Count on us for monthly news and inspiration from around District 6600!
In This Issue
A Message from District Governor Katherine
Hello District 6600 Family!
Can you believe September is already here? As summer winds down, there is a distinct shift in the air. Buses are back on the road, school bells are ringing, and students and educators across Ohio are settling into a brand-new school year.
To all of our Rotarian educators, school administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and grandparents—welcome back to school! Thank you for the dedication, energy, and heart you pour into shaping the future of our communities every single day. Let's make this school year a fantastic one.
Celebrating District 6600 in New Orleans!
What an incredible time we had at the Zone 30 & 31 Institute in New Orleans at the end of August! District 6600 showed up in full force with 20 Rotarians in attendance to learn, connect, and represent our communities.
A huge congratulations is in order for our very own Jen Allred, who brought home major honors from the Zone! Jen was awarded both the Heart of America Impact Award and the Best Newsletter Award for her outstanding work. We already know how talented she is, but having her work recognized across 31 districts in 11 states is a huge point of pride for all of us. When you see Jen, give her a massive round of applause!
Milestone Update: Hitting the Road Across District 6600
My official club visits have continued in full swing, and I am thrilled to share that I have now visited just over 20 clubs across our district!
Experiencing the unique personality of each club and seeing firsthand all the different ways you are making a difference has been inspiring. From community parks and food pantries to youth mentoring programs, it is clear that District 6600 is hard at work turning our vision into reality. Thank you all for your incredible hospitality and for showing me what "Service Above Self" looks like in your hometowns!
September Focus: Basic Education & Literacy Month
In the Rotary calendar, September is Basic Education and Literacy Month—one of our core Areas of Focus.
Education is the ultimate catalyst for change. When we help a child learn to read, support a local library, or mentor a student, we aren't just solving a short-term need; we are opening doors for a lifetime. That is the very definition of how we Create Lasting Impact.
This month, I challenge each of us to carry that mindset into every corner of our lives:
• In Our Clubs: How can your club support local literacy this fall? Whether it’s reading to elementary students, donating books to classrooms, supporting adult literacy programs, or sponsoring student recognition awards, every action counts.
• In Our Jobs & Lives: Creating a lasting impact isn't limited to our Rotary service projects. Bring that same spirit of encouragement and mentorship to your workplace, your family, and your daily interactions. Small investments in people yield lifelong dividends.
Educating Ourselves: A Plug for the Rotary Learning Center
As we focus on education for others this month, let’s not forget about our own growth! Education doesn't stop when we graduate, and it certainly doesn't stop when we join Rotary.
Have you explored the Rotary Learning Center lately? Whether you want to polish your leadership skills, learn more about public image, dive into grant management, or take professional development modules through Rotary’s alliance with Toastmasters, the Learning Center has quick, self-paced courses for every member.
💡 Take the Challenge: Log into My Rotary this month, click on the Learning Center, and try just one 15-minute course! Sharpening our own knowledge helps us lead better, serve better, and make an even stronger impact in our communities.
Thank you for everything you do to inspire, educate, and serve. Let's keep this momentum growing as we head into autumn!
Cheers,
On the Road with DG Katherine
Scroll through to see where she's been in the last month
District News
ACT NOW
Experience Rotary International in Barcelona
by Jamie Wise, North Coast Rotary President
If you've never attended a Rotary International Convention, I can guarantee one thing: it is an experience you will never forget.
The 2027 Rotary International Convention will take place June 26–30 in beautiful Barcelona, Spain — five unforgettable days of inspiring speakers, world-class entertainment, and global fellowship. I attended the past two conventions — Calgary in 2025 and Taipei in 2026 — and I'm hooked. There is simply nothing like being surrounded by thousands of Rotarians from around the world, learning from one another, sharing ideas, and celebrating the impact we're making together.
Mark Your Calendar: Registration Opens September 17!
Here's the best part — register early and lock in significant savings:
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- Registration Opens: September 17, 2026
- Early Bird Deadline: September 21, 2026
- The Savings: Register between September 17–21 to save $200 off the standard registration rate
Registration fees jump significantly after September 21, so acting during this five-day window is the single best way to secure the lowest rate.
