Good day. I want to thank all the current presidents and presidents-elect who attended the recently completed training seminar at the All Ohio Presidents–elect (AOP’s) conference in Columbus. Over 320 Rotarians and guests attended this exceptional conference. Attendees had the wonderful opportunity to personally met, speak, and listen with Rotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones, Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada. Her story and theme for 2022-2023 Imagine Rotary was truly inspirational.
We were honored to have our Zone 30 RI Director for 2021-2023 Elizabeth Usovicz, Rotary Club of Kansas City Plaza, Missouri; John Blount, RI Director 2009-2011, Rotary Club of Sebastopol, California; Katie Spotz, Ultra-Endurance Athlete, Charitable Ambassador, Author and World Record Holder, Cleveland, Ohio; and MJ Clark, Author and Executive Coach for leadership and organizational communication speak and share life experiences for success.
A special thank you goes to the General Chair of the AOP’s Training Seminar, Steven Heiser, Past District Governor, District 6690 and the team of District Governors-elect, Diana Savage, District 6600; David Jones, District 6630; Michelle Charles, District 6650; Frank Scott, District 6670, and Price Finley, District 6690. The entire program was inspirational and motivating.
Furthermore, I want to bring to your attention some great things that are happening in Rotary. Rotary International's monthly theme for April is Maternal and Child Health! Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. At least 7 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, Rotary provides immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improves access to essential medical services, and supports trained health care providers for mothers and their children.
Rotary’s projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs. Maternal and Child Health Care is also recognized as one of Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus. Please keep this theme in mind as we serve to change lives for the better in our communities.
Disaster Relief to the Ukraine:
Rotary District 6650 Conference – Saturday, June 25, 2022, 8:00am-2:00pm
Location: Walsh University, Barrette Business & Community Center 2020 East Maple Street North Canton, Ohio 44720
Registration: Link will be forthcoming / watch for district website announcement.
Special Announcement:
Chorus for a Cause is a group of dedicated women who sing to raise funds for charities in communities. Their next two performances, April 3rd, and April 9th will focus on raising money for the Military Family Center in Louisville Ohio. The Chorus has asked the district if it would assist in sharing the event information to Rotary Club district wide and especially to Rotary Clubs in Stark,and helping to raise money for the Military Family Center. The two concerts will help the Military Family Center in Louisville provide funding for the use of horses to help Military and local 1st Responders (police/fire) recover from severe PTSD. Please plan to attend,
And tell your friends and share this event on your Facebook timeline.
No ticket is required. Suggested donations of $10-$15 will help, cash or check only please.
More information is available at: achoursforacause.org.
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for donors around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.
To this end, The Rotary Foundation has approved:
Now through 30 June 2022, designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine may apply for grants of up to $50,000 each from the Disaster Response Fund. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing.
During this same period, other impacted Rotary districts that wish to offer support to refugees or other victims of the crisis in their district can apply for $25,000 grants from the Disaster Response Fund.
Now through 30 April 2022, Rotary districts can transfer unallocated District Designated Funds (DDF) to support the Disaster Response Fund, directly supporting these Ukraine-specific humanitarian grants.
Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made here. All funds need to be received into the Disaster Response Fund by 30 April 2022 in order to qualify for use in support of the Ukrainian relief efforts.
Although the Disaster Response Fund will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
In addition to support provided through the Disaster Response Fund, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions to the increased humanitarian needs.
We are in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare for and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.
ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.
The Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration is also mobilizing its resources to assist in this crisis.
More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.
We will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Visit My Rotary and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.
For all other questions and to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org.
In addition:
Funds can be mailed directly to Rotary International, 14280 Collection Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693. To verify the address, any questions can be directed to the Rotary Support Center. Ph # 1 (866) 976-8279. Your Rotary club can send a donation in the name of the club. The attached forms need to be filled out by the club.
District 6650 is in the process of committing $25,000 from our District Designated Funds for the Ukraine Disaster Relief effort.
“Operation Warm” remains a District 6650 Favorite!
