Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary through our Focus Areas
This month Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary by supporting the Rotary Foundation. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom.
Veterans’ Day falls on Saturday this year, but RCY will devote time Wednesday to honor those who served in the military – Rotarians and spouses of Rotarians alike.
Also, on this second Wednesday of the month, bring your filmy plastic for the Trex recycling challenge. Every time RCY collects 500 lbs. within 6 months, we earn a park bench made of Trex recycled materials. This is our third collection, which will end Jan. 31. We have reached 48 percent of our goal. Mike Latessa writes: “To date we have collected over 1,300 lbs of plastic! That’s the equivalent of a grand piano, an American bison, or three Nile crocodiles! All recycled and out of our landfills and waterways. Awesome!”
Let Gerri Jenkins know if you will help with a Rotary float in the Youngstown Holiday Parade on Dec. 1. Also, sign up for a shift during the Groundhog Craft Beerfest, the club’s major fundraiser, on Feb. 3 at Stambaugh Auditorium.
See you at noon Wednesday in the Wick Park pavilion.
Last Week's Meeting
District 6650 Governor Rich Tirpak shared his 4Cs of Rotary during an official club visit on Nov. 1, as follows:
Commitment in totality, because you believe in Rotary’s principles;
Continuity, recognizing the importance of continuously cultivating club leadership;
Communication, whether between club members and officers, or club leaders and district officials, because “everyone deserves to be heard”;
Contributions, whether by making financial contributions to Rotary programs, recruiting new members or fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
DG Rich congratulated RCY for 100 percent participation in supporting the Rotary Foundation. He asks all district Rotarians to make an annual donation to the foundation or increase one’s annual amount to boost impact within the district. He encourages more participation in the Polio Plus society toward the eradication of polio, increasing membership by 2 per club, sponsoring youth-oriented programming, and supporting mental health initiatives.
President Deanna Rossi presented Pete Herman with his round badge for completing all requirements of new members, Congratulations, Pete!
RED KETTLE DRIVE RETURNS
It is club tradition to collect donations for The Salvation Army during the holiday Red Kettle Drive. This year, RCY will collect inside the Southern Park Mall during Thanksgiving Weekend. Sign up for a 2-hour shift between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday the 24th or Saturday the 25th. For details and to register, go to https://youngstownrotary.com/events/salvation-army-bell-ringing.
WHERE FELLOWSHIP MEETS SERVICE
Looking for a service project with a strong personal component? Past President Josh Prest has three suggestions, as follows:
1) St. John's Episcopal Church on Wick Avenue hosts a Women's Coffee and Breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on third Saturdays (Nov. 18 and Dec. 16). From 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the same dates, the church’s Food Pantry opens. Volunteers will serve breakfast (provided by RCY) and bag and distribute pantry goods.
2) The Taft Elementary School Food Pantry will be open on Nov. 14 and Dec. 19. Rotarians will work in pairs to deliver food to 4-6 households. Pull up at the school at 2 p.m. to pick up deliveries.
3) Taft Elementary also seeks mentors for its young women’s group. Mentors and mentees meet once a month during lunch time, between 11:25 a.m. and 12:20 p.m., and discuss all types of topics.
Contact Josh at 330-509-3381 for further information.
COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM NEWS
The Youngstown Rotary Foundation has budgeted $30,000 for the 2023-2024 Community Grant Program to provide grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations that serve and impact Youngstown residents while addressing one or more of Rotary International’s Seven Areas of Focus. Read about it here and spread the word to interested parties. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15.
OHIO'S OLD-GROWTH FORESTS
By Sarah McCosham
You’d never guess that Ohio had old-growth forests, period — and not only that, but Ohio has more of these ancient forests than any other state.
When we think of "old-growth forests" in the U.S., places like Sequoia National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Tongass National Forest certainly come to mind. These natural wonders are known for their immensity and grandeur, harboring longstanding giants standing the test of time and offering invaluable and grounding perspective to explorers.
This October, the Old-Growth Forest Network sanctioned two new Ohio forests to its ranks: Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve near Columbus and the Lindy Roosenburg Preserve near Athens.
With the addition of these forests, Ohio now has 30 old-growth forests recognized by the network, more than any other state. (Pennsylvania is a close runner up, with 28 old-growth forests recognized by the network.)
Despite their name, "old-growth forests" refer more to a forest's properties than its age. Experts look at certain criteria that form a forest's ecological community, such as what's living in and around these trees and the kind of biomes they're fostering.
You know how a tree's roots extend well beyond its branches? Old-growth forests are similar; they have numerous benefits to communities that unfold over time. Their untouched biomes allow for local flora and fauna to thrive, while also serving as important "carbon sinks" -- areas that can absorb incredible amounts of carbon.
Not only are old-growth forests important for native plant and animal species, but they serve their human communities in myriad ways. The power of nature is transformative; from forest bathing to simply spending an hour-long lunch break going for a hike, these natural areas are good for body and soul.
So yes, old-growth forests are immensely important -- and as part of the Old-Growth Forest Network, these forests are protected from commercial logging and development, and they’re made open and available to the public.
SAVE THE DATE
Winter coat distribution to students, 8 a.m.-noon Nov. 15, Harding Elementary School, 1903 Cordova Ave. Lunch to be served to volunteers. Contact Dave Stillwagon or Stacia Erdos Littleton to sign up.
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