Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary 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 or virtually via Zoom.
Stephanie Dyer of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments will be our speaker on Wednesday. As the agency's Environmental Program Manager, Dyer focuses on improving the Mahoning River’s water quality to attract investment in river communities and benefit the regional economy. Dam removal along the Mahoning benefits aquatic life and recreational/tourism activities, she says. Join us at the Wick Park Pavilion.
Rotary Last Week
As the Nov. 13 meeting began, President George Nelson invited members who served in the military to share their remembrances. Four gave remarks: Frank Kishel, Army; Troy Rhoades, Air Force Reserve; Ron Fasano, Navy Medical Service Corps; and YSU President Bill Johnson, Air Force. We thank them on Veterans Day and every day for their service and sacrifices.
Cari Immerman received her round badge for completing requirements of full club membership. Congratulations, Cari!
Our fellow Rotarian Gavin Switzer, an environmental consultant and landscape architect, told us how soil pulls carbon from the air. This benefits plants at root level and humans as well, because there are “alarming amounts” of carbon in the atmosphere, he said. Also, using native plants in landscapes is preferable, because natives grow tap roots that are 2 to 3 feet long. Natives have evolved to grow in certain conditions, and healthy native plants can provide shade and contribute to evaporation, which helps to reduce energy costs, he said. He fielded many questions about mulching and composting.
Also, on Nov. 15, Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter. She was recognized for her work with the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley, Polish Youngstown, Simply Slavic, and more. Congratulations!
RCY and Red Kettle Campaign
From RCY Vice President Don Foley:
We are excited to announce a new online system for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. The website www.registertoring.com is already set up, with Nov. 29-30 reserved for RCY at the Food Court in the Southern Park Mall.
To sign up, Bell Ringers should follow these easy steps:
2. On the home page, select the Option “I’m ringing with a Group”
3. A page will pull up with Group Volunteer Opportunities with a Box to “Enter Group Code.” Then enter youngstownrotary (do not put a space between the two words)
4. You’ll be directed to a Page listing the available times to sign up. Select the shift that works best, and then enter your contact information (register) and you’re finished. It took me only 2 minutes to register for a login.
This is a great tool for all of us to be able to track who’s working what dates/times and where we need the extra help.
Please feel free to call or text me at 330.507.1615. Thank you again for your support!
JOIN THE PARADE
RCY has registered to enter the downtown Holiday Parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. President George is looking for at least 10 Rotarians to share the Magic of Rotary with attendees.
Gerri Jenkins needs someone with a pickup or flatbed truck to join the parade and carry our inflatable Rotary logo along the route. See Gerri or George to volunteer.
Rotarians can gather at the Mahoning County Land Bank office on the third floor of City Center One at East Federal and Champion streets. Deb Flora and the Land Bank will provide light refreshments.
The parade is one of many First Fridays events on Dec. 6. Youngstown Flea on Phelps will be from 4 to 8 p.m. The SMARTS Holiday Open House will be worth a visit, the tree lighting on Central Square will be at about 7:15 p.m., and commemorative mugs will be available for evening drink specials. Read all about it here:
RCY is extending its call for applications for its STEM and STEAM Mini Grant Program for Educators. Awards with a monetary value up to $500 will be given to applicants from public and private schools grades K-8 in the City of Youngstown. The instructions and application to apply are available on the Rotary Club of Youngstown website https://youngstownrotary.com through Sept. 30.
Funding for the grant program comes from monies raised from the Rotaryclipse fundraising event held at Penguin City Brewing Co. the day before the total eclipse in April. The grant program was created to show appreciation to local educators and support growth in STEM and STEAM for local students.
SAVE THE DATE
Annual Thanksgiving Chaplaincy Program, noon Nov. 27, Wick Park Pavilion.
First Friday, featuring Flea on Phelps, Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 6, Central Square.
Fun fact: Ohio ranks sixth among 39 U.S. states for beekeeping!
This is according to Lawn Love, a national clearinghouse for lawn care providers and additional outdoor services. Authors of the 2024 study analyzed four weighted factors – Economic/Profitability, Colony & Population Health, Education & Support, and Environmental & Regulatory Matters – in drawing their conclusions. California tops the list for beekeeping, followed by New York, North Dakota, Texas and Montana.
You don’t need to be a beekeeper to be bee-friendly. In the same article, authors asked experts about ways all of us can support pollinators.
Q. What are two ways the average homeowner can give a hand to pollinators like bees?
“Delay the mowing of your lawn. Even a small trip left unmowed can confer benefits. The unmowed portion will grow wildflowers like clover and dandelions, which provide important food for bees. Additionally, even a mow delay will allow early-season insects the opportunity to lay their eggs, which ensures that the population in the next year will survive.” – Dr. Margaret J. Couvillon, Assistant Professor of Pollinator Biology & Ecology, Virginia Tech Department of Entomology
Q. What are three benefits of having bees buzzing around your backyard?
“Bees are cool. We have over 4,000 species in the US. Some are emerald green. Some fly when it’s cold. Some make nests in snail shells. Bees are the next butterfly in terms of wonderful visitors to your garden. They are also the best pollinators of fruits and vegetables in your backyard. When you have a lot of bees, you will get a higher set of fruit on things like cherries, blueberries, squash, and tomatoes. Moreover, these fruits and vegetables will be of higher quality as plants invest more resources into well-pollinated fruits and vegetables.” – Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension, Oregon State University Department of Horticulture
Q. What is one common misconception about bees?
“It is a misconception that honey bees are “dying out.” It is really the native bees that are in decline and need our help. “Save the bees” is about those native bees, not honey bees.” – Robyn Underwood, Extension Educator, Penn State Extension, Apiculture
Q. There’s conflicting information online about the decline of the bee population in recent years. What’s the truth, and how concerned should we be about bees dying?
“We should be concerned about our bees dying. Urbanization, climate change, and certain insecticides can have a negative impact on bee populations. Doing your part to help protect them by planting a pollinator garden, providing habitat, and using integrated pest management practices to reduce insecticide usage in landscapes is always a positive and should be considered.” – Sheriden Hansen, Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University, Horticulture
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.
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