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.
This week’s Rotary meeting promises to be a fun and flavorful preview of the upcoming Simply Slavic festival. Presenter Aundrea will share highlights of the three-day celebration of Slavic culture, traditions, music, and community. Rotarians will also enjoy a sampling of Slavic-themed food during the noon meeting, making this a meeting you won’t want to miss.
Members are also reminded to sign up for the Rotary Kayaking Trip on June 6th. Interest has been strong and spots are filling up quickly, so be sure to reserve your place soon for what promises to be a great day of fellowship and outdoor fun.
Looking ahead, Rotary’s May 27th meeting will be a special evening gathering at Westside Bowl. Family Fun Night will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will include fellowship, food, bowling, and activities for all ages. Rotarians are encouraged to bring their families and enjoy an evening together outside of the regular noon meeting schedule.
This week’s menu: Kielbasa Hoagies, Caramelized onions, mustard and kraut on side, Cabbage and noodles, Salad (dressing on the side), Vegetable Lasagna :
Rotary Last Week
As a student at Warren G. Harding High School 30 years ago, Michael Engram found a mentor in his football coach, the late Phil Annarella, who wanted his players to be well-rounded individuals. Now Engram, founder of the Game Changers organization, works with high school athletes on developing leadership, entrepreneurship, and persistence as they transition to college, trade schools, or the workforce.
Student athletes are "often coached about how to dribble a ball, but not the skills to get into the workforce," Engram told Rotarians on May 13. Game Changers has been filling the gap since 2013 by offering physical, mental, emotional, and professional development. This includes trips to major events such as attending the ESPY Awards and the new Grad & Go career readiness program that is launching this summer. A Sports Leadership Seminar at Youngstown State University encourages students to pair their experiences with additional skills to think like entrepreneurs.
Engram lauded Rotarians for being "servant-leaders" in the community and emphasized the importance of our club's connections to city schools. Take a moment to mentor "wherever you are able to show and shine your light," Engram said. "You never know what's going to be sown into a kid's life" and how it blossoms later. Engram also is a former member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes board.
In other news, the fourth annual Bike Belmont ride on Sunday, May 17 benefitted from beautiful warm weather, strong community participation, and a dedicated group of volunteers that included many RCY members.
The Rotary District 6650 conference was a wonderful success, with Youngstown being recognized for 100% member giving. Our club has also received a mini-grant towards an Operation Pollination project; monarch tagging. Thank you to all who attended and participated in the conference; with a special shout out Jess who did an awesome job selling Operation Pollination shirts.
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
Family Fun Night, 5:00pm - 7:30pm, May 27th, Westside Bowl
Streetscape Planting Day, 8:30am - 12:00pm, May 30th, 260 Wick Park Pavilion, Youngstown, OH 44503, email your T-Shirt size to Troy Rhoades: tkr1028@zoominternet.net
Rotary Kayaking Trip 10am - 12pm, June 6th, Struthers to Lowellville sign up
Ignite the Night, 5pm, July 5th, The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, 201 S Phelps St, Youngstown, OH 44503
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.
