Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary through our Focus Areas
This month Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary by developing new members. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom.
As we return to the Wick Park Pavilion after a few weeks, remember to bring your film plastic for the club’s ongoing recycling collection. Elsa Higby notes that we have collected 430 lbs. so far, or 43 percent of our annual goal of 1,000 lbs. Thank you to Elsa and faithful committee members Frank Kishel, Linda Kostka, Elisha Samra, Ron Fasano and Troy Rhoades for collecting and transporting plastic, as well as sending updates to program sponsor NexTrex.
Rotary Last Week
What a beautiful night for the annual Steak Fry! Dozens of Rotarians and friends gathered Aug. 14 at Scott Schulick’s house for food, fizzy drinks, fire pit chats and fun music. Grill masters Adam Lee and Jack Kravitz fed a carnivorous crowd that devoured all of the steak (the salmon was quite tasty, and plentiful). Thanks to Scott for his hospitality and everyone who helped with setup and tear down, brought something for the buffet table, and respected the trash-vs.-recycling bins as we continue to grow in environmental awareness.
The weather was considerably more damp during the Rotary Family Picnic on Aug. 18 in Warren, but rain didn’t halt the celebration. A Vindicator story noted the presence of Rotarians from Youngstown, Warren, Howland, Cortland and Champion. Club presidents and members, as well as District Governor Elayne Bozick, were quoted on the need to demonstrate strength in numbers, share ideas, build membership and give back to communities.
DISTRICT 6550 MIXERS
District Governor Elayne Bozick and club presidents are working on a string of events to bring Rotarians together and promote collaborations for the benefit of communities. Check out these options:
“In Our Nature” District 6650 fundraiser, 4-7 p.m. Aug.11, Mill Creek MetroParks D.D. Davis Center, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown. Join for fellowship and fundraising! An art auction will feature works by artists from within the district. Tickets are $60 and include dinner. Proceeds will fund local and international pollinator projects. Details on Facebook.
Rotary Family Picnic, 2-5 p.m. Aug. 18, Packard Park Shelter House, 1703 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren. Take your family to meet your Rotary family! Entertainment by Speed Limit; nearby splash pad for kids; burgers and chicken nuggets to be provided by local McDonald’s franchises; take a covered dish.
SIGN UP NOW FOR STEAK FRY
Aug. 7 is the deadline to RSVP for the club’s annual Steak Fry social, which will be at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at the home of past District Governor/RCY President Scott Schulick, 2304 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, 44504.
Here is what else you need to know:
Advance reservations only. No payments at the door due to food ordering requirements – no exceptions! Cost is $45 for members and guests.
This year, the Steak Fry will have a Luau/Hawaiian theme. Consider dressing accordingly!
Menu includes choice of locally-sourced, grass-fed steak, or salmon, or Beyond Burger for Vegans; Coffee/Iced Tea/Lemonade/Unlimited Soft Drinks; and the Traveling Rotary Bar along with Penguin City beer.
Of all the plans you may be making to create or expand your pollinator patch, plan to attend the The Honey & Lavender Festival this weekend on Youngstown’s West Side.
It will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at The Freightyard, 1588 Mahoning Ave., behind Trek Coffee House. It will be a celebration of honey and lavender, offering a blend of scents, flavors and family-friendly activities.
You can anticipate drinks and pastries infused with honey and lavender. A vendor market will feature honey and lavender products, baked goods and soaps. Children can participate in crafting butterfly-themed projects. Also, members of the Columbiana Mahoning County BeeKeepers Association will give a pollinator presentation.
Just as we associate bees with honey, they also are important for lavender plants to thrive.
A writer on PollenPaths.com explains it this way:
“Lavender emits a unique combination of fragrances that bees find incredibly appealing. Its sweet, floral aroma acts as a beacon, attracting these buzzing creatures from near and far. Additionally, lavender flowers exhibit vivid hues, such as purple, blue, and pink, which stand out in the natural landscape and catch the attention of bees.
“As bees visit lavender flowers in search of nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen from the male parts of one flower to the female parts of another. This transfer of pollen is crucial for the reproduction of lavender plants. Without bees, the pollination process would be significantly hindered, resulting in reduced seed production and limited genetic diversity within the lavender population.”
August 2, 1953: Eight graduate students from Finland arrived in Youngstown through “Experiment in International Living” (via Rotary International Service Committee) to live for one month prior to the opening of college, in the homes of eight Youngstown Rotarians.
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