Upcoming Events
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Lou Falk
    March 7
  • Sue Ellis
    March 11
  • Lori Benjamin
    March 14
  • Lisa Lewins
    March 22
Join Date:
  • Lou Falk
    March 1, 1974
    52 years
  • Patrick Armstrong
    March 1, 1993
    33 years
  • Halle Graham
    March 4, 2025
    1 year
  • Christy Magyar
    March 21, 2023
    3 years
  • Julie O'Neil
    March 29, 2023
    3 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. Please join us if you are interested in finding out about Rotary or joining the club!
 
 
Save the date: This year's fundraiser is scheduled for April 25, 2026!! Please see any member if you would like to attend. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 29, 2026
We were invited to join Mentor Rotary at Taste of Auburn, the restaurant run by the Culinary Arts students at Auburn Career Center. We had a great buffet lunch of salad, salmon, kielbasa and cabbage, stuffed philly steak peppers, grilled vegetables and garlic toast and a blackberry coffee cake for dessert. The students did a great job and Dr. Galvan (Superintendent) spoke about the programs and improvements made in the past year at Auburn. It was a great change of pace to go to an off-site meeting.
The Culinary students who prepared and served our food. Other pictures can be found in the photo album, Taste of Auburn. 
 
 
March 3, 2026
 
Nora Sharpe, winner of the Painesville Rotary 4 Way Speech Contest.
 
Today we had the Painesville Rotary 4 Way Speech Contest. Rotary began the 4 Way Speech contest in 1932. Herbert Taylor, a Rotarian, and business owner held the first 4 Way Speech Contest. When his business was going bankrupt he decided to apply the Rotary International 4 Way Pledge to his company. The pledge actually turned the company around, changed the environment and helped to fix the problems within the company. The contest grew from that realization.
 
Our lone competitor and winner was Nora Sharpe. Nora is a junior at Riverside High School. She brought with her 2 teachers, her mom, and her friend.  In her speech she spoke about how fear can take over our reality. She used the 4 Way Pledge to show how she herself dealt with the devastating news that her father had  a terminal illness after a long battle of trying to find out what was wrong. Even though the doctors told him nothing was wrong, fear took over and life changed for the whole family. Through their family struggle and diagnosis she recognized the people who were with her and others who helped her to get through and continue to get through this difficult family struggle using the Rotary International 4 Way Pledge. 
 
Nora will be competing at the district 4 Way Speech Contest on April 18th. Keep her in your thoughts. We are all rooting you on Nora! 
Brian Kane, Chairman of the 4 Way Speech Contest, Nora Sharp, 2026 winner of the 4 Way Speech Contest, and Dan Garry, President. 
 
 
 
 
February 17, 2026
 
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month Painesville Rotary partners with St. James Church and The Western Reserve Junior Service League to provide a hot meal for those people of Lake County who face hunger and other challenges. Please join us, to help prepare the meal, serve, and clean up. Preparations begin at 3:30 and clean up is usually done by 6:15-6:30. 
 
  
Stu mopping the floor before dinner.
 
Washing and drying dishes as we go. Almost everyone is working hard preparing the meal. ;  )
 
 
 November 15, 2025
 
Today, at the Perry Outdoor YMCA a bench was donated in memory of our long time Rotarian Dr. Donald Lucker. For several months we have been collecting plastic film, and the hard work finally paid off in early October, we received a composite bench. We knew after Don's passing that the bench would be donated in his honor, we just didn't know where. 
 
In early November, Dan Garry was approached by the parents of Sydney Brown, Brad (past Painesville Rotarian) and Becky Brown with an idea; because their daughter Sydney and Dr. Lucker were so close, why not place the bench near the tree that they planted in her memory at the Perry Outdoor Y. So the wheels were in motion and on Saturday November 15th the bench was placed. Dan will attach the memory plate at a later date, recognizing "Doc" and his 57 year contribution to the Painesville Rotary.
 
Dan Garry and Stu Lucker, standing; Brad and Becky Brown, sitting on the bench.
 
A picture of the tree and the proximity of the bench. 
 
 
 
January 17, 2026
 
To avoid interfering with other Holiday parties, we decided to have our party in mid January. Fun was had by all, with great fellowship and food. We also had a white elephant gift exchange. There was lots of wine, some alcohol but boy did Pam and Chris flip over the O'Cedar spin mop. Pam stole it from Dick and then Chris stole it from Pam (they use to friends, but I guess "mop" before "top" buddy rules). 
Chris will NOT let Pam have it. 
 
Here are some pictures from the party. Those people who could not make it to the party were missed. 
 
