Happy New Year everyone! I hope everybody had a wonderful holiday break and were able to share that time with special people. It was a well-deserved break from the day-to-day activities. After visiting forty-three clubs from August through November, it was a little difficult for me to adjust to the lull in December. Going from non-stop Rotary to having loads of free time was quite an adjustment for me! I am glad to be back and as you will see, we have the second half of the year full of great activities to participate in. Let’s get to it.
January is Vocational Service Month, a time for us to focus on this important Avenue of Rotary Service. Discussions on vocational service can lead to projects that not only develop the ethical consciousness and vocational skills of Rotarians but also the talents within their communities. Vocational skills month is an opportunity to begin year-long vocational service activities ranging from highlighting the vocational opportunities and needs within the community but also to celebrate those who work in these vital fields. Our world revolves around the skills and abilities of those working in these fields so let us do our best to encourage others to participate in these key career areas.
Operations Full Plate - Preliminary Results Congratulations and a big "job well done' on all your efforts for Operation Full Plate. The competition ended Saturday, January 10th, 2026. Rotary Zones 30 & 31 competed as well with all the Districts in each of the following categories from November 10th to January 10th. Our preliminary results are next to each category:
Great Job District 6630! I will send an email out by next week with Zone totals. I am proud of all your efforts serving food insecurities in our district.
Board of Directors At Large Position We currently have an open position on the Board of Directors that I am looking for a candidate to fill. The Board of Directors oversee the business and the affairs of the district. They also serve as an informal education and training vehicle for our District Governor Line. A director must be a member of a club, and must have been a past president or a District Leadership role (chair of a district committee). The Board of Directors is comprised of the District Governor line (DG, DGE, DGN), Immediate Past District Governor, Assistant Governor Coordinator, the Chair of the Advisory Counsel of Past District Governors and three at-large positions selected by the District Governor. These nine positions are voting members. The Board also consists of the district secretary, district treasurer and vice governor as non-voting positions. The Board meets four times per year; three times using Zoom and one in person meeting. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed. The position needed filled is an at-large position to be filled until June of 2027. If you meet the qualifications and are interested, please contact me at rorotary20252026@gmail.com or call or text 330-801-0159 for consideration.
All Ohio President Elect Training Seminar (AOP) We are now over six months in the current Rotary year. Every year, there is an orderly changeover of leadership positions from the International President, District Governor, and our Club Presidents among others. Since the conclusion of last year’s AOP, District Governor Elect (DGE)Terri Speck has been working hard with her Ohio counterparts on the 2026 AOP. The Ohio group of five DGEs have been planning everything from House of Friendship, breakout session subjects, meals, speakers and more. It is an incredible amount of work to plan and execute a world class training program for our upcoming presidents. This year, to support our clubs, the district has allocated funds to give each club or President Elect (only one) a one-time $400 stipend with proof of attendance to the program and hotel bill. We did this to help increase attendance and to relieve the financial burden on individuals and small clubs. All clubs are eligible.
AOP Service Project 2026 Part of this program has always been a service project planned by this group for all the clubs and districts in Ohio. This year, the service project is Rotary for Reading 2026. This is working in conjunction with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The goal of the Imagination Library is to foster a love of reading among preschool children and their families. The goal is to give each child a specially selected book each month. This program, started in 1995, has been so successful that now one in seven children under the age of five receives an Imagination Library book in the United States. There is a competition between the five Ohio districts as to who will raise the most money for the project. WE KNOW that we have what it takes in District 6630 to win this competition!
How can we help and support our Club Presidents Elect? The program is supported by funds donated by individuals to purchase and ship books. Please click here to download a flyer explaining how to donate to this great cause. Members can give on-line or mail a check. Please follow the instructions carefully and help our Presidents Elect bring back the trophy!
Pre-PETS Training for PEs and District Leaders As part of the training program prior to AOP, each district also has PRE-AOP training. The Ohio districts have joined together and offer training modules to all five districts. There are two upcoming training opportunities for not only Presidents Elect, but for anyone in the district wanting to learn more on these topics. If you are interested, you must register below. There will be Zoom sessions and a Zoom Link sent to you after you register. Trust me, it is time well spent.
