Join our causes as we group together to make a difference in our District with all clubs participating in our (5) Focus Projects: Environment, Membership, Peacebuilder District at 100%, Rotary Leadership Institute, and the Rotary Foundation.
August is: Membership & Extensions Month
For August, Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary by developing new members.
Now Streaming: The District 6650 Podcast Newsletter
In the latest District 6650 podcast, District Governor Ryan Boyce and Immediate Past District Governor Kim Weise sit down with Brian Boyce, past president of the Struthers Rotary Club, to explore a key question facing Rotary clubs today: How can we grow membership while creating a lasting impact in our communities?
District 6650 Launches New Podcast Newsletter: Creating Lasting Impact
Growing Membership Through Community Connection
In the latest District 6650 podcast, District Governor Ryan Boyce and Past District Governor Kim Weiss sit down with Ryan Goist, past president of the Struthers Rotary Club, to explore a key question facing Rotary clubs today: How can we grow membership while creating a lasting impact in our communities?
Ryan Goist shared how his focus on visibility, collaboration, and community engagement helped the Struthers Rotary Club gain 18 members in one year—far exceeding the typical annual growth of about three members.
Rather than making membership the sole goal, Goist focused first on making Rotary more visible and showing the community what the club does. From branded tents and tablecloths to inflatable Rotary displays, the club made sure residents could easily recognize Rotary's presence at community events.
A major part of the club's success came from partnering with organizations around shared passions. Struthers Rotary developed community partnerships with a garden club and an amateur radio group, giving these organizations a structure through which they could serve the community while introducing new people to Rotary. These partnerships led directly to new members and expanded the club's volunteer network.
The results went well beyond membership numbers. The garden club earned a district Operation Pollination award, while the amateur radio group was recognized as a tri-state Club of the Year in its first year. Struthers Rotary also received recognition for its membership growth. For Ryan Goist, however, the greatest success was the lasting community impact created through these collaborations.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of telling Rotary's story. Through a club newsletter, business spotlight videos, QR codes, and regular coverage of community projects, Struthers Rotary consistently shares its work with the public. Brian emphasized that people are more likely to become involved when they can see Rotary actively working alongside them—not simply writing checks.
Another key takeaway was the importance of meeting people where they are. Younger families may not be ready to join Rotary immediately, but they can become supporters through youth programs, community cleanups, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities. Struthers Rotary's free art camp for local children is one example of how a meaningful community project can introduce families to Rotary and create relationships that may eventually lead to membership.
Ryan also encouraged clubs to embrace technology thoughtfully. QR codes, AI, 3D printing, virtual and hybrid meetings, digital newsletters, and partnerships with school STEM programs can all help Rotary expand its reach. His message was not to use technology simply because it is new, but to use it when it solves a problem or improves the member and community experience.
Perhaps the strongest message from the podcast was the importance of listening to members and discovering their passions. Brian encourages clubs to ask members what projects they enjoy, what they would like to see happen, and what skills or interests they can bring to Rotary. When members are given opportunities to lead projects connected to their passions, they become more engaged and invested.
He also stressed the importance of delegation. Leaders cannot do everything themselves. Giving both new and experienced members meaningful responsibilities builds confidence, develops future leaders, and strengthens the club.
The episode offers a powerful reminder that membership growth is often the result—not the starting point—of meaningful Rotary engagement. When clubs become more visible, collaborate with community organizations, embrace new ideas, listen to their members, and demonstrate the impact of Service Above Self, people have more reasons to get involved.
As District 6650 begins a new Rotary year focused on creating lasting impact, this episode provides plenty of ideas for clubs to consider—and one simple challenge to take with them: Share your why. When people understand why Rotary matters to us, they are more likely to understand why it can matter to them, too.
Rotary District 6650 - District Wide Service Project - Promoting Kindness and Peace
Immediate Past District Governor Kimberly Weiss is pleased to continue our district wide service project promoting kindness and peace.
It's simple. Report an act of kindness each day at www.usokindness.org and list Rotary District 6650 as the organization you are associated with.
Be sure to post photos or share your acts of kindness on Facebook and tag Rotary District 6650 so we can highlight the incredible impact our members are making every day.
Let's show our communities and our country what Rotary is all about!
