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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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!"
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.
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.
.png)
.png?_=638412924737990887)
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.