Rotary Club of Jefferson 100th Anniversary Celebration The Jefferson Club is celebrating its 100th Anniversary Saturday, January 17th at 5:30 – 8:30 at Giddings Hall 104 E Jefferson St. in Jefferson. If you are interested in attending, please email jeffersonrotary100@yahoo.com or text 440-563-8550 to see if there are any openings left. I look forward to celebrating with the Jefferson and District members on this momentous occasion
250th Anniversary of the United States – Plant 250 Trees in the District As we know, July 4th will be our 250th anniversary of Independence. I would like to do a district service project where our clubs donate and plant a total of 250 trees in our district to celebrate our Independence. I am looking for a volunteer to chair this and help me communicate with the clubs. Please contact me at 330-801-0159 if you are interested. Please reply soon so we can set up this program, I do need some help with this! Pretty Please!
Cavs night with Rotary Youth Exchange Students Are you looking for something to do in cold and dreary February? How about a fun night with fellow Rotarians and our exchange students at the Cavaliers game on Wednesday, February 11th at Quicken Loans Arena. Start the evening out at the Clevelander with a reception and meet and greet the exchange students along with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. We venture over to Quicken Loans Arena for a 7:00pm game against the Washington Wizards. Our Youth Exchange Students will do a high five with the Cavaliers team at halftime in the High Five Tunnel. Two seating options are available. Section 220 tickets are $36.00 each. Tickets in the middle level, M14, rows 3-6, are $75.00 each. Come join the fun and meet our amazing exchange students while having fun with your favorite Rotarians. We have about fifty tickets left so get them before they are gone! Click here for flyer and Registration info
Grant Management Seminars Is your Club looking to do a grant in 2026-27 with matching District funds up to $2,500? This year our District approved over $45,000 in grants to clubs in our district from the District Designated Funds that come back to the District after three years. To apply for a grant, two members (preferably the president and person updating the grant on Clubrunner) are required to attend one of three Grant Management Seminars. The Dates and times are listed below. Click on the links below to register.
Chili Opens – Akron and Strongsville - Attend both!
We are so fortunate to have two great clubs having fun in the winter while supporting great causes.
For anyone that signs up for both Chili Opens and sends me verification, I will draw a name from all dual participants and personally donate a Paul Harris Fellowship.
Here they are:
Akron Chili Open Saturday, February 7th
Get ready—the 36th Annual Chili Open Golf Classicis here, and we need your support.
Raffle tickets are only $20 each, with a bonus of 1 extra ticket, 6 for $100, this year! Raffle winners will be announced at the Chili Open. Winners need not be present to win.
Purchase tickets today at Chiliopen.net, or call Akron Rotary Camp at 330-644-4512. Tickets must be purchased by February 7th, 1pm to be included in the drawing.
There is an excellent silent on-line auction along with many door prizes. Please go to chiliopen.netto see the list of auction items, including a wheelbarrow full of Cheer!
We appreciate your support in ensuring that this year's Chili Open remains a success for our Club, benefiting the campers at Akron Rotary Camp!
Together, we are "Creating a world where there are only abilities!"
33rd Annual Chili Open Golf Classic Saturday, February 28th, 2026 Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Join us and be a part of the Best Party in February!!!
For over 30 years the last Saturday in February has become a great Northeast Ohio Tradition. A day of: Food, Drink, Golf, Games, and our Renowned Live Auction... The Rotary Club of Strongsville proudly hosts its 33rd Annual Chili Open Charity Golf Classic.
We are excited to announce our primary beneficiary, Rise in Love! This all-volunteer nonprofit serves over 80,000 people each year across Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Lake, and Mahoning counties—providing food, housing, crisis support, and more to families in need, including Ukrainian refugees rebuilding their lives here in Northeast Ohio.