District 6650 is encouraged to March together during the Annual Nonviolence Week Parade on October 4th, at 3pm in Youngstown
Summer is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year for Rotary Youth Exchange in Rotary District 6650. As one exchange year comes to a close, another begins, bringing new opportunities for students, host families, and Rotary clubs to create lifelong connections across cultures.
This summer, we celebrated the completion of an unforgettable year for our 2025–2026 inbound students while welcoming home our outbound students after their own incredible international experiences. At the same time, preparations are underway to welcome our 2026–2027 inbound students, who will begin arriving over the next two weeks, and we wish our newest outbound student safe travels as they begin their adventure abroad. Looking ahead, applications are now open for students interested in participating in the 2027–2028 Rotary Youth Exchange program.
For a deeper dive into Monarch Conservation education heres a FREE offering from Monarch Joint Venture!
Stay connected with the latest monarch conservation topics by attending our free monthly webinars. The Monarch Conservation Webinar Series is a unique opportunity to hear from experts across various interdisciplinary fields related to monarchs, other pollinators, their habitats, and the threats and pressures that make conservation urgent. Bring your questions and get ready to discover how you can get involved to protect monarchs.
All webinars are one hour long and start at 1:00 PM Central Time. Please note that scheduled webinars are subject to change.
Sign up once (with only 1 ticket) and attend the webinars that you are interested in. No need to sign up each month. Donations are not expected but very appreciated.
PLEASE continue to help keep the point-earning docs and the mini-grant application in front of our clubs. Also, for participating clubs, we will be awarding the attached sign as a thank-you gift with the most point-earning club being awarded $500 as well.
For nearly ten years, our beloved pollinator garden at The J.M. Smucker Co. Store has helped us provide habitat support for local pollinators and educational opportunities for our employees and the community in Orrville, OH. To showcase the incredible impact of the garden, our Company’s Corporate Sustainability Team, along with our good friends at Pollinator Partnership, commissioned Akron-based sculptural artist Michael Marras to create a sculpture for the garden. The beautiful piece features a mix of local species that frequent our garden. Thank you to Michael for his creativity and hard work and thank you to all the employees and colleagues who continue to support the garden!
See the sculpture for yourself at The J.M. Smucker Company Store in Orrville, OH
All Rotarians are encouraged to visit the MyHomePark and save on their pre-order of native plants for their home garden
Join the Race!
What happens when local Rotary Clubs join forces? Real change happens. It’s Easy to Get Involved! We’ve formed the Heart & Sole Rotarians team to support the Soles4Souls Race4EveryKid fundraiser. As Rotarians, we believe in taking collective action to solve our communities' most pressing challenges. Every step we take and every dollar we raise helps provide brand-new shoes to children, giving them the confidence and dignity they deserve to succeed in school and in life. We know that a pair of shoes is more than just footwear—it’s a path to opportunity. Will you join us?
LET'S CREATE LASTING IMPACT!
Ohio’s District Governors have selected Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio as this year’s nonprofit to support. Rotarians and Rotary Clubs can support the Rotary for Reading campaign anytime between now and Saturday, March 14. The winning District and Club will be announced at the All Ohio P.E.T.s Conference, along with the total amount fundraised by Rotarians. CLICK ON IMAGE for more information.
Rotary Zones 30 & 31 encouraging Districts to take on hunger and make a difference in their communities with Operation Full Plate. Click on the link for more details and learn how to pull the project into your club.
The Rotary Foundation has established a temporary Cyclone Ditwah Response Fund.
This fund will support disaster response grants in communities in Sri Lanka, where the cyclone has caused flooding and landslides, killed hundreds of people, and left many without safe places to stay, clean water, and electricity. Rotary members across the region are mobilizing to provide assistance, and your leadership can help make these efforts possible.
The Cyclone Ditwah Response Fund will accept contributions, including District Designated Funds (DDF), from now through 31 March 2026. Districts affected by the cyclone can apply for grants until 3 December 2026 or until all funds are spent. These grants can be used to supply people with necessities such as water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing.
To help the communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, you and your members can:
Fundraise among your colleagues, friends, and family through Raise for Rotary
After 4 December 2026, any unused money in the Cyclone Ditwah Response Fund will be transferred to the Disaster Response Fund to support relief efforts for other disasters.
Whether you’re already using Rotary’s Service Project Center or are hearing about it for the first time, this dynamic resource hub supports you at every stage of your service project journey.
