Happy holidays! I cannot believe that it is December already and it is freezing outside. The year continues to fly by. Before we get to the news of the month, I wanted to thank each one of you for all you do for Rotary. Especially during the holidays. You help make the holidays special for those who need our help. You tirelessly donate, work on projects, donate gifts and food and more. You think of others during this special time. It takes a special person to go beyond themselves and think of others. There is a special name for all of you, it is called ROTARIANS. You make each day brighter for so many who need light in their lives. I am honored to be counted as one of you! Thank you again for all you do.
December is Disease Prevention and Treatment month, focusing on global health, especially polio eradication, mental health, and access to care. Our efforts targeting malaria, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, maternal health and improving clean water and sanitation are highlighted in December. Increased focus on recognizing and treating mental health issues including addiction to reduce stigma and increase awareness are in the forefront. December is a month to invite medical professionals to your meetings to learn more on how to help.
December is also traditionally “Family Month” for holiday events and features club elections for next year, combining service with community bonding and end of the year charity drives. Do not forget about Operation Full Plate!
Foundation Celebration
Congratulations to IPDG Dale Smith, Foundation Chair Dave Jones, and the entire team for an outstanding celebration of our Foundation giving. Our district made us proud as we had fifty-four new Paul Harris Society members (members who donated $1,000 during the Rotary year) in 2024-25. We had four clubs that attained Every Rotarian Every Year status for the year as well. We also had six graduates from our own Leadership 6630 class of 2025. Our top giving clubs per capita were:
Mentor $379.63
Westlake-Bay Village $324.57
Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise $314.29
Our dessert dash raised over $3,400 for the Polio Plus campaign. We collected a significant amount of warm clothing we donated to warming centers in each county in our District. Thank you all for your generous contributions and support of the Rotary Foundation.
Interaction 2025
This is like a broken record with touting how well Interaction 2025 was celebrated this year at Aurora High School. If you have never been to this event, I highly recommend it as it shows that our youth are ready and able to take the baton of the future. We had over two hundred students from over twenty schools come together for celebration and planning for the coming year. The students picked assisting foster kids with supplies and care gifts as they move from one foster location to the next. We cannot imagine what these children go through, but the Interact Clubs want to be there to support and help them in their transitions. Stay tuned for more extras than we have planned for the district conference.
Peace Scholars
Did you notice the slide show on Rotary Peace Scholars at the Foundation Celebration? We hope so. Rick Pollak of the Rotary Club of Cuyahoga Falls is the chair of our Peace Scholars committee for the District. We have recently re-imagined the message that we want all in our district to hear. Each year Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our Peace Centers. Over 1,800 leaders have trained in this program since 1999. There are eight Peace Centers worldwide. District 6630 has always been a supporter, with our last candidate Wisdom Ado has focused on disability inclusion and women/youth in peacebuilding. We have shaken up the committee that now includes Rick Pollak, Elana Koh, and Tina Ingraham to market this wonderful program. Here is a taste of what you will be seeing:
Have you seen our social media postings yet? There will be many more, as well as a few follow up emails. We will not overburden you, but we would be remiss if we did not make you aware of this amazing Rotary Program!
Peace is so much more than an absence of war!
“Peace” is not just what happens when conflict stops; it is what happens when people feel safe, respected, and able to live with dignity. True peace includes:
• Emotional peace — a sense of calm, security, and trust. • Social peace — fairness, justice, and healthy relationships between people. • Economic peace — stability, opportunity, and freedom from constant worry. • Inner peace — clarity, balance, and acceptance. •Community peace — environments where people can thrive, not just survive.
It is the presence of conditions that allow life to flourish — not just the absence of violence.
Rotary’s Peace Fellowship Program has been training and uniting global leaders working to create lasting peace since 2002. Since that time, our district has trained seventeen successful Peace Fellows to date and we have the power/opportunity to send the next generation of changemakers into the world.
Rotary’s extremely competitive Peace Fellowship Program offers a no-cost master’s degree to up to ten candidates at each of the five Rotary Peace Centers around the globe annually. (A no cost professional development certificate program, at one of two different Rotary Peace Centers, is also an option.) Do you know of someone who has a passion for positive peace? Try Peace Fellowships | Rotary International or contact Rick Pollak (grantmakingservices@gmail.com) with questions.
