Welcome to November! It is amazing that we are already in the fifth month of the Rotary year. The year started with long daylight hours where I could visit morning clubs and evening clubs, and it would be light out while driving. Now it is dark driving in the morning and at night. Let’s brace ourselves for winter and the dark, knowing the shining light is always our meetings and service projects. We have only 120 more days until Daylight Saving Time and long days once again.
Please make sure you check our district website www.rotarydistrict6630.org often. We list all the district events and the events that clubs send to us. It is a tremendous resource of information on what is going on in the district. Take the time to explore the website and the links at the top of the page.
November is Foundation Month
November is Foundation Month, one of the most important months of the year. November is when we highlight the impact of The Rotary Foundation and celebrate its work in areas like peacebuilding, disease prevention, water and sanitation, and economic development. It is also a time we recognize and honor the generous contributions made by our members to fund these critical areas.
The Rotary Foundation receives funding from donations made to three main funds: the Annual Fund, which supports Rotary grants and community projects (a portion of the district’s contributions to the Annual Fund is returned in three years. The district uses this portion for its own local projects, along with contributing to global grants); the Endowment Fund, which provides a permanent source of funding for sustainable projects; and the PolioPlus Fund, which specifically funds the global initiative to eradicate Polio.
We hope all Rotarians recognize the impact that their contributions have on their community and the world. In November, we reflect on what we do contribute and determine what more we can do to make an impact. Please keep these in mind when you make your pledge to support the Foundation.
Foundation Awards & Celebration
Our Annual Foundation Awards & Celebrations is on November 13th, about the time this newsletter is published. We hope the Celebration at the Lavera Party Center in Willoughby Hills is well attended. It is the time that we congratulate individual members and clubs for all they did to support the Foundation in 2024-2025. IPDG Dale Smith and Foundation Chair PDG Dave Jones have worked tirelessly to make this evening a special night for all. We hope you have registered and are looking forward to seeing you at the event.
Thank You for End Polio Now Efforts
Thank you, District 6630! We had a fantastic response to our Annual Purple Donut Day for End Polio Now. Clubs raised just over $3,000 and had an enjoyable time giving out donuts and spreading the word that we are this close to eradicating Polio. A special thanks to Julie Brandle, PDG (Rotary Club of Akron), and the eighteen participating corporate and franchise Dunkin’ locations for getting this all organized and making it happen. “Unite for Good” was the prevailing theme of the day.
Our 2025 Pours to End Polio campaign was another success, as we raised $2,305 combined from nine different dates and locations. Not only did we help with the PolioPlus Fund, but we also all had a wonderful time doing it. The fun and fellowship were evident at each event. Thank you to all our Clubs that planned and sponsored each event. Once again, we "Unite for Good" and had fun doing it.
Operation Full Plate: Unite to Fight Hunger
With all the food insecurity in our nation right now, our Zone Membership Coordinators launched a friendly competition between our districts within the Zone to fight hunger across our communities. Every can, every dollar, every hour of service helps fill plates and hearts. The competition will begin on November 10th and end on January 10th.
The program is being launched as of this writing. Details are listed in the newsletter, and cash prizes for the district with the highest score will be announced. Let us turn fellowship into full plates. Together, we can make a measurable difference—one meal, one act of service, and one community at a time. Zones 30 & 31 once again Unite for Good.
Rotary Peace Fellows
As we are one of the 37 Peacebuilding Districts in all of Rotary, we are pleased to announce the relaunching of our District Rotary Fellowship initiative. Rick Pollak (RC of Cuyahoga Falls), Elana Koh (Rotaract NEO Plus), and Tina Ingraham (RC of Cleveland) are spearheading our efforts to help build a new generation of peace leaders through a fully funded Master’s degree or professional certificate in peace and conflict resolution. Please read the article in this newsletter for more information. This program complements our efforts in forming Peacebuilder Clubs and Schools. Please reach out to me for more information on Peacebuilder Clubs and Schools.
Addiction Recovery – Keys 2 Serenity Toy Drive
I have talked often about our District supporting organizations that help with addiction recovery for both the individual and their families. Here is our first opportunity to help support an organization in our district. Keys 2 Serenity was founded in 2018 by Brenda Ryan, who lost her daughter to an overdose and was left raising her grandson. A 501(c)(3) was formed to support children who have been impacted by parental addiction. For the past several years, they have held an annual Christmas toy giveaway. This year it is December 12th. Last year, they made over 200 children happy with gifts and stocking stuffers.