In the Service Project Center, you’ll find tools and resources all in one place to help strengthen the impact of your projects. There are documents, links, and guidance to design and manage measurable and sustainable projects, locate partners, exchange stories, share best practices, and more.
And now the Service Project Center is even more valuable and exciting to use with the addition of these new features:
A Resources page with links to project planning materials.
A refreshed, mobile-friendly Grant Center page and dashboard integrated into the Service Project Center, giving you seamless access to project resources and grant information.
An Impact page dedicated to supporting Rotary’s Action Plan that will debut with a fun game designed to test your knowledge of impact.
We encourage you to visit the Service Project Center for all your project planning needs and to check back regularly for new features and enhancements.
Sincerely,
The Service Project Center team
Rotary District 6650 Public Image
Why Your Rotary Club Should Care About Public Image
Your club can benefit in many ways from a stronger public image of Rotary. Raising awareness and understanding of Rotary helps attract prospective members, instills a sense of pride among members, encourages community members to donate their time and money, and helps your club stand out from other volunteer opportunities.
Sign up at my.rotary.org for your brand center marketing kit and all the resources Rotary International has for your club to be successful!
District 6650 attended Zone 30 and 31 Conference in Columbus last week and on Friday, September 5th, 2025 - PDG Elayne Bozick and District PI Chair Wanda Angel were awarded the Brand Ambassador Award.
The Brand Ambassador Award was given to District 6650 for their Public Image Team member's hard work on redesigning district website, education on public image awareness, redesigned newsletter and continuous social media presence. The criteria to be considered includes all clubs district wide who contribute to district programs, social media, and brand awareness following the public image criteria from Rotary International.
Congratulations to the Public Image Team!
Wanda Angel, PI Chair (website)
Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer, Social Media
Anita Brennan, Newsletter
How do we grow our Public Image in our communities?
One of the fastest and easiest ways is to connect with friends on social media platforms and continuously share information on what your club is doing in your community.
If you do not know how to do this, please feel free to contact our District Public Image Team and we will be more than happy to assist.
However, if you have someone that has a background in marketing, social media, or journalism - they would be a perfect Rotary Club member and perfect for the role to spread
our Rotary International brand across your local media connections - TV Stations, Radio Stations, and writers who share information on social media sites.
Your club is always active making a difference in your community - share what you do with your connections in TV and Radio!!!
Most of us have received this email a couple of days ago, please be encouraged to follow Rotary International Marketing Manager, Nancy Davidson, and get started today!
Here are links to 2 radio ads that is available on our Brand Center at myrotary.org:
AI can be a useful tool for generating ideas, creating content, and supporting club operations. Members are encouraged to use it responsibly while keeping Rotary's brand and values in mind. See below for AI guidelines.
Kathmandu Interact Club Earns Global Recognition
The Interact Club of Kathmandu, Nepal, received the Best Video honor in the 2025 Interact Awards for a project promoting positive masculinity, empathy, and understanding. The initiative brought together Interact, Rotaract, and Rotary members, demonstrating how collaboration across generations can help build stronger, more peaceful communities.
Connect with a ShelterBox Ambassador to learn more about the work of ShelterBox and its partnership with Rotary.
When disasters leave families without homes or basic necessities, ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and essential supplies to help them begin rebuilding their lives.
Hear how this global organization supports communities in crisis and how Rotary plays a role in delivering aid to those who need it most.
Important Membership Development Updates from Rotary International
Membership is more than a number. It is about people, connections, and the difference we can make together.
August is Membership Month in Rotary, giving us an opportunity to celebrate the members who make our clubs strong while also looking for new people who want to get involved in something meaningful.
Every member has a story about why they joined Rotary. Maybe it was an invitation from a friend or coworker. Maybe they wanted to give back to their community. Maybe they were looking for new friendships, leadership opportunities, or a way to make a difference.
Those stories matter.
In fact, Rotary reminds us that the personal stories we share can be far more powerful than statistics when introducing someone to Rotary. People connect with people. They want to know what Rotary means to us, what we enjoy about being a member, and how our service has made a difference.
Membership Starts With Us
Growing membership does not have to mean making a formal presentation or handing someone an application. Sometimes it is as simple as saying:
“Come join us.”
Invite someone to a meeting. Bring a friend to a service project. Introduce a prospective member to other Rotarians. Tell someone about a project your club is proud of.