I realize it can be difficult to plan this far in advance, but there's some flexibility: if your plans change, you can cancel by April 30, 2027, for only a $50 processing fee.
Why You Shouldn't Miss Barcelona 2027
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- The Heart of Rotary: Connect with tens of thousands of members in the House of Friendship and bring innovative service project ideas back home to Northwest Ohio.
- World-Class Destination: Experience Barcelona's breathtaking architecture, rich culture, Mediterranean coast, and incredible cuisine.
- Unmatched Inspiration: Hear powerful keynote addresses and attend interactive breakout sessions designed to help your club Create Lasting Impact.
I would be more than happy to visit your club and share my experiences, talk about what to expect, and answer any questions about attending a Rotary International Convention. Reach out to me at jamie_wise20@yahoo.com to coordinate a time for a club visit. In the meantime, please check out the Convention's website for registration information and download promotional materials for your club at the link's below.
I hope to see you in Barcelona!
Jamie Wise Rotary International Convention Chair
Thinking About Becoming District Governor? Let's Toss Out a Few Myths
District 6600 is still searching for its next District Governor for 2029–30 — and if you've thought about raising your hand but talked yourself out of it, you're not alone. Here are a few of the most common myths that hold Rotarians back, and the reality behind them.
Myth: "I'd need decades of Rotary experience first.”
Reality: Leadership doesn't come from tenure alone. The Nominating Committee is looking for vision, enthusiasm, and a heart for service — qualities found in Rotarians at every stage of their membership, not just the longest-serving ones. To be eligible, Rotarians must have 7 years of service when their term begins and they must have been a club past president.
Myth: "It's basically a full-time, unpaid job I'd have to figure out alone.”
Reality: Incoming Governors don't go it alone — there's a full year of training and mentorship before you ever take the role, alongside support from district leadership and past Governors every step of the way.
Myth: "My club is too small — DGs only come from the bigger clubs.”
Reality: District 6600 is made up of clubs of every size, and its Governors have come from just as wide a range. What matters is the leader, not the size of the club they call home.
Myth: "The nomination process is complicated.”
Reality: It's genuinely simple. One conversation, one form, sent to Nominating Committee Chair PDG Deb Cheney. That's it.
To nominate a candidate or submit your own application, send the required materials to Nominating Committee Chair PDG Deb Cheney at debcheneyrotary6600@gmail.com. The official nomination form is available on the District's Leadership page.
Important Dates:
Nomination Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Tentative Interview Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (Location TBD)
Nominations close in just over eight weeks. One conversation. One nomination. One leader. Who will you encourage to lead?
FOUNDATION NEWS
District 6600 Foundation Update: Your Giving, Our Grants, Our Impact
Great things are happening across District 6600 through The Rotary Foundation.
$54,870 in District Grant funding has been approved by Rotary International, and 15 clubs across our district will put these funds to work in their communities — see this issue's Grants in Action feature for the full project list.
But where does grant funding come from? It starts with you. The contributions Rotarians make to The Rotary Foundation today create the resources that make projects like these possible tomorrow. Your Foundation giving comes back to our clubs through grant opportunities, letting Rotarians address needs right here at home while also supporting Rotary's work around the world. It's the Foundation cycle in action: you give, the Foundation invests, clubs serve, and communities benefit. That's the power of Rotary.
Save the Dates
October 23 — District 6600 Foundation Dinner at the Lorain County Community College (LCCC): Join us as we celebrate our Paul Harris Fellows, Paul Harris Society members, Major Donors, and everyone who supports the work of The Rotary Foundation. Please make plans to attend this special evening of recognition, fellowship, and inspiration.
October 24 — District Peace Conference: See this issue's dedicated story for details.
Keep Polio at the Top of Our List
The fight to End Polio Now continues, and every Rotarian has a role to play. If your club is looking for ways to support polio eradication, reach out to District Polio Chair Peggi Ignagni, who's happy to share information, ideas, and suggestions for getting your club involved.
Every gift to The Rotary Foundation helps create opportunities for service. Thank you for giving, serving, and helping District 6600 continue to Do Good in the World.