• Purchase a Raffle Ticket: $10,000 1st place winner: See details and purchase tickets on our website. Need NOT be present to WIN. • Attend the Event: General Admission and VIP Tickets Available Now! • Join Rotary: If you enjoy camaraderie, making a difference in your community, and having fun; feel free to check out one of our meetings every Friday morning, 7:25am at the Strongsville Recreation Center.
Since 1992, the Chili Open has raised more than $2 million to benefit charities across Northeast Ohio and around the world. Questions? Please reach out to us at: info@chiliopen.com or visit our website www.chiliopen.com
District 6630 Conference of Clubs Our annual conference of clubs is coming up! It will be held on April 24-25, 2026, at Marriott Cleveland East in Warrensville Heights. This is the same location as last year. To better accommodate our working Rotarians, registration will not open until 2pm and the conference will begin with the business meeting followed by our Memorial service. Watch for a Save the Date email this week with more details, we will be announcing a very special keynote speaker for Saturday at our dinner. Stay tuned for details on Registration but block this time off now so you can attend.
Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp (RYLA) Our RYLA camp is set for June 21-25, 2026, at Hiram College. This premier event helps develop and mold leadership skills for high school seniors throughout our district. Cost is the same as last year; $600. We hope to have close to 60 students enrolled this year. Do not wait, choose your students, and apply now. You will be so glad you did. RYLA Application and Information.
AZ Baker Award Application It is never too early to start the application process for our AZ Baker Club Award. To encourage a reaching out in total service and the "development of resources" on the part of all clubs in District 6630, the A. Z. Baker Service Awards were established in 1978 at the recommendation of then District Governor James P. Banks, and by action of the District Board of Trustees. This award honors our own "Mr. Rotary," A.Z. Baker, from the Rotary Club of Cleveland who served as Rotary International President in 1955-1956. His dedication and commitment to Rotary truly exemplified SERVICE ABOVE SELF and this award was designed to honor his memory by encouraging all clubs in the district to participate in each of the Avenues of Service which are the foundation of club activity. Please download and apply for this prestigious award. Click here for AZ Baker Award Information and Application
Sorry for the long-winded letter, but I had a lot to say! Thank you for everything you do. Let me know about service projects or activities your club is doing, and I will try my best to be there. Remember, we can do anything if we Unite for Good!
Yours in Rotary,
Bob Oborn District Governor Rotary International District 6630 Stow-Munroe Falls Rotary Club Tel: 330-801-0159 Email: rorotary20252026@gmail.com
Thom Geist has been a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River for 55 of the organization’s 100 years. Serving as the club’s historian, Geist has witnessed the evolution of the club firsthand. Although technological advancements have influenced how meetings are conducted, such as the introduction of Zoom calls—the Rotary Club’s tradition and unwavering commitment to service have remained strong throughout its history.
On January 7, 1926, Roy Robinette, president of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, and a group of other Cleveland Rotarians met with some Lakewood businessmen who were interested in organizing a Rotary club in their city. Also present at the meeting was Leonard T. Skeggs, of Youngstown, who was the governor of District 21.
Mr. Robinette had convinced the Rotary Club of Cleveland to cede some of its territory for a Lakewood club, so those present at this meeting voted to organize the Lakewood Rotary Club. Seven directors were chosen at the meeting, and these directors appointed Harold Huxtable to be the club’s first president. Also selected were Lakewood Hospital Administrator Russ Crawford, vice president; Thomas W. Davies, secretary; and John Reidy, treasurer. Later, on January 18, 1926, several men who were to be the charter members of the club gathered at the Hotel Westlake for the first official meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood.
A charter night for the new club was held on February 8, 1926, with 28 charter members being recognized. Taking part in the program that evening were: Roy Robinette, president of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, who presented the gavel to Harold Huxtable; District Governor Leonard Skeggs, who presented charter No. 3534 to the club; and the Reverend Dr. C. Jeffares McComb, past president of the Rotary Club of Benton Harbor, Michigan, who gave the major address. Musical entertainment was provided by the Lakewood High School Orchestra and the Double Octette singing group from the Rotary Club of Youngstown.
