Photo: Tracey Lohman with her father DG Larry Lohman
Welcome Fellow Rotarians to this “Serve to Change Lives” Rotary year! Take a moment and reflect on the past year. This past year was a different year for all of us. We all had to find ways to navigate through the pandemic, and we did. Under the leadership of District Governor Pat Meyers our clubs and Rotarians continued to find ways to meet and to serve their communities. Our district never let up, we were there when we were most needed. This past year was filled with the loss of friends, cancelation of in-person gatherings, and many mandates that affected our daily lives. But, there were also positives; we learned how to use virtual platforms to our advantage, we continued to perform service projects, we thought outside the box on our fundraisers, and most impressively we continued to bring in new members. Unfortunately, we are not out of the woods in concerns to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we do know that the pandemic will not hinder our GREAT Rotarians!
I have been asked what my plan is to top the great service that our district clubs performed through the pandemic. My answer is always the same. Rotary is not about competing against the results of a previous year, it is about taking what you have learned and continuing to better it. This past year you have had the chance to hear Jenny Stotts speak at Presidents Elect Training, All Ohio Pets and The Rotary International Virtual Conference. One message she gives in all her talks is that change is a negative concept, and instead of changing we should Stretch. Stretching is taking what you are already doing and bringing some new ideas and practices in support of it. We did a great job of stretching this past year to accommodate the pandemic, and this year we need to keep stretching.
As with all District Governors I have a couple of key focuses for this year. The First Focus revolves around Public Image and our Clubs. For the past three years we have been focusing on Membership. We have held training programs at the Tri-District Membership Assembly, District Conference, Presidents Elect Trainings, and District Leadership Assembly. All of these were great sessions, but I feel there is still one key component missing, and that is our Public Image. Somewhere through the years we have forgotten how to tell our stories to our communities. I personally know when I am out in my community, and talking about Rotary, I would like to get a response when I mention Rotary, of “You are talking about the organization that helped the schools, the local Developmental Disabilities organization or brought fresh water to villages in Central America”. Without telling our stories the responses we get are a dumfounded look, or that lunch club, etc. I believe it will be easier to bring in new interested members if our story is known in our communities.
The Second Focus is based around our youth. After a conversation with District Interact Chair Chelsea Talty, we decided to create a youth alumni program. This program will help our district stay in touch with our youth after they have graduated from high school. This program will also benefit our youth prior to their graduation as we will be able to help get them in contact with Rotaract/Rotary Clubs as they prepare to move on. We will be assembling a committee to work with Chelsea to develop this program.
There are many opportunities to serve. Your clubs are the most important opportunity you have, but the District has many committees that are working to better our clubs and the experiences of our Rotarians. Please take a minute to talk with me, our Past District Governors and members of our district committees about opportunities to join our district team. All of our contacts can be found in the E-directory (click here) and on the District website at rotarydistrict6630.org.
If your Club subscribes to ClubRunner create an event within ClubRunner and mark the event to be shown on the District website. Your events will then appear within the Club Calendar on both, the District Bulletin and District home page.
2021 Virtual Summer Leadership Virtual Seminars
Presented by Zone 30 & 31
Each session is 90 minutes in length
Wed. August 4 at 7pm ET: Enhancing Member's Experience
Sat. August 7 at 10am ET: Innovative New Club Fair
This was sent to all Club Officers from Rotary International.
Because of its importance we are re-publishing it here.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The U.S. Rotary Club and District Liability Insurance Program ("Program") provides all U.S. Rotary clubs and districts and Rotaract clubs with general liability (GL) and directors and officers/employment practices liability (D&O/EPL) insurance.
Dear Club Officers:
The U.S. Club and District Liability Insurance Program (“Program”) insurance policies have been renewed for the policy term 1 July 2021-22. The General Liability policy effective 1 July 2021 includes sexual misconduct liability coverage on a claims-made basis to protect clubs and districts from claims arising out of alleged sexual misconduct and molestation. More information about the Program, including insurance summaries, loss prevention strategies, and the certificate of insurance, is available on the Gallagher insurance website for Rotarians. See below for credentials.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT LIABILITY (SML) COVERAGE: The Program previously provided silent coverage for sex abuse claims on an occurrence-basis - meaning the policy did not contain an abuse or molestation exclusion. An occurrence-based policy covers losses that happen during the policy year regardless of when the claim is reported to the insurer.
