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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DG Julie Brandle and DGE Dale Smith are planning several Pours and Pints to End Polio around the district to celebrate the success to date in our fight to eliminate polio from our planet.
There will be no cost to attend - you will be responsible only for the food and drink that you purchase from the venue. We will be having a 50/50 raffle at each event.
The event at Debonne was a great time! We raised $460 in the 50/50 and our winner - PDG Larry Lohman - donated his winnings back to End Polio Now. The $460 becomes $1380 with the 2:1 match from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Will we beat that total when we get together again?
Our Kent and Hudson area events have been rescheduled for Oct 19 and Nov 9.
Please join us to celebrate the success to date in our fight to eliminate polio from our planet! And remember to bring your spouse/partner, friends and potential members!
There will be no cost to attend - you will be responsible only for the food and drink that you purchase from the venue. We will be having a 50/50 raffle at each event.
These will be held 5:30-8:00pm at these locations:
Sept 28 Forest City Brewing 2135 Columbus Road Cleveland Oct 5 Hoppin Frog 1680 E. Waterloo Rd Akron Oct 12 Winery at Wolf Creek 2637 S. Cleveland Massillon Road Barberton Oct 19 MadCap Brewery 1422 Mogadore Rd Kent Oct 26 Beerhead 8003 Crile Road Painesville Nov 9 Green Valley Brewing 53 Milford Drive Hudson
Please join us to reconnect with old friends, make new friends and prepare for the final battle to eliminate this disease!
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).
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.
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.
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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.
