Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
WOW, Where to Start? Well, let us start at the beginning. A long, long time ago in a far off…… Wait a minute that is not what I meant by the “beginning”. Let us start with our first district event in November, and then we will continue on to the Eve of the New Year.
Our First event in November was our Interact Interaction on November 6. What an event! Just imagine Interact Clubs from all over the District coming together in the name of Sharing, Learning and Service. Our youth are truly Amazing and an Inspiration. Thank you District Interact Chair Chelsea Talty for the guidance that you provided West Geauga High School Interact in planning this year’s Interaction. Please keep reading as Chelsea is going to tell you all about this year’s Interaction later in this letter.
November started out busy with all kinds of Impactful events. On November 11 as we paused to remember and honor the Veterans that have served in The United States Armed Forces, we also came together to celebrate our Clubs and The Rotary Foundation with our Warm Hand Warm Hearts Foundation Gala. Following true to the past year our Foundation Gala Committee choose to change things up a little. I am going to leave the rest of the tale to our District Foundations and Gala Chair Jim Lechko, who will regale us with tales from our Gala.
December 3 was a great day in our District, and a true privilege for me. I had the honor of officially announcing our 2024-2025 District Governor Dale Smith of the Rotary Club of Mentor. It was quite the honor to be the District Governor to make this announcement as Dale and I share some Rotary history. As most know I grew up helping the Rotary Club of Cambridge, OH. In the early 2000 Dale joined the RC of Cambridge and later served as President of the club. Due to the fact I left Cambridge in the mid 90’s Dale and I did not meet there. Fast forward a few years and after I joined the Rotary Club of Kent a gentlemen was introduced as a Rotarian transferring from the Rotary Club of Cambridge. This was my first introduction to Dale. Dale during his time in Kent was a true leader and helped to build our participation with The Rotary Foundation. When Dale left Kent due to a career move that took him out of state, his presence was missed. No matter where life has taken Dale, he has always found a Rotary Club and left a meaningful impact. Everyone please stand and give Dale Smith a round of applause. Congratulation Dale, I look forward to serving with you and seeing what Impact you leave on this District.
Saturday, December 11, is a day that we saw one of the worst tornado events that has been recorded in our history. We are not just talking about a couple communities, but communities throughout multiple states.
How you can take action to help the tornado victims:
One of my fellow District Governors whose district was hit has reached out about the damage and a project to help move forward.
There are two articles below about relief efforts (or click on the state names here to read each) - one is for the Kentucky areas and another is for the Tennessee areas affected.
As we close out 2021, I would like to wish all of you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. I look forward to a bright and refreshing New Year in 2022. Please take time to Hug your Loved ones, and even more importantly take a minute for yourself.
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.
As we approach the end of 2021 the leadership of District 6630 would like to wish All Rotarians, your families and the community that you serve a Happy Holidays and a Happy Prosperous New Year 2022. We are proud to be a part of a District of Rotarians that support our clubs, our community, our families and each other during the year, and all that you do to make the Holiday’s for those in need more enjoyable. Your service projects, food drives, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and serving meals to the homeless makes a difference in your community. Thank You for all that you do to make the world a better place.
Over the past 4 months the club Presidents Elect (PEs) have been working hard to prepare for their year. Our first district meeting provided the opportunity for the PEs to meet each other and the district leadership as well as discuss the opportunity for trainings. We held two State Wide Multi-District trainings, that provided speakers from Rotary International, on the topics of Membership and the Rotary Foundation. Our next Multi-District training will focus on Public Image (register) and will be held on February 23. The Presidents Elect will attend an IN-PERSON PETS (register) on January 29 at the Orange Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library. PEs will receive additional information in an email.
All Ohio P.E.T.S. (AOP) is MANDATORY for Presidents Elect and will be held in Columbus on Friday & Saturday, March 11-12, 2022. Our theme is Breaking Boundaries:Inspire - Collaborate - Lead. The speakers for this event will be phenomenal. Friday night will feature Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin. Saturday will feature our very own Katie Spotz endurance athlete, charitable ambassador, author and world-record holder, M.J. Clark, Senior Leadership Consultant at Integrated Leadership Systems and Rotary International President Elect Jennifer Jones who will be the first Woman President of Rotary International. Jennifer Jones will also perform the Installation Ceremony for the Presidents Elect.
Presidents Elect Service Project for All Ohio PETS
My Very Own Blanket - Service Project Competition - With a goal to donate 16,000 blankets to warm the hearts of children in the foster care system throughout Ohio, the five Rotary districts in Ohio will hold a competition to see which district can donate the most blankets per capita, based on membership of each district as of July 1, 2021.
How can you and your club get involved?