Rotary Direct Challenge
Want to make your giving go further? Join the Rotary Direct Challenge — Freedom to Give. Power to Serve. Sign up as a new Rotary Direct donor, or increase your current recurring gift by 2.5% per quarter, and you'll be entered to win: one participating Rotarian will receive $250 toward a Rotary event of their choice at the Foundation Dinner, and four more — one from each quadrant — will win 250 Paul Harris points. All enrollments and updates must be completed by October 15. Your recurring gift, of any amount, helps Rotary continue Doing Good in the World.
EDITOR'S NOTE: I'll admit it had been a few years since I'd looked at my own Rotary Direct giving, so I finally logged in to update it myself. It could not have been easier — under "My Account" in the upper right of My Rotary, there's a "My Donations" link that shows exactly what you're currently giving. A couple of clicks later, my gift was updated, and since I needed to refresh my credit card on file anyway, I knocked out two things at once. If it's been a while for you too, it's a five-minute fix.
District 6600 Awards $54,870 in District Grants for 2026–2027 Rotary Year
Welcome to Grants in Action — a new recurring feature in the D6600 newsletter spotlighting how District Designated Funds (DDF) go to work, creating impact both locally and globally through the projects our clubs lead.
Rotary District 6600 is pleased to announce the approval of $54,870 in District Grants for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. These grants will support 15 projects led by Rotary clubs across the district, addressing a wide range of community needs, from education and food security to recreation, economic development, health, and support for vulnerable populations.
The approved projects demonstrate the many ways Rotary clubs are making a meaningful difference in their local communities and beyond.
2026–2027 District Grant Projects
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- Archbold Rotary Club — Baseball Pavilion
- Sylvania Rotary Club — Basic Education Mission in Belize District of Belize
- Celina Rotary Club — Celina Tree Project
- North Coast/Northeastern Lorain County Rotary Club — Community Resource Services Facility Flooring Project
- St. Marys Rotary Club — Disease Prevention Education
- Mansfield Rotary Club — Domestic Violence Shelter Bathroom Renovation
- Fremont Rotary Club — Fremont Rotary Arts Achievement Awards Program
- Bowling Green Rotary Club — Imagination Station Science in BG
- Maumee Rotary Club — Improving Food Security, Nutrition and Maternal Health for Expectant Mothers, Children and Communities
- Marion Rotary Club — Marion Community Economic Development Analytics Project
- New Bremen/New Knoxville Rotary Club — New Bremen High School Vocational Agriculture Drainage Water Management System
- Ottawa-Glandorf Rotary Club — Ottawa Memorial Park Disc Golf Course Redesign and Recreation Enhancement Project
- Bucyrus, Elyria, Huron, Lorain, Maumee, Milan, North Coast/Northeastern Lorain County, Oberlin, Toledo and Vermilion Rotary Clubs — Remember Haiti District International Grant
- Toledo Area Rotaract — Rotaract Family Stability Initiative
- Sandusky Rotary Club — The Rotary Legacy Space at The Landing: Connecting Community, Economic Development, and Culture
From providing recreational opportunities for children and families to improving educational resources, supporting maternal and child health, enhancing community facilities, and investing in local economic development, these projects reflect Rotary's commitment to Service Above Self.
District Grants are an important part of Rotary's commitment to empowering clubs to address needs identified within their own communities. The 2026–2027 grant projects illustrate the breadth of that impact and the dedication of Rotary members throughout District 6600.
Congratulations to all of the clubs receiving District Grants, and thank you for the work you are doing to strengthen our communities and make a difference locally and around the world!
Watch this space each month as Grants in Action follows these projects from approval to completion.
Empowering Local Change: Save the Date for the 2026 Community Peace Summit
Rotary District 6600 and YWCA Elyria are proud to co-present the 2026 Community Peace Summit on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Lorain County Community College (LCCC) Spitzer Conference Center in Elyria.
Centered on the theme Create Lasting Peace: Think Global, Act Local, this free one-day event is designed to equip Rotarians, educators, students, and civic leaders with practical strategies to turn peacebuilding concepts into tangible local action. Attendees will enjoy inspiring keynote presentations, hands-on breakout sessions, and networking opportunities—with complimentary breakfast and lunch provided.
