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.
Sean Barron has co-authored two books on the challenges of being on the autism spectrum. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopment condition that affects how a person processes information and interacts socially. Despite his diagnosis, Barron’s life experiences have been rich. He is a graduate of Youngstown State University with multiple degrees, works as a correspondent for The Vindicator, and lives independently. Meet Barron at lunch on Wednesday in the Wick Park Pavilion.
John Fahnert invites you to be a chaperone Saturday during the Youth Exchange Overnighter at the Central YMCA. Teenage exchange students will attend the YSU vs. Robert Morris University basketball game at 4:30, enjoy dinner and snacks, and use the YMCA’s facilities for rest and recreation.
This weeks menu: Chicken in a Dijon Tarragon Cream Sauce, Roasted Potato, Vegetable, Salad, and Vegetarian options
Rotary Last Week
Congratulations, Reid Schmutz, on your 35th anniversary as a Rotarian!
Jasmine Handy and Olivia Cooke-Murphy of Flying High GROW Urban Farm shared an inspiring presentation about the farm’s community impact. Between the GROW greenhouse at the Mahoning Valley Campus of Care (County Line Road in Mineral Ridge) and the raised-bed gardens on the Flying High Campus (Bryson Street and Bissell Avenue), participants gain real opportunities for work by learning to grow and sell produce. Since 2022, 30,000 Mahoning and Trumbull county residents who live in food deserts have been able to access GROW’s fresh food through the ACTION Mobile Markets. For more information, click here: GROW Urban Farm - Flying High - Flying HIGH Inc.’s mission is to help all people develop their potential and discover their destiny.
As part of Ohio’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be collecting oral histories to preserve and share with the community on its Digital Archive website. Library Executive Director Aimee Fifarek encourages Rotarians and their families to participate. Go to America 250-Ohio: Share Your Story | The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County for details.
RCY’s Foundation Committee is now accepting nominations for honorary Paul Harris Fellows for the 2025-26 Rotary year. Nominations received by Feb. 11 will be reviewed by the committee. Individuals selected as Paul Harris fellows will be recognized March 5 during the club’s 111th Anniversary Party at Youngstown Country Club. Nomination forms are being circulated during lunch meetings and must be returned to Becky Mottram in the RCY office.
In Memoriam
RCY extends condolences to the loved ones of current and former club members.
Hunter Morrison, 77, died Dec. 16 in Maryland. He was an urban planner whose talents benefitted Cleveland, Youngstown, and other communities. Read more about Hunter in this American Planning Association summary: In Memoriam: Hunter Morrison
Carlton Sears, former director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, died Dec. 7 in Portage County. Sears led the local library system from 1997 to 2012 and oversaw a number of expansion and development projects around the county.
Godfrey Anderson, 101, died Dec. 5. London-born Anderson served in the British Royal Navy during World War II and moved to Youngstown in 1947. He was a real estate agent and developer who managed single-family homes and buildings in the area.
HELP HURRICANE VICTIMS
The Rotary Foundation has declared a Disaster of Magnitude and created the Hurricane Melissa Response Fund, which will support disaster response grants in communities affected by this destructive storm. Hurricane Melissa made landfall in the Caribbean as one of the strongest hurricanes on record. Many communities have no electricity or access to clean water. Contributions to the fund will support disaster response grants for critical items such as water, food, medicine, clothing, and shelter. The fund will accept donations through Jan. 31.
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.