Donate a quilt or knitted/crocheted blanket. - Work alone or with your quilt guild or knitting group to make your own blanket. Purchase a Blanket Tag to be sown on your blanket. Sign the Blanket Tag with your club’s name and bring the blankets with you to AOP
Purchase a fleece blanket kit - for $10 to get all you need to make a blanket for your club project. When ordering select your district (6630) and put your club name in the Comments box. Sign the Blanket Tag with your club’s name and bring the blankets with you to AOP
Sponsor a blanket. - Donate $10 or more to sponsor a blanket kit that will be made by other Rotarians. Purchase a fleece blanket kit - When ordering select your district (6630) and put your club name in the Comments box. Ship the Blankets to DGE David Jones at 1894 Lillian Road, Stow Ohio 44224.
IF you have any questions contact DGE David Jones at 330.603.4107 or DEJRotary@gmail.com
Jim Lechko, Foundation Chair announced the dates for the Grants Management Seminars. You club must send at least 2 members of your club to the GMS to begin your club qualifications.
As we begin this new year I would like to encourage Rotarians to get involved with District Committees. If you have an interest in one of our committees; Membership, Grants, Public Image, (other Committees we should add) please send an email to DGE David Jones- dejrotary@gmail.com.
If you are interested in helping our district with technology, we are looking for individuals that have skills in Audio and Visual support at district conferences and meetings, camera / video support for events, multimedia and Web support / development for our clubs and the district please send an email to DGE David Jones- dejrotary@gmail.com
District Governor Larry Lohman is very pleased to announce that Dale Smith is hereby declared our 2021-2022District Governor Nominee Designate, effective immediately, and the forms will be timely submitted to Rotary International for her certification.
Please join me in congratulating Dale as he begins this very exciting and amazing journey with our District. His email is rdalesmith@bellsouth.net. Dale is truly honored to serve in this capacity and is looking forward to working with all of the clubs in our district.
About Dale:
Dale Smith grew up in southeastern Ohio, graduating from Barnesville High School. Dale received a B.Sc. in Ceramic Engineering from the Ohio State University. He has a Six Sigma Black Belt from Sigma Breakthrough Technologies and is facilitator and practitioner of Kepner-Tregoe problem solving and decision analysis. His career began as a process engineer in ceramic tile manufacture and progressed to a very successful career in leading process and quality improvement in manufacturing, including lighting, automotive, building products, label materials and undersea telecommunication systems. Achievements include leading cost projects with significant financial impact including one saving $2,000,000 per year, solving several “intractable” industry issues, developing and successfully implementing a new manufacturing process for lighting products, leading multiple organizations through the development and certification of quality systems, improving spark plug manufacture to meet the voltage demands of electronic ignitions and other projects that remain proprietary to the organizations involved. Dale retired from Avery Dennison in Mentor, OH in 2021.
Dale’s service career began with a brief but impactful stint in town government while residing in Epping, New Hampshire, serving on the planning board and budget committee and as chair of the board of fire wards. He also chaired a new high school site selection committee.
He joined the Rotary Club of Cambridge (OH) in 2003 where he served as Club President in 2005/2006. As Dale’s career caused moves around the eastern US, he also was a member of the Downtown Macon (GA), Kent, and Camden (SC) Rotary Clubs.
Dale joined the Mentor Rotary Club in 2014 and served as president of that club in 2019/2020. Dale has served many roles in those clubs including leading many service and matching grant projects while also chairing Literacy, Foundation, and Public Image Committees.
He initiated and facilitated the Lake County Sunrise Satellite Rotary Club and is a member of the District 6630 Membership Steering Committee. Dale was twice named Rotarian of the Year and received a District Service Above Self Award. He is a Paul Harris Fellow +3 and a Bequest Society (Level 4) Member.
In addition to Rotary, Dale served as a director of the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia. He serves on the Barnesville High School Class of 1979 Scholarship Committee which provides a full scholarship to a single annual graduate of the Barnesville High School who attends one to the top universities in the US.
Dale is married to Jeri Ann, a native of Bath, NY. They reside in Newbury, OH on Raccoon Ridge. Dale is an avid gardener and seasonal winemaker and enjoys daily hikes in retirement with Murphy, Quinn and Keeva - the yellow labs that seem to run the household. Dale and Jeri Ann enjoy travel - especially visiting New York’s Finger Lakes.
Dear Rotary Members in Zones 30 and 31, Rotarians are People of Action.
Throughout the world in disaster recovery situations, our compassion and commitment to service are a significant part of relief efforts. Right here, right now, your help is needed here in our own zones.
