Rotary International asks us to Unite for Good through our Focus Areas
This month Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary by supporting literacy in our community. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park.
November 12th we will be honoring all Rotarians who have served in the Armed Forces, and would like to make a special request for all Veterans of the Rotary Club of Youngstown to attend the meeting on November 12th. Please let Gerri Jenkins know if you intend to attend the meeting if possible.
The Youngstown "Light Up Night" 2025 will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, with lots of opportunities for Rotarians to get involved. We encourage all Rotarians who are able to participate in the Parade at 6pm - 8pm, come and march with our Club. There are also shifts available to help serve hot cocoa in the Rotary booth of Santa’s Workshop (4pm - 8pm). Please contact Elisha if you’re interested in volunteering in the Rotary hot chocolate booth (elisha.samra@gmail.com).
See you Wednesday, Noon at Wick Park
Rotary Last Week
At Rotary last week, we heard from Dr. Shelley Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc. She was appointed to the role in September 2024. One of the first projects she helmed in partnership with the Youngstown Regional Chamber of Commerce was a Community Needs Assessment, which, she said, resulted in absolutely no surprises. The barriers to employment are much the same as they always have been; lack of transportation, access to child care, mental health issues and substance abuse.
Now that the survey is finished, Dr. Murray has turned her focus onto developing solutions and problem-solving. An Assembly for Workforce Solutions group involving many representatives of the Mahoning Valley nonprofit community is now in place to tackle the main issues that persistently cause barriers to employment, including helping people to obtain a driver’s license. She shared that Goodwill is working on updating its website and to stay tuned for more programs announcements in the near future.
LET THERE BE PEACE
RCY’s Peace Committee strongly encourages participation of Rotarians at three events during Ohio Nonviolence Week in October.
The 15th Annual Nonviolence Parade and Rallywill be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, downtown. It will begin at Wood Street and Wick Avenue and finish at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, where a rally will be held. Parade participants will include Sojourn to the Past students, various Valley schools, churches, nonprofit and community organizations, political candidates and others. Awards will be given for the best float, best banner and best in show for highlighting the themes of peace and nonviolence. The rally will feature speakers, music and food.
Peace will be the theme of our weekly meeting on Oct. 8. A peace pole – purchased through the generosity of Rotarians – will be installed in Wick Park. We expect speakers and additional guests to join us as we advocate for peace in our community, country, and around the globe.
Rotarians also are urged to volunteer during the 51st Annual Youngstown Peace Race in and around downtown on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 12.
Plan now to engage in these events.
SAVE THE DATE
Veterans Meetings Nov 12, 2025, honoring those in Youngstown Rotary who have served in the armed forces.
Light Up Night Dec 5, 2025, 6pm the Holiday Parade begins on Federal Street.
Home Gardens: A Key to Reviving Insect Populations
The alarming decline in insect populations has scientists urging homeowners to take action — right in their own backyards. According to University of Rhode Island researchers, native bee species in the state have dropped from twelve recorded species to just seven in recent years. Insects are essential to healthy ecosystems, serving as the foundation of food chains that support birds, fish, and countless other species. Their loss threatens biodiversity and pollination across the region.
Experts say homeowners can make a meaningful difference by transforming even small portions of lawns into insect-friendly habitats. Leaving clover and dandelions, planting native flowers such as golden Alexander, wild bee-balm, and New England aster, and reducing pesticide and fertilizer use all help pollinators thrive. Creating “bee lawns” and leaving leaf litter in corners of the yard also provide critical nesting areas for native bumblebees.
The movement aligns with national efforts like Homegrown National Park, which encourages individuals to turn their yards into vibrant ecosystems. Every small garden contributes to a larger network of pollinator habitats, proving that collective community action can help restore biodiversity—one flower at a time.
September 3, 2013: Youngstown Rotarians reflected on the life and death of Edward J. Hulme; Ed was a Past President (1968-69), 57-year member, and sponsor of more than 50 new Rotarians.
