Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary through our Focus Areas
This month Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary by developing new members. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park or virtually via Zoom.
Rotary this week will be a Rotary Rapid Fire, where we get an opportunity to get to know our fellow Rotarians.
This week’s menu Lasagna, Veggie Lasagna for vegetarians, Mixed Vegetables, Salad, Rolls and Butter
Rotary Last Week
Youngstown Rotary welcomed Katie DeToro, Executive Director of OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology, for an engaging look at one of the Mahoning Valley’s most distinctive community assets.
Katie, who returned to OH WOW! in 2024 after a career in nonprofit leadership and journalism that included time at The Vindicator, shared how OH WOW! continues to evolve. The center offers discovery-based exhibits, educational programs and community outreach, while also serving as a tourist attraction, event and retail space, professional development resource and volunteer opportunity. It is also home to the region’s largest STEAM festival and a member of the national Association of Science and Technology Centers.
Recent additions include a new floor featuring a 3D-printing lab, the relocation of the Makerspace to the second floor, and LightScape, an interactive basement experience exploring light, color and creativity.
But Katie’s message went beyond exhibits and construction. At the heart of OH WOW!’s mission is curiosity. Serving children from birth through age 14, the center encourages young people to explore, experiment, ask questions and discover that learning can be fun.
And that brings us to play. Play is not something that happens after learning—it is a powerful way of learning. It encourages experimentation, creativity and persistence. Katie reminded Rotarians that play benefits adults, too, helping us lead more balanced, joyful and meaningful lives.
OH WOW! also contributes to the Valley’s economic and cultural vitality. Cultural attractions help enhance quality of life, draw visitors and contribute to the overall appeal of a community.
Katie encouraged Rotarians to visit OH WOW! and experience the STEAM Festival firsthand. With approximately 3,000 people expected, it is a great example of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics brought to life through discovery and play.
The takeaway? Stay curious. Keep learning. And don’t forget to play!
Club Updates
Operation Warm: David Stillwagon reported that the campaign goal is $31,000, and the club is currently 75% of the way there. However, only about one-third of club members have participated so far. If you have not yet contributed or raised funds on behalf of Operation Warm, please consider supporting this important Youngstown Rotary annual project.
Membership: The Membership Committee will meet Tuesday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m. at Noble Creature. Chair Jack Kravitz and the committee are working to improve the membership process so it is easier to see where prospective members are in the membership track and to make the process more transparent on the club website. Questions? Contact Jack or join the meeting.
SAVE THE DATE
Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Ceremony, September 15, noon–1 p.m., Public Library Main Branch.
Welcome of the Year Awards, September 15, 5:30 p.m., Penguin City, Details
Rotary Bowling, September 15, 6:30pm, Amron Lanes, 492 W. Main St., Canfield.
Membership Committee Meeting, September 17, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m, Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers, 126 E Rayen Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503
Peace Parade, October 4th, 2:45pm, meet at the intersection of Wick Ave and Wood Street, Youngstown, OH
Freedom First Keith Lamar Jazz Concert, October 9, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave., Youngstown.
Operation Pollination Quarterly Meeting, October 20, 10:00 a.m. EST, live via Zoom. Advance registration is required.
Operation Pollination: Conservation in Action at Mill Creek MetroParks
Operation Pollination Mahoning Valley, in partnership with Mill Creek MetroParks, is pleased to introduce an ongoing series highlighting conservation projects, educational opportunities, volunteer activities and community sharing. The featured presentation, “Conservation in Action: Habitat Restoration at Mill Creek MetroParks,” will explore how the park district is restoring and protecting natural habitats through reforestation, invasive species management, grassland and wetland restoration, and other conservation initiatives.
These projects play an important role in supporting pollinators, wildlife and healthier ecosystems throughout the park district. Native wildflowers, healthy forests and protected natural habitats provide valuable resources for pollinators while contributing to biodiversity.
The presentation will be led by Rachel Sobnosky, Natural Resources Manager for Mill Creek MetroParks. The approximately 10–20 minute presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
The program will take place Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EST, live via Zoom. Advance registration is required.
Operation Pollination encourages our community to learn more about the conservation work taking place in our own backyard and discover ways we can help conserve natural spaces for pollinators, wildlife and future generations
August 10, 2004: Our Club developed a mission statement for strategic planning, and began the process by holding two meetings per month for the next three months.