The tornado that touched down Kentucky has devastated communities in 18 counties in our District 6710. The loss of life in many small towns, such as Dawson Springs and Mayfield, is heartbreaking, and survivors have lost their communities, their homes and livelihoods. In many areas, there is limited electricity, resources for food, gasoline and supplies and medical services. Now more than ever is the time for us to live our hashtag, #Rotary Responds.
Rotary District Governor Gail Story and the leadership of District 6710 are in the process of assembling a committee to identify needs and coordinate response across affected areas.
Here’s how you can help.
• Please make a donation, and encourage your club, club members and district to make a donation.
• Donations can be sent to the following address:
Rotary District 6710 Relief Fund c/o Sheila Stoke 7906 Westover Drive Prospect, KY 40059
Donations will be used to help affected communities in District 6710 Kentucky. At this time, donations are not tax-deductible, a tax-deductible option may be available in the future. If you have a network to suppliers who are willing to donate supplies, or are considering sending a team of recovery volunteers, please contact Kaytlin Edwards at kedwards.rotary@gmail.com.
Please consider helping those who have lost so much by responding with a donation. Thank you for being a Rotarian, and on behalf of District 6710 and people of Kentucky, thank you for your compassion.
Elizabeth Usovicz Director, Rotary Zones 30 and 31
I first want to thank all of you for reaching out and asking, what can we do? You are all so special and your kindness is what makes our world a better place. You give us hope for the future as we begin to rebuild our cities, towns, and our lives.
You will see my video above and other information related to what can be done now to assist the communities and victims of these devastating tornadoes.
I am grateful for your generosity and willingness to help. I apologize for the lack of words but I still cannot breathe.
Once again, #RotaryResponds where human needs are great.
Last week, in addition to the devastation in Kentucky, a total of 15 tornados devastated towns in Middle and Western Tennessee as storms swept through the state. Winds of up to 135 miles per hour ripped up communities and tore up the lives of those who survived. Small towns such as Dresden, Dickson, Kingston Springs and Samburg in our own District 6760 have lost homes, entire business districts and neighborhoods, and destroyed livelihoods, with many people in need of basics such as a place to sleep and shelter, non-perishable food, gas cans and storage bins, as well as cleanup equipment. This article covering a visit to the area by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee includes photos of some of the hardest-hit communities in West Tennessee.
Rotary District Governor in 6760, Michael Babb, district leadership, and Rotary clubs in the devastated communities are organized to accept donations and contribute to helping these communities survive, recover and rebuild.
At this very special time of year, those who survive have little to celebrate. Please help. Here’s what is currently known, and what you can do.
Rotary District 6760 is accepting donations to assist communities in need who have been affected by the tornado. Please make checks out: to:“Rotary District 6760” and include “Disaster Relief” in the memo, and mail to: RI District 6760 Treasurer P.O. Box 399t Dickson, TN 37056
The Rotary Club of Dresden, through Past District Governor April Lieberman, has established a relief fund that they will use in assisting victims. You can make a donation:
By mail to Dresden Rotary Club Tornado Relief Fund, P.O. Box 652, Dresden, TN 38225.
If you have a network of suppliers who are willing to donate supplies, or are considering sending a team of recovery volunteers, please contact Michelle Balsley at rotary6760disaster@gmail.com.
Please help out our communities that are in need at this time of year when family, peace and compassion are especially important. Thank you for being a Rotarian, and thank you for your compassion.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Usovicz Director, Rotary Zones 30 and 31
District 6630 holds successful in person Annual Foundation Event!
District 6630 held its Annual Rotary Foundation Event Thursday, November 11th at Windows on the River. Over 100 Rotarians and guests attended.
District Governor, Larry Lohman presided over the event in which we heard from Kevin Kelly, TRF Major Gifts Officer, who discussed The Rotary Foundations’ (TRF) successes over the previous year, its focus and outlook for the coming year.
Pat Myers, Immediate Past District Governor, reviewed many of the successful club projects that took place during her year as DG. Pat and Jim Lechko, District Foundation Chair, presented Rotary clubs with awards and recognized individuals for their contributions and commitment to TRF.
Clubs were recognized as 100% TRF Giving and Every Rotarian Every Year, Polio Plus Clubs and the Top Three giving clubs. Individuals were recognized as Major Donors, Bequest Society Members and Paul Harris Society members. Nine Rotary clubs qualified to award Paul Harris Fellows to individuals for their support of TRF, club activities or living out the ideals of Rotary.
