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.
Join us this Wednesday, April 15th at noon at the beautiful Wick Park Pavilion for one of our most inspiring meetings of the year. We will proudly recognize the recipients of our annual Rotary scholarship awards, honoring outstanding students from Youngstown City Schools as well as local public and private schools. These students represent the very best of our community; demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.
In addition, we will celebrate the winner of the Vindicator Spelling Bee, a remarkable achievement that highlights dedication and intellectual curiosity. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet these exceptional young individuals and show your support for their bright futures.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Bike Belmont hosted by Build a Better Belmont on Sunday, May 17th. This growing community event promotes health, connectivity, and neighborhood pride across Youngstown. There are many ways to get involved—whether through sponsorship opportunities, volunteering your time, or registering to ride.
This week’s menu: Chicken Tenders with sauces on side, Mac and Cheese, Vegetarian option, Salad
Rotary Last Week
Rotary on the Road took us to Potential Development High School in Youngstown where we met students involved in the Interact program and learned about the services available to students on the Autism Spectrum and their families. The discussion was led by Rotarians Paul Garchar and Mike Latessa and prospective Rotarian Jodi Glass. It was a good turnout and an opportunity for friendship and fellowship.
Rotary's Put Kids First Committee will join the Kool Boiz Foundation and Youngstown City Schools students in collecting litter around East High and other buildings at 10 a.m. Friday, April 24. Meet at Williamson Elementary/Rayen Early College on Williamson Avenue. Contact Samantha Turner for more information. She also is looking for members to serve as mentors to kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown. Sign up by emailing her at ssturner08@yahoo.com
RCY members are encouraged to join Green Youngstown's Community Ramp Up Litter collection on Saturday, April 25. Check in at 8:30 a.m. at the Covelli Center, where supplies will be distributed. The focus will be on highway on and off ramps. Cleanup will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration link
In Memoriam
A memorial service has been announced to honor the life and legacy of Rotarian Hunter Morrison on Thursday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Elayne Bozick or Bill Lawson.
Hunter Morrison’s impact on Northeast Ohio is profound and enduring. As Cleveland’s planning director from 1980 to 2000, he helped shape transformative projects including North Coast Harbor, the Gateway sports complex, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His leadership continued in Youngstown, where he directed the Center for Urban and Regional Studies at Youngstown State University and guided the nationally recognized Youngstown 2010 plan, focused on sustainable “right-sizing” and community engagement.
A recipient of national planning honors, Hunter remained committed to education, mentorship, and regional collaboration throughout his career. In Rotary, he found fellowship and purpose, embracing “Service Above Self” through projects like Wick Park Recreation Center restoration and Coats for Kids.
SAVE THE DATE
School Cleanup, 10am, April 24th, Williamson Elementary/ Rayen Early College, 58 Williamson Ave., Youngstown, 44607
Thrive Mahoning Valley Fundraiser, 6pm - 9pm, April 29th, support the new legal immigration clinic with a night of dinner, dancing, drinks, and raffles. B&O Station Banquet Hall, 530 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown, OH, 44502, Tickets
Community Ramp Up Litter Collection, 8:30am - 12:00pm, April 25th, Covelli Center, 29 East Front St, Youngstown, OH 44503, sign up
Bike Belmont, 12pm / 1pm, May 17th, 260 Wick Park Ave, Youngstown, 44406 Sign Up
Ignite the Night, 5pm, July 6th, The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, 201 S Phelps St, Youngstown, OH 44503
Monarch Spring Migration
The spring migration of monarch butterflies is steadily advancing across the central United States, offering encouraging signs for pollinator conservation efforts. According to recent reports from Journey North, monarchs have now reached Kansas and Missouri along the central flyway, with sightings in communities such as Wichita, Springfield, and areas near Kansas City. Unseasonably warm weather appears to be accelerating their northward movement. Observers have noted early arrivals, including butterflies already nectaring on the limited early-season blooms available. While this rapid migration is exciting, it also raises concerns about whether critical habitat is keeping pace—particularly the emergence of milkweed, the sole host plant for monarch eggs and caterpillars.
Encouragingly, reports confirm that milkweed is beginning to emerge across parts of Missouri, Kansas, and even into Iowa. In some areas, monarchs are already laying eggs on newly sprouted plants, demonstrating their remarkable ability to locate milkweed even at early growth stages. For Operation Pollination, this moment highlights the importance of creating and sustaining pollinator-friendly habitats. Planting native milkweed and early-blooming nectar sources can help bridge the gap between migration timing and food availability.
Community science efforts also play a vital role. Residents are encouraged to report sightings of monarchs, eggs, and milkweed to help track migration patterns and inform conservation strategies. As monarchs continue their journey north, local actions can make a lasting impact in supporting one of nature’s most iconic migrations.
THIS WEEK IN ROTARY HISTORY
March 24, 1934: James A. Henderson, a local car dealer, and Richard Graham provided a sparkling program by debating the following: “Resolved – The Modern Automobile is a Better Vehicle than the Ancient Ox-Cart.”
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION
Birthdays:
Trina Williams 3/24
Scott Schulick 3/30
Anniversaries:
Charles McCrudden 3/30 66 years
Eric Caspary 3/29
37 years
Melissa Bateman 3/29
4 years
Peter Herman 3/28
3 years
PROPOSED NEW MEMBER
Jodi Glass
Occupation: Executive Director, Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley
Classification: Nonprofit Organizations
Sponsor: Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer
Glass, 51, is a YSU graduate who works in Youngstown and lives in Hubbard.She was ASMV’s former board president. She oversees ASMV’s programs, fundraising, and strategic partnerships across Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties. She and her husband, Daniel, have a son, Liam.
