THANK YOU GREENFIELD!
The Greenfield Rotary auction brought in approximately $18,000 on Sept. 17 thanks to the generosity of many people. A big thanks to artist Tammy Wells, who created the prints that were sold, and to the buyers of the prints and the other auction items. Gary Binegar handled the auctioneer duties and did a great job as usual. Thanks to the businesses and individuals who donated items for the auction and to all of the bidders. Thanks to the Rotarians who helped, and the McClain Cadet Corps members who helped prepare for the auction. This was our first auction via Facebook Live, and we could not have done it without the technical savvy of Andrew Surritt. All proceeds will be used to benefit the community we serve or to maintain the Rec Center that is owned by Rotary.
NOTE TO BUYERS: If you have not paid for or picked up your items yet, this can be done by contacting Andrew Surritt at 937-981-0321. Most of the items that have not been picked up already are being stored at Wooden It Be Nice, 200 Industrial Park Dr., Greenfield, OH 45123. If you have questions or want to arrange for pickup and/or payment, contact Andrew Surritt at Wooden It Be Nice, 937-981-0321.
Thanks again to everyone who helped make this event a success. - Ron Coffey, Greenfield Rotary President
The Greenfield Rotary auction brought in approximately $18,000 on Sept. 17 thanks to the generosity of many people. A big thanks to artist Tammy Wells, who created the prints that were sold, and to the buyers of the prints and the other auction items. Gary Binegar handled the auctioneer duties and did a great job as usual. Thanks to the businesses and individuals who donated items for the auction and to all of the bidders. Thanks to the Rotarians who helped, and the McClain Cadet Corps members who helped prepare for the auction. This was our first auction via Facebook Live, and we could not have done it without the technical savvy of Andrew Surritt. All proceeds will be used to benefit the community we serve or to maintain the Rec Center that is owned by Rotary.
NOTE TO BUYERS: If you have not paid for or picked up your items yet, this can be done by contacting Andrew Surritt at 937-981-0321. Most of the items that have not been picked up already are being stored at Wooden It Be Nice, 200 Industrial Park Dr., Greenfield, OH 45123. If you have questions or want to arrange for pickup and/or payment, contact Andrew Surritt at Wooden It Be Nice, 937-981-0321.
Thanks again to everyone who helped make this event a success. - Ron Coffey, Greenfield Rotary President
Welcome to Rotary!
The Rotary Club of Greenfield, Ohio meets at 11:30 a.m. each Thursday at the Catch 22 Sports Pub located at 250 Jefferson St., Greenfield, Ohio. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Zoom option is also available to members and guests.
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Information about Sept. 17 Rotary Club auction items, how to bid,
how to pay and pick up items 2020 AUCTION ITEMS FOR SEPT. 17 The Greenfield Rotary Club auction is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 and will feature 10 limited-edition prints of a Greenfield scene by local graduate and artist Tammy Wells. Other items for the 2020 auction include: -A Craft Beer Brewing Experience provided by 22 Brew (Scott Benner) and Catch 22 Sports Pub (Mark Clyburn) - An Echo GT-225SF Trimmer donated by Jack’s Equipment and Greenfield Research - A Honda HRS 216 Self-Propelled Mower donated by Jack’s Equipment and Greenfield Research - Bengals Tickets donated by Eric Zint of Corner Healthmart Pharmacy - A Gift Basket donated by Eric Zint of Corner Healthmart Pharmacy - A Big Daddy Skillet donated by Greenfield Products - A delicious Cheesecake donated and baked by legendary local cook Norma Jean Anderson. - A Crofton Turbo Convection Oven donated by Gail Allen - A Danbury Mint “America Stands Proud” Collector Plate donated by Gail Allen - A Black & Decker Coffee Maker donated by Larry and Cindy Hayes - A Corey Combine Musical Instrument for children donated by Larry and Cindy Hayes - Ohio State-themed Tailgate Party Items donated by Larry and Cindy Hayes - A Razor Children’s Kick Scooter donated by Larry and Cindy Hayes - A Fire Pit donated by Dr. Richard Mizer and Cristy Hill - A 20” Boy’s Huffy Bicycle donated by Ron and Dianna Coffey - A 20” Girl’s Huffy Bicycle donated by Ron and Dianna Coffey - A 4-Quart Crock Pot - An Ohio State University Cookie Jar HOW TO BID ON GREENFIELD ROTARY AUCTION ITEMS The Greenfield Rotary Club auction will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 at the Ralph W. Phillips Community Civic and Recreation Center, 156 Jefferson St. The 10 limited edition prints by artist Tammy Wells will be sold during a “live” auction coordinated by auctioneer Gary Binegar. Other items will be sold as part of a silent auction with a time limit placed on the bidding process. At the end of the silent auction time period, the