This month Rotary International asks us to Serve to Change Lives by giving to the many projects supported by the Rotary International Foundation
This month Rotary International asks us to Serve to Change Lives by giving to the Rotary International Foundation which supports local and international causes. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom.
Our pre-Thanksgiving weekly meeting tradition continued with “Thanksgiving for the 106 Years of Youngstown Rotary,” a program by the RCY Chaplaincy Committee.
The meeting opened with notes of gratitude to our nation by speaking the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “America the Beautiful.” The Rev. Msgr. William Siffrin asked members to reflect on what they and their families were thankful for, and how the spirit of thanksgiving could soften the polarization that is prevalent in society today. Table reporters, including committee members Dionne Dowdy, Barbara Brothers, Steve Kristan and Mike Latessa, shared many responses. Themes emerged of excitement and appreciation to spend this holiday with loved ones, and reminders of how Rotary work still unites us. Rotarians also are called to be caring and encouraged to be open to opinions of others.
Thanksgiving is a “powerful time of regenerating” within our families, friends and ourselves in terms of gifts we have received, Msgr. Siffin said. In her closing prayer and blessing, the Rev. Gayle Catinella encouraged all to count blessings, especially in terms of relationships.
Chaplaincy Committee members also give spiritual reflections at the beginning of weekly meetings. Thank you to Msgr. Siffrin and Rev. Catinella for coordinating these presentations.
In other business, Don Foley received his Paul Harris Fellow +1 award. Scott Schulick also was recognized for his planned giving to the Rotary Foundation. Happy Bucks were plentiful; all were deposited in a Salvation Army Red Kettle, in recognition of RCY’s support of the annual Red Kettle Drive.
Samantha Turner is seeking members to join John Fahnert on the weekly meeting Setup Committee. Setup begins at 11 a.m. Wednesdays.
RSVP now for the Rotary Holiday Party, an evening of food, fun, fellowship and friendship! Spouses and guests are welcome.
This year’s gathering will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15 at the Soap Gallery, 117 S. Champion St. A buffet meal will be prepared by Trina Williams – A Fresh Wind Catering, with vegetarian options available. The Rotary Traveling Bar will be in operation. Wear your favorite holiday attire, ugly sweater or business casual attire.
Cost is $35 per person. Pay by check or credit card. Advance reservations only; no payments at the door. Deadline is December 8. RSVP forms were mailed to members' homes.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive
Provide Pollinators with Healthy Habitat!
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shoppers - This holiday season, use our AmazonSmile Link while you're shopping online and choose Pollinator Partnership as your charitable organization!
Giving Tuesday - Pollinator Partnership is participating in Giving Tuesday on November 30th by asking donors to give in support of healthy pollinator habitat. Pollinators need more habitat to survive, and your donations will go directly to restoring landscapes with beautiful native plants and flowers. You can give directly to a habitat restoration program by donating one of the suggested increments:
$5.00 = 20 sq. ft of restored pollinator habitat $20.00 = 80 sq. ft of restored pollinator habitat $50.00 = 200 sq. ft of restored pollinator habitat Don't see a gift amount that fits you? No problem, just choose "other"!
Paul Harris Fellow Challenge
When Rotarians contribute $1,000 or more to the Annual Program Fund, the Polio Plus Fund or Rotary Foundation’s Humanitarian Grants Program, they are recognized for their generosity by being named a Paul Harris Fellow, which is named for Rotary’s founder. By participating in the Paul Harris Fellow Challenge, you may receive the honor sooner.
Every $20 contribution to the Rotary Foundation from now through Jan. 1, 2022, enters the donor in a drawing for a PHF award. If desired, it can be assigned by the winning Rotarian to a spouse or friend. In return for donations of $100 or more, donors receive double points that can be shared with another Rotarian. All contributions enable Rotary International to address global concerns, including access to safe water, improved sanitation, better health outcomes and promoting peaceful problem-solving.
RCY members received donation forms in the mail recently. Contact District Rotary Foundation Chair Linda Fergason at LFergason@hotmail.com or District Rotary Foundation Grants Chair Dr. Peter Apicella at Peter@salemrad.com for more information.
Rotary Magazine
As always, Rotary magazine is filled with stories of needs to be met here and abroad, as well as the work of Rotarians to fulfill those needs. A must read is “A Change of Heart,” which contains no pictures, just illustrations. Jeff Ruby has previously written for Rotary and recalls some stories for us. How those stories and the pandemic lead Ruby at age 50 to leave a successful, lucrative career to pursue a degree in social work is well worth time away from our busy schedules. Also, take a look at the story of Vanessa Nakate, whose Rotarian father led a Nigerian tree-planting effort. Nakate addressed the 2021 Rotary Convention about other efforts to address climate change in her country and broader Africa.
THIS WEEK IN ROTARY HISTORY
November 29, 2011: Rand Becker again won the “Golden Pancake Award” for selling the most tickets for the Club's Pancake Breakfast fundraiser.
Call to Action -- Harding Christmas Shop
Rotarians have two ways to support the Christmas Shop event for Harding Elementary School students on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at Harding, 1903 Cordova Ave., Youngstown, 44504.
First, a collection is underway for gently-used, age-appropriate toys as well as gifts for parents. (Please, no clothing items.) Bring donations to RCY’s weekly meeting on Dec. 1 or drop off at school this week.
Second, 8 to 10 volunteers are needed to assist during the Christmas Shop, which will open to students at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Three shifts are available, from 12:45 to 4 p.m., from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m., and from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Contact Samantha Turner or Barbara Brothers to sign up or for more information.
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