Make it a full Rotary weekend! The summit falls directly the day after the District’s Foundation Dinner on Friday, October 23. To make attending both events seamless, a dedicated hotel room block is available for overnight guests.
We invite you to explore our newly launched landing page at www.rotarydistrict6600.org/peace. There, you can reserve your free summit seat, access hotel booking details, and download a complete Media Kit featuring social media graphics, print flyers, and copy to share with your local club.
Space is limited, so visit the site and register today!
GET INVOLVED
Third Monday Series: Membership with Jim Duke
District 6600's Third Monday Series continues — the monthly Zoom rotating between Public Image, Membership, and The Rotary Foundation — with a session on Membership.
Join District Membership Chair Jim Duke on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6 PM for a one-hour session split into two parts. The first half hour focuses on retention — practical ways clubs can do a better job holding onto the members they have. The second half hour turns to Rotary's North America Club Creation Team and how district clubs can put that resource to work growing their own membership.
Jim wants this to be an open forum, so come ready to trade ideas as much as hear his.
Join us on Zoom - https://bit.ly/thirdmondayseries]
Rotary On Tap Rolls Into Toledo
Rotary On Tap, the district's quarterly progressive craft beer tour, kicked off earlier this year and rotates to a different part of D6600 each quarter. This time around, it's Toledo's turn.
Join us Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 1 PM, for a tour that includes:
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- Inside the Five Brewing Co. — 127 W. Third Street, Perrysburg, OH 43551
- Maumee Bay Brewing Co. — 27 Broadway Street, Toledo, OH 43604
- Great Black Swamp Brewing Co. — 2250 Tedrow Road, Toledo, OH 43614
All are welcome — and if craft beer isn't your thing, come anyway. There's good food and good fellowship at every stop, too.
We just ask that you RSVP so we can keep you posted if plans change and give each brewery a heads-up on how many to expect.
Questions? Contact Lee Peters (lee.peters.apo@gmail.com) or Jon Kundo (jkundo@fm.bank).
ON THE HORIZON
SAVE THE DATE: 2027 All-Ohio District Conference
Theme: Impact United
When: Friday, April 30 & Saturday, May 1, 2027
Where: Hilton Columbus/Polaris
Reminder for your calendar: for the first time in years, all five Ohio Rotary Districts are joining together for one massive, joint District Conference — and it's happening right here in Columbus.
Expect a weekend packed with inspiring keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, hands-on service projects, and statewide fellowship you won't find anywhere else. We'll celebrate what Ohio Rotarians have accomplished together this year and mark a historic milestone: 40 Years of Women in Rotary.
Whether this is your first conference or your dozenth, this is one to put on the calendar — a once-in-a-generation gathering of Rotarians from across the state.
Registration and hotel booking details are still on the way — we'll share them here as soon as they're available. Let's make sure District 6600 shows up in force!
REFLECTIONS
Rotary Club of Mansfield Earns ShelterBox "Hero Club" Recognition
The Rotary Club of Mansfield has been named a ShelterBox "Hero Club" after contributing $1,000 or more to ShelterBox USA — a giving level ShelterBox recognizes with its Hero Award. District Governor Katherine received the news directly from ShelterBox and District Governor Elect Lee Peters visited the club and shared the certificate.
The timing carries extra weight: ShelterBox is currently on the ground responding to a devastating earthquake in Venezuela, working with Rotary Districts 4370 and 4380 and local Rotaract clubs to get emergency shelter and household essentials to displaced families. Rotarians there have stepped up with warehousing, customs and logistics support, and housing for ShelterBox's response teams — the kind of partnership that makes fast relief possible.
"This response is another powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when Rotary and ShelterBox work together," wrote Renee Brouse, Rotary Relations Manager for ShelterBox USA.
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Mansfield! We'd love to see more D6600 clubs earn Hero Club status. Learn more or give at the link below.
Full Circle: DG Katherine's Rose Parade Story Started Long Before 2027
For several months now, we've shared that DG Katherine Eboch has secured a spot as a 2027 Rose Parade Float Rider, representing District 6600 on one of Rotary's biggest public stages.
