We are all aware of the extraordinary situation that is developing around us literally hourly. Many of these developments impact us not only personally but also in our role as Rotarians.
Our District has many activities that are in various stages of development or being carried out. At this point, we are systematically evaluating these in light of developments including Governor DeWine’s recent Order banning virtually all public meetings over 100 people, and closing schools for the next three weeks. Both the District and all clubs need to review and follow this order. The District Executive Committee is meeting on March 16, 2020 and additional announcements will follow. At this time, two important and difficult decisions have been made.
First, the All Ohio PETS conference has been cancelled, as previously announced.
Second, the 4-Way Speech Contest was to have occurred, at the District level, on April 11, 2020. Under the combined circumstances, the contest is indefinitely postponed.
As noted above, further information will be forthcoming. In the interim, please check with your local health department or the Ohio Department of Health for specific advice. My general recommendation, subject to Executive Committee review, is serious consideration be given to cancelling any meeting or gathering that will involve more than 25 people, with particular concern for those who are at higher risk which includes individuals 60 years of age or older and who have underlying health issues.
I thank you for your consideration and cooperation.
These decisions are difficult. Much time and effort have gone into planning and execution of many activities. But the situation is complex and not without risk to the health of our fellow Rotarians, families, and friends. We will all do our best under these circumstances and hopefully will all be guided by one of the Rotary’s primary goals, which is disease prevention. During this time, we need to make smart, challenging choices for the greater good, and I look forward to working with you to do that.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
If your Club subscribes to ClubRunner create an event within ClubRunner and mark the event to be shown on the District website. It will then appear in this area for the Bulletin and on the District home page.
Did you know for 11 consecutive years The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating of “Four Stars” from the Charity Navigator. This is a BIG deal because only around 1% of US charities are awarded “Four Stars”. The Charity Navigator is an independent evaluator of charities in the US. This organization finds TRF has a high commitment to accountability and transparency and strong financial health. I am proud to be associated with a foundation held in such high regard!
So, how were our donations put to good use last year (2019 fiscal year)? A total of $335M expenditures:
$151M – PolioPlus
$87M – Global Grants
$26M – District Grants
$5M – Rotary Peace Centers
$12M – Other Grants
$20M – Program Operations
$34M – Fund development & General administration
If you have had the chance to be involved in a District or Global Grant you know there is much emphasis placed on sustainability and accountability. TRF has developed a process which assures oversite by several Rotarians including club, district and RI. I came across a quote from a regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Eric Kimani who said: “Anyone who knows Rotarians sees how we give of our time and resources. They know their money is in good hands”. That says it all!
At the Friday Saturday night Banquet of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Shelter Box International, Ohio Rotary District 6630 PDG, Jack Young was presented ShelterBox's VISIONARY AWARDfor 2019 in appreciation of his extraordinary service and Dedication to Shelter Box USA and Shelter Box International. Since 2005, PDG Jack Young has served on the Board of Directors of SB USA for 7 years; was chair of the Rotary Relations Committee, served on 2 CEO Search Committees for a new CEO and along with Rotarian Marsha Pappalardo, Jack were personally invited by the founder of ShelterBox to visit their home site in Cornwall, England in 2010.
Since his selection to the Board of Directors, he has been selected into the ShelterBox USA Hall of Fame, is one of only 7 SB Ambassadors who has raised over $ 300,000 for ShelterBox in the past 12.years, and is currently the SB Ambassador for Ohio and surrounding States in the Mid West.
At the Celebration Event held last month Jack had the opportunity of meeting the co-founder of LuminAID, Andrea Sreshta and her husband John. Andrea was the Key Note dinner speaker Saturday night. LuminAID is the Solar light that goes into the Shelter Box that gives of light especially for the children to read in the darkness but also can serve as a small water proof pillow for sleeping. Within the last year, Andrea and her business partner were featured on SHARK TANK IN WHICH THEY RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT FUNDING FROM THE SHARKS TO TAKE THEIR ORGANIZATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
According to Jack, her presentation was very inspiring and it shows that through determination and hard work one can be successful. Now at least one LuminAID Solar light is placed in each ShelterBox.