PEACE,
District 6630 Peace Fellowships Committee
Stay tuned for more on Peace Scholars and Peacebuilding Clubs!
Peace Building Clubs
We are on a slow but steady path introducing clubs to the opportunity to be Peacebuilding Clubs within our District. Currently The Rotary Club of Stow-Munroe Falls has become the first member of the Rotary Action Group for Peace Ohio Chapter. We hope this grows exponentially in the next year. What club would not want to have the moniker Peacebuilding club next to their name? What does it mean? It means your club is dedicated to promoting and setting an example of peace in everything we do. We all do that now, but this gives us a chance to shout to the world that our goal is world peace and our actions each year demonstrate just that. From education with the dictionary project to our efforts to eliminate conflict, this is a great way to further our four-way test. I will be sending out in a separate email the steps to take to have the Peacebuilding logo next to your name. This aligns us with the Peace Scholars program and gives us a path moving forward! PLEASE discuss making your club a Peacebuilding club for our district. My goal is to have fifty clubs be Peacebuilding clubs at some point in the future. Reach out if this is something your club would like to do.
ALL OHIO Presidents Elect Training (AOP)
Is it that time of year again? Yes it is! Each Rotary Club is charged each year with naming and replacing their club leader. It is an honor and privilege to be nominated for this position to lead their club. Being a realist, there are several clubs that have not made that choice. Please look within yourself and step up to fill this important position. I can tell you it was one of the most gratifying and rewarding jobs I have ever had. Your club has your back and will support your leadership during the year. If your club does not have a President-Elect for next year, what about you? You will thank me if you throw your hat into the ring.
District Governor Elect Terri Speck has been working hard on making this a life changing experience for all our fifty Presidents-Elect. Terri was once a club President-Elect and her and her group of four other DGEs of our state has developed a great program. We are excited for you to attend. All Ohio PETS training is at the Renaissance hotel in Columbus from March 13-15th. Registration for the event starts on 1/1/26 at allohiopets.org. Hotel reservations are now open, but registration for the event opens January 1st. We have great speakers scheduled including our own Director Brian Hall, Rotary International President Elect Larry Lunsford, and internationally renowned speaker Michael Angelo Caruso. Remember, the District has allocated a $400 stipend for PE’s that attend to offset the cost of the event. Last year we had 57% of PEs attend. We added the stipend to get that number at 100%. Step up and register, your club needs you to be well prepared.
Youth Exchange
Let us talk about my favorite program of Rotary. What a concept. Let's find young adults who are willing to explore the world and have Rotary pay for it! We are looking for High School students, ages 14-19 that are looking to expand their horizons and travel to different lands. One year and 80-day programs are available for the asking. These programs usually cost over $40,000 on as a pay as you go, but Rotary makes those costs manageable. Rotary is usually ¼ of the cost of private programs. Not willing to commit to a one-year program? We have Youth Exchange Lite or a Short-Term Exchange program that your child spends 30 days in a different country and then brings back a fellow student from another country to spend with your family for a month. Come explore the opportunities for your children and grandchildren with the Rotary Exchange Program.
Youth Exchange Cavaliers Game
We have four international Youth Exchange Students along with five exchange candidates that will be attending the Cavaliers-Wizards game on February 1, 2026, 7pm at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. There is a reception with the students for all Rotarians to attend at the Clevelander (834 Huron Road) at 5:00PM. Come spend some time with our future world travelers and learn more about this tremendous program before an exciting Cav’s game as we march toward our next championship. Please see our website for more information or call Youth Exchange Chair Kevin Wermer at 330-592-1622. Sign up and see our future leaders (download the form here).
