In my August letter, we began exploration of Rotary International President Mark Maloney’s primary goal of developing membership in new clubs in innovative ways. This topic is complex and of vital importance to all of us.
A quick review of the membership results for District 6630 during the 2018-2019 Rotary year points to the critical nature of advancing membership. Fully, 26 of our clubs lost members during the past Rotary year. An additional 8 club’s membership was unchanged. This is a trend that we cannot, and I am confident will not, allow to continue. We are certainly off to a good start. From July 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019, our membership increased as a district by a net gain of 20. However, from past experience, we all know how difficult it will be to maintain this upward trend and finish the year with a net increase in membership.
Your entire District Leadership team is here to assist you and your club in the growth process. The membership committee led by PDG Jim McKee in particular can and will provide assistance and advice to you on innovative membership tools, innovative club types, and the nuts and bolts of brochures, business cards and the like for your club.
One of the major undertakings of the district is to help create and participate in the second annual Tri-District Membership Summit. Mark your calendars for this event which will take place at the Stanton Middle School, 1175 Hudson Road, Kent, Ohio 44240 on October 26, 2019. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the program will end at 12:30 p.m. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
There will be over three hours of productive interaction with the best and brightest Rotarians from Districts 6630, 6650, and 6600.
There will be small group facilitated sessions broken down by club size for five areas. These areas are: “Closing the Back Door” to retain members; Developing an Effective Orientation; Making Your Club More Attractive; Practicing Flexibility and Innovation and Attracting People of Action. To effectively take advantage of this opportunity (which is free to attend), I ask that each club send at least three members who are interested in membership and hopefully include a critical part of your leadership team.
A unique opportunity has been developed for this Tri-District Membership Summit. A “capstone” session will give you dedicated time to build your membership plan in a facilitated small group discussion. All other sessions are offered multiple times so your team can attend all the sessions of interest to them.
In reviewing the results of last year’s Tri-District Membership summit, we are both encouraged and pleased to report that those clubs that attended and took serious advantage of the opportunities offered have had good results. Thus, I ask you to bring your team—this is a morning focused on engagement. Plan to leave the event with materials and programs you can implement around membership immediately.
As you plan your attendance at the Tri-District Membership seminar, there are a few things you should think about. First, why do prospective members join a Rotary club? The best statistics indicate that about 40% of new members join to participate in local service. Another 31% join to participate in international service projects, and about 27% join to gain personal development and training opportunities. What can you do to take advantage of this information?
With regard to “Closing the Back Door,” why do current members stay? The best information available indicates that about 46% stay to participate in local service projects. Another 41% stay to enjoy friendship and fellowship. About 29% stay so that they can connect with people outside their work and social circles. What can you do to take advantage of this information?
If you have any questions about this event, please direct them to PDG Jim McKee. He can be reached at hunnee1997@aol.com. I look forward to seeing you there!
Speaking of fun and fellowship, PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski and I both cordially invite you to the upcoming Foundation Gala to be held at Windows on the River on December 5, 2019. Plan on spending an enjoyable evening with us. After all, what is more fun than a dessert dash and a chance to show off your ugly holiday sweater? More information is forthcoming, but I ask you to save the date now.
I close with a message from R.I. President Mark Maloney. Mark points out that another summer is winding down and regardless of season, every family has its own traditions. He goes on to state:
I would like to suggest a new one [tradition] for [your family]: Find an opportunity to introduce your family to Rotary…We must foster a culture where Rotary does not compete with family, but compliments it. We should never expect our members to choose between the two…
Often, the young professionals that Rotary needs to attract in order to remain a dynamic 21st century service organization are the very people who have the greatest family responsibilities. We must not keep these prospective young members away from their families…
So let us open our doors and do it in a fun way, with opportunities that make our children and grandchildren want to learn more about Rotaract, Interact, and Rotary membership.
So how will you grow your Rotary club this year?
Sincerely,
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
If your Club subscribes to ClubRunner create an event within ClubRunner and mark the event to be shown on the District. It will then appear in this area for the Bulletin and on the District home page.
Greetings from Rotary. Your Club and District Support (CDS) team is contacting you to remind you of the IRS’ annual filing requirement for all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Note: If your club has already completed this requirement this year, please disregard this message.
Whether your club is a subordinate under Rotary International’s 501(c)(4) group exemption or is independently tax-exempt, the IRS requires that all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and its territories file an annual information return. For those clubs whose tax year follows the Rotary year, the deadline to file is 15 November. The form a club must file is dependent upon its gross receipts for the year. For more information, please see Frequently asked questions about annual reporting requirements for exempt organizations at www.irs.gov.
It is important that your club comply with IRS requirements. Please note that Section 6033(j) of the Internal Revenue Code automatically revokes the exemption of any organization that fails to satisfy its filing requirement for three consecutive years.
Our Frequently Asked Questions will answer many of the general questions you may have about Rotary clubs and the IRS. Please direct any specific questions regarding your club’s tax-exempt status or reporting requirements to local counsel, your tax adviser, or the IRS at www.irs.gov or 877-829-5500.
