Well, May has come and gone, and so almost is the Rotary year of Be A Gift To The World, and how you have shown your gifts, in talents, accomplishments, as well as financial!
Many great fundraising events are being held, as we progress from the snow(!) of Mid-May to the almost 90 degrees to celebrate Memorial Day with family and friends. It was also a time to remember our Veterans, and the Parade of Flags throughout communities everywhere in the District shows how much they all mean to our Rotarians. Thanks to all who participate in these projects, including the Interactors, Scouts, and Friends of Rotary.
PLEASE READ the results of the Council On Legislation. There are several important changes noted, designed to keep our organization strong and growing.
Thanks to PDGs Dennis Huffman and Bob Pattison for attending, and bringing the good news back to us.
Many exciting changes will be coming to all the clubs, as the new slate of officers prepares for the new Rotary Year, and a seasoned group of officers from this year will be available to help with the transitions, and to assist with a strong kickoff. Thanks to all the current officers, and welcome to the new ones, who will be led by the always fantastic Sieg Warren!
And, don't forget, Outgoing officers, the District will always need your experience. We always need talent on the committees who do such a fabulous job. Please let Sieg know where you'll want to serve.
As June approaches, more than a dozen Rotarians will be returning from the Seoul Convention, with lots of stories and pictures to share with us, as well as new messages of what's happening in Rotary around the World. I can't wait to hear about it!
We've had a bang up year in Foundation, as Dr. Pete gets ready to let the Committee know about the Global and District grants to be available for more great works in '16-'17. I'm sure we'll be hearing more great stories from Tim and Anna on how you'll be using the funds.
And, it's time for all to be getting ready for the 100th Anniversary Celebration in honor of Arch Klumph and the Foundation in Cleveland. It's going to be a One of a Kind time, and in our backyard!
We'll also be getting to hear more about 'Pegasus'....stay tuned.
And, for me, one more great month to celebrate all your accomplishments with Joan and I. We've enjoyed all the hospitality, fun and friendship. Thanks!
All of us… The Paul Harris Fellow Challenge has been a great success for our District and the Rotary Foundation. We have raised nearly $24,000 from hundreds of local Rotarians to ‘Do Good in the World’ and here at home. This money returns to our District in 3 years to provide funds for local Club projects and Global Grants.
The Paul Harris Fellow Challenge winner is DG Joe Belinsky who was very generous in his donation. He will receive 1000 Foundation Points. Congratulations Joe.
Next year, the Rotary Foundation celebrates 100 years of changing the lives for millions around the world. Past District Governor George Hays and District Governor Elect Sieglinde Warren have special plans which will be shared with you all.
You are invited to a special Holiday Luncheon Joint Meeting of District 6650 Division 1A of the Rotary Clubs of Austintown, Boardman, Canfield, Poland, Struthers and Youngstown. The date of this event is Thursday, December 10, 2015. The Meet & Greet begins at 11:30 a.m with lunch at 12:00 p.m. This event will take place at the Holiday Inn-Boardman, 710 South Ave., Youngstown, OH 44512. The cost is $15.00 per person and an RSVP is requested by December 4, 2015. The keynote speaker will be Rotary International Director, Jennifer Jones.
Your menu choice is one of the following: Strawberry Orange Chicken Salad OR Pasta Broccolini OR Tuscany Chicken. All checks payable to the Rotary Club of Boardman and mailed to Shannon Tirone,
479 Judith Lane, Struthers, OH 44471. Please indicate your home Rotary Club in the memo portion of your check.
For more information, contact Assistant Governor Scott Schulick 330-727-8507, srschulick@gmail.com OR Shannon Tirone 330-720-2056, stirone@ysu.edu.
Please follow this LINK for the RSVP form which must accompany your check.
Many of you will remember our Group Study Exchange Team from the Philippines during District Governor Jim Russell’s year in 2010.
