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.
Township Administrator Jason Loree will be the featured speaker at Rotary of Youngstown’s October 1 meeting. Jason completed a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from Kent State University.
He will focus on several aspects of Boardman community life. For example, the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park will be located on what had been a field of the Market Street School. A meandering, open-air, bowl-shaped stream will be built in its place, helping to control flooding.
The Boardman Plaza is a large, established retail shopping center, established in the 1950s by Edward DeBartolo and is considered to be one of the first significant strip malls in the United States. What are plans for its future? Of course, the Southern Park Mall dominates the township’s commercial life. Jason will entertain questions about the Mall’s owners, the Kohan Group, and its viability for a digital age.
Menu
Beef Stroganoff (chicken and a vegetarian option for those who don’t eat Beef), vegetables, Salad
See you Wednesday at noon, Wick Park.
Rotary Last Week
Happy New Year to all our Jewish friends, may we continue to Unite for Good in the coming year. Last Wednesday’s Evening Rotary meeting was a success with a wonderful dinner provided by our own Trina through A Freshwind Catering.
With efforts currently underway to push for property tax elimination, there is a strong possibility this issue could make its way to the ballots as early as November. Mahoning County Auditor Ralph Meacham provided an in-depth look at what the potential eradication of property taxes could mean for residents of Mahoning County. His presentation highlighted our existing reliance on Property taxes and challenges the impact losing this revenue will have to our community.
Currently, property taxes are tied to 93% of fair market property values. With a re-evaluation underway, homeowners can expect a projected 10–15% increase in their bills, as taxes rise in sync with valuations. Property taxes are the backbone of local funding—most notably, 60% goes directly to schools, while the remainder supports county services, fire stations, police, and essential programs.
However, Meacham noted that there are obvious issues with the current system. In Youngstown, one-third of county properties are delinquent, and another third are exempt. Combined with an aging population and residents living in poverty, many households are struggling to keep up.
Among proposed reforms were expanding the Homestead program for seniors, eliminating the non-business credit, consolidating school districts, and creating targeted relief programs to aid those most in need.
Ralph Meacham’s office doesn’t only deal with Property Taxation and he encourages all Rotarians to take use of the tools found on the Mahoning County Auditor’s website, particularly Deed Fraud Protection.
The 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month opening ceremony was Thursday afternoon at the main branch of the Public Library of Youngstown, which featured a wonderful flag ceremony showcasing 22 flags carried by YSU students and community members. Keynote speaker, David Labra stated that “it’s important we recognize our ancestors and their legacy, but more important that we carry the torch forward for the next generation of our community.” For more information on upcoming Hispanic heritage month events (such as kid’s crafts and activities) check the Event calendar or reach out to Ana Torres.
A great Operation Warm update, all four schools Volney, St. Joe's, Taft, and Harding have turned in the sizes of coats they need for a total of 1300 coats. We hope to order next week, and distribute in mid October. We have received many requests from other Youngstown schools this year to provide coats for children in need. Donations are still needed and being accepted.
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.
Plan now to engage in these events.
SAVE THE DATE
15th Annual Nonviolence Parade and Rally Sunday, Oct. 5, 3pm, assemble on E. Wood St. 2:30 pm, please let Gerri Jenkins know if you are coming.
Rotary Peace Pole dedication, noon Oct. 8, Wick Park, followed by lunch and weekly meeting in the pavilion
Purple Pinkie Donuts Order deadline Oct. 7th
Beerfest Committee Meeting October 15th 5:30
Pints Vs Polio Fundraiser with District 6650 Governor Kimberly Weiss, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Penguin City Beer, 460 E. Federal St.
Ring In the Fall Season with Seed Bells
Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of discounted pollinator seed mixes and turn them into homemade Seed Bells. Birds and small mammals are nature’s best gardeners—birds spread seeds after eating them, while squirrels and chipmunks bury seeds with their food stores, allowing new plants to sprout.
For the best results, choose a native pollinator seed mix for Northeast Ohio, preferably non-GMO. Look for seeds like Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Asters, Goldenrod, Coreopsis, Milkweed, and native grasses such as Little Bluestem or Northern Sea Oats.
A creative way to use these seeds is by making bird-safe wreaths that double as winter food sources and natural seed spreaders. Always use an oil-free recipe, since oils can harm birds by coating their feathers or feet.
This simple fall project helps feed wildlife while planting the promise of next spring’s blooms.
Ingredients:
1 cups mix wild seed
1 cup millet
1 TBS gelatin - plain, no flavoring
2 TBS cold water
1/3 cup boiling water
1/4" - 1/2" ribbon for hanging (do not use yarn or thread)
For shapes use cookie cutters or just mold to the form you desire.
Steps:
1. Mix the cold water and gelatin, stir, then wait one minute.
2. Stir in the boiling water until the gelatin dissolves.
3. Add the seed mix to the gelatin water and stir. Make sure all of the seed is coated.
4. Use a cookie cutter, mold, or form a shape.
5. Do not spray with oil
6. Create a hole for the ribbon by putting a chopstick or thick skewer into the seed.
7. Put it in the refrigerator overnight.
-Warm to room temperature before trying to remove the seed shapes.
-If the underside is still wet, simply give it a couple of hours to dry.