Rotarians in District 6650 continued to partner with Operation Warm for a 10th year providing coats to children, and adults throughout our District! In spite of the lingering effects of the pandemic, our District partners raised $45,504 to purchase 2,616 coats! District partners include the Rotary Clubs of Youngstown, Cortland, Columbiana, Canfield, Brookfield, Orrville, Dover, Austintown, Poland, Girard/Liberty, Steubenville, and for the 4th year, Victory Christian Center’s Boardman, Liberty, New Castle and Warren campuses. It was a very challenging campaign due to worldwide shortages and extended shipping and transportation delivery issues.
Youngstown Rotarian, Debbie Esbenshade (DG2013-14) introduced this project to Division 1(a) clubs in 2012 and since it’s inception, our D6650 campaigns have raised roughly $490,000 and provided 25,200 coats and has been supported by all District Governor’s since then.
Besides the direct benefit to our recipients, Rotary Clubs especially like the fact that all coats stay in our district and directly affect our constituents!
Brief History of Operation Warm
Operation Warm began in 1998 when retired business man Dick Sanford, a member of the Rotary Club of Longwood, District 7450, Kennett Square PA, read a newspaper story about children waiting for a school bus on a cold February morning without adequate winter clothing. Moved by the story, Dick went to a local store and purchased every children’s coat they had, and arranged through his Rotary Club to personally give the coats to children in need at the local school. This directly led to a club project the next year, and a District wide project in 2000.
Dick was incredibly moved by the impact the coats had on children and their families, and decided he wanted to do more. So, like happens with many a Rotary Club project (e.g. ShelterBox), he formed a non-profit company (a 501c3 public charity) called Operation Warm and began building the program. Naturally, District 7450 Rotarians were among the early supporters, but in order to grow, support was sought from many partners, including private and corporate foundations, governmental agencies, churches and many caring individuals.
Saturday, April 2, 2022, 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: Arrowhead Golf & Event Center 1500 Rogwin Circle SW. North Canton, Ohio 44720
Rotary Youth Exchange – preparing to resume youth exchange. Are in-person exchanges really going to resume on 1 July 2022? Yes. Until the Board takes a different decision, districts are permitted to begin planning for in-person exchanges. Please understand, if the situation changes dramatically the Board could take a different decision, but not before carefully considering the situation and the impact of any decision. Hopefully our District Youth Exchange coordinators Brent Rice, Wooster Club, (330) 749-7120 [brentlrice@sssnet.com] and Bill wood, Louisville Club, (330) 284-4779 [wmawood@juno.com] will have more information in the future.
Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta has urged members to become more involved in-service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.
But...to be able to do more through service, Rotary needs to increase membership. Membership has hovered around 1.2 million for the past two decades. Thus, Mehta has challenged Rotary District and Clubs to be catalysts to help increase membership to 1.3 million by 1 July 2022 through his Each One, Bring One initiative which asks every member to bring one person to join Rotary within the remaining year.
Club Leaders, I know you are doing a wonderful job on empowering your members to share Rotary with others! It is inspiring to see what Rotary Clubs can do when we prioritize the member experience and give members the tools to invite others to benefit in the same way. Below, you will find tips for success and a sample timeline to take your Each One, Bring One campaign to the next level as we turn the calendar into a new year. Every Rotary Club is unique, so feel free to adapt, customize and dream up your own creative ideas!
Implementation Tips
June
Consider hosting a community “open house” to celebrate your members and the community you serve. Clubs are encouraged to replicate “Meet Rotary” for in-person
events or virtual gatherings. It is a high-impact event that highlights the important work of Rotary while identifying opportunities for others to get involved.
As the Rotary year ends, think about ways your club might continue to engage with current and future members.
Thank you.
Governor Steve
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
Rotary District 6650 Youth Exchange Committee is accepting and reviewing student applications for long-term exchange (LTEP) in the 2022-2023 school year. Rotary Youth Exchange around the world has been suspended since Summer 2020. The District 6650 committee is hopeful exchanges will be allowed to resume in the fall of 2022. Rotary International (RI) will make the ultimate decision whether to re-open the exchange program or to continue the suspension. RI’s decision will be made in the coming months.
