Last Week's Meeting
Moments of pride and poignancy dominated the Feb. 23 gathering of Youngstown Rotarians.
Bill Lawson, the club’s resident historian and executive director of Mahoning Valley Historical Society, gave an informative presentation in honor of Rotary International’s 117th anniversary and RCY’s 107th anniversary.
Here are highlights from Bill’s Power Point:
Rotary International was founded Feb. 23, 1905 by Paul Harris and three business acquaintances in Chicago. Rotary truly became international in 1910, when a club was established in Manitoba, a province of Canada. The first club beyond North America was founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1911. Today, there are more than 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members living the “Service Above Self” motto.
Rotary expanded membership to women in 1987.
Rotary continues to lead through philanthropy and service in matters of global concern, including polio eradication, services for handicapped children, education and literacy, clean water and sanitation, peace and community building; and youth leadership development.
The Rotary Club of Youngstown was Club No. 137 when it was founded Feb. 1, 1915. The Rotary Club of Cleveland was its sponsor. It began with 63 charter members and Charles F. Owsley as its first president. Membership quickly reached the Rotary maximum of 300, Attendance was mandatory, and members gathered at the Hotel Ohio downtown.
Over the years, RCY has sponsored six other local clubs. Elayne Bozick will be the ninth RCY member to lead as District 6650 Governor. The late Atty. Robert A. Manchester II was club president and district governor before he ascended to the presidency of Rotary International in 1976. What a distinction for our club!
RCY’s activities are aligned with RI’s priorities. RCY was instrumental in meeting the medical needs of disabled children. The program founded by this club is now part of Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. RCY also started the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown. It has led community cleanups, participated in the Harrison Commons development in Smoky Hollow, near Youngstown State University, and raised funds for the renovation of the Wick Park Pavilion and playground. It installs Little Free Libraries in neighborhoods, promotes greener, healthier environments through Operation Pollination, and provides winter coats to city schools students through Operation Warm. Students receive mentoring in our Put Kids First Campaign and hone their public speaking skills by participating in the 4 Way Test Speech Competition. RCY’s fundraising activities enable the club’s foundation to support the good work of local nonprofit organizations through grant programs; new grant recipients will be announced in March.
In other news, The Groundhog Craft Beerfest has become a significant fundraiser for this club in recent years. Kevin Chiu and Samantha Turner, who were co-chairs of the 4th annual Beerfest held Jan. 29, delivered excellent news: This year’s proceeds are estimated at $32,000! Congratulations, Kevin and Samantha, for a job well done.
With words and tears, Rotarians also honored Walter DeBald, a 25-year member who died on Valentine’s Day. Walter was Youngstown born, a graduate of Wilson High School, an Air Force veteran and a graduate of Youngstown State University. He became the owner of his uncle’s office supplies store, where he gained clients who became friends.
In his later years as a Rotarian, Walter would assist with weekly meeting setup. Many Rotarians stepped forward to share their memories of him.“He always made you feel like he wanted you [to come] back,” Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer said. Msgr. Robert Siffrin echoed what many others observed about Walter’s disposition: “He always treated everyone with a great deal of friendship and respect.” Walter leaves his wife, Tricia, of Canfield, a sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