Others besides Chris went home with some great presents.
The food was excellent as always, more dinner like than our usual lunches. Beckie and Dan did a great job with the desserts.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
March 10, 2026
 
 Our speaker today was Kathy Toderick. She is the organizer of the Lake County chapter of 100+ Women Who Care, an international organization of women who want to make a difference in their communities. 
Kathy said that their organization is basically built by word of mouth. If you or someone you know would like to join visit their website http://100womenlake.com or see Lori Benjamin at a meeting, she has the Commitment Forms. 
 
Each member commits to giving $100 quarterly to a nonprofit of the groups choosing. They meet 4 times a year, in March, June, September, and December. Here's what the members do in nut shell: during the 1 hour meeting they hear from the previous recipient from the last quarter, 3 members present a new nonprofit, they vote on which one to award that quarter. Everyone writes their $100 check and they get all the checks to the award winner within a week or two. Each member also gives a self addressed stamped envelope so that the nonprofit can send the the donation information free of charge to the individual donor. 
 
Kathy spoke about the 10 things that you need to know about 100+ Women Who Care of Lake County. They are a giving circle, they give away about 70, 100 dollar checks in that 1 hour that they meet. They are a local chapter of an International Committee, Lake County is one of about 900 chapters. They meet 4 times a year or once every quarter. The nonprofits that they award must be 501 3c organization that service Lake County. They present the chosen organization with the checks within 2 weeks after being chosen as the award winner that quarter. 100% of the donations go directly to the charity of the groups choosing. This chapter will celebrate 10 years on March 16th. In those 10 years they have given away a little over a quarter of a million dollars. They choose diverse charitable causes. In those 10 years they have been in 3 meeting places and each one has been donated to them. 
If you don't have time to volunteer, and you want your $100 donation to be part of a larger impact and you want 100% of your donation to go directly to a local charitable cause then 100+Women Who Care of Lake County might be a good fit for you. 
 
Dan Garry, President thanking Kathy Toderick for coming to speak about 100+ Women Who Care of Lake County. 
 
 
 
 
Our next meeting is March 17, 2026 in the barn at the Lake County History Center. Our speaker will be Meredith Fratantonio, Lake County Free Clinic.       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Painesville – Meeting Minutes
 
📅📅 Date: March 10, 2026
 
🕛🕛 Time: Meeting called to order at 12:17 PM 
 
👥👥Members Present
Patrick Armstrong (Sergeant at Arms)
Lori Benjamin
Maureen Conway
Kathleen Cotter
Sue Ellis
Bob Fratino
Sue Fratino
Debbie Garafalo
Dan Garry (President)
Halle Graham
Ken Graham
Dick Krestschman
Stu Lucker (President Elect)
Christy Magyar (Secretary)
Pam Martin
Dave McCall
Julie O'Neil
Dave Osborn
Alma Riley
Anita Walters (Treasurer)
 
 
 

🙋🙋Guests/ Guest Speakers
Our guest speaker was Kathy Toderick, who shared about the inspiring impact of 100+ Women Who Care. The concept began with Karen Dunigan, a woman who saw a need in her community and believed that when women come together, they can make a powerful difference. Inspired by that vision, chapters formed across the country, including our own Lake County, Ohio chapter, which operates with the same simple but powerful mission: women gathering each quarter, each donating $100, and collectively choosing a local charity to support.
This year marks an incredible 10 years of service for the Lake County chapter, with an astounding $246,410 donated to local charities. A decade of generosity, community spirit, and women lifting up their neighbors.
 
 
🙏🙏Opening🙏🙏
 
🙏🙏Prayer -Alma opened our meeting with a thoughtful prayer, reminding us of the promise of a new day: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” She expressed gratitude for the welcome glimpses of spring in the air and asked for continued guidance as we move forward together in service and fellowship.
 
Pledge of Allegiance –Dick proudly led our Rotary family in the Pledge of Allegiance, bringing everyone together in a moment of shared patriotism.

SongEmbracing the beautiful spring weather outside, Stu selected the classic “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” for our song of the day. Fun!
 
 
💸💸 Happy Bucks / Sad Bucks
Alma kicked things off with a very happy buck, sharing that her daughter just had her 3-month performance review at her new job—and she hit all the markers! Clearly she’s off to a fantastic start. Girls rule the world
Stu tossed in a happy buck for the upcoming “egg plant in the park.” Whether he meant egg hunt or egg plant, we’re still not entirely sure, but either way it sounds delicious and like a good time for the community.
Bob added a happy buck to remind everyone that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. He encouraged us to check out Deepwood and the many activities happening throughout the month to support and celebrate the community.
 
