In 1904, Paul Harris who was born in Racine, Wisconsin and then raised in Vermont, had a law practice in Chicago; and he was lonely. After supper with a friend one day, they went for a walk and Paul was surprised at the number of people with which his friend stopped to speak. He was even more surprised to find out that most of those people were his friend’s business acquaintances. So, in February of 1905, Paul invited three business acquaintances to lunch. It went well; subsequent weekly gatherings were planned, and they decided on the name The Rotary Club because they rotated the sites of the meetings regularly between the members’ offices. The membership grew quickly and within a year, the group was so large that a regular meeting site was established. The idea, though, was very well received, and other Clubs were formed so that by 1910, there was a National Association of Rotary Clubs in America and by 1912, it became the International Association of Rotary Clubs. Since then, Rotary has continued to grow and do great things all over the world. But we should never forget that Rotary was the result of a lonely person looking to make friends. To help us remember, Rotary International calls the month of June Rotary Fellowship Month.
June is also my last month to write the DG CORNER since it is my last month as District Governor. But I really appreciate the designation of Rotary Fellowship Month. Over the last twelve months, I have visited dozens of Rotary Clubs. And on each visit, I found a group of people enjoying each other’s company while doing great things for their community and the world. Each and every Club, though, found time for me. They listened to my message; we talked, and we became friends. And I have no doubt that the next time we meet, we will still be friends and I look forward to that meeting.
The opportunities for friends and fellowship in Rotary are many. Attending meetings regularly and helping at fund raisers and projects can generate more camaraderie and fun than one might imagine. Just working together brings us closer together. But really, that is only the beginning. Try attending meetings of other Clubs or join in another Club’s social or fundraising events. Showing interest in the activities of other Rotarians is a great way to start new friendships. One can expand one’s knowledge of Rotary as well as meeting new Rotarians by moving above the Club level. New friendships can be made and built by attending District and Zone events. At these types of events, you will not only learn more about Rotary and how it functions, you will also meet Rotarians with exciting new viewpoints and ideas which will help develop you as a Rotarian as well as give ideas to take home to your Club. The opportunities for friends and friendship is epitomized at the Rotary International Convention. Thousands of people from around the world gather together to learn about Rotary and to meet new Rotarians! There are no strangers at Rotary functions; just friends waiting to be made.
I know all this to be true. Especially over the last year, I have seen it and I have lived it. I have many new Rotary friends. And there is no better way to make these new friends than by being District Governor. I am exceptionally honored and grateful to have been selected and to have served as District Governor of Rotary District 6650. I am so glad that I did this and encourage others to, at least, take a look at the position and consider it seriously. It is a great job! Thank you all for helping me have a wonderful year!
The Rotary Foundation and Grants
Every year, and in some cases every week, Rotarians are given the message that they should consider donating to The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Most Rotarians recognize that gifts to TRF are monies that will be developed and used for the good of our fellow man, peoples around the world. Your gifts to TRF supplies the fuel that keeps the amazing work of the Rotary engine happening. However, the scope is often not appreciated. Salem Rotarian and District Grant Chair, Dr. Pete Apicella, has provided this enlightening overview of what District 6650 has accomplished or helped to accomplish over the last 5 years.
District Rotary Foundation Committee - Local & Global Grants Update:
Over the past 5 years, we havereceived $523,214 in grant monies from the Rotary Foundation for Local District Grants and Global Grants. These funds represent monies our members have donated to the Rotary Foundation over that period. Half of these donated funds come back to our District to supply funds for local and global projects and half are used by the World Fund to match international projects.
Local District Grant Funds: Over the past 5 years, our Local District Grant funds have allowed our clubs to sponsor 158 projectstotaling $261,607.00 to make a difference in our communities through our District Grants.
This current Rotary year we received $50,584 for the 32 clubs who applied for grants.