Operation Full Plate
I am so happy to report the support the district has shown for this much needed and exciting “competition” within our Zone. Each year, as clubs and districts, we strive to find ways to provide resources to those that need our help. This year Zones 30 & 31 has developed a way to quantify and celebrate what we do each year. Since the start of this program on December 10th, I have been amazed by what this District has done. The money, food, hours donated by Rotarians and hours worked by non-Rotarians have been phenomenal. We still have a long way to go until the “contest” ends January 10th. We are tracking money donated, hours spent and Public Image posts made to help end hunger and food insufficiency. Please CLICK HERE and log in any time or treasures donated to this cause. We will have totals after January 10th. Grand prize district winner will receive $5,000 toward a membership program. Do not just sit there, step up and help, your talent, time, and treasure are what makes Rotary great!
RYLA Camp
One of our best Leadership Programs to help build our future is being held at Hiram College June 21st-25th, 2026. District 6630 Camp RYLA is a 5-day leadership training camp which focuses on personal and professional development of high school students. Rotary Clubs throughout the world are committed to helping shape the leadership skills of today’s youth. Camp RYLA IS ONE WAY Rotarians achieve this goal. Do you want to give your child/grandchild the skills to exceed in life? Camp RYLA is a good start. This 5-day program only costs $600, but the benefits are immeasurable. We have less than 75 spots available so please reach out to Marc West bwmarcwest@gmail.com to learn more and to register. Trust me, this is an investment in your children you want to make.
Grant Management Seminars
Each year, the funds we donate to The Rotary Foundation come back and support our district. Fifty percent of the funds donated come back to our district to fund District and Global grants, as well as the Peace Scholarship Program and Polio Plus. This year we received over $45,000 to fund our local projects. To qualify for these grants, clubs must have an average per capita donation of over $40 and have two club members attend a grants management seminar. These seminars are important as they help clubs maneuver through the process of qualifying and applying for these grants. Grant totals are a match of up to $2,500 of a club amount for a district project. Two members must attend the seminars, which are zoom meetings on the following dates:
Saturday, February 21st – 9:30am
Wednesday March 4th – 6:30pm
Saturday, March 21st – 9:30am
These are the only three seminars scheduled to qualify for grants so make sure your club has two members signed up to attend. REMEMBER - GRANTS MUST BE FILED BY MAY 15th TO QUALIFY! Do not miss the seminars or the filing dates to qualify.
Membership Events
Remember, the District has allocated $9,000 to help clubs with membership events to attract new members. Clubs must complete three things:
Have a membership committee of three or more people.
Develop an action Plan to increase Membership.
Implement a way to measure the success of the program.
Clubs that meet these goals are eligible for a match of up to $2,500 for a membership event for their club, neighboring clubs, or clusters. So far, we have four clubs that have either applied or are applying for this free money! Once the $9,000 is spent, it is gone so apply today. Please contact IPDG Dale Smith at D6630DGDale@gmail.com for more information and examples of the action plan for you to use. Please take advantage of these District programs!
District Conference
We are so excited about our Annual District Conference, which will be held at the Marriott East in Warrensville Heights starting at 2pm, Friday, April 24th through Saturday April 25th. We have so much planned for you! More information will be posted in our next newsletter along with the registration information and schedule of events. If you liked last year’s conference, you will love this year! We have shortened the conference to begin on Friday afternoon instead of morning to accommodate all those working and to be less expensive both monetarily and time wise. Please make plans to attend and celebrate with fellow Rotarians how we Unite for Good. I promise it will be a wise investment of your time.
Make that next step and register and attend many of our great events. We are only as good as our members, and we need to see your smiling faces at these events.
Whew, that was a lot! I hope I have informed you without boring you. We have a great District with so much going on! Please participate in any way you can.
Please let me know how I can make this newsletter more informative or anything that I can do to make your Rotary experiences greater.
Remember, I work for you and I want to make this year your best Rotary year ever! Happy Holidays, enjoy your family and friends and help your neighbors and friends whenever possible!
Yours in Rotary,
Bob Oborn District Governor Rotary International District 6630 Stow-Munroe Falls Rotary Club Tel: 330-801-0159 Email: rorotary20252026@gmail.com
To: All current and incoming Rotary and Rotaract club officers Cc: Governors, assistant governors, district executive secretaries, District Rotaract Representatives, and District Rotaract Chairs
Dear current and incoming Rotary and Rotaract club officers:
This is a reminder to update your club membership and officer information in your local country or district database by 1 January 2026. We will use this information to generate your January 2026 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 2025-26 club officers, including those that are still serving in their roles from the previous Rotary year, no later than 1 January 2026.
