Upcoming Events
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Christy Magyar
    May 2
  • David Franz
    May 2
  • Dick Kretschman
    May 2
  • Sean Supler
    May 19
  • Patrick Armstrong
    May 26
Anniversaries:
  • Jim Federico
    Mary Federico
    May 18
Join Date:
  • Abby DelaMotte
    May 8, 2001
    24 years
  • Sue Ellis
    May 21, 2013
    12 years
 
 
Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Painesville

Service Above Self Since 1926

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Lake County History Center
415 Riverside Drive
Painesville, OH 44077
United States of America
Home Page Stories
Meetings are Tuesday's at noon at the Lake County History Center.
 
 
We will continue collecting plastic. Please help us reach our goal of 1,000 pounds before February 3, 2026. This is a link to acceptable plastics for recycling.
 
 
 
 
May 6, 2025
Today scholarships were awarded to 2 seniors. Each recipient received a $1,000 scholarship to help with their college goals. This year the club chose to give 2 (one student from each school) a $1,000 scholarship rather than 4 $500 ones. The students applied for the scholarship and were chosen based on their grades and their volunteerism and extra curricular activity. 
 
Janel Montgomery was the senior from Painesville Harvey chosen as this years' recipient. Her teacher Sharon Fitzgerald introduced her and told us a little bit about her high school life. Janel then told us she will be attending Penn State New Kensington, a small campus near Pittsburgh. Janel will be playing basketball and studying Radiology. 
 
Congratulations Janel Montgomery and good luck in the future!
 
The second recipient of the Painesville Rotary scholarship is Nicole Zanko. Nicole will be graduating from Riverside High School soon and has 39 post secondary hours from Lakeland Community College. Her teacher Scott Bailis introduced her. He told us a little bit about her high school life. She is a four year National Honor Society member and will be graduating with an honors diploma. Nicole told us that she will be attending the University of Toledo in the fall. Both of her parents and a couple of other family members have attended the University of Toledo. She will embark on a six year Pharmacy program. 
 
Congratulations Nicole Zanko and continued success at the University of Toledo!
 
 
Brian Kane (Scholarship Committee Chairperson) presenting Nicole and Janel with their scholarship money. 
 
 
 
April 29, 2025
 
Today we had 2 new members tell about themselves through a new member talk.
 
Halle Graham was the first one to speak. She thought everyone would know her as Sue Ellis's (Past President) driver or Ken Graham's (Rotarian) daughter. But we all know her as Halle, new member! 
 
Halle holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, at the end of the summer she will begin her Master's in Mental Health Counseling at John Carroll University. She intends to get a Doctorate in Mental Health Testing and working with older adults. She works at Bolts and Nuts as the HR person also. 
 
In her spare time she spends a lot of time at her high school alma mater, Andrews Osborne Academy. She substitute teaches, works with the cheer squad, does theater and much more. She loves to read and spend time with her beloved cat Penny. 
 
Welcome to the Painesville Rotary Halle Graham.
 
Our other new member is Lisa Lewins. Right now Lisa is the Interim Director of the Lake County History Center along with a few other full time jobs. Lisa is very glad to be joining Rotary. One thing she loved in the past was the Academy Awards for high schools. Her children were part of theater when they were in school. She loves that Rotary recognizes their hard work. 
 
Lisa has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Lake Erie College. She also has an MBA from The University of Akron. 
 
Lisa has 4 grown children. In 2019 she bought and runs The Candoren Guest House, here in Painesville as one of her other full time jobs. She said at this time of the year the phone is ringing off the hook (a good problem to have). She is also a full time faculty member at Lakeland Community College. She has been on the faculty for almost 20 years. 
 
Welcome new Rotarian to the Painesville Rotary, Lisa Lewins. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 18, 2025
 
Today was the annual 4 Way Speech Contest. Students from all high schools in the area are invited to participate in a speech contest that showcases the 4 rules (4 Way Test) of Rotary. The 4 Way Test began being used by Rotary in 1932. Herbert Taylor implemented the 4 way test in his failing company and within a year the company had completely turned around, at that time Rotary began using it. Each speech must be memorized and must ask and answer the 4 questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? and Will it be beneficial to all concerned? 
 