As of July 1, the Program provides claims-made sexual misconduct liability coverage that is limited to claims that are first made against an insured during the policy period and timely reported to the insurer. This means that any sexual misconduct incidents must be immediately reported to RI Risk Management even if you do not anticipate a claim arising out of the incident. Additionally, if an incident does arise, follow RI’s Youth Protection Guidelines, report the incident to local law enforcement, and contact RI staff (youthprotection@rotary.org) within 72 hours of the incident.
As mentioned in the June 2021 mailing, because of recent sex abuse claims and large settlements in the U.S., insurers are cautious about insuring programs that involve any potential interaction with youth. To address these concerns, Risk Management provided to insurers as much information as possible about Rotary youth protection efforts, including the following resources:
We encourage you to review these resources and to request that any individuals who interact with youth (1) take the online course: Protecting Youth Participants (available on My Rotary) and (2) review the Youth Protection Guide.
Going forward, to maintain sexual misconduct liability coverage, insurers may impose restrictions on club and district youth programs, such as requiring background checks of all Rotarians and volunteers who significantly interact with youth. We may also need to provide additional information to insurers about club and district youth programs such as the number of volunteers and Rotarians who interact with youth. We will keep you apprised of any significant developments.
HIRED NON-OWNED AUTO COVERAGE: As traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels, insurers are evaluating the potential for auto claims and serious auto accidents. The Program currently provides hired and non-owned auto (excess) coverage to protect clubs and districts (not individual drivers) from claims arising out of vehicles used by Rotarians for club or district business. When driving on club or district business, such as transporting a group of students to or from a RYLA, please consider renting a vehicle and purchasing insurance through the rental agency. Personal auto policies often have low liability policy limits that may be insufficient to cover serious claims. Higher policy limits are likely available through the rental agency to offer additional protection for the driver and your club or district.
SAFE EVENT PLANNING: It is encouraging to hear about the many exciting fundraising events that clubs and districts are holding this year. As you plan upcoming events, please continue to make safety a priority and core value. Recently, several new claims have been submitted arising out of tent canopies that were uplifted by strong winds causing damage to parked vehicles. Canopies are frequently used to shield participants and volunteers from sun and rain, but unpredictable winds can arise at any time creating a safety hazard if not properly secured. If tents or canopies will be used during your event, please ensure that the tent or canopy is secured to the ground or tied down with weights that do not create a tripping hazard. Also consider renting a tent from a reputable vendor that will safely install and remove the tent.
To obtain more information about the Program, including Loss Prevention Strategies, please visit the Gallagher insurance website.
The 2021-22 Certificate of Insurance is now available on the Gallagher website.
To download it and to learn more about the Program, please visit the Gallagher insurance website:
Rotarians can also contact Gallagher by email (rotary@ajg.com) or by phone: 1.833.3ROTARY (833.376.8279)
This website is for U.S. Rotary club/district use only and is the exclusive source for the Program documents, forms, loss prevention strategies, and the certificate of insurance.
Please share this link/login to the Gallagher website with Rotarians in your club/district but do not post this on your club website.
The District Governor Awards & Recognition Ceremony, District Governor Induction and Banner Exchange were July 14 at the Keystone Shelter, Cleveland Metroparks West Creek Reservation in Parma.
Special thanks to our official photographers, Linda Kramer and Maureen Garnett.
2020-2021 District Governor Pat Myers recognized numerous individuals and clubs in the District for their exceptional service and dedication to Rotary District 6630.
PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski swears in Larry Lohman as the DG for District 6630 for 2021-22, as his daughter looks on.
The Home Club banner was exchanged from the Rotary Club of Hudson Clocktower to the Rotary Club of Kent, DG Larry Lohman's home club.
PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski swears in Dave Jones as District Governor Elect and Julie Brandle as District Governor Nominee.