To view the highlights of the nights’ program including the lists of awardees and those recognized for their support of TRF:
If you attended this year’s Interaction Conference, you already know the students knocked it out of the park! Hosted by West Geauga High School on Saturday, November 6th, just under 100 students from 11 different Interact clubs gathered together to celebrate Interact. The event was sponsored by the Geauga West Rotary Club, who provided breakfast as well as support for everyone throughout the entire day. Students participated in bonding activities and icebreakers, and shared their club’s accomplishments for the past year and plans for the future. A special thank you to Will Underwood and Bob Heydorn for presenting about the Four-Way Test Speech Contest and the Youth Exchange Program, as well as to all other Rotarians who were able to attend!
Many students came prepared with wonderful ideas for a District-wide service project. Students worked in groups to decide which ideas were the best, and then voted on which project to adopt. This year, the service project that was chosen was to support the Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio. The mission of the Ronald McDonald House, according to their website, is to “enhance the healthcare experience for families and children through comfort, care and supportive services.” This organization truly does wonderful work, and I encourage all of you to check out their website for more information on what they are able to do to help families going through unimaginable situations. You can see more at https://www.rmhcneo.org/.
Our students are planning on supporting this amazing organization through many different means. Some of the ways you can help contribute are:
Collect pull tabs from pop cans. RMH collects these tabs and submits them for money. Last year they were able to make more than $6,000 from these tabs!
Sponsor a room at the house. The cost for a family to stay in a room is $100. RMH asks families for a donation of $20 when they stay in a room, but many families are unable to contribute. Families are never turned away because they can’t pay, so RMH appreciates donations from people like us. You can donate online and learn more information at https://www.rmhcneo.org/ways-to-give/room-sponsorship/.
Contribute to their Amazon Wishlist. RMH has a constant need for many different items, and an easy way to help is to buy something from their wishlist. The items are sent directly to RMH, so you don’t have to worry about dropping something off or shipping items yourself. Here is the link to the Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XXZBUFNHGZBM?ref_=wl_share
Unfortunately, the vast majority of the volunteer opportunities at RMH are suspended due to Covid. However, I encourage you to check back on their website later to see if there are other ways you can help out!
As always, thank you all for your support of our youth and the district service project!
The annual BW Rotaract’s international fundraiser raised $1,309 on Dec. 3 to benefit Fundacion el Arenal – a non-profit in Cuenca, Ecuador, that helps at-risk children. Rotaract’s goal was $1,000. Fundacion el Arenal provides educational and social services to the children of families who bring their goods to sell at La Feria Libre market. Most of these families are low-income with few resources. Rotaract funds will pay for school supplies and a laptop computer. Kaylee McKee, Rotaract president, will deliver the items during Winter Break.
Fundacion el Arenal was founded in 1997 and serves more than 60 children and teens with after-school programming, mental health counseling and a lunch program. Thirty-five students and Rotarians logged on to the Zoom-based fundraiser on Friday night. They were treated to an Oreo-eating contest, potato sack race, cake decorating contest (the winner used M&M’s) and the ever-popular High Heel Contest – a repeat from last year, among other fun activities. Last year’s champ, Kaylee McKee, was bested by Grant Cordle, who rocked those spike heels.
Rotaract adviser Marc West gave it his best shot in the lip sync contest.
At the $900 giving level, Marc West got pied by Kaylee McKee, but Marc got his revenge when he pied Kaylee and Rotaract Vice President Maddie Robinson. Two-at-a-time! Good job, Marc. The “pies” were 100 per cent whipped cream.
Members of the Rotary Club of Hudson, Scout Troop 321 and the Hudson Heritage Association have formed a task force to undertake restoration of the 90-year-old log cabin, located on Hudson’s West Village Green. Originally built in 1931 by the Scouts and Rotary, the log cabin is in considerable disrepair. The restoration project will ensure that an important historic landmark continues to enhance the Hudson Green and provide a traditional meeting place for scouting activities for the next one hundred years.
For close to a century, Scout meetings have been held once a week in the log cabin supplemented by community-oriented activities throughout the year. Over 125 Eagle Scouts have emanated from this cabin, setting a high standard for future generations of Hudson youth.
The restoration project will include replacement of the deteriorating exterior chinking(the insulating substance placed between the logs), repair and/or replacement of damaged/missing Wormy Chestnut logs, providing ADA accessibility and replacement of rotted roof eaves/soffits, fascia boards and rafters. The log cabin’s foundation and interior are in good condition, with electrical, lighting and mechanical system upgrades implemented in recent years.
The Rotary Club of Hudson will lead the $200,000 fundraising campaign with a $10,000 grant from its Foundation and proceeds from its 36th annual Gala in May 2022. In addition, it is anticipated that the Rotary District, the State of Ohio, scouting families, community foundations, organizations, businesses and individuals will consider donating to the restoration project. Significant contributing donors will be recognized on a Donor Plaque that will be prominently displayed inside the log cabin.