They need our help, and Rotarians are always great at helping. We are looking for donations of new, unwrapped toys and gifts of any value for ages 0 to 17. Please help us spread holiday joy by donating a toy or toys to their toy drive.
The flyer below has drop-off points, but for your ease, my wife Annette and I will drive to pick them up at your home, place of business, or at your Rotary club. Please contact me to arrange a pick-up at rorotary20252026@gmail.com or call or text at 330-801-0159. We will gladly pick them up. Please support this much-needed event and make a child or children happy with a gift for the holidays. More to follow on volunteer opportunities at their gift-giving event!
Rotary Youth Exchange students Cavs Game February 11th, 2026
Come join your fellow Rotarians and Youth Exchange students at the District 6630 and District 6600 Inbound exchange students Cav’s game on February 11th, 2026.This is a chance for all Rotarians to meet our amazing students and watch our playoff hungry Cavaliers! There is a reception with snacks and soft drinks at the Clevelander Bar and Grille (private room) at 834 Huron Street, Cleveland prior to the game starting at 5:00pm.The games starts at 7:00pm.The Youth Exchange students will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to do the Cav’s High Five Tunnel at halftime! Tickets are limited to the first 75.
Prices areas follows:
Reception: $15 Middle section M114 rows 3-6 - $75 each Section 220 - $36 each
Please join us! See the article in the newsletter or go to our webpage rotarydistrict6630.orgfor more information and the order form. Any questions, call Stew Buchanon at 330-607-1442
2026 District 6630 Conference of Clubs
We continue to listen to your feedback and are in the planning stages of our 2026 District 6630 Conference of Clubs. This year’s date is April 24-25, and the event will again be held at the Marriott East in Warrensville Heights. We will be starting later in the day, at 2 p.m. on Friday with registration, to better accommodate work schedules. The business meeting and Memorial service will be held Friday afternoon, followed by a fun-filled dinner with special entertainment. Saturday will include the DLA, the Youth Luncheon, followed by an Interact/Rotarian service project and dinner. Last year’s event will be hard to beat, but I guarantee you will enjoy your time with your fellow Rotarians learning and laughing. More to follow soon!
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp
Clubs, get with your Interact Club advisors now to begin screening candidates for this amazing retreat for high school students. District 6630 Camp RYLA is a 5-day leadership training camp held in June of each year. The training camp focuses on the personal and professional development of high school students. Camp RYLA participants get an opportunity to exchange ideas, opinions, and beliefs with other students in a relaxed, retreat-style setting. Participants will develop new friendships and become a more effective role model, team player, and leader.
We have scheduled the 2026 RYLA conference for June 20-25, 2026, at Hiram College. The cost will remain at $600 per student. The program will remain consistent with previous years, focusing on Leadership Development, Ethical decision making, and Teamwork. This year, in response to feedback, we will be enhancing the small group sessions and community impact projects. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain leadership skills that will be useful in both personal and professional life. Clubs, please begin the conversation with your Interact Club or school advisors to find candidates to attend. We hope to have the webpage updated and ready for applications by the beginning of the year.
Closing Message
My preliminary visits to all the clubs are almost finished, as I have less than ten to visit and only two not scheduled. Please let me know if you would like me to attend your Board meeting, service projects, or club activities. I want to support our clubs as much as I can, so reach out and let me know how I can help.
Stay warm and dry, I hope you and your family enjoy a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Yours in Rotary,
Bob Oborn District Governor Rotary International District 6630 Stow-Munroe Falls Rotary Club Tel: 330-801-0159 Email: rorotary20252026@gmail.com
Ravenna Rotary: Nearly a Century of Service and Connection
The Rotary Club of Ravenna was founded on October 27, 1925, with support from our sponsor club, Kent Rotary. Since then, we’ve been proud to serve our community through leadership, service, and fellowship.
One of our standout moments in Rotary history came in 1952–1953, when Ravenna member Dr. Charles L. Naylor, DO, served as District Governor.
Our early investments were humble—just $80 reinvested into the community in 1948, and our first scholarship in 1964 was under $200. But we’ve come a long way. Since 1992, Ravenna Rotary has awarded over $350,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing their dreams.
