Each February, Rotary members worldwide unite to reflect on one of our most defining causes—Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention. This month reminds us that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, opportunity, understanding, and cooperation.
Rotary’s 2025–2026 annual message, “Unite for Good,” calls us to pursue peace through meaningful action—locally and globally. As Rotarians, we help reduce the root causes of conflict by supporting education, reducing poverty, improving health, strengthening communities, and building relationships across divides.
🕊️ How Rotary Builds Peace
From international diplomacy to community dialogue circles, Rotary plays a vital role in cultivating Positive Peace—the attitudes, institutions, and structures that help communities thrive.
Insights shared this month highlight how peace becomes measurable and actionable through:
Addressing inequity by improving education, health, and opportunity.
Partnering broadly—with community leaders, NGOs, government agencies, peace practitioners, and local mediators.
Training youth leaders through RYLA, Interact, and peace-focused leadership experiences with our exchange students.
Adapting to new forms of conflict, including digital misinformation and climate-related displacement.
Peacebuilding is not only global, it starts right at home. Each kind act, each moment of listening, and each effort to strengthen understanding builds the foundation for lasting peace.
The New Rotary Peace Center in India
This year brings exciting news for the global Rotary family:
Rotary has announced a new Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis International University in Pune, India.
Why This Matters
This new center expands Rotary's peace footprint across Asia and deepens our commitment to preparing leaders who can navigate the complex challenges of modern conflict.
What the Program Offers
A one-year professional certificate fellowship for mid-career peace and development practitioners.
Curriculum focused on conflict transformation, sustainable development, identity and land disputes, climate-related instability, migration and displacement, and social justice.
Field visits, seminars, and hands-on projects that fellows implement in their home communities.
Training in Positive Peace, equipping fellows with tools to build resilient, equitable communities.
Impact & Vision
This Peace Center will welcome 20 fellows per cohort twice a year, creating a strong regional network of peace leaders who understand local contexts while contributing to global peacebuilding efforts. It joins Rotary’s growing network of Peace Centers that have trained more than 1,800 fellows worldwide since 2002.
As Rotary International leaders shared, this new center represents a “significant step in fostering peace and developing sustainable solutions across local and global challenges.”
💡 What Your Club Can Do This Month
Here are ways your Rotary Club can embrace Peace & Conflict Resolution Month:
1. Host a Peace-Focused Program
Invite a local mediator, social worker, refugee support organization, or Msg. Siffrin, our District Peace Chair, to speak about conflict resolution and community building.
2. Participate in a Service Project that Reduces Conflict Drivers
Projects supporting literacy, health access, food security, or economic opportunity all strengthen the pillars of Positive Peace.
3. Promote Rotary Peace Fellowship
Encourage leaders in your community—educators, nonprofit staff, social advocates—to consider applying for Peace Fellowships offered annually.
4. Highlight Peace Stories
Share stories of peace advocates, volunteers, or clubs in your district working to foster understanding and dialogue.
Peace begins with us—one conversation, one connection, one act of service at a time.
As we honor Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, may we serve with compassion and lead with intention, knowing that our collective actions ripple far beyond what we can see.
We have exciting news for district 6650! It is my honor to announce that Ryan Boyce has been named the 2025-2026 District Governor Elect.
Ryan has been a member of the Rotary Club of Salem, OH since 2016. He has served on as Sergeant at Arms, Club Public Relations Chair, in 2021-2022 as Past President of the club, and held the Assistant Governor role for the 2022-2025 term.
In April 2024, Ryan travelled to Ethiopia where he worked with CGWE and the Rotary Club of Nekempte on local projects. He received the 2024 Rotarian ‘Service Above Self’ Award and a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his work and support.
From 2018-2020, Ryan served as a member of the Board of Directors for the local Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Ryan was a member of the NEO Veterinary Managers’ Group and helped facilitate it from 2016-2017.
Ryan is an alumna of The University of Akron. His hospitality career focused on hotel restaurants and private country clubs proceeded to grow as he became a part of the food and beverage management team at the Renaissance Downtown Columbus Hotel.
Upon relocating to Northeastern Ohio, Ryan took on the responsibility of Practice Manager at Adamson Veterinary Services. He created Real Surrounding Beauty, LLC during the time he was a stay-at-home parent for his and his wife’s two children until he returned to his Practice Manager role at Adamson Veterinary Services.
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.
