Four-Way Speech Contest winners selected at McClain High School
McClain High School senior Ashley Mitchell won first place honors at the Rotary Four-Way Test speech contest on March 12.
Ashley was followed closely by Nathan Alvarez, who placed second, and Raenee Stratton took third place in the speech contest at the McClain auditorium. When the scores from three judges were tallied, Ashley took the top prize of $200 while Nathan received a $100 check for second place and Raenee took home $50 for placing third.
The checks were presented by Greenfield Rotary President Dana Daugherty, who invited Ashley Mitchell to present her winning speech to the Greenfield Rotary Club. Ashley was invited to participate in the District 6670 speech contest at Wright State University on March 30, with a chance to win additional prizes.
The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do is a test used by Rotarians worldwide as a moral code for personal and business relationships. The test can be applied to almost any aspect of life. The Four-Way Test was scripted by Herbert J. Taylor of Chicago, a businessman who helped save the Club Aluminum Products Distribution Company from bankruptcy. By applying the principles of the Four-Way Test, the company repaid its debts and generously paid its shareholders.
In the 1940s, when Taylor was an international director of Rotary, he offered the Four-Way Test to the organization, and it was adopted by Rotary International for its internal and promotional use. Never changed, the 24-word test remains today a central part of the permanent Rotary structure throughout the world, and is held as the standard by which all behavior should be measured.
The Greenfield Rotary Club sponsors a Four-Way Test speaking contest annually to help educate and inspire local students while giving them an opportunity to creatively develop organizational and public speaking skills.
“There is a lot of wisdom behind the four questions that can help each of us in our personal and business relationships,” said Dana Daugherty. “That is why our club typically opens each meeting by reciting the Four-Way Test.”
The Rotary Four-Way Test
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets at the Catch 22 Sports Pub at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday (except holidays) for breakfast and a club meeting.
Ashley was followed closely by Nathan Alvarez, who placed second, and Raenee Stratton took third place in the speech contest at the McClain auditorium. When the scores from three judges were tallied, Ashley took the top prize of $200 while Nathan received a $100 check for second place and Raenee took home $50 for placing third.
The checks were presented by Greenfield Rotary President Dana Daugherty, who invited Ashley Mitchell to present her winning speech to the Greenfield Rotary Club. Ashley was invited to participate in the District 6670 speech contest at Wright State University on March 30, with a chance to win additional prizes.
The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do is a test used by Rotarians worldwide as a moral code for personal and business relationships. The test can be applied to almost any aspect of life. The Four-Way Test was scripted by Herbert J. Taylor of Chicago, a businessman who helped save the Club Aluminum Products Distribution Company from bankruptcy. By applying the principles of the Four-Way Test, the company repaid its debts and generously paid its shareholders.
In the 1940s, when Taylor was an international director of Rotary, he offered the Four-Way Test to the organization, and it was adopted by Rotary International for its internal and promotional use. Never changed, the 24-word test remains today a central part of the permanent Rotary structure throughout the world, and is held as the standard by which all behavior should be measured.
The Greenfield Rotary Club sponsors a Four-Way Test speaking contest annually to help educate and inspire local students while giving them an opportunity to creatively develop organizational and public speaking skills.
“There is a lot of wisdom behind the four questions that can help each of us in our personal and business relationships,” said Dana Daugherty. “That is why our club typically opens each meeting by reciting the Four-Way Test.”
The Rotary Four-Way Test
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets at the Catch 22 Sports Pub at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday (except holidays) for breakfast and a club meeting.
Welcome to Rotary!
Established in 1922, the Rotary Club of Greenfield has provided more than a century of service to the community. On February 16, 2023 the club became a breakfast club and meets each Thursday (except holidays) for a 6:30 a.m. breakfast at the Catch 22 Sports Pub, followed by a 7:00 a.m. meeting. The Catch 22 Sports Pub is located at 250 Jefferson St., Greenfield, Ohio.
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 Pictured (l-r) are Jeffrey Cloud, Heather Burba and Tim Priest of Southern Hills Community Bank; Andrew Haglund (husband of poster adult) and poster adult Jerilyn Haglund; Laura Musselman of Southern Hills Community Bank; Dorothy Walker (mother of poster child); and Charlene Huffer, Lindsay Cloud and Monica Smith of Southern Hills Community Bank. (Photo courtesy of Judge Rocky Coss and Karen Miller)
53rd annual Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon scheduled March 27 to benefit HCSCAThe 53rd annual Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon is scheduled Wednesday, March 27 from 7-9 p.m. This joint venture of the Rotary Clubs of Hillsboroa nd Greenfield will take place at two venues. The Hillsboro activities will be at the Hillsboro Orpheum with Southern Hills Community Bank acting as host, while the Greenfield event will be at the GCTV studios at McClain High School.