Members with admission dates of 1 January 2026 or before will be counted for the January 2026 club invoice.
Members with termination dates of 1 January 2026 or before will not be counted for the January 2026 club invoice.
The invoice is generated from the data in Rotary’s database, and you can see your membership changes reflected in Rotary International’s database by signing into My Rotary. Rotary Club officers can download a member list under Members to compare the data in RI’s database to the information in My Rotary to make sure that it is accurate as the invoice will be generated based on the information on this list. This function is currently only available to Rotary clubs. 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 International’s official magazine Rotary [in English] should be reported to data@rotary.org prior to 1 January 2026.
For more information about the club invoice, including how-to guides and answers to frequently asked questions, go to My Rotary’s Club & District Administration pages. For help with membership questions, contact: data@rotary.org.
Sincerely, Thomas Woods Data Relations Manager | Data Services
The Rotary Club of Jefferson was organized on January 12, 1926 by a committee from the Geneva Rotary Club under the leadership of their club president, Glenn Webster. The Club Charter was received in February 1926.
From its very origin, the Jefferson Rotary Club has played a vital part in the Jefferson community. The first fundraising event was held on June 13 and 14, 1927. The First Rotary Minstrel was held in the Opera House of the Old Town Hall. The proceeds from this show were given to the Citizens Library. During the early years of the Jefferson Rotary Club the main thrust of the Community Action Committee was directed toward sick children. Rotarians, accompanied by a nurse from the Ashtabula County Health Department, would drive children from here in the county to seek medical assistance at the Gates Memorial Hospital in Elyria, OH. For many years the work of this committee was funded through the redemption of sales tax stamps. In the 1930s, the club started to loan out medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, for free. Then, in the 1960’s, the club began to support a scholarship in the local schools. The first activity of this kind was in providing trophies for the outstanding students in various courses of study awarded to the senior class of Jefferson Area High School. The Rotary Scholarship was funded in the 1960’s at the death of one of our late members, Robert L. Shoaf. We still award scholarships to this day in the amount of $1000 and continue the work that our original members began 100 years ago.
Our Club Today
In the Rotary Club of Jefferson, we may be fewer in number, but that hasn’t hindered our ability to make a meaningful impact in our community. Just like the Little Train That Could, we believe that perseverance and determination are key to achieving our goals. With a small but dedicated group of members, we’ve tackled various projects.
Our size has fostered a close-knit, collaborative environment where every member’s ideas and efforts shine. Each of us brings unique skills and passions to the table, allowing us to innovate and adapt as we strive to create positive change. Despite our smaller size, our collective spirit and commitment empower us to accomplish great things that truly benefit those around us.
We are proud of our achievements and are always eager to engage with new ideas and opportunities. Together, we are proof that when a committed group of individuals sets their mind to a mission, we can overcome any challenges and make a lasting difference.
What Sets Us Apart
At The Rotary Club of Jefferson, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive community where every member has the opportunity to actively participate in our projects.
What sets us apart is our commitment to ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and valued. We believe that hands-on involvement not only fosters personal growth but also strengthens our collective impact within the community.
We also prioritize family-oriented activities, making it a point to create an environment where families can participate together. From community events to service projects, we encourage our members to bring their loved ones along, creating cherished memories and deep connections.
Our club is very active in the Jefferson community, responding to local needs and working closely with various organizations to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s through community service, fundraising initiatives, or engaging educational programs, we are dedicated to making Jefferson a better place for everyone.
Together, we embody the spirit of Rotary by promoting fellowship, inclusivity, and a commitment to service that truly sets our club apart.
Our Signature Event
Our Rotary club proudly hosts our annual Ham & Bean Soup Fundraiser during our Ashtabula County’s Covered Bridge Festival. It is a cherished tradition that brings our community together every second weekend in October. For over 40 years, this event has celebrated not just delicious soup but also the spirit of camaraderie and support within our town.
