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| Posted by Susan Leetch on Feb 06, 2012
Speaker for the day was Jay Macejko, Youngstown City Prosecutor, whose main focus was economic crimes such as bad checks, identity theft, and petty theft. He encouraged merchants and citizens to prosecute these crimes, especially bad checks, after proper notice is given and no action occurs. He also explained auto sweeps and checkpoints and their value in fighting crime. Deanna Spirko, Rotary Club of Austintown President, presented a library book in Jay's honor to be placed in the library at Woodside Elementary School. She also mentioned that the local club had received an award for raising over $1200. a year in 2010 and 2011 to erradicate world polio. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Feb 06, 2012
Athletes from Fitch High School and Jay Macejko were vistiors at the February 6 meeting of the Rotary Club of Austintown, both bringing good news. Fitch sophomore Gabby Figueroa, who currently holds the #1 sophomore hammer throw title in the state of Ohio, and #13 nationally, was introduced by Fitch track coach T.J. Konowski.He also presented Jay Jakovina, senior at Fitch, who holds the #1 high jump title in Ohio. Both will compete at the national level in New York City on March 1-3 if private funds can be raised, as school funds are not allowed to be used. Rotarians passed the hat to help with their expenses, which was also done last year to help Alli Tolich. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Oct 10, 2011
Chuck Baker inducted our newest member, Mal Culp Jr. He is an Austintown native and former Delphi engineer, now in charge of facilities for Austintown Schools, sponsored by Vince Colaluca. Welcome Mal. Pictured Chuck Baker, Mal Culp, and Vince Colaluca | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Nov 07, 2011
The Youngstown Phantoms are a Tier I Junior A ice hockey team that plays in the East Division of the United States Hockey League. The team plays home games at the 5,200-seat Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio. The team is owned by Bruce J. Zoldan, founder and CEO of leading fireworks brand Phantom Fireworks, hence the team's name.Anthony Noreen and Luci Franklin spoke at the recent Rotary Club of Austintown . Anthony is the General Manager and also Head Coach of the team and spoke of the four “goals” he has for the team: 1.) to make better players with exercise, hard work, video programs, more hard work and develop an enthu-siasm for the game. 2.) Better people: Anthony feels that every player should grow with the game to become a better person and thus a better team. They have players from all over the United States and compete in games and tournaments throughout the country. 3.) Give back to our community. They work with United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs, Child Reading Programs and mentoring young kids in Hockey. and 4.) Perform on the ice....it’s expected. They must make a good impression for the commu-nity. Luci Franklin is in the advertising/marketing program for the Phantoms and states that Hockey is a great way for families to have a fun night with less cost than going to the movie. They have many events for kids and are doing Birthday Parties, a Kids Club, Christmas Parties and offer Double Dollar Deal Days. During all weekday home games you can enjoy a 16 oz. beer or soft drink, hot dog and popcorn for only $2.00 each. The Community is an important factor in the support and success of the team. They have 60 regular season games and their record now stands at 7 and 3 and are undefeated at home. For tickets or more information call or visit the Covelli Centre Box Office Monday thru Friday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. or call 330-746-5600. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Oct 24, 2011
Guest Speaker at Austintown Rotary, Tony Stastny, was anything but a speaker in an earlier life. He was previously a truck driver who sold Air purifiers on the side for his brother. He is now not only a speaker, but a trainer as well and is very willing to give some networking tips to help you “grow your business”. He joined BNI a referral networking organization in 2002 and quickly recognized his passion for helping business owners and sales people connect. He became Area Director in 2004 for the Northeast Ohio area. He also has “The Next Level Workshop”. He has conducted over 50 successful training seminars that have enabled the Northeast Ohio region to become one of the most profitable referral networks in the world! He focuses his time helping people improve their relationship building skills, develop effective recruitment techniques and improve their sales abilities. You can contact Tony at his e-mail: tosta73@gmail.com or call him at 440-346-4056. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Oct 24, 2011