The contestants this year were Sophia Frate, a junior at Riverside High School and Ryan Delaney a junior at Harvey High School. Sophia's speech focused on how the living can continue to live their lives through those who have passed away. Ryan's speech focused on mental illness in young adults. Both students will be representing the Painesville Rotary at the District 4 Way Test Speech contest because each student received the same amount of points from the judges. Essentially they both were the first place winners. Congratulations and good luck at the district competition!
 
Brian Kane (4 Way Speech Contest Chairperson), Sophia Frate, Riverside High School and Ryan Delaney, Harvey High School.
 
Pictured are Richard Schmidt, Service and Leadership teacher for Riverside High School, Sophia and Ryan, winners of the 4 Way Speech Contest, and Clotea Mack, Language Arts teacher at Harvey High School. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 16, 2024
 
The award presented to the Painesville Rotary by the Salvation Army.
 
 
Today was a wonderful day for the Painesville Rotary Club. The Painesville Rotary was awarded the "OTHERS" Award at the Annual Salvation Army Christmas in July Luncheon. 
 
The "OTHERS" award dates back to 1912 when the founder of the Salvation Army, General William Booth sent a Christmas telegram to his soldiers with one word on it "OTHERS". It is in this spirit that the Salvation Army continues to serve others and it is with the same heart that the Salvation Army presents the "OTHERS" award to those institutions or individuals who have been outstanding examples of devoted service to the community. 
 
Major Brian Peabody, General Secretary, The Salvation Army NEOSA presented the award to the Painesville Rotary and Maureen Conway, President accepted it. 
 
Painesville Rotary Member, Major Alma Riley, The Salvation Army.
The members who attended the Christmas In July Luncheon.
 
 
 
 
 
February 25, 2025
 
New member Halle Graham was inducted into the Rotary today by President Maureen Conway. Congratulations Halle and Welcome!
 
Maureen Conway, President presenting Halle Graham, new member with a Rotary pin. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 5, 2024 
 
Dale Smith, District Governor came to speak at our meeting. He praised our club and all of the district clubs with their commitment to the Rotary. He said that he has seen great things going on all around the district and was pleasantly surprised with all of it. He spoke about the Magic of Rotary and passed pins out to some members. We as Rotarians create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member welcomed. The phrase came from a Rotarian working in the Dominican Republic. He was showing some kids how dirty water goes into an area and then turned on the faucet to clean water coming out. The kids he was speaking with said "make the magic again". Magic isn't a dream but a reality for all of us.
Dale spoke about his work with Rotary with joy. He actually was a new member in 5 different clubs because he had worked in several places. In one of the clubs he felt through his service and fellowship he actually changed from being a member of the Rotary, to a Rotarian. 
At one of the clubs where he was a new member, the club asked survey questions about why he and others joined Rotary and why they stayed. He chose to and now wants to ask those survey questions of new members. One statistic that came out of the survey he worked on locally was when new members first answered the question about why they joined about 68% said for the service and 10% said for fellowship and friendship. When those people were asked the same questions later, 30% said for the service and 70% said for fellowship and friendship. 
Dale has several goals as District Governor. One being membership and growth, the Endowment Fund, and Disaster Preparation. He will be providing the local clubs with a lot more information about the Disaster Preparation in the coming weeks, watch for his emails. 
He also facilitated the start of the Lake County Sunrise Satellite Club a companion club for Mentor Rotary is for people who want to help their community and enjoy morning fellowship with like-minded people. He encouraged anyone to reach out to him if they have questions or would like to start a satellite club. 
 
Dale Smith, District Governor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
May 20, 2025
 
Our speaker this week was Jessica Derov, Director of Development for DJ's Hope. DJ's Hope is a nonprofit organized in 2012 by the family of DJ Merriman. DJ's heart defect called cardiomyopathy was caused by a virus at a young age. He was dependent on a pacemaker to keep his heart pumping. He passed away at the young age of 17, in his sleep from a massive heart attack caused by the cardiomyopathy. Although DJ was an active young person, he still spent many days in and out of the hospital because of his condition. His family decided after his death that helping other families who have sick children would be a good way to honor his memory. Jessica, DJ's  cousin and his father are the main people involved with the fundraising for the organization. DJ's Hope is mainly volunteer run with little to no overhead and the funds collected go directly to the families. 
 