Our ham and bean soup is meticulously prepared in cast iron kettles over open fires. This time-honored cooking method not only adds a unique flavor to the soup but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for attendees. As we gather around the fires, we reminisce about the past and look forward to the future, all while enjoying the fruits of our labor.
The event has become a beloved staple in our community, with families and friends coming together to enjoy good food, share stories, and celebrate our strong connections. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community, which makes this genuine labor of love possible year after year.
Join us next October to experience the rich flavors and fellowship that have made our Ham & Bean Soup fundraiser a beloved tradition for generations.
Other Programs and Objectives
In addition to our ongoing projects, there are several issues and programs that I believe are crucial for fostering a strong, vibrant community. As a Rotary club, we are committed to making a positive, lasting impact locally and beyond, and we recognize that our efforts extend into various areas that affect our residents’ quality of life.
One program that we started almost ten years ago is our Artist of the Month program. Each month we welcome a student from our local high school to our weekly meeting. The student is recommended to us from either the Band, Choir, Graphic Arts or other Art teachers. We take this opportunity to shine a light on outstanding art students who often get overlooked. We ask the students to briefly tell us about themselves, their goals after school and their artistic journey. Afterwards we award the student with a certificate and a gift card for somewhere locally. It not only allows the students to take pride in their achievements, but it also gives them and their families a small idea of Rotary and what it’s all about.
One of our key objectives is to increase awareness of the vital work that Rotary does. Many people may not fully understand the breadth of our initiatives, from community service and educational programs to health and humanitarian efforts. By showcasing our projects and success stories, we can engage more individuals and inspire them to join us in our mission.
We also aim to address pressing community needs, such as youth development, public health, and environmental sustainability. We believe that by collaborating with other local organizations, we can amplify our impact and ensure our efforts align with the needs of the community.
Through events, outreach, and partnerships, we will continue to strengthen our presence and demonstrate the value of Rotary. By fostering awareness and participation, we can build a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
Together, we can make a difference. Let's showcase the power of Rotary and work towards a brighter future for our community!
Photos of our members and their families working on some of our service projects like the Memorial fountain, the Remembrance Tree, the kids fishing tournament, our Cans for Kids.
Stew was born in Greensburg, PA and moved to northeast Ohio when he was 10. His parents owned cottages on the shores of Lake Erie and Stew and his siblings helped with the maintenance and clean up during the summer months. His children and grandchildren still enjoy a cottage on the old homestead during summer months.
He graduated from Madison High School and participated in band, choir, track, football, baseball and basketball. He received his BA from Wittenberg University in 1958 and became the first graduate to be hired by Arthur Anderson, Co., (a big accounting firm at the time). Again, he was president of the student senate, participated in track and choir and president of his fraternity. He received his license in public accounting (CPA) in 1960 and has been actively practicing for over 60 years.
His involvement in Rotary began in 1982 and he has continued his legacy of service to others and being involved. He has been club president, club secretary, and club treasurer.
After his time as District Secretary, he realized how important it was to be the District Governor to help bring more cohesiveness to the District and help transition to a new leadership group every year. He has served on numerous committees, attended many Reverse Raffles and participated in club outings.
He hosted a Rotary Exchange Student, Group Study Exchange, attended 10 International Conventions, 10 Zone Institutes, and has been on a Zone committee to select a new Rotary Director. Currently, he serves as the Vice Governor for DG Bob Oborn, 2025-2026.
Since being District Governor in 2010-2011 when the theme was “Building Bridges…..Bridging Continents”, he has visited Haiti for possible grants to provide water, went to Nicaragua three times to help deliver Shoe Boxes to the Children of the Dump along with Rotarians from Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Nicaragua. Eye opening experiences as to what Rotarians can do.
But possibly, one of his more lasting accomplishments, is what he has done for The End Polio Now campaign for Rotary International (RI).
He took the annual “fun at the ballpark” for District 6630 Rotarians to an event that hosts 300 people to watch a Guardians game, enjoy the fellowship of others and raise money to send to the RI End Polio Now Campaign. Over $20,000 has been raised and sent to RI which was then also matched by the Gates Foundation!