Club Projects 2023-2024:
Global District Grant Funds: Over the past 5 years, $261,607 in Global District Grant funds have been multiplied through our District partnering with other Districts and the Rotary Foundation providing $1,858,396 in awards for impactful projects which have made a difference to so many, “Do Good in the World,”
Recent Global Grant Projects: Ukraine Disaster Relief; Latrines in Vietnam; Regenerative Agriculture in India; Thalassemia Blood Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment in India; Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment in Rwanda; Youth Nautical Education in Portugal; PolioPlus Support; Ophthalmic Equipment KLSM Rotary Clinic India; STEM in India; Hospital-Based Hemo-Dialysis Unit In The Province of Marinduque, Philippines; Assist poor/disabled with stable income by raising chickens in Vietnam; Assist in Women’s Diagnostic Center in Sri Lanka; GiGi’s Playhouse in Canton Downs Syndrome; Goats in Oholi, India; Guatemala Literacy Project; Classroom-based library Vietnam; Virtual Classrooms for Pune, India; Oxygen Concentrator for India and Singapore; and Water Well Oromia Africa.
District Foundation Committee, 2023-24.
Linda S. Fergason (District Rotary Foundation Chair), Dr. Peter Apicella, M.D. (District Grants Chair), Sig Warren (Peace Fellow Chair, Scholarship Chair), Geoff Goll (District Polio Chair),Jeff Neidig (Permanent Fund Chair), Mike Raulin (Paul Harris Society/Annual Giving Chair), Elayne Bozick (Alumni Chair), Rich Tirpak (District Governor), Dan Morgan, Greg Blasiman, Phil Mariola, Kim Weiss, DGN (ex officio)
Operation Pollination Tees
20% of each sale comes back to our District for District projects! Everyone's going to want one for a photo op this year!
RI President Gordon McInally is asking all Rotary members to offer help to those affected by mental health challenges.
As one Rotary year ends and another begins, what better way to celebrate 'THE MAGIC OF ROTARY' than by joining together at a district social. Please join us at this casual, come-and-go as you please free Rotary Car-Cruise. We encourage you to bring out your 'Garage-Queen' Show-Car as Rotary Club of Salem sponsors the Gervasi Car-Cruise showcasing Rotarians' Collector cars and trucks. All are welcomed to attend even if not bringing a vehicle to show. It is highly encouraged to make a reservation in advance if choosing to dine at one of their many restaurants. See more on our District 6650 Facebook page.
You are invited!
Join the Rotary International family in sharing and Creating Hope in the World as we come together in breathtaking Singapore for the 2024 Rotary International Convention, 25-29 May.
In Singapore, we’ll take ideas built upon hope and turn them into action as we discover new ways to create lasting change in our communities. We’ll enjoy opportunities to renew relationships made at previous conventions and create new ones together as we set our course toward a better future.
Please share your club’s stories by the 1st of the next month for inclusion in the next monthly bulletin
email: rotarydistrict6650@gmail.com
ALLIANCE ROTARY
Alliance Rotarians teamed up with the YWCA of Alliance to empower students through the Real Money Real World financial simulation, providing invaluable insights and skills for navigating adulthood. Check out our latest blog post to learn how this collaboration is shaping the future of financial literacy in our community!
Austintown Rotary members along with Austintown Township Trustees, Park Supervisor our Ohio State Rep celebrated the expansion of our beautiful Austintown Township Park this morning! We are grateful to be a part of this project and excited to have the new picnic area named after our club. Thank you to everyone in our community who donates to our various fundraisers; this is all made possible because of YOU!
BOARDMAN ROTARY
Huge “Thank You” shoutout to Mrs Baylor, The Interact Club and club member, Tara Garwood Stewart for assisting the American Legion today at the Memorial Day Parade! It was a great day for all involved to share in this event, and passiing out flags to parade attendees! May we always remember…Freedom is not free.
BROOKFIELD ROTARY
The club is proud to partner with the Warren-Trumbull County Library and to collect items for Play With Purpose drive to provide activities for children in the community. Drop off new games, coloring books, sidewalk chalk, puzzles, and more small activity books and sets for children to the Brookfield Library now to June 15.
