connects the World by building the connections that allow talented, thoughtful, and generous people to unite and take meaningful action through service.
The 2019-20 Rotary Citation will recognize the accomplishments of clubs that support the priorities of our strategic plan and make a positive difference in their communities. Encourage your clubs to work toward the citation’s goals.
Engaging with Rotary to enhance your membership experience
We’re celebrating our members and their clubs — and all the good they do around the world — during Membership and New Club Development Month in August. We know that participating in local service projects is the No. 1 reason people join Rotary and why current members stay. Our most recent Membership Experience Feedback Survey tells us that prospective members are very interested in international service projects as well. This month is a great time to highlight our service opportunities to new and longtime members.
Friendship and fellowship is another important component for current members. Through the friends we make and the lives we change, Rotary offers us opportunities to engage with a global community and make a positive difference.
You can enhance your membership experience by getting involved in the programs listed below.
Making new friends
Discover other cultures and make friends across the globe by taking part in a Rotary Friendship Exchange.
Explore your passions and hobbies with fellow Rotarians by joining Rotary Fellowships.
Foster intercultural understanding through an intercountry committee. An ICC promotes peace and friendship and strengthens relationships between two countries.
Attend a project fair to support an international service effort while learning about another culture.
Reaching beyond your own club
Collaborate with experts from a Rotarian Action Group to help ensure your service projects have a lasting impact.
Sponsor a Rotary Community Corps to get members of your community who are not Rotarians involved in making a difference.
Work with your district community and international service chairs to boost your service efforts.
Share your project successes on Rotary Showcase to inspire others and promote Rotary’s impact.
Collaborating with partners on sustainable service projects
Consider working with one of our partners on your next club or district project to help ensure sustainability, gain access to expertise, and strengthen local networks.
Ashoka creates positive social and economic change
Cathy Bisaillon, a member of the Rotary Club of Silverdale, Washington, USA, prompted her club to act after telling them about the difficulties that people with disabilities can face when trying to find jobs. The club organized a mock interview service project that not only gave participants interview experience but also provided them with business cards. At least one person secured an interview for an open position in a Rotarian’s business.
The Rotary Clubs of Detroit, Ann Arbor, & Windsor 1918 and The Wayne State University Center for Peace and Conflict Studies is hosting Peace in the Streets Conference in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario Canada on October 25-26,2019. Rotarians, Rotaractors and their families in your Club and District are welcome to participate. This is the second year our District 6400 and Wayne State University has sponsored this event. Here is the link for more information: http://www.a2rotary.org/event/peace-in-the-streets/
Nearly 40 golfers, including Browns alumni players, took part in the 15th annual Lou Groza Charity Golf Event hosted by the Rotary Club of Berea on Sept. 5. Golfers teed off at Coppertop at Cherokee Hills in Valley City for 18 holes of golf followed by an awards dinner. Proceeds provide scholarships for seniors at Berea-Midpark High School and Polaris Career Center.
Browns alumni were Greg Pruitt, Ben Davis, Rod Morris and Ernie Kellerman, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Chagrin Valley. Greg Pruitt was a member of the winning foursome, which donated its prize money back to Berea Rotary. In fact, most of the winners did just that.
There also were raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. The Cleveland Browns donated raffle items including two autographed footballs and an autographed helmet. Other baskets were Ohio Lottery tickets, gift cards, Indians gear, Ohio State gear and Ohio craft beers.
Nearly 40 golfers hit the links at Coppertop of Cherokee Hills for the 15th annual Lou Groza Charity Golf Event on Sept. 5. The weather was perfect and proceeds benefit the Berea Rotary's scholarship fund.
Thanks to Browns alumni Greg Pruitt, Ben Davis, Ernie Kellerman and Rod Morris for supporting the Lou Groza golf outing. Ernie is a member of the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club.
Thanks, as always, to our Rotary volunteers: Jim Walters, Trevor Koenig, PDG Dave Skrzynski, Bob Huge, Bob Hammer, Don Voigt. Seated, Linda Kramer, JoAnn Solnick and Judy Stull. Missing in action, PDG Jack Young, who took the photo.
Ray Bartlett receives Scouting’s Silver Antelope Award
Representing the Lake Erie Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Ray Bartlett received Scouting’s prestigious Silver Antelope Award during ceremonies in Denver on May 31. The Silver Antelope is conferred for distinguished service to youth. Ray earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1948. In his 55 years as a Scouter, he has received numerous awards, including the Silver Beaver, the Order of the Arrow Founder’s Award and the James E. West Fellowship Award. He also has earned Seabadge and Powder Horn. Ray was awarded the Distinguished Commissioner Service Award for his many years as a commissioner. He has been a unit, assistant district and roundtable commissioner and currently is assistant council commissioner and faculty for the area commissioner conference. He also is the chair for the resource center Area 4 training conference.
Ray is a member of the American Legion and served on his post’s Youth Activities Committee. He assisted veterans and their families and organized holiday functions. The Legion awarded him the Community Organization Award.
Ray has been a member of Berea Rotary since 2009.
Congratulations, Ray!!
Berea Rotary is grillin' at the steak roast
Sandy Hammer, PDG Dave Skrzynski, Trevor Koenig and Judy Stull kick off the festivities at Berea Rotary's annual steak roast. Thanks to Bob Huge and Judy Stull for hosting. Steaks were from Gibbs Butcher Block.
"Welcome to all our Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Students who will spend a full academic year, 2019-20, living with their host families and attending schools in North East Ohio," said Robert Heydorn, Ohio Erie - District 6630 Chairman. "We are very proud that these highly qualified international students have been selected to be with us as we begin this year's Orientation Weekend for students, families and Rotarians, hosted by the Akron Rotary Camp. I have every confidence in their future success and believe that they will be splendid representatives of their respective countries and the Rotary Youth Exchange Program."
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a Rotary Internationalstudent exchange scholarship program for students in secondary school. Since 1929, Rotary International has sent highly qualified young people around the globe to experience new cultures and be youth ambassadors of their local communities. Currently, about 9,000 scholarship students are sponsored by Rotary clubs every year. Rotary is a fully accredited member of CSIET - Council of Standards for International Student Exchange. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.
Year of Adventure Begins for Ohio Erie - District 6630 Youth Exchange Students
October 24th is World Polio Day in the Rotary world. Rotary is committed to raising $50 million a year to be matched 2-to1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Since 1985, when Polio Plus began, Rotary has contributed over $1.9 BILLION to fight this crippling disease. Three years later Rotary joined Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So, you ask---why are we still collecting money to eradicate polio after 30 years of fighting it??? Rotarians all over the world have been saying “We’re this close” for years!
Currently there are two countries still reporting cases of polio—Afghanistan and Pakistan. There were 33 cases of the wild polio virus reported in 2018. Fifty eight ( 58) children have been tested as positive since the beginning of 2019. Due to an anti-vaccination movement in Pakistan, two million
households are refusing vaccinations for the children. Wrong information sent out over social media, has made it very difficult in Pakistan .
Please continue to support Rotary as it continues its Polio Eradication. Please join us on October 24th and celebrate our success as we move toward the finish line. Your club may want to have an “END POLIO NOW” event around the October 24th to make your community aware of our good work and the need to continue. Post this on Facebook. Twitter, or your club home page.
Medina Sunrise Rotary welcomed Kristiana Davis, a Baldwin Wallace University student from Brunswick, Ohio, who is an outstanding representative of "THIRST PROJECT" -- the world's largest youth water organization. "This is an energized youth movement, founded over 10 years ago," said Kristiana. It involves thousands of socially-conscious students who have organized to join the fight against the global water crisis. Did you know that a billion people on the planet do not have access to safe drinking water? The need is great. We can no longer ignore the #1 killer of children."
The ThirstProject is a non-profit organization and a movement of students whose aim is to bring safe drinking water to communities around the world where it is not immediately available. The organization was founded in 2008, in Los Angeles, by several college students who learned about the international water crisis and wanted to make a difference by bringing sustainable solutions. The ThirstProject raises awareness, educates and activates students. It collects money and builds wells all across the continent of Africa where villages do not have immediate drinking water.
We know that young people are THE most powerful agents for social change in the world. Students in elementary schools, high schools and colleges across America have formed a goal to provide safe, clean water and sanitation to 13 countries and growing. With your help, we can do this. With your help, we can give water. With your help, we can give LIFE! - Seth Maxwell, Founder/CEO of THIRST PROJECT. PHOTO (L to R): Roger Hassler, Paula Knizner, Dr. Shail Jain, Kristiana Davis, Kevin Wermer, David Vogelgesang
"Thirst Project" - World's Largest Youth Water Organization
September Meeting of Hudson Rotary Features a Triple Treat! The Rotary Club of Hudson enjoyed three special events in one recent meeting:
A presentation by District Governor John Reyes who reviewed Rotary International projects, highlighted many Club successes and emphasized the plans to recruit women, retirees and young people worldwide.
A recognition of the Hudson Club’s “Unsung Hero” by President Tom Tobin. Awardee Ron Barnhouse has diligently set up and dismantled every weekly meeting for many years. This has required arriving before 7:00 a.m. for each meeting and then staying after to secure the displays and A/V equipment.
The Introduction of our newest Youth Exchange Student, Serena, from the Spanish Canary Islands. Serena is attending Hudson High School, learning English and tackling a number of scientific courses.
Five October meetings will showcase the candidates for Hudson Mayor and Council members. The debates will be by Ward and include any candidate that responded to the Club’s invitation. These sessions have proven valuable in past years as Rotarians are free to ask tough questions and interact personally with the office seekers.
Below is the latest information that I have received regarding the efforts of Shelter Box and Rotary to help those in the Bahamas. If you have any questions, please feel to contact me
Past District 6630 Governor and Shelter Box USA Board of Directors (2007-14)
I have received the following word from Bahamas Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis who states "for those who want to help, work with reputable charities with proven records. Donate your time, talents and resources to their relief efforts and this will make a big difference. This is vital to ensure that relief supplies and aid to ensure those supplies get to those in need as timely as possible."
The following is the latest information I have received this evening (September 9, 2019) from our Shelter Box USA office.
1. Our Shelter Box assessment team arrived in the Bahamas, Nassau this past week and is working with other humanitarian organizations and Rotary contacts to understand how me might be able to help people affected by Hurricane Dorian.
2. Many communities on the island are still underwater, with families still being evacuated from the most affected areas. Search and rescue continues to be the main priority.
3. A recent report from OCHA states that 15,000 people are in need of assistance.
4. The situation will remain unclear for some time. Early conversations are pointing to the most suitable items potentially being tarpaulins, shelter kits solar lights and other household items.
5. Travel between the islands is still extremely challenging and our Shelter Box team have not yet traveled to the worst affected islands. Ports, harbors and airports have all been severely damaged and the current focus on the islands is search and rescue.
6. The Shelter Box Team has been in close contact with Immediate Past RI President Barry Rassin and Past District Governor Felix Stubbs who are coordinating the Rotary Bahamas Response to Hurricane Dorian.
7. The Shelter Box team joined the District 7020 Disaster Management Committee meeting today (Monday September 9th) and were able to update them on our progress and understanding the coordination process, assessment gaps and plans to tie in with other International Agencies, the UN and IFRC and local NGO's to try and get a full picture as to the challenges.
Rotary International Past President Barry Rassin is keeping Shelter Box informed of Rotary efforts across the Bahamas, including joint response with District 6690. Shelter Box is able to share information and ur connections with the UN and international agencies to ensure closer coordination, collaboration, reducing any duplication and identifying if and where gaps exist that our shelter aid (including tools, house hold items) may be of use.
8. When we (Shelter Box) has the appropriate information we need to respond, we will communicate right away and accordingly to all Rotarians.
This is the latest information I have received. If you have further questions and or willing to support the efforts of Shelter Box, Please feel free to contact me.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TRANSFORM DESPAIR INTO HOPE.
PDG Jack Young and Shelter Box USA Past Board of Director member---jack1villa@aol.com or 440-759-4000
District 6630, with an assist from clubs in 6600, had a great Shoe Box Year! We sent a record 890 boxes along with 35 layette bags from Northeast Ohio. This was a collaborative effort of 30 clubs and two businesses.
This is the second year Westlake Bay Village has overseen the Shoe Box Project after taking it over from Jack Young and Marsha Pappalardo, though both provided a tremendous amount of support again this year. Kevin Krantz has taken the lead for our club and streamlined the process tremendously from last year.
Once all the boxes are collected, we hold an “Audit Party” to give one last look-see at the boxes and bags before they are shipped. This year, members of several clubs helped out with the process including members of the newly created E-Club! We also had a huge assist and support from our Assistant District Governor Adam Sonnhalter.
In addition, we could not have completed this project with the assistance of two local businesses. Cody Miller, owner of the Westlake based business RAM Sensors, graciously allows the club to store the boxes on pallets until they can be picked up. Another local company, V3 Transportation, donated a truck and driver to take the cargo to Waterloo, IA, the next step on their journey to Chinandega.
Thank you all for participating in this fantastic project that helps all of our clubs connect in a meaningful way and if extremely “beneficial to all concerned”, especially the Children of Chinandega.
Below is information on how your Clubs, and Individuals can contribute through The Rotary Foundation to help with Disaster Relief for those impacted by Hurricane Dorian.
This year Aurora High School Interact club has over 160 members. The students are already hard at work planning Interaction Day which will be hosted at Aurora High School on Saturday November 2nd from 9 am to 1:00 PM. Please plan on having your Interact club attend.
Show us your club's best service project in a short video for a chance to be named "Best Video" and awarded US$1000 for your next project!
Check out last year's finalists to get inspired. Then, work with your sponsor Rotary club, local Rotaract club, teachers, and parents to make your video a reality. The deadline to submit a video is 1 December 2019.
Greetings from Rotary. Your Club and District Support (CDS) team is contacting you to remind you of the IRS’ annual filing requirement for all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Note: If your club has already completed this requirement this year, please disregard this message.
Whether your club is a subordinate under Rotary International’s 501(c)(4) group exemption or is independently tax-exempt, the IRS requires that all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and its territories file an annual information return. For those clubs whose tax year follows the Rotary year, the deadline to file is 15 November. The form a club must file is dependent upon its gross receipts for the year. For more information, please see Frequently asked questions about annual reporting requirements for exempt organizations at www.irs.gov.
It is important that your club comply with IRS requirements. Please note that Section 6033(j) of the Internal Revenue Code automatically revokes the exemption of any organization that fails to satisfy its filing requirement for three consecutive years.
Our Frequently Asked Questions will answer many of the general questions you may have about Rotary clubs and the IRS. Please direct any specific questions regarding your club’s tax-exempt status or reporting requirements to local counsel, your tax adviser, or the IRS at www.irs.gov or 877-829-5500.
Please note this email has been sent to all club presidents, secretaries, executive secretaries/directors, and treasurers reported in our database with a valid email.
Thank you for your attention to this important reminder.
Sincerely,
Your CDS Team
Notice for ALL Clubs: Remember to file your Annual IRS Information!!
Rotary Youth Exchange Student Sergio Neto, from Londrina, Brazil received a warm welcome from Medina Sunrise Rotary this morning. "I am truly excited to begin my Exchange Year as a Senior at Medina High School and learn more about American culture," said Sergio. "My Host Parents, David and Beth Vogelgesang, are the best! They helped me register for my classes at the high school and have taken me to the DCI Drum and Bugle Corps International Competition at First Energy Stadium, as part of the NFL Hall of Fame Celebration. I already love it here in America and am grateful to Rotary for providing me with this opportunity of a lifetime."
As announced on August 18th, we are currently seeking applications for our 2022-2023 District 6630 Governor. One of the most important decisions we make as a District is selecting our future leaders and we are seeking the most qualified person for the position of District Governor. If you have a demonstrated history of leadership and collaboration as a Rotarian and are willing to share your passion and talents as District Governor, please seriously consider this opportunity.
The members of the 2019-2020 Nominating Committee are as follows:
Chair/Immediate Past District Governor
Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski (Cleveland)
Kathy Berkshire (Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise)
PDG Stew Buchanan (Akron)
PDG Mike Davanzo (Medina Sunrise)
Ken Fogle (Chagrin Valley)
Bob Fratino (Painesville)
Dave Hansford (Kent)
Tracy Jemison (Burton-Middlefield)
Linda Kramer (Berea)
John Laird (Hudson Clocktower)
To reiterate, the qualifications are as follows which are excerpted from the RI Bylaws:
16.010. Qualifications of a Governor-nominee.
Unless excused by the board, the person selected as a governor-nominee shall at the time of selection:
(a) be a member in good standing of a functioning club in the district;
(b) have served as club president for a full term or as charter president for at least six months;
(c) demonstrate willingness, commitment, and ability to fulfill the duties and
responsibilities of a governor in section 16.030.;
(d) demonstrate knowledge of the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of
governor as prescribed in the bylaws; and
(e) submit to RI a statement that the Rotarian understands those qualifications,
duties, and responsibilities, is qualified for the office of governor, and is willing
and able to assume and faithfully perform those duties and responsibilities.
16.020. Qualifications of a Governor.
Unless excused by the board, a governor, when taking office, must have attended the international assembly for its full duration, have been a Rotarian for at least seven years, and continue to possess the qualifications in section 16.010.
a) Be a Rotarian in good standing of an active club in our District.
b) Have served a full year as Club President or have served a full term
(six months at a minimum) as a Charter President of a new club from the
date of charter to June 30.
c) Be willing to fulfill the duties of and responsibilities of the Office of
Governor, demonstrating commitment and ability, both physical
and otherwise.
d) At the time of taking office as Governor, must have attended the
International Assembly (held in January of the preceding year) and
have been a Member of one or more Rotary Clubs for at least seven (7)
Our District 6630 Nominating Committee will comply with RI’s election guidelines as described in the the following links If you plan to print these instead of viewing them, please be advised that they are extremely lengthy.
District Governor Candidate should complete and sign both forms;
The Club Secretary should sign the Governor-nominee Designate form verifying the Club’s Statement of Candidate’s Qualifications.
Please send both of these forms to:
PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski
Chair, District 6630 Nominating Committee
690 Wyleswood Drive
Berea, OH 44017
All proposed candidate documents must be postmarked by
October 18, 2019:
Do NOT email the forms – they must be sent via US Mail.
The 2019-2020 Nominating Committee will interview proposed candidates during the week of October 28, 2019 (final date[s] to be announced based on the number of candidates to be interviewed) and select a District Governor Nominee-Designate who will serve as District Governor for the 2022-2023 Rotary year.
IMPORTANT: A fundamental principle of Rotary is that the best qualified candidate should be selected for service in elective offices. The RI Bylaws prohibit any effort by a candidate, a candidate’s supporter, or any Rotarian to influence the selection process in a positive or negative manner, including but not limited to, campaigning or canvassing. Brochures, literature, letters, or any form of communication promoting a candidate are not to be distributed or circulated by a candidate or others on the candidate’s behalf. The Bylaws further provide that under certain circumstances the Rotary International Board may disqualify a candidate from election who violates the provision prohibiting campaigning for the position.
