Rotary International asks us to Unite for Good through our Focus Areas
This month Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary by supporting literacy in our community. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park and on Zoom.
Rotary this week features Nick Chretien from the Economic Action Group Downtown Ambassador Program to discuss their work with the city of Youngstown.
This week’s menu Beef Stroganoff (Mushrooms on side), Vegetables, Salad,
Vegetarian option and chicken for no beef eaters
Rotary Last Week
Rotary Last week celebrated the stewards of the Little Free Library project of the Youngstown Rotary Club. In 2014, the goal was to establish and maintain 31 Little Free Libraries (the amount of libraries which was one more than the amount in the state of Ohio). Today, we have established 56 libraries in the community, each one carefully designed, installed and then maintained by a steward who ensures that the Little Free Library remains in good standing and always has books. There is magic in these Little Free Libraries, with countless stories of people being inspired by books they’ve read there to handle grief, pursue education, or just a way to bond with their kids over story time. Thank you to our Little Free Library committee who do so much to maintain this program, working with community book exchanges, as well as collecting and distributing books amongst the community.
The meeting also featured distribution of our Purple Pinkie Donuts and some were charitably donated as dessert, which was a great way to kick off our Polio awareness work seeing as International Polio Day was on October 24th.
Pints vs Polio was hosted at Penguin City on Thursday the 22nd, where Rotarians drank a pint in order to donate $6 towards Polio vaccinations. Thank you to all those who were able to attend as well as those who bought Purple Pinkie Donuts. There were just 21 cases of Polio last year, and thanks in part to Rotarians we are so close to eradicating this disease; which is why it’s more important than ever to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to immunization to stop future outbreaks and maintain our stronghold over the disease.
Volunteers for coat distribution are still needed for Operation Warm for two days only, please email Ellie if you’re able to help from 8:30am - 12:00pm at one (or both) of these schools on these days:
In honor of World Polio Day on October 24, Rotary District 6650 is joining forces with Rotary Clubs nationwide to raise funds for End Polio Now through a delicious and meaningful fundraiser!
How can you participate?
💰 Purchase donuts for $22 per assorted dozen and help us reach our goal of 100% club participation. Orders can be placed with Barb for pick up or through our online store (members only)
📦 Members are encouraged to buy at least one assorted dozen donuts to enjoy, resell, or donate to local causes.
💜 Don’t want the calories? You can still donate by sending a check to “Rotary Club of Youngstown” at 201 East Commerce St. Ste. 450. Youngstown, OH, 44503, or via the online store .
The Purple Pinkie Donut Project, launched in 2018, has raised over $4.7 million to eradicate polio. We are proud to continue this impactful tradition in Ohio, with a goal of 100% participation in 2026!
Join the fight to make polio history!
SAVE THE DATE
Venerating our Veterans, November 11th, 5pm - 9pm, MAPS Air Museum, 2260 International Pkwy, North Canton, OH 44720, Register
Operation Pollination: Conservation in Action at Mill Creek MetroParks
Last week Rachel Sobnosky reviewed the Habitat Restoration at Mill Creek MetroParks. Currently they are converting suitable turfgrass and old-field areas into diverse native habitats.
Benefits:
• Enhancing the natural beauty and ecological value of park landscapes
• Providing food, shelter, and breeding habitat for pollinators and other wildlife
• Reducing long-term mowing needs in appropriate areas
The Prairie Restoration at George L. Fordyce Park is a great example. This was the restoration of several former agricultural or open-field areas into native prairie habitat. This was done by establishing native grasses and wildflowers, and has increased the habitat diversity within the park's wetland and woodland landscape. The new prairie provides resources for pollinators, grassland birds, and other wildlife. This is not a simple project, this prairie restoration requires ongoing maintenance to support successful establishment.
Before and After:
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Habitat restoration is not a straightforward matter, through this project the park has learned some valuable lessons and had to overcome significant challenges in order to ensure continued success of reclamation projects.
• Site Conditions Matter: Soil type, moisture, sunlight, and existing vegetation influence
restoration success.
• Seed Mix Selection: Choosing native species suited to the site's conditions is essential for successful establishment.
• Patience is Key: Many native perennials take multiple growing seasons to establish, with more
noticeable growth and flowering in years two and three.
• Supplemental Seeding: Initial seeding efforts may not always produce the desired results, requiring additional seeding to improve establishment and diversity.
• Ongoing Management: Controlling invasive species and other undesirable vegetation is critical to long-term success.
Visit Mills Creek MetroParks to view these reclaimed habitats and enjoy the natural beauty that is being returned to the area.
THIS WEEK IN ROTARY HISTORY
September 20, 1983: A Rotary Club of Youngstown fund raising raffle, with a 1984 Cadillac as the grand prize, earned $18,000.