Picture 1 PDG Jack Young is presented the Shelter Box Visionary Award, by ShelterBox USA CEO Kerri Murry.
Picture 2 PDG Jack Young with LuminAid Co-Founder Andrea Shreshta and her husband, John Alum
SUNRISE ROTARY SUPPORTS TRIALS OF HOPE AT FUND RAISER MAY 1, 2020
The 2020 Annual Dinner and Auction Fund Raiser will be Friday, May 1 at 6:00pm at the Don Umerley Center in the City of Rocky River Civic Center complex at West 210 and Hilliard Blvd. It will include a full course served dinner with cash bar, silent and live auction raffles. Trials of Hope will be a major benefactor of this year’s event. Tickets are just $30 per person.
The mission statement of Trials for Hope is to deliver dignity and hope to those who fall between the cracks, bringing wholesome food, personal care items, and warmth to the great Cleveland area.
In 2010, Trials of Hope founder, Johnathan Gray was gifted a large donation of trial-sized toiletries and decided to bring it to a local community meal. A line quickly formed, and the expressions of gratitude were encouraging, but a greater need was also revealed. Many in the community had needs and requirements that weren't being met by assistance programs and they had fallen between the cracks. Whether it was the inability or lack of funding to provide medical, clothing, or personal care - the community was struggling, and Jon saw a way to answer the need. Through dedication, personal connections, and tireless outreach to both the giving communities and those in need he has been able to continually answer 'yes' when those who struggle reach out for help.
As Johnathan began regularly passing out these trial-sized toiletry donations to various homeless camps throughout Cleveland, the individuals served began remarking “you give us hope.” Johnathan knew he had found a calling and formalized his outreach by forming the non-profit: Trials for Hope. Ten years later, Trials for Hope continues to provide unending support to those in need. Johnathan Gray (founder and CEO) donates the most valuable asset anyone has - time - and does this tirelessly without taking any sort of salary for himself. Not only does Johnathon give his time to helping those who are most in need but he knows how to connect with those he helps as he was once in similar circumstances as them.
The Lakewood / Rocky River Sunshine Rotary club has been so moved by the work of Trials for Hope that they have joined in to help. The club packed over 200 toiletry bags at their last weekly meeting. In addition, on select Saturdays, the club assists in packing additional toiletry bags and frozen meat bags as well as helping to organize the Trials for Hope storage basement. While Johnathan is out distributing his donations to the community and purchasing more supplies from the food bank, he has little time to organize his inventory and the Rotary club has volunteered to help alleviate this issue.
In addition to volunteering time, the Sunrise Rotary club worked with neighboring clubs to help fund a walk-in freezer that will make short term storage of food easier. The funding was approved this past year and the freezer has been ordered, pending installation once the concrete pad is poured for installation. The photo above shows Sunrise Rotary Club’s President, Lynda Carter giving a $6,600 check to Trials of Hope founder for the freezer purchase and installation. Rotary believes in service before self and working with Trials for Hope is a perfect fit for our club.
You can help by supporting the May 1 Sunrise Dinner and Auction as a sponsor, auction item donor, and or attending the Event on May 1. Tickets are just $30 per person. Contact Lynda Carter, lcarter@cectraining.com or Jim Rowe rowe1378@gmail.com
Rotary Club of Hudson Invites All District Rotarians to its Thirty Sixth Annual Gala and 90th Year Celebration
The Rotary Club of Hudson announced that it will honor its past Club Presidents and Gala Chairs at this year’s celebration to be held May 15 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Twinsburg. It will also recognize the many Hudson citizens that have faithfully supported the Gala over 35 years by sponsoring, donating auction gifts and regularly participating in the silent and live auctions. As a result of the Gala and other fund raisers, $1,000,000 plus has been donated by Rotary to local and international charities and to college scholarships over the 35 year period.
With Ron Strobl, Marilyn Orr and Kris Barker co-chairing last year’s Gala, over $45,000 net was generated for grants to Community First, The Gift of Life of Northeast Ohio, Boy Scout Troop 321, Hudson High School college scholarships and Service Learning programs and many community activities. Marilyn and Kris along with the Gala Committee will continue their dedicated efforts this year.