CANAL FULTON ROTARY
The threatening weather on May11th did not keep down the attendance at the 17th edition of the MOTHER OF ALL RUNS, Canal Fulton Rotary's major fund raiser. About 300 runners and running teams braved the elements for fun and "glory". The men's individual winner won for the third year in a row. The estimates are that the event will generate almost $35,000 for Canal Fulton Rotary's local, national, and international projects
CANFIELD ROTARY
One of the newest Canfield Police Department members, K9 Rip his handler Sergeant Aaron Young. Canfield Rotary provided the $15,000 needed to purchase K9 Rip and to pay for the extensive training for both Sergeant Young and K9 Rip in the beginning of 2024K9 Rip is a Belgian Malinois born in the Netherlands and was imported to Pennsylvania, K9 Rip is a dual-purpose police K9and trained in narcotics detection and patrol work. During Rip’s time off from work he enjoys spending time with his handler’s family and going for walks.
It was a great hosting the Canton Local Schools math team! Mathletes in grades 5-7 train and compete in six different categories! The team placed in every category, including two first-place finishers. We are proud to sponsor the team and provide them with matching shirts! Go, Wildcats!
Congratulations to our student-athletes, and thank you to the peer mentors, families, and district staff! We had an excellent day at the Exceptional Olympics hosted by Perry High School and sponsored by the Canton South Rotary Club. The event brought together more than 750 athletes from across the 17 school districts to enjoy track-and-field-style games in the spirit of fun!
President, Tom Tender, proudly handed over a check for $3,252 to Adam Longwell, payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! This generous contribution comes from the proceeds of our successful April Baskets and Brews fundraiser. Adam's daughter, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, is a living testament to the incredible advancements made in the treatment of this condition, thanks to the research funded by generous donors. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and donated. Together, we are making a difference!
DENNISON ROTARY
As part of the restoration effort at Heritage Park, the Dennison Rotary Club’s first order of business in the archway work was cleaning the entire structure. It takes a team of people to make progress… we are thankful and blessed! Painting the metal and re-staining the murals are what’s next to come.
GIRARD-LIBERTY ROTARY
JACKSON TOWNSHIP ROTARY
LOUISVILLE ROTARY
Louisville Rotarians celebrated Earth Day by kicking off our 15th year of trail clean ups on the Nickel Plate Trail. Hopefully your next trip down the trail or around Metzger Park is near spotless! Service Above Self for our community!
MILLERSBURG ROTARY
Recent service projects include: Joint day of service painting the Millersburg Ferry boats with the Rotary Club of Perry County PA and staining and installing the tin roof on the vegetable stand we built using a Rotary District 7390 Club Grant in support of the Millersburg Borough Community Garden. Look for the vegetable stand to be deployed in Market Square Park later this summer for excess produce distribution!
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NORTH CANTON ROTARY
The club presented Bob DiBiasio of the the Cleveland Guardians a check for their Charities
The club stepped up to be a major sponsor for North Canton July 4th fireworks
The club sponsored four Hoover High students to compete in the National Speech & Debate Tournament in DeMoines, Iowa
We are once again happy to support Faith United Methodist Church and Camp Read-a-lot
NEW PHILADELPHIA ROTARY
New Phila Rotarians don their work clothes and get their hands dirty helping prepare Tuscora Park Rides, Amphitheater, and Concession stands ready to open for the summer season.
PLAIN TOWNSHIP ROTARY
POLAND ROTARY
The Club awarded $30,000 to 16 local charities! Funds were raised through our annual Chili Open/Polar Plunge and Night at the Races. Scouting America, Clothed In Strength, Sojourner House, Downs Syndrome Association of the Valley, Easter Seals, Mercy Health/Hospice House, Mahoning County Casa, Millcreek Children’s Center, Mission of Love, Potential Development, Second Harvest, Special Olympics, Rosalie’s Forever Footprints, The Walnut Grove, Poland Band Parents
STRUTHERS ROTARY
WOOSTER ROTARY
ROTARY…WHAT WE CARE ABOUT
ROTARY LEADERSHIP
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