Please note this email has been sent to all club presidents, secretaries, executive secretaries/directors, and treasurers reported in our database with a valid email.
Thank you for your attention to this important reminder.
As announced on August 18th, we are currently seeking applications for our 2022-2023 District 6630 Governor. One of the most important decisions we make as a District is selecting our future leaders and we are seeking the most qualified person for the position of District Governor. If you have a demonstrated history of leadership and collaboration as a Rotarian and are willing to share your passion and talents as District Governor, please seriously consider this opportunity.
The members of the 2019-2020 Nominating Committee are as follows:
Chair/Immediate Past District Governor
Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski (Cleveland)
Kathy Berkshire (Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise)
PDG Stew Buchanan (Akron)
PDG Mike Davanzo (Medina Sunrise)
Ken Fogle (Chagrin Valley)
Bob Fratino (Painesville)
Dave Hansford (Kent)
Tracy Jemison (Burton-Middlefield)
Linda Kramer (Berea)
John Laird (Hudson Clocktower)
To reiterate, the qualifications are as follows which are excerpted from the RI Bylaws:
16.010. Qualifications of a Governor-nominee.
Unless excused by the board, the person selected as a governor-nominee shall at the time of selection:
(a) be a member in good standing of a functioning club in the district;
(b) have served as club president for a full term or as charter president for at least six months;
(c) demonstrate willingness, commitment, and ability to fulfill the duties and
responsibilities of a governor in section 16.030.;
(d) demonstrate knowledge of the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of
governor as prescribed in the bylaws; and
(e) submit to RI a statement that the Rotarian understands those qualifications,
duties, and responsibilities, is qualified for the office of governor, and is willing
and able to assume and faithfully perform those duties and responsibilities.
16.020. Qualifications of a Governor.
Unless excused by the board, a governor, when taking office, must have attended the international assembly for its full duration, have been a Rotarian for at least seven years, and continue to possess the qualifications in section 16.010.
a) Be a Rotarian in good standing of an active club in our District.
b) Have served a full year as Club President or have served a full term
(six months at a minimum) as a Charter President of a new club from the
date of charter to June 30.
c) Be willing to fulfill the duties of and responsibilities of the Office of
Governor, demonstrating commitment and ability, both physical
and otherwise.
d) At the time of taking office as Governor, must have attended the
International Assembly (held in January of the preceding year) and
have been a Member of one or more Rotary Clubs for at least seven (7)
Our District 6630 Nominating Committee will comply with RI’s election guidelines as described in the the following links If you plan to print these instead of viewing them, please be advised that they are extremely lengthy.
District Governor Candidate should complete and sign both forms;
The Club Secretary should sign the Governor-nominee Designate form verifying the Club’s Statement of Candidate’s Qualifications.
Please send both of these forms to:
PDG Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski
Chair, District 6630 Nominating Committee
690 Wyleswood Drive
Berea, OH 44017
All proposed candidate documents must be postmarked by
October 18, 2019:
Do NOT email the forms – they must be sent via US Mail.
The 2019-2020 Nominating Committee will interview proposed candidates during the week of October 28, 2019 (final date[s] to be announced based on the number of candidates to be interviewed) and select a District Governor Nominee-Designate who will serve as District Governor for the 2022-2023 Rotary year.
IMPORTANT: A fundamental principle of Rotary is that the best qualified candidate should be selected for service in elective offices. The RI Bylaws prohibit any effort by a candidate, a candidate’s supporter, or any Rotarian to influence the selection process in a positive or negative manner, including but not limited to, campaigning or canvassing. Brochures, literature, letters, or any form of communication promoting a candidate are not to be distributed or circulated by a candidate or others on the candidate’s behalf. The Bylaws further provide that under certain circumstances the Rotary International Board may disqualify a candidate from election who violates the provision prohibiting campaigning for the position.
Please direct any questions to PDG Ghent-Skrzynski by cell phone or email: 440-915-4992; bgs1819@aol.com.
Thank you for your assistance with this very important process.
Kind regards,
Beverly
Beverly A. Ghent-Skrzynski
Chair, 2019-2020 RI District 6630 Nominating Committee Rotary International Past District Governor (2018-2019)
The District leadership team is very excited about the opportunities for networking, sharing and fun that you, as your club leader, will have at your workshop at 7:30 am on November 23, 2019 at The Akron Rotary Camp. I am happy to let you know that registration is now open on the Rotary District 6630 website.
There is no charge for PETS-1; however, please complete the registration. We will then know you are attending and be prepared with proper seating, materials and food at Rotary Camp.
If you have any challenges with accessing the district registration page, contact PDG and webmaster Cheryl Warren at 330-495-9814 – she graciously works with clubs and each of us whenever we ask. I would be happy to assist in answering any questions you may have.