Rotarians at both locations will take pledges during the event by telephone or in person. Pledges can be made during the radio-telethon by calling 937-402-5557 in Hillsboro or 937-981-7731 in Greenfield. Donations can also be made online through the Society’s Facebook page or website. Any donation, no matter the amount will be appreciated. Checks payable to HCCSA can be dropped off at any local bank or mailed to the Society at P.O. Box 972, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Lukas Walker of Hillsboro has been chosen as the 2025 poster child, and Jerilyn Haglund of Hillsboro is the 2025 poster adult. Southern Hills Community Bank is serving as this year’s hosts and sponsors. The telethon is the major fundraiser for the HCSCA, which helps qualifying adults and children in Highland County — including the Haglund and Walker families — with a number of medical needs, including treatment, transportation, equipment, medication and other health care devices. Lukas Walker is the son of Lee and Dorothy Walker. He was born with multiple diagnoses, including a bowel perforation, a stage four brain bleed and cerebral palsy, while he was also born 31 weeks premature, weighing three pounds. Lukas remained in the hospital for nearly a year (11 months) after he was born. Now 7 years old, Lukas is “the happiest baby ever,” his mom said, but he requires 24-hour care. “He is fed through a G-tube [feeding tube] and takes medication only through G-tube,” Dorothy Walker said. “He does not take anything through mouth. He has severe respiratory issues and autoimmune issues. His biggest challenge is keeping him healthy.” Walker added that Lukas also wears AFOs, or braces on his ankles and feet, due to having a foot drop plus several fractures in the past. He does not walk or crawl. Lukas is currently being homeschooled due to his medical needs. “He is very capable of learning,” Walker said. “He is not able to speak in full sentences. He makes his needs known by yelling, using simple words or partial sign language. “He is the happiest baby ever. If he is upset, then he is not feeling well or is in pain.” Walker said their family is grateful for the support of the Society in helping cover some of their needs. “We struggle with help because I was on leave for two years due to being diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “It is a blessing to receive this much-needed help.” Jerilyn Haglund said that the Society has helped both her and her husband, Andrew, with unexpected medical expenses since they connected with HCSCA Secretary Karen Miller in March 2024. Haglund has diabetes and has been prescribed various daily medications, including insulin and a blood thinner, which she said became unaffordable for her family. A local pharmacy technician alerted Haglund to the Society, which quickly agreed to help cover the costs of Haglund’s prescriptions. In addition, Andrew Haglund underwent surgery in the fall of 2024, later suffering complications. Mrs. Haglund said that the Society helped cover the costs of blood thinner injections before and after Mr. Haglund’s surgery. Later, after Mr. Haglund was hospitalized for six days due to bleeding externally, the Society also covered the cost of wound care supplies. The Haglunds have also used the Society’s gas voucher program several times for trips to medical appointments. Mrs. Haglund praised the Highland County Society for Adults and Children’s “lifesaving” work and thanked Miller in particular. She said the HCSCA secretary has always shown kindness to their family, explained how the program works and helped wherever possible. “She was so kind and made me feel that I was going to be OK,” Haglund said of Miller. “I explained to her that we were new to this area and didn’t know where to turn. “I can truly say this program has been a lifesaver. Without this assistance, I would have had to stop all diabetic medications and my blood thinner that I take twice a day to keep me from another stroke, and my husband Andrew would have been at a higher risk of infection without the correct bandages to care for his wounds. “Mrs. Miller has always been kind and gentle to us,” Haglund continued. “We cannot thank everyone involved enough. You truly are saving lives.” The Hillsboro and Greenfield Rotary Clubs raised more than $165,000 during the 2024 event, all of which is used by the Society to provide assistance and services to Highland County children and adults who are unable to pay for expenses for necessary medical treatment, transportation, equipment, pharmaceutical and other health care devices and services. The total raised by the event over the past 52 years is nearly $4.4 million. The Highland County Society for Children & Adults is a non-profit corporation founded in November of 1950 It has a volunteer board of trustees representing each township in the county who employ a part-time Executive Director responsible for reviewing and approving requests for assistance from county residents. Donations can be made to the Society at any time online at hicoso.org or the Society’s Facebook page; also, checks payable to HCSCA can be dropped off at any local bank or mailed to the Society at P.O. Box 972, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Rotary spaghetti dinner coincides with