Please direct any questions to PDG Ghent-Skrzynski by cell phone or email: 440-915-4992; bgs1819@aol.com.
Thank you for your assistance with this very important process.
Kind regards,
Beverly
Beverly A. Ghent-Skrzynski
Chair, 2019-2020 RI District 6630 Nominating Committee Rotary International Past District Governor (2018-2019)
In my August letter, we began exploration of Rotary International President Mark Maloney’s primary goal of developing membership in new clubs in innovative ways. This topic is complex and of vital importance to all of us.
A quick review of the membership results for District 6630 during the 2018-2019 Rotary year points to the critical nature of advancing membership. Fully, 26 of our clubs lost members during the past Rotary year. An additional 8 club’s membership was unchanged. This is a trend that we cannot, and I am confident will not, allow to continue. We are certainly off to a good start. From July 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019, our membership increased as a district by a net gain of 20. However, from past experience, we all know how difficult it will be to maintain this upward trend and finish the year with a net increase in membership.
Your entire District Leadership team is here to assist you and your club in the growth process. The membership committee led by PDG Jim McKee in particular can and will provide assistance and advice to you on innovative membership tools, innovative club types, and the nuts and bolts of brochures, business cards and the like for your club.
One of the major undertakings of the district is to help create and participate in the second annual Tri-District Membership Summit. Mark your calendars for this event which will take place at the Stanton Middle School, 1175 Hudson Road, Kent, Ohio 44240 on October 26, 2019. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the program will end at 12:30 p.m. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
There will be over three hours of productive interaction with the best and brightest Rotarians from Districts 6630, 6650, and 6600.
There will be small group facilitated sessions broken down by club size for five areas. These areas are: “Closing the Back Door” to retain members; Developing an Effective Orientation; Making Your Club More Attractive; Practicing Flexibility and Innovation and Attracting People of Action. To effectively take advantage of this opportunity (which is free to attend), I ask that each club send at least three members who are interested in membership and hopefully include a critical part of your leadership team.
A unique opportunity has been developed for this Tri-District Membership Summit. A “capstone” session will give you dedicated time to build your membership plan in a facilitated small group discussion. All other sessions are offered multiple times so your team can attend all the sessions of interest to them.
In reviewing the results of last year’s Tri-District Membership summit, we are both encouraged and pleased to report that those clubs that attended and took serious advantage of the opportunities offered have had good results. Thus, I ask you to bring your team—this is a morning focused on engagement. Plan to leave the event with materials and programs you can implement around membership immediately.
As you plan your attendance at the Tri-District Membership seminar, there are a few things you should think about. First, why do prospective members join a Rotary club? The best statistics indicate that about 40% of new members join to participate in local service. Another 31% join to participate in international service projects, and about 27% join to gain personal development and training opportunities. What can you do to take advantage of this information?
With regard to “Closing the Back Door,” why do current members stay? The best information available indicates that about 46% stay to participate in local service projects. Another 41% stay to enjoy friendship and fellowship. About 29% stay so that they can connect with people outside their work and social circles. What can you do to take advantage of this information?
If you have any questions about this event, please direct them to PDG Jim McKee. He can be reached at hunnee1997@aol.com. I look forward to seeing you there!
Speaking of fun and fellowship, PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski and I both cordially invite you to the upcoming Foundation Gala to be held at Windows on the River on December 5, 2019. Plan on spending an enjoyable evening with us. After all, what is more fun than a dessert dash and a chance to show off your ugly holiday sweater? More information is forthcoming, but I ask you to save the date now.
I close with a message from R.I. President Mark Maloney. Mark points out that another summer is winding down and regardless of season, every family has its own traditions. He goes on to state:
I would like to suggest a new one [tradition] for [your family]: Find an opportunity to introduce your family to Rotary…We must foster a culture where Rotary does not compete with family, but compliments it. We should never expect our members to choose between the two…
Often, the young professionals that Rotary needs to attract in order to remain a dynamic 21st century service organization are the very people who have the greatest family responsibilities. We must not keep these prospective young members away from their families…
So let us open our doors and do it in a fun way, with opportunities that make our children and grandchildren want to learn more about Rotaract, Interact, and Rotary membership.
So how will you grow your Rotary club this year?
Sincerely,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
For the 4 year, Honorary Rotarian of the RC of Wadsworth, 96 year old Helen Shurance of Seville, Ohio hand made this year 150 dolls for the babies at the Pregnant Women's Shelter in Chinnendega, Nicaragua. Over the past 4 years she has personally knitted over 600 50 dolls to be given to these children. After seeing an article in the local newspaper regarding PDG Jack Young as to what the Rotary Clubs were doing at the Children of the Dump in Nicaragua, she wanted to do something special for the new born babies. It also should be noted that she was given the Unsung Hero Award from our Past District Governor Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski earlier this year.
After spending most of her married life on a farm in Montville Township with her husband William, Helen is currently residing just outside of Seville with her daughter Becky and son-in-law Rick Hunyady. Giving up the farm and apple orchard in 1994, Helen began making quilts for her 20 grandchildren. She continued quilting making over 100, at least 53 of these completely by hand.
In 2016, Helen learned about Comfort Dolls, softly crocheted and use as packing in medical supplies to protect glass vials of medication and shipped to Africa, Asiaia and Central America.They were given to orphans, sometimes being the child's only possession. She learned about the Shoes Boxes and Latettes to Nicaragua after seeing an article in the local paper about Jack Young and the work being done by Rotary Clubs in Nicaragua. After contacting him several years ago, she decided to begin making these dolls. Therefore, Jack and Marsha Pappalardo, Past President of the RC of Brunswick have been in contact with her since then. Helen is certainly living the motto of "Service Above Self" .
World Polio Day is 24 October. Now’s the time to start planning events in your community. You’ll find resources to help you plan and promote your event, including a sample press release and social media messages and graphics, in the World Polio Day Toolkit.
Last year, Rotarians hosted more than 4,000 World Polio Day events in 90 countries. Let’s plan even more events this year to let the world know that the fight to end polio isn’t over.
Rotary recently gave $100 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio. The funding comes as Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative address the final, most pressing challenges to ending poliovirus transmission.
For the past 33 years, the Rotary Club of Çanakkale, Turkey, has organized a swim meet: the Dardanelles Strait Swimming Competition. On 30 August, 600 swimmers from around the world will swim 3.5 nautical miles (approximately 6.4 kilometers) from Europe to Asia through the Dardanelles Strait. The event has been registered as a World Polio Day event to raise awareness of polio eradication.
In the news
Bill Gates and Past RI President Barry Rassin were interviewed for Forbes about the importance of our partnership in the fight to end polio.
Former U.S. Senator Mark Kirk wrote an opinion piece for The Hill to explain why it’s important for governments to continue funding the fight to end polio.
As a podcast guest on Voices for Vaccines and the CDC Foundation’s Contagious Conversations, PolioPlus Director Carol Pandak offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to eradicate polio.
As of 21 August 2019, Nigeria has gone 3 years without a case of wild poliovirus! What’s next? The entire World Health Organization African region could potentially be certified wild poliovirus-free as soon as mid-2020.
Help Rotary eradicate polio
We recently announced a bold, five-year strategy to rid the world of polio, and $3.27 billion is urgently needed in order to achieve our goal.
Will you help by donating to End Polio Now? Your contribution will be automatically tripled by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Please enjoy this August eBulletin. CLICK HERE TO VIEW. You can click on most photos to enlarge them throughout the newsletter. Please email future content with photos to RotaryDistrict6630@neo.rr.com with DISTRICT NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSION in the subject line.
We accept article ideas about club and district successes, including fundraisers, publicity efforts, service projects, and member drives. Please include your name and the club name. Please send pictures as attachments and be certain that you have permission to use the photos - if anyone is under the age of 18, please ensure you have a parent/guardian release on file accordingly. If you format your content we cannot guarantee it will remain formatted as sent - we do our best but it is subject to be altered. We will publish information received by our deadlines (see footer of this edition).
Thanks to all who sent articles this month! The next deadline is September 13, 2019.
Attending Berea Rotary's annual scholarship dinner are Alexandrya Enczur, Samantha Matese and Maya Wargelin. Thanks to Scholarship Chair Tom O'Donnell for keeping tabs on all our students.
Berea Rotary honors scholarship winners
Berea Rotarians hosted our scholarship winners and their families on Tuesday, July 30.
Alexandrya Enczur, a 2018 graduate of Olmsted Falls High School, attended with her father, Mark. Alex is attending Kent State and is studying medical technology.
Samantha Matese is a 2019 graduate of Berea-Midpark High School. She is enrolled at Otterbein College this fall, where she will play on the soccer team. Her major will be allied health professions and she hopes to work with disabled and injured children. Her parents Carrie and Joe Matese also attended the dinner.
Maya Wargelin also graduated from BMHS in 2019. Maya will attend Kent State to study child psychology. She plans to pursue a master’s degree after her four years at Kent. Samantha’s mother, Kathleen, also attended the dinner.
Our other scholarship recipients were unable to attend but will be scheduled for a future dinner. Joseph Wozniak, 2019, is out of town; Joseph Mendes, 2018, is working in Washington, D.C. this summer; and Samantha Rocco and Samantha Finnerty, 2016, both are working at Ohio State this summer.
Berea Rotary scholarship winners receive $500 scholarships, which are renewable for a four-year college career as long as a minimum GPA is maintained.
Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients.
Berea Rotary picnicks in the Metroparks
Berea Rotary President Bob Huge flips burgers and hotdogs for the annual family picnic at the Albion Woods Picnic Area in Strongsville.
Co-chef Bob Hammer warms up the beans. Thanks also to Don Voigt, our super shopper.
Rotarian Trevor Koenig brought his family to the picnic.
Rotarian Trevor Koenig brought his family to the picnic.
PDG Bev Skrzynski presents Marc West
with an Outstanding Leadership and Service Award
for his 29 years heading up the District's RYLA program.
One significant responsibility of the District Governor is to help deliver the message of the Rotary International President. That is a task I am happy to undertake.
As many of you know, Rotary International President Mark Maloney’s primary goal is to both develop membership and new clubs. Thinking about that now is appropriate as August is Membership and New Club Development Month.
I would like to focus on the idea of developing membership in existing clubs. Even this process has at least two parts: attracting new members and retaining existing members. Let us further divide the topic and look at attracting new members this month.
A key point to attracting new members is to recognize that, in many respects, this is a club-specific task. It is incumbent upon all members of every club and the club membership chair and committee in particular to carefully consider this topic.
In that process it is important the club build a consensus on its approach to new membership. It is also important that the club focus its effort so as not to dissipate the limited resources available.
One question that each club can ask is do we have a cohesive and active structure in place to grow the club? Is there a membership chair and/or a committee working on this? Is there adequate communication about what is to be done and how it is to be done?
Rotary International and the District can and do provide significant support. For instance, the District actively participates in the Rotary Leads program where information submitted to the District electronically by Rotary International regarding prospective members is promptly forwarded to the most appropriate club. Special thanks to Lance Chima of the Akron Club for his diligence in performing this task. In the 2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2018-2019 Rotary years, Lance placed every lead received by the District from Rotary International with a club or clubs to pursue. Nearly a dozen leads have been received since July 1, 2019.
In the 2018-2019 Rotary year, considerable work was undertaken by PDG Beverly and her team to develop membership. We are attempting to expand upon those actions this year. Please note that the second annual Tri-District Membership Summit will take place on October 26, 2019 at the Stanton Middle School in Kent. Special thanks to DGN Larry Lohman for arranging the site and for all the work that PDG Jim McKee, PDG Steve Zabor, and involved members of our neighboring districts are undertaking to design a challenging and useful curriculum. Details will follow but please save the date. Club Presidents, Membership Committee Chairs, and those on the Membership Committee, in particular, should attend.
Perhaps less well-known is this year’s Presidential Theme and Rotary Citation. The 2019-2020 Rotary Citation actually functions as a “mini strategic plan” to help build a club’s membership. The Rotary Citation contains a list of potential goals and action items that virtually any and every club can use. Further, there are goals and actions specifically designed for Rotaract and Interact clubs.
To borrow the words of Rotary International President Mark Maloney:
“While the club remains the core of the Rotary experience, we are now far more creative and flexible in deciding what a club can be, how it can meet, and even what can be considered a Rotary meeting. We need to be organized, strategic, and innovative in how we approach membership, forging wider and deeper connections to our communities and forming new club models to attack and engage more—and more diverse—members.”
I challenge each and every member together with each and every club to look at the question of how to grow your club and thereby increase its reach, impact, and vibrancy.
Sincerely,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
I would like to introduce you to your 2019-20 District Foundation Committee:
Jim Lechko
Foundation Chair/Paul Harris Society/Major Donor Chair
Wayne Brodnan
Fundraising Chair
Randy Rininger
Annual Giving Chair
Matt Liebson
Grant Committee Chair
Rick Pollak
Peace Fellowship Chair / Scholarship Chair
Bob Johnson
Vocational Training Team (VTT) Chair
Stew Buchanan
Polio Plus Chair / Indians Baseball Chair
As you can see, I am wearing multiple hats. If you have a passion for the Paul Harris Society or Major Donor and would like to help, please let me know.
The Foundation committee is responsible for raising funds, approving matching funds used for your club projects both locally and internationally, Vocational Training Teams and reviewing potential Peace Fellow Scholars. Most importantly, we are here to educate you about The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
TRF raised over $395 million last year. Three years from now, 50% of those funds are available to our District to fund both local and global projects. These funds are knows as District Designated Funds (DDF). The other 50% will be used to fund global projects from our district and others.
This year, District 6630 received $117,103.16 in DDF based on our contributions from the 2016-17 Rotary year. We can designate up to 50% of these funds for matching grants of local projects. We had 25 clubs qualify for the spending plan totaling $65,678 in matching dollars! TRF gave an exemption this year which allowed us to exceed 50% of our 2016-17 contributions for our local projects.
The good news is that this is probably the most grant activity we have ever seen. The bad news is that we did not have enough money to fund all of the requests. We were forced to scale back all grant requests to about 80% of the amount requested. How do we fix this going forward? We need more contributions to TRF Annual Fund. If you are already giving, are you able to do more? If you are not giving, can you do something?
November is Foundation month. Please schedule a date for one of your November meetings for a TRF presentation by your club’s TRF expert! Our Foundation committee will be meeting in August to plan for TRF presentation ideas and recommendations that we can pass along to you.
Fellowship of Rotary around the World Connections Rotary District 6630, Rotary RC Akron OH USA and RC Freshwater Bay Australia
It is such a wonderful time when we see friends from close by Rotary Clubs and get reconnected with old friends we do not see often from other clubs in the District 6630 or 6650. The same is true when you get a call from someone “just to check” on how you are doing. I also get a warm feeling when I can call a Rotarian from another state or district for advice and council or to ask for help on a project. In late August I needed some contacts for a veteran’s project in Gainesville, Fla. How better to start than calling a Rotarian friend who served with you in the Army, now a retired Maj Gen living in Ft. Myers. After a chat Jim said he will work on some contacts, but why not just call some Rotary Clubs in Gainesville. “Brilliant!”
The next morning I received a link to an online Facebook Live meeting of the RC Freshwater Bay, Perth, Australia. Well, you who know me know I could not resist. Lady Vivian and I watched the RC Freshwater Bay meeting live, it was a great program “Sun Spots and how they affect our climate and climate change over the millennia”.Times like this remind Vivian and I of the wonderful stories told by Rotarians like PRIP Cliff Dochterman’s on “If I could be President again”, “Women in Rotary”, and so many other adventures in Rotary that have been shared by our many friends from so many close and faraway places. When I have my morning coffee in my 1 cup French Press I recall the good times with PDG Ricardo Bicaro, RC San de Bariloche, Argentina. Ricardo and I met when he was team leader of Group Study Exchange to District 6630 many years ago. Our bond is both Rotary and military, he was a retired Argentine Ordinance officer. After the team visit Ricardo and his wife hosted us for the 2000 RI convention. PRIP Frank J. Devlyn was RI Pres. The theme was “Create Awareness – Why do I think of PDG Carlos, he carried a press with him and introduce how to make a fine cup of coffee his way, so, each morning I not only think of him, I thinks of all our friends there and “Frank Talk” by PRIP Frank, that makes me think of his short elevator talk each of you should have to share about your life in Rotary.
"The Road To Leadership - Finding a Life of Purpose" is the book written by Kenneth E. Behring, founder of the Rotary Wheelchair Foundation, and is available on Amazon.
The Wheelchair Foundation is sad to announce the passing of Kenneth E. Behring on June 25th, 2019. Kenneth's son, David Behring, is continuing the work of his father and to this day the Wheelchair Foundation has delivered (or committed to date) 1,098,223 wheelchairs, all around the world to people in need. Please visit the site at https://www.wheelchairfoundation.org/ to learn more about the commitment of the foundation.
I had the great honor to receive an award from David Behring in November 2016.
In the picture, Diego Velasquez (International Service chair), Claudine Schooley (President-Elect) from Conejo Valley Rotary Club/California, presented a check of $42,000 to the President of The Wheelchair Foundation, David Behring.
The Road To Leadership - Finding a Life of Purpose
The lead international partners on this grant are Gift of Life Cairo and Gift of Life North East Ohio. Dr. Shawky from Cairo has been connected with our program since 5 year old “Sherouk” and her mother came to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital for open heart surgery in 2007. He has done an extraordinary job in building the program in Northern Egypt. Dr. Shawky’s all Egyptian team is reaching out to underserved regions of his home country and has begun working with us to lay the foundation for becoming an outbound surgical team to begin teaching, training and equipping future partners in Kenya.
Our district can be proud of the roll we have played in supporting this incredible program. I personally thank you all for the many years of sustain support and commend you all for having touched the lives of so many children and their extended families though our service.
Chesterland celebrates 30 years of service and Unsung Hero
Four charter members were in attendance Pictured President Terry Palermo (charter members: Ben Pitabona, Dick Dorr, Joy Black, Fred Nevar and guest speaker District Governor John Reyes). Our chapter meets Wednesday morning at 7am.
On behalf of a member who could not be present, President Terry Palermo accepted the Unsung Hero from DG Reyes. The recipient will remain a secret until they are able to personally accept the award.
Fill the Cruiser
Chesterland Rotary is now in its second year of organizing community Fill the Police Cruiser with items needed for USO boxes. The boxes are assembled in Chester and mailed to deployed service personal. This year food, gift cards, and money, was in access of $3,500. If you have names/address of a service deployed person please forward.
We’ve made changes to Rotary’s areas of focus. We’ve kept the existing six areas but adjusted three names (marked with asterisks) to better reflect the types of projects that Rotary members are carrying out. The areas of focus are now:
Peacebuilding and conflict prevention*
Disease prevention and treatment
Water, sanitation, and hygiene*
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Community economic development*
Some of the goals of the areas have changed, and we’ve included activities that relate to the environment for most areas. The Areas of Focus Policy Statements reflect these updates.