Enjoy this beautiful fall weather. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Show us your club's best service project in a short video for a chance to be named "Best Video" and awarded US$1000 for your next project!
Check out last year's finalists to get inspired. Then, work with your sponsor Rotary club, local Rotaract club, teachers, and parents to make your video a reality. The deadline to submit a video is 1 December 2019.
This year Aurora High School Interact club has over 160 members. The students are already hard at work planning Interaction Day which will be hosted at Aurora High School on Saturday November 2nd from 9 am to 1:00 PM. Please plan on having your Interact club attend.
Below is information on how your Clubs, and Individuals can contribute through The Rotary Foundation to help with Disaster Relief for those impacted by Hurricane Dorian.
Below is the latest information that I have received regarding the efforts of Shelter Box and Rotary to help those in the Bahamas. If you have any questions, please feel to contact me
Past District 6630 Governor and Shelter Box USA Board of Directors (2007-14)
I have received the following word from Bahamas Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis who states "for those who want to help, work with reputable charities with proven records. Donate your time, talents and resources to their relief efforts and this will make a big difference. This is vital to ensure that relief supplies and aid to ensure those supplies get to those in need as timely as possible."
The following is the latest information I have received this evening (September 9, 2019) from our Shelter Box USA office.
1. Our Shelter Box assessment team arrived in the Bahamas, Nassau this past week and is working with other humanitarian organizations and Rotary contacts to understand how me might be able to help people affected by Hurricane Dorian.
2. Many communities on the island are still underwater, with families still being evacuated from the most affected areas. Search and rescue continues to be the main priority.
3. A recent report from OCHA states that 15,000 people are in need of assistance.
4. The situation will remain unclear for some time. Early conversations are pointing to the most suitable items potentially being tarpaulins, shelter kits solar lights and other household items.
5. Travel between the islands is still extremely challenging and our Shelter Box team have not yet traveled to the worst affected islands. Ports, harbors and airports have all been severely damaged and the current focus on the islands is search and rescue.
6. The Shelter Box Team has been in close contact with Immediate Past RI President Barry Rassin and Past District Governor Felix Stubbs who are coordinating the Rotary Bahamas Response to Hurricane Dorian.
7. The Shelter Box team joined the District 7020 Disaster Management Committee meeting today (Monday September 9th) and were able to update them on our progress and understanding the coordination process, assessment gaps and plans to tie in with other International Agencies, the UN and IFRC and local NGO's to try and get a full picture as to the challenges.
Rotary International Past President Barry Rassin is keeping Shelter Box informed of Rotary efforts across the Bahamas, including joint response with District 6690. Shelter Box is able to share information and ur connections with the UN and international agencies to ensure closer coordination, collaboration, reducing any duplication and identifying if and where gaps exist that our shelter aid (including tools, house hold items) may be of use.
8. When we (Shelter Box) has the appropriate information we need to respond, we will communicate right away and accordingly to all Rotarians.
This is the latest information I have received. If you have further questions and or willing to support the efforts of Shelter Box, Please feel free to contact me.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TRANSFORM DESPAIR INTO HOPE.
PDG Jack Young and Shelter Box USA Past Board of Director member---jack1villa@aol.com or 440-759-4000
District 6630, with an assist from clubs in 6600, had a great Shoe Box Year! We sent a record 890 boxes along with 35 layette bags from Northeast Ohio. This was a collaborative effort of 30 clubs and two businesses.
This is the second year Westlake Bay Village has overseen the Shoe Box Project after taking it over from Jack Young and Marsha Pappalardo, though both provided a tremendous amount of support again this year. Kevin Krantz has taken the lead for our club and streamlined the process tremendously from last year.
Once all the boxes are collected, we hold an “Audit Party” to give one last look-see at the boxes and bags before they are shipped. This year, members of several clubs helped out with the process including members of the newly created E-Club! We also had a huge assist and support from our Assistant District Governor Adam Sonnhalter.
In addition, we could not have completed this project with the assistance of two local businesses. Cody Miller, owner of the Westlake based business RAM Sensors, graciously allows the club to store the boxes on pallets until they can be picked up. Another local company, V3 Transportation, donated a truck and driver to take the cargo to Waterloo, IA, the next step on their journey to Chinandega.
Thank you all for participating in this fantastic project that helps all of our clubs connect in a meaningful way and if extremely “beneficial to all concerned”, especially the Children of Chinandega.
Congratulations to PDG Jim McKee Ashtabula High School Class of 1979
Class president upon his graduation from AHS, Jim was the student body president at Kent State University, Ashtabula in 1980-81 when he earned the Outstanding Student Service Award before graduating from Kent’s Main Campus in 1984 where he served as the Executive Director of Student Government. While at Kent, Jim led a delegation of students to Washington, DC to convince Congress to make Martin Luther King Day a National Holiday. During the event, he stood behind Stevie Wonder and between Coretta Scott King and Andrew Young as Stevie led the crowd in “We Shall Overcome”. His efforts led to receiving the John B. Beacom Memorial Award for his civil rights efforts. He later graduated from the University of Akron, School of Law in 1987 where he was also Class President.
