Count on us for monthly news and inspiration from around District 6600!

In This Issue

Rotary International's Nominating Committee has selected Bharat Pandya, a member of the Rotary Club of Borivli, Mumbai, India, to serve as Rotary International President for 2028-29. Pandya, a general and laparoscopic surgeon for 38 years, has served RI as a director and treasurer and has held numerous roles with The Rotary Foundation, including trustee and Executive Committee chair. He also served on the India PolioPlus Committee from 2011-15, during which time India was certified polio-free. Pandya will officially become president-nominee on September 15, barring any challenging candidates.

District 6600 is searching for its next District Governor for 2029-30 — a leader who will inspire others, strengthen our clubs, and help us continue creating lasting impact throughout our communities and around the world.

Every Rotary club is filled with leaders who quietly make a difference every day. Perhaps someone in your club has the vision, enthusiasm, and heart for service to lead our district. Or perhaps that person is you.

Serving as District Governor is one of Rotary's most rewarding leadership opportunities. It offers the chance to encourage clubs, mentor emerging leaders, celebrate service, and help shape the future of District 6600 for years to come.

Important Dates:

• Nomination Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026
• Tentative Interview Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (Location TBD)

To nominate a candidate or submit your own application, please send the required materials to Nominating Committee Chair PDG Deb Cheney at debcheneyrotary6600@gmail.com.

The official nomination form can be downloaded from the District’s Leadership page, available at the link below.

One conversation. One nomination. One leader. Together, we can identify the next Rotarian who will help District 6600 continue to create lasting impact.

Who will you encourage to lead?

As August arrives, we know that October's World Polio Day push will be upon us soon. Clubs can start planning now so events are scheduled for October (or earlier). If you'd like resources to help educate your community and plan an event, check out our Zone’s resource page at the link at the bottom of this story. On this link, you can find short talking points on why we must eradicate polio, fundraising ideas, and lots of other great information.

As of July 21, 2026, there have been 18 wild polio cases worldwide this year — 3 in Pakistan and 15 in Afghanistan. That's down significantly from all of 2025, when 52 cases were recorded (31 in Pakistan, 21 in Afghanistan) — real progress, but a reminder that our work isn't finished until that number hits zero.

Last year my club, Rotary Club of Oberlin, sold purple donuts, and we've also sold olive oil for our "Olio for Polio" campaign. This year I wanted to do a pet-themed event, so we're hosting PAWS-atively Eradicate Polio. A local restaurant is inviting guests to dine with their dogs, with a portion of the proceeds going to End Polio Now. It's an easy way to spread the word in your community while supporting a local business. We'll also have doggy bags for guests and a dog-themed raffle basket. See the flyer below for full event details.

This is just one unique approach to getting people engaged — there are countless ways to raise awareness and support the fight to end polio. If you'd like to discuss ideas for your club, feel free to reach out to me via email: FleurDeLysFarm@hotmail.com.

Peggi Ignagni
Polio Chair, District 6600

Last year, The Rotary Foundation funded 1,488 Global Grants, 457 District Grants, and 57 Disaster Response Grants — all made possible through the generosity of Rotarians.

One of the ways to ensure the impact of these grants continues is through Rotary Direct, Rotary's secure recurring giving program. Monthly, quarterly, or annual gifts provide reliable funding that helps Rotary respond quickly to needs around the world.

Join the Rotary Direct Challenge

Sign up as a new Rotary Direct donor, or increase your current recurring gift by 2.5% per quarter, to participate in our Freedom to Give Power to Serve Campaign. All enrollments and updates must be completed by October 15 to be entered.

At the Foundation Dinner on October 23, one participating Rotarian will be selected to receive $250 toward a Rotary event of their choice. Four winners, one from each quadrant, will win 250 Paul Harris points. It's an easy way to strengthen Rotary's impact while becoming eligible to win!

Rotarians across the district are already stepping up for the challenge — will you be next? There's still time to join before the October 15 deadline!

Your recurring gift — of any amount — helps Rotary continue Doing Good in the World.

Foundation Celebrations

Congratulations to the clubs leading the way in Foundation giving in 25/26!

These accomplishments reflect an outstanding commitment to Rotary's mission of Doing Good in the World. Is your club up for the challenge in 26/27? Let's celebrate even more District 6600 clubs reaching these milestones in the year ahead!

Planning to apply for District Designated Funds (DDF) to support a global grant project?