Locally, we intend to be prepared to resume exchanges as soon as RI gives us the green light to re-start. Interested students should be aged 15 to 19 at the time of exchange. Students that apply and are accepted will go out on exchange in August 2022 pending RI’s program authorization. In the meantime, encourage interested students and their families to find more information on exchange and access to the student application through the Youth Exchange district link at the D6650 website www.rotarydistrict6650.org.
Rotary Youth Exchange is a reciprocal program. In order to sponsor and send outbound students, we will again rely on D6650 Rotary clubs to host inbound students. Host clubs…
*Partner with their local school district for admission and attendance of inbound students *Arrange host families (between 2 to 4 to share each student housing through the year) *Support hosted students with a small monthly stipend *Involve inbound students in club and community activities while looking after the well-being of the student.
Direct your questions and interest you or your club may have to be of service with Rotary Youth Exchange to D6650 Youth Exchange Co-Chairs Bill Wood (330-284-4779; wmawood@juno.com; Louisville Rotary Club Brent Rice (330-749-7120; brentlrice@sssnet.com; Wooster Rotary Club
MY ROTARY ONLINE GUIDE
Clubs are reminded to update their membership data through My Rotary or their club management systems by January 1 to ensure that their club invoices will be accurate. Getting a My Rotary Account is not difficult. Your account helpsRI collect data: demographic information, a primary and secondary email address, and your membership number (If you do not have this, your club secretary will have it.)
Go to the Rotary International web site (www.rotary.org) At the top click My Rotary Below the red “Sign into My Rotary” box there is another that says, “Create an Account.” Click on that. Follow the instructions and put in the required information. In 24 to 48 hours, you will receive an email that will instruct you further about your account. After that you can just click the red “Sign into My Rotary” box; put in your email and password to access your account.
Using My Rotary Web Site
• Sign in to your My Rotary account
• At the top hover over Learning and Reference
• On the left you will see “Learning by Role”
• Click on “Club Roles”
• Here you will be able to see the duties of club presidents, secretaries, treasurers, and committee chairs.
• Go back to the home page and hover over “News and Media”
• On the far right there is a list of resources you can use to produce Rotary information for your club. Have a look at it.
• Back on the home page hover over “Manage.” Here is the Brand Center that will help you if you want to use the Rotary Logo. There are rules that govern the use of the logo.
• Hover over “Manage” on the left you will see “Club and District Administration”.
• Click on “Rotary Club Central” Here you will find a lot of information about membership for our club.
• In Rotary club Central click on the menu icon and then click on the “Goal Center”.
Hope this helps.
RI CONVENTION 2022
We’re just a few months away from the Rotary International Convention, which takes place 4-8 June in Houston, Texas, USA. In this issue of Convention News, you’ll find updates about breakout sessions, exhibitor space, Houston activities, and our COVID-19 protocols.
Please visit convention.rotary.org and join the 2022 Rotary Convention Facebook event page for the latest news. New breakout sessions added
More than 3,000 people responded to a survey in February about what kind of convention breakout sessions they’re interested in. As a result of their feedback, we’ve added a number of sessions, including ones focused on member engagement, service projects, and leadership skills. You can find highlights of the program on the breakout session page.
More details about the breakout program will be available in May. Secure your space in the House of Friendship
At the convention, the House of Friendship is where people gather, make connections, learn, and shop. If you want to sell merchandise or showcase your club or district’s projects, consider joining our exhibitors in Houston. For information and booth pricing, visit the Host Organization Committee’s website or write to Debbie Elias at exhibitor@houstonri2022.org.Space in the House of Friendship is filling up quickly, so secure your spot now! COVID-19 protocols
Rotary International will follow the recommendations for safe gatherings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone who is attending in person will need to either submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention. CDC travel guidelines can be found HERE.
You’ll receive an email soon with instructions about how and when to submit your proof of vaccination or test results. Host Organization Committee events
Don’t miss the unforgettable experiences awaiting you in Houston! Choose from music, magic, visits to world-class museums, a tour of the famed Space Center Houston, and more.