high bidder will be the buyer. Bids may be submitted in several ways: Bidders can tune in via Facebook Live through the Greenfield Rotary Club Facebook page. With Facebook Live, the easiest way to bid is to post the item number and the price you are willing to pay in the “comments” section of Facebook. Simply type the item (or item number) you are bidding on, and the amount of your bid (if you are logged in to Facebook your name should appear automatically). The Rotary Club will be monitoring those actions during the auction. Other methods of bidding will be accepted as well, including: - Phone calls. Bidders can call a phone number designated during the auction and give their name, the item they are bidding on, and their bid amount. - Texting. A phone number will be provided for bids to be texted in. Please identify yourself and the item you are bidding on as well as providing your bid amount. - In person. During the live auction process, bidders can raise their hands in traditional auction fashion. For the silent auction bidding sheets will be provided where bidders can enter their name and bid amount. Bidders are to wear masks and observe social distancing. Pickup and payment: Once the deadline is reached, the winning bidders will be announced. Items can be paid for and picked up the evening of the auction, or picked up at Wooden It Be Nice, 200 Industrial Park Dr., Greenfield, OH 45123. To arrange for pickup and/or payment, contact Andrew Surritt at Wooden It Be Nice, 937-981-0321. Payment methods: Checks payable to “Greenfield Rotary Club” are preferred. Cash and credit card purchases are also acceptable. WHERE THE AUCTION PROCEEDS GO Funds raised from the sale of the limited-edition prints have enabled our Rotary club to operate the Rec Center and take part in numerous projects for the benefit of the community. Among those are donations of dictionaries and thesauruses to children in the local school district, sponsorship of the Four Way Test speaking contest, sponsorship of the Greene Countrie Towne Festival, and donations to good causes sponsored by other organizations. The Greenfield Rotary Club also raises money from other events such as spaghetti dinners during football and basketball season at McClain High School. Rotary auction items to be sold Thursday, Sept. 17 via Facebook Live; the fun starts at 7:00 p.m.!District Governor Greg Birkemeyer
visits Greenfield Rotary Club Sept. 3 Rotary District 6670 Governor Greg Birkemeyer paid an official visit to the Greenfield Rotary Club on Sept. 3, congratulating the club on its activities for the benefit of the community and sharing ideas for future success. DG Greg acknowledge that 2020 has been an unusual year with the COVID-19 pandemic, and said some clubs in the district have not had a meeting since the March shutdown. Most, however, have at least utilized technology such as Zoom to conduct online meetings, or had hybrid meetings such as Greenfield does with both in-person and Zoom meetings. There are 47 Rotary clubs in District 6670, and DG Birkemeyer has a big job just getting to each club during his tenure as District Governor. “Rotary Brings Opportunities” is the theme for the 2020-21 Rotary year, and the District Governor pointed out some activities that are not only opportunities for service, but opportunities to enhance the health and well being of many people around the globe. Internationally, Rotary is continuing its efforts to eradicate polio from the face of the earth. Though this project has continued for more than 30 years, the polio virus stubbornly hangs on in a few countries, with only about 100 cases documented per year. DG Birkemeyer urged Rotarians to donate to the Rotary Foundation, where matching money from the Gates Foundation is available to finally end this terrible disease. The District Governor congratulated the Greenfield club on its donations of dictionaries and thesauruses to local elementary students, its efforts to assist Highland County Community Action in having the Head Start program in Greenfield, the joint project of the Greenfield and Hillsboro Rotary clubs to raise money for the Highland County Society for Children and Adults, and for sponsoring the Greene Countrie Towne Festival. Although the festival was cancelled in 2020 because of the virus, DG Birkemeyer wished the club success in its Sept. 17 auction that prior to this year was always part of the festival. He encouraged members and provided ideas for attracting new members and retaining them in Rotary, and asked them, “Are you greatly interested in Rotary? And if not, why not?” The District Governor is a member of the Dayton Rotary Club. He shared some of his own experiences as a Rotarian and encouraged members to consider applying for leadership positions within the district. Also present for the program was Assistant District Governor Beth Huber of the Wilmington club. Local club President Ron Coffey welcomed DG Birkemeyer and ADG Huber and invited them to visit the club anytime they would like. Items needed by Greenfield Rotary Club