Elayne Bozick, Rotary Club of Youngstown, has remained in contact with Tato (Dimayuga Fortunato), and on behalf of the Rotary Club Mataasnakahoy, our District has agreed to partner with their District for a Global Grant supporting Agri-eco organic farming for indigent farmers in that area. Elayne has personally seen the fine work this club has done on water projects during her GSE visit. Our District is excited to work with them on this project.
Our new Rotary Global Grant would provide education and support to institute organic farming techniques and improve the quality of life for members of the Organic Farmers Association who represent the indigent farmers and their families in Mataasnakahoy, Province of Batangas, in the Philippines.
Through the use of agri-eco organic farming techniques including vermicast (worm breakdown of organic matter), water systems and reservoirs, high value crop plantation, greenhouse construction, refurbishment of a multi-purpose building, and organic chicken egg production, the Association hopes to improve the quality of life in the community and the environment in general.
Our District has committed $10,000 in grant funds and the Rotary Club Mataasnakahoy $5,000. Rotary will match these grants to allow the project to go forward. We’ve raised several thousand dollars from our local Clubs for this grant.
If your Club hasn’t yet considered a donation, please do so. Forward donations to: Rotary Club of Youngstown, Attn Elayne Bozick /TRIF, 17 N Champion St., Youngstown, OH 44503
Peter Apicella, District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair Peter@salemrad.com
330-207-0500
In December, District 6650’s Youth Exchange Committee conducted interviews for all students who applied to be an Outbound exchange student in 2016-2017. Many Rotarians, and a few non-Rotarians, volunteered their time to interview the applicants and the applicants’ parents. Fifteen students were selected to participate in the Outbound program. The following students will begin their training to be an Outbound exchange student at the Wooster overnighter on January 9-10:
James Harmon – Cloverleaf High School – Switzerland
Anna Drewes – Jackson High School – Spain
Stephanie Kassos – Champion High School - Japan
Drew LeBoeuf – Glenoak High School – France
Annalise Sheeler – Jackson High School – Brazil
Marco Morgione – Ursuline High School – Italy
Gabriella Haywood-Lara – Wooster High School – Chile
Bryce Kelly – Norwayne High School – Portugal
Tori Mahaffey – Washington High School – Taiwan
Anastasia Johnson – Canfield High School – Switzerland
Jordan Pyles – Wooster High School – Germany
Amanda Maxim – Jackson High School – France
Carmen Seybert – Canfield High School – Belgium
Clarisse Rosteck – Canfield High School – Spain
Maria Bell – Carrollton High School – Italy
These students will complete four months of Outbound training classes, at the monthly Inbound exchange student overnighters, and begin departing for their host countries in July and August of 2016. All who participated in the interview process were impressed with the quality of the students who applied to participate in the program.
On another note, we are still looking for clubs to host Inbound students in 2016-2017. If your club has not confirmed whether or not it will host an Inbound student, please contact Aletha Carver at (330) 614-1367 or acarver@kwgd.com or Bill Wood at (330) 284-4779 or wmawood@juno.com.
The 2015 motto of Rotary International is “Be a Gift to the World”. Six Mahoning County Rotary Clubs: Austintown, Boardman, Canfield, Poland, Struthers and Youngstown, joined together this year to do just that. With a goal to raise $50,000, the clubs set out to raise funds from members, friends and local supporting organizations to buy NEW coats for needy children of our valley. Through Operation Warm, the children will receive new coats to provide them with protection from the elements while walking to school, or waiting for the bus. These coats will also infuse them with pride and self-esteem.
Due to the generosity of the Rotarians and several area local organizations, the Rotarians surpassed their goal by raising nearly $67,000.00 which has purchase 4,038 coats. Along with individual gifts from Rotarians and others, generous area foundation gifts and grants supporting this cause were received from: the Northeast Ohio Ford Dealers, The Thomases Family Endowment, the Frances and Lillian Schermer Charitable Trust, the DiYorio Foundation, Wean Foundation, Centofanti Trust, Reid Schmutz, Richard & Susan Sokolov and Denise DeBartolo York. Twelve Rotary Clubs from outside the Mahoning Valley also contributed to the project.