February is: PEACEBUILDING & CONFLICT PREVENTION MONTH
Today, there is a global crisis of violent conflicts. Rotarians are dedicated to be peacebuilders and conflict resolutioners in their communities. Find out more by clicking on the above image. In addition, contact our District 6650 Peace Chair Msgr. Robert Siffrin - he can make visits to your club to speak about how to get involved in your community for peacebuilding.
As we begin the second half of our Rotary year, remember that our District Peace Chair Mgr. Robert Siffrin, one of the most popular members of the “District Speakers Bureau”, is available to speak or answer any questions you have. His email address is: rsiffrin@youngstowndiocese.org
Rotary Seeks Peace Fellow Candidates
Open to all District 6650 Clubs
Click on Image to find out more information on how to apply
Rotary Peace Center
Rotary partners with Symbiosis International University to establish a peace center in India providing one-year Rotary Peace Fellowships to train peacebuilders across Asia on pivotal issues in the region.
Rotary Peace Centers provide educational fellowships for peacebuilders to receive academic training and practical experience in peace and conflict studies at premier universities around the world.
The mission is to educate and empower future leaders to become catalysts for peace in their communities and globally.
There are currently seven Rotary Peace Centers - Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan, Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, University of Bradford in England, University of Queensland in Australia, and Uppsala University in Sweden.
Since the program's inception in 2002, more than 1,800 fellows from over 140 countries have been trained. Alumni go on to leadership roles in a variety of fields, including governments, non-governmental organizations, education and research institutions, peacekeeping agencies, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
FIND OUT MORE ON HOW TO DEVELOP PEACEBUILDING IN YOUR CLUB!
On October 9th, 2025 Rotarians were invited to attend in the "Building Peace Through Service" Program & Cruise Follow-Up Informational Meeting. This is an important opportunity for all Rotarians, Rotaractors, Rotary Peace Fellows, Rotary Positive Peace Activators, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Trainers & Practitioners, and Friends & Family.
More information is located in the "Read More". For additional information or questions, please reach out to:
Tom Carlisi, MA, Rotarian, CNVC Trainer at: info.carlisiandassociates@gmail.com
One Week Left - Register for the 55th Annual World Affairs Institute
Click above for more information
Rotary Member Michael McGovern selected Chair of Global Polio Eradication Initiative's Oversight Board
NOW OPEN: 2026 - 2027 Youth Advisory Council Applications
As a member of Rotary International’s Youth Advisory Council, you have the opportunity to advocate for young people around the world.
Youth program participants, alumni, and Rotary members are invited to serve on this international body that advises the RI Board of Directors on our youth programs and shapes their future. Learn more about the council and apply by 15 February.
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.
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!
Every year we bring the 4-Way test to our local high schools to ask students to argue a topic up against this test of the things we think, do and say. Introducing the 4-Way Test to young people will help more and more people to apply its important principles to their own lives with the ultimate goal being to make the world a better place.
Click on the Rotary picture to download the package from our District 4-Way Chairs Carrie Spina and Manuel Halkias.
Following an inspiring Zone 30 & 31 Virtual Membership Summit, DG Kim Weiss has challenged Rotary clubs to add 8 new members in 8 weeks. Why? Because eight new members can:
Bring fresh energy and new perspectives Share leadership and service responsibilities Expand our community reach and impact Strengthen long-term club sustainability
Eight weeks gives us a clear, focused window to build momentum and try new approaches to membership growth.
Bonus! Clubs that successfully add 8 new members will be entered into a drawing for $1,000 to host a member social event in May or June—designed to bring guests and reinforce Rotary’s culture of invitation and fellowship.
She'll be sharing resources and highlights from the summit to help support clubs throughout the challenge.
Let’s go, District 6650—let’s engage, invite, and grow Rotary together!
Important Membership Development Updates from Rotary International
February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, and one of the most meaningful ways our Clubs and Virtual Clubs live this out is through how we care for one another.
In District 6650, many of our clubs thrive because they are close-knit, flexible, and welcoming, but that also means every member matters. Peacebuilding starts when people feel seen, heard, and valued. A quick check-in, an invitation to share an idea, or a simple “we missed you” can make all the difference.
This month, consider reaching out to one member you haven’t connected with recently. Strong relationships build strong clubs, and strong clubs are the foundation of Rotary’s impact.
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.
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 Public Image
ROTARY DISTRICT 6650
RECEIVES BRAND AMBASSADOR AWARD
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
Our team of Rotarians are here to help you at your club level. We can publish your club news from our District newsletter that is linked back to your club's homepage. If you have news to share or need help finding information on our website, please reach out to our team for assistance.