for benefit auction on Thursday, Sept. 17 Donated items are needed for the Greenfield Rotary Club’s auction, scheduled Thursday, Sept. 17 via Facebook Live. In the past the auction has taken place during the Greene Countrie Towne Festival, but because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic the festival was cancelled for 2020. “This auction is our largest club fundraiser of the year, and we rely on donated items to keep things interesting and bring in dollars that are recirculated in the community,” said Rotary President Ron Coffey. “We do have some nice items for the 2020 auction, but not as many as in past years, and so we are hoping to obtain some new items from community-minded businesses, organizations and individuals.” Over the years, the auction raised as much as $27,000 in a single day, but more recently it is has been closer to half that figure. As usual, the auction will feature 10 limited-edition prints of a Greenfield scene by local graduate and artist Tammy Wells. Other items for the 2020 auction include: -A beer-brewing experience provided by 22 Brew (Scott Benner) and Catch 22 Sports Pub (Mark Clyburn). - An Echo GT-225SF weedeater donated by Jack’s Equipment and Greenfield Research - A Honda HRS 216 self-propelled mower donated by Jack’s Equipment and Greenfield Research - Bengals tickets donated by Eric Zint of Corner Healthmart Pharmacy - A gift basket donated by Eric Zint of Corner Healthmart Pharmacy - Several more, as yet unidentified items will be available as well. Other items often seen at the auction include event tickets, home décor, lawn chairs, shop vacs, children’s swimming pools. Anyone wishing to donate new items for the auction can leave a message with Coffey at 937-981-7328 via email through the club website <www.greenfieldrotary.org> or message him via Facebook. “The Rotary Club appreciates the opportunity to help raise money and get it where it’s needed,” Coffey said. “We also appreciate all the people that donate and bid at the auction, because without them we couldn’t pull it off.” At 7 p.m. on Sept. 17, bidders can tune in via Facebook Live through the Greenfield Rotary Club page. Bids can be placed online, by calling or texting in, and it is hoped bids can also be placed in person with appropriate social distancing and personal protective equipment, according to Coffey. Greenfield Rotary Club plans annual
benefit auction for Thursday, Sept. 17 Although the Greene Countrie Towne Festival was postponed in 2020 due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greenfield Rotary Club maintained that it would still have a benefit auction later in the year. That event now is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17 at the Ralph W. Phillips Community Recreation and Civic Center. The auction has been a mainstay of Rotary’s budget since 1987 when the club took over sponsorship of the community festival. However, the format will be modified due to concerns about the virus. “While the auction is important to the club and a fun activity for the community, it will have a different look this year as we make the proceedings available online,” commented Greenfield Rotary President Ron Coffey. “If possible, we will try to allow for people to visit the auction site with appropriate social distancing in place.” Details are still being worked out, but the plan approved by the Greenfield Rotary Club calls for the auction to take place at the Rec Center, located at 156 Jefferson St. in Greenfield. The auction will feature 10 limited edition prints by artist Tammy Wells featuring a street scene from Greenfield’s past. The prints have been very popular down through the years, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of revenue that has helped Rotary to benefit the community in many ways. In addition to operating the Phillips Rec Center, the club supports the Highland County Society for Children and Adults, donates dictionaries and thesauruses to children in the Greenfield Exempted Village School District, sponsors an annual Four Way Test speaking contest, and financially supports other good causes within the community. The Greenfield Rotary Club also sponsors the Greene Countrie Towne Festival, and looks forward to its return in July 2021 when it is hoped COVID-19 will be a distant memory. “For the September 17 auction, we will be working with auctioneer Gary Binegar and want to determine the best way to offer the auction online so that bidders can safely take part in the auction,” Coffey said. “Andrew Surritt is our resident ‘tech person’ and has posted events on Facebook Live, which is one of the platforms we are considering for the auction.” Whatever format is used, viewers should be able to watch online and it is hoped they will be able to place bids via email, phone calls or texts. “In addition to the limited edition prints, we hope to have