But this isn't Katherine's first brush with the Rose Parade — it's where the story actually begins.
In 2005, a 13-year-old Katherine stood along the parade route in Pasadena with her mom, watching the crowd and the floats go by — Michigan hat and all (we'll let that one slide, just this once). Somewhere down that same stretch of road came the Rotary International float, a "Century of Service" design covered in roses, its towering tree draped in monarch butterflies. Katherine had no idea she'd one day be riding on one herself, representing her own district on that same parade route.
Twenty-two years later, Katherine will trade her spot on the curb for a seat on the float itself — a full-circle moment that's hard to script. Rider spots are funded through personal and club donations. If you, your club, or your business would like to help send Katherine to Pasadena you can email her directly at keeboch@gmail.com.
District 6600 Turns Out for the Zone 30/31 Institute in New Orleans
Twenty Rotarians and spouses from District 6600 traveled to New Orleans this past weekend for the Zone 30/31 Institute, joining fellow Rotarians from across a 13-state region that stretches from Ohio to Texas — including Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Three of our district's attendees — Rob Kuenning, Noah Fox, and Jamie Wise — took part as Emerging Leaders.
The Institute drew serious star power, with incoming Rotary International President Larry Lunsford in attendance alongside several past RI presidents and leaders.
Membership was a major theme throughout the weekend. Rotary's global membership currently stands at 1.16 million, and Lunsford is kicking off a new goal to grow that number to 1.25 million by 2030 — Rotary's 125th anniversary.
Polio eradication also took center stage, with several RI leaders sharing personal stories of polio touching their own parents and loved ones. Attendees were reminded just how close the world is to a post-polio future: there have been 22 wild polio cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan so far this year, down from 55 at this time last year.
Evan Burrell, a Rotarian Changemaker from Australia, shared his ideas for building more flexible club structures — one of many standout sessions that also covered membership, public image, and more.
Of course, no Institute would be complete without after-hours fellowship, and this year was no exception. Attendees enjoyed a riverboat cruise and a New Orleans food fest — all part of what made this a great weekend of fellowship, learning, and friendship.
Looking ahead: the next Zone Institute heads to Lexington, Kentucky, August 19–21, 2027. Mark your calendars!
Rotary Youth In Action
Rotary Youth Exchange: Welcomes, Send-Offs, and What's Next
It's been a busy stretch for District 6600's Youth Exchange program — a multi-district night at the ballpark, two new inbound students settled with their host clubs, a full weekend of orientation, and applications now open for 2027.
End Polio Now Night with the Cleveland Guardians
Our inbound students had the chance to attend their first Major League Baseball game — an End Polio Now night held jointly with District 6630 and District 6690, where a portion of ticket sales supports polio eradication and is matched by the Gates Foundation. Students saw their names in lights, walked the field alongside District Rotarians, and were welcomed by District Governors Terri Speck (District 6630) and our own Katherine Eboch. A great turnout and a memorable night for our exchange students.
Welcome to Our Inbound Students
Sara, from Mexico, has settled in with the Loudonville Rotary Club, where she was greeted by her two host sisters and a homemade welcome banner.
Vera, from Spain, has been welcomed by the Marion Rotary Club's welcoming committee, host families, and club leadership.
Required Inbound Orientation
Last weekend, Districts 6600 and 6630 held required Department of State inbound orientation — joined by prospective outbound students — at the beautiful Akron Rotary Camp. This year's inbound class comes to Northern Ohio from Mexico, Spain, Italy, France, and Brazil, and District Governor Katherine joined the group for the weekend.
Students spent the weekend getting to know one another lakeside and on the steps of the Lodge, building the friendships that will carry them through their 10-month exchange. As our RYE leadership put it: these students arrive in our communities as strangers, showing real courage in coming so far from home — and by 2027, they'll return to their home countries not as strangers, but as family.
None of this happens without an entire Rotary community pitching in. Thank you to our hosting clubs, Club Youth Exchange Officers, Club Counselors, and — most of all — our host families for the countless hours that make this program possible.