Wanda Angel joined the Rotary Club of Sugarcreek in 2004 and has served as President for five terms and continues to serve as Pancake Day chairperson along with Public Image Chair.
Wanda grew up in New Philadelphia, graduating as a New Philadelphia Quaker and moved to Sugarcreek almost 34 years ago. She is married to Justin and they have three children – Stephanie (Aaron) Viscounte, Taylor (Drexel) Weber II, and their soon- to-be 18 yr old son, Christopher (who is working on his Eagle Scout Merit redesigning the community bulletin board for the Village of Sugarcreek).
She also celebrates her granddaughters – Gianna, Olivia, and Eleanor.
Wanda holds two degrees from Kent State University – An Associates of Art degree and a Bachelor of Integrated Studies in Marketing and Leadership. She has over 35 years’ experience in sales and marketing. She has been involved in major new product development launches, ENERGY STAR educational programs, and growing her business relationships. Wanda is currently employed by Superb Sealing Solutions as their Brand Marketing Manager. Her role changes daily but most importantly, she is the brand and marketing contact at Superb reporting directly to the owner, John Miller. She also is a key volunteer for the annual Seed to Spoon Summit held every June celebrating homesteading, canning, health and wellness, and environmental topics.
She is currently Rotary District 6650 Public Image Chair and Rotary District 6650 Assistant Governor for Tuscarawas County Rotary Clubs.
Wanda also volunteers her time with the Ohio Swiss Festival as their Grand Parade Registration Chairperson and helps when she can for the Sugarcreek Business Association.
Ask Wanda what she thinks about Rotary, and she will reply “Rotary to me is something much bigger than myself. Rotary gives me the outlet to be effective with like-minded people. I raised my children in Rotary, and they have followed me and have become excellent leaders in their own sales and marketing fields. Most importantly, I want people to know that I am a servant leader with a “service-above-self” attitude, and this is an important legacy I want to leave with my children and grandchildren for many years.”
Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer is the president and founder of MARQUEE, a strategic communications and special events consultancy. She is a native of the Youngstown area and a graduate of the former Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, PA. Additionally, she has done graduate-level work in magazine publishing at Stanford University and nonprofit management at Kent State University.
Heschmeyer began her career as a journalist, working in television, newspapers, and as a magazine editor in Ohio, South Dakota, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C. She later worked in public and media relations at agencies for firms in Washington, D.C., and Ohio. She is the former director of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley and currently serves as the representative for the Board of the Autism Society of Ohio.
Upon returning to the Youngstown area, she felt compelled to revitalize the Polish-American community in the Mahoning Valley, sharing some of her childhood experiences with her children. To this end, she founded the nonprofit PolishYoungstown in 2008. As director of this active nonprofit, she has developed, promoted, and supported a wide variety of classes, workshops, and events that have raised awareness of the culture throughout the region. Simply Slavic, another 501 (c) (3) organization and festival for the larger Slavic community, was also created with her impetus.
In addition to her Polish and Slavic activities, Heschmeyer is active with the Rotary Club of Youngstown, the Youngstown Press Club, and the Trumbull County Tourism Bureau. She has been married to her husband, Mark, for 30+ years and together they have five children, five Exchange Student daughters, and a multitude of pets – all of whom she says have participated, supported, and sacrificed to make her achievements possible.
Please congratulate Anita Brennan who has been named the Membership Committee Chair. Anita is also on the Public Image Supporting Committee for the newsletter and holds several positions in the Howland Club.
If you have any Rotary Club news to share, please share with Anita. Anita is also seeking committee members for: Member Attraction, Member Engagement, and New Club Development. If you have a heart for Rotary and want to expand the good you do this is an excellent opportunity!
I was born and raised in the eastern suburbs of Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. During my junior year of high school, my family relocated to Florida, and after graduation, we returned to Pennsylvania to be closer to my brothers.
My husband and I have been married for 25 years and are proud parents to two wonderful children, Jeremy and Alexandra. In search of a fresh start, we moved to Ohio about nine years ago—and it’s been home ever since.
In 2018, I earned my real estate license and in 2019, began my journey with Howard Hanna. Over the past six years, I’ve worked with incredible agents and clients, and for the last five years, I’ve served as an Administrative Assistant in the Howland office, providing training and support to fellow agents.
Community involvement is important to me. I joined the Howland Rotary Club almost two years ago and have taken on several leadership roles, including Public Image Chair - managing our social media, website, and started a newsletter, Club Secretary, Membership Committee Chair for our Club, District 6650 Public Image Newsletter, and now, Membership Chair.