other donated items to sell, much like we have done at the festival auctions all these years,” Coffey said. “Anyone wishing to donate new items such as sports memorabilia, event tickets, bicycles, leaf blowers, tablets, etc. can do so by emailing us via the Rotary website at www.greenfieldrotary.orgor by leaving me a message at 937-981-7328,” Coffey added. “We will be happy to pick up the donated items and store them prior to the auction.” The Rotary club also hopes to display the auction items at the Rec Center with silent auction bid sheets affixed so that visitors can come in and take a look during the auction. However, any in-person bidding will only be permitted if it can be done with appropriate social distancing. Coffey noted that things could change based on the severity of the coronavirus outbreak as the September 17 date draws closer. “We hope to allow people to visit the site in person, but will defer to our state and local health authorities. At this point, we plan to move forward with an online auction even if the in-person aspect is cancelled for any reason.” The online auction process will allow viewers to have a look at the merchandise, and allow the auctioneer to explain how bids can be submitted. It is hoped bids can be placed via computer, texting or phone calls. “The auction helps Rotary raise money for worthwhile projects and gives the community a chance to take part as donors or buyers,” Coffey said. “On September 17, we hope to have some interesting items to sell and to provide some entertainment for the people of Greenfield and area.” Club and community mourn the loss
of longtime Rotarian Chuck Miller On July 20, the Greenfield Rotary Club lost another exemplary member when Charles J. “Chuck” Miller passed away at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. Chuck was a two-time president of the Greenfield Rotary Club, was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2009, and always played a big part in the Greene Countrie Towne Festival. “Nearly every year he was a fixture at the Rotary auction, and he was often seen hanging around at the Rotary information booth near the stage area,” recalled current President Ron Coffey. “Chuck loved working on the telethons for the Highland County Society for Children and Adults, and was usually involved in the Needy Kids radiothons we used to have. As I recall, he was also involved in the distribution of dictionaries to local students.” Chuck Miller was an advertising executive for the Times Gazette and County Shopper. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and a daughter, Chrissy Miller Warren. Coffey urged Rotarians and friends of Chuck to keep the family in your prayers during this difficult time. The Murray-Fettro Funeral Home is serving Chuck’s family. His obituary can be found at the link below: https://www.murrayfettro.com/ Rotary Radio-Telethon tops $93,000!
On June 24, the Hillsboro and Greenfield Rotary Clubs joined forces for the 48th Annual Ernie Blankenship Memorial Radio-Telethon as a combined virtual event only, and Highland Countians generously pledged more than $93,000 for the Highland County Society for Children and Adults. For more information, visit the HCSCA PAGE. Rotarians return to Catch 22 for
first in-person meeting since March 12 The Greenfield Rotary Club met at Catch 22 Sports Pub on June 4, marking the first in-person meeting since March 12 when the coronavirus pandemic basically shut down our nation and most of the world. Attendance was voluntary, with members having the option of taking part through Zoom technology. Eight local Rotarians attended in person, with two more participating via Zoom. Guests included Hillsboro Rotarian Dan Pearce and District Governor Elect Carol Hughes (via Zoom). Coffey welcomed everyone and expressed appreciation for the pizza provided by Catch 22. He mentioned upcoming events of interest to Rotarians, including the following: - Highland County Society for Children and Adults radio-telethon Wednesday, June 24, from 7-9 p.m. at the Hillsboro Orpheum. This will be a virtual fundraiser, and Coffey encouraged donors to record a brief video that can be shown during the telethon. - Hillsboro Rotary Club is sponsoring a golf outing on Tuesday, July 14 at the Hillsboro Elks golf course. This will be a nine-hole challenge for two-person teams. The $80 per team entry fee includes lunch and golf. More information can be found by clicking HERE. - Greenfield Rotary’s auction, which usually takes place during the cancelled Greene Countrie Towne Festival, will instead be a virtual auction featuring a limited edition print of a historic Greenfield scene. Donated items also will be available. The date and further details will be announced soon. Local Rotarian and Greenfield Village Council member Eric Borsini also gave an informative update about work being done on the Greenfield city building. The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Catch 22 Sports Pub. In-person attendance is voluntary and members have the option of using Zoom technology to participate in the meeting. An email containing the Zoom meeting information will be sent to local Rotarians prior to the meeting. Greenfield Rotary Club cancels