Club meetings were held at the Hotel Westlake in Rocky River for about seven years, and then were moved to the Lake Shore Hotel in Lakewood, where the club met for nearly forty years. Beginning in 1972, the club met at the Lakewood Elks Club, then moved to the Beck Center in 1979, where it met until 1994. In 1994, the club moved its meetings to its current “home” at Rocky River Memorial Hall (which is now part of the Don Umerley Civic Center).
The charter president was a realtor named Harold Huxtable, and the club retains a deep connection with him since his daughter, Marty Harris, was a president of the Rotary Club of Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise, and Marty’s husband, Jim Harris, is a past president of the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River (1985-86) and Past District 6630 Governor (1993-94).
Community Impact and Philanthropy
Over the years, the club has played a vital role in the community, raising funds for projects such as the construction of a new band shell at Lakewood Park. They were also instrumental in transforming the Lakewood Little Theater into what is now the successful Beck Center. The club’s enduring involvement extends to a variety of organizations and causes. Through the years ongoing support has been given to both Rocky River and Lakewood School Foundations; Meals on Wheels; American Youth Foundation; North Coast Health Ministry; Barton Center; Rocky River Senior Center; and many other community organizations.
Support for Students
The Rotary Club is well known for its commitment to supporting students. Thom Geist recalls his time on the scholarship committee as one of the highlights of his membership, describing the process of engaging with students and reviewing their applications as deeply rewarding. The decision-making process was sometimes so challenging that a committee member once contributed personal funds to allow for additional scholarship recipients.
Speech, Music, and Art Awards
In 1946, club member Firmin Deibel initiated a speech contest for students, awarding scholarships to the winners. This successful program later expanded to include music and art awards. The speech contest was adopted by the District and continues to this day as the Four-Way Test Speech Contest, thanks to the vision of Mr. Deibel.
Ongoing Student Engagement
The club continues to sponsor students for the Four-Way Test Speech Contest, which annually celebrates the talents of students attending Lakewood, Lutheran West, Magnificat, Rocky River, and St. Edward high schools.
Foundation and Awards
In 1952, the club established the Lakewood Rotary Foundation, led by Carl Dryer. To honor significant contributors, the club created the “Carl Dryer Award” for anyone who donated $1,000 or more to the Foundation. The club serves Rotary International as well, and is proud to count 35 Paul Harris Fellows among the current membership, with 11 being multiple recipients.
Youth Exchange Program
The Rotary Youth Exchange program has been a focal point throughout the club’s history, with members hosting students from around the world and providing opportunities for local students to experience other cultures.
Club Achievements and Growth
The club proudly notes that many of its members have gone on to serve in the position of District Governor. In addition to Jim Harris, the father-son combination of Hugh K. Dawson (1949-50) and Hugh L. Dawson (1977-78) served in that position. Quigg Lohr, who was Lakewood Rotary president in 1958-59, served as district governor in 1962-63, although he was a member of the Rotary Club of Euclid by that time. Finally, Bill Pinter served as district governor in 1996-97 while he was a member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland Heights and before he joined the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River.
Members of the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River, with the encouragement of District Governor Jack Young and the blessings of the “noon” club, formed a “sunrise” Rotary club to appeal to the current and potential members who preferred an early morning meeting. The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River Sunrise was officially chartered on May 12, 2007.
Looking Forward
The Club is proud of its long history of “Service Above Self”.
As the club marks its centennial, it continues to have a meaningful impact in the community. The Club is actively working to increase membership and ensure the continuation of important service projects.
100th Anniversary Celebration
The Club is currently planning to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Stay tuned for further details!
Connect With The Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River
Tina Ingraham of Bay Village, Ohio, serves as the Rotary District 6630 Public Image Chair, where she helps clubs and district leaders strengthen visibility, storytelling, and community engagement of the amazing things our district does every day. If your club needs advice on how to share your Rotary story to the community for your club events, membership or fundraising, she’s happy to coach and share new ideas and contacts for getting the word out. Be sure to continue to send your event information to Tina to share on the district social media accounts.