The featured beneficiaries of the Gala sponsorships and auction in 2020 will be:
The Gift of Life of Northeast Ohio, a program that the Rotary of Hudson has supported for many years. Funds raised at the Gala provide needed heart surgeries for medically struggling children in underdeveloped countries such as Haiti. Doctors from the area, some of whom live in Hudson, as well as local hospitals, donate their skills and provide facility access.
Hudson Community First’s “Uncharted Waters: What Every Senior Needs to Know Before Entering College”, a comprehensive full day workshop for all Hudson High School seniors to examine the challenges young people may face upon starting their college years. Topics include anxiety and depression, binge drinking, drugs, date rape, fire safety and overall wellness. Speakers include psychologists, lawyers, safety counselors, college administrators and college students.
Boy Scout Troop 321’s planned restoration of the historic Boy Scout Cabin located at Hudson’s Green on Main street downtown used by the Scouts for meetings and by the Hudson community for various activities. The log cabin was originally built by the Hudson Rotary in 1931 and is considered an important Hudson landmark. Founded in 1918, Troop 321 has developed leadership, personal and life skills in thousands of Scouts. Over the years, 145 local members have achieved Eagle Scout, a rank attained by less than two percent of all Scouts nationally.
Major sponsors for the 2020 Gala are currently being developed with the following committed to supporting Rotary again this year:
Kaulig Giving of Hudson-Platinum, lead sponsor, supports more than 30 non-profit organizations that assist the well-being of children, educational and health care institutions and non-profit organizations having a positive impact on the local community. Kaulig Cos. operates brands across a spectrum of businesses including consumer discretionary products, sports and entertainment, media and marketing services and finance and financial services. Some of their high profile brands include LeafFilter, Kaulig Racing, Kaulig Media, Kaulig Capital, LLC and Ellsworth Advisors.
Northwest Bank-Silver sponsor, providing J.D. Power award-winning retail banking services in the region, offers a team of people that like to take problems off their clients’ shoulders, “doing what it takes to make something happen, even when it is not easy”.
Akron Children’s Hospital-Silver sponsor, ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the country, taking a compassionate approach to treatment. Through a combination of treatments and patient experiences, their care does more than heal--it brings the entire family together for emotional support and understanding across multiple locations. A new facility opened in Hudson late 2019.
Forhan Family Foundation-Silver sponsor, established by Drew Forhan founder, President and CEO of ForTec Medical Inc, created to provide mobile access to technology and highly trained technicians on an as-needed basis for hospitals, surgical centers, medical offices and patients in more than 40 states.
University Hospitals, Portage Medical Center-Silver sponsor. UH, one of the nation’s leading health care systems, provides high quality, patient-centered medical care throughout Northeast Ohio. They offer the region’s largest network of primary care physicians, outpatient centers and hospitals and is an affiliate of Case Western Reserve University.
Major gifts for the live auction have already been announced including:
A comprehensive orthodontic care package for a child or an adult provided by John White DDS, MSD, owner of Smiles by White, worth $6500. White offers both Invisalign and traditional metal braces in that he can achieve the same results with both options at the same cost. He lets patients choose which treatment they prefer. White is recognized as one of the top orthodontists in the country.
An overnight stay, dinner and breakfast at the Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn, Hanoverton, valued at $500. Golf at the Zoar Golf Club, rafting on the Tuscarawas river and tickets to the Football Hall of Fame are available.
A sports convertible for the month of June or July generously donated by Don Sitts Auto Sales in Cuyahoga Falls, valued at $2500. Last year’s “ride” was a red 2019 Camaro convertible.
A unique dining experience for up to 14 guests created by celebrity chef Mitch Firis of The Blue Door in Cuyahoga Falls. Prepared at the host’s home, dinner will feature 4-5 courses of paired food and wine valued at $150 per guest.
A basket of assorted vintage wines chosen by Rotarians to please a range of palates, donated by the Rotary Club of Hudson Board and the Gala Committee valued at $500.