2020 Greene Countrie Towne Festival Greenfield’s 2020 Greene Countrie Towne Festival has been cancelled by the Greenfield Rotary Club due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Only one element of the festival is still in play, and that is the popular Rotary auction, which will be conducted online. “We hate to cancel the festival, but under the circumstances it seems the prudent thing to do,” said Greenfield Rotary President Ron Coffey. The festival has been positioned on the third weekend of July for years, and the 2020 dates would have been July 17-19. “We don’t want to put anyone’s health at risk, and hope that the many people who support the festival each year will understand,” the club president said. The Greenfield Rotary Club has been having online meetings since the pandemic brought so many “normal” activities to a halt. The status of the festival has been a topic of discussion for several weeks, and at the Thursday, May 21 meeting members voted to cancel the festival for this year. “While we were meeting today, we got word that the Ohio State Fair had been cancelled. As our festival on the third weekend of July would have been a few weeks earlier than the state fair, we felt we needed to make a decision,” Coffey said. “Vendors, other participating organizations and the public need to know what the festival’s status is so that they can firm up their own plans.” Earlier in May, Rotary International recommended that all Rotary clubs refrain from in-person meetings and events through the remainder of the calendar year. Although each Rotary club is an autonomous organization, these guidelines sparked considerable discussion. Guidelines from the Rotary district are more liberal, but still recommend no physical meetings through the month of June. “We are hopeful that as Ohio and other states continue to reopen there will not be a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases,” Coffey said. “We all want to get together with friends, take vacations and go to festivals, concerts and sporting events. Our hope is that these things will be feasible soon, and we look forward to resuming the Greene Countrie Towne Festival in 2021.” Virtual auction is being planned “We have shared some ideas with artist Tammy Wells about creating limited edition prints to be auctioned at or near the date of the Greene Countrie Towne Festival this year,” Coffey said. “These prints have been extremely popular over the years and we appreciate the support of the buyers who support the auction each year. We also plan to sell other items similar to those sold at past auctions and would be happy to accept donations of new items.” Details of how the auction will proceed are still being developed and will be announced in advance of the event. The festival auction has been the Greenfield Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser for many years and is an important source of revenue for maintenance of the Ralph W. Phillips Recreation and Civic Center and other Rotary projects in the community. The local Rotary club began sponsoring the festival in 1987 when the previous sponsor of the Greene Countrie Towne Festival was beset with financial problems. “Ironically, I was the incoming president of the Rotary club in 1987 and we put together a smaller, one-day festival to help fill the void,” Coffey said. “I never expected we would need to cancel the festival, but this just shows how unpredictable life can be.” Since those early years, the Rotary-sponsored festival grew and took on the name Wheels of Progress Festival for several decades before the name was officially changed back to the Greene Countrie Towne Festival in 2011. General Duncan McArthur, who founded Greenfield in 1799, described the community as a “greene countrie towne.” The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday at noon using Zoom technology. When feasible, club members will return to in-person luncheon meetings at the Catch 22 Sports Pub in Greenfield. Condolences expressed to club secretary The Greenfield Rotary Club received sad news that Scott Giffin, 45, the son of our club Secretary Beverly Giffin, passed away on May 19 following an extended illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Scott's obituary and funeral information can be found at the link below: https://www.ebrightfuneralhome.com/obituary/Scott-Giffin Rotary meetings continue via Zoom as club hopes for progress on coronavirus pandemicLike many organizations, Greenfield Rotary Club stopped having physical meetings around mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the club is adapting to social distancing mandates by conducting its weekly meetings using Zoom technology.