What Sets Us Apart? The People.
Today, our club is a dynamic mix of community leaders, professionals, and friends who are passionate about making Ravenna a better place. When President Paul asked, “What sets us apart from other clubs?” the answer was unanimous: “The people.”
Our members are deeply involved and genuinely care. One member shared, “When I see this kind of investment, it encourages me and makes me want to be more involved myself.” Another added, “We’re small, but mighty!”
We also stand out by meeting at midday during the week—a rhythm that works well for our active members.
We meet on Mondays at Noon at UH Portage Medical Center 6847 N. Chestnut St. Ravenna, OH.
Fundraising That Brings People Together
Over the years, we’ve hosted events like the Mum Sale, Ravenna Balloon A-Fair, and Harvest Breakfast. Today, our biggest and most successful fundraiser is the Spring Reverse Raffle. It’s a fun, high-energy evening filled with auction baskets, 50/50 drawings, second-chance prizes, and great food. As one member put it: “Donations, people, food, camaraderie, and lots of fun!”
Supporting Students and Serving the Community
Our newest initiative, launched this month, is the Rotary Honor Student of the Month. In partnership with the staff of Ravenna High School, we recognize one senior each month at our club meeting. Students receive a certificate, a flash drive, a $50 gift card, and an Honor Cord to wear with their graduation regalia. Both the student and our Ravenna Rotary are acknowledged at commencement—a proud moment for all involved.
We also dedicate one meeting each month to Service Day, where we serve the noontime meal at the Center of Hope and the evening meal at the Shepherd’s House shelter. Our club continues to support the annual 4-Way Test Speech Contest and our annual Student Scholarship Program.
Investing in Ravenna
Our recent service projects and donations have supported:
The Dictionary Project
Reed Memorial Library Children’s Department
Family & Children’s Services
Center of Hope
Kent Social Services
Ravenna Community Choir
Ravenna Schools Baseball Field
The Salvation Army (Bell Ringing & Summer Book Outreach)
United Way of Portage County
A New Home and a Fresh Start Online
We’ve recently moved our meeting location to United Health (UH) Portage Medical Center, giving us a fresh connection to another key community resource. The cafeteria and café offer flexible meal options and a chance to interact with a wide range of people from the community.
We’re also in the process of rebuilding our website and Facebook presence to improve our presence in and beyond the community.
We meet at Noon on Monday at UH Portage Medical Center 6847 N. Chestnut St. Ravenna, OH
Mailing Address:PO Box 9, Ravenna, Ohio 44266
Photos:The top photo is our first Rotary Student of the Month, Ravenna High School Senior Giana McKendry with high school counselor Arasin Hughes and Paul.
The second is of speaker Amy Young, who is head of Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna, who spoke to our club about library funding. From left are Paul, member Anne Marie Noble, Amy Young, member Lajoyce Harris and member Heather Rainone.
Summit County South Cluster Rotary Clubs: Akron, Barberton, Fairlawn, Medina Sunrise, Wadsworth
When Doug joined the faculty of The University of Akron Marketing department in January 1986, he didn’t really know anyone outside of work.Having joined the Akron Jaycees in 1987, he later helped to run a service project on the Ohio & Erie Canal at the Mustill House and Store.“It’s just a one-day clean-up,” they said.“It’ll be over before you know it,” they said.“It’s just a couple of old buildings,” they said.
Through this project, Doug was invited to join the Rotary Club of Akron and later served as president in the Rotary Centennial year of 2004-2005. He remains active with the canal, and other non-profit organizations. Now (mostly) retired from UA, Doug was able to dovetail his community interests with interactions with students and student groups to encourage participation across organizations.Recently, Doug has begun connecting the UA School of Disaster Science and Emergency Services with ShelterBox USA.
Doug and his wife, Carol, live about a half mile from the Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs in New Franklin (where Doug has been known to prepare breakfast for Exchange Student weekends). Their two children live in the area as do the five grandchildren (well, the oldest is 9).Doug and Carol have one dog and “some” cats.
