Rotary International asks us to Serve to Change Lives through its Focus Areas
This month Rotary International asks us to Serve to Change Lives by preserving access to fresh water and quality sanitation in our community. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom.
This week, the Rotary Club of Youngstown will gather for a special evening meeting on Wednesday, March 25, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Tyler History Center. Members and guests can look forward to a convenient downtown location with ample parking and a unique opportunity to connect outside of the traditional noon format.
The program will feature guest speaker Christopher Colon of Thrive Mahoning Valley, who will present on the wide range of services available to immigrants in our community. His discussion will highlight how local organizations are working to support new residents through resources such as language assistance, workforce development, and community integration programs.
This timely and informative presentation reflects Rotary’s commitment to service, inclusion, and strengthening our local community. Members are encouraged to attend, bring a guest, and engage in meaningful conversation about how we can continue to make Youngstown a welcoming place for all.
We look forward to seeing you for this engaging evening of fellowship and learning in a historic setting.
This week’s menu: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Sausage peppers & onions, Salad, Rolls, Vegetarian sides to replace the meat portion.
Rotary Last Week
The Rotary Club of Youngstown recently marked a historic milestone with the Leonard Skeggs Centennial Celebration, honoring one of the city’s most influential civic and Rotary leaders. A century ago, in January 1926, Leonard Skeggs became the first district governor of Rotary District 21, now known as District 6650, helping to shape Rotary’s regional impact for generations. The program featured presentations by Bill Lawson, Scott Schulick, and Jackie LeViseur, who highlighted Skeggs’ legacy of service, leadership, and educational advancement. His work with the Youngstown YMCA beginning in 1919 led to the expansion of its educational programs, which ultimately evolved into the Youngstown State University.
From the early days of the Youngstown Institute of Technology to the founding era of Youngstown College, Skeggs’ vision helped establish lasting opportunities for higher education in the Mahoning Valley. His Rotary service was equally impactful, including his role as district governor and later as second vice president of Rotary International. The celebration also recognized the enduring Skeggs family legacy, including a lecture series established in 1966 that continues to bring distinguished speakers to the community. One hundred years later, Leonard Skeggs’ commitment to service above self remains an inspiring example for all Rotarians. Rotarians are encouraged to attend the free Skeggs Lecture Series at YSU with new speakers to be announced in the upcoming months.
President Gerri announced that the Rotary Club of Youngstown will be serving as a presenting sponsor for Youngstown’s July 4th Celebrations in honor of the Country’s 250th Anniversary. The club will be seeking volunteers for this event, more details to come during next Wednesday’s meeting.
If you are able to provide homework tutoring and mentorship during Power Hour with Boys and Girls Clubs of America, please reach out to Samantha Turner. This is a wonderful avenue of service that makes a difference within our community.
SPOTLIGHT ON READING LIBRARY
Ohio’s District Governors Elect have selected Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio as this year’s nonprofit to support. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library promotes early childhood literacy by helping to fund and distribute a free monthly book program for children from birth to age five.
In Ohio, the program expanded significantly in 2019 through the creation of the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library, a public-private partnership that supports local affiliates across the state. Thanks to this collaboration, more Ohio children than ever before can receive books delivered directly to their homes—at no cost to families.
Rotarians and Rotary Clubs can support the Rotary for Reading campaign anytime between now and Saturday, April 4th. The winning District and Club will be announced at the All Ohio P.E.T.s Conference, along with the total amount fundraised by Rotarians. The fundraiser will support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio's Local Program Partners and will cover the local cost of providing books each month. Rotarians can select how they would like to donate:
Donate at a District level: Your donation will be kept in the District and used to cover the local mailing cost of books within the Rotary District.
Donation at a Club level: This is the first time Clubs can direct their donation back to their community. A donation at the Club level will be used to cover the local cost of books within the county where the Club is located.
Currently, District 6650 is 3rd Place on the Leaderboard. With two weeks left of the initiative, now is the time for our club to pass the hat around and help us reach our donation goals.
Programs like the Imagination Library reflect the spirit of service shared by many Rotary clubs—investing in education, strengthening communities, and helping the next generation discover the lifelong joy of reading. 📚✨
SAVE THE DATE
Grass Roots Gala, 5:30pm, Mar. 30th, Stambaugh Auditorium- Ballroom, sign up
School Cleanup, April 24th, Details to come
Youngstown Citywide Spring Cleanup, 9:00am - 12:00pm, April 25th, Covelli Center, 29 East Front St, Youngstown, OH 44503, sign up
Streetscape Kick Off Breakfast- 8am, May 20th, Tyler History Center, 325 West Federal Street, Youngstown, OH 44503, sign up
Bee Lawns: Rethinking the Traditional Lawn
For decades, the ideal lawn has been a neatly trimmed expanse of green grass. While visually appealing, traditional lawns often function as a biological “desert,” offering little food or habitat for pollinators. As Operation Pollination continues to promote sustainable practices, bee lawns are emerging as a simple and effective alternative.
A bee lawn incorporates low-growing flowering plants—such as clover and self-heal—into traditional turf. These plants tolerate mowing and foot traffic while providing nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. Instead of eliminating lawns altogether, this approach enhances them, turning everyday spaces into valuable ecological resources.
Pollinators are essential to both natural ecosystems and food production, yet they often struggle to find nourishment in urban and suburban areas dominated by grass and pavement. Bee lawns help bridge this gap by creating small but widespread sources of food across neighborhoods.
In addition to supporting wildlife, bee lawns offer practical benefits. They typically require less fertilizer, water, and maintenance. Clover, for example, naturally adds nitrogen to the soil, while deeper-rooted plants improve drought resistance and water absorption.
By rethinking our lawns, we can create landscapes that are both functional and environmentally beneficial. A bee lawn is a small change—but one that can make a lasting impact.
March 8, 2007: Youngstown Rotarians congratulated fellow member (and this past month dearly departed) Walter DeBald for his company's 55 years in business in Youngstown.