We encourage Hudson families and individuals to participate in the donor brick/paver campaign. The donor bricks and pavers will be placed along the edges of the log cabin’s west entrance walkway.
To purchase bricks and to donate to the Scouts Historic Log Cabin Restoration project, please go to the Rotary Club of Hudson site www.rotaryhudson.org.
Explore the Scout cabin history and scouting activities, follow the progress of the log cabin restoration and track the success of the fundraising campaign also at www.rotaryhudson.org.
The Scouts, Rotary and Hudson community thank all participants for their support and generosity in this important restoration project.
Twinsburg Club Provides Lasting Recognition for Fallen Twinsburg Officer
Twinsburg Rotary has been getting a lot of great buzz lately. Our very successful Parade of Flags program, the club’s massive patriotic displays at the Friday night football game on Patriot’s Day weekend and then VFW’s Gold Star monument dedication are great examples of how one of the goals that Shannon Collins and I of have of working with other civic organizations are being realized.
The following project is especially meaningful – please take a minute to read this and watch the video using this linkhttps://youtu.be/rlaTKuEv4Eo
About the project:
-Patrolman Josh Miktarian was shot and killed in the driveway across from the fire hydrant
-Instinctively, the first back-up arriving dragged him out of "harm's way," which was across the street near the hydrant
-EMS, Life Flight docs and police officers worked on him (to no success) a that site.
-Each year on the anniversary of this line of duty death, police officers from all over gather at this location to pay tribute to Josh by lighting some road flares. There must be at least 20 cruisers there with their emergency lights on each year
gathered at that site.
-1000s of cars drive by that site daily, including our own PD and EMS workers.
-This is not a memorial. It is a marker of significant importance to those who responded that evening. The official memorial is located on Ravenna Rd/Miktarian Parkway, in front of city hall.
About the video:
The "Dan" who is mentioned first is Patrolman Dan Fidoe, a good friend and coworker of Josh who was the one who dragged him out of the area. He asked me about six months ago if I could "do something." After telling this to Shannon, I tried to think of a way to best honor him but keep the hydrant in service for use. After Shannon found some other examples, I worked out a design with Marsam Metals (awesome locally owned facility) and they engineered the two laser-cut badges.
After choosing the colors (no easy feat...do you know how many shades of blue there are?), we just took a couple of hours to make it happen. We didn't tell anyone, not even Dan Fidoe or our club. The area is too close to traffic with no place to pull off, so for safety and secrecy, we went "rogue." I created a video and then sent it on to Dan and Holly (Josh's widow) at the same time for the "reveal." As you can see...this is getting a lot of attention by other social media sites and I'm happy for our Rotary Club too.
I could not have done this without my co-president, Shannon. No way, no how!
We bought enough paint to maintain this project for many years to come. Also, we’ll reevaluate how the to the metal badges hold up with the weather and road salt (this hydrant happens to be very close to the road too). If they don’t hold up, we’ll have Marsam do powder coated versions.
I can’t say enough about Mark Brownfield (Marsam owner) and his two artist/craftspeople George Dufour and Jim Bayus. Marsam only charged us $25.00 each for the badges, which probably doesn’t even cover the materials. They also turned them around in three days!
From the Twinsburg Police Association:
A couple officers presented an idea to AC Bosso and he made that idea come to life.
Many of you have probably passed by the Fire Hydrant near 2454 Glenwood Drive. Many may not know that on July 13, 2008 around 2am Ofc. Josh Miktarians body was dragged to the road near this hydrant after he was shot multiple times in the head during a traffic stop. His blood draining from his body into the pavement near this hydrant.
Every year on that date and time officers from all over meet and place a lit flare at this hydrant. Every time Twinsburg Police drive past this hydrant it’s a reminder of that horrific incident. An incident both Twinsburg Police and Fire endured.
A couple officers felt it was time to spruce up that hydrant as it is a symbolic location where Officers realized there was no bringing Josh back. We would forever have those horrible images of the destruction done to Josh as we knelt around his lifeless body. Only the voice of one senior officer yelling at us to "Go find this Guy" broke the shock we were in, as we left Josh's side and proceeded to clear vehicles and setup a perimeter in the area we thought the suspect might be.
The work done on this hydrant is beyond expectations and fitting for the sacrifice Josh gave to the city of Twinsburg. It will forever be a permanent fixture and a reminder of that sacrifice.
Thank you to Twinsburg Rotary. AC Bosso and Shannon Collins for helping to make this happen. We are forever grateful for the continued support and dedication.