Stew had the chance to be photographed for the “We are this Close to Ending Polio” ad campaign during the 100th Rotary International convention in Birmingham, England.
Stew upholds and practices “Service Above Self” every day and looks forward to continuing on that road to see what Rotary adventures are ahead.
Positions Held:
District Governor District # 6630 2010-2011
District Secretary –3 years 2007-2010
Club President---3 different terms of office
Club Treasurer—1982-1998
Finance Committee Chair & member
District Conference committee member—3 years
Assistant Governor-2006-2009
Fund raising Chair—2013-2014
Rotary Partnering with Indians & Guardians for End Polio Now —2010-2025
All Ohio PETS Steering Committee 2008-2012
Vice Governor District # 6630 2025-2026
Activities and Accomplishments:
Graduated Wittenberg University—BA Degree 1958
CPA—1960 to date
Hosted International Exchange students and Group Study Exchange
Attended 10 Rotary International Conventions
Attended 10 Zone institutes
Selection committee for Rotary Director 2019
Level 2 Paul Harris fellow
Bequest Society
Mission Trip to Haiti
Three Mission trips to Nicaragua with the Shoe Box project
Volunteer Fireman—5 years
Volunteer at World Series of Golf , PGA, Kaulig Golf –30 years
President Wittenberg University Senate
Treasurer First Presbyterian Church 22 years
Municipal Judge—4-year term
Guardians Ball Park Usher—31 years
2018-2019 Rotarian of the Year
2016-2017 Service Above Self Award
2015-2016 Service Above Self Award
2019-2020 Outstanding Leadership & Service Award
2025 Michael Johns Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
Mike grew up in Boardman, Ohio and attended Kent State University. There, he majored in Latin and minored in German. After his bachelor’s, he earned his MA in Latin and then his Ph.D. in educational and athletic administration.
He was employed by the Medina City Schools where he taught Latin for 17 years and then was the athletic administrator.While teaching at Medina, he started the soccer club and then thevarsity soccer team.
Mike was asked to join the Rotary Club of Medina Sunrise (MSR) when he was the Athletic Administrator for the Medina City Schools. He joined the club in 1996 and due to his work schedule, could not devote much time to Rotary.He retired in 2003 and started to get more involved.
He was elected President of MSR in 2008 and then became involved in the District as an Assistant Governor. Mike was elected as the 2014-2015 District Governor - the Presidential Theme was “Light Up Rotary”.
In addition, he has been the District Trainer,District Secretary and currently is the District Vice-Secretary. He also served Zone 28/29 as the education co-chair for the Erie Zone.
He enjoys working with the other Rotarians and clubs in the District. The members of the District are enthusiastic and altruistic individuals.Their desire to help others and ” Light Up Rotary” is a guiding light for all.
Outside of Rotary, Mike is married to Judy and resides in Medina for half the year. They spend the winters in Venice, Fl.
He is also the community director andsecretary of the Knights of Columbus (Florida Council 7052). Mike and Judy volunteer at the local community theater in Venice. He is also an usher for the Cathedral in Venice and St. Francis Xavier in Medina.
Most recently, he just completed his twentieth and last year on the Board of the Medina County Historical Society where he had served as president (2007) and secretary (2019-2025).
Cheryl Warren spent the first decade of her life in St. Louis, Missouri, where her home was just a few miles from the “Mighty Mississippi.” In 1969, her family moved to North Canton, Ohio, because the company her father worked for had been acquired by the Hoover Company. Her father was transferred to North Canton to head up the marketing efforts for Hoover.
Although she was a shy and quiet child, Cheryl developed her outgoing personality and strong drive for volunteerism through the influence of her parents, who encouraged her to get involved in a variety of projects. Cheryl helped her mother deliver meals to the elderly, assisted her father with the Junior Achievement Club he mentored, and worked with Special Olympics and local animal groups. As the youngest of three sisters, Cheryl developed a love of fishing, gardening, and observing nature due to her family’s habit of spending summers on her great uncle’s multiple working farms. It was on the farms that she learned firsthand about hard work, dedication, and how to work with a team to accomplish a common goal.