A visit to the tallest Mass Timber Build in in the US
Architect: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture - Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors LLC
One beautiful day in July, the Heights of Greater Cleveland Rotary Club was invited to tour INTRO, soon to be the tallest 9 story Mass Timber apartment building in the United States. From what will soon be 10 magnificent penthouses, some club members were able to have a 360-degree birds eye view of Cleveland with Lake Erie in the distance. In the same neighborhood is Cleveland’s 125-year-old West Side Market, built in 1912, now on the register of historic places. It is reflected, like an art piece, in the new building’s glass wall. Both are situated in a very walkable retail and restaurant neighborhood.
We were not only impressed by learning about the advantages, (environmental, financial and esthetic) of cross-laminated timber but with the focus INTROS developers have on the people who will eventually live within. Included in the design are common spaces such as a community kitchen, dining room, fitness center, swimming pool and a neighborhood green space.
Picture is of us up on the 9th floor where Penthouses will eventually look out over Cleveland and the Lake.
At a July 21, 2021 meeting of COREL (Council of Regional Exchange Leaders), Lindsay Griswold, Rotary International Supervisor of Youth Exchange and Youth Protection, announced that Rotary districts may resume sending and hosting students on July 1, 2022. Districts are currently allowed to receive applications, interview and select students, orient prospective students and their parents, and sign exchange agreements with partner districts.
She explained that the Rotary International Board is unlikely to change this decision unless the COVID situation gets much worse.
Darryl Bishop Chair Marketing and Communication
NAYEN Conference February 17-19/2022 Washington DC
At District 6630’s Rotary Youth Exchange planning meeting, Bob Heydorn, District Chair, explained the significance of this year for reinstating and building the District’s RYE program after the COVID recess. Although there are no exchanges for 2021-2022, the program will be in full operation in 2022-2023. The district is eager to find local students (ages 15-18 1/2 years) who want to and would benefit from study abroad. The district would like to make it easier for clubs to participate in the Youth Exchange by making information available to students on line and to clubs at district events. All clubs are encouraged to explore adding a RYE committee if they don’t already have one and to offer the exchange program as a scholarship valued at $25,000 that costs clubs almost nothing and students, very little in comparison.
Attending: District Governor Larry Lohman; District Governor Elect, David Jones; District Governor Nominee, Julie Brandle; David Vogelgesang, Rotex Chair; from Chagrin Valley Club, Richard Leskovec, President, and Albert Tien; Roger Cline, Short-Term Chair, connected via internet. Patrick Kelley, Outbound Chair; Bob Heydorn, RYE Chair. Susan Colville-Hall, Culture Trainer was the photographer!
On Wednesday, June 30, members and guests of the Hudson Clocktower Rotary Club honored Pat Myers – one of our very own members – for the work she did on behalf of all Rotarians while serving as District Governor. To say Pat worked tirelessly is an understatement!
Who could have imagined coming into office while the entire world was in the throes of a pandemic? The challenges were enormous, but with Pat's hard work, the clubs in District 6630 managed not just to survive but to thrive. Pat helped all of us overcome what many saw as insurmountable obstacles. In fact, despite having to meet via Zoom for the entire year, our clubs inducted 100 new members.
To honor Pat's service, we presented her with an engraved stone that will be placed in the pollinator garden at Ellsworth Hill Elementary school. The 50-pound stone will be a lasting testament to Pat's hard work and dedication to the values and ideals of Rotary International.
All of us are grateful to have had Pat at the helm during the turbulent year just passed. Congratulations, Pat, for a job very, very welll done!
