Monday, FEBRUARY 26, 2024

President-Elect George Nelson will give a preview of Rotaryclipse, which will put the “fun” in fundraiser on the eve of the 2024 solar eclipse.

Three new Paul Harris Fellows – two club members and one community member – were recognized Feb. 21 during RCY’s 109th Anniversary Party at the Doubletree Hotel downtown. Stacia Erdos Littleton earned her PHF pin as co-chair of the annual Operation Warm Campaign to provide winter coats to city school children. Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer was lauded for her accomplishments in resurrecting the Future of Rotary program among high school and college students. Jimmy Sutman, founder of Iron and String Life Enhancement, was celebrated for the many ways he responds to the needs of developmentally challenged adults. The awards capped off a great evening of food, fellowship and live music by Rick Blackson and Mary Jo Maluso. The event was coordinated by Scott Schulick; President Deanna Rossi was the emcee. Congratulations to all!

An important message from District 6650 Governor Rich Tirpak: 

During my club visits, I addressed the hope that our clubs would sponsor a project about and for children.  An opportunity to do just that has presented itself. District 6650 has partnered with the Boardman Rotary Club, the nonprofit Hearing Missions Foundation, and Rotarian Dr. Sheryl Figliano to give the gift of hearing. 

Dr. Figliano will lead a team of professionals and volunteers to Guatemala City, Guatemala from April 7 to 13 to test, fit, and supply hearing aids and batteries to 150 children with severe to profound hearing loss, at a cost of $300 per child.  My hope is that each Club in District 6650 will adopt one or more children and supply them with the gift of hearing! 

Please consider participating as a club and/or as a group of Rotarians. All donations will be used for the hearing benefit of the patients. No money will be used for travel, accommodations, or meals of the professionals or volunteers. 

Make checks payable to The Hearing Missions Foundation and mail them to 126 York Ave., Youngstown, OH 44512. Anyone interested in accompanying the team as a volunteer may contact Dr. Sheryl Figliano (drfigliano@centersforhearingcare.com) or me (RSTIRPAK@NEO.RR.COM) for details.

Rotaryclipse will kick off with a special event Friday, April 5, at Penguin City Brewing Co. At 4 p.m., we will tap the Black Moon IPA that Penguin City has brewed for us and begin sales. Remember, $1 of each Black Moon pour will go to support our fundraiser for STEAM education. We also will preview some of the merchandise to be sold at the main event. Invite friends!

Join us again from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at Penguin City for the full Rotaryclipse experience. It will be a family-friendly event with fun, educational exhibits to include movie props from the science fiction and fantasy museum under development in Warren. Buy your NASA-approved eclipse-viewing glasses and be ready for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

With many new members in the club, it is time for another Fireside Chat. This orientation session will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 21 at Prima Cucina, 103 W. Federal St. New and seasoned members will gather to discuss club history, aspects of membership and getting involved. Please register here. Contact Justin Froelich for information at 330-942-0179 or email him at justin@temaroofingservices.com.