In 1986, he began a carpet cleaning business known as SPECIAL TOUCH of Northeast Ohio which services a 9 county area. The business was named a “Beacon’s Best” Business by the Akron Beacon Journal for 8 consecutive years from 2011-18. A tireless entrepreneur, he sold numerous mom and pop businesses that allowed him to package several real estate investments he owns today. A charter member and first president of TEEM (a business networking group in Summit County), he was named the Business Person of the Year in 2014. In 2008, he purchased American Storage Units in Kent.
In 1996, he became a Rotarian and served as his club’s president 4 times culminating in serving as the District Governor for Rotary District 6630 in 2016-17. In 2015 and 2019, he received the District Governor Award for Service acknowledging numerous programs and contributions. He assisted Rotary with making contributions locally and abroad emulating Jim’s philosophy and the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” One key program he has championed is SWAG (Student’s With A Goal) which serves Akron’s at-risk students. Jim’s signature project and proudest accomplishment was developing “Rotary Swims” in Cuyahoga Falls, which has taught over 300 youngsters how to swim.
Jim is dedicated to living a “green life.” He operates a farm with free-range eggs and grass fed beef cattle, solar panels to provide electricity, and a private CNG plant that he uses to power his carpet cleaning fleet with clean fuel.
Recently, Jim has been spending more time in Ashtabula looking to make a difference and give back in his home town. He founded the organization, “I’m in…Amazing Ashtabula” to collaborate various community organizations into working collectively on positive projects in Ashtabula, usually focusing on clean-up and beautification. His goal in all his endeavors is “to make a difference.”
Article provided by the AHS/HHS/LHS Alumni Association
On September 6 the Rotary Club of North Ridgeville proudly sponsored the North Ridgeville Library’s Senior Reading Buddies program. Jennifer Winkler, North Ridgeville Branch Manager (pictured with club President Pietro Trunzo), joined the meeting that day and detailed the program itself and how they hoped to use funds to get the project launched. Jennifer is the catalyst and champion for this brand-new program being offered. It is an intergenerational program that pairs young readers (kindergarten through 3rd grade) with a senior reading buddy.
As a club, this was an easy decision to make to support this project. The funds that were donated -- $1,200 -- will go toward purchasing up to 30-book sets to be used in multiple Senior Reading Buddies sessions—these books would be owned by the library and reused, but would not circulate. The funds will also be used to create circulating literacy backpacks that would contain books and literacy-themed games for emerging readers; and to purchase between 60-80 books that will be given away to participating families.
One of the pillars of Rotary International is literacy and our club is delighted to help support that initiative within our community. It is through all of our fundraising events that we are able to give back to the city in such a meaningful way.
Pavilion Going in at Veterans Memorial Park Thanks to $2,800 Rotary International Grant
The Nordonia Rotary received a $2,800 grant from the International Rotary Foundation for a pavilion at the Veterans Memorial Park. David Fike a Nordonia Rotary member said today that his company, Fike Developing and Excavating is helping with the project. The VFW volunteers are also helping the project. They were out today cutting up the rebar for the wire mesh. Medina Concrete is donating the footer mix for the foundation. The next step would be to pour the concrete slab. The local concrete union is donating their time to pour the concrete. The pavilion, with lights and power, will bring shade to 6 picnic tables.
On site today when I arrived: Alex Posar with dad Frank and Grandfather Frank. Also pictured: David Pristash, Jim Krasnicki and Dave Fike.
Nordonia Club was Event Partner for the Macedonia Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival September 15th
Macedonia Mayor Nick Molnar had this to say about the tremendously successful event: “The craft beer and food truck event was a definite success. While we ran out of the specialty brews, no one could have expected the turnout today. I can assure you that we will build on the learnings of our first ever event and continue to improve.”
September Meeting of Hudson Rotary Features a Triple Treat! The Rotary Club of Hudson enjoyed three special events in one recent meeting:
A presentation by District Governor John Reyes who reviewed Rotary International projects, highlighted many Club successes and emphasized the plans to recruit women, retirees and young people worldwide.
A recognition of the Hudson Club’s “Unsung Hero” by President Tom Tobin. Awardee Ron Barnhouse has diligently set up and dismantled every weekly meeting for many years. This has required arriving before 7:00 a.m. for each meeting and then staying after to secure the displays and A/V equipment.
The Introduction of our newest Youth Exchange Student, Serena, from the Spanish Canary Islands. Serena is attending Hudson High School, learning English and tackling a number of scientific courses.
Five October meetings will showcase the candidates for Hudson Mayor and Council members. The debates will be by Ward and include any candidate that responded to the Club’s invitation. These sessions have proven valuable in past years as Rotarians are free to ask tough questions and interact personally with the office seekers.