At the same social meeting, we celebrated the induction of John Laird as our President for 2021-2022. John already has ambitious goals for the club, which we will be writing about in the weeks ahead. Congratulations, John, and best wishes for success in the year ahead
The Rotary Club of Akron inducted the 2021-2022 President and Officers:
President: Steve Buie (photo) President Elect: Lynda Farkas Vice President: Tom Knauer Secretary: Terrance Dalton Treasurer: Michael Gladysz Past President / Nominating Committee Chair: Dr. Rob McGregor Sergeant-at-Arms: David Hall Director 7/2019-6/2022: Karen Hrdlicka Director 7/2019-6/2022: Tom Knauer Director 7/2019-6/2022: Nichole Major Director 7/2020-6/2022: Thane Billow Director 7/2020-6/2023: Katy Miller Director 7/2020-6/2023: Tamara Mora Director 7/2020-6/2023: Jacinto Nunez Director 7/2021-6/2023: GK Maddox Director 7/2021-6/2024: Doug Kohl Director 7/2021-6/2024: Katerina Papas Director 7/2021-6/2024: Laura Smiley Director 7/2021-6/2024: Mike Shearer
Aimee Wade was inducted into the Rotary Club of Akron on July 20, 2021. She was sponsored by Julie Brandle who said "Aimee has a heart to do good for others."
She is married to Ryan and is a life-long resident of Summit County.
She has worked with the ADM Board for more than a decade where she was recently appointed as the new Executive Director.
Wade is the first woman and the first person of color to serve as the Executive Director of the ADM Board. “I recognize the significance of this role in our community, and I am committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that quality, effective and equitable behavioral healthcare services are available for all Summit County residents,” she said. “Moving forward, I am concentrating on providing HOPE for the community: Health and Wellness, Outcomes, Potential and Equity. I firmly believe that together our collective impact has infinite potential.”
Wade holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminology from The Ohio State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Akron. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and an Ohio and Internationally Certified Prevention Consultant (OCPC).
She is also a member of the Summit County Opiate Abatement Advisory Committee and the Summa Community Engagement Committee. She is a past Board Member for Child Guidance and Family Solutions and a graduate of Leadership Akron Signature Class 35.
Please join us in welcoming Aimee to the Rotary family!
GREAT FUN AT
END POLIO NIGHT AT PROGRESSIVE FIELD
Stew Buchanan put together another successful End Polio Now Night at Progressive Field. (photo left with Dr. McGregor)
Everyone had a great time!
Dr. McGregor brought a guest and potential new Akron Rotarian, Ryan Palmer - they were still smiling in this photo (right) during the 7th inning stretch - unfortunately in extra innings the Cleveland Indians (soon to be known as The Guardians) lost the game.
The evening raised much need funds to continue our Polio eradication efforts worldwide.
A MAN WITH MANY NAMES
Rotary Club of Akron Past President, Pat O'Neill, organized an in-person send off for our esteemed 2020-2021 Club President Dr. Rob McGregor. This followed a virtual send off at Rob's final club meeting.
Rob, accompanied by his wife Sharon, enjoyed a beautiful evening on the lake at The Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs.
Surrounded by many Rotary members and guests, McGregor received accolades and a few fun jabs throughout the evening.
This photo archive (click here)includes photos from this special evening as well as the PowerPoint slides that were presented at Rob's last virtual meeting.
Special thanks to Julie Brandle, Pat O'Neill and Mella Castner for the photos and to Sandy Naragon for the PowerPoint slides.
The following poem was was written by Pat O'Neill and presented to Rob at the event:
With his suit neatly pressed and a bowtie around his neck,
His head is shining without a speck.
When we’d gather at Portage, he was known for his socks
It certainly was not for his flowing locks.
At the crack of dawn he hits the gym,
To get the guns, the abs and keep his waistline slim.
The world's strongest McGregor was a title he owned.
Thanks to those push ups that keep him toned.
He’s a man who is humble, and a man who won’t gloat.
But he sure puffs out his chest when he’s in a dragon boat.
When he walked Abby and Ali down the aisle,
From the International Space Station you could see his smile.
Sharon and Rob you sure raised your girls right,
But that black and yellow is a hideous sight.
He’s a medical doctor, that’s easy to see.
So who convinced him to be the President of Rotary?
“Rob, you’ll be our leader and it will be a piece of cake.
So little of your time this job will take.”
12 months later, and it was all a blur
Zooming each week, you became a tech connoisseur.
The ice breakers were a hit, just don’t call on me.
I can’t quickly recall my favorite memory.
Oh wait, yes I can, I remember this year.
The beautiful sight as Big Ben shed a tear.
He goes by many names including dad, doc, and Rob.