"'SANYUKA' is a Ganda word meaning 'REJOICE'!" exclaimed Allan Kizito, Executive Director of Sanyuka Children's Ministries in Uganda. "My journey, from having been orphaned at 8-years old in Uganda, taken in by Christian missionaries through high school, graduating from Makerere University, founding Real Technologies Group, getting married and having our first child, winning a U.S. Department of State Green Card lottery, and being offered a job in Medina, Ohio, was guided not by not by luck or through my own energy but by the loving hand of God."
Kizito, now a software engineer with Ohio-based OEConnection, founded Sanyuyka Children's Ministries in Uganda in 2008, and continues his overseas mission, which offers Christ-centered child development programs that were initiated as a response to the ever increasing number of street, orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda. Sanyuka is a Family! It currently brings education, health care, food, clothing, a nurturing home-setting, mentoring, purpose and spiritual discipleship to 55 children who were once orphans, with many more on the waiting list.
"We are grateful to Medina Sunrise Rotary for the generous donation and to our blessed partnership with Pride One Construction of Medina," said Allan. "Please join us in building a sustainable future for these children. Our 2019 Sanyuka Vision is to promote our children's ministries tour, purchase land for a school and a development center for teaching job trade skills, with homes, a training farm, and a small business incubator. Also, we are excited about bringing the Sanyuka Children's Ministries Choir to Ohio in 2019 to share our stories, mission, and our love of God."
Kizito and the vivacious Sanyuka choir concluded their beautiful music and dance presentation with a heartfelt thanks to all Medina Sunrise Rotarians, whose mission is "making a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond through our time, talents and treasures," and for joining with Sanyuka Family Children's Ministries in Uganda. "Together, we can become the instrument in changing a life, a generation, a country, and Africa."
For more information about getting involved with Sanyuka Children's Ministries, supporting the 2019 Children's Choir Ohio Tour, or sponsoring a young life, please contact:
*In addition to the cases of wild polio virus listed above, there have been 52 cases of circulating vaccine derived polio cases in 2019. Please go to http://www.polioeradication.org/ for the latest details regarding case counts and progress.
PROGRAM NEWS
The polio eradication program has experienced both progress and challenges in 2019. On 21 August 2019, Nigeria will mark three years without any new cases of wild poliovirus. As the last polio-endemic country in Africa, Nigeria’s success against wild polio will open the door for the entire African region to be certified free of wild poliovirus. Following the Nigeria three-year mark, the Africa Regional Certification Commission (ARCC) will finalize its evaluation process of the data to confirm this progress. If the data confirms this progress, the entire African region could be certified WPV-free by mid-2020.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have experienced more cases due to issues including security and access challenges. Both governments and polio eradication partners are working to critically analyze their programs and carrying out their national polio emergency plans, which use data to identify and execute area-specific solutions.
New infrastructure, resources and coordination mechanisms, such as a planned regional hub in Amman, Jordan, are helping to enhance operational management and to provide technical support to endemic countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Rotarians remain an active part of these efforts and are working to enhance government accountability and create awareness and support in target communities through coordinated social mobilization activities.
Katey Halliday is leading her district's effort to promote and embrace Rotary International's diversity, equity, and inclusion policy. For Membership Month, Halliday, a member of both Rotary and Rotaract in Adelaide City, South Australia, blogs about what the policy means for membership. She explains why it's importance to invite people from diverse backgrounds and include them in planning and decision making.
In Galen Engel's club, the same 10 people seemed to be involved in everything. As a newer member of the Rotary Club of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, USA, he was excited to get the rest of the club engaged, and bring in new, younger members. He found it was easier to attract members to after-hours groups that meet in different locations and times around town. Ten of the club's 11 new members this year have come from these after-hours groups. Learn more about his club's plan for expanding membership in his post on Rotary Voices.
What happens when you say yes to Rotary? In the August issue, The Rotarian profiles 17 people who joined Rotary to make a difference, and how it transformed their lives.
Join us on Wednesday, 28 August, for our upcoming webinar We Are Rotary: Advancing Women as Leaders. The webinar takes place 15:00-16:00 Chicago time (UTC-5).
Please enjoy this July eBulletin. CLICK HERE TO VIEW. You can click on photos to enlarge them throughout the newsletter. Please email future content with photos to RotaryDistrict6630@neo.rr.com with DISTRICT NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSION in the subject line.
We accept article ideas about club and district successes, including fundraisers, publicity efforts, service projects, and member drives. Please include your name and the club name. Please send pictures as attachments and be certain that you have permission to use the photos - if anyone is under the age of 18, please ensure you have a parent/guardian release on file accordingly. If you format your content we cannot guarantee it will remain formatted as sent - we do our best but it is subject to be altered. We will publish information received by our deadlines (see footer of this edition).
Thanks to all who sent articles this month! The next deadline is August 9, 2019.
The Annual Charity Cornhole Tournament, presented by Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. will be held on July 27th. This year marks the 10th anniversary for the Tourney and what better way to celebrate it than to hold it on the grounds of Akron Rotary Camp with the Menches Bros. Food Truck and beverages from our friends at the House of LaRose to help you cool off. Please invite your neighbors and family too for some friendly rivalry, and help us make this the most successful tournament yet!
Some more exciting news is our raffle for this year, open to anyone, and you don’t have to be present to win. Click this link http://bit.ly/dreamcarday to purchase your tickets for your chance at winning a one-day rental of a Ferrari or Lamborghini from Dream Car Adventures.
Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. You can designate whether you want your raffle ticket to go to the Lamborghini or the Ferrari (you can mix & match when you buy the 3 for $25 packages).
See you on the 27th!
Scott Kolligian Co-Founder, Charity Cornhole Tournament
"Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For 25 years, Medina Sunrise Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects," stated President Shail Jain. From literacy and peace to water, food security and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to making a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond through our time, talents, and treasures.
PHOTO Top (L-R): Rob Starcher, Dale Huefner, Will Koran, Brendan Rose, Mike Davanzo, Shail Jain, Frank Festi, Becky Shotwell, Dennis Powers, Than Jain, John Verdile, Rich Pace, Daryl Kubilus, Roger Hassler, Reid Miller, Mike Morse, Kevin Wermer, Ed Jakubick, David Vogelgesang, David Loeper
Thank you to all who turned out for a spectacular night of fundraising for the End Polio Now campaign at Progressive Field ... we raised some much needed funds while watching a wonderful baseball game and had tremendous fun socializing with everyone. Also thanks to everyone who donated items for the auction and sponsored the event!
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, Inc., is excited to have Rotary Club of Aurora’s support of our Portage Trailblazers summer camp. Celebrating its 10th summer season, the camp is located at the Happy Day School campus in Ravenna. This summer over 300 children with special needs will be served from Portage County. Every day campers experience traditional camping activities – arts and crafts, nature, sports and leisure, and swimming. Rotary Camp provides opportunities for campers to learn and grow in a safe environment, a place where they develop friendships, learn and sing camp songs, create memories that will last a lifetime and so much more.
Prior to camp starting, Aurora Rotarians lended a hand to move-in equipment and program supplies, unpacked and organized everything, moved tables and chairs in preparation for the first day of camp. On July 12th, Rotarians were back at it volunteering during Carnival Day assisting campers in enjoying a variety of carnival games, face painting and even snow cones.
We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Aurora for your Service Above Self partnership in providing your time, talent and treasure to help enhance our Trailblazers camp for not only our campers but their families and our camp staff. Your support is helping us to continue creating a world where there are only abilities!
In the spirit of camping,
Dan Reynolds
Director of Endless Possibilities, Akron Rotary Camp
It is difficult to comprehend how fast the past 28 months have gone since I became District Governor Nominee Designate, and we now find ourselves in a new Rotary year. As we move from “Be The Inspiration” to “Rotary Connects The World,” we find ourselves in an exciting time.
Both of these themes were selected after considerable thought. While each was arrived at independently, they coordinate well and help us to continue moving the District forward as seamlessly as possible from one year to the next and from one District Governor to the next. Rotary as an institution is clearly inspiring, and much of that inspiration comes from the actions of our individual clubs and their respective activities. It is my hope and goal to use that inspiration as a motivating foundation to move forward to connect the world.
We have all seen the manifestation of both being the inspiration and Rotary connecting the world in the many projects that our clubs undertake. While our Shoe Box campaign begins locally, it connects us with children halfway around the world. It was only a few years ago that the Barberton Club initiated its long-running micro-lending project in Togo. More recently, the Kent Club has been continuing its good work with water projects in Latin America.
Our attempts to inspire and connect also involve local projects. Many clubs such as Strongsville and Green actively work with their local food banks. Others, such as Akron, work extensively with children with special needs. All of these actions speak loudly to both inspire and connect. This inspiration and connection works not only between our Rotarians, but also with our friends and neighbors locally and worldwide.
I was recently privileged to attend the first Grants Committee meeting of the new Rotary year. Exciting prospective grant-based projects continue to work their way through that committee and we should all extend our thanks to both the committee members and clubs for their exciting ideas and the hard work necessary to make them a reality.
The existence of both inspiration and desire to connect the world has been apparent in the multiple clubs I have visited as they install new officers and directors. The enthusiasm, energy, and planning have all been impressive.
As we move forward in 2019-2020 Rotary year, I both encourage you and stand ready to assist you as we build upon the superb accomplishments of Past District Governor Beverly and our entire team. As you know, we are moving forward from a successful District Conference, an energetic year in building membership and a remarkably successful year in advancing our many youth-oriented activities, including Rotaract, Interact, the Four-Way Test Speech Contest, and Youth Exchange programs. We have every right to be confident that we can build upon these successes and add new areas of endeavor.
I look forward to visiting all of the clubs in the coming weeks. In the interim, we will continue to move forward with planning for our second regionalized Membership Summit by joining together with our neighboring districts. We are also excited to explore opportunities to work in our new Rotary Zones 30-31, as DGE Pat Myers and DGN Larry Lohman recently did at the Leadership Seminar in Columbus on July 12-13.
Special thanks to all of those who came to the Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs in Rex Lake to celebrate the Awards and Banner Exchange on Saturday, July 20, 2019. While it is impossible to thank everyone individually, special thanks to Rotary International Director Stephanie Urchick for coming to the event and adding a very special contribution. Special thanks are also due to Julie Brandle, Dan Reynolds, Mella Castner, and Amanda Warner for all of their work in planning and implementing the event. Finally, special thanks to Past District Governor Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski and her designated driver for providing the official District Governor’s Survival Kit for the 2019/2020 Rotary Year! Click to view all Banner Exchange Photos
In closing, my best wishes for an exciting and successful year to come. I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.
Sincerely,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
Notes from the District Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Committee
It’s hard to believe, but we are almost one and a half months through the Rotary Year. Time flies when you are having fun - and we hope you ARE having fun!
As your current Club leader continues to apply some of the best practices they learned in their leadership development sessions, the District LEAD committee is already working on planning sessions for the 2020-2021 Presidents-Elect. At this time, 38 of our clubs in our district have identified a President Elect.
The LEAD Committee is planning PETS-1 for Saturday, November 23rd t the Akron Rotary Camp. We look forward to seeing all the Presidents-Elect there, and we want clubs to send a representative if the President Elect cannot make it or has not yet been identified. In addition to District 6630 sponsored development, we ask that clubs begin the process of developing their members for future leadership roles.
Some of the topics we will address at PETS-1 include: Setting Club Goals, Building an Effective Leadership Team, Working with Volunteers, and more! As Presidents-Elect and clubs begin to think about their future, we encourage you to utilize Rotary International’s new Strategic Plan. This new Vision can help guide your club’s initiatives, promote Rotary, and increase membership as we look to the future.
Rotarians input helped build the plan. You may notice that the plan is different than in the past - please take time to look at it and read the message from Stephanie Urchick, chair of Rotary's Strategic Planning Committee.
If there are any additional ways the LEAD Committee can be of help to any of you personally or your clubs, please reach out to me at jayhawkrk@gmail.com.
Please enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter (click here). Thanx to all of those that took the time to contribute not only to this edition but the previous 119 that I have edited and published. Please remember that this is your newsletter, the vehicle by which your club can share its successes and opportunities with the rest of the Rotarians in our district and beyond. Without contributions from clubs around the district each and every month the newsletter doesn't exist. So keep up the great work.
It is impossible to even know where to begin to be able to properly thank all who have served Rotary this year in so many different capacities – no job was too big or small - for your clubs or your district. The beneficiaries were those you served and you will forever have my utmost respect; I continue to be humbled by who you are and what you do and the lives that are better for it. One of the notable speakers at the RI Convention in Hamburg stated that “today’s inspiration is tomorrow’s motivation.” And that is what the Rotarians in this district have done…laid an excellent groundwork for the future.
Each of us owes an incredible debt of gratitude first and foremost to our Presidents of Action and their clubs, and to the hardworking District Committees, Assistant Governors, District Officers and the Advisory Council of Past District Governors. Thank you for your leadership and guidance.
You have turned the corner with your membership development efforts and a renewed commitment to engagement and retention, but our work has just begun. Membership extension is on the horizon with communities in the district already identified for new Rotary clubs, Satellite clubs are under consideration and we continue to move forward with our planning for our “District E-Club NEO.
There were countless opportunities for participation provided by our Rotary clubs this year…morning, noon and night. Excellent speakers; new club meetings structures; club assemblies; social events bringing together the Family of Rotary; humanitarian projects of every type and size; cluster meetings; and events to bring visibility to Rotary and to encourage “Rotarians doing business with Rotarians.” Fundraising events and/or projects to support your humanitarian efforts happened in every club throughout the district. There is no possible way to capture all that has happened but simply said, there is something for everyone in Rotary.
Throughout the year you set new levels of excellence with your support of and participation in the awards ceremony and banner exchange last July; the membership summit followed by the charter banquet for the Rotary Club of Green in August; the Tri-District Membership Seminar in October; PETS one in November and The Rotary Foundation Gala in December; All Ohio PETS in March and the District Conference of Clubs – Inspiring People off Action in April. Over 40 Rotarians and family members joined together earlier this month at the convention in Hamburg, Germany to celebrate Rotary and to renew old acquaintances and make new friends. And that is just the tip of the iceberg…
You embraced the “53,000 Points of Light” initiative to help End Polio Now and continued your support of The Rotary Foundation in so many other ways. Thank you for your contributions. Numerous clubs took advantage of the opportunities “your contributions have made possible” by applying for District and Global Grants to “Do Good in the World.” I know our own Arch C. Klumph, Father of The Rotary Foundation, looks down with heartfelt pride and appreciation. Many of you stepped up to support our Interactor’s dream to provide the youth in hurricane-ravaged St. Thomas with a new library or to provide Shoeboxes for the Children of the Dump in Nicaragua or support to ShelterBox USA. Only a brief look at the many lives you have helped or even saved.
You celebrated our youth through your support of our Rotary Youth Exchange program, Rotary Leadership Awards (RYLA), 4-Way Test Speech Contest, chartering of four new Interact Clubs with plans for more and the restructuring of some of our existing Rotaract clubs with initiatives well under way for new “community-based” Rotaract in 2019-2020. This is in addition to the numerous other youth initiatives within each of our clubs.
To my Presidents of Action
It has been an honor to serve with you this year and hopefully help you to reflect on and celebrate your many successes – and when needed, to share in your challenges. I have learned much from you and am privileged to have been given the opportunity to “look inside” your clubs at what makes this incredible giant called Rotary so successful. Each of your clubs are totally different as are your needs and passions and those you serve. That is one of the best parts of Rotary. Thank you for welcoming my husband David and I into your clubs with such warmth and friendship.
This is just a little bit of what I have learned this year…
You have taken chances to effect change and energize your clubs and even though it may have not been as successful as you had wished…at least you tried and set the stage for the future;
It was a privilege to be part of your Rotary Unsung Hero presentations and witness how you surrounded those you were honoring with such love and respect and let them how important they are to you;
You are respectful of the old traditions, but have endeavored to create new ones – not an easy task;
You definitely know how to have fun…oh, yes indeed;
Some of you truly had to make some hard choices…and though you did it with some trepidation, you performed as true leaders all the while trying to be sensitive to the moment and never losing sight of what was best “for the whole;”
Some of you were “chief cook and bottle washer” and still did an incredible job of moving your club forward – and you did a better job than you give yourselves credit for;
I watched clubs “circle the wagons” for their presidents when it was needed and come together as only a Rotary family can when the sadness one of us was experiencing seemed insurmountable;
Lastly, everyone one of you made someone’s life better, gave others a reason to hope and some a reason to believe in a future and you did it through every Avenue of Service imaginable and even some that haven’t even been thought of yet! That is your legacy as Presidents of Action – those are your own “Rotary Defining Moments” and that is the gift you gave to Rotary this year. Well done.
District Committees
Your District Chairs and their committee members have worked hard to support us and our projects and activities this year with a level of dedication and commitment that helps to keep our district at the forefront of all we do. We are all in their debt. Their story – which is your story – needs to be told so my final project is to compile (with their help) a “Year in Review” for our district and capture some of our accomplishments and where the work must continue if the inroads we set out to achieve are to be realized. We were able to introduce some “new” committees this year to our structure and their work has only just begun!
Assistant Governors
Simply, no District Governor could have asked for a more professional, dedicated and supportive team of AG’s – EVER. They inspired and motivated one another (and me) and are the “eyes and ears” of the District Governor when they can’t be everywhere. For that reason, I am introducing a new district award entitled the “Outstanding Assistant Governor Award” which will be presented on July 20. “Thank you to each of them from the bottom of my heart.”
THANK YOU to District Newsletter Editor Mike Johns, Jr.
For the past 10 years Mike Johns, Jr., Past President of the Rotary Club of Hillcrest Sunrise, has spent countless hours helping all of us to share our individual messages of service as clubs and as individuals. This is one of the best ways to “Share Rotary” and let each other now what we are doing and find out “new ways” to be involved. Through the years he has assembled 1,000’s of articles and since this is his final publication, I want to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of the nine Districts Governors who have proceeded me, and each of us in the Family of Rotary in District 6630. This 120th District Newsletter is his final endeavor…thank you, Mike, from a most grateful District Governor.
RI District 6630 Awards Celebration and Banner Exchange/Induction Ceremony
Please consider this your personal invitation to join my husband David and me and District Governor-Elect John and Linda Reyes at the 2018-2019 District Awards Celebration and 2019-2020 Banner Exchange/Induction Ceremonies to be held beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 20 at the Akron Camp for Children with Special Needs. We began a new tradition last year of combining these two events into one, bringing our Family of Rotary together to celebrate the successes of the concluding Rotary year while at the same time giving a proper send-off to our new club and district leadership. This year the host will be the Rotary Club of Akron, home to our incoming District Governor John Reyes. As I announced to my Presidents of Action last month, we are honored to be joined by a very special guest 2019-2021 Rotary International Director Stephanie Urchick to help us celebrate.