Ashtabula County Cluster Rotary Clubs: Ashtabula, Conneaut, Geneva, Jefferson
Mary Lou was asked to join the Ashtabula Rotary Club in 1997 after speaking at a club meeting. She already knew many of the members from the community and realized she had found an organization of professional men and women who share her love of volunteering. She has served as president twice and is the long time treasurer of the club’s foundation. Retired from her Key Bank career now allows her to be involved in most fund raising and service projects. Also, she ensures the club qualifies for the AZ Baker award each year and applies for District grants. She is a member of this year’s district leadership class.
Her spare time is spent taking care of their 150+ year old home and gardens. Favorite travels are to Colonial Williamsburg and Hilton Head Island. She has served on several community boards and continues to be active on church committees and the local hospital community advisory board.
Mary Lou and her husband Bill (also a Rotarian) recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary and are proud parents of two daughters, Sarah and Jennifer, son-in-law, Stephen and one-of-a-kind amazing granddaughter, Eva.
Cuyahoga County NW Cluster Rotary Clubs: Baldwin Wallace University Rotaract, Berea, Lakewood & Rocky River, Lakewood and Rocky River Sunrise, North Ridgeville, Westlake-Bay Village, West Shore
Andrew has been the Director of the nationally recognized five-star Westlake Porter Public Library for the past nineteen years. In 2020, he and his wife Christine were named Mr. & Mrs. Westlake for their involvement in the community including Connecting for Kids, Rotary, Kiwanis and many other philanthropic organizations.
He has been the recipient of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s Hugh Dawson Service Award, Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award, Westlake PTA Helping Hands Award, and was the Leader Among Leaders for his 2018 Leadership Ohio cohort.
Andrew has been a Rotarian for eleven years and has served two terms as president of the Westlake Bay Village Club. With a passion for connecting with other people and organizations to benefit all concerned, Andrew felt that in taking on the role of Assistant Governor he could make an even larger impact.
The Sherwin-Williams Company has been named the recipient of the inaugural Community Impact Award from the Rotary Club of Cleveland. The award recognizes a company, organization or person that has made a significant impact on the city of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
Sherwin-Williams has maintained a strong presence in Northeast Ohio since 1866 and is close to completing construction of its new headquarters building just west of Public Square in downtown Cleveland. The company had been located in the nearby Landmark Office Towers for nearly 100 years, but was faced with the challenge of expanding and modernizing in order to serve its customers and support its employees. Despite considering a number of communities across the country, Sherwin-Williams made the decision to remain in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
The headquarters campus, totaling one million square feet, consists of three buildings: a two-story pavilion acting as the front porch to Public Square, a 36-floor office tower and an attached multi-level parking garage. Sherwin-Williams also built the Morikis Global Technology Center in Brecksville which is responsible for product development, coatings research, color technology and process engineering. The 600,000 square-foot facility will help create and retain employment opportunities for chemists, engineers and technicians.
Representatives of Sherwin-Williams will accept the Community Impact Award from Rotary Club of Cleveland on Thursday, November 13th during a luncheon presentation at 12:00 noon in the Bridgeview Room at Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Visit rotaryclubofcleveland.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Rotary Club of Cleveland was founded in 1910, the 18th Rotary Club to be chartered. It is part of a global network of 1.2 million community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.Locally, Rotary Club of Cleveland serves the Cleveland community with projects directly benefitting local organizations such as: • W. 25th Street Rapid Site – Red Line Green Way greenspace beautification and walking path • Thesmacher High School Recognition Day – recognizing CMSD high achievers • CMSD High School Student mentoring • St. Augustine Community Pantry • Greater Cleveland Chapter of American Red Cross • Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and many more
Operation Full Plateis here! Our district is joining Zones 30 & 31 in a friendly competition to fight hunger in our communities. Clubs are encouraged to choose any hunger-focused projects: food drives, backpack programs, community meals, tiny free pantry, etc., and engage volunteers (including non-Rotarians!) to maximize impact. All your current projects count for this competition from 11/10/25 to 1/10/26.Every item, dollar, volunteer hour, public image activity, and new member earns points toward our district’s total. An Excel spreadsheet is available for those not as computer savvy (Click here for excel doc) or use the google form (click here) to record your events and point activity. There is no need to total points, just total each category per event. Let’s turn fellowship into full plates and show our communities what Rotary can do. Let’s show Zone 30 & 31 and the Other 1,453 clubs in the Zones that District 6630 is the best in the Heart of America!