The first such meeting took place April 30 and meetings will continue at noon each Thursday until further notice. “As club members have become familiar with Zoom and other technology that helps us reconnect despite the pandemic, the club has purchased a Zoom plan that makes virtual meetings fairly easy to conduct,” Greenfield Rotary President Ron Coffey announced. One of the issues being watched is the status of the Greene Countrie Towne Festival, scheduled July 17-19 and one of the local Rotary club’s biggest projects. Thus far the club is taking a wait and see attitude after receiving recommendations from Rotary International suggesting that clubs refrain from having physical meetings and events for the remainder of 2020. The Greenfield Rotary Club does plan on having its annual auction event whether there is a Greene Countrie Towne Festival or not, Coffey said. “Plans have been discussed for the auction as a virtual event – perhaps taking place via Facebook Live – with the same quality items offered as in the past,” Coffey said. The club typically commissions limited edition prints commemorating some aspect of Greenfield’s history, and the auction generates a lot of money for the club’s operation and projects that benefit the community. Donated items from local businesses, organizations and individuals also add to the interest in the annual auction, the club president said. Coffey asks club members to submit their current email addresses to him so that he can send them the Zoom meeting information for each upcoming meeting. Club would can email their contact information through the club website (www.greenfieldrotary.org), message them to Ron Coffey via Facebook, or leave a message on his home phone (937-981-7328). Currently many events of interest to Rotarians have been postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus. For example, the Rotary District 6670 Conference scheduled April 23-25 in Wilmington was cancelled out of safety concerns. A major fundraiser for the Highland County Society for Children and Adults, originally planned for March 25, was put on hold for 60 days in the hope that it can take place in late May. The Rotary clubs of Greenfield and Hillsboro have cooperated in this project for the past 47 years and are hopeful that the radio-telethon will be able to take place, even if in an altered format. “Please join us at 12:00 p.m. each Thursday as we keep Rotarians connected and informed,” Coffey urged. “Rotarians have a proud history of helping this community in times of need, and in order to help during the pandemic, communication and sharing of ideas is vitally important.” 
Longtime Rotarian Harry Turner passes
The Greenfield Rotary Club was saddened on March 24 to learn that longtime Rotarian and educator Harry V. Turner had passed away. Mr. Turner was a native of Marshall in Highland County and enjoyed a lengthy career in education at McClain High School where he served as principal of that renowned high school. He was the commencement speaker at the 2004 graduation ceremonies at McClain. Following retirement he served as the first executive director of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce. He also was involved in helping the Greenfield Bicentennial Committee commemorate the community’s 200th anniversary in 1999. A longtime Rotarian, Mr. Turner was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986 for his service to the club and community. According to the club’s records, he joined the club in 1972 and was active in the club’s projects and programs. In more recent years, due to failing health, Mr. Turner was unable to attend the club meetings as often as he would have liked, but when he came he always enjoyed the fellowship. “Our condolences to Mr. Turner’s wife Betty and all of the family,” said Rotary President Ron Coffey. “Our community has lost a man who championed education and always worked for the greater good. Mr. Turner embodied the ideals of Rotary and put service above self. He will be greatly missed.” Services for Mr. Turner will be held at the convenience of the family, with a memorial service to take place at a later date.  Bryn Stepp, southeast region representative for Lt. Gov. John Husted, visited the Greenfield Rotary Club on February 6, 2020 and talked about state initiatives that can benefit rural communities.
Lt. Gov’s rep speaks to Greenfield RotariansBryn Stepp, a southeast region liaison with Lt. Gov. Jon Husted’s office, visited Greenfield Rotarians on Thursday, Feb. 6 and spoke about what the office does and some initiatives the office is working on. One of those initiatives is InnovateOhio. Included in the initiative is the state’s first Broadband Strategy, the absence of which has negatively affected Ohio’s eligibility for some federal grants in previous years, Stepp said. For more information about the initiative, go to innovateohio.gov.
Stepp also talked about funding opportunities for employers through TechCred. This is a grant that allows employers to upskill their current workforce, as well as train new hires. More information is available at techcred.ohio.gov. For information on all the initiatives and programs through the Lt. governor’s office, go to www.ohio.gov, then click on the “our state government” tab, then the “executive” tab, and finally, click on the “Lt. Governor Jon Husted” tab. Greenfield Exempted Village School District Superintendent Quincey Gray shared with Rotarians about the Imagination Kingdom renovation and the related upcoming community meeting on Feb. 13 at 6:30 in the McClain Cafetorium. “The district is excited about the project and is appreciative of the local organizations and volunteers who will be helping on March 6-7-8,” she said. Addressing an issue that has unfolded recently, Gray also mentioned that numerous social media posts regarding a decision made about musical auditions are inaccurate. She said that she is willing to answer questions in order to provide clarification. The school district released a statement regarding the matter on Thursday. It was posted on the McClain High School Facebook page and sent to local media. The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday at noon at Catch 22 Sports Pub, 250 Jefferson St. For more information about the club, go to greenfieldrotary.org. 
