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April 2021

 
District 6630 Rotarians and friends,
 
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.
The Four Way Test Speech contest was held on April 10 - be sure to watch the presentations (click here).
 
Watching these videos will fill you with pride.
 
We heard other great presentations that you may want to take a few minutes to watch or share. Click on each link below to view.
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.
 
At the annual meeting:
  • By-Laws were amended and the Financial Report for 2018-19 was ratified and the 2019-20 Financial Report was approved. These are on the District website (login required)
  • 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.
 
Yours in Rotary Service, 
 
Pat Myers
District 6630 Governor 2020-2021
c. 330-388-2635
 
 
 
 
 
 
Learn about the monthly

District and Club Events Calendars

Upcoming District Events
Subject to change 
- All District Events will be virtual until further notice
District Membership Committee Meeting (Zoom)
Jun 17, 2021
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
 
District 6630 AG Meeting
Jun 21, 2021 6:00 PM
 

 
 
If your Club subscribes to ClubRunner create an event within ClubRunner and mark the event to be shown on the District website.  Your events will then appear within the Club Calendar  on both, the District Bulletin and District home page.
 
Russell Hampton
ClubRunner
ClubRunner Mobile

ROTARY DISTRICT 6630 CONNECTIONS

RYLA (ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS CONFERENCE) ANNOUNCEMENT

District Rotary Club 6630 Camp RYLA 2021
 
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 cancel the 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

Phone:     440/826-3483
Fax:         440/826-3484
Email:      mwest@bw.edu
Schedule Appointments:  https://calendly.com/bwmarcwest
  
 
Note: Sent to all active members of D6630

2021 DISTRICT LEADERSHIP ASSEMBLY

Sessions for
NEW & SEASONED ROTARIANS
CLUB BOARD & CHAIR PERSONS 
 PRESIDENTS-ELECT (required)
 
 

YOUR SUPPORT OF ST. THOMAS GLOBAL GRANT

Hello Fellow Rotarians,

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

2021 R.I. VIRTUAL CONVENTION

Registration is open for the 2021 Virtual 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:

  • Promotional rate: US$49* through 11:59:59 (Chicago time - CDT) 7 May
  • 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.

 

 

Rotary Opens Opportunities
 
Please join us for 2021 Virtual Convention: Rotary Opens Opportunities, 12-16 June. 

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.
 
BARBERTON CLUB
Hello Golfers!
 
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!

image
 
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.

LAKEWOOD ROCKY RIVER SUNRISE CLUB

THE ROTARY CLUB OF
LAKEWOOD ROCKY RIVER SUNRISE
JEWELRY RAFFLE FUND RAISER
EXCEEDS GOAL
 
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.

HUDSON CLUB

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.
AKRON ROTARY
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. 

 

WADSWORTH CLUB

SATURDAY, MAY 15th COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
 
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.
 
Submitted by Tim Manion, Past President
The Rotary Club of Wadsworth

SILVER WHEEL AWARD PRESENTED TO PDG JACK YOUNG

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.
MEDINA SUNRISE CLUB
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!
 

HUDSON CLOCKTOWER CLUB

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!
 
Cheryl M.

WHAT IS A ROTARY FELLOWSHIP?

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.

Jack1villa@aol.com
440-759-4000

KENT CLUB

  • 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.
 

VOLUNTEER TO BE A (virtual) STORYTELLER

 
I would like to pass along this invitation to participate in this Storytelling opportunity that is hosted on the APS YouTube Channel. 

After you take a look at the directions (click here or on the graphic below) please let Megan know if you have any questions.
 
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
 

SHELTERBOX

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.
 

FIND & SHARE A SPEAKER  - NEW WEB PAGE

 
We have added a new webpage 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. 
 
 
If you need help, just let me know!
 
Cheryl Warren, PDG
Website Administrator
330-495-9814

ZONES 30-31 CONFERENCE:  SAVE THE DATES

RI PUBLICATIONS IN APRIL

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.
 
Download all of these (click here)  OR  click on each title to download individual issues.
 
 
Ideas for strengthening membership | April 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. 
  • Eco-friendly service projects
  • Champions of Health
  • Two Clubs from one innovative idea
  • Accountability and inclusion
  • Raise for Rotary
    Engaging the next generation of Rotary Leaders | April 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. 
    • Congratulations to the top projects in the Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards!
    • May is Rotary's Youth Service Month
    • Design a virtual exchange program
    • Creating an Adaptive RYLA program
    Ideas for strengthening membership | April 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. 
    • The State of Membership
    • Celebrate people of action with Rotary's Service Awards
    • Rotary Club programming
    • Chin refugees from Myanmar charter a club in Indiana
    • Innovative effort sparks formation of two new clubs
    Connecting students and communities around the world | April 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.
    • Youth Exchange Officers Pre-convention 10-11 June 2021 - register today
    • In-person exchanges
    • Building strong intergenerational relationships
    • Rotex supports Rotary Youth Exchange
    • Explore Rotary's role in the 2,000-year history of vaccination
    • Rotary International president discusses global polio situation
    • Rotary in the news
    ROTARY SERVICE and ENGAGEMENT | April 2021
    Connect. Partner. Serve. | April 2021 
    • You can support mothers and children
    • 2021 Virtual Rotary Convention
    • You can protect the environment
    • Programs of Scale
    • Service in Action blog highlights

    NEWSLETTER ARTICLE DEADLINES FOR 2020-2021

    Deadlines for your articles for the 2020-2021 are below (these are always subject to change at the discretion of the District Governor)
    • May 20, 2021
    • June 18, 2021
    HOW TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE:
     
    1. Email content to rotarydistrict6630@neo.rr.com with DISTRICT NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSION in the subject line. 
     
    2. Remember to include your name, the club name, and send pictures and flyers as attachments. Include the names of those in the photos too!
     
    3. Be certain that you have permission to use the photos, and for anyone who is under the age of 18, please confirm that you have a parent/guardian release on file.

    Due to the electronic nature of the e-news, we cannot guarantee content will remain formatted as sent, but will do our best.
     

    Subscribe to the District 6630 Connections eBulletin

    Subscribe to our eBulletin and stay up to date on the latest news and events.
    QUICK LINKS
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    Zones 30 & 31
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    Rotary International District 6630
    PO Box 578 Burton, OH 44021