District 6600 now uses a rolling, paced review process to keep funding distributed fairly across clubs, partners, and organizations. The District Foundation and International Service committees meet monthly to review proposals, and Rotarians are asked to submit one grant proposal at a time (up to two in special circumstances). Before applying, your project must already be active in the Rotary Grant Center with an assigned Global Grant ID.

To apply, submit your official Grant PDF and a brief project synopsis directly to Lorena Gloden, District International Service Chair, at lorenagloden@gmail.com.

Full submission guidelines are posted on the district website’s grant page.

More than 30,000 Rotarians from over 120 countries gathered in Taipei, Taiwan this June for the 2026 Rotary International Convention — and several of our own District 6600 members were among them. Rather than summarize the experience for them, we asked attendees to share it in their own words. What came back were reflections as varied as the Rotarians themselves — on inspiration, service, and the unexpected moments a trip like this always seems to deliver. Here's what they had to say.

Looking Ahead: Barcelona 2027

Lee isn't the only one already looking ahead. The 2027 Rotary International Convention heads to Barcelona, Spain, June 26–30 — and registration opens this September. Whether you've been to a dozen conventions or you're still working up to your first, now's the time to start planning. Keep an eye on future issues for details on how to join District 6600's next trip abroad.

Want to Help Shape 2028?

The 2028 Rotary International Convention in Minneapolis looks forward to working with volunteers like you! If you're interested, please send your name, email, and club name to ri2028volunteer@gmail.com. We will follow up to keep you informed as more details become available. The dates for volunteer participation at the Minneapolis Convention are May 26–31, 2028.

Back in June, we shared the news that DG Katherine Eboch had secured her spot as a 2027 Rose Parade Float Rider, representing District 6600 on one of Rotary's biggest public stages. Now you can see it for yourself: Katherine's name is officially listed on the 2027 rider roster.

If you, your club, or your business would like to help Katherine represent District 6600 in Pasadena, reach out to her directly at keeboch@gmail.com. Every contribution is deeply appreciated!

Fun fact: this isn't Katherine's first brush with the Rose Parade — she watched the Rotary International float pass by as a teenager in 2005. More on that story soon!

Last month, District 6600 kicked off a brand-new tradition: the Third Monday Series, a monthly Zoom session rotating between Public Image, Membership, and The Rotary Foundation. Our first session, Photography for Rotarians, covered simple habits for capturing better event photos — from Rotary's People of Action campaign to smartphone camera tips and photo release best practices.

Missed it live? Watch the recording on the District 6600 YouTube channel.

Mark your calendars for the next installment on Monday, August 17, when Rotary Foundation Chair Diana Savage takes the stage. Her topic will be Giving Made Simple: Rotary Direct, Paul Harris & More — join us on Zoom: https://bit.ly/thirdmondayseries

Theme: Impact United
When: Friday, April 30 & Saturday, May 1, 2027
Where: Hilton Columbus/Polaris

For the first time in years, all five Ohio Rotary Districts are uniting for one massive, joint District Conference!

Mark your calendars now for an unforgettable weekend in Columbus filled with inspiring keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, impactful hands-on service, and unmatched statewide fellowship. Together, we will celebrate our collective achievements across the state, honor the legacy of our Rotary year, and mark a historic milestone: 40 Years of Women in Rotary.

Whether you’ve been to a dozen conferences or this will be your very first, you won't want to miss this historic gathering of Ohio Rotarians.

More details, hotel booking links, and registration information are coming soon! We hope to see a huge turnout from District 6600!

Last month we announced that two of District 6600's most meaningful events are joining forces for the first time: the Rotary Foundation Dinner and the District 6600 Peace Summit are consolidating into one weekend, so you don't have to double up on travel to attend both.

Mark your calendars: the Foundation Dinner kicks off Friday, October 23, in Elyria, followed by the Peace Summit at Lorain County Community College on Saturday, October 24, under the theme "Create Lasting Peace: Think Globally, Act Locally." It's also the night we'll announce the winner of the Rotary Direct Challenge — so there's even more reason to be in the room.

Registration, speaker, and venue details are still coming — but go ahead and hold the weekend now.