Akron Rotarians supporting Harvest for Hunger! — attending Harvest for Hunger Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast with Mella Hawk Castner, Julie Brandle, Nichole Major, Lynda C. Farkas and Christina Horak at John S Knight Center.
Thank you Wayne Homes, for your amazing support for Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs!
Wayne Homes is at it again supporting the rotary camp! This year’s Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club Jump benefitted the Akron Rotary Camp and Ronald McDonald House of Akron. This year we had 8 jumpers and one chicken and we raised $785 as a team!!
Several weeks before attending the 20th Anniversary celebration of Shelter Box International, Ohio Rotary District 6630 PDG Jack Young, Chair of the International Region (North, Central and South America) was informed of a scouting Museum located Las Vegas. Since he was speaking at the conference celebration of SB in Las Vegas and was not aware of the scouting Museum. he contacted Rotarian, Robert Lynn Horn in Las Vegas.
Jack learned that Lynn was also a scout, Executive Director and Founder of this Scouting Museum in Las Vegas. The museum is home of the World's largest collection of Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Girl Guide Memorabilia. Jack indicates that the two story, 3,500 Square foot building on West Shara Avenue is one to see.
There were items such as the Scouting Patch which went around the Moon on Apollo 8 with James Lovell; a scouting belt buckle that saved the life a a scout; an Extensive Display from all 23 World Jamborees 1920-2015; Lady Baden-Powell 1924 World Jamboree; over 450 Girl Scout Dolls; 4 Automatons of Scouting dolls from the Swiss Marchal Museum; the Golden Eagle of Merit Top Girl Scout Award 1916-1919 (Only 1 known to Exist), a scouting crocheted emblem done by an Austrian Scout while in Auschwitz and scouting uniforms from 165 countries are on display.
There are also the largest collection of the Order of the Arrow patches ever assembled; individual name patches of those who lost their lives responding to 9-11 helping others; the actual Silver Buffalo Awarded to Burl Ives in 1986 along with thousands of other items and signed paperwork, scouting books and other items that are meaningful to scouts and scouting leaders throughout the world.
In addition, there are at least 3 other rooms that have items are are being planned for future display. Lynn spent over 3 hours going through the museum and with his knowledge and experience in scouting I could have easily spent another 3-4 hours looking at and hearing about what he has collected over the years to preserve scouting history and its impact on the world. As a final comment, the museum is a first class facility, well maintained by the several people who work there and certainly is a credit to both Scouting and Rotary. I also saw one document that had the name of Brian Thiessen on it. If you or others are in the area of Las Vegas, I would recommend you take time to visit this facility.
One final comment, in the two pictures with this article is a special frame of pictures of patches from Ohio and sent to me from Brian and I presented them on behalf of all of you who are in the Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians. Therefore, this picture frame and patches from the FSR is now in this historical museum. Thank you for all that you do for our young people throughout the world. And thank you to Lynn who started this remarkable Museum.
As an Air Force veteran, I have been encouraging all clubs to recognize members of their club who are veterans. Several years ago, I put together a special and short ceremony in which to present them with a special Rotary-Veterans pin. Over the years your district has recognized over 100 Rotary Veterans. We can honor those Rotary Veterans who have passed on and present the Pin to a member of their family.
In addition, I have been working with the American Legion post of Medina to bring to Medina a special World War Two play on behalf of our Veterans. Please forward the attached information to your members and Veteran families and encourage them to attend. We will have limited seating. As a suggestion, maybe you could sponsor at least the veterans of your club who attend this event.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact PDG Jack Young ( 440-759-4000 or jack1villa@aol.com)
To: Rotary Clubs, Rotarians and Friends of Rotary
Special Event to Honor Our World War II Veterans “The Greatest Generation”
As a Veteran and Rotarian I want to make you aware of a special dinner theater event the Medina County Veterans Hall is sponsoring on May 9, 2020 at Williams-on-the-Lake in Medina. We have secured the services of Rick Plummer, an actor from Michigan who travels the country giving his one-man play about the noted WWII war correspondent Ernie Pyle. He talks about World War II as seen through his eyes. His performance gets rave reviews as you can see on the enclosed flyer.