During the year of Covid, we had the best man for the job.
Our club had your back, for that much is clear,
As long as we didn’t ask, “how about just one more year?”
;
Mr. Past-President, we can’t thank you enough
I’m sure watching Steve take the mic won’t be so tough.
So, to the man with many names, you found your favorite this year
Being called Papa Mac will bring you the most cheer.
So Dr. Rob, I hope this poem you found cute,
Cheers to not having to say, “you forgot to unmute.”
Thank you to our Paul Harris Fellow +6
We proudly recognize and thank Sandy Naragon whose outstanding generosity;to the The Rotary International Foundation (TRF) demonstrates a spirit of giving which helps sustain and improve the lives of others.;
;
Sandy reached a new milestone in her donor legacy as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow (PHF). You will find more information below about the recognition levels and how you can become a PHF.;
Berea Rotary took part in Berea's Grindstone Parade on July 3. Riding shotgun was Judy Stull with her grandson, Rayce Hook, monitoring candy. BW Rotaractors marching in front of the car were Alexis Watkins, Rachel Vanarsdale, Corey Friedrich and Cole Lopez.
(Thanks to Beth Mlady of cleveland.com for the parade photos)
Rotary Club of Conneaut celebrates its 100th annual installation of club officers on June 29th at Bucci Vineards.
Nicolas Perkoski, 2021 club president welcomed everyone to this special event. 1999-2000 Conneaut Club president and 2005-2006 District 6630 District Governor installed the new officers of the club for the Rotary year 2021-2022. In Rotary procedure, PDG Jack Young was presented the club gavel by current president Nick Perkoski who in turn presented the gavel to the new president for 2021 -2022 Ryan Wilson on behalf of the 2021-2022 District 6630 Governor, Larry Lohman.
The other new Rotary club officers for Conneaut for 2021-2022 were also installed by PDG Young. They are: Zach Freeman. Vice President Larry Infield. Treasure Wendy Dubey. Secretary Lori Riley. Sergeant at Arms Chris Brecht. Foundation Liason Tim Neal. Membership Amanda Smith. Program Chair.
In addition PDG Young inducted 4 new members into the Conneaut Rotary Club. They were: Tim Hicks Jamie Hochscko Dick Trigg Chuppie Holdson
For more information on the club and how you can become involved please contact Tim Neal, membership chair; Ryan Wilson, club president or any Rotary Club Member.
Those in the picture...L-R
Nicholas Perkoski..2020-2021 club president
Ryan Wilson...2021-2022 club President
District 6630 2005-2006 PDG and 1999-2000 Conneaut Rotary President Jack Young
JACOB SEBAUGH ASPIRING EAGLE SCOUT FROM BSA TROOP 507
Jacob Sebaugh is a Troop Leader with BSA #507 in Medina. Accompanied by his father Dan, the mature sophomore from Medina High School joined Medina Sunrise Rotary this morning to present his Eagle Scout Project. His Scoutmaster Craig Wrobleski pointed him in the direction of Rotary to build a community partner for his ambitious project.
"What I will be doing for my project," explained Jacob, "is building an ADA approved wheelchair accessible deck/ramp for a neighbor in Medina who has been diagnosed with ALS. This is a debilitating disease that targets the muscles of the human body. Unfortunately, she has become wheelchair bound now. The ramp's purpose is to add a second escape route if some house emergency were to happen and to also allow her to spend her remaining time with her family and in her own home.
Following Jacob's well-received presentation, Jack Young (Past District Governor and Rotary International's Chair of the Fellowship of Scouting for North, Central and South America) congratulated both Jacob and his father. Jack expressed every confidence in Jacob's future success as he leaves this week for Philmont Scout Ranch - 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness with backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs - on his Adventure to Eagle.
PHOTO:
Leon Skowronski, Don Spickler, Kerry Gregoire, Dr. Mike Davanzo, Rev. Reid Miller, Jack Young, Jacob & Dan Sebaugh, Ed Jakubick, Kent Morgan, David Sheldon
MEDINA SUNRISE ROTARIANS BECOME FIELD BUDDIES FOR THE MIRACLE LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL STAR NATIONAL TEAM
"Play Ball!" announced Ken Richardson, President of The Miracle League Baseball of Northeast Ohio, as the All Star National Teams took the field at Sam Masi Park in Medina, a beautifully maintained, fully handicapped-accessible field for baseball, softball and T-ball.