Looking to the Future
For over two years I have had the pleasure of working with John Reyes – I look forward to his leadership in the coming year and to supporting him however I can as our 2019-2020 District 6630 Governor. He brings his own style of leadership to this role which I have a great deal of respect for – consistent and forward-thinking, always with the best interests of the District and Rotary at the forefront in all that he does. Our future continues to be bright with the leadership that will be provided by both 2020-2021 District Governor Pat Myers and 2021-2022 District Governor Larry Lohman. DGE John, we are all looking forward to you guiding us as “Rotary Connects the World.”
In Closing
Volunteer service in this district is not just about doing what is expected of us, but it is a way of life…you can’t teach someone to care. Each club and its members deserve our appreciation; for the countless hours of unselfish service put forth by each of you – always supported by our families and friends – with no expectation of thanks or recognition. That is the real gift called Rotary.
Thank you,
Your grateful Governor
The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers…
volunteers wear working boots, but leave a trail of angel footprints
Please enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter (CLICK TO VIEW). Thanx to all of those that took the time to contribute. The deadline for the June edition will be 6/14. Be sure to include "Article for District Newsletter" in the subject line and submit to me at stonecut@sbcglobal.net. Remember, most all of the images open up to larger versions or important documents when you click on them.
In my opinion “every month” in Rotary is dedicated to Youth Service. Not a day goes by that at least one Rotary club in District 6630 celebrates their commitment to youth through programs such as Interact, Rotaract, RYLA and our short and long-term Youth Exchange programs, to name just a few. After what I have witnessed this year – no one does it better. Our Presidents of Action and their clubs, our District Chairs and their committees have all done an excellent job.
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can
build our youth for the future.”
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
We work hardto empower our young people; provide mentoring opportunities; heroes to emulate; ethical standards to guide their business and personal lives; tracks to leadership development; scholarships to advance their education and we “give them a voice” that might otherwise not be heard with our 4-Way Test Speech Contests.
“When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget
to educate their hearts”
- Dalai Lama
We consistently demonstrate the importance of “taking care of our own.” Rotarians are fierce in their compassion for those less fortunate and continue to fight battles on their behalf when there is no one else “to be their voice.” That is one of the greatest gifts Rotarians can share with our youth and young professionals – the belief in the importance and worth of all people everywhere.
Our youth are our future, our peacemakers and do change this incredible and complex world of ours. If you look through their eyes, there really are no “boundaries” whether they be cultural, political, religious or geographical – they all really do speak the same language called “Rotary.”
It was our District’s Interactors who had the vision to reach out their hands in support and friendship to their fellow youth in hurricane-ravaged St. Thomas, resulting in a Global Grant spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Chesterland and supported by so many. Organized by the Rotary Club of Westlake-Bay Village, once again the Children of the Dump in Chinandega, Nicaragua knew that “Rotary cares” when they received their shoeboxes filled with items that give them hope and packed with love. Our 53,000 Points of Light initiative has, to date, because of your generosity enabled 700,000 children to receive the polio vaccine so that they need never fear the scourges of that dreaded disease ever again.
I have witnessed this year the power of the youth in this district and am constantly impressed with their creativity, maturity, “take charge” attitude and ability to guide and challenge one other. They have been my teachers and my inspiration in so many ways.
We Rotarians have spent a lot of time this year continuing to ensure that our humanitarian service is sustainable, but it is important for us to always remember that our young people are what make Rotary and its future sustainable.
Thank you to each of you for your continued dedication and commitment to our youth.
“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”
- Nelson Mandela
Save travels to the 40+ Rotarians and their family members who will be joining David and me at the RI Convention in Hamburg, Germany, at the end of the month – what a great representation for our district!
1. It is estimated that in 2016 there was between 6.5 and 8.5 million people around the world made homeless by natural
Disasters. This need has continued every year since then
2. It is projected that by 2025 that figure will be 200 million people a year losing their home through natural disaster and conflict.
3. In the first 16 years of Shelter Box, it has helped over 1.1 million people.
4. The Goal of Shelter Box is to help 1 million people in the year 2025. We can only do that through working in
partnerships like Rotary and others.
Challenging Global Environment - In an increasingly challenging environment we need to work around obstacles to ensure
we can help people. Shelter Box is not as simple as one size fits all. We have learned this from the experts and hence the theory of change drives our decision making, With this process we need to be leaving people in a better position to continue on their road to recover. .
Shelter box is active around the globe every day, all year. In the recent years we have been deployed every single day across 21 counties working closely with various Rotary Clubs. This is one of the key reasons why we need your continued support so that Shelter Box can continue to be there to support others in the world. For more information, please feel feel to contact the Shelter Box USA office or PDG and Past Board member Jack A. Young. (440--759-4000 or jack1villa@aol.com
Rotary Peace Symposium brings partnerships into focus
Rotary Peace Fellows Phillip Gittins, Hai-Ryung Sung, and Sarah Agnew at the 2016 Rotary Convention in Seoul, Korea. Participants of the Rotary Peace Symposium in Hamburg will explore how partnerships can advance peace.
YOUNG LEADERS
How far have we come toward the goal of expanding Rotaract?
Please enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter (click to view). Thanx to all of those that took the time to contribute. The deadline for the May edition will be 5/18. Be sure to include "Article for District Newsletter" in the subject line and submit to me at stonecut@sbcglobal.net. Remember, most all of the images open up to larger versions or important documents when you click on them.
Rotary International's new monthly theme for April is
Maternal and Child Health!
Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. 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, Rotary provides immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improves access to essential medical services, and supports trained health care providers for mothers and their children. Rotary’s projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs.
— Rotary International
Dear Family of Rotary:
The 2018-2019 District Conference of Clubs – Inspiring People of Action brought us together for a weekend of inspiration, Rotary information and friendship as we celebrated the work of our Presidents of Action and their clubs. Right after the conference concluded, there was even more cause for celebration when I received the Zone 29 Membership Reports as of March 31, 2019. Because of your continuing efforts at membership recruitment and engagement, District 6630 had a net increase of 16 members at month-end. This is extremely significant and “didn’t just happen” – it is because of your hard work to “Share Rotary.” Congratulations District 6630!
Next month’s newsletter will have a more detailed article and pictorial, but in the meantime, please enjoy some of the special moments captured in these photos. On Friday we honored those members of our Rotary Family we had lost in the past year at the Celebration of Life; recognized our 50-year Rotarians who are so precious to our mosaic; learned a new Rotary term “Voluntold;” presented the eagerly awaited Tri-District Membership Awards (our district won 4 of the 5 available) followed by panel discussions on membership successes and challenges and on the status of Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio. We embraced the internationality of Rotary when we welcomed to our family our special visitors from St. Thomas, USVI and heard from a young man, now in college, who began his life as a “child of the dump” in Chinandega, Nicaragua.
On Saturday at the District Leadership Assembly we brought together our club leadership to embrace the elements of a successful Rotary club and plan a direction for the coming year. Our Celebration of Youth luncheon was a “Rotary Defining Moment” for many of us as we brought together Rotary Youth Exchange, 4-Way Test Speech Contest Winners, Interact, Rotaract, and RYLA. And then there was the return of the Interact Carnivale! The evening brought us the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have made significant contributions to The Rotary Foundation; learn what it means to hurricane-ravaged St. Thomas for our Interactors to have reached out their hands in support; celebrated our contributions to Polio Eradication and our “53,000 Points of Light” initiative; and heard Inspiring words from our RI President’s Representative PDG David Bixler on “Finding Our Why.” Both evenings concluded with hospitality and some important revelations about our Rotary Family!
It is going to take me some time to properly thank all of the clubs and the members of our Rotary Family who helped make this possible, but your Governor needs to start somewhere and the best place to start is by listing the Conference Steering Committee (in no particular order) who, along with many of their family members, each made an important contribution toward ensuring the success of the event. I will be forever grateful to each of them for their unwavering dedication and support to this conference and to each of you.
Please enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter. Thanx to all of those that took the time to contribute. This month's edition is 23 pages! The deadline for the April edition will be 4/19. Be sure to include "Article for District Newsletter" in the subject line and submit to me at stonecut@sbcglobal.net. Remember, most all of the images open up to larger versions or important documents when you click on them.
Please enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter. Thanx to all of those that took the time to contribute. This month's edition is 21 pages! Unfortunately this means that all of the table of contents did not fit on the front page. It is continued on page 21. The deadline for the March edition will be 3/15. Be sure to include "Article for District Newsletter" in the subject line and submit to me at stonecut@sbcglobal.net
Since 2013, The Rotary Foundation has invested in over 1,000 WASH (sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene) projects in more than 100 countries. Through grants from The Rotary Foundation and fundraising by Rotary clubs, our volunteers have supported water purification, hygiene education, latrine construction and waste management. 2030 is the year Rotary International hopes to finish providing everyone with safe water, hygiene and sanitation.
-Rotary International
Dear Family of Rotary:
There aren’t many aspects of what we do in Rotary that do not touch one of the most successful and sustainable areas of Rotary service – Water and Sanitation. When we build a well; plant a tree or landscape a river bend; update an aging power plant; cut the ribbon on a sanitation
facility; help restore the quality of our local rivers and streams; help develop water treatment plants; educate our youth on the need to preserve our Great Lakes; teach our children to swim or a special needs child to fish…that is just a brief look at what “Rotary” accomplishes in District 6630 – your impact here and faraway.
With clean water…food will grow and our children can eat and our teachers can teach so our youth can go on to lead productive lives.
You forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one…Jacques Yves Cousteau
IT IS TIME TO REGISTER NOW!
We are less than a month away from our District Conference of Clubs which is designed to, inform, inspire and celebrate our Presidents of Action and Rotary in District 6630. See the registration information above with the updated At-A-Glance and Saturday District Leadership Assembly (DLA) schedule. We are truly fortunate to be able to truly “touch the internationality of Rotary” throughout the weekend.
I personally invite you to hear Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith from the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cleveland Division; and share in a discussion on Membership Development successes and Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio; celebrate our involvement with the Shoebox Program in support of the Children of the Dump in Nicaragua. As of press time we will also be welcoming PDG Larry Wright from District 6400 in Michigan for some additional words of inspiration and are planning for a “first-hand update” on the status of the devastation wrought by the Category 5Hurricanes Irma and Maria in St. Thomas, USVI.
On Saturday I encourage you to join us for the District Leadership Assembly and then help celebrate ALL OF OUR YOUTH in so many ways including the 4-Way Test Speech Contest Winners – Youth Exchange – RYLA – Interact and Rotaract throughout the luncheon and the afternoon’s Interact Carnivale! As of press time it has been confirmed that both the Interact Advisor and Interact Club Vice President from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in St. Thomas will be in attendance to help celebrate our Interactor’s dream for a Literacy Project in their school! Throughout the conference we are honored to have in attendance our RI President’s Representative PDG David Bixler and Julie; and we also will be celebrating our Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation and our 53,000 Points of Light Polio Eradication Program. SEE YOU IN APRIL!
FEBRUARY IS Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month
Conflict and violence displaced more than 68 million people in the past year, and half of those are children. We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and provides communities with the skills to resolve conflicts. Through our service projects, peace fellowships, and scholarships, our members are taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Source: Rotary International
Happy Birthday Rotary. This month is dedicated to the celebration of peace and the 114th anniversary of the founding of Rotary International on February 23rd - World Understanding and Peace Day. I don’t believe Rotary’s founder, Paul P. Harris, or our own Arch C. Klumph, Father of The Rotary Foundation, had any idea at the time the true significance of their visions for “Service Above Self” and “Doing Good in the World” and the impact they would have on this world for generations to come, for all eternity.
Polio eradication, the largest global public health initiative in the world, contributes to peace each and every day. Bringing light into some of the furthest outreaches of the world, and yes, Rotary does stop wars to immunize its children.
Rotary’s Peace Fellowships. In just over 10 years, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,200 fellows. Many of them now serve as leaders at international organizations or have started their own foundations. Our district was at the forefront of the formation of this program when 2000-2001 District Governor Jim Frame of the Rotary Club of Mantua stood on the stage at the RI Convention in San Antonio representing us as one of the few charter districts from around the Rotary world who supported the development of the World Peace Fellow Program.
Rotary Youth Exchangebuilds peace one young person at a time. The long-term exchanges represent a full academic year and the short-term program can take the form of several days up to three months. There is no better opportunity for our youth to experience another culture, learn a new language and develop life-long friendships all under the umbrella of the Family of Rotary.
Our community and university-based Rotaractors (ages 18-30) are part of a network of over 10,904 Rotaract Clubs representing over 250,000 Rotaractors in 189 countries and our Interactors (ages 12-18) are represented by over 20,372 Interact Clubs with 468,556 members in over 159 countries. When our Interactors reached out to the youth in hurricane-ravaged St. Thomas, with the help of Rotary clubs throughout the district, they raised over three times their initial goal of $10,000. This $33,000 resulted in the development of a Global Grant worth $141,000 sponsored on their behalf by the Rotary Club of Chesterland. It helped rebuild their library for their high school and the community. Just another example of reaching out with understanding and support make their “world” a better place.
Our Rotary Youth Exchange Students, our Rotary Peace Fellows and our Interactors and Rotaractors…these are our peacemakers and they do change our world.
Many of you may remember Mother Teresa has had a profound effect on my life and I wanted to share with you one of my favorite quotes and the significance of a world without peace.
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten
that we belong to each other.
- Mother Teresa
As a Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 1979, she devoted her life to working with the “poorest of the poor” in the slums of Calcutta and donated all of her winnings to those she served. Mother Teresa continues to be an inspiration to this day.
I couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming District Conference of Clubs, April 12-13, 2019 at the Cleveland Airport Marriott. Woven throughout the mosaic of the weekend will be RI President Barry Rassin’s theme of “inspiration” with a “touch of the Islands” throughout. We have assembled one of the finest Planning Committees – ever – led by District Conference Chair Julie Brandle of the Rotary Club of Akron. As our Club Presidents already know, this year we will be holding the Celebration of Life on Friday, before the Annual District 6630 Business Meeting, effectively reducing the conference by a day and giving more of the Family of Rotary the opportunity to remember those we have sadly lost in the last year. Friday’s speakers will include Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith, FBI – Cleveland Division and we are awaiting final confirmation of attendance by one of the “Children of the Dump” from Nicaragua who is now in college; a shining example of the result of the support provided by so many clubs in our district for the Shoebox Program. Our afternoon education sessions will lead off with a panel of Rotarians representing some of best “new member development and engagement programs” this year in our district. PDG Membership Chair Jim McKee will be announcing winners of the Tri-District Membership contest at lunch. Friday evening will conclude in the Hospitality Suite sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chesterland.
Saturday morning begins with the District Leadership Assembly featuring a wide-array of programming for all Rotarians and guaranteed to Inspire to Lead - Empower to Achieve…And Have Fun. Watch for further details that will be forthcoming in the near future from the District 6630 LEAD Committee co-chaired by PDG Steve Zabor of the Rotary Club of Mantua and Ryan Knotts of the Rotary Club of Hillcrest Sunrise.
Saturday’s luncheon is a Celebration of Youth featuring our Rotary Youth Exchange Students, a presentation by the District 6630 4-Way Test Speech Finalists, Charter Ceremony for new Interact and Rotaract Clubs and a segment on our Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp – all guaranteed to inspire you.
The afternoon will feature the RETURN of the acclaimed “Carnivale” sponsored by our District 6630 Interact Students featuring games guaranteed to make you laugh, intrigue and inspire! $20 will get you 20 game tickets and the net proceeds will go to support this year’s Foster Care Project selected by our students at Interaction 2018. How fitting that this weekend celebrates “Global Youth Service Day.”
As of press time, special plans are “in the making” in the hopes that we can bring one of the Interactors and an adviser from the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, the beneficiary of the Global Grant Literacy Project, to meet in person our Interactors to share what it means to have their support and their outreach.
And further late breaking news…Dave and Laura Diffendal of the Rotary Club of Cleveland have generously offered to provide four nights at one of their “incredible” resorts in Belize as an auction item on Saturday to provide further support for Polio Eradication. Saturday evening will give us the opportunity to honor those who have recently become Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation and the chance for an update on the “53,000 Points of Light” Polio Eradication Initiative. We will also be welcoming PDG David Bixler and Julie from District 6080 in Missouri as the RI President’s Representatives for President Barry and Esther to this year’s District Conference of Clubs. PDG David is his district’s Rotary Foundation Chair and Zone 31’s Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator. I know we all look forward to welcoming them to our Rotary Family.
Above is a brief overview of the proposed schedule of events for the District Conference.
January is Vocational Service Month ROTARY’S SECOND AVENUE OF SERVICE
Vocational Service calls every Rotarian to: aspire to high ethical standards in their occupation; recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations, and; contribute their vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.
Happy New Year Family of Rotary!
This month we celebrate what I believe is the fundamental tenet of what guides us in our Rotary mission; the foundation of our beliefs and our ethical standards in both our personal and professional lives – Vocational Service. Please click on this linkto go to Rotary International’s brochure about this important Avenue of Service – valuable information if you are a new or newer member to Rotary.
It is about dignity, integrity and respect - for one another; for our individual businesses and professions; for the differences in each of us and the uniqueness of our individuality; for those we serve who many times have no place else to turn. It is an ethical consciousness which gives us a barometer in which to measure the appropriateness of our words, thoughts and deeds.
It is all about our service to our youth through our Interact and Rotaract Clubs, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), 4-Way Test Speech Contest and Youth Exchange programs which gives each of us a path to guide and mentor these young people. The opportunity to offer programs to enhance and develop their leadership and life skills; to give them a voice when they might not otherwise be heard; to assist our youth “outside of the programming circle;” and to share our culture, our families, our way of life and our precious freedoms.
It is about the Four-Way Test that was adopted by Rotary International in 1943 and is recited at club meetings throughout our district and around the Rotary World and has been translated into over 100 different languages.
From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world’s move widely quoted and printed statements of business ethics is the 4-Way Test which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI President) when he was asked to take charge of a company who was facing bankruptcy. This 24-word code of ethics for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of this company is credited to this simple philosophy. This year’s District 6630 4-Way Test Speech contest is on Saturday, April 6 at Aurora High School. Please click on this link to go to the district website page for all of the details. Winners will once again present their speeches at the District Conference of Clubs.
And it is about “Rotarians Doing Business with Rotarians,” one of the founding principles of Rotary. We have made some valiant attempts in the past to develop a directory of the businesses and professions of our Rotarians within District 6630 to be accessible by our members. The article on page 10 (click to go to the newsletter) is once again an introduction to such an initiative – voluntary in nature. Let’s see if we can make this happen whereby we provide a service to all Rotarians…just one more value to membership in Rotary. Not every club can possibly have representation in every vocation, but there just might be a Rotarian in an-other club who can offer the service or expertise you need. Because if you can’t do business with a Rotarian, then who can you do business with?
There is not a Rotary club in this district that Vocational Service does not touch or is not an integral part of their mission.
Thank you to each of you.
I look forward to seeing you at the District Conference of Clubs on April 12-13, 2019 at the Cleveland Airport Marriott when we will come together to celebrate each of you.