The event is held to help the Medina County Veterans Hall continue its work to support veterans and their Families. The Hall is open to our school children so they can better understand the service and sacrifice of our veterans throughout the 200 year history of helping others and appreciate why they have the freedoms they enjoy today.
The work in Medina County continues but we need an infusion of funds after many recent accomplishments. For our recently modernized old pool room we secured the services from Medina County Career Center and a grant from Home Depot but the out of pocket expense cost exceeded our budget. We did receive some funds to complete our History Display project but did not have enough finances to complete other items in the hall.
With this special event, we invite all Military Veterans, families and service organizations to hear this once in a life time presentation. I encourage all of you to help Medina County support our Veterans and thanking them for their service. I have attached additional information on cost and sponsorship opportunities as we continue to do what is needed to honor those who have served us.
For further information, please feel to contact me (440-759-4000 or jack1villa@aol.com) or Dave Taylor, Commander American Legion Post 202 at (330-321-3307 or dave.taylor@zoominternet.com). Remember May 9th is the date of this special event.
Rotary District 6630 Annual Conference of Clubs and
District Leadership Assembly
District Governor John Reyes
Please join Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors from across the district as we gather at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls April 24-25, 2020 for our annual Conference of Clubs and District Leadership Assembly. The theme of this year’s conference focuses upon assisting at risk youth and the keynote speaker will be the nationally award winning Summit County Juvenile Court Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio. Watch for registration details coming soon!!!
For more information:
jbrandle@metisconstruction.com
Julie Brandle, District Conference Chair 2019-2020
The Leadership Education and Development Committee (LEAD) is in the process of creating a exciting and informative program for the District Leadership Assembly (DLA) Saturday morning of the District Conference (April 25th). Presidents Elect of all clubs should encourage their committee chairs, committee members and all interested club members to attend the program.
There will be separate sessions on Community Service Projects – learn about successful projects and how to implement one, Youth Programs – learn how clubs have engaged their members, schools and community in their programs, Fundraising Ideas – hear how clubs have raised the image of their club’s activities and raised funds, Growing Membership – successful clubs will share their best practices, and Public Image – learn about creative and successful public image efforts.
All five of these areas are critical to creating a Vibrant Club that engages its members, provides service to its community close to home and far away, maintains and grows its membership.
After participants have heard from other clubs in each area and had an opportunity to share their ideas and concerns with those in attendance time will be available for all members of a club to sit together to share what they have learned and to plan for the coming year.
The more members of a club that attend the greater the impact will be in the coming year. We learn from other’s successes and failures and when we share our hopes and frustrations in an open, supportive environment.
As we approach our District Conference, let us Connect to each other by sharing our projects and experiences in the House of Friendship. This area gives our clubs not only the avenue to share their projects, but also the opportunity to meet other clubs that may be interested in helping. Many different types of media have been used for the table displays. Fire up your imaginations and be the talk of our conference.
I have been a part of the House of Friendship at our past six District Conferences. Each year I have set up tables for both my Club, The Rotary Club of Kent, and for the water projects that my club participates in, in El Salvador. I have had the pleasure of talking with many Rotarians about our projects and through these discussion have been able to form new partnerships for these projects. This has been a key fundraising strategy for our projects. Let me ask this where else do you have the chance to reach 200 + individuals, who are focused on “Service Above Self”?
Last year I made the challenge to our district for the clubs to be the most creative with their displays. That was accomplished, we had 28 of the best, and most informative tables I have ever seen in the House of Friendship. This year I am making another challenge! This year let us all, whether you have a table or not, visit all the tables and find a club to partner with in their project(s). Keeping in mind that this year’s Rotary International Theme is “Rotary Connects the World”. Isn’t connecting our District the first step in connecting the world?
I look Forward to seeing you all on April 24 and 25 at OUR District 6630 Conference.