50th anniversary of MHS 'New Gym' Greenfield Rotarians were happy to be part of a special evening on December 13 as they brought back their spaghetti dinner on the evening that the McClain High School "New Gym" celebrated 50 years since its opening in 1974. The facility still looks great and has provided many memorable moments for McClain fans through the years. Rotarians served up spaghetti, sauce, garlic bread, salad, cookies and beverages prior to the McClain vs. Washington C.H. basketball games. The spaghetti dinners are a longstanding tradition of the Greenfield Rotary Club, but have faced interruptions caused by covid-19 and other circumstances. For a time, even the spaghetti sauce secret recipe was lost, but a recovery team successfully unearthed the recipe in time for the dinner. Rotary President Dana Daugherty expressed her thanks on behalf of the Rotary club to everyone who attended the spaghetti dinner. "Proceeds from Rotary events are used to support other worthwhile projects in the community," she said. "Your support is greatly appreciated." Rotary Appreciation Dinner honors print buyers as District Gov. visits
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Greenfield Rotary donates to Adena Foundation
The Greenfield Rotary Club on Aug. 1, 2023 presented a $10,000 donation to the Adena Foundation for its ongoing work in the community. Holding the check are foundation board member Linda Penn and Rotarian Barb Barton. Also pictured are (front row, l-r) Josh McCoy and Kris Donley of Adena; and on the far right is foundation board member Elena Zint. In the back row (l-r) are Rotarians Ron Coffey and Pat Hays, as well as Lynn Harris with Adena. |
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Surrounded by members of the Greenfield Rotary Club, and receiving the check from club president Dana Daugherty (center, right), are McClain FFA members Abby Wise (secretary) and Brenna Wright (treasurer). On the far right of the photo is McClain FFA adviser Madison Schumacher.
Rotary Club supports
MHS FFA trip to Ireland
The McClain FFA received a $1,000 check from the Greenfield Rotary Club to help support the FFA trip to Ireland in May of 2024.
The Greenfield Rotary Club also sponsored a hole for a golf outing at Buckeye Hills Country Club in advance of the trip to Ireland.
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday at 6:30 a.m. at Catch 22, 250 Jefferson St.
MHS FFA trip to Ireland
The McClain FFA received a $1,000 check from the Greenfield Rotary Club to help support the FFA trip to Ireland in May of 2024.
The Greenfield Rotary Club also sponsored a hole for a golf outing at Buckeye Hills Country Club in advance of the trip to Ireland.
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday at 6:30 a.m. at Catch 22, 250 Jefferson St.
Wes Surritt, 2021-23 Rotary President, passes a "gavel" to 2023-25 President Dana Daugherty. Club meetings are typically opened and closed by striking a Rotary bell with a gavel (or spoon) to get the attention of members.
Dana Daugherty installed as
Rotary President for 2023-25
A changing of the guard was observed June 29, 2023 as outgoing Rotary President Wes Surritt’s presided one final time at the breakfast meeting at Catch 22 Sports Pub. Near the end of the session, Surritt invited President-elect Dana Daugherty to come up front for a passing of the “gavel” – in this case, a spoon that Wes used to ring a Rotary bell for the opening and closing of each meeting.
Surritt thanked the club members for the support the past two years, as he became club president on July 1, 2021 and helped the club transition through the covid pandemic, and change from a longtime tradition of meeting for lunch to becoming a breakfast club effective Feb. 16, 2023. Among his other accomplishments was leading the club through its final Rotary-sponsored festival in 2022 and helping the club find new opportunities for service in an era of changing demographics for service organizations.
Surritt thanked incoming President Daugherty for her leadership with the Rotary Charity Auction, which took place in June as part of the inaugural Greenfield Music Festival. He said the club is in good hands as the new president begins her two-year term and encouraged all Rotarians to do what they can to help.
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday (except holidays) at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast and a brief meeting. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary is welcome to come and have breakfast at the Catch 22 Sports Pub in Greenfield.
Rotary President for 2023-25
A changing of the guard was observed June 29, 2023 as outgoing Rotary President Wes Surritt’s presided one final time at the breakfast meeting at Catch 22 Sports Pub. Near the end of the session, Surritt invited President-elect Dana Daugherty to come up front for a passing of the “gavel” – in this case, a spoon that Wes used to ring a Rotary bell for the opening and closing of each meeting.
Surritt thanked the club members for the support the past two years, as he became club president on July 1, 2021 and helped the club transition through the covid pandemic, and change from a longtime tradition of meeting for lunch to becoming a breakfast club effective Feb. 16, 2023. Among his other accomplishments was leading the club through its final Rotary-sponsored festival in 2022 and helping the club find new opportunities for service in an era of changing demographics for service organizations.
