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 promoting peace in our community. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom.
We will welcome Dr. Amy Cossentino, dean of Sokolov Honors College and Cliffe College of Creative Arts at Youngstown State University. Dr. Cossentino, also a YSU graduate, will discuss the university's recent achievement -- the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. This distinction is only bestowed on higher education institutions that establish and sustain community partnerships that address societal needs and result in mutual benefits. That clicks with Rotary's Four-Way Test about building goodwill and pursuing that which is beneficial for all of us. What will YSU do to maintain this mark of excellence? Learn more Wednesday at Wick Park.
Bring your film plastic to the meeting this week. Just a reminder that the film plastic collection has been moved to the 2nd meeting of the month.
This weeks menu: Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Full condiments on side, Cheesy Seashell Pasta, Salad
Rotary Last Week
Last week Derrick McDowell addressed members of the Rotary Club of Youngstown to share his vision for the city and outline priorities during the early months of his administration. Speaking about his first 60 days in office, the mayor emphasized two central goals: strengthening economic stability and ensuring Youngstown remains a safe place for families.
Education has been a key focus of the administration’s early efforts. McDowell discussed initiatives aimed at unifying the Youngstown City School District with other educational partners in the community. He stressed the importance of parental engagement, consistent student attendance, and helping children read at grade level. Partnerships with community institutions such as the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County are also part of this strategy to support student success.
The mayor highlighted the city’s response to severe winter weather as an example of the importance of quick, coordinated action to ensure residents could safely travel to work and school. He also addressed local concerns, including the closure of a Huntington Bank branch and issues affecting senior amenities at the YMCA of Youngstown.
Public safety and infrastructure improvements remain top priorities. The city is working with the fire department to strengthen ambulance service contracts and with the police department to reduce mandatory overtime for officers. Efforts are also underway to address aging waterlines and improve coordination with neighboring townships.
Although Youngstown currently maintains a budget surplus, McDowell noted future financial commitments and legal challenges could impact the city’s finances. He concluded by emphasizing economic development, regional collaboration, and showcasing Youngstown’s park system at the state level as part of a broader effort to strengthen the city’s identity and future.
The Youngstown Rotary Anniversary Party was a huge success, congratulations to the winners and thank you to the organizers. A note from Scott Schulick, planning and organizing events has been particularly difficult lately due to late RSVP times. For future events, please try to respond as early as possible. Be on the look out for Service opportunities with Kids First; school cleanup on April 24th and for Power Hour tutoring at the Boys and Girls Club. Emails with additional information will be sent out so volunteers can sign up.
SPOTLIGHT ON PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS
RCY celebrated its 111th Anniversary by awarding club members and community leaders with Rotary's highest honor, the Paul Harris Fellow. Honorees are selected for embodying Rotary's belief in Service Above Self through their philanthropy and actions. Congratulations to these individuals who achieved PHF status in the last year:
Aimee Fifarek
Geraldine Jenkins
Troy Rhoades
Carol Chamberlain +2
Sharon Letson +3
Elayne Bozick +5
Bonnie Burtdman +5
Elizabeth Nohra (Rotary Club of Arlington, VA)
Beau Brungard, YSU Quarterback and 2025 Walter Payton Award winner
Ian Beniston, YNDC Executive Director
Delores Crawford, Retired Community Affairs Director, WKBN-TV
Matt Pagac, CEO/COO, Stambaugh Auditorium
SAVE THE DATE
Boardman Rotary Pancake Breakfast, 8am - 1pm, Mar. 14 & 15, 21 & 22, Lariccia Community Center Boardman Park
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
Restoring the Ohio River Basin: A Regional Effort for People and Pollinators
A growing coalition of conservation groups, scientists, and community partners is working to restore the health of the Ohio River Basin—a vital watershed that spans 14 states and provides drinking water, recreation, and habitat for nearly 30 million people.
A new regional plan highlights the importance of restoring natural landscapes throughout the basin to address challenges such as pollution, habitat loss, flooding, and declining pollinator populations. By improving forests, wetlands, and native plant habitats, communities can help strengthen the ecosystems that support both wildlife and human health.
Across the region, restoration projects are already demonstrating what’s possible. Former farmland and degraded landscapes are being transformed into wetlands, forests, and pollinator-friendly meadows. These areas provide essential habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects while also improving water quality. Wetlands and native plants naturally filter pollutants before they reach streams and rivers, helping protect drinking water and aquatic life.
Community engagement is also a key part of the effort. Local organizations, volunteers, and conservation partners are helping plant native species, restore habitats, and educate residents about the importance of pollinators and healthy waterways.
For Rotary clubs and community leaders, initiatives like this present an opportunity to support environmental stewardship while strengthening local ecosystems. By working together to restore the Ohio River Basin, communities can create lasting benefits for wildlife, clean water, and future generations. 🌱🦋🌎