This year’s Interaction event at Aurora High School hosted approximately 300 students from more than 15 different Interact clubs. It was a huge success! For this year’s district project, students almost unanimously decided to support women’s shelters by donating needed items to help the shelters run as well as help women and children get back on their feet after a traumatizing experience. Our Interact clubs have already started collecting items to donate. All items will be brought together at the District Conference of Clubs on Saturday, April 25th, and Rotarians and Interact students will spend part of the afternoon that day organizing the donations to make them ready for delivery. Please consider helping the cause by donating items or making a monetary donation as an individual or a club! There are several items that are more valuable that we need the most help collecting, and we would love the help of every Rotary club in the district. We are working on an Amazon Wishlist to share with all Rotarians that will be available soon.
Higher value items are: Twin & Full Size Sheets, Twin & Full Size Comforters, New Bed Pillows, Coffee Makers, Toasters, Pots & Pans, Baking Dishes, and Tall Kitchen Trash Cans.
Additional items: Trash Bags (13 gallon and 30 gallon), Paper Towels, General Cleaning Products, Kleenex, Hand Sanitizer, Disinfectant Wipes, Liquid Dish Soap, Ziploc Freezer and Storage Bags, Bleach, Laundry Detergent, Mop & Bucket, Sponges, Hair Brushes, Hair Ties, Size 5 & 6 Diapers, Baby Wipes, Bath Towels, Shower Curtain Liners and Rings, Winter clothing, Bathing suits, Flip flops, and Pajamas/leggings.
The theme of our Rotary year is “Rotary Connect the World”. Let’s make those connections in the program and by attending the conference!
All Clubs, individuals and businesses are all invited to participate as sponsors in the District Conference program. See the options below or click here!
There is a special offer only for Clubs that is called Presidents of Action. For $100 your club can be listed in the conference program to show your support.
Please join us at the 2020 Rotary International Convention, 6-10 June in Honolulu, Hawaii, to find and share your aloha. We hope to make it the most memorable convention yet and, with your help, have a record number of members from around the globe attend.
Be inspired by world leaders, philanthropists, and celebrities during general sessions.
Learn about international and local projects, enjoy live entertainment, and sample regional cuisine within the House of Friendship.
Experience the heart of Hawaii through a rich mix of cultures, cuisines, and traditions.
Explore thought-provoking topics and learn skills to strengthen your club through lively discussions, seminars, and workshops.
Connect with people of action from around the globe.
Form new friendships that last a lifetime.
As you plan your trip Consider:
Travel - Save between 2-10% on select airfares* when booking convention travel with United Airlines and select members of the Star Alliance network.
Just wanted to share the latest information from Kerri Murray, CEO of ShelterBox USA. The ShelterBox team is being cautioned regarding giving presentations over the next month or so. All team members are encouraged to call, text, email members and club regarding providing updated information on deployments and updated information on disasters occurring throughout the world. We are also in continued contact with the World Health Organization regarding updates and suggestions on sending our response team members.
With all of this going on in the world, ShelterBox, more than ever, needs the continual support of Rotarians, Rotary Clubs and Friends of Rotary to provide the basic support of shelter and giving those we serve the dignity of providing for their families. Therefore, we encourage all of you to help in the financial effort of supporting our mission.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further ways to help, please contact SB Past Board of Director and Ambassador, PDG Jack Young (jack1villa@aol.com or 440-759-4000. With everything that is happening, we as Rotarians and supporters of ShelterBox we will become stronger in helping those who need our support.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TRANSFORM DESPAIR INTO HOPE
Rotary is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and continuously assessing the potential impact on Rotary operations, events, and training meetings. The annual convention is still scheduled for 6-10 June in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Rotary’s peace program is expanding, pushing us from the point of being mere advocates for peace to being active and effective peace builders. Canadian Rotarian Chris Offer, a past district governor, writes about the exciting new programs that are making that happen.
Save up to 20% at 1-800-Baskets.com, Harry & David, The Popcorn Factory, and more for Valentine’s Day. Rotary will receive up to 8% of your purchase. Use the promo code ROTARY at checkout.
, personal connections, and tireless outreach to both the giving communities and those in need he has been able to continually answer 'yes' when those who struggle reach out for help.
Akron Rotarians supporting Harvest for Hunger! — attending Harvest for Hunger Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast with Mella Hawk Castner, Julie Brandle, Nichole Major, Lynda C. Farkas and Christina Horak at John S Knight Center.