Surritt thanked incoming President Daugherty for her leadership with the Rotary Charity Auction, which took place in June as part of the inaugural Greenfield Music Festival. He said the club is in good hands as the new president begins her two-year term and encouraged all Rotarians to do what they can to help.
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday (except holidays) at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast and a brief meeting. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary is welcome to come and have breakfast at the Catch 22 Sports Pub in Greenfield.
Breakfast meetings lead to growth in attendance
Greenfield Rotary Club's Thursday morning breakfast meetings continue to be a hit with members and potential members. At the March 2 get-together, 14 Rotary members and four potential members showed up for a delicious breakfast followed by a brief meeting. (Some got away before the photo above was taken.)
Rotary continues to be involved in community projects and activities. At the upcoming Greenfield Music Festival (June 2-3-4), the Rotary club will continue with its popular auction offering lots of quality items from lawn equipment to concert tickets, and featuring a set of 10 limited edition prints by local artist Tammy Wells.
Are you interesting in helping the community but too busy for a lunch or evening meeting? Check out the Greenfield Rotary Club's breakfast meetings at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday at the Catch 22 Sports Pub.
Rotary continues to be involved in community projects and activities. At the upcoming Greenfield Music Festival (June 2-3-4), the Rotary club will continue with its popular auction offering lots of quality items from lawn equipment to concert tickets, and featuring a set of 10 limited edition prints by local artist Tammy Wells.
Are you interesting in helping the community but too busy for a lunch or evening meeting? Check out the Greenfield Rotary Club's breakfast meetings at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday at the Catch 22 Sports Pub.
Greenfield Rotary's first breakfast meeting took place Feb. 16, 2023 at the Catch 22 Sports Pub. Members are shown at the conclusion of the meeting celebrating the historic occasion. Henceforth the club will meet at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday (except holidays) for breakfast and a business meeting. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary is welcome to attend.
First Rotary breakfast meeting a hit with members
The Greenfield Rotary Club’s first breakfast meeting took place Feb. 16, 2023 and struck a good note with members, with about a dozen Rotarians present along with some visitors from McClain High School.
The menu at the Catch 22 included sausage and bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and even coffee cake for dessert! A few bleary-eyed retirees welcomed the aroma and caffeine of fresh-brewed coffee and all enjoyed visiting their friends and neighbors during the 6:30-7:00 time slot.
At 7:00, President Wes Surritt opened the meeting with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, recitation of the Four Way Test, and prayer. Two senior guests from McClain High School introduced themselves, talked about their school activities and future plans.
A program was presented by Greenfield Schools Director of Instruction Alisa Barrett, who presented information about the ways children are taught to read. She distributed a message printed in Portugese and asked if any Rotarians could read the text. No Rotarian present was able to interpret the message, so Mrs. Barrett explained that as children, we learn to speak as a natural process, but reading is more difficult to pick up. For some children, trying to read is similar to Rotarians attempting to interpret a message in an unfamiliar language. Mrs. Barrett said new techniques are equipping teachers to help children overcome barriers to reading and make learning more fun.
Following the program, Treasurer Mike Penn gave a financial report and other Rotary business was discussed.
The meeting was adjourned in time for Rotarians to get on with their day, and several made positive comments about the new format before departing.
The Greenfield Rotary Club will continue to meet for breakfast at 6:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Catch 22 Sports Pub, 250 Jefferson St. in Greenfield.
The menu at the Catch 22 included sausage and bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and even coffee cake for dessert! A few bleary-eyed retirees welcomed the aroma and caffeine of fresh-brewed coffee and all enjoyed visiting their friends and neighbors during the 6:30-7:00 time slot.
At 7:00, President Wes Surritt opened the meeting with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, recitation of the Four Way Test, and prayer. Two senior guests from McClain High School introduced themselves, talked about their school activities and future plans.
A program was presented by Greenfield Schools Director of Instruction Alisa Barrett, who presented information about the ways children are taught to read. She distributed a message printed in Portugese and asked if any Rotarians could read the text. No Rotarian present was able to interpret the message, so Mrs. Barrett explained that as children, we learn to speak as a natural process, but reading is more difficult to pick up. For some children, trying to read is similar to Rotarians attempting to interpret a message in an unfamiliar language. Mrs. Barrett said new techniques are equipping teachers to help children overcome barriers to reading and make learning more fun.
Following the program, Treasurer Mike Penn gave a financial report and other Rotary business was discussed.
The meeting was adjourned in time for Rotarians to get on with their day, and several made positive comments about the new format before departing.
The Greenfield Rotary Club will continue to meet for breakfast at 6:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Catch 22 Sports Pub, 250 Jefferson St. in Greenfield.
Greenfield Rotary history now includes
Feb. 9, 2023 as the date of 'Last Luncheon Meeting'
With the Greenfield Rotary Club moving its meeting time to 6:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 9, 2023 will go down in club history as the date of the "Last Luncheon Meeting."
President Wes Surritt presided at the Feb. 9 meeting and reminded members that a new era was about to unfold as the club has decided to have its meetings at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday, followed by a business meeting at 7:00 a.m.
The final luncheon menu included some wonderfully spicy potato soup, cornbread and hot Italian sub sandwiches, plus donuts with icing for dessert.
The idea behind the move is to make club meetings more convenient for a group of community minded business people trying to keep up with the demands of changing times. Several potential new members have already indicated interest in joining the club.
"All current club members and anyone interested in seeing what the club is about is invited to join us for our Thursday morning meetings," President Surritt said. "There will be a buffet-style breakfast and a brief meeting so that members can get to work or their next activity without affecting their busy schedules."
Feb. 9, 2023 as the date of 'Last Luncheon Meeting'
With the Greenfield Rotary Club moving its meeting time to 6:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 9, 2023 will go down in club history as the date of the "Last Luncheon Meeting."
President Wes Surritt presided at the Feb. 9 meeting and reminded members that a new era was about to unfold as the club has decided to have its meetings at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday, followed by a business meeting at 7:00 a.m.
The final luncheon menu included some wonderfully spicy potato soup, cornbread and hot Italian sub sandwiches, plus donuts with icing for dessert.
The idea behind the move is to make club meetings more convenient for a group of community minded business people trying to keep up with the demands of changing times. Several potential new members have already indicated interest in joining the club.
"All current club members and anyone interested in seeing what the club is about is invited to join us for our Thursday morning meetings," President Surritt said. "There will be a buffet-style breakfast and a brief meeting so that members can get to work or their next activity without affecting their busy schedules."
Celebrating the centennial of Greenfield Rotary are, front row (L-R), Eric Zint, Barb Barton, Beverly Giffin, Jackie Gardner, Dean Gardner, Dan Pearce, Dana Daugherty, Angela Shepherd, Mike Penn, Ron Coffey; back row, Cleve Bartley, Larry Hayes, Steve Pearce, Kevin Sinnock, Blain Bergstrom, Club President Wes Surritt, Pat Hays, Eric Borsini, Steve Hunter, Heath Fettro, Tom Lubbers, Andrew Surritt. (Photo by Seely Portraits)
Ohio House of Representatives recognizes Greenfield Rotary's century of service
In 2022 the House of Representatives of the 134th Ohio General Assembly recognized the Rotary Club of Greenfield for its 100 years of service.
Greenfield Rotary President Wes Surritt showed members the congratulatory proclamation, signed by 91st House District Representative Shane Wilkin and House Speaker Robert R. Cupp, at the club's August 18, 2022 meeting.
The proclamation notes that the Greenfield Rotary Club "has attained a praiseworthy record of service to the area" in the century that has elapsed since the formation of the club in 1922. "Since its inception a century ago, the Greenfield Rotary Club has enhanced the quality of life within the surrounding area, and its generous contributions have earned it the gratitude and respect of the many citizens it has so capable served," the proclamation reads. "We are certain that as this fine endeavor maintains its unfaltering dedication to service, it will continue in the tradition of excellence that has become its hallmark."
"We appreciate this recognition and look forward to new opportunities to serve in the years ahead," President Surritt said.
The local Rotary club meets each Thursday (except holidays) at the Catch 22 Sports Pub.
Greenfield Rotary President Wes Surritt showed members the congratulatory proclamation, signed by 91st House District Representative Shane Wilkin and House Speaker Robert R. Cupp, at the club's August 18, 2022 meeting.
The proclamation notes that the Greenfield Rotary Club "has attained a praiseworthy record of service to the area" in the century that has elapsed since the formation of the club in 1922. "Since its inception a century ago, the Greenfield Rotary Club has enhanced the quality of life within the surrounding area, and its generous contributions have earned it the gratitude and respect of the many citizens it has so capable served," the proclamation reads. "We are certain that as this fine endeavor maintains its unfaltering dedication to service, it will continue in the tradition of excellence that has become its hallmark."
"We appreciate this recognition and look forward to new opportunities to serve in the years ahead," President Surritt said.
The local Rotary club meets each Thursday (except holidays) at the Catch 22 Sports Pub.
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