After graduating from Hoover High School in North Canton, Cheryl earned a B.A. from the University of Akron. During her time at the university, she not only carried a full-time schedule of courses, but she also kept busy with several internships and a full-time job. She also supported the school by being a member of the cheerleading squad and the dance team.
Cheryl’s career path has spanned the areas of sports and corporate broadcasting, marketing, strategic planning, branding, corporate and public communications, and social media. She currently owns and operates a marketing consulting business and serves as a speaker, trainer, and facilitator for corporations and non-profit organizations globally.
Cheryl joined the Rotary Club of Akron in 1995 and served as its President in 2002-2003. In addition to serving on the club’s board of trustees for a total of eight years, she has been co-chair of the Chili Open fundraiser, chair of the Board Administration Committee, member of the Program Committee, chair of the Website & Newsletter Committee, and co-chair of the Akron Rotary Centennial Celebration Committee.
She and her husband are Level 1 Major Donors, Paul Harris Fellows and Bequest Society members.
Thanks to PDG Jack Harig, Cheryl first became involved with District 6630 as a member of the District Conference, Public Image and RI Branding committees and helped launch a new Website for PDG John Bosco using ClubRunner.Cheryl was honored to serve as District Governor in 2015-2016 when the theme was “Be a Gift To The World”.In June, 2019, she helped move the newsletter to an online format.
She supervised the production of three District 6630 videos and assisted PDG Julie West with thelaunch of a Public Relations billboard campaign.She has been a presenter at district training assemblies and other Rotary functions and also served on the Zones 30-31 Communications Team among other committees.
Outside of Rotary, Cheryl has served or is currently serving on numerous community boards/committees. She is a proud recipient of the Sales & Marketing Executive’s Excellence Award and numerous broadcasting and advertising awards.
Cheryl has been married to Steve Warren since 1991. Steve is currently the Director of Operations for FanDuel Sports, formerly known as Bally Sports, Fox Sports Ohio and Sports-Time Ohio (STO).Steve had spent 12 seasons with the Cleveland Guardians managing their broadcasting and scoreboard operations then helped the owners launch their network in 2006.He has been a sports director/producer for over 35 years, earning numerous Emmy Awards beginning with his work on the 1988 Olympics in Seoul Korea, with many other awards and accolades since.
Steve became a dues-paying member of the Rotary Club of Akron and then transferred to the E-ClubNEO due to his busy schedule.He served as the first Club President of E-ClubNEO and is now serving again as the 2025-2026 President.Steve is a Master Mason and a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He is a member of the Tadmor Shrine, Canton York Rite Bodies, and Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association.
Steve and Cheryl have attended several Rotary International Conventions and currently reside in North Canton.They enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling internationally and in the USA, boating, flying planes, motorcycle riding and touring/camping in their RV.
Their holiday schedule is especially busy from October until Christmas as they create a large Christmas light display at their home and also act as Santa and Mrs. Claus for various events and charities. Steve is also one of the Santas on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad North Pole Adventure.
The Rotary Club of Northampton Cuyahoga Valley hosted a prospective member event, “Discover Rotary”, on September 18. We are very pleased with our initial results.
Keys to our success: 1). Have a prospective member plan. Keep it simple. 2). Fill the room with Guests and Rotarians. (Make sure the venue’s room is a little smaller that you need). 3). Use an “ice breaker” to get guests and Rotarians to socialize. 4). Give a short video presentation about Rotary. 5). Then give a fast-paced video presentation about our Club and what service and other projects we do. 6). Follow up, follow up, follow up.
Club members were asked to invite a friend, or friends, to be their guest and learn about Rotary and TRC Northampton Cuyahoga Valley.
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and wine were provided for all guests and Rotarians. Our “Discover Rotary” event was held a Vinifera, an upscale, cozy Wine & Whiskey Bar in a private room big enough to hold around 30 people.