And just as importantly, make sure our current members feel that same invitation.
A strong club experience is one where members feel welcomed, valued, connected, and involved. Rotary has identified the club experience as an important factor in member satisfaction and retention.
This Month, Ask Yourself:
Who could I invite?
Who haven't I seen at a meeting lately?
Does every member feel connected to our club?
What does my club offer that someone in our community might be looking for?
What Rotary story can I share?
Membership growth is not just the responsibility of a membership chair or club president. Every Rotarian is a potential connector.
This month, celebrate your members. Thank them for their service. Share their stories. Welcome new faces. Invite someone to experience Rotary for themselves.
Because when we bring good people together, we create more opportunities to Connect, Serve, and Make a Difference.
Membership Month may be August, but building stronger Rotary clubs is something we can do all year long.
District 6650 Public Image - Newsletter / Membership Chair
Gary Lehman
lehmantenor@aol.com / (330) 553-4796
Howland Rotary Club - President (2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027)
District 6650 - Membership Team
We are also looking to build our Membership Team. If you are interested in getting involved and helping to strengthen and grow Rotary in District 6650, we would be glad to have you join us. This is a great opportunity to work alongside others who are focused on connection, engagement, and building strong clubs that continue to make a positive impact in our communities.
FIND OUT MORE ON HOW TO DEVELOP PEACEBUILDING IN YOUR CLUB!
Introducing the New Editorial Calendar for 2026-2027.
This Calendar shows important dates for each month throughout the year for our District. Please note that ALL Submissions are due by the 1st of each month.
Sharing support, encouragement, celebrations, and remembrances from across our Rotary family.
Past District Governor Linda Fergason's husband, Bruce, is recovering from a stroke and is making encouraging progress.
As he continues his recovery journey, Bruce would greatly appreciate hearing from members of our Rotary family throughout District 6650. A card, note, or message of encouragement can make a meaningful difference and help brighten his day.
Well wishes may be sent to:
Bruce and Linda Fergason
12938 Bayton St. NE
Alliance, OH 44601
You may also send messages of encouragement via email to Linda at lfergason@hotmail.com.
Please keep Bruce, Linda, and their family in your thoughts as Bruce continues his recovery.
As part of our commitment to remembering those who have touched our Rotary family, we invite you to view our Memorial Tribute Video honoring District 6650 Rotarians and loved ones who have passed away this year. Their service, friendship, and dedication will not be forgotten.
For those who were unable to attend this year's District Conference, we'd like to share one of the many memorable moments from the event. The video below was presented during the conference and captures the spirit of Rotary, fellowship, and service that make our district so special.
We know many of you took photos and videos throughout the conference. If you have images, videos, or favorite memories you'd like to share, please send them our way. We'd love to feature additional conference highlights in future district communications and preserve these special moments for everyone to enjoy.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's District Conference a success!
If you have any photos and/or videos from our District Conference, we'd love to see them! Please share your favorite moments by emailing them to abrennan.howlandrotaryclub@gmail.com. We look forward to showcasing the fellowship, fun, and service that made this year's conference such a success.
PSA CAMPAIGNS - Rotarians Encouraged to Reach Out to Local Media & Radio Stations
Eight Inbound Students are now midway through their 2025-2026 exchange in Rotary District 6650. A big thank you to our host clubs Alliance, Jackson Township, Louisville, Millersburg, North Canton, and Wooster.
Boardman, East Canton, Malvern, Minerva, and Wooster clubs have all been so generous as to host overnighters in the current Rotary year.
The weekend of January 16 – 19 our 25/26 Inbound students and 26/27 Outbound students attended the O-E Multidistrict Winter Conference at Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC. A total of 65 students, 25 parents, and 70 Rotarians gathered for training and fellowship. Outbound students began their orientation, and will be preparing over the next eight months to serve as young ambassadors on their own exchanges.
The Winter Conference also featured a night of service, packing pencil pouches, art kits, homework kits, flashcards, and encouragement cards for school kids served by Classroom Central. Altogether, 1000 kits with a $5000 value were built with our combined efforts. (Details on Classroom Central may be found at www.classroomcentral.org.