Outbound Update
Raquel, sponsored by the Hicksville Rotary Club, departed for Spain on September 1. Congratulations, Raquel!
Alex, sponsored by the Maumee Rotary Club, is still awaiting a departure date for the Czech Republic.
We'll be following both of their exchange years the way we followed Oliver, Liberty, Brynn, and Kai — all four of whom have just returned from their own exchange years abroad.
Want a Speaker for Your Club?
Oliver, Liberty, Brynn, and Kai are all available to speak to clubs about their exchange experiences. Kai is already booked — speaking to the Elyria Rotary Club in September and the Oberlin Rotary Club in October. If your club would like to host one of our returned exchange students as a speaker, reach out to Mary Aufdenkampe at mary_aufdenkampe@hotmail.com to schedule.
2027 Applications Are Open
Now is the time to seek outbound applicants from across the district — public school, private school, and home school students are all welcome to apply.
STEP (Short-Term Exchange Program): A family-to-family cultural exchange departing summer, June 2027, with a reciprocal hosting component.
Long-Term Academic Year Exchange: A full academic year abroad, departing August 2027.
Clubs interested in hosting an inbound student for the 2027–28 academic year should also start that process now.
District Calendar
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.
Rotary invests in people to create measurable, lasting economic improvement in their lives and communities. Through this Area of Focus, the Rotary Foundation helps build the capacity of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and local organizations; creates opportunities for productive work; reduces poverty in under-served communities; and supports career-focused studies in economic and community development.
District Monthly Calendar
District 6600 Third Monday Series
Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM [zoom link]
District Governor and Assistant Governor Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM [zoom link]
District Governor and Presidents Meeting
Wednesday,October 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM [zoom link]
District Leadership Team Meeting
Wednesday, October 14, 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
To learn more about these events and to get instructions on connecting by zoom, visit the DACdb District Calendar.
Club Spotlight
CLUB NEWS
New Bremen/New Knoxville Rotary Club Serves Up Service at Bremenfest
The New Bremen/New Knoxville Rotary Club spent two and a half days working a booth at the local town festival, Bremenfest — frying and serving at least 25 boxes of potatoes and 15 cases of chicken tenders to festival-goers.
Every dollar of profit goes to the Bremenfest Committee — the club keeps none of it. It's Service Above Self in its truest form: hours of hard, hot work behind the fryer, with the only return being the satisfaction of giving back. Estimated profits are between $5,000 and $10,000.
The club takes on this project every year as a way to support the community that supports them. In turn, the Bremenfest Committee puts its proceeds directly back into the village — funding repairs, daily maintenance, and upgrades to the local park, where much of the town, including its children, benefit.
Pathways Rotary Hosts Virtual Walkathon for End Polio Now — October 2026
District 6600's only online Rotary club, Pathways Rotary, is bringing its worldwide membership together this October for a Virtual Walkathon to raise money for Rotary's End Polio Fund.
Since Pathways is an online-only club with members scattered around the globe, there's no single place to hold a traditional fundraiser — so instead, participants are invited to walk 30 miles (or bike 60) at their own pace throughout October and find sponsors willing to donate at least $1 per mile.
Last year's walkathon drew walkers across four continents and seven U.S. states.
Want to join in? Email Pathways Rotary at pathwaysfr@gmail.com before October 1 to participate. You can also choose to direct your sponsors' donations to either the End Polio Fund or the Rotary World Fund — every dollar raised goes directly to the fund, and Rotarian donors earn Paul Harris points.
Join Pathways Rotary in Ending Polio Now — one mile at a time.
More information is available on the Pathways Rotary website at the link below.:
Sandusky Rotary Trades the Picnic Table for the Lake
For years, the Sandusky Rotary Club's Summer Picnic at the Sandusky Yacht Club was a can't-miss tradition. But when the club noticed turnout quietly slipping over the last several years, they didn't just keep doing what they'd always done — they decided to shake things up.
This year, Sandusky Rotary is swapping the picnic table for the open water with its first Annual Sunset Cruise aboard the Goodtime I on September 17. Guests will board at Jackson Street Pier at 5:30 PM, with the boat departing at 6:00 PM sharp for a two-and-a-half-hour cruise on Lake Erie, complete with heavy appetizers, a cash bar, and plenty of Rotary friendship, before returning to the pier at 8:30 PM.
