Rotary International asks us to Unite for Good through our Focus Areas
This month Rotary International asks us to Imagine Rotary by supporting literacy in our community. Explore the possibilities with us at our meeting Wednesday at noon at Wick Park and on Zoom.
This week, we’re excited to welcome Katie Detoro from OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology as our featured speaker.
Katie will share more about OH WOW!’s mission to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experiences. From interactive exhibits to educational programs and community outreach, OH WOW! continues to provide opportunities for children and families throughout the Mahoning Valley to discover the excitement of STEM.
Join us for an engaging presentation and learn more about the impact OH WOW! is making in our community—and how Rotary can help support opportunities that inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
District 6650 will be walking together for the Non Violence Week Parade, Sunday October 4th at 3pm.
Last week’s meeting focused on the power of books, early childhood literacy and investing in the future of our community.
The meeting opened with a Spiritual Reflection from Bonne Burdman, who reminded Rotarians that the work we do is often informed by the people we love. Sometimes, the answer is found in actions that come from grief and in acts of kindness performed in someone’s memory.
Amy Fifarek introduced Kathy Mock of United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and Molly Bevin, Supervisor at the Michael Kusalaba Library, who shared the story and impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Launched by Dolly Parton in 1995, the program provides children from birth through age five with a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book every month. The Mahoning County program began in 2014 through United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. Since 2019, Ohio has provided a 50% state match for locally raised funds.
Today, more than 12,000 Mahoning County children receive a book each month. The program also partners with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to connect families with programming and resources that encourage reading and learning.
Ohio is a national leader in Imagination Library participation, with more than two-thirds of eligible children enrolled. In 2025, Ohio Rotarians contributed more than $150,000 to the program, with those donations matched dollar-for-dollar by the state.
As Dolly envisioned, Imagination Library helps children Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.
September is also National Library Card Sign-Up Month—a perfect time to renew your library card or sign up for one and support our local library.
To support the Mahoning County Imagination Library, contributions can be made through United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley; please indicate “DIL” on your check. Families can enroll children at OhioImaginationLibrary.com.
Rotary Bowling begins Tuesday, September 15th. If you would like to join the team, contact Frank Kishel.
SAVE THE DATE
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
Communication Committee Meeting, September 25, 4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m, Avalon Pizza, 17 W Federal St, Youngstown, OH 44503
Nonviolence Peace Parade, October 4, 3pm, Wick Ave and Wood St, Youngstown Learn More
Mill Creek Park; after the storm
The July 5, 2026, tornado and severe storm that swept through the Youngstown area left a noticeable mark on Smythe Island and the Davies Wetland Trail in Mill Creek Park. Fallen and damaged trees affected the island, picnic areas, hiking trails and boardwalk, requiring weeks of cleanup before the area could reopen to visitors.
While the storm dramatically changed the landscape, wetlands and natural areas have an important ability to recover and regenerate. Native plants that remain in the soil, along wetland edges and beneath the damaged vegetation can help rebuild the habitat. Native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees provide essential food, shelter and nesting areas for bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators.
Storm damage can temporarily reduce flowering resources and disrupt habitat, making the protection of remaining native vegetation especially important. As the area recovers, new growth will create opportunities for pollinators to return and for native plants to reclaim disturbed spaces.
The reopening of Smythe Island and the Davies Wetland Trail is more than a return to recreation—it is another step in the natural recovery of an important local habitat. Visitors can support that recovery by staying on designated trails and allowing damaged areas and new vegetation to regenerate naturally.
September 9, 1943: Rotary Club of Youngstown announced the establishment of a research program for the care of crippled children with cerebral palsy, known then as “spastic paralyzed;” it was the first such program in the State of Ohio.