 
♠ Queen of Spades  
🎉🎉🎉🎉💰💰 The Queen of Spades pot continues to climb and is now sitting at an impressive $915, with the daily pot at $31. Lady luck smiled on me just enough to win the daily pot, but unfortunately the Queen herself was not ready to make an appearance. So, the suspense continues and the pot keeps growing... which means even more excitement next week!
We also had a special 50/50 drawing for some local maple syrup, because nothing says spring in Ohio quite like maple syrup season. Stu turned out to be the lucky winner! Congratulations to Stu, who is now well prepared for a future full of pancakes, waffles and French Toast. 
👑👑♠💰💰
 
 
 
 
Announcements📣📣 :(hot off the Painesville Rotary Press)
 
• St. James Meal – Tuesday, March 17
Stu reminded everyone not to forget the St. James meal next week from 3:30–6:00 PM. Come hungry and ready to serve!
• 100 Year T-Shirts
Julie mentioned that our club should purchase shirts this year to celebrate 100 years of Rotary. Alma chimed in that she “knows a guy” who can help make that happen—which in Rotary terms means the project is already halfway done.
• Painesville City Egg Hung
Dan announced that he and several others will be volunteering at this year’s Egg Hunt in Painesville City on April 12th from 9:00–11:00 AM. All are welcome to help. Did Dan called it the “egg plant”...? briefly had some of us wondering if we were gardening instead of hunting eggs. Either way, it should be an egg-cellent time.
• Salvation Army Fish Fry
Alma also reminded us about the Salvation Army Fish Fry happening this Friday and again on the 27th from 4:30–6:30 PM on Pearl Street. You can dine in or take it to go. Dan will be the fry cook, so you know it’s going to be good!
•Fundraiser Night
Finally, Dan reminded everyone that volunteers are still needed for the fundraiser night. Donations and sponsorships are also welcome. If you need a donation letter, Dan has them ready to go— because nothing motivates generosity quite like a Rotarian with paperwork in hand.
•Fundraising Meeting – Ridgewood, 3/11 at 6PM
Mark your calendars! Our next fundraising meeting will be held at Ridgewood on Wednesday, March 11th at 6:00 PM. Good food, good company, and great ideas — what more could you ask for?
• Bling Needed! Help Us Fill Our “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” Basket
A few words from Pam - (Abby DelaMotte, Lisa Lewins, Becky Garry and Pam Martin) needs your help in creating our basket for the “A Century of Service Above Self” fundraiser. We have named our donation “Diamonds (Well, really ALL gems!) are a Girls Best Friend”. We plan on having a jewelry
box loaded with jewelry and gift certificates to different jewelers. YOU can help by donating any new or gently loved jewelry items to add to our glitter and glam! While we would LOVE to get diamonds donated, we don’t expect them. Any jewelry you think a lady would love is welcome. Chris Price has already donated a new Brighton piece! And just today at the Rotary meeting, Sue Fratino VERY generously offered to donate her beautiful diamond engagement ring!! However, her kind offer was retracted when she discovered it would not be replaced! Nice try, Sue! We love how you think and we love you!
 
🎤🎤 What’s Your Why?
Same great members... until we recruit more.
 
 
 
✅Four-Way Test
  • 🎤🎤✨ 🙌 Stu brought us home with the Four-Way Test, delivering its familiar lines with the kind of energy that put an exclamation point on the meeting.
 
📍📍 Next Meeting
🗓🗓 Tuesday, March 17, 12:00 pm
📌📌 Location: The Lake County History Center – 415 Riverside Drive –
🎙🎙 Speaker: Meredith Fratantonio, Free Clinic of Lake County
 
 
 
 
🕧🕧 Meeting adjourned at 12:43 PM

Respectfully submitted,
✍ Christy Magyar
 
Speakers
Meredith Fratantonio
Mar 17, 2026
Lake Free Clinic
Aurora Martinez
Mar 24, 2026
Morley Library
Steve Howell
Mar 31, 2026
Lights on the Lake
No meeting
Apr 14, 2026
Off site on April 15th
Dr. Robyn Strosaker (Off site at TriPoint Medical)
Apr 15, 2026
University Hospitals
Liv Sharp
Apr 21, 2026
Captains Baseball
Dan Garry, President
Apr 28, 2026
Open meeting
Stu Lucker
May 05, 2026
LGBTQ
Eric Silvi
May 19, 2026
Park Ranger, Yellowstone
Dan Garry, President
May 26, 2026
Open meeting
Club Executives & Directors
President
Immediate Past President
President Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Sergeant-at-Arms