Medina Sunrise Rotary welcomed Kristiana Davis, a Baldwin Wallace University student from Brunswick, Ohio, who is an outstanding representative of "THIRST PROJECT" -- the world's largest youth water organization. "This is an energized youth movement, founded over 10 years ago," said Kristiana. It involves thousands of socially-conscious students who have organized to join the fight against the global water crisis. Did you know that a billion people on the planet do not have access to safe drinking water? The need is great. We can no longer ignore the #1 killer of children."
The ThirstProject is a non-profit organization and a movement of students whose aim is to bring safe drinking water to communities around the world where it is not immediately available. The organization was founded in 2008, in Los Angeles, by several college students who learned about the international water crisis and wanted to make a difference by bringing sustainable solutions. The ThirstProject raises awareness, educates and activates students. It collects money and builds wells all across the continent of Africa where villages do not have immediate drinking water.
We know that young people are THE most powerful agents for social change in the world. Students in elementary schools, high schools and colleges across America have formed a goal to provide safe, clean water and sanitation to 13 countries and growing. With your help, we can do this. With your help, we can give water. With your help, we can give LIFE! - Seth Maxwell, Founder/CEO of THIRST PROJECT. PHOTO (L to R): Roger Hassler, Paula Knizner, Dr. Shail Jain, Kristiana Davis, Kevin Wermer, David Vogelgesang
Celebrity Chef Jonathan Sawyer Helps Strongsville Rotary Club Fight Hunger at The Tenth Annual Taste in Strongsville Hosted By Strongsville Rotary Club
Celebrity Chef Jonathan Sawyer of The Greenhouse Tavern will be Featured along with some of Northeastern Ohio’s finest cuisine at The Rotary Club of Strongsville’s Tenth Annual A Taste in Strongsville, on Thursday, October 3rd, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of the Pettiti Family, this unique event is presented at Petitti Garden Center’s Victorian Conservatory, in Strongsville, which is transformed into a bistro type of atmosphere.
This event is brought to you with the help of our sponsors and the 25 participating restaurants by the Strongsville Rotary Club with proceeds used to support the Strongsville Emergency Food Bank AND other area food pantries.
When it comes to food, fun and fundraising this is the place to be on Thursday, October 3rd.
A Taste in Strongsville, offers attendees the opportunity to sample a variety of delectable food, hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by 25 plus of the finest restaurants in Greater Cleveland in addition to the Greenhouse Tavern.
A Taste in Strongsville is sponsored by Petitti Garden Centers, Giant Eagle Market District, Sheiban Jewelers, Ellsworth Advisors,Rosewood Grill and Medina Auto Mall.
In addition to fabulous foods offered, attendees can enjoy wine tasting, craft beers and unlimited food sampling. A Taste in Strongsville features a silent auction, Rolex watch raffle and the raffling of a four-day, three-night V.I.P Trip for four to Napa Valley, California. The value of the Napa Valley trip is more than $12,000.
In addition to the main event, premium tickets are available for the Sheiban Jewelers VIP Lounge, featuring top shelf cocktails, VIP wines and food prepared by The Greenhouse Tavern.
In conjunction with A Taste in Strongsville, the Strongsville Rotary is raffling a Wine Country Experience of a Lifetime for four to Napa Valley, California. The package to the premier travel destination includes limousine service to a variety of exclusive V.I.P. winery tours, and a $5,000 stipend to defer the cost of travel. Raffle tickets are limited in quantity and cost $100 each.
A silent auction will be held, along with a raffle for a Rolex watch courtesy of Sheiban Jewelers.
Seating at A Taste in Strongsville is limited. The event has sold out in each of its first nine years. Main Event tickets are $85 per person, which includes the food, wine tastings and craft beer and an appearance by Celebrity Chef Jonathan Sawyer. Exclusive VIP tickets, which include the main event and the exclusive VIP Lounge, cost $150 per person.
October 24th is World Polio Day in the Rotary world. Rotary is committed to raising $50 million a year to be matched 2-to1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Since 1985, when Polio Plus began, Rotary has contributed over $1.9 BILLION to fight this crippling disease. Three years later Rotary joined Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So, you ask---why are we still collecting money to eradicate polio after 30 years of fighting it??? Rotarians all over the world have been saying “We’re this close” for years!
Currently there are two countries still reporting cases of polio—Afghanistan and Pakistan. There were 33 cases of the wild polio virus reported in 2018. Fifty eight ( 58) children have been tested as positive since the beginning of 2019. Due to an anti-vaccination movement in Pakistan, two million
households are refusing vaccinations for the children. Wrong information sent out over social media, has made it very difficult in Pakistan .
Please continue to support Rotary as it continues its Polio Eradication. Please join us on October 24th and celebrate our success as we move toward the finish line. Your club may want to have an “END POLIO NOW” event around the October 24th to make your community aware of our good work and the need to continue. Post this on Facebook. Twitter, or your club home page.