Sunday, Oct. 11th marked the second annual “Jeep Invasion” event held at the Mayfield Rd. Drive-In Theater in Munson Twp. This year close to 200 varieties of Jeep Wranglers from 1944 to brand new received a bountiful goody bag when they entered and participated in the 50 mile drive through scenic Geauga County. The route this year included some off road sections that put the jeeps through their paces.
Upon completion of the drive entrants regrouped back at the drive- in for hot dogs and refreshments and the announcement of prizes. Over 50 gifts of all types were handed out to the participants based on their free raffle ticket numbers in their goody bags. A separate 50/50 raffle raised $640 and the winner chose to take only $80 (for gas he said) and donated the rest of his share to the Veterans. The entire event raised over $12,000 for many Geauga County Veterans programs. A military presentation of the flag, the national anthem played over the sound system and the display of about 20 military jeeps proceeded the start of the tour. The 200 participants easily topped last year’s count of 140 and the RC of Burton-Middlefield looks forward to growing this event in the future as we feel it has much more potential for success.
The Jeep Wrangler owners are a great group of people and enjoy the camaraderie of getting together with other owners and showing off their Jeeps. The Rotary staff received many positive compliments about the event and the desire for another one next year.
ROTARY CONTRIBUTES TO INTERNATIONAL “TO SEE MY MOM” CHILDREN’S VISION PROJECT
The Board of the Lakewood Rocky River Rotary Club Sunrise has approved a $1,000 donation to an International Service project to reduce the number of cases of blindness in newborns and children living in a large regional center in the Ukraine.
This project was proposed to the Club by a former member of the Lakewood Rocky Rotary Club, Vitaliy Bezrodnov. Pictured below visiting a Rotary Club with a touring group from the Ukraine.
He is the Founder of The Rotary Children’s Fund (RCF), which gives young people Internationally an opportunity to show their talents while touring US raising funds to help needy children in their home countries. Vitaliy’s, who now lives in North Carolina has raised over $100 000 for Rotary Children’s which supports varies projects related to needy children. Vitaliy came to US from St. Petersburg, Russia in 1994 and joined the The Lakewood Rocky Rocky River Rotary Club in 2000. From 2007 in North Carolina, he plans trips for the children and youth, manages the RCF (formerly known as Rotary Childrens Fund that been renamed to Reunite Cultures Fund.
In September 2021, after 2 youth groups visited US from Ukraine, he secured approval of a Rotary International and USAID Hearts of Europe $53,580 Global Grant, for Project titled, To See Mom! The grant provides funds for the purchase of two pieces of ophthalmological equipment for a major Hospital in the Ukraine that provides in and outpatient and in-patient care for children with vision problems. The hospital annually treats around 5,500 children from birth to 17 years of age. Its Staff estimates that 7% of the children in the its region need vision care. This new equipment will enable the Hospital to carry out complex treatments, and significantly reduce the number of incurable cases in the region.
A requirement for Grant approval is the sponsorship of local Rotary Clubs by making contributions totaling $8,572. The Sunrise Rotary Club approved a $1,000 gift from its Foundation, which was established in 2015. Additional funds have been provided by Rotary Clubs in the Ukraine, and Vitali’s home club and his district.
"Just dessert" after Chagrin Documentary Film Festival awards ceremony Saturday night at M Italia with a very proud film maker. I am so happy for Travis Pollert (pictured) and Jacob Kostelli and their team to be recognized for their passion and dedication to our work! Our documentary film “Open Hearts” followed one of our missions into Haiti for children’s heart surgeries and won the “Service above Self Award”’ This award was one of 9 awards made out of the 97 films accepted from hundreds of submissions from 38 countries. I was so pleased to see it on the big screen and feel the power of their story telling last Wednesday night. It was a .wonderful opportunity to share with so many of you that have heard me speak about Gift of Life North East Ohio. Now you were able to see and feel the impact of what we do. Thank you all for your continued support.
Travis is working through a distribution contract they have received from Gravitas Ventures for distribution of the film in the United States and Canada. They will be expanding internationally if all goes well and I have offered to notify Rotary Clubs, Districts and Gift of Life programs around the work on how to view the film once we know. I am hoping we can set up a simple purchasing process so clubs can buy and show it as an international projects night at their clubs. We will see?
Thanks to BW Rotaractors for staffing the Berea Rotary and Rotaract tables at Berea's Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 16. Thanks also to Bob Huge and his family for setting up the Rotary inflatable.
This Rotary sign marks the entrance to the Coe Lake Nature Trail off the American Legion Post 91 parking lot. More than 1,000 children plus parents and grandparents took part in Trick-or-Treating on the Trails.
Rotaractors supplied all of the candy plus designed and printed a flier promoting Berea Rotary. The flier was handed out to parents and will be used at the Non-Profit Information Fair on Tuesday.