DISTRICT 6650 CLUB NEWS
✨ What Have Our Rotary Clubs Been Up To? ✨
Our Rotary Clubs have been SUPER busy making a real difference—both close to home and around the world! From lending a hand in local projects to stepping up when disaster strikes, our members are always finding new ways to serve with heart. Whether it’s supporting families in need, helping rebuild communities, or spreading hope across borders, there’s always something exciting happening in Rotary.
Rotary Club of Wooster
"PROMOTING NATIVE PLANTS AND POLLINATORS IN WAYNE COUNTY"
The Wooster Rotary Club invites you to the “Promoting Native Plants and Pollinators in Wayne County” Planning Workshop on September 9.
Learn more about native plants, pollinators, and ways our communities can support healthy local habitats.
The Howland Rotary Club and Shepherd of the Valley are supporting Dr. Sheryl Figliano of Howland and the Hearing Missions Foundation by collecting used Hearing Aids.
As part of Howland Township’s 250th Anniversary celebration, the Howland Rotary Club was proud to participate in a special dedication ceremony held at Orwig Park. Along with celebrating this historic milestone in our community, we also celebrated the unveiling of our Rotary Peace Pole.
With the help of Howland Township, the Howland Rotary Club unveiled our Peace Pole as a symbol of hope, unity, and Rotary’s commitment to promoting peace. The ceremony brought together community members, Rotarians, and local leaders to recognize the importance of kindness, understanding, and working together to build a more peaceful world.
Immediate Past District Governor Kim Weiss visited our club last month and shared how her year as District Governor brought her great joy and gratitude. She reflected on the incredible experiences, friendships, and opportunities to serve that made the year so meaningful. Kim expressed her appreciation for the dedication of Rotarians throughout District 6650 and the many ways clubs continue to make a positive impact in their communities.
During her visit, I also had the pleasure of being presented with the Paul Harris Fellow award. This recognition is a meaningful honor and a reminder of the importance of supporting Rotary’s mission of service, friendship, and making a difference in the world.
Kim’s visit was a wonderful reminder of the heart of Rotary: connecting with others, serving together, and creating lasting change through acts of kindness and compassion.
Struthers Rotary Club
2026-2027 ROTARY DISTRICT 6650 Governor visits Struthers Rotary
The August 4th meeting of the Struthers Rotary Club featured a presentation by Rotary District 6650 Governor Ryan Boyce. Ryan focused on his goal to fulfill this year’s Rotary International Motto to “Create Lasting Impact”. His preferred method to realize the message of the motto is to adapt individual Rotary Club goals to foster program longevity. Ryan’s personal goal is to promote this goal among your youth. One way to achieve this goal is for the individual Rotary Clubs to collaborate more frequently with the young in each community to foster their participation in club projects and activities.
Another means to promote “Lasting Impact” is for clubs to participate in the Youth Exchange program. Among the difficulties of the Youth Exchange program is the cost to host the young people who are interested. One way to minimize the cost is to have clubs make donations to support the exchange students. Another is to promote that the exchange be between corresponding participant families so that the added cost to the family to host the incoming student is on par with the expense of supporting their own child who is also participating.
A corresponding goal is to foster participation in Rotary clubs by young professionals under 40 years of age. This group is currently a small percentage of the Rotary membership. Expanding the methods of communication with the community via podcasts and audio newsletters that are more likely to reach the younger community members. Essentially, Ryan suggests that we ‘think outside the box’ to incorporate methods to spread the goals and achievements of Rotary to the local young community members and, hopefully, increase their participation.
At the District level there are several activities planned to reach out to the local communities, including an Organ Recital at Stambaugh Auditorium during Easter week in 2027.
Ryan recognizes that Rotary happens that the local club level and RI hopes to present to as many as possible the goals and activities of the RI clubs to “Create Lasting Impact”.
More information about Rotary District 6650 is available at their website, https://rotarydistrict6650.org/, where discussions of the various activities and goals are presented in more detail.
Tom Baringer
Tbarin13@aol.com
2027 Rotary Club of Youngstown Cultural Trip to Croatia & Slovenia
Hello Fellow Rotarians!
We are delighted to share with you the 2027 private group tour to Croatia and Slovenia: The Old-World Adriatic! Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Youngstown through EF Go Ahead Tours.
