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 and on Zoom.
This weeks speaker is Dan Madden , better known as “Dan the Funeral Man!” Dan is the owner of Stark Memorial Funeral Home in Salem, Ohio, and has recently become an internet sensation thanks to his unique and entertaining funeral-themed online show. Bringing humor, personality, and a fresh perspective to an industry most people don’t talk about, Dan has gained attention far beyond the Mahoning Valley. He even recently took his talents to the runway at New York Fashion Week!
Dan has two kids and is married to Claudia Kovach of City Machine Technologies in Downtown Youngstown.
Menu Shredded Chicken Burrito, Spanish Rice, Coleslaw, Vegetarian Burrito
Does your Committee have a message they need to get out, an event they want to promote or something for the Clatter? Please email our Communication Commit at communication@YoungstownRotary.com
Rotary Last Week
Rotary International observes Community and Economic Development Month in October, and so RCY invited a strong partner to be its presenter on Oct. 7.
Valley Economic Development Partners is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that focuses on small businesses and underserved communities. It offers free technical assistance and a Business Resource Center to help entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. It partners with local and state governments, along with other financial institutions, to offer an array of flexible lending programs.
Teresa Miller, executive director, brought her entire team and capped off the visit with a special presentation. The Valley Partners annual golf outing this year included a 50-50 drawing to benefit RCY's Operation Warm campaign. Miller gave RCY President Ellie Platt and Operation Warm Co-Chairs Dave Stillwagon and Stacia Erdos a check for $3,000. Thank you, Valley Partners, for all that you do!
In other news, President Ellie dusted off the Rotary song books and led the first of many sing-alongs -- a RI tradition. Honorary member Tess Trucksis was celebrated for 37 years of membership. Samantha Turner, Put Kids First chairwoman, is seeking mentors for city students starting in January. Also, YSU President Bill Johnson earned his round membership badge. Congratulations!
Looking ahead, Little Free Library stewards will join us for lunch on Oct. 21 at Wick Park. Stop by Penguin City at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22 for Pints for Polio, where buying one glass of beer will be leveraged into a $6 contribution to RI's End Polio Now initiative. The Beerfest logistics committee will meet at 4 p.m. Nov. 2 at West Side Bowl on Mahoning Avenue; all are welcome. Finally, save the evening of Dec. 9 for RCY's annual Holiday Party, which will take us to Miracle on Federal downtown.
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
Little Free Library Appreciation Luncheon, October 21 2026 at Wick Pavilion, 12pm - 1pm
Pints Vs Polio, October 22nd, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Penguin City Brewing, 460 E. Federal St, Youngstown, OH
Veterans Day Celebration: District 6650, November 11th, 05:00pm - 09:00pm, MAPS Museum, 2260 International Pkwy, North Canton, OH, 44720, Register
Holiday Reading List
Over the winter break, why not brush up on some Operation Pollination. Here are some book recommendations for all ages.
Books for Kids & General Education
Animal Pollinators by Jennifer Boothroyd: Part of a non-fiction series for young learners.
Meet the Pollinators: A Night and Day Adventure by Barbara Ciletti: Explores pollinators' roles.
The Reason for a Flower by Grace Lin: A classic for understanding pollination.
Explore Honey Bees! by Kathy Allan: A hands-on guide for kids.
Books for Adults & Gardeners
Attracting Native Pollinators: The Xerces Society Guide: Comprehensive guide to conserving North American pollinators.
The Pollinator Victory Garden by Kim Eierman: Focuses on ecological gardening to support pollinators.
100 Plants to Feed the Bees: A practical guide to creating pollinator-friendly habitats.
Managing Alternative Pollinators by Mader, Spivak, & Evans: For beekeepers and growers wanting to use non-honey bees.
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.