Warmest regards,
Governor Beverly
2018-2019 District Conference of Clubs INSPIRING PEOPLE OF ACTION April 12-13, 2019 Cleveland Airport Marriott, Cleveland, OH Click here to book your room
Each of us receive so many letters at this time of year asking us to “open our hearts” and please give special thought to those in need. But that is what Rotary does each and every day of the week… during every month of the year. Thank you to you and your families on behalf of all those you serve. One of our greatest strengths… our secret weapon, is us and how we lead our lives, how we treat others and how we shine the light on those in need – that is our gift to the world and no one does it better.
On our computers, iPads and phones we continuously see opportunities to “press here to donate,” “click here to give” and “push here to contribute.” We have those same buttons in Rotary, but on the other end is your Foundation doing your work through your club in your community and around the Rotary World.
We will End Polio Now…as we continue to dig wells to bring fresh water to those who have none — so food can grow and people can eat and our children can learn and make their way toward a better life. That is just a sampling of who and what we are.
We had a record-breaking turnout for the December 6th Foundation event when we came together in friendship for fun, great food AND desserts to truly celebrate “Doing Good in the World” (see the article on page 3. The highlight of the evening was when John Daily of the Rotary Club of Akron was inducted into the Arch Klumph Society of The Rotary Foundation. John is pictured here with Frederick T. “Rory” McGuire, the grandson of Arch C. Klumph, and Kevin Kelly, Zone 29 Major Gifts Officer. Our Rotary Family, as always, demonstrated incredible generosity and on behalf of PDG Amy Kapostasy and myself, thanks you to everyone who had a part in its success.
SAVE THE DATE for the 2018-2019 District Conference of Clubs, April 12-13, 2019 at the Cleveland Airport Marriott (an undiscovered jewel of a property) when we will come together once again as People of Action.
At the end of my letter are just a few of the ways Rotary touches the lives of others that I once shared with my own club and with the 2018-2019 Club Presidents as we prepared for this year – these Rotary leaders are truly my personal Inspiration.
I wish each of you and your families and friends, Peace, Joy and Hope. These to me are Rotary’s most precious gifts offered by each and every Rotary club in this district, and the men, women and our Rotary youth who give so much of themselves in so many ways. I know that to be true because I have seen it first-hand.
Governor Bev
This is Rotary
When a youth who has gone unnoticed and is bursting with so much to say, finds a voice in our 4-Way Test Speech Contest — that is Rotary;
When a family comes to a food pantry trusting that what they receive is fresh and healthy and there were loving hands that have sorted and watched over what they feed their children and themselves — that is Rotary;
When a child first holds a dictionary and sees in their hand the power of the written word, and then realizes it is something to call their own — that is Rotary;
When a hospital patient undergoes life-saving surgery and the “gift” from our Blood Donor Days flows through their veins, gives them strength and helps them heal — that is Rotary;
When the eyesight of a grandfather is restored in a far away village in India so that he can see the smile of the grandchild he is holding in his arms — that is Rotary;
When a victim of human trafficking is handed new clothing and sees that the tags are still on, something to call their own and the first step to recovering their dignity — that is Rotary;
When the temperature of the water is perfect for the young child to exercise his limbs and experience the freedom from pain that sometimes only the sanctity of water can provide — that is Rotary;
When a first responder is honored for their heroism “above and beyond” the call of duty with no thought to themselves, and an individual is celebrated for their belief in and work towards world understanding and peace — that is Rotary;
When our scouts can run free at camp, inhale the fresh air and never have to look over their shoulder to see what is behind them — that is Rotary;
When that life-saving drop is placed in the tiny mouth of the infant whose trusting mother smiles with tears in her eyes, and then embraces you with a strength that you can’t even fathom — that is Rotary.
“The Rotary Foundation is not to build monuments of brick and stone. If we work on marble, it will perish; if we work on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds, if we imbue them with the full meaning of the spirit of Rotary…we are engraving on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity.” — Arch C. Klumph, Father of The Rotary Foundation
November is the month when Rotarians world-wide have historically focused on The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and when we as Americans pay tribute to those men and women who have served with honor and distinction in the US Armed forces in war and in peacetime, and particularly those who have given their lives, the ultimate sacrifice, so that we as a nation remain free.
Veteran’s Day originated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I which occurred 100 years ago “on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.” In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veteran’s Day. I have been so impressed with the number of programs that so many of our Rotary Clubs have designed to honor “and thank” our Veteran’s not just during November, but throughout the Rotary year.
Thank you to our Veteran’s and those who are in active duty today, and your families, for your “Service Above Self.”
It was during World War I at the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, GA in 1917, that 1916-1917 RI President, our own Arch C. Klumph (Past President of the Rotary Club of Cleveland) called for the formation of an endowment for the purpose of “doing good in the world.” Shortly thereafter, Past President Arch’s dream was realized when the first donation of $26.50 was received from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri. In the last 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has spent over $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects locally and around the world. The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
You may have seen Rotary’s recent announcement that “for the 11th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S. The Foundation earned the recognition for demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. ‘We are extremely honored to be recognized,’ says Foundation Trustee Chair Ron Burton. It represents the hard work and dedication of countless Rotarians throughout the world. They know their gifts will be used for the purpose for which they were given and that they will, indeed, make a real difference.’ The rating reflects Charity Navigator's assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness.”
Rotary’s 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies. It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.
- The Rotary Foundation
Your gifts to the Annual Fund and/or Polio Plus, will be included in our District’s giving totals for the Rotary year. And one-half of those funds given will come back to us in three years for use in funding District and Global Grants. In addition to EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) one of the easiest ways to contribute to The Rotary Foundation is through a bequest – by naming The Rotary Foundation as a beneficiary in your will or your retirement plans.
Here is a link to our “53,000 Points of Light” District 6630 Polio Eradication effort. With 27 new cases of polio as of January 1 (Afghanistan/19; Pakistan/8), we have now surpassed 2017 where we saw a total of 22 new cases of WPV1. Thursday, December 6th is also when we as a district come together to honor The Rotary Foundation and pay tribute to those clubs and individuals who have made significant contributions in 2017-2018. It is a party of the “first order” to celebrate “Doing Good in the World” with a Live and Silent Auction, Decadent Dessert Dash and a contest for most creative costume! See all of the details below! Registration is open - CLICK HERE or go to www.RotaryDistrict6630.org.
David and I wish each of you a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!
Hard to imagine that Thanksgiving is here already! Hope you and yours have a happy and healthy one. Please enjoy this month's newsletter (CLICK HERE). Thanx so much to all of you that contributed. Be sure to send all submissions to me at stonecut@sbcglobal.net . BE SURE TO INCLUDE "Article for District Newsletter" in the subject line. The deadline for the December Newsletter will be Dec. 14th.
It is hard to believe how quickly the first three months of the 2018-2019 Rotary year have simply flown by – something that each and every Past District Governor warned me about. This phenomenon happened when I was a Club President, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised - so none of the 2018-2019 Presidents of Action should be either. I would not take back a moment, though I wish sometimes there were more hours in the day and I had the ability to be in more than one place at a time. That is the hardest part for me – to not be able to attend all of the incredible club events and projects that are occurring each and every week in this district.
I have completed two-thirds of my club visits as of this writing, or 34 of 53. I will regret when they are over. If everyone in this district could look “through my eyes for a brief moment” – they would be overwhelmed by and disbelieving of the number of humanitarian projects there are and have been in District 6630 since its inception and the millions of people whose lives have been made better for having been touched by Rotary. It is life-changing to even think about and something I am in awe of each and every day. Our Club Presidents are energetic, “forward thinking” and engaged as agents of inspiration and change for their clubs and communities.
This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again. — Paul P. Harris, Founder, Rotary International.
August was Membership and New Club Development Month and the efforts in place by many of our clubs to Share Rotary and bring in new members have resulted in positive growth with a net increase for our district as of September 30th. Congratulations! Attracting new members is important for growth and new perspectives, but now it is incumbent upon each of us to engage these new Rotarians and help lead them to their own “Rotary Defining Moment.”
“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” - Harvey S. Firestone, American Businessman
October is Economic and Community Development Month and Rotary International shares the following: Nearly 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. Our members promote economic and community development and reduce poverty in underserved communities through training, well-paying jobs, and access to financial management institutions. Projects range from providing people with equipment to vocational training. Our members work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
This is woven into the mosaic of all of our clubs and takes many different forms whether within our own communities or serving a need across the ocean. That is Rotary and that is what our clubs do.
World Polio Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. In less than two weeks, on October 24, Rotarians from around-the-world will come together “as one” for this year’s commemoration to continue to place emphasis on the elimination of this crippling and debilitating disease. Please see the different articles included in this newsletter not only detailing the history of Polio Eradication, but also answering some common questions from Rotarians on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
In the coming days you will receiving information on a special initiative that has been launched in our district on Polio Eradication. In conclusion, I want to share some thoughts with you from my husband, PDG Dave, on Polio eradication. He actually will probably be quite surprised to see it appear here with his byline.
Governor Beverly
As I reflect on World Polio Day, October 24, 2018, I find Rotary's investment amazing. If you ask almost any Rotarian they will say PolioPlus started in 1985 and that is true. Others may say it started in 1979 when 6 million children in the Philippines were vaccinated with a grant from Rotary, that is also true. However, if you look into the history of our Rotary District alone, you will find that the effects of Polio were foremost in the minds of Rotarians and their Clubs. Without exception every Rotary Club chartered before 1960 and most chartered after that, supported significant programs for children crippled by Polio. From Camp Cheerful and Akron Rotary Camp to major support of local county schools for crippled students, and in one case inventing and producing self-powered wheelchairs to provide mobility to those not able to walk. Even as we approached the New Millennium and Polio had been eradicated from the Americas, Rotarians of District 6630 never took their focus away from this debilitating disease. Some traveled overseas to administer vaccines, some sent wheelchairs, crutches and other equipment to help those already affected and just as important most raised or gave money so that all of these efforts were possible.
It is believed that Polio has been affecting humans for 3,000 years and untold millions of children. Thanks to Rotarians around the world, just like us in Northeast Ohio, we are only 19 cases away from removing this terrible disease from the face of the earth.
Please take the occasion of World Polio Day to make others aware of these efforts, and the importance of eradicating this debilitating disease.
PDG David Skrzynski Chair, District 6630 International Service Committee
Please enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter (click here), your newsletter. Thanx to all those Rotarians and Clubs that have contributed. For those of you who have not, remember if you have something to share that's connected to your club or Rotary in general and it would be of interest to other Rotarians across the district please send it along. The deadline for the November edition will be Friday November 9th. Please remember to put Article for District Newsletter in the subject line.
After just a little over two months into this Rotary year it is YOU, the Presidents and your Rotary clubs, that keeps me energized and focused. The Rotarians and their families are People of Action of the first order and each of you have hit the ground running in your projects and activities. I have been welcomed with such warmth at each of my club visits – it is absolutely the best part of being your District Governor.
Mark your calendars for the afternoon of October 21STas details are currently being finalized for a “joint” Membership Seminar with Districts 6600 and 6650 for our Club Membership Chairs, Presidents and Presidents-elect. You will be hearing directly from our District Membership Team on this important “next step.”
September is “Basic Education and Literacy” month. More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s population. Rotary’s stated goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education and increase adult literacy. Every club in this district is engaged in some way in this important Area of Focus. Every time you mentor one of our youth…work with advocates to offer a community literacy program for adults…provide a scholarship….sponsor a 4-Way Test Speech Contest….put a dictionary into the hands of a young child…host a Free Little Library…or read to a senior whose eyes can no longer see…that is the Gift of Rotary.
The initiative launched last month to seek out our Rotary Alumni within our clubs is taking form and an important part of my Governor’s message as I make my visits. Please see the article on page 7 that talks about “Rotary Reconnect Week” scheduled for October 1-7 that ties directly into our efforts. Find these young people who were the beneficiaries of your club’s programs and see if Rotary is still a part of their lives and if not, find out why! Our Interactors, Rotaractors, Youth Exchange Students and former GSE and Ambassadorial Scholars, for example, are ALL critical to the future of Rotary and integral to world understanding and peace.
Please enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter (click here to view full issue). Thanx to all those who submitted content. Every Rotarian and Club leadership team is encouraged to share the newsletter with their prospective members and any other mailing lists which could include that of former members, friends etc. Keep in mind that the deadline to submit articles for the October edition will be Friday, October 12th.
I am privileged to have already been a part of so many different club events and as I began my official visits, I am finding energized clubs who are working hard, having fun and simply enjoy being with each other and have firm plans in place to do more. This doesn’t happen just by chance, but because we have engaged and informed Rotarians who have a passion for what they are involved in and are supporting.
August is Membership and New Club Development Month. This is something that is everyone’s responsibility – not just the president or club membership chair – and should be part of everything we do each and every month.
Rotarians are People of Action and the busiest people I know. As with anything, if we find the value in what we are doing, we make the time to do it. See this month’s “My Rotary Defining Moment” on page 3 - these are the types of messaging we should be sharing when describing what Rotary means to each of us. Many times the reasons we have stayed in Rotary are not why we initially joined.
See RI President Barry Rassin’s membership message on page 10 and the RI Membership Minute for August on page 4 that highlights many of the same ideas and tools that we have shared with our presidents over the past year. As a reminder, Rotary has a series of membership courses available in the new Learning Center and all these resources and more can be found at https://www.rotary.org/membership. Don’t forget to follow-up on those membership leads that are being forwarded to your club about individuals who have asked to be contacted by an area Rotary club to become involved.
During my visits some of you have heard me speak about the importance of seeking out our Rotary “alumni” to find out what they are doing and if Rotary is in their lives and if not, why not! On page 5 [of the August newsletter - CLICK HERE] is the launch of that initiative. Our youth who are the graduates of our programs and beneficiaries of our Rotary support are our future in the United States for membership growth. Let’s find them and then never lose contact with them again. In the September newsletter another “new” approach to membership extension in our district will be focused on. Interact is continuing its growth with three new clubs on the horizon and plans are underway to expand Rotaract in our district.
During this month we will be finalizing plans for a regionalized Membership Summit joining together with neighboring districts. This will be by no means a singular approach – we will follow this up with our own programming tailored just for our district. This cannot be accomplished in just one year as you all know – it will be a multiyear effort and beyond. A number of you have asked to see the agenda from our July “brainstorming” meeting and I have attached it so you can “make it your own” when doing your own strategic planning for membership development and engagement.
In the words of Paul Harris, Rotary’s founder, “This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again.”
Be sure you take the time to write your own Rotary story – your own defining moment and your own INSPIRATION. Share this gift of Rotary with someone else.
As of press time, the Charter Celebration of the Rotary Club of Green of August 10th has just occurred and was an outstanding success! We were honored to have Rotary International Director Robb Knuepfer, Jr. in attendance to conduct the Charter Ceremony and induction of Charter Members. I was honored to induct President Kristen Lewis and her 2018-2019 officers. Congratulations Rotary Club of Green, Ohio USA! What an incredible way to start out Membership and New Club Development Month with this new addition to our Rotary Family that was a direct result of a partnership between our district and District 6650! I encourage you all to take a moment to reach out to and welcome them to Rotary.
Thanx to all those who contributed this month. Please note this month's newsletter is actually 16 pages long. I apologize to those who submitted the articles on pages 13-16 as they do not appear in the table of contents, operator error, sorry.
The deadline for submissions for the September edition will be Friday 9/7.
Happy New Year to the Family of Rotary of District 6630!
Rotary Year 2018-2019 has kicked off with excitement and a true spirit of inspiration. The Rotary clubs in District 6630 haven’t missed a beat and I have already witnessed firsthand what I already knew – that we are the premiere district in the level of our dedication and commitment. There is not a day that goes by that a life is not better for having been touched by Rotary.
I am honored to be your District Governor and privileged to be guided by a team of Club Presidents “on the move” who are truly People of Action. They are a force to be reckoned with…they are energized and committed to working hard and having fun while doing it. They are diverse in almost every way imaginable representing a multitude of generations, vocations and avocations… all with a single goal in mind. They all want to leave this Rotary year a little bit better than they found it and it is my goal to help them do just that. When you receive their call – please answer it. They can’t succeed without you and I can’t do it without them.
Rotary International President Barry Rassin “believes Rotary still is the organization Paul Harris originally envisioned…a place where people from every corner of this earth can come together to become something greater than themselves.” He wants the impact that we have on our communities and around the world to be sustainable and is committed to strengthening our public image and the use of digital tools to maximize Rotary’s reach.
President Barry believes in our youth…as we do in this district. One of his focuses this year is to strengthen Rotaract and encourage Rotaract Clubs and their members to “take the next step.” There are already plans under way for two new Interact Clubs and we are committed to a renewed focus on our involvement in the Youth Exchange program. See President Barry’s letter and use this link to be connected to his speech at the Rotary International Convention in Toronto (On to Hamburg, now, of course!)
Our District 6630 kicked-off the new Rotary year on July 12 with our annual End Polio Now event at Progressive Field with the Cleveland Indians! Once again, the Children of the World “won” because of your generosity even though the Indians didn’t. Those darn Yankees! We are so appreciative of the participation from our surrounding sister districts, but especially District 6650.
Last Thursday, July 19 was a wonderful gathering of the Family of Rotary and the incredible leaders we have in our district. Governor Amy (2017-2018) and I appreciate so many of you being in attendance to honor those who were committed to Making a Difference last year and to celebrate those who will Be the Inspiration in 2018-2019. It was also a very special opportunity to be able to recognize and honor so many of our Past District Governors and their spouses and partners who have stood by their side. The August Newsletter will include coverage of the event! Thank you to my Home Club – the Rotary Club of Cleveland - for all your support.
We have another extremely important celebration coming up that doesn’t occur very often within the life of a district and that is the chartering of a new Rotary club. Please come and support the Rotary Club of Green on Friday, August 10. We are honored that RI Director Robb Knuepfer will be in attendance to officiate over the charter ceremony. This is a unique example of membership extension as it is a result of a partnership between District 6650 and District 6630! All the details are located on page three of the newsletter.
We all know we are at an important crossroads whereby Rotary as a whole, particularly in North America, needs to continue to find ways to engage its members and grow its membership base. Additional “hands and voices” increases our influence and ability to “do good in the world.”
Since I promised our Club Presidents “the how” (they already know “the what and the why”) we kicked off the year with the first of several membership initiatives by conducting a brainstorming session on the “state of membership” in District 6630.
We will be sharing these results with you as well as the plans that are in process for a regionalized Membership Summit joining together with Districts 6600 and 6650. In the meantime, a recommendation they felt particularly strongly about was to include in our monthly newsletter, effective immediately, a feature entitled “My Rotary Defining Moment.” This is that moment in time in our Rotary journey when it became clear as to what Rotary truly means to each one of us – why we stayed, what ignited our passion and inspired us to do more. And isn’t that what we should each be doing...helping our new and newer members to find their own Rotary Defining Moment? See page thirteen for the first installment! Our August newsletter will contain information about additional district programs that support membership development and engagement.