Berea Rotary takes part in Non-Profit Fair
Berea Rotary staffed a table at the Berea Branch Library on Tuesday, Oct. 19 as part of the library’s Non-Profit Information Fair. Linda Kramer held down the fort with the help of Marc West. Thank you, Marc!
We handed out information about Rotary and talked to folks about what we do. We also had some productive conversations with other non-profits at the fair. There were 13 organizations with displays. Some might make interesting partners in a future joint project. More on this later.
The Rotary Club of Akron held its annual meeting in December and elected its new officers for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. In addition, officers for the Rotary Camp for Special Needs Children and the Akron Rotary Foundation were also elected - these entities operate on a calendar year basis.
The Rotary Club of Akron
Executive Team: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
President: Lynda Farkas
President Elect: Tom Knauer
Vice President: Nathanael Billow
Secretary: Terry Dalton
Treasurer: Michael Gladysz
Directors: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2025
Charles Billington III
Connor Jarvis
David Miller
Rima Muakkassa
The Akron Rotary Foundation
The Akron Rotary Foundation runs on a calendar year.
New Directors (terms as indicated):
Carol Marturano-Becker (two-year term ending 12/31/2023)
Marcia Holcomb (three-year term ending 12/31/2024)
Joe Swiatkowski (three-year term ending 12/31/2024)
The Akron Rotary Camp
The Rotary Camp runs on a calendar year.
New Directors: January 1, 2022- December 31, 2024
Amador Gonzalez
Bill Manby, Jr.
Sandy Naragon
Pat O'Neill
Bill Post
Ginny Wojno
Mike Wojno
Submitted by Karen Hrdlicka:
If you want a model for #positiveaging, look no farther than fellow Rotarian Malcolm Costa, which is why I nominated him to be a hall of fame inductee. Congratulations Malcolm, awesome citizen, amazing leader and fellow Rotarian.
President/CEO of Community Action Akron Summit, Inc.
Malcolm J. Costa has devoted his life to community service: developing programs and creating opportunities to benefit workers in Akron and Northeast Ohio.
Born and raised in Akron, Mr. Costa is a graduate of Akron South High School. He started his career at the IBM Corporation as a computer service dispatcher while earning a bachelor’s degree. From 1972 to 1974, Costa served as Director, United Services for All at the Akron Urban League while pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Studies and Public Administration. From 1974-1977, Costa held the position of Director of Student Development at Youngstown State University where he designed and implemented programs for non-traditional students. Costa also completed his master’s degree in Urban Studies at the University of Akron in 1977.
Since 1977, Costa has served as President/CEO, Community Action Akron Summit, Inc. where he manages 250 employees operating Head Start, the Foster Grandparent Program, Emergency Services, Child Assault Prevention, Emergency Home Energy Assistance (E-HEAP), and other community programs. In 1983, when Community Action Akron Summit, Inc. (formerly Akron Summit Community Action, Inc.) and Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership created the Greater Ohio Health and Welfare Benefits Plan (GOHIO), Costa was appointed as a trustee and vice chairman for 600 employees’ health benefits; he was elected chairman and administrator of the trust in 1989. Costa is certified as a community action professional (1996) by the National Association of Community Action Agencies. From 1994-2001, Costa served as an outside director of Bank One Akron NA. He is also a graduate of the 1990 Class of Leadership Akron.
Costa currently serves as Secretary - Downtown Akron Partnership. He received the University of Akron Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000.
Mr. Costa and his wife Crystal Ann have five children.
Mike Kovack, Medina County Auditor and "Quiz Master," welcomed Table Team Sponsor Medina Sunrise Rotary and and the other team contestants to the 2021 Match Wits Trivia Competition Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser to support Project LEARN of Medina County.
An evening of fun, folly and good fellowship was complemented by an excellent buffer dinner at the Blue Heron Event Center with desserts provided by the Honey Bee Bakery and autumn table decorations from Prudence Aylsworth.
Guru assistance was provided for the 8 trivia categories: Law, Tea, Disney, Nursing, Astronomy, Theatre, Olive Oil, and Music Terminology. Did you know that within our solar system there are 4 planets which have rings and that the Cleveland Playhouse is America's oldest continuously existing theatre venue? Hearty laughter and warm applause greeted this year's Match Wits' Champions - "Quizitina Aguilera".