Admission is $30 per person. To RSVP, contact Loretta Riddle at unicaletta@gmail.com, or call 419-722-1932 with questions.
The best part? This isn't a Sandusky-only affair — the cruise is open to anyone, including members of fellow Rotary clubs across the district. So if you've never had the chance to mix and mingle with the Sandusky club, this is your invitation.
It takes real confidence for a club to retire a long-running tradition and try something completely new — especially something as ambitious as chartering a boat. Sandusky Rotary saw an opportunity to reinvigorate their fellowship instead of just watching it fade, and we love to see it. Here's hoping for smooth waters and a great turnout on September 17!
Vermilion Rotary Hosts a World Polio Day Speaker
With World Polio Day approaching on October 24, clubs across the district are planning their own events and fundraisers. Vermilion Rotary's contribution is a chance to learn and connect with fellow Rotarians and community members.
On October 7, 2026, at 12 PM, Vermilion Rotary will host Craig Maxey, Rotary Zone 30 End Polio Now Coordinator (based in the Columbus area), at Ritter Public Library for a talk on End Polio Now. All are welcome — Rotarians and community members alike.
If your club has its own World Polio Day plans in the works, feel free to bring information along to share with fellow attendees.
Vermilion Rotary just asks that you RSVP ahead of time so they know how many chairs to set up and how much pizza to order.
North Coast Rotary’s Pizza Bake Off: Now an Environmentally-Friendly, Zero-Waste Fundraising Event!
The North Coast Rotary is excited to announce the 2026 Great Pizza Bake Off fundraiser, which will be held on Thursday, October 1, 5:00-7:00 PM, in the Avon Lake High School Commons. This much-anticipated event kicks off Avon Lake’s Homecoming weekend and will showcase all-you-can-eat samples from local pizza vendors.
This year, North Coast Rotary is partnering with Avon Lake Environmental Advisory Board and Rust Belt Riders Composting to make this fundraiser an environmentally-friendly and zero-waste event. From compostable plates, napkins, cups, and pizza boxes to recyclable canned beverages, this zero-waste event aims to minimize the amount of waste going to the landfill by diverting materials for recycling or composting.
Come taste a variety of delicious pizzas, vote for your favorites, help support some great causes, and learn how to live a more environmentally-friendly life by making simple, everyday changes to your habits at home!
Toledo Rotary Presents 'Discover Rotary Day'
Monday, November 9, 2026 | Noon
Glass City Center 401 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604
Have you ever wondered what makes the Rotary Club of Toledo one of the most impactful service organizations in our region? Join us on Monday, November 9, 2026, for a special meeting unlike any other. For the first time, we are dedicating an entire Monday program to sharing the story of the Rotary Club of Toledo, our members, our impact, and our vision for the future.
Typically, our weekly meetings feature speakers who provide updates on important issues affecting our community and beyond. On this day, we will turn the spotlight inward and showcase who we are, what we do, and why Rotary continues to make a difference throughout Toledo and around the world.
Guests will hear directly from Rotary Club of Toledo committee chairs, learn about the work of the Toledo Rotary Foundation, hear from a grant recipient whose organization has been positively impacted by Rotary support, and discover the many ways our members put Service Above Self into action each year. This special event will also celebrate member engagement and serve as an opportunity to introduce prospective members to our dynamic club.
We encourage all Rotarians to attend and invite colleagues, friends, family members, and community leaders who may be interested in learning more about Rotary and the impact we make together.
Arrival by 11:30 a.m. is encouraged for networking and fellowship.
Whether you're a longtime Rotarian, a prospective member, or simply interested in connecting with others who are committed to strengthening our community, we welcome you to join us for this exciting and informative event.
Come discover Rotary. Bring a guest. Be inspired and join us in Creating a Lasting Impact.
EVENT FLYERS
September 13, 2026
September 16, 2026
September 17, 2026
September 25, 2026
September 26, 2026
October 24, 2026
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.