Rotary started paying it forward about 100 years earlier than it was fashionable…we not only join to serve a need in our communities and around this incredible and challenging world of ours…but we also join to take care of each other and we always receive more than we could ever give. That is what a family does. That is the gift called Rotary.
Welcome to the new Rotary year. Best of luck to all you new leaders. Thanx for your service. Please enjoy this edition of the Rotary District 6630 Newsletter (click to view). Thanx to all those that contributed. The deadline for submissions to the August Newsletter will be August 10th. Be sure to put "Article for District Newsletter" in the subject line.
Please enjoy the final District 6630 Newsletter of the 2017-2018 Rotary Year (click to view). I hope your club had as successful a year as our club did. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all those who served in a leadership position over the last year. Best of luck to those who are beginning their leadership year. Thanks to all of those who contributed to this month's edition. The deadline for the July edition will be 7/21.
Hope you enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter. Thanx to all those that contributed. For those that haven't, what's stopping you? What's your club been up to? Have an upcoming event that you would like other Rotarians to support? Let us know.
If you are putting your event into your Club's website powered by ClubRunner, be sure to click "Show Event on District Website" and it will be automatically placed into the Club Calendar of Events on the District site. But also send it to me and it will get added exposure in the newsletter.
The deadline for February edition will be February 16th. FIRM FIRM FIRM!
Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year! Please enjoy the last District Newsletter of 2017 (click to view). Thanx to all who contributed to this edition. The deadline for the January edition will be Jan. 19th.
Thanx to all of you who contributed. The DROP DEAD DEADLINE for the December edition will be 12/22. PLEASE BE SURE TO WRITE ARTICLE FOR DISTRICT NEWSLETTER IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF ALL SUBMISSIONS. Send them to me at stonecut@sbcglobal.net
Please submit articles to the Newsletter editor at stonecut@sbcglobal.net . Be sure to write "Article for District Newsletter" in the subject line. The deadline to submit for the November edition will be 11/24.
9:30 – 10:00am – Registration and pick up your t-shirt. Please bring non-perishable foods for our food drive.
10:00 – 10:30 – Ice breaker. Get to know each other
10:30 – 10:45 Interact club introductions
10:45 – 11:00 – Cameron Gable – Short term exchange student talks about his time in Germany.
11:00 – 11:30 Scott Snyder – Talks about making homemade rocking horses for children of fallen heroes. Military, police and Fire.
11:30 – 12:15 – Lunch and get to know each other
12:15 – 12:40 – Long term Youth Exchange Students
12:45 – 1:15Pm – Annal Vyas – “How do I know if I make a difference”
1:15 – 1:30 – Jenna Kull, Emily Clark & Jasleen Gill – Their RYLA experience and how it helped her grow as a person.
1:30 – 2:00 – Discussion to choose our annual District Service Project
2:00 – 2:30 Vote on service project, take group pictures, clean-up, say goodbyes
Doughnuts, Pizza, chips and water will be provided. We ask that each participant bring non-perishable food to donate to our local food bank. T-shirts designed by CFHS Interact will be given out to those who sign up by Friday, October 20th. This should be our biggest event this year; please sign up as many as you can from your club.
Thanx to all those who submitted articles. The deadline for the October Newsletter will be 10/20. Also stay tuned for information about a possible matching grant opportunity focused on aid to the Caribbean.
Ticket sellers will need to arrive at 8:45 am at the Browns stadium at the gate on the Northeast part of the stadium/ marked staff parking. Parking and meals are included for all ticket sellers. We will be done selling tickets by the beginning of the fourth quarter. Instructions will be provided the Friday prior to the game for all registered volunteers. You cannot volunteer unless you register in advance.
Please click here to enjoy this month's Rotary District Newsletter. Thanx to all of you who submitted content. Please be sure to include your name, club and business name on all documents submitted (except fliers) in order to get a byline shout out. The deadline for the September edition will be 9/23. .
Another Rotary year has come to a close. Thanx to all of you who have assumed leadership rolls over the last year and those who will be stepping up this year. Also a special thanx from me to all those who have made this year's District Newsletters what they were by contributing to the cause. Please enjoy the last newsletter of the year (click to open).
Written by District 6630 Historian Edward G. Thomas, this 148-page softbound book covers Arch’s life from his early boyhood in Conneautville, PA, through his life in Cleveland, OH, as a successful business man, a military enthusiast, an aspiring musician, a civic leader, an iconic Rotarian, and a dedicated family man. The book includes numerous photographs showing Arch at various stages of his life. Many of the photographs were provided by family members and have never been published before.
Click here to read the Rotary District 6630 March Newsletter. Thanx to all the clubs that submitted articles. Hope to hear from your club soon. The deadline to submit for the April edition is 4/21. Please be sure that any article submitted has a Rotary connection.
Thanx to all those who contributed this month. Maybe next month you'll send something too! The deadline to submit for December's edition will be 12/16.
Please enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter (Click to Open). Thanx to all those who contributed. Keep in mind that the deadline to submit articles for the November Newsletter will be 11/18.
No child anywhere should suffer the crippling effects of a completely preventable disease. And that’s why we need your help—now more than ever—to finally put an end to polio. This 24 October join the entire Rotary world to celebrate our fourth annual World Polio Day. Discover all the ways you can help us finish the job:
Advocate. Download the World Polio Day tool kitand join our worldwide network of End Polio Now advocates.
Amplify. Show your support for the final push to end polio with our social media graphics.
Connect. Host a community gathering to get everyone involved and tell us how you’re taking action—register your event.
Give. Support volunteers and Rotary staff from around the world cycling up to 104 miles in El Tour de Tucson to raise funds for polio eradication.
Hope you enjoy this month's District Newsletter. Simply click to open. This Newsletter would not be possible without your Club contributions. The cut-off for the October edition will be 10/21. Thanx and happy reading!
Thanx to all who took the time to send articles and share what your Club has been up to. The deadline to submit articles for the July Newsletter will be 7/15.
As the 2015-2016 Rotary year comes to a close, it is a time for reflection. I am so humbled to have served as your District Governor this year. It seems like yesterday when I was writing my first Governor’s article and now it is my last.
It has been a sincere pleasure getting to rekindle old friendships and make so many new ones. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity to work with so many amazing individuals throughout this District. I heard incredible and inspiring stories of service projects, attended numerous fundraisers and have seen the impact that our clubs are making to improve the quality of life for someone else.
Our Members. Our Strength.
Volunteers truly change the world – you don’t wait around for someone else to make the difference – you are the someone else! There is a passion among our members ― an enthusiasm, drive and commitment that brings positive change to our local and international communities. It takes special unselfishness to get your hands dirty, go where no one else wants to, and give of your time, talents and treasures. All of our 52 clubs are accomplishing our mission of Service Above Self and have indeed been A Gift to the World during the 2015-2016 Rotary Year and will continue this spirit. Thank you for your dedication and the pride you all exhibit in who we are as Rotarians.
A Team Effort.
Transition from year to year only works when you have a team. This District has worked diligently to build consistency from year to year. To do this, we work as a team with our past, current and future governors, assistant governors and committee leaders. We are blessed to have a great and dedicated team in District 6630 and because of this, our future is in good hands moving forward. We might not make sweeping and sudden changes, but we make lasting changes bit by bit, one step at a time. It’s the little changes added up together that influence generations upon generations and help us keep this District strong.
Champions of Change: District 6630
This was a year of change and our District ‘Rocked the Change’ including at our District Conference!! Change comes in many forms – from the flexibility for our clubs (approved by the recent Council On Legislation) to all of the new technology being implemented. We have diligently worked with Rotary International and our District leaders to strengthen communications to help clubs understand the changes, any impact on members and the purpose for the change. Embrace the changes and the new opportunities that your clubs face as the new Rotary Serving Humanity continues to define our efforts as the best service organization in the world!
Your indelible marks of love and compassion are a Gift to the World. Thank you for your friendship and the honor of working with you during the 2015-2016 Rotary year.
Your Partner in Rotary Service –
Cheryl Warren
Rotary International District Governor 2015-2016 | Home Club: Akron, Ohio
Please enjoy this month's Rotary District 6630 Newsletter. Thanx to all the clubs that provided content. The deadline to submit for the May Edition is 5/13.
Member engagement in the club, its activities and programs is vital. By “engagement” we mean that a member is committed to one or more of the club’s programs or activities as evidenced by his or her participation or monetary support – an investment of time, talents or treasures.
Attendance at the weekly meetings of the Club is one of the extremely important aspects of Rotary membership. Attending the meetings directly affects our Rotary experience. Good meeting attendance – if not perfect attendance – is important and a noble goal. It builds goodwill and better friendships and is beneficial to all concerned. I just happen to think that Rotarians should attend meetings because they want to and are interested in being there ---- not because of our rulebook! Members may not always realize that meeting attendance is an important measurement tool for club leaders. It reflects if members enjoy the club and the meetings.
Almost every Rotarian I know is very busy. We all have business or family obligations that make meeting attendance difficult at times. Most clubs tend to point fingers at non-attending Rotarians as “bad Rotarians.” On the other hand poor attendance says as much – or more – about the club as it does the individual. Often clubs with poor attendance are not giving the members what they want and that is something clubs must recognize and can fix!
Club leaders – you should be paying attention to membership records - but use them to assess the club, not condemn the Rotarian. Then have the courage to make the changes that the members want and you will make them raving fans of the Club and all its meetings and activities.
Your club might just need to dust itself off and create a vibrant atmosphere. It can be done.
Is your club attractive enough – is it fun, does it provide value to members – to keep members coming to meetings?
Talk with the members - those who are and are not coming and ask them:
"What is the club not providing to members that it should be?"
"What can we do to improve your Rotary experience in our Club ?"
Focus on what you can change. And remember - one size does not fit all. What works for one club may not work for your club. Be flexible and open to trying new ideas.
Start by looking at:
- Location
- Meeting time
- Speaker lineup
- Communications
Here are examples of what some clubs are doing:
1. A lunch club offered an alternative breakfast meeting with great success. Members who had not been able to be at the lunch meeting for years showed up! Now they are considering a Satellite Breakfast Club.
2. A morning club meets at various locations each week - they "Rotate". To keep people informed they simply put it on their website and in their newsletters. Visitors are directed call before visiting the club for their "rotating" meeting location.
3. A lunch club holds cocktail parties at least quarterly and encourages people to bring a friend. There is no presentation, just a warm welcome and an opportunity to connect with one another.
4. Another morning club started a monthly after-hours gathering for emerging leaders in the community. Rotarians are encouraged to bring a non-Rotarians with them.
A well run Rotary club has meetings and events that members attend because they want to, not because they have to. They participate because they want to spend time with their friends, because the meetings are fun, because of good programs, or especially because they know they will be greeted warmly and made to feel welcome – which is increasingly unusual in our impersonal computer-based world!
Need more assistance or ideas to re-energize your meetings? Call Lance Chima, District Membership Chair at 330- 388-8892 or via email lance@chimatravel.net or me at 330-495-9814 or at cawarren@neo.rr.com.
Watch for our upcoming District events - they are a great place to exchange ideas with fellow members from our 52 clubs!! www.rotarydistrict6630.org
District Governor 2015-16
Home Club: Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio
Contributions to this article from my friends and fellow Rotarians: Brent Rosenthal, Assistant Rotary Coordinator (Membership) Zone 30; PDG, Membership Chair District 6690 and Lance Chima, Membership Chair, District 6630
Please enjoy this month's District Newsletter (click to open). As always thanx to all those that contributed. As a reminder, when submitting articles... PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME, CLUB NAME AND COMPANY NAME IN THE BODY OF THE ARTICLE NOT JUST IN YOUR EMAIL. The deadline for the January edition is 1/15.
We accept article ideas about club and district successes, including fundraisers, publicity efforts, service projects, and membership drives. Please include descriptions, high-resolution photos, and contact information in your email. Due to the high volume of submissions, we cannot promise to feature your story.
PLEASE USE “ARTICLE FOR DISTRICT NEWSLETTER” IN THE SUBJECT LINE
Please enjoy this month's District Newsletter (Click to Download). As always thanx to all those that contributed. As a reminder, when submitting articles... PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME, CLUB NAME AND COMPANY NAME IN THE BODY OF THE ARTICLE NOT JUST IN YOUR EMAIL. The deadline for the December edition is December 12th, period.
I hope you enjoy this month's District Newsletter (Click to open). Thanx to all of those who contribute and those that take the time to read it. When submitting articles, please include the following info in the article itself: your name, club name and business name. The deadline to submit for the November Edition is 11/14.
In an effort to promote vocational awareness in Rotary please be sure to put the author's name, Club name and Company name in all articles submitted (not in the email it is attached to).
Have you created your listing in our District's eYellow pages? I have!
Click the link to enjoy the newsletter and remember there are embedded videos and other goodies in all of the images.
Mike Johns, Jr.
Charter President
TRC Hillcrest-Sunrise
(Cleveland) Ohio USA
Newsletter Editor, District 6630
Assistant District Governor / Cuyahoga County NE/ District 6630
Please enjoy this "short and sweet" April District Newsletter (click to open). Thanx to all who contributed. This publication is not possible without your input.
The District 6630 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Committee encourages your club’s involvement in sponsoring local high school juniors (who will be seniors in September 2015) for the upcoming leadership camp at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio.
The RYLA Committee has planned a five-day leadership conference for high school juniors who are aspiring young leaders. The conference will be held June 14-18, 2015 at BW. The program will enhance the student’s leadership skills through lectures, hands-on participation and recreation.
Join us for Rotary Leadership Youth Awards in JUNE!!
Please click here to enjoy this month's District Newsletter. Be sure to click on the icons photos and thumbnails of larger more readable documents. Thanx to all who contributed to this month's edition. I guarantee you will be much warmer when you read the March edition (at least one can hope)!
The VTT project involving Rotary District 6630, Akron Children’s Hospital and Gift-of-Life-Northeast Ohio is still going strong. The intensive six week training program at ACH that involved 7 health care specialists from St. Damien’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti last October is about to enter its second phase. Watch the video from phase one.
A team of eight specialists from ACH including:
Dr. Jeff Kempf – Emergency Physician, Dir. Of Pediatric Global Health Partners
And team leader
Dr. John Pope – pediatric intensivist
Chris Weisbrod – hospital administrator
Jenifer Fitch – hospital administrator of global health
PRESIDENT- ELECT URGES ROTARY MEMBERS TO 'BE A GIFT TO THE WORLD'
Using their talents, expertise, and leadership, Rotary members worldwide are asked to be gifts to the world this upcoming 2015-16 Rotary year. Rotary International President-elect K.R. "Ravi" Ravindran called Sunday's address to incoming district governors the "most significant moment of my life." All of you have been given so many gifts. And you have now been given this great gift: one year to take all your talents, all your gifts, everything that you are and can become -- and Be a Gift to the World," said Ravindran, revealing his presidential theme at the annual five-day training meeting in San Diego, California, USA. "You have one year to take that potential and turn it into reality. One year to lead the clubs in your district and transform the lives of others. The time is so short, yet there is so much to be done."Highlighting Rotary's biggest challenge, the eradication of polio, Ravindran said, "A future without polio is a gift that we have promised to the children of the world. And indeed it is a gift that we will give."
Recently the American Nicaragua Hope and Relief International Foundation held their annual meeting in Chinnendega, Nicaragua. Elected for his third 3 year term as a Director was District 6630 PDG and past President of the RC of Conneaut, Jack A. Young. There are two separate Boards who work together to support the children of the dump in surrounding communities in Nicaragua.
Pictured is PDG Jack Young [7th from left] and members of both Board of Director's
One Board is the Chinnendega 2001 Board of Directors which is comprised of local business and community leaders in Chinnendega which oversees the trade school and other schools on a day to day basis. The second Board is the American Nicaragua Hope and Relief Foundation, a 501 C-3 Foundation in the United States consisting of Rotarians throughout the United States and is responsible for assisting the funding and donation process to the Children in Nicaragua. Both Boards work together to insure the success of the process.
The Rotary logo on page 2 will take you to discussions about using social media in your club.
If you click on the Rotary Foundation logo on page 4 it will take you to a page that will either help your Club find an International Project to help fund or funding for your existing project.
There area few more as well. As always, thanx to all those who contributed to this month's edition. Here's wishing one and all a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous and Giving New Year.
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION RISES ON EXPERT LIST OF TOP NONPROFITS
The Rotary Foundation has continued its steady growth, moving up 35 spots to 85th in The Chronicle of Philanthropy's annual ranking of the top 400 nonprofit organizations in the United States. The ranking is based on monetary contributions from private sources and reflects the increasing generosity of those who support Rotary's mission.
The time is fast approaching for submitting the names of candidates to be interviewed for the position of District Governor for the 2017/2018 Rotary year. The deadline is Friday, Nov. 14th. to have applications sent in. This is a very important appointment for our district and identification and selection of the right person is crucial to District 6630 continuing its line of excellent leadership that we have been lucky to have received over the years.
Forms can be accessed by CLICKING HERE The depth of good potential leaders is out there. Please help us identify this person and offer them this wonderful and rewarding opportunity of a lifetime. Applications should be sent to:
Robert Johnson
Chair-2014 Nominating Committee
14372 Broadwood Dr.
Burton, OH 44021
NOMINATIONS FOR DISTRICT GOVERNOR – 2017/2018 ROTARY YEAR
Photos of the fun our exchange students and committee members had at the Erie-Ohio Rotary Youth Exchange 2014 Orientation. All photos of our Akron video-recording project on Host Families and Returning Outbound Students. Hope you can join us next year!
Please continue to submit speaker contact info as I will try to publish all the info next month. Be sure to click on the 2 Rotary icons as they link to some great speakers from this year's All Ohio PETS training.
Regards
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
I changed the Table of Contents a bit. The items listed in RED have live links to either larger versions of the documents or links to videos etc. I hope this makes them more noticable and user friendly. This is the best part of the electronic version of the Newsletter. Thanx to all those who shared what their Clubs are doing.
RI President-elect Gary C.K. Huang chose Light Up Rotary as his theme for 2014-15. Huang was inspired by the teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucious who said: "It is better to light a single candle, than to sit and curse the darkness." "There are so many problems in the world, so many people who need help. Many people say, 'There's nothing I can do.' So they sit there doing nothing. Meanwhile everything stays dark," Huang told the 537 district governors and their spouses and partners who are attending the 2014 International Assembly in San Diego, California.
(Excerpts from Rotary International’s Facebook page)
"India was a country where it was once thought polio could never be eradicated."
On Monday, January 13, 2014 India was declared POLIO FREE! In 1988, the forty-first World Health Assembly adopted a resolution for the worldwide eradication of polio. Here are some polio certification facts: Regions as a whole are certified as polio free. For certification, all countries in the Region need to not register a case of wild polio for 3 years in the presence of high quality surveillance. The formal process for certification of polio eradication was established in 1995 at the first meeting of the Global Certification Commission (GCC). There are National Certification Committees (NCCs) who focus on analysis at the country level. In SEARO, each of the 11 member states has a NCC. All Regions have a certification commission. For SEARO there is the South-East Asia Regional Certification Commission which comprises eleven global and regional experts. It is this commission that can certify the South-East Asia Region as polio free. Three Regions (Americas, 1994; Western Pacific, 2000; Europe, 2002) have already been certified as polio free.
