Monday, August 9, 2021

This month Rotary International has asked us to focus on the impact we can make on the wealth and growth of our community.  Explore this topic with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom. 
The  Zoom ID is: 330 967 0456

Last Week's Meeting

Sometimes, what challenges us can help us to grow, says Raji Sankar, co-CEO of the new Choolaah Indian BBQ restaurant opening soon in Boardman.


 

Raji says she can relate to cities such as Youngstown because steelmaking was the backbone of her hometown in India. She earned a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy from VNIT India and a masters in mechanical engineering from Indian Institute of Science. Those interests gave way to her passion for serving good, healthy food. Launching Choolaah has been “a series of blessings,” she said.


She co-founded Wholesome International in 2004, a multi-concept restaurant development company, which owns and operates Choolaah and franchised Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurants. A business plan for Choolaah, written in 2003, was shelved because she lacked restaurant experience. Buying into the Five Guys franchise gave her that exposure, put her marketing background to work (she earned her MBA at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh) and brought with it many lessons, such as identifying and upholding a business owner’s own values.


By 2012, Wholesome International had 12 Five Guys franchises, and Raji was able to revisit her plans for Choolaah. The first restaurant opened in Beachwood, near Cleveland, in 2015. Choolaah uses traditional Indian cooking techniques and fast-casual ordering, along with responsible ingredient sourcing. Choolaah makes its own spice blends, serves antibiotic-free chicken, and has menu options for people who follow vegetarian, vegan, paleo and gluten-free diets. At Choolaah, you can “feel good about what you put in your body,” she said.


Choolaah Indian BBQ is located at 1051 Boardman-Poland Road, in between Starbucks and Mission BBQ. Rotarians who attended the weekly meeting received information about a VIP Preview Tasting Event from Aug. 9 to 13 and again Aug. 15, which required online registration.

Aspasia Lyras Bernacki receives her round badge.

More pictures from last week's meeting here.

Next Week's Meeting

Member Mike Latessa will give a presentation on Membership Month.

Rotary in the Community

 
Our Rotarians prepared a cookout Thursday afternoon for children in the summer camp program and distributed books to each child.
Thanks to all Rotarians who turned out to support the kids!
 
Special thanks to Ms. Hamner from Akiva Academy, who sorted through the Scholastic catalogue and picked four to five great books for each child!
 
More pictures here:
Rotary Magazine
 
By: Dr. Barbara Brothers
Other Green Projects
“The Miracle of the Oil and Fishes” article has particular resonance for our area. Perhaps the best way to frame the discussion is: Are there other green projects for our area in addition to Operation Pollination to which we might contribute? Do we know of any that would improve the  environment and the economy in the Greater Youngstown area? Are there existing projects that we could help to expand and grow? Or new ones that should be undertaken? Or perhaps we can submit an essay to Rotary that would focus on what our Youngstown Rotary Charities does to contribute to the health of our community and provide ideas for other Rotary chapters. 

THIS WEEK IN ROTARY HISTORY

August 8, 2007: Youngstown Rotarian, the late Henry Bertolini, celebrated 60 years of perfect attendance.

 
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATIONimage
Rotary Birthdays:
Shirley Shields - August 9
Michael Latessa -  August 11
 
Rotary Anniversaries:
Samantha Turner - 9 Years
SAVE THE DATE: 
 

The Rotary Club of Youngstown's annual steak fry will be held on Wednesday, September 1, at the home of Scott Schulick. For long time members, the steak fry is one of the most beloved annual events. For newer members, it's a casual outdoor get-together where we share great food, drinks, and fellowship in a casual atmosphere.

Members are invited to bring a side dish, dessert, or appetizer. See Barbara Brothers to coordinate. 

You can register for the steak fry here.
 
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Welcome Back Event!
Sunday, August 29, 2021, 1- 5 PM
2260 International Pkwy, North Canton, OH 44720
Includes free admission, food & fellowship  
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Rotary International 
Convention 2022
Houston, Texas
June 4-8 
Registration is open and hotel rooms are filling up! Now is the time to reserve your spot to attend this incredible gathering of the world's Rotarians this time next year. Learn more about it here
 
When we talk about pollination, we’re talking about plant reproduction. It’s literally the birds and the bees!
 
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Bowling Team Recruitment
Start date: Tuesday, September 14 6:30 PM @ Amron Lanes, Canfield 
Looking for solid every week people and rotating ringers.
Potential new aspects this year: team shirts and reduced participation fees. Please contact @Frank Kishel
Russell Hampton
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Club Information

Welcome to Youngstown Rotary

Service Above Self

Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
Wick Park Pavilion
260 Park Avenue
Youngstown, OH 44504
United States of America
Phone:
(330) 743-8630
Connect through Zoom: http://www.youngstownrotaryevent.com/
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102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7