"Welcome to all our Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Students who will spend a full academic year, 2019-20, living with their host families and attending schools in North East Ohio," said Robert Heydorn, Ohio Erie - District 6630 Chairman. "We are very proud that these highly qualified international students have been selected to be with us as we begin this year's Orientation Weekend for students, families and Rotarians, hosted by the Akron Rotary Camp. I have every confidence in their future success and believe that they will be splendid representatives of their respective countries and the Rotary Youth Exchange Program."
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a Rotary Internationalstudent exchange scholarship program for students in secondary school. Since 1929, Rotary International has sent highly qualified young people around the globe to experience new cultures and be youth ambassadors of their local communities. Currently, about 9,000 scholarship students are sponsored by Rotary clubs every year. Rotary is a fully accredited member of CSIET - Council of Standards for International Student Exchange. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.
Zoé Mayeur, Elin Na, Audrey Carroll (Rotex-Germany) and the Gedelian's (Elin's host family) at Mantua's Canoeing outing Camp Hi.
RYE Students and Cleveland Indians Game
On September 17, 2019, the RYE students, Rebounders, and Outbouders , along with host families and counselors enjoyed a night out with the Indians. A beautiful baseball night with all enjoying themselves.
Stew Buchanan took them to the Indians Team Shop, the Bullpen view for one inning, batting practice, and arranged for the Indian’s Ambassadors to visit with first game certificates and gifts for each student.
While the students may not have understood the intricacies of a baseball game, they knew how to start the “ WAVE” !
It was a great night for baseball and Rotary! Thank you Stew!!
A bike share project in Solon is gaining momentum, thanks in large part to a donation from the Solon Rotary.
Last week, Solon city officials accepted a $7,000 donation from the Rotary to support “Solon Spins,” a project to provide residents of all ages an Opportunity to bicycle.
The project is a joint collaboration between the Solon Senior Center and Solon Recreation Department.
“It fits perfectly for us, and we are excited about it,” Donald W. Holub, recreation director, said.
Senior Center Director Jill Frankel explained to the City Council Finance Committee last week that although bicycling has both physical and mental benefits, it is not accessible to all.
“It requires strength and the ability to balance, as well as endurance to pedal,” she said. “For some, bicycles are not accessible due to cost and storage issues.”
The Solon Spins program will minimize these challenges, she said, by providing residents an opportunity to borrow age-friendly bicycles.
Although the number to be purchased has not yet been determined, the age-friendly bikes will include all different kinds, such as a child tricycle, a bicycle with training wheels, a step-through bike, adult tricycle and recumbent bike.
Three standard hybrid bicycles will also be purchased, along with bicycle helmets, baskets and bags for transporting items via the borrowed bicycle.
Through the grant, the city will also purchase a storage shed to safely store the bicycles and equipment, Ms. Frankel said.
Bicycles will be available to borrow through the senior center and Solon Community Center.
Beyond just offering bikes to borrow, the Solon Spins project will focus on bicycle education,Ms. Frankel added.
The first educational session was held earlier this month and presented by Bike Cleveland, with a handful of residents taking part and Mayor Edward H. Kraus also taking part in the ride. The Solon Police Department and Solon Bicycle will also offer an ongoing bicycle education program.
“We want our residents to enjoy biking our city, but we also want everyone to be safe while doing so,” he said. “We really encourage everyone to take advantage of the bike safety education that Solon Spins and the Solon Police Department are offering.”
Solon Rotary President Chris Janson said the club and the Solon Senior Center have had a longstanding relationship and the seniors are a “strong group of volunteers” at the Rotary’s monthly food pantry.
“We thought this was a real nice project that fit in with our mission, which is really providing benefits to people who need it,” Mr. Janson said. “We saw a lot of opportunities here and were happy to get involved and give the donation.”
The Rotary, comprised of about 24 members, also provides monthly a produce distribution for seniors.
Solon community members gather for a bike ride near the Solon Community Center. The Solon Rotary, Solon Senior Center and Solon Community Center are partnering to start a Solon Spins program which will allow residents of all ages and abilities the opportunity to borrow bikes and enjoy cycling.
Courtesy of the City of Solon
Rotary event supports the fight against hunger, homelessness
How far-reaching the causes of the Solon Rotary are was made clear during a fundraising event that combined exercise and entertainment last Saturday.
Presented for the ninth year, a Day for Freedom included a 5K Fun Run at the Solon Community Center and bowling party at Rollhouse Entertainment, all benefiting organizations freeing people from hunger and homelessness and aiding those suffering from addiction. A total of $15,000 was raised that evening.
“We partnered with True Freedom Ministries trying to find and help with the roots of poverty and educate people after they have been incarcerated,” Rotary member and Solon resident Jim Hyde said. “It’s the forgotten piece.”
While these issues are not as prevalent in Solon as they are nation and worldwide, the Rotary attempts to make a wider impact, Mr. Hyde said.
Lakewood resident Alex Zebrowski, who attended the bowling party, said he grew up in Cleveland’s inner city. He said it is critical to support True Freedom’s mission to assist those in need, especially children.