Tina brings decades of experience in strategic marketing, branding, and media relations through her work as President/Owner of Marketing 101 Advertising. As a Creative Director, she loves writing and producing TV commercials for local businesses like Sweetie’s Candy, Swings-N-Things Fun Park, Mapleside Farms and The Olive Scene.
In her Rotary world, Tina is also Vice President of Rotary Club of Cleveland and Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zone 30, roles that have connected her to new friendships and deepen her love for #ServiceAboveSelf.
In addition to her professional work, Tina is currently training to become a certified yoga instructor, reflecting her commitment to wellness, balance, and lifelong learning.
David Jones was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and grew up around the world during his father’s military service, living in Spain, Japan, Germany, and England. He graduated from Upper Heyford American High School, earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Capital University, and completed two master’s degrees at Ashland University in Educational Administration and Curriculum and Instruction.
He and his wife, Georgeann—an Akron native and owner of Christian James Salon—live in Stow and have four adult children. Georgeann is also a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Northeast Ohio (E-ClubNEO) and she will serve as the 2026-2027 Club President.
A committed Rotarian, David is a past president of the Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club and has served on its Board of Directors, Scholarship Committee, and Grant Committee. A LEADERSHIP 6630 alumnus, he served as the 2022–2023 District 6630 Governor.
After being District Governor, David has continued to serve the District in numerous capacities.He has been extremely instrumental in helping advance the AV needs for District Conferences and other District events.
He also currently serves as District 6630 Rotary International Foundation Chair and is the Chair for LEADERSHIP 6630.
Richard (Rich) Warfield has served as the District 6630 Treasurer since July 01, 2024. Rich is the past president of the Hudson Rotary morning club (same year as DG Bob a few years back), past Treasurer of the Hudson Rotary Foundation, past committee leader of the Fall Fundraiser event for Hudson Rotary Club since 2021, past committee leader of the Boy Scouts Camp Mantua pool cleanup project event for 10 years, past Master of Ceremony for the annual Hudson Gala event for a few years, and dedicated Rotarian for the last 20 years.
He is an active owner of Warfield & Company CPAs a tax compliance and tax consulting firm founded in 2006. Rich specializes in working with small businesses and high net worth individuals. Rich semi-retired at the end of 2022 and he remains a consultant to DKC on tax related matters.
Rich's forty years of professional experience include 3 years in New Jersey and New York with Grant Thornton, an international accounting firm, where he solidified his extensive tax knowledge serving large and closely held companies. Locally Rich was been a tax director at Saltz, Shamis and Goldfarb (SS&G) in Akron and formerly was a partner in the Mayfield Heights firm, Zucker & Warfield, Inc., where he developed a not-for-profit practice serving labor unions and charitable organizations.
Rich still works very with closely with owners of closely held businesses with minimizing their annual taxes for them each year.
He is active member and past member of the following organizations;
AmericanInstituteofCPA's
OhioSocietyofCPA's
HudsonRotaryClub-PastPresidentandBoardmember
HudsonRotaryFoundation-Pasttreasurer/boardmember
NorthwestAdvisoryBoard-Activemember
Northeast Ohio LeadershipFoundation-Boardof Advisors-Active member
Annette Oborn and the Rotary Club of Stow-Munroe Falls is holding their annual coffee drive to support the Haven of Rest in Akron, the areas largest homeless provider.
This is the 6th year of collecting coffee for an organization that is solely privately funded.
Our drive started out at 40 cans, last year we were at 350 cans, this year the goal is 400 cans.
Please contact Annette Oborn @aoborn@att.net or 330-813-2059 if you need a pickup or do the easy way and use the two links below to order off of Amazon and ship to:
Annette Oborn 381 Silver Valley Blvd Munroe Falls, Ohio 44263
Medina Sunrise Rotary enjoyed a special treat as Medina High School’s girls and boys varsity basketball coaches joined us as guest speakers.
