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.
The Rotary Club of Youngstown will host a special “Meet the Candidates” forum during its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Wick Park Pavilion. The event will feature the four qualified candidates for Mayor of Youngstown: Frank Bellamy, Jamael Tito Brown, Derrick McDowell, and Cecil Monroe.
Cindi Rickard, former Vindicator editor and longtime Youngstown resident, will moderate the discussion. Her experience as a journalist and regional editor makes her well-suited to guide this important civic conversation.
Operation Pollination Call to Action
Join the Mahoning Valley TreeCorps this fall as they undertake their annual Fall tree planting. Volunteers will help with tree planting, digging, shoveling sod and grass, etc.
There are lots of Committee Meetings over the next two weeks, keep an eye out for invites.
Evening Rotary Meeting next week, 10/22 at 5:30pm. Speaker Vicki Vicars will discuss Immigration.
Menu
Chicken Cordon Blue, Roasted Red Skin Potato,Vegetables, Fall Salad.
See you Wednesday at Wick Park.
Rotary Last Week
Rotary Club of Youngstown Celebrates Peace Pole Ceremony
The Rotary Club of Youngstown held a moving Peace Pole Ceremony highlighting Rotary International’s long-standing commitment to peacebuilding. Msgr. Siffrin reflected on Rotary’s 15-year focus on promoting peace, reminding members that peace begins with personal relationships and community actions. “The Peace Pole, with its many languages, unites us with others and points upward to the future,” he said, “so that peace might become part of our attitude, actions, and commitments.”
Mayor Jamael Tito Brown thanked Youngstown Rotarians for their contributions to the community, especially at Wick Park Pavilion and the Pollinator Garden. “Peace is not just an adjective—it’s an action,” he said. “We must talk about peace, treat others as we wish to be treated, and come together as a nation.”
City Councilmember and past Rotary president Samantha Turner emphasized Rotary’s global mission: “When people create peace within their communities, the impact can be worldwide.”
The ceremony also featured Yoad Rodriguez Lopez, a Sojourn to the Past student, and Minnijean Brown-Trickey of the Little Rock Nine, who shared, “Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people—it means caring for one another, our earth, and peace.”
Together, their words embodied Rotary’s vision: Peace begins with us.
Thank you to Elsa, Frank and Justin who planted the Peace Pole in the Pollination Garden on Friday.
Operation Warm Update
Orders for the coats have been put in for Operation Warm, stay tuned for updates regarding when the delivery dates will be as there should be lots of volunteer opportunities to help hand out the coats.
Voting Guides
Barbara provided a non-partisan voting guide from the League of Women Voters. Copies for the guides are available at your local library as well as digitally through their website. This is a good opportunity to read up on the issues and prepare to vote this November.
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.
Environmental Committee Meeting Wednesday Oct. 16th at 11:30 on Google Meet
Mahoning Valley TreeCorps Volunteer Dates: Oct. 16, 17, 22, 23. Register here
Evening Rotary Meeting Oct. 22, 5:30pm, Wick Park Pavilion
Pints Vs Polio Fundraiser with District 6650 Governor Kimberly Weiss, Oct. 23 at 5:30-7:30 p.m., Penguin City Beer, 460 E. Federal St.
Annual Pasta Dinner Howland, Oct. 25 at 12:00-6:30pm., Howland United Methodist Church, 730 Howland Wilson Rd NE, Warren, Ohio
The Champions of Tomorrow Oct. 31st Deadline to nominate a person between ages of 13 and 30, who are working to create a brighter future today. Nomination form
General Election Nov 4, 2025, Don’t forget to vote!
The White Oak- one tree, a thousand lives
The White Oak tree stands tall not only as a symbol of strength and longevity, but also as a cornerstone of biodiversity in Northeast Ohio’s ecosystems. Supporting more than 1,000 unique species of pollinators, insects, and wildlife, the White Oak hosts more life than any other native plant in the region.
As a keystone species, the White Oak plays a critical role in maintaining the delicate balance of the environment. Its leaves provide food for countless caterpillars and larvae, which in turn nourish birds and other wildlife. Acorns feed mammals such as deer, squirrels, and turkeys, while the tree’s sturdy branches offer shelter and nesting sites. Even after it falls, a decaying White Oak continues to support fungi, mosses, and insects, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Planting and protecting White Oaks is one of the most effective ways to boost local biodiversity and strengthen natural ecosystems. By incorporating these majestic trees into yards, parks, and community landscapes, we not only preserve a piece of Ohio’s natural heritage but also ensure a thriving web of life for generations to come.
September 24, 1956: A major change was made in the Student Loan Fund; Rotary Club of Youngstown members approved a Resolution changing the scope, purpose and even the name to the Student Aid Fund.