Cleveland Rotarian Participates in Polio Immunization in India
I apologize once again for being tardy. Between the Holidays and some technical difficulties... well anyway. I'm sure you will enjoy this month's edition. There is some excellent information, videos etc so be sure to click on the Rotary icons and all the documents that are too small to read because they all open into larger more readable versions. If they are icons they link to some informative videos. Thanx to all of you who contributed this month. 16 pages may be an all-time record. I am hoping to stick to Jan 11 for the next deadline.
Regards
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
I want to start by saying Thank You. Without your help I wouldn't be where I am right now. Although I'm just 1 kid out of the hundreds you have assisted on sending abroad, you all will always be the people who helped change my life. I often think about how different my life would have been had I not left just 3 short months ago, and how happy I am that I left the States. Of course my trip has been bumpy, but I always knew you all would do your best to help me. Knowing I had the support of my new friends, family, and Rotarians meant a lot to me.
I remember my first day like it was yesterday. My journey started off with me almost missing my 1st airplane due to a mix up of gates. Thankfully I got to my plane on time and I made it to Chicago where I met up with other exchange students coming to South Korea too. I knew that by stepping on each airplane I was further giving up my version of "comfortable" and "normal" for the unknown. Nothing was a guarantee. I stepped on each airplane with my back straight and all the confidence I had. I spent the 14 hour plane ride talking with the other exchange students, we compared our different "correct" versions of saying each word, and sleeping. Once we arrived in Seoul we took a few extra minutes to say our goodbyes to each other, knowing once we walked out of the terminal we would be instantly separated. My host family treated me to a large feast at their daughter's favorite restaurant my first night. It all tasted delicious.
Please enjoy this month's edition of the District Newsletter. Thanx to all those who contributed to it. If your Club has not contributed anything lately (or ever) I hope you will try to in the future. Let's all take a minute and be thankful for what we have and remember those who might not be as thankful. The deadline for the Dec. edition will be Dec 13th.
Regards and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: Nov 13 final.pdf
Please enjoy this month's Newsletter (click to open). Thanx to all those Clubs and individuals that contributed. Be sure to click on the Rotary wheel to see a re-broadcast from World Polio Day. Special thanx to those that contributed to the article on pg 7.
click the link as indicated...
Regards
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: Oct 13 final.pdf
While Americans are preparing for flu season, we shouldn't forget global diseases that are less visible -- yet far more devastating -- that require the world's attention.
To many Americans, diseases like polio and measles may seem to be threats of the past. But they continue to cripple and kill children in other parts of the world.
World Polio Day, which we recognized on October 24, is a reminder that even though this disease is gone from the United States, it must not be forgotten.
Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan have not yet been able to stop the transmission of polio. This has far-reaching consequences for all countries, including the United States. As Dr. Thomas Frieden, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has said, "Polio anywhere in the world is a risk everywhere in the world."
Polio is a highly contagious disease that moves quickly and does not respect borders. Countries, especially those with a low immunization level against polio, are at risk of importing the disease. A recent outbreak in the Horn of Africa is a sobering reminder that until polio is eradicated, pockets of outbreaks will continue to paralyze children for life.
Please Click Here or on the link below to enjoy the September District 6630 Newsletter
Please enjoy this month's District Newsletter. Thanx to all of those who contributed. To those Clubs that have not... maybe next month? Click the link...
Regards
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: Sept final.pdf
Welcome to the new Rotary Year. You have a month of it under your belt so far. Please click here to enjoy this month's District Newsletter. Be sure to click on the photos and images for interesting links to stories and videos etc. Thanx to all of you who contributed this month. If your Club didn't submit anything this month, perhaps you can make an effort for next month. I'm definitely interested in what your Club has been up to. Just click here or the link below to open this month's edition.
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
Assistant District Governor
Cuyahoga County NE
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: July 13 final.pdf
I hope you enjoy this month's edition of The District Newsletter (Click to Open). Secretaries of Clubs who have not provided the District with email contacts for your members or that do not use ClubRunner please forward this and every Newsletter to your members. Thanx to all of you who submitted articles this month.
Last Saturday's Interact District Dodge-ball Tournament was a big success with Interact clubs fielding 11 Dodge-ball Teams!
Congratulations to the winning team, the "Slendermen", from North Royalton Broadview Heights! As the winners they got to choose International charity to receive all the proceeds from the event - their choice to send the proceeds to Polio Plus will help immunize hundreds of children against polio!
Every one had a great time playing dodge-ball, eating pizza, and socializing.
Having a great time, raising funds, and completing an International project. Another stroke of genius put together by the Interact Club of North Royalton Broadview Heights - they deserve congratulations too!
Congratulation to the Winners of the Interact District Dodge-ball Tournament!!!
At long last... Hope you enjoy this month's Newsletter (click to open). I am hoping to have an earlier deadline for the March issue (say March 11th). Thanx to all of you who contributed this month. Here's hoping that some of the clubs that have not contributed to this point might submit something for the March Newsletter.
RI President-elect Ron Burton will ask Rotarians to Engage Rotary, Change Lives in 2013-14.
He unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of the 2013 International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, the annual training event for incoming district governors.
Sorry for the late publication of this month's newsletter - CLICK TO VIEW. There is more information in this edition than I can remember. Thanx to all of you who contributed. There are over 40 live links to Fliers, Documents, Photographs, Additional Websites and so much more. Also this month's edition actually contains a Newsletter in a Newsletter (The ClubRunner Newsletter that is). There are actually 16 live links in that story alone. Hope you enjoy this one. Do consider supporting one of the Club fundraisers promoted in the Newsletter. Please be thinking about your submissions for the February edition. Tentative deadline will be Feb 3rd.
WHEN SUBMITTING ARTICLES BE SURE TO SEND THEM TO ME AT THIS ADDRESS: stonecut@sbcglobal.net FOR YOUR INFORMATION ANY ROTARY EMAIL THAT YOU RECEIVE FROM mailservice@clubrunner.com could come from anyone using the District email service SO DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLY TO THAT ADDRESS. IF YOU HAVE SENT ME ARTICLES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PUBLISHED IT IS LIKELY BECAUSE YOU SENT THEM TO THE WRONG ADDRESS AND I HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING. I WILL ALWAYS CONFIRM I RECEIVED ARTICLES SUBMITTED (USUALLY WITHIN 3 DAYS OR LESS) SO IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE CONFIRMATION PLEASE RESUBMIT. I WOULD RATHER GET THE SAME SUBMISSION TWICE THAN MISS ONE.
Happy Holidays to all. I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter - Click to Open. Thanx to all of you who contributed. Please remember the family of the late, Past Rotary International Vice President and Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, Lou Piconi who passed away on Thursday in your prayers. I was very fortunate to be able to call him friend. He will be missed around the world. That is the power of the family of Rotary.
Warmest Regards of the Holiday Season
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: dec final.pdf
Your vote could help Rotary give airline miles for humanitarian projects -- and be first this year for United’s 10 Million Charity Miles Giveaway!
Until 25 December, vote daily for Rotary on each of your devices such as laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc. Charities receive a portion of the miles based on the percentage of the overall vote they receive. So forward the link http://10millioncharitymiles.com/charity/39 to everyone you know.
Last year, we took second in the contest, receiving 2.5 million charity miles. We’re in fourth now and need your votes!
Posted By Antoinette Tuscano
Vote to Help Rotary Give Airline Miles for Humanitarian Projects
More Sandy Relief information - this is the information from NY, NJ, and CT Districts that I tried to share below...
This just in (via DG Melissa Ward) from DG Bonnie Sirower (NJ) - it's truly heart breaking
Dear Rotarians and other Friends…
A week after the storm, things are slowly starting to return to what is now taken for normal. But we have another nor'easter that will hit our region tomorrow, bringing with it wet snow, heavy winds and flooding. We all fear that any progress made thus far will be undone by this new storm.
At a District 7490 Staff meeting last night that 75 District Staff, club Presidents and members attended, DG Joan Vas of District 7500 (Ocean, Monmouth and Burlington Counties), DG John Andrews of District 7460 (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Gloucester Counties) and Matts Ingemanson, DGE from District 7230 (Manhattan, Staten Island, Westchester, Bronx and Bermuda) all gave reports on their districts.
Joan reported on the devastation that hit her district, with many towns washed away, including the iconoclastic Seaside Heights Amusement Park. People are without homes or infra-structure. Many roads were washed away. Even government buildings have been washed away. John Andrews told us that Brigantine was pretty much wiped off the map, and that there were 3,000 refugees from the storm stranded in shelters in Atlantic City. Matts talked about the despair on Staten Island, where homes were swept away and 19 lives were lost. In my own District, the towns of Little Ferry, Moonachie and Carlstadt were totally inundated. The water came in so fast at 2 pm in the morning after a berm broke by the Hackensack River that even emergency personnel had to be rescued.
About 40% of us (this author included) still have no power, and there are very LONG gasoline lines, as deliveries cannot get through and many gas stations have no power.
As Rotarians, we are participating in VOAD, the Volunteer Organizations Aiding in Disasters. This group is holding a daily conference call so that we can all coordinate our efforts to provide supplies and volunteers.
Where to bring donated items
We have established three warehouses in our District to which donors from all over may bring supplies.
Thanx to all of you who contributed to this month's Newsletter. Hope all of you enjoy it! Click here to view. Maybe next month your Club or District Committee will have something worth sharing.
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: Oct 12 Final.pdf
First Place - Toss the First Pitch and Paul Harris Recognition: Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski. Rotary Club of Cleveland (rumor has it that Dave Diffendal will throw the First Pitch).
Second Place - two Club seats for future game: Ken Laino, Rotary Club of Cleveland
Third Place - autographed baseball: Patricia Myers, Rotary Club of Hudson Clock Tower
Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone who purchased tickets.
News Flash!! Winners of the First Pitch Raffle are...
Please enjoy this month's District Newsletter (click to view). Be sure to click on all the photos, documents and images; the bugs are out and they all lead somewhere. Pay special attention to the Helpful Resources for Club Officers and the Weekly Update Documents. Not only do they enlarge when you click on them, but they also contain links to great resources as well. Thanx to all of you who took the time to submit articles. Click the link to view the Newsletter.
Regards
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: Aug 12 final rev.pdf
Meet "Rotar," one of the newest canines to join the Geauga County Sheriff's Office. The Chardon, Burton-Middlefield, Chesterland & Chagrin Valley Clubs along with a district grant donated
the funds to purchase & train him.
On July 8th at the Nature Center of Shaker Lakes, the incoming District Governor Julie West was inducted by PRID Director Mike Johns Sr. and the “Home Club of the District Governor” banner was passed from the Rotary Club of Mantua to the Rotary Club of Cleveland. Outgoing District Governor Steve Zabor was thanked for his year of service and presented with his Past District Governor pin. Photos courtesy of Bob Prevette.
PRID Mike Johns installing and congratulating DG Julie West
I know you all have been anxiously awaiting this month's District Newsletter. Well, we had some technical difficulties this month. Because of these difficulties you will not be able to zoom in on the photos in this edition as you usually would. You can still click on the Rotary emblem and logo as well as the attached documents to get larger, downloadable versions or to be taken to a great video and some Rotary/Olympic news. I hope you enjoy it. Club Secretaries, please forward the newsletter to the rest of your Club if your members' email addresses have not been submitted to the District. If you are not sure, please forward it anyway. Remember, the purpose of the Newsletter is to share what your Club is doing and see what is going on outside of your Club. To read the Newsletter just CLICK HERE. If you find the print is too small to read you can enlarge the document (depending on what pdf reader you are using the actual methods vary) Please send articles for the August Edition no later than Aug 5th.
Regards
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: July 12 Final.pdf
Governor Zabor hosted his year end picnic at Turkey Ridge pavilion at The West Woods in Geauga county. He recognized those who assisted him during his year as Governor and was presented a beautifully framed certificate of appreciation to recognize his service to Dustrict 6630. Attendees enjoyed great fellowship and food in a lovely setting.
Also please be advised that the deadline for June articles will be June 2nd FIRM!! So please email your articles ASAP. Thanx for reading and for your support.
1st Place: Ashwin Rane - Solon High School Sponsor: Rotary Club of Solon
Topic: Talking
2nd Place: Conner Hooper - Rocky River High School Sponsor: Rotary Club of Lakewood/Rocky River
Topic: Remodeling American Policy
3rd Place: Joy Schaeffer - Strongsville High School Sponsor: Rotary Club of Strongsville
Topic: Addiction
Honorable Mention: Monica Mehta - Western Reserve Academy Sponsor: Rotary Club of Hudson
Topic: Fearing Embarrassment
Honorable Mention: Jasmeen Randhowa - North Royalton/Broadview Hts. High School Sponsor: Rotary Club of North Royalton/Broadview Hts.
Topic: The Medias Mind Control
The Group Study Exchange Team from District 3202 in India arrived safely Saturday the 17th of March. They are a great team and we will have a wonderful experience learning from them.
For the past three years, Rotary clubs have illuminated landmarks and iconic structures around the world with the humanitarian group's dramatic pledge to End Polio Now. This year's round of light displays takes on added significance due to the progress Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have made in India. In January, India -- until recently an epicenter of the crippling childhood disease -- reached a historic milestone by marking a full year without recording a single new case.
Please enjoy...click here to download There are several video links in this month's edition including a link to Rotary Radio where you can watch and listen to past programs. Thanx to all of you who support the newsletter by submitting articles etc. This month's is 13 pages worth. I'll bet DG Steve is glad we are no longer printing and mailing! Remember it was on Feb 23rd 1905 that Paul Harris gathered with three friends to hold the first ever Rotary meeting. Happy Birthday Rotary!
Regards
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: Feb Final.pdf
This video shows how SKYPE can be used at a district orientation to introduce current Inbounds on their exchange to Outbound students getting ready to depart for their year abroad.
SKYPE helps D6630 with Outbound Student Orientation
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Kwanzaa, etc... I hope whatever Holiday Tradition you hold dear fills you with the spirit of the season! Hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Thanx to all of you who made this edition what it is by taking the time and sharing your Rotary experiences with other members of the District. I hope to hear from more of you next month!! CLICK TO VIEW NEWSLETTER
Hope all of you Veterans got the recognition you deserved last week! This month's newsletter has a couple of articles written by Rotarian veterans. CLICK TO VIEW NEWSLETTER NOW!
Please check out all the links from photos etc. Please note the clipart flag and cornucopia don't lead anywhere. Please remember that this newsletter is a vehicle by which all Rotarians and Clubs can share interesting items with the rest of the District. As far as I am concerned any Rotarian may make a submission (your club leadership may think differently so you may want to ask first). My requests for articles go to every member in the District's database so don't worry that I have contacted the wrong person from your club. The "right" person was contacted too. Just remember when submitting article to consider the readership... Would you find this article interesting if it came from a different club? Hope you enjoy the newsletter and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving... no premature napping at the dinner table!
Mike Johns, Jr. Charter President TRC Hillcrest, Sunrise (Cleveland) Ohio USA
I hope you enjoy this month's District Newsletter. Remember it's an empy shell until clubs in the District contibute. Thanx to everyone who did so this month. Please be sure to find all the links. I think everyone should be especially moved by the 2 videos embedded in the Rotary emblem links. I think the videos are quite good (you may also veiw them on our District home page). Also, once you get to Rotary International's own YouTube channel, you can check out some other great videos. You can even link to them from your clubs' own websites. Remember, the deadline to submit articles is about the end of the month before the newsletter is published (end of October for November Edition). You usually get a little latitude on that. Keep in mind that if you have an event you want publicized, if it is before the 20th of the month be sure to submit for the month before's edition.
Regards
Mike Johns, Jr.
Newsletter Editor
District 6630
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below: Oct 11 Final.pdf
Please start sending me your submissions for the August edition. The cut-off for the August edition is July 30th. Be sure to click on the photos and graphics for links to larger images or even videos. The student bios on page 6 and 7 do not enlarge.
Hope you enjoy this month's edition. Click here to read. Sorry to be so late! Be sure to click on the images for enlargements or links to interesting features. Please send your June articles as soon as you can. We would like to publish the June Newsletter in the first half of the month. And as always, THANX FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT! Club secretaries, be sure to distribute to your Club's members!
Victoria (Akron Exchange Student) and Brenda (Strongsville Exchange Student) attended the 8th grade "Dare program" graduation party for Strongsville students. They were invited by Jay Dzurilla, Past District Governor for RD 6630 2006-2007.
Hope you enjoy this month's edition. Sorry to be so late! Be sure to click on the images for enlargements or links to interesting features. Click to view May 11 Final.pdf
Please send your June articles as soon as you can. We would like to publish the June Newsletter in the first half of the month. And as always, THANX FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT! Club secretaries, be sure to distribute to your Club's members!
Click to view this month's newsletter.Also - my apologies to the members of TRC Bedford for not getting this flier into the April newsleter. Please Click Here and save the date for what promises to be a great event!!!
Please submit your May articles soon!! Don't forget to sign up for the District Conference. Registration deadline has been extended! Also be sure to click on the Rotary International icon in this edition. It may take a minute to load but you will get a preview of the electronic version of The Rotarian Magazine.
Thanx to all of you who submitted articles for this month! Also thanx to the many Rotarians who took the time to comment on the new format of delivery for the newsletter, glad you like it. Club Secretaries, be sure to forward the newsletter to your members.
CLICK HERE and enjoy this month's newsletter! Send me new articles for the March edition as close to Feb 23rd as possible. Thanx to all of you who updated your Club Executives and Directors on the District website. For those of you who forgot, please do so ASAP.
Happy Holidays!!! Please enjoy the December edition of the District Newsletter. Thanx to all those who contributed! Please remember to get your articles for the January edition in by December 28th (adjusted deadline).
Hope you enjoy this month's edition - Click here to open! Please be sure to submit articles for the February edition as close to my Jan 23rd deadline as possible. Remember, there is no newsletter without YOU! Also please be sure your club has updated all the email addresses (and other info) in the club executives sections on the District Website. Finally, Club Secretaries, be sure to forward this newsletter to all of your members. Thanx for your help again in making this Newsletter possible.
In addition to the newsletter here is a snapshot from the district website which shows the number of current club officer emails registered with the district. Then below it is a snapshot showing the same listing for next year's officers. The more complete the list, the better the communication. So please do your part and get your Club's info updated!