100% of every dollar raised supports Project LEARN of Medina County's literacy programs, which include: adult literacy, Reading & Math, English as a Foreign Language, US Citizenship Testing, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Testing, State Nursing Assistant Exam, and the BookShelf.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MEDINA SUNRISE ROTARY MATCH WITS TEAM:
Kent & Wendy Morgan, Will & Kathy Koran, Mark & Becky Rahija, Ed Jakubick and David Lariviere
JACOB SEBAUGH PRESENTS HIS EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT TO ROTARY
Jacob Sebaugh, a student athlete at Medina High School and Boy Scout Troop 507 Leader, presented his completed Eagle Scout project to Medina Sunrise Rotary this morning. After his presentation, Jacob was honored by Past Rotary Club President Kevin Wermer and Jack Young*, Chair of Rotary International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians.
"My Scoutmaster Craig Wrobleski pointed me in the direction of Medina Sunrise Rotary for a Community Partnership. My project was designing and building a deck/ramp for a citizen of Medina who had been diagnosed with ALS, which is a disease that targets the muscles of the human body and after around a year basic tasks such as walking become challenging to where the patient is now wheelchair bound. The ramp's purpose is to add a second escape route if some house emergency were to happen and to allow her to spend her last few years with her family outside enjoying life. Thank You Rotary!"
Jacob is an aspiring young engineer whose academic achievements, commitment to service in the community, and leadership in scouting give us every confidence of his future success.
PDG Jack Young also presented him with a special Rotary Scouting pin for his accomplishments.
PHOTO (L to R): Dan Sebaugh - Jacob's father, Jack Young - Chair Rotary International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, Jacob Sebaugh - Troop 507 Leader & Eagle Scout Candidate, Kevin Wermer - Past Rotary Club President & Assistant Governor, Craig Wrobleski - Troop 507 Scoutmaster
MEDINA ROTARY INDUCTS COMMUNITY LEADER ANNA GUY-LEACH
Rotary District Governor Larry Lohman was the honored guest at Medina Sunrise Rotary this morning to conduct the induction ceremony of community leader Anna Guy-Leach, Children's Advocate and Development Director of the Children's Center of Medina County.
"Our mission at the Children's Center is reducing trauma by providing a pathway to healing for children and families impacted by abuse, neglect, and exploitation," said Anna. "We are grateful to be a partner with Medina Sunrise Rotary and for the generosity of our community this past week at Art With A Heart for Children Auction & Benefit that ensured children experiencing abuse and neglect receive caring and vital services here at the Children's Center."
The Northampton Rotary Club supports Jack Young, Brunswick Rotarian, in his efforts with the organization ShelterBox, which has been previously nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Jack served on the United States ShelterBox board of directors from 2007-2014 and was named the ambassador of the year in 2015. Jack has also been nationally recognized as a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his work with ShelterBox. Jack is an incredible humanitarian and we are thankful for his dedication to serve others in need. It is also inspiring to see how he has built capacity among Rotary clubs to support ShelterBox.
ShelterBox is a global nonprofit organization made up of people who believe that shelter is a basic human right. These boxes provide aid in the form of family sized tents and tools needed to repair and rebuild homes, cooking supplies, solar lights, water filtration, blankets, and mosquito nets. ShelterBox is located in 16 different countries including but not limited to Canada, Africa, Hong Kong, Germany, Finland, and Haiti. Although donations cannot be designated they are tracked to ensure delivery. Shelter boxes are assigned by disaster and the cost of a Shelter Box has not increased since 2006. A ShelterBox costs $1,000.00 and weighs 120 pounds. That cost includes materials, transportation and team members travel to the disaster site. ShelterBox has responded to 97 disaster areas. After a Shelter box has been used it remains in the country to be used for as long as possible.
Jack is willing to present at club meetings to educate members on the organization and the disaster relief it provides for so many families and individuals living through this type of trauma. Through his education and continuous updates our club donates on an annual basis. If you have not had Jack Young out to your club to speak about this organization please consider scheduling a time for him to present on this great cause.
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Mike Kovack, Medina County Auditor and "Quiz Master," welcomed Table Team Sponsor Medina Sunrise Rotary and and the other team contestants to the 2021 Match Wits Trivia Competition Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser to support Project LEARN of Medina County.
International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians.
ShelterBox is a global nonprofit organization made up of people who believe that shelter is a basic human right. These boxes provide aid in the form of family sized tents and tools needed to repair and rebuild homes, cooking supplies, solar lights, water filtration, blankets, and mosquito nets. ShelterBox is located in 16 different countries including but not limited to Canada, Africa, Hong Kong, Germany, Finland, and Haiti. Although donations cannot be designated they are tracked to ensure delivery. Shelter boxes are assigned by disaster and the cost of a Shelter Box has not increased since 2006. A ShelterBox costs $1,000.00 and weighs 120 pounds. That cost includes materials, transportation and team members travel to the disaster site. ShelterBox has responded to 97 disaster areas. After a Shelter box has been used it remains in the country to be used for as long as possible.