Points Earned per event:
1 point per food item donated
1 point per dollar contributed
1 point per public image activity
3 points per Rotarian volunteer hour
5 points per non-Rotarian volunteer engaged
Incentives:
Winning Zone: Virtual Happy Hour with Director Brian Hall
Top District: Membership Grant cash award (to be determined)
Losing Zone Coordinator Team: Volunteers an extra 10 hours fighting hunger
Frequently Asked Questions:
What resources are there to help districts and clubs with the campaign?
There are a variety of clubs to support club and district level success. These tools include social media assets, sample captions, flyer templates, newsletter excerpts, sample communications, project ideas, and more. Links to these tools will be sent in an email to all District Rotarians by Wednesday, 11/12/25.
When does Operation Full Plate start and end?
The campaign runs November 10 through January 10.
Do districts or clubs need to calculate points?
No. Districts and clubs should only report raw totals. The zone team will calculate points at the end of the campaign.
Do districts have to verify projects?
No. We are relying on the 4 Way Test for reporting purposes.
What if a club has an existing food insecurity project? Does it count?
Yes! Many clubs carry out eligible projects throughout the year and especially during the holidays. Clubs should be encouraged to think of ways to strengthen existing projects by engaging more members in the effort, inviting community volunteers, and telling their stories.
What counts as a public image activity?
Any activity that helps tell the story of the club’s impact to the wider community. These include social media posts, news releases, radio PSAs, announcements through community forums, and more.
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.
WHY SHOULD YOU AND YOUR CLUB BE INVOLVED IN YOUTH EXCHANGE?
Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth through leadership development programs.
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Living in a foreign country is a powerful way to gain global understanding and promote peace. Students learn a new language, discover another culture and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-18 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
The objectives of the Rotary Youth Exchange program include:
Instilling international understanding and goodwill in students
Creating positive change by empowering youth through a cultural exchange
Making lasting connections for host clubs, host families, communities and the students involved
Being involved in Youth Exchange is also a great way to increase the visibility of your club in your community and to energize members.
If you are ready to commit to host an Inbound student for 2026-27, please complete the attached Hosting Commitment form and return to me at ryekevinwermer@gmail.com
If you have questions or would like to learn more about Youth Exchange, please contact:
Members and guests finished another batch of fleece blankets for My Very Own Blanket and will donate them to Lake County Foster Care. Thanks to Dietz Floral Studio for hosting.
PAWS AND CLAUS
Thanks to everyone who came out to help with the "Paws and Claus" event! Not certain of the exact count of "Paws" that had their photos taken … we had more people bring dogs and cats than last year and sincerely appreciate the extra support from our other Clubs who visited.
Big shout out to Georgeann and her husband Dave Jones who really went above and beyond to make it a fun and successful event and everyone else who helped make is run smoothly.
I was honored to be a part of the dedication ceremony recently of a Peace Pole at the Rotary Park Red Line Greenway by the West 25th rapid transit station in Cleveland.
Although the weather was less than ideal (and that is an understatement), it was a wonderful ceremony. We are proud of all that the Rotary Club of Cleveland does for their community and this is a shining example.
If you never have been there, I recommend it but maybe wait for a little better weather!
Thank you Rotary Club of Cleveland for including me.
This is the third year of the RC of Burton-Middlefield’s (BMR) new Endowed Scholarship in partnership with Kent State University’s Geauga campus in Burton, Oh.
We originally seeded the scholarship with a $25,000 donation which has since grown to over $36,000. So far six; two per year; students have received scholarships of $500 each. These scholarships are to be used in the new KSU nurse training unit. Our goal was to fill a desperate need for nurses in many local hospitals. As the size of the endowed scholarship grows more individual scholarships will be made available.
BMR has found that working with administrators at KSU Geauga has been both successful and rewarding.
At the scholarship awards program on Oct. 9th. BMR members Club Pres. Jeff Pascoe, club secretary Bob Johnson and Endowed Scholarship creator Jim Dvorak were able to present to scholarship recipients Riley Zugan and Loreali Gandof their certificates.
BMR would also like to say that the Endowed Scholarship is partially funded by a $2000 yearly donation from a former Rotary scholarship winner in the early 70’s who had a successful nursing career and now resides in Oregon. Thanks to all who support our scholarship programs.
Robert Johnson, PDG Secretary, Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield
