Welcome to Rotary! The Rotary Club of Greenfield, Ohio meets each Thursday for a noontime luncheon meeting at the Catch 22 Sports Pub located at 250 Jefferson St., Greenfield, Ohio.
|
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. District Governor Sigrid Solomon
visits Greenfield club on September 26 Rotary District Governor Sigrid Solomon paid an official visit to the Greenfield club on September 26, sharing a bit about her personal Rotary journey and encouraging all Rotarians to stay involved and not be shy about sharing news of Rotary’s many worthwhile projects locally, regionally and around the world. DG Solomon was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and currently is employed at Wilmington College, where she has served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator for the past nine years. Inspired by her experience as a Group Study Exchange participant in the fall of 1998, she began her Rotary journey in 2000 in Abingdon, Virginia, then later joined Wilmington AM club in 2007. She has served in many capacities in Rotary, including Club President, Assistant District Governor and now District Governor. She discussed various projects where Rotarians have made a difference in fighting diseases, raising money, improving communities and generally making the world a better place. Ms. Solomon pointed out that as Rotary nears the accomplishment of one longtime goal – the eradication of polio from the planet – there are other challenges, such as bringing people together and create lasting change around the world. District-wide, Rotarians have established the following strategic priorities and objectives: Increase Our Impact; Expand Our Reach; Enhance Participant Engagement and Increase Our Ability to Adapt. The District Governor congratulated the Greenfield club for its involvement in the local community and encouraged Rotarians to develop a strategic plan to help the club grow and accomplish its goals. She invited everyone to attend the District Conference scheduled April 23-25, 2020 in Wilmington. Also attending the meeting was Assistant District Governor Beth Huber, also of Wilmington. Club President Ron Coffey thanked DG Solomon and ADG Huber for attending and invited them to come back as often as they are able. The Greenfield Rotary Club meets at 11:30 a.m. on Thurdays at the Catch 22 Sports Pub, 250 Jefferson St. |
47th annual HCSCA radio-telethon nears $100K
The Rotary Clubs of Greenfield and Hillsboro worked together to raise funds for the Highland County Society for Children and Adults, and totals for the 2019 event were approaching $100,000 at the close of the event March 27.
Fore more information about the radio-telethon, visit the HCSCA PAGE on this website.
The Rotary Clubs of Greenfield and Hillsboro worked together to raise funds for the Highland County Society for Children and Adults, and totals for the 2019 event were approaching $100,000 at the close of the event March 27.
Fore more information about the radio-telethon, visit the HCSCA PAGE on this website.
Club Armor Teen Nightclub launched by Rotary club
Greenfield Rotary Club has launched a teen nightclub at the Ralph W. Phillips Civic and Recreation Center, 156 Jefferson St., Greenfield, Ohio. The inaugural event took place Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 and several events since then have been well attended by youth of the community.
Greenfield Rotary President Andrew Surritt said this project came about following a discussion of club members who wish to provide a safe and wholesome environment for local teens. The result is Club Armor, which according to its Facebook page, “creates the best and safest dance music atmosphere for youth.”
For more information about Club Armor, including dress code and safety rules, visit the Facebook page at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/ClubArmor/
Greenfield Rotary Club has launched a teen nightclub at the Ralph W. Phillips Civic and Recreation Center, 156 Jefferson St., Greenfield, Ohio. The inaugural event took place Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 and several events since then have been well attended by youth of the community.
Greenfield Rotary President Andrew Surritt said this project came about following a discussion of club members who wish to provide a safe and wholesome environment for local teens. The result is Club Armor, which according to its Facebook page, “creates the best and safest dance music atmosphere for youth.”
For more information about Club Armor, including dress code and safety rules, visit the Facebook page at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/ClubArmor/
Four cadets from the new Cadet Corps program at McClain High School visited Greenfield Rotary Club on Nov. 8 with their instructor, MSgt. John Wilson. Also pictured is Rotary President Andrew Surritt.
Rotarians learn about new
McClain Cadet Corps program
Four members of the McClain Cadet Corps, along with their adviser, MSgt. John Wilson, were guests Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at the weekly meeting of the Greenfield Rotary Club.
MSgt. Wilson told Rotarians that Cadet Corps is new this year at McClain High School and currently has more than 60 cadets participating. Cadet Corps teaches students to develop character and leadership skills and to serve not just in the military but in life.
The cadets had an opportunity to speak, and each one mentioned that the program has made a difference in his or her life. The cadets said that participating in the Cadet Corps has helped them to become more focused, respectful of authority, and better students.
Wilson, a 1986 graduate of McClain, served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. During the last half of his career, he served as a Ceremonial Guardsman with the USAF Presidential Honor Guard in Washington DC. While there, he was the Superintendent of the Honor Guard Technical Training School and Superintendent of Air Force District of Washington Ceremonies and Protocol. Wilson said seeing kids succeed and learn the will to serve is the best part of his job as a military science instructor.
Wilson said there are only two Cadet Corps programs in Ohio – at McClain and Paint Valley high schools. After seeing the Paint Valley program’s success, McClain administrators decided to make Cadet Corps a part of the curriculum options.
A similar program, ROTC Jr., was first started in 1916 by Congress as a defense program, but McClain and Paint Valley’s Cadet Corps is different in that it has no military branch affiliation.
McClain Cadet Corps program
Four members of the McClain Cadet Corps, along with their adviser, MSgt. John Wilson, were guests Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at the weekly meeting of the Greenfield Rotary Club.
MSgt. Wilson told Rotarians that Cadet Corps is new this year at McClain High School and currently has more than 60 cadets participating. Cadet Corps teaches students to develop character and leadership skills and to serve not just in the military but in life.
The cadets had an opportunity to speak, and each one mentioned that the program has made a difference in his or her life. The cadets said that participating in the Cadet Corps has helped them to become more focused, respectful of authority, and better students.
Wilson, a 1986 graduate of McClain, served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. During the last half of his career, he served as a Ceremonial Guardsman with the USAF Presidential Honor Guard in Washington DC. While there, he was the Superintendent of the Honor Guard Technical Training School and Superintendent of Air Force District of Washington Ceremonies and Protocol. Wilson said seeing kids succeed and learn the will to serve is the best part of his job as a military science instructor.
Wilson said there are only two Cadet Corps programs in Ohio – at McClain and Paint Valley high schools. After seeing the Paint Valley program’s success, McClain administrators decided to make Cadet Corps a part of the curriculum options.
A similar program, ROTC Jr., was first started in 1916 by Congress as a defense program, but McClain and Paint Valley’s Cadet Corps is different in that it has no military branch affiliation.