Every August, Rotary International turns its focus to something every club depends on: people. Bringing in new members is essential to our organization's future — but keeping them engaged is just as important. Rotary International's research shows that why members leave changes depending on how long they've been in the club: newer members often cite cost or feeling excluded, mid-tenure members feel disconnected from club activities, and longer-tenured members may be frustrated with leadership or simply ready for a different kind of involvement. The fix looks similar at every stage: ask members what they want, give them real opportunities to get involved and lead, and recognize their contributions along the way. Jim Duke, our District Membership Chair, has shared Rotary International's full retention assessment and analysis tool here in this issue, with practical next steps for engaging members at every stage. If you have questions about membership, or want to talk through retention strategies for your club, reach out to Jim Duke, Membership Chair, at JimD6600@outlook.com.

DG Katherine's challenge this month was for clubs to think creatively about growth — and Fremont didn't wait to answer the call. On July 23, the Rotary Satellite Club of Fremont – Synergy Circle Companion officially became a satellite companion club of the Rotary Club of Fremont.

This one grew out of people already part of the Rotary family — just never as official members. "After years of volunteering and attending Rotary meetings with our husbands, Angelica approached Kim Ellenberger and me about starting a companion club," said Kari Durbin. "Of course we said yes!" Fittingly, the push came from District Governor Nominee, Angelica Rinehart, a Fremont Rotarian.

The club's eight founding members are spouses, companions, and family of current or former Rotarians, already attending the host club's Monday lunch meetings and pitching in on volunteer projects. They'll meet twice a month — a morning coffee and an evening social — while deciding how to give back to their community.

It's the second companion club to launch in District 6600 this year, following last month's news of the former Elyria Sunrise club regrouping under Pathways Rotary — both great examples of the companion club model DG Katherine is asking clubs to consider this Membership Month.

Congratulations to Synergy Circle Companion, and to the Rotary Club of Fremont for welcoming them in!

It was a pleasure to celebrate and learn about the accomplishments of returning Youth Exchange student Oliver Proxmire, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bryan. His exchange to Taiwan took place during the 2025-26 academic year through Rotary District 6600's Rotary Youth Exchange program.

As a youth ambassador, Oliver successfully completed an academic scholarship program abroad while also celebrating his high school graduation and earning college credits — enabling him to begin his junior year in the Aviation program at Bowling Green State University this fall.

Newsletter readers may remember Oliver from our June 26 issue, where we shared that his exchange year included attending the Rotary International Convention in Taipei — a rare opportunity for a Youth Exchange student. He also had a brief appearance in our January 26 issue, where he was picking tea leaves! 

When our young people enter the Rotary Youth Exchange program, they take a deep dive into culture and language, and they mature and grow along the way. Our students arrive as strangers and leave as friends and family for life. Receiving a certificate of completion from Taiwan adds to Oliver's long list of accomplishments.

Want to see more of his exchange year in his own words? Follow Oliver on Instagram at @oliver_.international, where his character really shines through.

We wish Oliver the very best from his Rotary District 6600 family!

In the Rotary calendar, August is designated as Membership and New Club Development Month. This month is dedicated to focusing on membership recruitment and retention within Rotary clubs worldwide. It's also a time to celebrate the contributions of existing members and the positive impact Rotary clubs have on their communities.

Thinking of launching a literacy project in your community? Download Rotary’s Basic Education & Literacy Project Strategies guide—a step-by-step resource to help your club assess local needs and build a meaningful project!

If your club already has a literacy project in the works, we'd love to share your story in the September Issue of this newsletter. Send your news on this Rotary Area of Focus to d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com.

District Monthly Calendar

District Leadership Team Meeting

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM [zoom link]

District 6600 Third Monday Series

Monday, August 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM [zoom link]

Guardians Game and Fundraiser for End Polio Now

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM

Zone Institute – New Orleans

Tuesday, August 25-29, 2026

District Governor and Assistant Governor Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM [zoom link]

District Governor and Presidents Meeting

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM [zoom link]

District Leadership Team Meeting

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM [zoom link]

To learn more about these events and to get instructions on connecting by zoom, visit the DACdb District Calendar.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars now for these District Events. More details to come closer to registration dates.

District 6600 Foundation Dinner

Friday, October 23, 2026

District 6600 Peace Conference

Saturday, October 24, 2026

District Advisory Council Meetings

Locations are TBD.  Watch DACdb for more info. November 7, 2026 February 6, 2027 June 5, 2027

All Ohio District Conference in Columbus

Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1, 2027

Ada Rotary Club member Sarah Johnson spent this spring in Gansbaai, South Africa, helping a National Geographic–sponsored team study great white sharks threatened by a surprising predator — orcas. Her footage aired on Discovery Channel's Shark Week this summer. While there, she also stumbled onto the Rotary Club of Stanford at a sunset market and was welcomed in like family. Read her full story, from a 2015 wildlife park visit that changed her path to this year's shark research off South Africa's coast:

For over 60 years, Hicksville Rotary Club has carried on a tradition that says as much about the club as it does about the honoree: every year, members select a Citizen of the Year to recognize someone who has quietly shaped their community for the better. This year, that honor goes to Shannon Villena.

