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.
“In Our Nature” is a district-wide fundraiser for Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus, with an emphasis on the newest focal topic – Protecting Our Environment. Attend lunch Wednesday at Wick Park for a preview of the event, which will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park.
Also, a Rotary Car Cruise District Social, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Salem, will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. N.E., Canton, OH 44721. Free admission; reservations recommended for Gervasi’s on-site restaurants.
Rotary Last Week
On the global and local stages, the Rotary Club of Youngstown is called to serve.
During the July 24 meeting, the Rev. Msgr. Robert Siffrin explained RCY’s new initiative to become a Rotary Peacebuilder Club. Requirements are as follows: Start a RCY Peace Committee with two or more members; review the Peacebuilder Club Guidelines, which are available online; and submit a Peacebuilder Club application to the Rotary Action Group for Peace. In return, participants receive peace skills resources, an e-newsletter that includes featured peace initiatives, and opportunities to network with local and global peacebuilders. See Msgr. Siffrin to become involved.
Stacia Erdos and Dave Stillwagon gave their first presentation on the 2024 Operation Warm campaign. RCY has been providing winter coats to city elementary school students since 2012, when Debbie Esbenshade was District Governor and introduced the concept. Because of the generosity of our members and supporters, Dave said, this club has purchased 13,600 coats to date!
The Operation Warm fundraising goal this year is to raise $20,000 by Sept. 1. The contribution is $20 per coat. Members can donate their own funds or solicit donations from friends and family, employers, local businesses and more. Checks should be payable to The Youngstown Rotary Foundation. Donations are tax deductible. Penguin City Brewing, owned by Rotarians Richard Bernacki and Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, will make Operation Warm the featured nonprofit during its Night Market in September, Stacia said. RCY members also may promote club activities during the Aug. 15 Night Market, she added.
Later that afternoon, Rotarians from seven local clubs attended a mixer at Penguin City and bought tickets for a basket raffle to benefit downtown residents and businesses in the aftermath of the Realty Tower explosion on May 28. The Mahoning County Community Improvement Corporation, led by county commissioners, contributed $3,000 on top of raffle proceeds. President George Nelson hopes this will be the first of many multi-club collaborations to demonstrate The Magic of Rotary.
MIXING IT UP
President George Nelson requests your help with the Multi Club Mixer on July 24 at Penguin City Brewing.
George and the new presidents of Rotary clubs in Boardman, Austintown, Canfield, and Liberty-Girard are bringing members and prospective members together to become better acquainted in a fun, social atmosphere. Another element will be a basket raffle to benefit downtown residents and businesses affected by the explosion at the Realty Tower. Each club will contribute a basket; RCY’s basket will hold gift cards for many downtown restaurants.
As the host club, and with our downtown being the beneficiary of the raffle, RCY members can help by obtaining more prizes. Rotarians may donate as individuals, on behalf of their businesses and organizations, or by securing donations from other businesses.
Please inform George of your contributions by Friday, July 19. The mixer will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the following Wednesday. See you there!
DISTRICT 6550 MIXERS
District Governor Elayne Bozick and club presidents are working on a string of events to bring Rotarians together and promote collaborations for the benefit of communities. Check out these options:
“In Our Nature” District 6650 fundraiser, 4-7 p.m. Aug.11, Mill Creek MetroParks D.D. Davis Center, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown. Join for fellowship and fundraising! An art auction will feature works by artists from within the district. Tickets are $60 and include dinner. Proceeds will fund local and international pollinator projects. Details on Facebook.
Rotary Family Picnic, 2-5 p.m. Aug. 18, Packard Park Shelter House, 1703 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren. Take your family to meet your Rotary family! Entertainment by Speed Limit; nearby splash pad for kids; burgers and chicken nuggets to be provided by local McDonald’s franchises; take a covered dish.
SIGN UP NOW FOR STEAK FRY
Aug. 7 is the deadline to RSVP for the club’s annual Steak Fry social, which will be at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at the home of past District Governor/RCY President Scott Schulick, 2304 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, 44504.
Here is what else you need to know:
Advance reservations only. No payments at the door due to food ordering requirements – no exceptions! Cost is $45 for members and guests.
This year, the Steak Fry will have a Luau/Hawaiian theme. Consider dressing accordingly!
Menu includes choice of locally-sourced, grass-fed steak, or salmon, or Beyond Burger for Vegans; Coffee/Iced Tea/Lemonade/Unlimited Soft Drinks; and the Traveling Rotary Bar along with Penguin City beer.
Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Mahoning and Columbiana Counties will hold their annual “Bring One, Take One” Plant Exchange and Sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug.10, at the Mahoning County OSU Extension office, 490 S. Broad St, Canfield. This event offers an opportunity for a plant exchange, a plant sale, and a garden art sale.
Check in for the Plant Exchange will begin at 9 a.m., and round one of the exchange will start at 10 a.m. To participate in the exchange, bring one or more plants with you and label them with the plant name, flower color, expected height, and growing conditions. Master Gardener Volunteers will assist in labeling if needed. There will be up to two more exchange rounds depending on plants available.
The Plant Sale includes items sourced and grown in MGVs’ gardens and will include natives, shrubs, shade and sun perennials, bulbs and house plants. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your plant questions and help carry your purchases.
The Master Gardener Volunteers have also created unique indoor and outdoor “Garden Art” items that will be on sale.
Shop with cash or check payable to OSU Extension. Parking is available on site. To learn more about what plants are eligible and for more event information, call OSU Extension Mahoning County at (330) 533-5538 or visit the event website here: https://go.osu.edu/boto2024
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