“The kids never get out of the system,” Mr. Zebrowski said, “and they need additional services.” It’s important to “break the cycle,” he said.
The causes supported that evening were a nice tie-in to the club’s overall mission of Service Above Self, South Russell resident and Rotary President Chris Janson said.
The Day for Freedom has gained momentum over the years, with about 100 in attendance last weekend, including Mayor Edward H. Kraus and some city officials.
“The Rotary is a great community organization,” Mayor Kraus said. “They are all Solon residents trying to make a difference. Their whole goal is to give back to the community.”
Solon resident and Rotary member Irina P’Simer said Rotary members are wonderful because they do so much in Solon and Cleveland as well as across the globe. For example, the club is working to bring clean water to the people of Uganda, she said. “For such a small club to do this is amazing,” she added.
In the Solon community, the club sponsors a monthly food pantry and free produce distribution for older residents. The local Rotary also works with the Solon Interact Club at the high school and travels to El Salvador to build wells for communities without easy access to fresh drinking water.
Attendees of the bowling party enjoyed games of laser tag and games of chance in the arcade, as well as an opportunity to socialize and a 50/50 raffle.
Past Rotary president and Rollhouse owner Glenn Gable, of Pepper Pike, said the Rotary grouped its efforts to also include benefiting the Theo Bowman Center in Cleveland, as well as its work in Uganda.
“Part of Rotary is to do something domestically and internationally,” Mr. Gable said. “They do such good work locally and internationally,” added Councilman William I. Russo, who was in attendance.
“It’s a good fundraiser,” Solon resident Owen Grossman, 13, a student at Solon Middle School, said. Owen bowled with a group of fellow teens. “It brings together the community to help out.”
Nearly 40 golfers, including Browns alumni players, took part in the 15th annual Lou Groza Charity Golf Event hosted by the Rotary Club of Berea on Sept. 5. Golfers teed off at Coppertop at Cherokee Hills in Valley City for 18 holes of golf followed by an awards dinner. Proceeds provide scholarships for seniors at Berea-Midpark High School and Polaris Career Center.
Browns alumni were Greg Pruitt, Ben Davis, Rod Morris and Ernie Kellerman, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Chagrin Valley. Greg Pruitt was a member of the winning foursome, which donated its prize money back to Berea Rotary. In fact, most of the winners did just that.
There also were raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. The Cleveland Browns donated raffle items including two autographed footballs and an autographed helmet. Other baskets were Ohio Lottery tickets, gift cards, Indians gear, Ohio State gear and Ohio craft beers.
Nearly 40 golfers hit the links at Coppertop of Cherokee Hills for the 15th annual Lou Groza Charity Golf Event on Sept. 5. The weather was perfect and proceeds benefit the Berea Rotary's scholarship fund.
Thanks to Browns alumni Greg Pruitt, Ben Davis, Ernie Kellerman and Rod Morris for supporting the Lou Groza golf outing. Ernie is a member of the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club.
Thanks, as always, to our Rotary volunteers: Jim Walters, Trevor Koenig, PDG Dave Skrzynski, Bob Huge, Bob Hammer, Don Voigt. Seated, Linda Kramer, JoAnn Solnick and Judy Stull. Missing in action, PDG Jack Young, who took the photo.
Ray Bartlett receives Scouting’s Silver Antelope Award
Representing the Lake Erie Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Ray Bartlett received Scouting’s prestigious Silver Antelope Award during ceremonies in Denver on May 31. The Silver Antelope is conferred for distinguished service to youth. Ray earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1948. In his 55 years as a Scouter, he has received numerous awards, including the Silver Beaver, the Order of the Arrow Founder’s Award and the James E. West Fellowship Award. He also has earned Seabadge and Powder Horn. Ray was awarded the Distinguished Commissioner Service Award for his many years as a commissioner. He has been a unit, assistant district and roundtable commissioner and currently is assistant council commissioner and faculty for the area commissioner conference. He also is the chair for the resource center Area 4 training conference.
Ray is a member of the American Legion and served on his post’s Youth Activities Committee. He assisted veterans and their families and organized holiday functions. The Legion awarded him the Community Organization Award.
Ray has been a member of Berea Rotary since 2009.
Congratulations, Ray!!
Berea Rotary is grillin' at the steak roast
Sandy Hammer, PDG Dave Skrzynski, Trevor Koenig and Judy Stull kick off the festivities at Berea Rotary's annual steak roast. Thanks to Bob Huge and Judy Stull for hosting. Steaks were from Gibbs Butcher Block.