Coach Karen Kase, a 15-year Medina coaching veteran who has led Medina’s girls basketball program for 13 years, shared her inspiring journey to becoming head coach while celebrating the program’s many achievements—including her remarkable milestone of 200 career wins.
Beyond the victories, Kase emphasized the importance of developing leadership in her players. With women still underrepresented as head coaches in basketball, she wants her athletes to see what’s possible—and to recognize the leaders they are capable of becoming.
Coach Chris Hassinger, a celebrated Medina coach for 32 years, brought along the senior leaders from the boys varsity team. Hassinger achieved the title of winningest coach in Medina High School boys basketball history with an impressive 171 career wins.Together, they spoke about the three core values that guide their program:
1. Life is about relationships
2. Serve others
3. Legacy — use your platform to make an impact
Each senior shared meaningful examples of how they live out these values, both on and off the court, and how they put them into action within the community. Their stories were a powerful reminder of how athletics can shape character and create lasting impact beyond the game.
Thank you to Coach Kase, Coach Hassinger and the senior boys for visiting our club this morning. You are making a difference in our community!
PHOTOS (provided by Natalie Peacock)
Coach Karen Kase, David Samuelson, Coach Chris Hassinger
Get ready— Akron Rotary’s 36th Annual Chili Open Golf Classic is almost here, and we need your support. The event will be held at Hale Farm & Village, on February 7, 2026, from 9am-3pm, and is presented by Wayne Homes and will be benefit Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs.
Funding from the Chili Open help ensures that no camper is ever turned away from Akron Rotary Camp due to inability to pay. The Chili Open provides significant operational camperships for families who otherwise would not have the opportunity to send their child with special needs to camp.
Your involvement as a Rotarian will assist in helping to send children and adults with disabilities to summer day and overnight camps, as well as year-round respite programs. For over 101 years, Rotary Camp has been a viable resource for the Akron community, in providing campers with the opportunities to experience traditional camping activities, develop friendships, learn life skills and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The easiest way to support the cause is by purchasing Raffle Tickets.
1st prize is a 2026 Buick Envista Preferred, or $17,000 cash; 2nd prize is a $2,500 Flooring Credit; and 3rd prizes is a North Course Foursome Package.
Tickets are only $20 each, with a bonus of 1 extra ticket, 6 for $100, this year! Any individual purchasing six (6) Chili Open raffle tickets (for a total of $100.00) will be automatically entered into the Chili Open SNOWMANIA drawing for a chance of winning $50,000. This is in addition to the six (6) chances for the regular drawing.
For SNOWMANIA to go live we need 6-inches of newly fallen snow accumulation on February 21, 2026, between 12:01am and 11:59pm at the Akron-Canton Airport, Ohio as independently determined by Weather Command.
Purchase tickets today at Chiliopen.net, or call Akron Rotary Camp at 330-644-4512.
Tickets must be purchased by February 7th, 1pm to be included in the drawing. Raffle winners will be announced at the Chili Open. Winner need not be present to win.
Other ways to support the Chili Open would be through sponsorships, donations, or register as a golfer or foursome. For registration information and to learn more about the Chili Open, please visit chiliopen.net.
SILENT AUCTION
We will also again have a greatSilent Auction, including a Wheelbarrow of Cheer. To register, please text 36chiliopen to 76278.
We sincerely appreciate your support in ensuring that this year's Chili Open remains a success for the Rotary Club of Akron, benefiting the campers at Akron Rotary Camp! Together, we are "Creating a world where there are only abilities!"
Yours in Rotary,
Katy Miller and Michael Gladysz Co – Chairs, 2026 Chili Open Golf Classic
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.
Benefiting The Children's Center of Medina County, Feeding Medina County and Akron Children's Health Center, Medina and other local children's charities.
On a cold winter morning what could be more fun than having a warm pancake breakfast with sausage followed by a guided bird walk around the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Proceeds will help support our work with literacy, hunger relief and environment.
