Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary through our Focus Areas
This month Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary by developing and supporting new leaders. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom.
I reached out to the Rotary Club of Kerrville in Texas to see what, if anything, they need in the wake of the flooding disaster on July 4. Apparently it is being coordinated at the district level in Texas. I have asked our District Governor Kim Weiss to find out if there are efforts underway within Ohio.
Rotary District 5840 is now accepting tax-deductible donations through our 501(c)(3) Foundation to support urgent disaster relief efforts following the devastating flooding in Kerrville and nearby areas.
Rotary District Governor 5840 Craig Hardy sent the following information to all Rotarians in his area "As many of you know, the Guadalupe River rose over 30 feet — well above its major flood stage — resulting in tragic loss of life and severe damage. Kerrville is home to two of our own Rotary Clubs, and together we are committed to standing with the community as they begin the long road to recovery."
ROTARY THIS WEEK
Joan Stebelton is a middle grade fantasy author and attorney whose stories blend adventure, folklore, and heart. A graduate of Saint Charles School and Cardinal Mooney High School, she earned her history degree from The Ohio State University and her law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She works as a corporate, real estate, and intellectual property attorney at Roetzel & Andress. In 2024, she was recognized as a Mahoning Valley 25 Under 35 honoree for her professional achievements and community impact. She lives with her husband in Canfield.
When she’s not practicing law, she writes magical, fast-paced novels filled with humor, friendship, and family under her maiden name, Joan Reardon. Her debut novel, The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters, follows a girl’s dangerous mission to break a deadly family curse deep in a monster-infested forest. Her second novel, Dad Rock Dragon Quest, is a heartfelt fantasy adventure about a girl, her dad, and her mom’s new boyfriend teaming up to rescue a dragon from poachers.
This week’s menu: Cavatelli; meatballs; Italian greens; garlic bread; salad.
Rotary Last Week
New President Gerri Jenkins says her goals include increasing membership engagement through informative meetings, meaningful service projects, and enjoyable events.
Presiding at her first meeting on July 16, Gerri introduced the Board of Directors, who are: President-Elect Ellie Platt; Vice President Don Foley; Secretary Troy Rhoades; Treasurer Dominick Brown; Past President George Nelson; Sharon Letson, the club’s Rotary International Foundation chair; Stacia Erdos; Dionne Dowdy; Kevin Chiu; and Jessica Romeo.
Gerri also introduced the chairs and co-chairs of various committees. Among committee news, Elsa Higby said the Environmental Impact Committee is establishing goals; Stacia Erdos said Operation Warm will have its kickoff next month; and RaCole Taltoan will meet with the Youngstown City Schools superintendent about starting a Rotaract club.
Gerri said a pilot program will soon be launched to have one evening meeting per month in place of a Wednesday lunch meeting. This is in response to the Club Health Check a few months ago, in which membership engagement and increased transparency on club and district activities emerged as areas of concern. Livestreaming of meetings will move from the Zoom platform to Facebook Live, she noted.
A Fireside Chat, or new member orientation, will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the YSU Pollack House, 603 Wick Ave., AKA the President’s House. All members are encouraged to attend. Pizza, chicken, and salad will be served for dinner. Gerri said she will make cheesecake and encouraged attendees to provide more desserts.
End Polio Now Game
Every summer, the End Polio Now Campaign at the Cleveland Guardians game brings together Rotarians in Districts 6630, 6600 and our own 6650 for a night of fun and fundraising toward eradicating polio worldwide. This year, the event will be on Friday, Aug. 15, when the Guardians host the Atlanta Braves. First pitch will be at 7:10 p.m. For information about ticket options and more, click here: End Polio Now Campaign at the Guardians Game | District 6630
DON'T BE E-VASE-IVE
If you were among the lucky members to take home a lovely floral arrangement from the President's Party on July 2, then please return the clear glass vases to Cityscape/Sharon Letson at an upcoming meeting.
SAVE THE DATE
Ireland and Scotland Rotary Trip Review by Ana Torres and Scott Schulick, July 30, Wick Park Pavilion.
Fireside Chat Orientation for New Members, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6, YSU President’s House, 603 Wick Ave. All members welcome; dinner provided; desserts requested.
Annual Steak Fry, Aug. 27; more details to follow.
A Sweet Outcome
RCY’s support of the Operation Pollination campaign is now in its third year.
To be clear, we didn’t start a conversation about the importance of pollination. We joined a global movement to call attention to the stresses on pollinating insects, birds, and mammals. We resolved to amplify the message about the threat to our fresh food supply. We use this column to share knowledge, best practices, and scientific reporting on the pollinator population.
The pressures persist. Just last month, Auburn University reported on a national survey of beekeepers that showed a 55.6 percent decline in honey bee colonies in the U.S. between April 2025 and last April.
What is the sum of the collective efforts of Rotary clubs, environmentalists, farmers, and news media outlets? Do people care?
Yes, definitely. Here is an example from our own backyard, courtesy of employees of the Mahoning County Land Bank.
Employees of Steel Valley Contractors were preparing to demolish an empty house on Columbiana Canfield Road recently when they discovered bee hives inside a wall. The hives appeared to be well established – raw honey was rolling down the wall’s surface!
Brian Cappelli of Steel Valley Contractors quickly decided to have the beehives relocated. Dianna Perrico of Columbiana Mahoning County Beekeepers Association rescued the bees from the demo site. Afterward, Cappelli told a Land Bank employee that he was aware of honeybee population challenges.
Take note, and take heart. We can make a difference.
July 13, 1993: Rotary Club of Youngstown Inherited 18 burial plots at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boardman. The Club donated them to the local hospitals, Salvation Army, Hospice and the Rescue Mission.
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION
Birthdays:
None this week
Anniversaries:
Becky Davis 7/8
10 years
Kader Makanera 7/9
4 years
NEWS EDITOR
Debora Flora
Photos by Debora Flora, Ana Torres, and Brendan Considine
