TUESday, january 6, 2026

July is designated as Maternal and Child Health Month across the global Rotary network. The observance highlights the need to ensure every mother and child has access to safe pregnancies, quality healthcare, proper nutrition, and immunization programs to prevent disease and reduce mortality. With that in mind our Speakers will be Paul Oliver and Chris Liebig, Vice President of Akron’s Children’s Mahoning Valley to share their insights on the issue. 

The District 6650 ‘Car Cruise’ on July 22nd at Gervasi Vineyard, NE Canton from 5pm-8pm. Admission is free, but those planning to attend should make reservations to eat in advance at one of the restaurants on the property. More Details

A reminder the annual Cook Out for Kids will be happening on our August 5th meeting, at North Side Pool. Don’t forget your swim suits as it is sure to be a warm day with lots of fun (and grilled burgers for lunch). 

This week’s menu: Haddock Francaise, Risotto with peas, Vegetable medley, Vegetarian option, Tomato and cucumber salad.

Last week's Youngstown Rotary meeting brought news of meaningful accomplishments and an engaging presentation by Rotarian, Dr. Mike Letessa. 

Congratulations to Carol Chamberlain, who was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow +2, honoring her continued commitment to Rotary and The Rotary Foundation. 

The club also celebrated a remarkable achievement for the Little Free Library Initiative. With the recent installation of the 54th and 55th Little Free Libraries, Youngstown Rotary has now distributed more than 10,000 books throughout the community. The Little Free Library Committee is always looking for new members to join and help serve as stewards or help with installations, please reach out to one of the LFL committee members, e.g. Elayne Bozic. 

We also have a special addition to our Youngstown Rotary material, the Rotary Book of Readings was acquired from the Little Free Library inventory. The book will be kept with the club badges and available for members to enjoy.

Our featured speaker was Dr. Mike Latessa, who shared insights from his doctoral research examining the mental health challenges faced by college student-athletes. It was harrowing to hear the statistics of depression and suicide amongst athletes. Dr. Latessa highlighted the tragic loss of Stanford soccer captain Katie Myers, a prominent student athlete who took her own life. Sadly, throughout the time the research was conducted the number of self inflicted athlete deaths has continued to grow- while Mike stressed that even the number one was too many. Dr. Latessa research explored the unique psychological pressures student-athletes experience while balancing academics, athletics, and personal well-being.

Using an ecological framework and cognitive behavioral therapy as the foundation for his research, Dr. Latessa found that nearly half of the student-athletes surveyed reported observing signs of depression among their teammates. His study identified four key areas influencing student-athlete mental health: physical and mental health challenges, academic pressures, institutional support, and the transition process experienced by transfer students. The research was based on a smaller sample size within YSU population, a school that has a high use of the transfer portal, and while there was knowledge of the support resources available, there seemed to be mixed results as to whether they were effective. 

This was a powerful discussion, and an absolute privilege to listen to Mike share his insight on his doctoral studies as well as the way he intertwined it with his personal and professional experiences. Congratulations to Dr. Mike Latessa for his hard work, and thank you for eloquently discussing it at our meeting. 

A memorial service has been announced to honor the life and legacy of Rotarian Hunter Morrison on Thursday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Elayne Bozick or Bill Lawson.

Hunter Morrison’s impact on Northeast Ohio is profound and enduring. As Cleveland’s planning director from 1980 to 2000, he helped shape transformative projects including North Coast Harbor, the Gateway sports complex, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His leadership continued in Youngstown, where he directed the Center for Urban and Regional Studies at Youngstown State University and guided the nationally recognized Youngstown 2010 plan, focused on sustainable “right-sizing” and community engagement.

A recipient of national planning honors, Hunter remained committed to education, mentorship, and regional collaboration throughout his career. In Rotary, he found fellowship and purpose, embracing “Service Above Self” through projects like Wick Park Recreation Center restoration and Coats for Kids.

District Car-Cruise Social, 5pm-8, July 22nd, Gervasi Vinyard, 1700 55th Street, NE Canton, OH 44721 more info

Cookout for kids, 12pm, August 5th, North Side Pool, 2160 Belmont Ave, Youngstown 

Steak Fry, August 26, details to come.