My appologies for being so late with this month's newsletter. The October issue is guaranteed to be on time provided all of you submit new articles as soon as possible. As we have already passed the deadline for submission I ask you all to act quickly! There are a lot of links in this month's edition. Some to photos, some to web articles and some to documents, so be sure to find them all by moving your mouse over graphics, links and small documents. There are some great shots from the Tall Ships Festival but they take a bit to load. Enjoy! Click Here to View
Greetings Rotarians. I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. CLICK HERE and be sure to move your cursor over the graphics and photos as they will take you to larger images, videos and other interesting places. While looking at the Rotary video on YouTube (another link) be sure to sign up for a subscription to Rotary's own YouTube Channel. That way you can receive new videos as they are released. Please remember to distribute this and every newsletter to the rest of your club every month as I only have access to specific members (officers) of your clubs. Also be sure that all your email info for officers is in place under the define club executives section on the District Website. Finally remember that my PUBLISHED Deadline for article submissions is the 23rd of the month for the next month's edition ie Aug 23rd for the September Edition so please start submitting articles for that newsletter as soon as possible!! Just use this as your guide... If another Club submitted this article, would I find it interesting? Typically you should expect the Newsletter about mid-month.
Click here and enjoy this month's newsletter. For those of you who are receiving the newsletter for the first time, be sure to move your cursor over the graphics as they will take you to larger documents, videos and other interesting places. While on the RI website be sure to sign up for the electronic newsletters that RI offers. You can also go through member access to set up this and other great features. While looking at the Rotary video on YouTube (another link) be sure to sign up for a subscription to Rotary's own YouTube Channel. That way you can receive new videos as they are released. Please remember to distribute this and every newsletter to the rest of your club every month as I only have access to specific members (officers) of your clubs. Also be sure that all your email info for officers is in place under the define club executives section on the District Website. Finally remember that my PUBLISHED Deadline for article submissions is the 23rd of the month for the next month's edition ie July 23rd for the August Edition so please start submitting articles for that newsletter as soon as possible!! Just use this as your guide... If another Club submitted this article, would I find it interesting? Typically you should expext the Newsletter about mid-month.
On July 1, 2010 Stew Buchanan was inducted as Governor for District 6630 at an event hosted by his home Club in Akron, Ohio. As his first official duty, he then inducted Janet Williams as the 2010-2011 Akron Club President.
Governor John Bosco made the announcement at the District Assembly that t
he nominating committee has selected James Lechko of the Rotary Club of Lakewood-Rocky River to be the District Governor for 2012-2013.
These 10 charities work throughout the country and the world. They are large, complex organizations with budgets exceeding $100 million, and at least $65 million in net assets.
The 2012 Interact video contest is underway! This year Interactors can choose one of these three the...
The 2012 Interact video contest is underway! This year Interactors can choose one of these three themes:
1. Past: The unbelievable history of my Interact club (bonus points for interviews with past Interactors)
2. Present: Five ways my Interact club makes the world a better place
3. Future: Interact 2062 -- How Interact will change the world in the next 50 years
There are links to photos, some to web articles and some to documents, so be sure to find them all by moving your mouse over graphics, links and small documents. Enjoy! Click Here to View
There are a lot of links in this month's edition. Some to photos, some to web articles and some to documents, so be sure to find them all by moving your mouse over graphics, links and small documents. There are some great shots from the Tall Ships Festival but they take a bit to load. Enjoy! Click Here to View
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Sincerely,
If it is January, it must be coffee drive time! For the fourth year, we are collecting coffee for the Haven of Rest shelter in Akron.
The behavioral health collection is underway and is still going until November 30th. Use the QR code and ship items direct for the much needed items that help children and adults work through their trauma in creative ways.
David Ponce Best of the Fest Award: King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones, directed by Harriet Marin Jones
Ohio Polio Survivors gathered this past weekend in New Philadelphia, Ohio for their annual conference and celebrated their 30th anniversary of the organization. District Governor Julie Brandle was honored to speak to attendees about Rotary's worldwide eradication efforts and how Rotary members around the world assist Polio survivors that have residual symptoms from Polio known as Post Polio Syndrome.
Rotary District 6630 Governor Julie Brandle announces the appointment of Philip Weiss, Co-President, Rotary Club of Twinsburg as the Assistant Governor for the new District Central Cluster. This cluster includes Bedford, Brunswick, Nordonia Hills, Solon, Strongsville, and Twinsburg.
Please join Lake County Sunrise Satellite Club, along with Mentor Rotary and the OSU Extension, for a community beach cleanup! We will meet at Fairport Harbor Beach just before 9am where will get our buckets, pickers and instructions. Please dress for the weather and wear close toed shoes.
On Wednesday, Aug. 2, the Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield was visited by Rotary District 6630 District Governor for the 2023/2024 Rotary Year, Julie Brandle. Julie spoke to the club members about the current status and programs going on in the district and plans for the upcoming Rotary year which runs from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Julie discussed some fund raisers being planned to benefit Rotary's polio eradication program which is down to two countries worldwide and the three year waiting period to verify eradication. She also discussed major district events including the Foundation Event and next year's District conference of clubs and various training sessions for incoming club presidents and ther officers. 
Once again we are planning an End Polio Now Guardians game on August 17, 2023 against the Detroit Tigers. We will be in the Terrace Club for fun, food, and auctions along with drawing the winner of the Paul Harris /First Pitch.
May is Youth Service Month. District 6630 definitely excels in this area. We may have lost the RYLA Camp during COVID, but the team rose to the occasion and was able to put on another very successful camp in June of 2022. Marc West and the RYLA planning committee have planned for an even bigger event this June. RYLA will be held at Baldwin Wallace University on June 11 – 15. If your club would like to sponsor a future leader, you can find additional information on our 
will be held during the International Conference with bidding beginning on May 26th and ending on June 2nd. All of the funds will go to support the POLIO PLUS FUND and all donations will be made in the name of the winning bidder. Yes, you read it correctly, your donation will be sent to The Rotary Fund, and you will receive credit for the donation. 
f the Rotary Club of Cleveland, which he joined in 1968. He served the club as president in 1986-87, as president of the Cleveland Rotary Foundation in 1990-91, and as treasurer of the Foundation for more than 30 years. Bill was District 6630 Governor in 1992-93, and he continued for many years as treasurer of the district.
Rotary and Rotaract should plan to:
altered their experiences at home, school and in the community, and the effect on mental health should not be understated. Rates of anxiety and depression are documented to have significantly increased, and certainly played a role on interrupting peace for those affected by these stresses. Providing mental health support will undoubtedly reduce conflict and promote peace.
Rotary Peace Fellows work toward mediation, conflict resolution, and peace where there is war, understanding where there is disharmony, food security where there is hunger, health care where there is disease, education where there is illiteracy, conservation where there is environmental degradation, and sustainable economic development where there is poverty.
December was an exciting month!
Rotary International considers Ohio’s Multi District P.E.T.S a premiere conference. This status has provided us the privilege of having a Rotary International President Elect attend the conference year after year. Come and join your 2023-2024 Presidents Elect class and meet your Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally and his wife Heather. 
and northeast Ohio. Crain's states that this group of under 40 entrepreneurs come from a diverse array of fields including non-profits, educators, scientists and many others and represent an active group that is getting things done and will lead Cleveland area businesses for decades to come.
Rotary District 6630 should be proud of its role in the development of the Rotary Foundation. In 1917 at the Rotary Convention in Atlanta, Rotarian Arch C. Klumph proposed the establishment of an endowment, which would later become The Rotary Foundation. It has done so much good while maintaining Charity Navigator’s maximum 4-star rating for at least the last ten years. Our Foundation is such a transparent and efficient charity that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has provided it with close to a billion dollars in matching funds to help eradicate Polio.
I was one of the fortunate children who had parents that took the time to sit and read to me and my siblings as we were growing up and grandparents that gave us books throughout our life. I love to read and on a daily basis. I don’t remember the first book I ever read but I do remember the book that had an impact on me. I read a book in middle school written by Mary Lois Dunn titled “Man in The Box”, Copyright 1968. It was a book that I read multiple times and I still own a copy that I purchased back in 1978.
Jae is sponsored by a Rotary club in Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea (South Korea). His father is Hang Sup Jun and his mother Ju Won Kim. He will attend Lakewood High School as a junior. Sunrise Rotarian, Lynda Carter and her family, will house him until his first host family, the Schlatzer’s, take over in early September. Jae intends to learn as much as he can about developing his English skills and learn about different cultures during his ten months at Lakewood High School. Eventually he wants to study Business Administration at a university in the states.
Hello everyone, my name is Dustin Haffner and I will soon be studying abroad in Villavicencio, Colombia, through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Before I begin my journey abroad, I would like to acknowledge and thank those who have supported me and allowed for this opportunity to be possible.
"Rotary Youth Exchange is the opportunity of a lifetime to make peace in the world, one student at a time," stated Dustin Haffner, a Senior at Medina High School, sponsored by the Medina Sunrise Rotary Club. Dustin will be departing on August 23rd, to live and study in Colombia, in the 2022-- 2023 school year.
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a premier international student exchange scholarship program for qualified students in secondary school. This scholarship's value currently exceeds $35,000 per student.
The Gold Circle recognizes those who have served the broadcast industry for 50 years.
We cannot predict the future, but we can IMAGINE it. “You don’t imagine yesterday,” Jones said, “you imagine tomorrow.” The most certain way is to do it by working with young people and instilling Rotary values, building their leadership skills and developing their motivation and responsibility, helping them learn those skills for life. We cultivate and shape the future generations of Rotary. I encourage all clubs to get involved with the District Interact and Rotaract Clubs. Our young leaders enjoy service and they are waiting for us to inspire them to action. They are bright, energetic, and get things done! They are smart, faster, more effective, and impatient. They want to see results now and they will do the necessary work to get it done!
This is the core value of our own being. Our work through our Foundation truly changes lives. Let’s continue our trademark project to End Polio Now. We must fulfill the promise that we made to the children of this world for a polio-free world. Currently, there are only two countries with new cases of the wild polio virus and unfortunately, we are seeing 
will start with the honoring of those Rotarians that we have lost through the past year. The Annual Meeting of clubs will follow, and is very important to have at least one representative form your club in attendance as we will have several Items to vote on. If you have not thought of where your club meeting will be held the week of the Conference, why not have it at the Conference on Friday, April 22? Following the lunch, we will offer our first two sessions of our District Leadership Assembly – something you will not want to miss. We will wrap up the first day with dinner that will feature keynote speaker Jim Mulholland from Companion Community Development Alternatives (CoCoDA). Wait until you see how much outreach this organization has in Central America, Simply AMAZING. Now that I have you on the edge of your seat, I am going to do like any great TV show and leave you with a cliff hanger. Until next month!
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If you want a model for 
Mike Kovack, Medina County Auditor and "Quiz Master," welcomed Table Team Sponsor Medina Sunrise Rotary and and the other team contestants to the 2021 Match Wits Trivia Competition Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser to support Project LEARN of Medina County.
International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians.
GMA chose our organization and achievements to introduce Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Who could have imagined coming into office while the entire world was in the throes of a pandemic? The challenges were enormous, but with Pat's hard work, the clubs in District 6630 managed not just to survive but to thrive. Pat helped all of us overcome what many saw as insurmountable obstacles. In fact, despite having to meet via Zoom for the entire year, our clubs inducted 100 new members.
By Charlie Fink, Aurora Club 
Ryan McCauley was sponsored by Dan O'Connell.
Many told us they had never been asked or they did not know what Rotary did. That was easy to remedy. Some, especially the younger generation, were concerned about the financial obligations and the time commitments. We tried to make Rotary affordable by changing how we charged for meals. Our regular members were prepaying for meals, so we allowed the younger members to only pay for the meals they ate. We were able to do this because we did not have to commit to a certain weekly minimum. We also waved a portion of the dues for 1 year if it would help someone on a fixed income or if they could contribute to the club in other ways such as putting our club in the local newspaper and online every week.
January 2021:
The celebration for 31st Chili Open Classic took place this past Saturday, February 6th. 
Zachary (Zach) Prosser is not new to the Akron Rotary Club, he was a member of our Club previously but had to step away temporarily and is thrilled to be back. 
The Rotary Club of Mantua and the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation have joined together to organize a virtual reverse raffle on March 13th. 
On January 28th at the noon Luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Northampton / Cuyahoga Valley Mark Maloney will be the featured speaker. He will be talking about his year as Rotary International President and anything else he wishes to talk about.
What? You can’t make it out to the event. While we sincerely appreciate everyone’s donations of time, money, and prizes, the children whose summer you help make unforgettable are the ones who are truly grateful! 
Julie Brandle is a past president of the Rotary Club of Akron and currently serves District 6630 as Assistant Governor for Summit S - Medina County Cluster, chair of the District Conference Committee, and member of the Foundation Gala committee. She has also served the District as a facilitator for the Tri-District Membership Event and chair of the public image committee.
Medina Sunrise Rotarians joined together in virtual fellowship on Thursday evening, via ZOOM, for the annual NE Ohio District 6630 Rotary Foundation Awards Gala to honor Sandra Hinkle, Executive Director of Feeding Medina County.
pregnant shelter in Chinnendega, Nicaragua. 
The 2020 recipient of the Jimmy Sutphin award is Iris Whittington Gold, founder of Hudson’s SAGE Community a senior outreach program dedicated to lifelong learning. SAGE stands for stimulation, adventure, growth and education for like minded intellectual seniors. It is built on the premise that seniors “need more as we stay older longer”. The program grew out of an initiative by Cuyahoga Community College where Iris started its first Senior Adult Education program employing college students, advisers and educators. 
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
David Lariviere has successfully completed the Local Coordinator Training (U.S. Department of State) course in Public Diplomacy and federal regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program with a score of 100%. 
Dane Sandridge, VP at Sandridge Food Corporation and Board Member of Feeding Medina County, thanked Medina Sunrise Rotary, the Ohio Army National Guard and all the Feeding Medina County volunteers this morning who worked together for the weekly packing of 1,000 Weekender Bags for children in Medina County.
The Rotary Club of Wadsworth recently hosted a city-wide paper shredding event in conjunction with the City of Wadsworth. On a rainy Saturday morning, we had 18 Rotarians, Interact students and friends of Rotarians get together for a 3-hour event and it was declared a very successful event. Cars were lined up more than hour before the event was scheduled to start and we collected 14,500 lbs. of paper! Our club plans to do it again in the spring for the community.
6 new Rotarians were inducted and the Club was commissioned during a Zoom meeting with dignitaries from RI, Zone, District and other Rotarians from across the state (and one from Pakistan!) looking on. 
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the negative events you encounter, you are training your brain to focus on the negative.
The grand display was part of a lunch delivery the Chesterland Rotary Club provided — 300 pizzas to feed the entire hospital staff.
PDG Jack Young, a Air Force Veteran and Viet Nam Era Veteran has been working for the past 4 years with Rotary clubs to honor Rotarians who are Veterans. One of the areas that he has been working on is supporting Medina Country Veterans who are adding several HISTORICAL displays to honor Veterans. (More Information will follow)
The Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Club created a food pantry that is hosted by Lakewood United Methodist Church. The club paid for and built the pantry. The church youth painted the pantry and the church had it installed last week. The contents of the food pantry has been emptied and refilled many times already. This is a photo of the pantry the day it was installed.
Akron Rotarians supporting Harvest for Hunger! — attending Harvest for Hunger Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast with Mella Hawk Castner, Julie Brandle, Nichole Major, Lynda C. Farkas and Christina Horak at John S Knight Center.
, personal connections, and tireless outreach to both the giving communities and those in need he has been able to continually answer 'yes' when those who struggle reach out for help.
Past District 6630 Governor Jack Young, USA ShelterBox Hall of Fame member and former ShelterBox USA Board of Director was one of the presenters at the February 20th Anniversary Celebration of ShelterBox International in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the conference, he met with the new CEO of ShelterBox International, Sanj Srikanthan of Cornwall, England.
Class president upon his graduation from AHS, Jim was the student body president at Kent State University, Ashtabula in 1980-81 when he earned the Outstanding Student Service Award before graduating from Kent’s Main Campus in 1984 where he served as the Executive Director of Student Government. While at Kent, Jim led a delegation of students to Washington, DC to convince Congress to make Martin Luther King Day a National Holiday. During the event, he stood behind Stevie Wonder and between Coretta Scott King and Andrew Young as Stevie led the crowd in “We Shall Overcome”. His efforts led to receiving the John B. Beacom Memorial Award for his civil rights efforts. He later graduated from the University of Akron, School of Law in 1987 where he was also Class President.
the world — during Membership and New Club Development Month in August. We know that participating in local service projects is the No. 1 reason people join Rotary and why current members stay. Our most recent 
prompted her club to act after telling them about the difficulties that people with disabilities can face when trying to find jobs. The club organized a 
Dear Family of Rotary:
friendship as we celebrated the work of our Presidents of Action and their clubs. Right after the conference concluded, there was even more cause for celebration when I received the Zone 29 Membership Reports as of March 31, 2019. Because of your continuing efforts at membership recruitment and engagement, District 6630 had a net increase of 16 members at month-end. This is extremely significant and “didn’t just happen” – it is because of your hard work to “Share Rotary.” Congratulations District 6630! 
Life; recognized our 50-year Rotarians who are so precious to our mosaic; learned a new Rotary term “Voluntold;” presented the eagerly awaited Tri-District Membership Awards (our district won 4 of the 5 available) followed by
panel discussions on membership successes and challenges and on the status of Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio. We embraced the internationality of Rotary when we welcomed to our family our special visitors from St. Thomas, USVI and heard from a young man, now in college, who began his life as a “child of the dump” in Chinandega, Nicaragua. 
the return of the Interact Carnivale! The evening brought us the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have made significant contributions to The Rotary Foundation; learn what it means to hurricane-ravaged St. Thomas for our Interactors to have reached out their hands in support; celebrated our contributions to Polio Eradication and our “53,000 Points of Light” initiative; and heard Inspiring words from our RI President’s Representative PDG David Bixler on “Finding 
Our Why.” Both evenings concluded with hospitality and some important revelations about our Rotary Family! 
sanitation and hygiene) projects in more than 100 countries. Through grants from The Rotary Foundation and fundraising by Rotary clubs, our volunteers have supported water purification, hygiene education, latrine construction and waste management. 2030 is the year Rotary International hopes to finish providing everyone with safe water, hygiene and sanitation.
cility; help restore the quality of our local rivers and streams; help develop water treatment plants; educate our youth on the need to preserve our Great Lakes; teach our children to swim or a special needs child to fish…that is just a brief look at what “Rotary” accomplishes in District 6630 – your impact here and faraway. 
n behalf of all those you serve. One of our greatest strengths… our secret weapon, is us and how we lead our lives, how we treat others and how we shine the light on those in need – that is our gift to the world and no one does it better.
ility – not just the president or club membership chair – and should be part of everything we do each and every month.
Stew Buchanan and Jack Young went to Nicaragua in December to deliver the Shoe Boxes!
RI President-elect Gary C.K. Huang chose Light Up Rotary as his theme for 2014-15. Huang was inspired by the teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucious who said: "It is better to light a single candle, than to sit and curse the darkness." "There are so many problems in the world, so many people who need help. Many people say, 'There's nothing I can do.' So they sit there doing nothing. Meanwhile everything stays dark," Huang told the 537 district governors and their spouses and partners who are attending the 2014 International Assembly in San Diego, California.
Yes ladies and gentlemen it is finally here. 
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