Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary through our Focus Areas
This month Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary by becoming involved in Disease Prevention and Treatment. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom.
There will NOT be a Noon meeting this Wednesday. Instead, Rotarians and guests will gather for the club’s annual Holiday Party, held this year at the Arms Museum of Mahoning Valley Historical Society on Wick Avenue. The reservation deadline has passed.
Participants are encouraged to wear festive attire and explore the Memories of Christmas Past exhibit. Food will be prepared by Saratoga Catering. We’ll have a merry old time!
Last Week's Meeting
Clemate Franklin, the new leader of Youngstown’s Parks and Recreation Department, wants city parks to be “a refuge for residents,” especially young people, he told Rotarians on Dec. 7.
Franklin is a lifelong resident of Youngstown and former employee of the downtown YMCA, where he said he first watched Rotarians gather in the Manchester Room for meetings. He studied exercise science at Youngstown State University and continues to lead a fitness program. He is married with two sons.
One of Franklin’s goals is to achieve accreditation from the National Recreation and Park Association, which is reserved for agencies that demonstrate quality of operation, management and service to the community. Another is to create a “safe, fruitful environment” for all park visitors, he added. He looks forward to supporting Rotary in its endeavors and receiving Rotarians’ support.
Members took up a collection in support of Parks and Rec’s “Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Eugenia Atkinson Recreation Center,. 903 Otis St. in Arlington Heights. All seats were claimed after two days of registrations, Franklin said. Volunteers will be welcomed, as some extra hands may be needed, he added.
President Sharon Letson reminded members that December is Rotary Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. Polio eradication is Rotary’s signature project, but the theme encompasses many health issues, including mental health, she said. Also, birthday greetings were sung to Stacia Erdos Littleton and our favorite pianist, Luke Politsky.
The Rotary Club of Youngstown Beerfest Volunteer Signup
Room for a few more travelers is available on the 2023 Rotary Club of Youngstown sponsored European tour. "Jewels of the Alpine" with Ana Torres will be from May 9 to 22. Interested? Go to grouptoursite.com/tours/jewels-of-alpine-europe, call 330-207-9127, or email amb723@yahoo.com.
Vote Early, Vote Often!
Rotarian Ellie Platt is one of the Spanning the Need nominees for Outstanding Person of the Year! Her dedication to her community and her business is well-known throughout the community, and she is very deserving of this award.
We have now collected 315 pounds of plastic, with 88 of those coming in November! That leaves us with 190 to go. With the holiday season in full swing, there should be lots of items that can be recycled.
Don’t forget to save your plastic film and bring it to Rotary on Wednesdays. Once we collect 500 pounds of plastic, we turn it into Trex, the company that manufactures composite decking. Trex, in turn, will donate a bench made of the recycled plastic that we will place in a pollinator garden or near a Little Free Library.
We have until the end of February 2023 to collect the plastic. You can turn in your recyclables to Elsa Higby, Ra’Cole Taltoan, or LInda Kostka, who will weigh, track, and turn it in. Review the list of items below to see what’s acceptable.
ODOT Recognized by NAPPC
The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) Provides Recognition to Pollinator Advocates, Farmer-Ranchers, Roadside Managers, and Electric Power Companies in 2022 Award Ceremony
On October 18, 2022, this year’s award winners from the United States, Canada, and Mexico were honored by Pollinator Partnership and the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) during the NAPPC Conference Award Ceremony hosted at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, DC.
By recognizing individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to the promotion and conservation of pollinator species, NAPPC aims to encourage their activities and inspire future actions in support of pollinators.
ODOT was one of seven award winners:
2022 NAPPC Roadside Management
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has made long strides in its efforts to promote pollinator conservation since the 1990s. The agency is determined to create high-quality pollinator habitat through its Beautification and Pollinator Habitat Program to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available to enhance and establish pollinator habitat along the state’s 19,000 miles of roadside. After adjusting its seed mixture, ODOT created Ohio’s preferred roadside seed pollinator seed mix that includes warm season grasses and 12 forbs. ODOT maintains 260,000 acres of right of way for pollinators. ODOT installed a Pollinator Habitat Education Center at its Interstate 75 Welcome Center near the Ohio/Michigan border that includes a 1/3-acre native species demonstration garden, interpretive signage, and a one-acre oak savannah. In 2016, ODOT released its Statewide Roadside Pollinator Habitat Program Restoration Guidelines and Best Management Practices manual that guides district managers in maintaining and establishing pollinator habitat. ODOT collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and private partnerships to maintain its successful management of roadsides for pollinator needs.
Credit to Reed Lievers
THIS WEEK IN ROTARY HISTORY
December 14, 1993: Rotary Club of Youngstown agreed to sponsor an air show at Youngstown Warren Regional Airport, to be put on by the Western Reserve Port Authority in September 1994.
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION
Birthdays:
Luke Politsky - Dec 16
Anniversaries:
Bonnie Burdman - Dec 16
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The Four-Way Test
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
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