The Rotary Clubs of Detroit, Ann Arbor, & Windsor 1918 and The Wayne State University Center for Peace and Conflict Studies is hosting Peace in the Streets Conference in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario Canada on October 25-26,2019. Rotarians, Rotaractors and their families in your Club and District are welcome to participate. This is the second year our District 6400 and Wayne State University has sponsored this event. Here is the link for more information: http://www.a2rotary.org/event/peace-in-the-streets/
For the 4 year, Honorary Rotarian of the RC of Wadsworth, 96 year old Helen Shurance of Seville, Ohio hand made this year 150 dolls for the babies at the Pregnant Women's Shelter in Chinnendega, Nicaragua. Over the past 4 years she has personally knitted over 600 50 dolls to be given to these children. After seeing an article in the local newspaper regarding PDG Jack Young as to what the Rotary Clubs were doing at the Children of the Dump in Nicaragua, she wanted to do something special for the new born babies. It also should be noted that she was given the Unsung Hero Award from our Past District Governor Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski earlier this year.
After spending most of her married life on a farm in Montville Township with her husband William, Helen is currently residing just outside of Seville with her daughter Becky and son-in-law Rick Hunyady. Giving up the farm and apple orchard in 1994, Helen began making quilts for her 20 grandchildren. She continued quilting making over 100, at least 53 of these completely by hand.
In 2016, Helen learned about Comfort Dolls, softly crocheted and use as packing in medical supplies to protect glass vials of medication and shipped to Africa, Asiaia and Central America.They were given to orphans, sometimes being the child's only possession. She learned about the Shoes Boxes and Latettes to Nicaragua after seeing an article in the local paper about Jack Young and the work being done by Rotary Clubs in Nicaragua. After contacting him several years ago, she decided to begin making these dolls. Therefore, Jack and Marsha Pappalardo, Past President of the RC of Brunswick have been in contact with her since then. Helen is certainly living the motto of "Service Above Self" .
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How will you connect the world?
Our Rotary service connects us to people who share our values and want to take action for a better world. It connects us to people we might never otherwise meet, people who are more like us than we imagined. And it connects us to people who need our help, allowing us to change lives in communities around the world.
Rotary is implementing a new strategic plan, but the real work of shaping Rotary’s future lies with you as we adapt and grow for the future. RI President Mark Daniel Maloney challenges you to strengthen the many ways that Rotary Connects the World by building the connections that allow talented, thoughtful, and generous people to unite and take meaningful action through service.
The 2019-20 Rotary Citation will recognize the accomplishments of clubs that support the priorities of our strategic plan and make a positive difference in their communities. Encourage your clubs to work toward the citation’s goals.
Engaging with Rotary to enhance your membership experience
We’re celebrating our members and their clubs — and all the good they do around the world — during Membership and New Club Development Month in August. We know that participating in local service projects is the No. 1 reason people join Rotary and why current members stay. Our most recent Membership Experience Feedback Survey tells us that prospective members are very interested in international service projects as well. This month is a great time to highlight our service opportunities to new and longtime members.
Friendship and fellowship is another important component for current members. Through the friends we make and the lives we change, Rotary offers us opportunities to engage with a global community and make a positive difference.
You can enhance your membership experience by getting involved in the programs listed below.
Making new friends
Discover other cultures and make friends across the globe by taking part in a Rotary Friendship Exchange.
Explore your passions and hobbies with fellow Rotarians by joining Rotary Fellowships.
Foster intercultural understanding through an intercountry committee. An ICC promotes peace and friendship and strengthens relationships between two countries.
Attend a project fair to support an international service effort while learning about another culture.
Reaching beyond your own club
Collaborate with experts from a Rotarian Action Group to help ensure your service projects have a lasting impact.
Sponsor a Rotary Community Corps to get members of your community who are not Rotarians involved in making a difference.
Work with your district community and international service chairs to boost your service efforts.
Share your project successes on Rotary Showcase to inspire others and promote Rotary’s impact.
Collaborating with partners on sustainable service projects
Consider working with one of our partners on your next club or district project to help ensure sustainability, gain access to expertise, and strengthen local networks.
Ashoka creates positive social and economic change
Cathy Bisaillon, a member of the Rotary Club of Silverdale, Washington, USA, prompted her club to act after telling them about the difficulties that people with disabilities can face when trying to find jobs. The club organized a mock interview service project that not only gave participants interview experience but also provided them with business cards. At least one person secured an interview for an open position in a Rotarian’s business.
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Class president upon his graduation from AHS, Jim was the student body president at Kent State University, Ashtabula in 1980-81 when he earned the Outstanding Student Service Award before graduating from Kent’s Main Campus in 1984 where he served as the Executive Director of Student Government. While at Kent, Jim led a delegation of students to Washington, DC to convince Congress to make Martin Luther King Day a National Holiday. During the event, he stood behind Stevie Wonder and between Coretta Scott King and Andrew Young as Stevie led the crowd in “We Shall Overcome”. His efforts led to receiving the John B. Beacom Memorial Award for his civil rights efforts. He later graduated from the University of Akron, School of Law in 1987 where he was also Class President.
the world — during Membership and New Club Development Month in August. We know that participating in local service projects is the No. 1 reason people join Rotary and why current members stay. Our most recent 
prompted her club to act after telling them about the difficulties that people with disabilities can face when trying to find jobs. The club organized a 