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 helping to promote Youth Service. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom.
This week’s noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Youngstown will be held Wednesday at Wick Park Pavilion. Members will hear from Whitney Washington and Avery Hostetter of Beatitude House, the outreach ministry of the Ursuline Sisters Mission. Their presentation will highlight the organization’s work supporting vulnerable women and children throughout the community and the impact their programs continue to make across the Mahoning Valley.
Rotarians are also reminded to register for the President’s Party honoring Gerri Jenkins, President 2025–26, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Youngstown Country Club. The evening begins with a 6:00 p.m. social hour, followed by dinner and the program at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Jim Frank Trio.
Early bird pricing is available through June 18 at $30 for Rotarians and $75 for guests. After June 18, pricing increases to $40 for Rotarians and $85 for guests. Members are strongly encouraged to register early, as late RSVPs make planning social events especially difficult for catering and event coordination. The President’s Party is always a special evening of fellowship and celebration, and early registration helps organizers ensure a successful event for everyone attending.
This week’s menu: Trio of Wraps (Chicken Bacon Cheddar Ranch, Italian , and Vegetarian Wrap.), Tater Tot Bar, Spinach Strawberry Salad.
Rotary Last Week
Rotarians, family, friends and even a few community members came together last Wednesday at West Side Bowl for our Family Fun Night. We ate pizza, wings, jojos and chicken fingers and enjoyed beer, wine and cocktails. As advertised, it was great fun for all. Special thanks to Nate Offerdahl of West Side Bowl for his hospitality!!!
A belated congratulations to Elayne Bozick who received a Paul Harris Fellow +7.
Also, Chris Colon received his Round Rotary badge the prior week. Chris joined Youngstown Rotary at the start of this year, with Jack Kravitz as his sponsor, and has been a wonderful addition to our club. Hopefully, there will be more Round badge recipients soon from our other wonderful new members.
It was clear up, clean up and planting day at this year’s Streetscape effort. A team of Rotarians and friends worked hard to make the Pollinator Garden at Wick Park Pavilion look as good as new. We couldn’t have bought a better weather day - it was clear and comfortable. Thanks to Troy Rhoades and Elsa Higby who led the effort. A good time was had by all who participated, including Louis- our potential new member.
SAVE THE DATE
Rotary Kayaking Trip 10am - 12pm, June 6th, Struthers to Lowellville sign up
President Party for Gerri 6:00pm, June 24th, The Youngstown Country Club, 1402 Country Club Drive, Youngstown, OH 44505
Ignite the Night, 5pm, July 5th, The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, 201 S Phelps St, Youngstown, OH 44503
Native Plants in the City
In honor of the 2026 Streetscape – Planting Day presented by CityScape, this week’s Operation Pollination article is based on the impact of choosing to plant native plants in urban centers– and how they are an investment in healthier neighborhoods, cleaner waterways, and stronger ecosystems.
For Rotary clubs, this presents a meaningful opportunity for service. Native plants provide food and habitat for pollinators, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife while also helping manage stormwater, reduce flooding, improve soil health, and store carbon. Unlike traditional annual flower beds that must be replanted each year, native plantings can become long-term community assets when properly planned and maintained. Successful native landscaping requires more than planting flowers. It takes thoughtful design, education, stewardship, and long-term volunteer commitment. Community discussions online echo this lesson, noting that native gardens thrive when volunteers create maintenance plans and keep spaces attractive and welcoming to the public.
Native plants naturally support pollinators, songbirds, and other wildlife while helping communities manage stormwater, reduce flooding, improve soil health, and combat urban heat islands. Unlike traditional annual flower beds or expansive turf lawns, native landscapes often require fewer long-term resources once established, making them both environmentally and financially sustainable. While native landscapes still require care, stewardship provides long-lasting ecological benefits including carbon storage, improved biodiversity, and stronger connections between people and nature.
The benefits of community education and involvement with activities like those hosted by CityScape are a key aspect of creating and maintaining our Urban Native spaces. Small native plant projects today can grow into lasting environmental legacies for future generations.
May 11, 1993: Dr. Richard Murray and Jerry Haber went to New York City to receive honors from Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia for the Rotary Club of Youngstown's project of sending medical supplies to her former country as it was ravaged by civil war.