Mrs. Gretchen Foltz, media specialist (standing), attended the Rotary meeting Jan. 9 to talk about the MHSmart program that was designed to help meet the needs of high school students.
MHSmart helps meet needs of
McClain High School students Gretchen Foltz, media specialist at McClain High School, visited the Greenfield Rotary Club on Jan. 9 to talk about a new program that benefits local students. MHSmart is a program that allows high school students to request a need — for food, clothing or hygiene products — and do it privately. Foltz said high school students in need don’t get the help that younger students do, whether it be for lack of programs to help, or the teenagers not asking out of embarrassment. The MHSmart program was created to allow students to make a private request through a Google form on the school’s website. When the need is addressed, the student is notified and can pick up whatever they requested when it is most convenient for them. For requests like coats and jeans and other clothing, Foltz has gone to the Greenfield Area Christian Center (GACC). But she said there aren’t so many clothes there for teenagers, though there are plenty for little kids and older people. Clothing donations, she said, can be made to GACC or the high school office. Jeans, hoodies, bras, underwear, socks, towels, sheets, school supplies, hygiene products and funding needs are some of the requests the school has fielded. Foltz said she and other staff are working on a way to handle the food needs and that having a pantry is a long-term goal of the program. “We get together, we find the money somehow” to make it happen,” Foltz said. “We care about our kids.” Anyone interested in making a monetary donation can do so at the high school office. Checks should be made payable to MHSmart. Donations of any type may be made to the high school office as well. If anyone has questions about how they can help, call Foltz at the high school office at 937-981-7731. Chief Oyer honored with Service Above Self Award
Greenfield Police Chief Jeremiah Oyer (right) was honored by the Greenfield Rotary Club on Dec. 12 when Club President Ron Coffey presented Oyer with a Service Above Self Award for his dedicated service to the community of Greenfield. Chief Oyer has been with the local police department since 2001, beginning as a patrolman, being promoted to sergeant in 2007 and being appointed as chief in 2016. He has also worked with two K-9 units, Bono and Rony, been active in the SRT Team, served as a range instructor, been to Sniper School, taught at the Southern State Community College Police Academy, and received several annual “Drug Buster” awards in Highland County. Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self,” and the local Rotary club likes to acknowledge those same characteristics in others who work hard on behalf of their community. 
Greenfield Police Chief Jeremiah Oyer (right) receives Service Above Self Award from Rotary President Ron Coffey at the club's Dec. 12 meeting.
Pat Hays (left) presents Paul Harris Fellowship Award to Greenfield Rotarian Heath Fettro.
Fettro honored by Rotary club as Paul Harris Fellow
Heath Fettro was honored at the Greenfield Rotary Club’s newest Paul Harris Fellow in November as Rotarian Patrick Hays presented him with a plaque and pin in recognition of Fettro’s outstanding dedication to the principles of Rotary. The club made a $1,000 donation to Rotary International in Fettro’s name. The Paul Harris Fellowship is named after the founder of Rotary International, as Harris started the organization in 1905 in Chicago, IL and there are now more than 35,000 Rotary clubs worldwide. Supporters honored at 2019 Appreciation Dinner; Paul Harris Fellowship and service awards announced Buyers of limited-edition prints and other supporters of Greenfield Rotary Club were honored at the club’s annual Appreciation Dinner November 14, 2019 at the Washington Country Club. President Ron Coffey welcomed members and guests to the annual event, which featured a delicious meal of prime rib or salmon. The club president expressed gratitude for the excellent community support shown by the print buyers and introduced a number of special guests, including District Governor-Elect Greg Birkemeyer and his wife Peg; Assistant District Governor Beth Huber; Bonnie Baldridge, who is involved with the Greene Countrie Towne Festival Queen Pageant, and Ken Friedman of the Greenfield Antique Car Club. Unable to attend but receiving praise for their contributions to Rotary were District Governor Sigrid Solomon, reigning Greene Countrie Towne Festival Queen Emma Smith, artist Tammy Wells who has created a number of limited edition prints that the club sells at the festival each July, auctioneers Gary and Mandy Binegar, Matt and Ellen Binegar and Rod Halterman, and the Greenfield Antique Tractor Club. Also recognized were the buyers of limited edition prints that have been a mainstay of the Greene Countrie Towne Festival