Experience Dubrovnik’s storied city walls overlooking the pristine blue waters of the Adriatic. Step back in time as you explore the impressive Diocletian’s Palace complex in seaside Split. Wander past emerald scenery and tranquil waterscapes in the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. And experience “Europe in miniature” in Ljubljana, the stunningly green (and endlessly cultural) capital of Slovenia.
Want to see mountains overlooking a castle and a glacial lake, all surrounded by an emerald forest? Extend your stay to explore Lake Bled and more of Slovenia’s northwest corner with a local guide, and find out why aristocrats have been vacationing in this romantic spot for centuries.
Our itinerary includes a mix of guided tours, meals, and free time to explore at your own pace. Optional excursions are also available if you prefer to explore alongside a local insider. From the moment we arrive in Croatia until we leave Slovenia, we will be accompanied by a Tour Director who will oversee all the logistics and is an expert at showing you everything the destinations have to offer. As your Tour Coordinator, I'll be available from now until our return. I'll assist you and prepare you for the tour by sharing information and tips through newsletters and meetings a few months before departure. Checkout the tour details including daily itinerary, optional excursions, and cost at https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/croatiasloveniaana.
Important information:
Main Tour dates (Croatia & Slovenia): 4/22/27 - 5/3/27
Extension dates (
Ljubljana & Lake Bled):
5/3/27 – 5/6/27
Deposit: $300 per person at the time of reservation or $99 with the Automatic Payment Plan (auto pay plan is 30 days risk free! - $300 deposit is only 72 hours risk free)
Final payment date: 2/11/27 (if not on auto pay)
September promotion: $75 off
Discounts available: Go Ahead loyalty discounts starting at $100
Physical Activity & Mobility:This is a high physical activity-level tour that involves walking 2-3 miles per day (city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills). You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour. You should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
Booking Information: It is very important that you use one of these 2 options to enroll rather than on Go Ahead's public website. This will ensure that you register with our group for this private tour and that you travel with us:
If you prefer to do it over the phone, call Go Ahead's group reservation at 800-438-7672and ask to be registered in the Ana Torres private group tour (reference my cell number 330-207-9127).
Our preferred airport is Pittsburgh. If you would like to depart with us, choose the Pittsburgh airport at time of enrollment. If you depart from a different city or state, we will meet upon arrival in Croatia. If you opt for the airfare package, Go Ahead takes care of the flight logistics and transfers from/to the airport while on tour.
Insurance: We strongly recommend carrying travel coverage to ensure that your well-being and trip investment are protected before and during the tour. You can shop for travel insurance on your own (i.e., Allianz, Faye, Travelex) or select one of the two insurance plans offered through Go Ahead:
Autopay: $99 DOWN & NO INITIAL PAYMENTS. Make your first payment up to 60 days after booking. Then pay off your trip 30 days before departure. No interest or fees. 30 days to cancel.
Pay As You Go: $300 DOWN AT BOOKING. This goes to your non-refundable reservation fee. Then you pay your trip off monthly on a date you pick. Balance due by the tour finalization date. 72 hours to cancel.
Pay In Full: BALANCE DUE AT BOOKING. Make a single payment up front, then relax until it's time to go on tour. 30 days to cancel.
Our group tours are also about making special connections and this will be a limited-capacity private tour. Enroll soon to secure your spot at the lowest price. Please reach out to me with any questions at grouptravelyrc@gmail.com or cell 330-207-9127.
We hope to explore with you the historical medieval cities, tranquil lakes, stunning coastlines, and quaint villages of Croatia and Slovenia!
Scott R. Schulick
Past President, 2003-04 and 2013-14
Past District Governor, Rotary District 6650, 2018-19
330-727-8507
Day 12: Free day in Ljubljana Included meals: breakfast Enjoy a full free day in Ljubljana or add an excursion. + Piran: Slovenia's Adriatic Gem Lake Bled → 2 nights
Day 13: Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj Included meals: breakfast Travel to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj to discover why Europeans have come to this resort area for decades. • Drive around Lake Bled and enter Bled Castle • Continue on to Lake Bohinj, enjoying views of Slovenian villages along the way • Enjoy free time for lunch in the small, lakeside village of Ribcev Laz
Day 14: Free day in the Lake Bled Region Included meals: breakfast Spend a full free day in the Lake Bled region or add an excursion. This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members. + The Julian Alps: Triglav National Park Flight Home
Day 15: Departure Included meals: breakfast (excluding early morning departures) Transfer to the Ljubljana airport for your flight home.
Customize your experience Customize your tour by adding excursion options.
Excursions offered on the same day will occur at different times, so there’s no need to choose. Save $10 when you book your excursion up to three days before your tour departs.* Excursions requiring advance reservation only list this discounted price. Call or go online to customize your tour:
Day 3: Scenic Dubrovnik Coast Cruise & Dinner From $99.00 . Visit the link above for pricing info. (4 hours, departs in the evening, dinner included) This excursion begins with a cruise along the shoreline of one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Arriving on the beach, you’ll dine at a local restaurant before setting out on a stroll through Dubrovnik’s medieval streets. Please note: Travelers prone to seasickness should take the proper precautions.
Day 4: Montenegro From $95.00 . Visit the link above for pricing info. (10 hours, departs in the morning, lunch included) Set out to explore the small Republic of Montenegro, which is home to stunning backdrops that range from serene beaches to rugged mountain canyons. Begin in Perast, a Venetian town on the Bay of Kotor, where you’ll take to the water to admire the surrounding scenery. Set sail and visit the famed islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks. Then, enjoy lunch as you head to the UNESCO-protected town of Kotor, where you’ll view medieval walls and churches nestled between the hills and the sea.
Day 11: Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle From $135.00 . Visit the link above for pricing info. (6.5 hours, departs in the morning) Journey to two of Slovenia’s most memorable sites. Your first stop is the legendary Postojna Caves, a 12.5-mile-long system of caverns. Later, you’ll visit Predjama Castle, a Renaissance fort built into the mouth of a cave. A natural tunnel connects the castle to the top of the mountain; in the Middle Ages, this tunnel served as a secret supply line for the castle during times of siege. While you’re here, you’ll learn about the legend of Erazem Lueger, a robber baron who called this castle home. Extension excursion options Day 12: Piran: Slovenia's Adriatic Gem From $129.00 . Visit the link above for pricing info. (7 hours, departs in the morning) Famous for its Venetian architecture, Piran sits on the Mediterranean coast of Slovenia. Join a local guide and explore the town’s narrow streets, passing by the medieval city walls as you go. Stop by the Church of St. George and Tartini Square, the beautiful main plaza dominated by a massive bronze statue of composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini. Then, enjoy free time for lunch and take a dip in the Adriatic if the weather allows.
Day 14: The Julian Alps: Triglav National Park From $129.00 . Visit the link above for pricing info. (8 hours, departs in the morning) Pass through lakeside scenery to the ski resort town of Kranjska Gora, close to the Italian and Austrian borders. Then, continue on to Triglav National Park. You'll drive through Vršič Pass, the highest pass in Slovenia and the Eastern Julian Alps. Stop along the way at the Soca River for a scenic walk full of photo opportunities of the surrounding Alpine landscape. Continue to Bovec, a small town in the Littoral region, which was devastated during the First World War. Learn about the small town’s history on a tour of the WWI trenches and landmarks before taking free time for lunch. *Optional excursions may be purchased up to three days prior to departure or while on tour.
Pre-purchased optional excursions cannot be canceled within three days prior to departure or while on tour. Select optional excursions require advance booking and cannot be purchased or canceled after the advanced reservation deadline. Go Ahead Tours accepts payment by cash, Visa or MasterCard for optional excursions purchased on tour. Additional fees may apply for optional excursions purchased on tour. Excursions require a minimum number of participants to operate. Details and prices are subject to change. Due to seasonal hours of operation and availability, some excursions may not operate. If this occurs, you will be refunded any payments made for that excursion post-tour.
Learn more at https://www.goaheadtours.com/about/terms
Social Media is a major part of our world today. Since nearly everyone active on Social Media platforms, this gives us a chance to share our Brand and increase awareness of all the amazing things that we, as Rotarians do everyday.
DOES YOUR CLUB VIDEO OR PODCAST THEIR CLUB'S ACTIVITIES IN YOUR COMMUNITY? SEND US YOUR FILES AND WE WILL SHARE IN OUR NEWSLETTER TO HELP SPREAD YOUR PROJECTS
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)
Have a story to tell?
Reach out to District 6650 Public Image Newsletter Editor:
**Please submit all your Club News by the 1st of each month. We truly enjoy seeing the wonderful activities and achievements of our Clubs throughout the year.