I’m passionate about helping others, building strong relationships, and giving back to the community I now call home.
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:
Our District Learning Assemblies are the perfect mix of Educational and Entertainment!
If you get the chance to attend, don’t miss it—it’s an absolute must-do experience! You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, valuable connections, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
Membership Chair, Maureen Drummond, giving us direction on how to build our Club Membership.
Ask:
Why it could work?
Who would it target?
First steps to try it!
Great turnout! Huge thanks to the Rotary Club of Canal Fulton for hosting. What you’ve done—and continue to do—for your community is truly amazing!
Julia Wetstein giving us a mini history lesson on the beginnings of Rotary!
Dear Rotary member:
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
✨ What Have Our Rotary Clubs Been Up To? ✨
Our Rotary Clubs have been 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.
Sugarcreek Rotary Club
Struthers Rotary Club
New Struthers Rotary Members Receive Pins
Pictured (left to right) are Struthers Rotary Club Membership Chair Mary Ann Morell, David Shevetz receiving his pin from sponsor Karen Mettee, Catherine Cercone Miller sponsoring Philip Placko, who chose to share his membership experience by sponsoring Frank Clinton and Struthers Rotary President Ryan Goist. A hearty welcome to all our new members who received their pins at our January 6th Meeting!
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Newsletter! Get your newsletter here!
The City of Struthers Struthers Rotary 4th Quarter 2025 edition has officially hit the bricks!
Don't be left in the dark, folks! We’ve got the cities top stories, Rotary updates, and everything in between.
Whether you like the feel of newsprint in your hands or the sound of the news in your ears, we’ve got a copy with your name on it!
Grab 'em while they're hot at -
Local Shops & Businesses / City Hall
No time to stop?
Special Thank you to Castlo Community Improvement Corporation for your sponsorship.
The Louisville club recently gave out two checks to these folks:
$500 went to Officer Steve Miller, who kicked off a cool program called “Fish with a Cop.” You can see Officer Miller with Don “Scooter” Israel, our club grant chair and President Jim Dutter.
The Community Cupboard presented a $1,000 check to Sally Samblanet and Karen Crislip. These wonderful ladies dedicate their time to supporting those in need within our community. To show their appreciation, members also filled a grocery cart with food and hygiene items. Also pictured are Greg Anderson, President-elect, and President Jim Dutter.
HOWLAND ROTARY CLUB
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.
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
Partnering to conserve the monarch butterfly migration
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
4645 Jaycox Road, Suite 103 https://www.ernstseed.com/
Avon, Ohio 44011
Cell: (440) 487-8318
jmckenney@ohio-nhn.com
https://ohio-nhn.com/
Wintergreen Tree Farm
Has become one of the largest
Chestnut producers in USA
3898 Winchell Rd.
Mantua, OH 44255
Last winter, Liz Myers-Chamberlin gathered her neighbors, a stack of recycled jugs, and native seeds for a Winter Sowing Party. Not only was it a joyful way to connect, but everyone went home with native plants for a fraction of what they would cost at a nursery.
We’re sharing her story, plus a simple how-to so you can try winter sowing yourself or host a gathering in your own community. It’s one of the most affordable and beginner-friendly ways to start or expand a native garden—no grow lights, no special equipment, and no big budget required.
“I want to shout to the world that my daughter deserves a healthy climate, she deserves to see fireflies in June, she deserves to see a caterpillar turn into a butterfly.”
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.
One of my goals as your District Editor is to help bring our Rotary Clubs closer together by sharing the incredible work happening across District 6650. So many wonderful events, service projects, and moments of fellowship take place each month—and they deserve to be seen and celebrated.
I invite each club to share a glimpse of what you’ve been up to. This can be as simple as one photo and a few sentences about a recent or upcoming event. By sharing your stories, you inspire other clubs, spark new ideas, and remind us that we are part of something much bigger than our individual meetings.
You are welcome to submit items at any time. Content received by the first of the month will be considered for the upcoming issue. You may also tag the District on social media—many of those posts may find their way into the newsletter as well.
Let’s keep the conversation going, stay connected, and continue learning from one another. I look forward to sharing your stories.
Bring fresh energy and new perspectives
Bonus! Clubs that successfully add 8 new members will be entered into a drawing for $1,000 to host a member social event in May or June—designed to bring guests and reinforce Rotary’s culture of invitation and fellowship.
Let’s go, District 6650—let’s engage, invite, and grow Rotary together!