Visit houstonri2022.org to learn more about all these events and to purchase tickets. The Rotary Foundation donor events
Registration is open for The Rotary Foundation’s donor events. Donors who are registered for the convention will receive invitations by email for the events they’re eligible for.
• The Rotary Foundation Donor Summit | 6 June | Doors open at 13:00
• The Rotary Foundation Unity Ball | 7 June | Cocktails at 19:00
• The Stars Align in Houston dinner | 7 June | Cocktails at 19:00 Visit the donor events page to learn more about these exciting opportunities and register by 15 May.
Possibilities for peace
With all that’s going on in the world today, it’s understandable that some may be disheartened - but peace is possible. And Rotary members can lead the way in creating more peaceful, resilient, and inclusive societies. Take part in the Rotary Presidential Conference Houston: Serve to Bring Peace, 3-4 June. Learn about the important role that each area of focus plays in creating environments where peace can happen, and how each of those efforts are meeting the many challenges to peace in today’s world – from climate change, pandemics, and forced migration, to polarization in our communities. Find out more about the presidential conference and about the humanitarians and peacebuilders who’ll be there to inspire you. Register for the presidential conference today and share on the event’s Facebook page.
Engage with Rotaract
Join us for the Rotaract Preconvention, 3-4 June, to meet Rotaract and Rotary leaders from around the world, learn more about how Rotaract members are taking action to make sustainable change, share tips and ideas, and gain valuable professional skills. Register for the Rotaract Preconvention now.Watch for our Know Before You Go email, arriving in May!
DISTRICT CLUBS IN ACTION...
Please share your club’s stories by the 5th of the devious month for inclusion in the next monthly bulletin
email: rotarydistrict6650@gmail.com
ALLIANCE ROTARY
Members of the Alliance Rotary Club went on an outing Wednesday, March 9 to the Military Family Center and met a special friend. During a tour of the 20-acre facility Rotary members were greeted by Skeeter Bug, a horse sponsored by the Alliance Rotary Club.
The Family Military Center is a division of Pegasus Farms, which has been providing therapeutic equestrian activities to veterans since 2007. They have served more than 150 veterans who have received nearly 5,000 hours of services dedicated to helping them overcome conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, depression, and social isolation.
The community-based Military Family Center was developed to meet the needs of veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families. Through efforts by the Rotary International Foundation, partnerships with several local Rotary Clubs, and Walsh University, funding was obtained in 2017 through the Stark Community Foundation, the farm was purchased and renovated. Equestrian services, counseling services, and exercise services are currently available for veterans and first responders.
Incoming President, Jamie Evans attended the President Elect Training Seminar (PETS). Girl Power! District 6650, Division 1A will have 6 female Presidents come July 1st. Hard to imagine since women were not accepted into Rotary until 1986. (Poland, Struthers, Austintown, Canfield, Youngstown and Boardman) President Elects with RI President Elect Jennifer Jones, DG Michele Charles and DGN Elayne Bozick.
CALCUTTA ROTARY
The Calcutta Rotary partnered with FOP 210 to present Nikki Verzella, the President from Ups for Downs, with 20 ipads to be distributed to children in need through the Ups for Downs Organization. Beaver Local Schools worked as a community partner to make this donation possible for the organization. Ms. Verzella shared that the organization supports 32 families in the area. She also discussed the impact that the pandemic has had and the organization is looking forward to hosting an event for families on March 21 which is National Down Syndromes Day.
CANAL FULTON ROTARY
Mother of All Races 5K Run or Walk and 10K Run!
Saturday, May 7th - Northwest High School - 8AM Start!
What does golf, bourbon, Guardian tickets, local restaurants and spa services have in common…The 2022 Canton Rotary Spring UnEvent Raffle of course!
Tickets are just $10 each for singles with discounts for buying more. The items are valued at $100 or more and include lots of good stuff.
This is our biggest fundraiser this year. It provides the funding for the Club’s social service projects. Please consider supporting us and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!!!
CANTON SOUTH ROTARY
The club held their St. Paddy's fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis in March..