DJ's Hope has transformed over the years to include not just children with heart defects but all children who are in and out of the hospital for various reasons. The mission that is their top mission is  The Children's Hospital Backpacks. Stuffed full of the items to help families when their child is admitted to hospital through the emergency room. Another thing they provide is Home Preservation for  elderly, veterans, and disabled people who may need help around their homes. Hopeful Hearts provides food, housing assistance, and even financial help for people who have fallen on hard times due to an illness of a family member. They have A Chance to Play Grant,  they find that many youths have a wish to play sports, but many families lack the resources to pay for youth sports. They can help those youths and families make that wish a reality. They also have the Children's Farewell Fund. Losing a child is the most difficult thing any family might go through and the cost of burying them is astonishing. DJ's Hope, hopes to help those families in need. A Visit From  Friend Initiative is volunteers offering their time for temporary companionship to help combat loneliness, depression, and even anxiety from being alone, by doing things as simple as gentle conversation, going on a walk or even helping cook a meal. And last but not least, they have the DJ Merriman Scholarship for students going into healthcare because DJ wished one day to be a cardiologist. 
 
Please visit the website to meet DJ in his video and read more about DJ's Hope: http://djshope.net/
 
Jessica Derov, Director of Development and DJ's oldest cousin.
 
 
Our next meeting is May 27, 2025 back in the barn at the Lake County History Center. Our speaker will be Michael Slocum of Frontline Freedom.     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 6, 2025
 
 
Meeting began at 12:20
 
Members Present:
Patrick Armstrong (Sergeant at Arms)
Lori Benjamin
Marc Burr
Maureen Conway (President)
Kathleen Cotter
Sue Ellis (Past President)
Bob Fratino
Jim Frederico
Dan Garry (President Elect)
Halle Graham
Ken Graham
Brian Kane
Stu Lucker
Pam Martin
David McCall
Julie O’Neil
Chris Price
Alma Riley
Anita Walters (Treasurer)
 
 
 
Guests:
Nicole Zanko and family members (Scholarship recipient)
Janel Montgomery and family members (Scholarship recipient)
Sharon Fitzgerald (teacher @ Harvey)
Scott Bailis (teacher @ Riverside)
 
Prayer:
Alma Riley
 
Pledge of Allegiance:
Julie O’Neil
 
Song(s):
Stu Lucker, “Yankee Doodle”
 
Happy Bucks/Sad Bucks:
Alma Riley: Great her daughter could come to the fundraiser and it was great.
Stu Lucker: Great fundraiser as always and thanks to the committee.
Dan Garry: Great fundraiser.
Chris Price: Great fundraiser as always.
 
Queen of Spades:
Maureen Conway
THE QUEEN LIVES:   $900+
 
Speaker:
Presentation of Scholarships
Next meeting:
May 13, Margie Netzel, Winky Cats: www.winkycats.com
 
Meeting Adjourned at 12:40

Submitted by:
Christy Magyar
Speakers
Mike Slocum
May 27, 2025
Frontline Freedom
Johanna Patena & Rachael Urbanek
Jun 03, 2025
Deepwoods, Adult work programs
Pam Martin & Katie Davis
Jun 10, 2025
Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/ Deepwoods
Erin Bolyard
Jun 17, 2025
Footprints Center for Autism
Cosette Mihalik
Jun 24, 2025
Regal Vineyards
Maureen Conway and Dan Garry
Jul 01, 2025
New President Installation
Last ever Mardi Gras Parade
Jul 05, 2025
Rotary Float
Caitlyn Stillisano
Jul 08, 2025
Lake County Soil and Water Conservation
Karen Zavarella
Jul 15, 2025
Crime Lab
Cathi Mezzopera
Jul 22, 2025
The Art Bus Tour
Jessica Roode & Randy Barnes
Jul 29, 2025
Lake Humane Society
Jennifer Bystricky
Aug 05, 2025
Knitting for Cancer
Nick Lippert
Aug 12, 2025
USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation
Dan Garry President
Aug 19, 2025
Open meeting
Bob Oborn
Sep 09, 2025
District Governor 2025-2026
Donnie Winchell
Sep 16, 2025
Ohio Wines
Club Executives & Directors
President
Immediate Past President
President Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Sergeant-at-Arms