From two terms as Hicksville Rotary Club president to her work with Rotary exchange students, the nursing home blanket project, and the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, Shannon's fingerprints are all over the community she calls home.

Pictured here with her family, fellow honorees, and Hicksville Rotarians, Shannon joins a list of Citizen of the Year recipients stretching back more than 60 years — proof that Hicksville Rotary's tradition of honoring quiet community leadership is as strong today as it was in 1963.

Congratulations to Shannon Villena on this well-earned recognition!

Every year during Montpelier's Bean Days festival, the Montpelier Rotary Club fires up the griddles at the Montpelier Fire Department for its Annual Pancake Breakfast — a tradition that's been going strong for more than 50 years. Guests can stop by from 7 to 11 a.m. for a stack of pancakes and a chance to support the community, with around 400 served by plate count each year.

Every dollar raised goes right back into Montpelier: scholarships, beautification projects, youth sports, park programs, and other community initiatives all benefit from the breakfast's proceeds.

Congratulations to Montpelier Rotary on more than five decades of flipping pancakes for a good cause!

The Vermilion Rotary Club rolled up its sleeves this month for its first official service project of the Rotary year: a top-to-bottom deep clean of Grace Community Kitchen, a fully volunteer-run hot meals program that serves 120 meals twice a week. Club volunteers already cook at Grace's Kitchen twice a month, but this time the goal was to give the space itself some attention.

Fifteen club members showed up — fueled by pizza and a little elbow grease — to scrub cabinets, stoves, walls, refrigerators, and floors. For a kitchen that runs entirely on volunteer power, the extra set of hands made a real difference.

It's a strong start to the year for Vermilion Rotary, and a great reminder of what a little extra effort can do for an organization the club already supports month after month.

Although the official MESA bike ride wrapped up in June, six Rotary Tour for MESA riders (pictured here) reunited for a different kind of ride: the 25th annual Bike to the Bridge, benefiting Cancer Assistance of Williams County. The event drew 107 riders and, through its "Pedaling with a Purpose" mission, raises thousands of dollars each year to help local residents facing cancer-related expenses — all while honoring patients, survivors, and loved ones along the route's emotional "memory mile."

At the helm of it all is Mike Kurivial, a Bryan Rotarian and longtime MESA rider who has chaired the Bike to the Bridge committee for years — with 2026 marking his last year as chairman. Rotarians turned out to support the ride alongside him, a fitting tribute to both a milestone anniversary and Mike's years of leadership.

Congratulations to Mike, the Bike to the Bridge committee, and everyone who pedaled, volunteered, or cheered from the sidelines in support of Cancer Assistance of Williams County.

If you haven't noticed already, the Rotaract Club of Toledo is a vibrant group of movers and shakers — and this month, they're proving it again. The club is raising funds to support two Rotary District Grant projects, one reaching across the globe and one closer to home, with a goal of $1,500 by September, when District Grant funds are expected to be distributed.

The first project, Remember Haiti, partners the club with the Rotary Club of Vermilion (you might recognize them from elsewhere in this issue) and several other District 6600 clubs to help establish a fortified food processing operation in Haiti's Northern Department. The initiative is expected to provide nutritious food to more than 5,000 children under age five, reach over 250,000 school-aged children and youth, and create more than 100 local jobs.

The second project, the Rotaract Family Stability Initiative, is the club's own Signature Impact Project. It will assemble and distribute 100 Family Stabilization Kits — filled with hygiene and household essentials — for women and families in Lucas County facing financial hardship or housing instability.

Two easy ways to help: order through the club's Little Caesars fundraiser, open through the end of August, or donate directly through its Square donation page.

Congratulations to the Rotaract Club of Toledo for tackling two meaningful projects at once — and thank you to everyone who orders, donates, or shares to help them reach their goal.

Want your event flyer to appear in this newsletter?

Add it to the DACdb Calendar as a Club Fundraiser or email your flyer to
d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com to be featured here.