CORTLAND ROTARY
The Cortland Rotary Club recently donated many blankets to Trumbull County Childrens Services as part of a service project called "My Very own Blanket". Many thanks go out to the Rotary Club members and Cortland Quilt Club members who made and donated blankets for this project.
On Friday, March 4th the East Liverpool Rotary and Kent State had their 2022 Career Day, where approximately 140 High School Sophomores spent the day at Kent State's East Liverpool Campus, listening to over 32 professionals highlight various potential career choices.
EAST PALESTINE ROTARY
GIRARD-LIBERTY ROTARY
HUBBARD ROTARY
Hubbard Rotary donated a Solar Suitcase educational resource to the Hubbard Public Library for inclusion in its lending program. Solar Suitcase materials support STEM Through Solar Cooking experiments, activities and engineering design challenges. This project-based resource is available for patrons to borrow for classrooms, scout groups, and other groups interested in learning more about solar energy, energy literacy and food security
JACKSON TOWNSHIP
Join us for the Rotary Club of Jackson Township's annual fundraiser, Vintage Jackson, a Wine & Bourbon Tasting Event.
This year, proceeds from Vintage Jackson will benefit Coleman Health Services’ Crisis Stabilization Unit and Mobile Response Team.
is through events. Vintage Jackson is one of our largest fundraisers that benefits a local organization each year.
Tickets for Vintage Jackson are $70 in advance or $75 at the door. An additional fee applies for Bourbon tastings.
Strawberry Festival...Thursday, June 9,2022 6:00-8:30am
The club is planning for its summer fundraiser and community awareness project. The club is partnering with the McKinley Memorial summer concert series and with be selling strawberry shortcake and ice cream to raise funds for their high school scholarship program. The community is invited to enjoy strawberry shortcake and a lawn concert by the Girard String Band.
NEW PHILADELPHIA ROTARY
It's the Easter Bunny...or is it?!
NORTH CANTON ROTARY
The club donated $1300.00 to Wishes Can Happen in celebration of their 40th anniversary
The club donated $1300.00 to the Hoover High Speech & Debate team qualifiers for the national tournament
PERRY TOWNSHIP ROTARY
STRUTHERS ROTARY
Hey everyone! Please share and support the Struthers Police Department by purchasing these fundraiser tickets to support our K-9 unit as we look to add another K9 member to the Police Department.
Tickets can be purchased from myself or Jeremy Cramer as well as at Premier Bank in Downtown Struthers, from the Auditors office located in City Hall, as well as from any Struthers Rotary member! Thank you for the support!
Funded as part of the Struthers Rotary "Rebel With A Cause" program, students at Struthers Middle School completed their project of building birdhouses and bird feeders for Struthers pollinator garden sites. Thanks to Jenna Agnone, Rotarian and SMS Special Ed Faculty, and Floyd Cracraft, SMS School Counselor for their dedicated attention to this most valuable endeavor.
SUGARCREEK ROTARY
In the News!
DG Steve Wilder dropped into the Sugarcreek Pancake Breakfast...
WOOSTER ROTARY
Wooster Rotarians are busy evaluating for wear and tear each flag used in our successful Parade of Flags program. For $40 subscribers receive a flag for five holidays per year, placed on their lawn. There are currently over 2000 flag subscriptions. Wooster Rotary partners with local groups such as boy/girl scout troops, sports teams, and other groups to place flags for each holiday. Interesting facts include:
2022 will be the 14th season.
Over the lifetime of the program, Wooster Rotary has generated over $195,000 for our partner groups who place flags.
10% of the profits are set aside to invest in Veterans programs. Over $45,000 has been utilized in various veterans’ programs
The remainder of the proceeds fund club programs such as Scholarships and Youth Exchange.
More information can be found at https://www.woosterrotary.org/Stories/2021-parade-of-flags
YOUNGSTOWN ROTARY
Did you know that Rotary Clubs in Ohio are working to donate blankets to My Very Own Blanket? The goal is to donate over 1,600 blankets! If you want to sponsor a blanket to reach this goal, donate $10 towards a blanket kit, which will be used by other Rotarians. Additionally, the district that donates the most blankets per capita, based on membership of each district as of July 1, 2021, will win the contest.
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