Each of the six Rotary Clubs selected beneficiaries to receive the coats and they will be distributing them throughout November and December. Austintown and Boardman Rotary Clubs will be distributing at the Salvation Army on December 5. Boardman Rotary will also be donating to Boardman Schools as needed. Canfield will distribute through Operation Blessing and the Police and Fire Departments. Poland will distribute through the Poland Interfaith Food Pantry. Struthers will distribute to the Struthers Elementary School. Youngstown Rotary will be distributing at the Youngstown Boys and Girls Club on November 16 from 4:30-7pm, Harding Elementary School on November 18 from 9am-2pm, and Williamson and McGuffey Elementary Schools at times yet to be determined. The Knights of Columbus Immacolata Council at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church partnered with Rotary and will be distributing coats at St. Joseph the Provider School in Youngstown at 9am on November 16.
The steering committee organizing the project was Rotary District 6650 Assistant Governor Scott Schulick, and Youngstown Rotarians Debbie Esbenshade and Carol Sherman. The team leaders from each club were: Tracie Kaglic, Austintown; Shawn Golden and Elijah Kahn, Boardman; Marie Cartwright, Canfield; Andrew Williams, Poland; JoAnn Seeeney, Struthers; Bill Russell and Dave Stillwagon, Youngstown. The coats were delivered to Potential Development on Market Street and the high school students from the school helped unload the truck and organize the coats for distribution. Students from the Interact Clubs at Ursuline and Mooney will also be involved in distribution.
This was the fourth year that area Rotary Clubs participated in Operation Warm. But, it was the first year the members decided to collaborate in a united effort to support our valley. It was a collaboration that surpassed all their goals and enforced the Rotary International Motto: “Service Above Self”.
The Minerva Rotary Club sponsors and organizes the annual Halloween parade and party for the village of Minerva. This year a full house gathered at the Minerva Community Building where Rotarians also served refreshments including 400 hot dogs. Judges for the night included select Rotarians and the village mayor. Participants were divided into seven age categories from infant to adult. Winners received ribbons for scariest, funniest, prettiest and most original costume. Trophies were awarded for best overall and the mayor’s choice.
Business After Hours hosted by the Minerva Rotary Club
On November 19, the Minerva Club sponsored a Business After Hours gathering with the Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together several business leaders and Minerva Rotarians. Minerva Rotary hosted the event at the refurbished Roxy Theater in downtown Minerva. This time together provided an opportunity for Minerva Rotarians to spread the word about the work of Rotary.
Veterans Day, November 11, 2015 was a very proud day for the Dennison Rotary as we recognized one of our own for his dedication and service to the Dennison Rotary "Parade of Flags" Program and service to our country.
Denny Swift initiated the Dennison Rotary Club's "Parade of Flags" Program just about five (5) years ago. The program began with just Denny and his good friend and fellow Rotarian Sonny and Denny's wife putting out flags prior to each recognized flag day. Currently there are more than 150 flags placed throughout the Twin Cities of Uhrichsville and Dennison, and it takes a team of ten (10) or more Rotarians and friends to place the flags.
The recognition ceremony was attended by the Mayors' of Uhrichsville and Dennison (who unveiled the plaque), friends and family of Denny Swift, many Rotarians, veterans and community members. Rotarian Robert Michels served as master of ceremonies in his police uniform and President Randy Seiber talked of Denny's service as well as that of other veterans. The local VFW Chapter raised the flag up the newly installed flagpole and played TAPS at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Thank you, Denny Swift! Let this flag and plaque be a reminder to our community of one who truly exemplifies Rotary International's motto of "Service Above Self"
Many of you will remember our Group Study Exchange Team from the Philippines during District Governor Jim Russell’s year in 2010.
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