Medina Sunrise Rotarians became field buddies for three fun and competitive innings of America's favorite pastime, "Baseball." The ball game was played by young athletes in an organization which allows individuals with special needs to play the great game of baseball in a safe and welcoming environment.
With handshakes and congratulations to the baseball players, everyone gathered around "Homer," the Miracle League Mascot, who recently arrived at our home field, Medina Lions Miracle League Field at Sam Masi Park. Homer is a gift from the Findlay Miracle League and traveled to Medina last week. He has been placed in an area specially designed for him by Dan Vinez of Vinez Construction and Matt Blynne of Blynnscapes Landscaping. Homer was fastened to his concrete pad by Parks and Recreation Director Jansen Wehrley.
PHOTO:
The 2021 Miracle League Baseball All Star National Team
Ken Richardson, President Miracle League of Northeast Ohio
PDG Jack Young confirmed that the previous Shoe Boxes which were on hold were recently released by the government. Of Nicaragua and distributed to the Children.
Young is preparing to make his 12th trip to Nicaragua to help the impoverished children of the Chinandega Dump* with support from the Rotary Clubs of Ohio District 6630 and Shoe Boxes for Children of Nicaragua.
Shoe boxes for the Children of the Dump in Chinandega, Nicaragua, are filled with personal care items, clothing, school supplies and age-appropriate games or toys.
Each year, Rotarians travel to Nicaragua to deliver and participate in the work being done there, as well as to help deliver supplies to the children. The recently filled shoe boxes will be delivered to an area collection facility, where they will be picked up and transported with other clubs' boxes to Nicaragua. Shoes boxes were filled for young boys and 20 for young girls. They contained items like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, underwear, flip flops, one outfit of top and pants for girls or an outfit of shirt and pants or shorts for boys, a baseball cap, a doll and toys for girls and toys such as a yo-yo and matchbox cars for boys, card games, coloring book with crayons and markers, notebook, three pencils, pencil sharpener and a pocket folder.
The shoe boxes are used as incentive for children to remain in school. In order to receive one of the boxes, the child must be attending school on a regular basis and earning satisfactory grades. The goal is to break the cycle of poverty by providing food, education and programs to encourage good health. Rotarians said the ultimate goal is to relocate the children from the dump to a life of dignity.
*The Chinandega Dump began in 1998, in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, which dropped more than 60 inches of rain on the area. A 30-foot wall of water flowed down the volcano, picking up trees and boulders before smashing into a village, destroying everything in its path. Before the mudslide, the town had about 4,500 residents. Twenty-eight hundred remain buried from the disaster. They estimate that there are 800 children aged 5 or younger in Chinandega who are fending for themselves, often competing with dogs, cattle and goats for food.
RI sends out various newsletters throughout the month.
You can sign up/manage your subscriptions for publications at rotary.org- simply sign in, then go to news & media then select newsletters. If you need assistance, please EMAIL ME.
Since many of you already receive these email newsletters, in lieu of reproducing them in the body of the District newsletter, moving forward you can now use the links below to download them all or individually.
I have included the story headings to help you see what is in each issue.
2. Remember to include your name, the club name, and send pictures and flyers as attachments. Include the names of those in the photos too!
3. Be certain that you have permission to use the photos, and for anyone who is under the age of 18, please confirm that you have a parent/guardian release on file.
Due to the electronic nature of the e-news, we cannot guarantee content will remain formatted as sent, but will do our best.
Subscribe to the District 6630 Connections eBulletin
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Who could have imagined coming into office while the entire world was in the throes of a pandemic? The challenges were enormous, but with Pat's hard work, the clubs in District 6630 managed not just to survive but to thrive. Pat helped all of us overcome what many saw as insurmountable obstacles. In fact, despite having to meet via Zoom for the entire year, our clubs inducted 100 new members.