for the past 27years, helping to raise money for the Rotary Club that is then put back into the Greenfield community. This year the buyers included Wooden It Be Nice, WW Dry Cleaners, Southern Hills Community Bank, Adena Greenfield Medical Center, Sitterle Insurance, Greenfield Research, Dr. Richard Mizer and Cristy Hill, Community Savings Bank, Wes Surritt, and Murray-Fettro Funeral Home. Highlights of the evening was the announcement of a new Paul Harris Fellow and recipients of Service Above Self Awards. Pat Hays explained that the Paul Harris Fellowship is named in honor of Rotary’s founder, whowith three other businessmen launched the very first Rotary club in Chicago in 1905. The club sends $1,000 to Rotary International for each Paul Harris Fellowship it awards, and the money is used to help people around the world as part of the international organization’s outreach. For 2019, the Greenfield club submitted the name of Rotarian Heath Fettro as the newest recipient of the prestigious award. Hays mentioned some of the ways that Fettro has contributed to the success of the local club and embodied the ideals of Rotary. Due to his career responsibilities, Fettro was unable to attend the Awards Dinner but he will be given his plaque and pin at a later date. It appears that the club has now sponsored 48 Paul Harris Fellows since it made George M. Waddell the club’s first recipient in 1985. During the evening it was noted that the Greenfield Rotary Club was born in 1922 and is just three years away from celebrating its 100th anniversary. Andrew Surritt III announced the names of two Service Above Self Award winners, so named for their selfless contributions to their community. MSgt. John Wilson, adviser of the McClain Cadet Corps, was honored for his work with young people in giving them a sense of direction, discipline and other tools for success. MSgt. Wilson started the Cadet Corps program at McClain High School during the 2017-18 school year and it has enjoyed significant growth. A second Service Above Self Award was announced for Greenfield Police Chief Jeremiah Oyer for his outstanding work in the community. Surritt said Chief Oyer was unable to attend but expressed thanks for his leadership of the police department and his willingness to work with other first responders to protect and serve. Coffey also took time to recognize Andrew Surritt III for his strong leadership during two years as president of the club, and acknowledged that Andrew continues to coordinate the club’s major projects without seeking any attention for himself. Wes Surritt served as Sergeant at Arms during the evening, fining numerous Rotarians for failing to wear neckties. Few Rotarians dare to wear ties to the dinner as in the past many ties have been snipped by scissors-wielding Sergeants, so it’s an easy way to raise money. And the money helps finance future Paul Harris Fellowships, so it’s for a good cause. The evening concluded with a drawing for table arrangements. In closing, President Coffey thanked everyone who attended and noted that, whether they are Rotarians or not, they deserve thanks for their efforts on behalf of the Greenfield community. The club wishes to thank Angela Shepherd and Jackie Gardner for coordinating details for the festive dinner and program. Supreme Court Justice Judi French speaks
at Greenfield Rotary Club meeting October 10, 2019 Greenfield Rotarians were treated to an informative program by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith L. "Judi" French on October 10. Justice French, a native of the village of Sebring in Mahoning County, has dedicated her career to public service, serving as a lawyer for a state agency, an assistant attorney general, counsel to the Governor, and as a judge. She was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2013, elected to her first six-year term in 2014 and has visited all 88 Ohio counties. Justice French told Rotarians about growing up in a community roughly the size of Greenfield and her interest in the law that has led to an interesting career path, including arguing two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. She outlined how the appeals process works, how she and her fellow justices deliberate matters that come before the Ohio Supreme Court, and how justices are selected to write the majority opinion in each case. Justice French is passionate about widening judicial access and works with the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and legal-aid organizations around the state, advocating for changes and programs that will ensure access to justice for all Ohioans. Following her remarks, Justice French opened up the floor to questions and fielded a variety of queries from interested Rotarians. Good food and interesting programs are part of the Greenfield Rotary Club’s weekly routine. The club meets at 11:30 a.m. on Thurdays at the Catch 22 Sports Pub, 250 Jefferson St. |
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