Our goal: attract 10 – 12 guest prospects. 16 guest prospects attended. 11 Members of TRC Northampton Cuyahoga Valley attended … as did invited Rotary members from the Passport Rotaract Club, the NEO e-Club, and a couple of District 6630 officers. The room was packed.
When Guests signed-in they were given a “Bingo” style card to use as an ice-breaker to mingle and visit with Rotary members to find out about Rotary. The Guest with the most squares initialed by Rotary members won a $100 gift card to Vinifera Wine and Whiskey Bar. This ice-breaker worked really well with all guest participating. We planned for a 30-minute ice-breaker. It went on for over 50 minutes before we moved on.
The video produced at the 2025 District Conference, “Why Join Rotary, District 6630 Answers”, was shown to give an overview of what and who Rotary was. Then a power point presentation was given to show and talk about what service projects TRC Northampton Cuyahoga Valley does and what causes we volunteer to help.
By the end of the event, 5 - 6 guests expressed interested in joining our Club and were invited by their Rotary friend to attend a future regular meeting.
The remaining guest are being contacted by their Rotary friends to encourage them to attend one of our future regular meetings to see more about what our Club does. Future follow up will be ongoing.
Expenses for the Discover Rotary event: $462.23 for food and wine and $100 for the gift card, totaled $562.23. $281.11 District 1:1 matching funds have already been received.
TRC Northampton Cuyahoga Valley felt the initial results of this event was excellent. We are eager to see how many of the 16 prospects can be turned into new members during this Rotary year.
Yours in Service,
Ray Krusinski Rotary Club of Northampton Cuyahoga Valley
On Tuesday, Nov. 25th, eight Rotarians and several of their spouses showed up at Claridon Community Church to work with Judy Maloney and her team at Claridon Community Helps (CCH) to pack and deliver the meals CCH had prepared for some of the needy families in Geauga County.CCH is the organization that provides summer lunches (Called: “That’s What I’m Talking About”) throughout Claridon and Chardon for needy children who aren’t guaranteed a meal during the day like they would be provided during school.CCH has provided thousands of meals over the years for these children and again this year prepared meals for the Thanksgiving holiday for the needy.Judy and her team put in countless hours and work to provide some very nutritious meals with all the fixings.Rotary was proud to step up and complete the deliveries around Geauga County.Eight Rotarians with three additional family members helped Judy with the organizing and packing of the food to prepare for delivery.
There was a surprise for Judy as the Rotarians presented her with a check for $500 to support the CCH cause and continue their work. As Judy and her staff continue to grow their project, Rotary has stood by and increased our support for them. You can come and meet Judy and her staff at the Maple Splash Festival which will be held next August at the Geauga County Historical Societies Century Village at the culmination of Rotary’s Maple Splash Raffle for 2026. CCH is just one of the non-profits supported by the Maple Splash Raffle that provides a critical need in Geauga County.
Thank you to Judy and her staff at CCH.
Robert Johnson, PDG Secretary, Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield
Christmas at First JOY: As Medina Sunrise Rotary and Medina Breakfast Kiwanis gather in service, praise and thanksgiving this Yuletide Morn, we wish everyone the gift of Faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of God's eternal love at Christmas and throughout the New Year. -- Thank you Pastor Kurt Alber and Medina Christian Academy
This is a great chance to join the Exchange Students for the CAVS game against the Washington Wizards on February 11, 2026 at 7:00pm.
The District 6630 and 6600 Inbound Exchange Students will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to HIGH FIVE the Cleveland Cavaliers players at halftime on February 11, 2026.
All Rotarians and friends are welcome for the pregame reception and CAVS game on the 11th.
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.
He graduated from Madison High School and participated in band, choir, track, football, baseball and basketball. He received his BA from Wittenberg University in 1958 and became the first graduate to be hired by Arthur Anderson, Co., (a big accounting firm at the time). Again, he was president of the student senate, participated in track and choir and president of his fraternity. He received his license in public accounting (CPA) in 1960 and has been actively practicing for over 60 years.
Cheryl has been married to Steve Warren since 1991. Steve is currently the Director of Operations for FanDuel Sports, formerly known as Bally Sports, Fox Sports Ohio and Sports-Time Ohio (STO).