Mark Cole introduced Kay Lavelle, who spoke about Austintown Senior Center. Retirement was just not in the books for Kay Lavelle. After retiring from the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Randall A. Wellington asked her to put together some services for Seniors. A much needed program to enable seniors who live without a support system or relatives was desperately needed in the Valley. After much research, Kay did just that. She found out that was the easy part. Getting the word out was a lot harder. Many in the area didn’t realize that just by calling that one number they would have a link to a whole network of help. (330-480-5078). When Austintown wanted to start a Senior Center, Kay was there and wanted to help. Austintown Senior Center opened its doors on October 26, 2010 at 100 Westchester Drive. They now boast more than 500 registered members. Since January, more than 5,000 visitors have walked through the door and on an average day your will find more than 40 members enjoying the activities at the center such as: computer classes, bus trips, line dancing, painting classes, bingo, screenings, movies, seminars, Yoga and many other activities including Wii tournaments. The center has given seniors the access they need. Many seniors become lonely and depressed and the center has given many a source for companionship as they continue to learn new things and meet new people. A levy is now needed to keep the support of the center ongoing. On the November ballot is a 0.5 mill levy for the purpose of providing services to Senior citizens. If passed, the levy will generate approximately $309,000 in revenue. A home valued at $100,000 will pay about $17 per year and if eligible for Homestead Exemption, would drop that to $12.80 per year. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Oct 10, 2011
Mark Cole introduced Joe Chevraux, director of Multiple Sclerosis Society on Mahoning Valley, headquarters in Canfield. They are not associated with the national organization in Cleveland, so all money raised stays here. He mentioned stress as the greatest cause of MS, and there is no cure yet because it causes lesions on the brain and spinal cord. Locally, his group does not charge for their services, providing water aerobics at YMCA, free loan of mobility equipment, prescription assistance programs. Their main fund raisers are their golf outing, fall walk in Mill Creek Park, concerts, and on Nov. 5, a 20th Anniversary Gala at Lake Club, with some wonderful prizes. Cost is $75. per person includes a great meal, great cause. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Oct 03, 2011
Brian Laraway, a member of the Rotary Club of Austintown, is also a Partner at Bury Financial Group and has been for the last ten years. He spoke at the recent Rotary Club meeting about how Bury Financial can help their clients define their financial goals and provide strategies to help meet those goals. The present market situation will probably be around for the next 5 to 6 years so thinking about goals is necessary. Without being in the financial field on a full-time basis, most people do not have the time to develop the confidence, level of specialization, or the necessary tools to make wise, informed financial decisions on their own. Bury Financial is there to assist in this process. They help their clients define their financial goals and provide strategies to help meet those goals, which may result in a more calm, confident lifestyle. Questions to ask yourself : have your financial time lines changed? have your money goals changed? or has your risk-tolerance changed? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it is time to sit down with a professional advisor. Brian can be reached at Bury Financial Group, 330-757-1992. They are located at 20 East McKinley Way, Suite 1, Poland, Ohio 44514
Shown in picture: Rotary President, Deanna Spirko presenting book to be placed at Woodside Elementary Library in his name for the "Woodside Reads" Project
| | Posted by Susan Leetch on Sep 26, 2011
Mark Cole introduced Mal Culp, director of operations and facilities for Austintown Schools. Mal, a Fitch graduate and Austintown resident, was an engineer with Packard Delphi for 38+ years, and took this job a few years ago, loves it. Site preparation is proceeding well, bringing in clay to replace topsoil on both building sites, which will eventually be mixed with portland cement to provide a final base for buildings. Trailers were needed at both existing buildings to replace some back areas removed to make space for construction, faculty parking lots relocated, and Falcon Drive closed to through traffic. Shuttle buses are available for football games from the K-Mart lot. They hope to be ready for walls by November 1.
| | Posted by Susan Leetch on Sep 12, 2011
Guest speaker at the Sept. 12 meeting of the Rotary Club of Austintown was Dr. Michael Cafaro, past Rotary President and head of Cafaro Chiropractic Clinic. He chose the date since next Sunday is Chiropractic Founders Day. On Sept. 18, 1895. Dr. D.D. Palmer in Iowa claimed success as a magnetic healer, using the "practice of the hands" to cure body problems. He felt the body functions on its own if all the bones of the spine (24) are aligned and not stressing the spinal cord. His first success was restoring the hearing of a man caused by pinched nerves in the neck, but other manipulations were used to treat what is today the three main ailments -- back pain, headaches, and neck pain. The science has come a long way since 1895, and a combination of treatments and other medical professionals work with the Big Ts --- trauma, thought (stress), and toxins (dietary and other induced problems). Dr. Cafaro concluded by demonstrating some of the methods on his wife, who is very positive about the effects of treatments for sinus problems and arthritis. Shown in the picture are Rotary President Deanna Spirko, Ericka and Dr. Michael Cafaro. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Aug 29, 2011
DG George W.S. Hays emphasized the core values present in the Austintown Club and all Rotary Clubs of: diversity, fellowship, integrity, leadership and service. Be loyal to the 4-way test. The slogan adopted by International is “Reach within to embrace Humanity”, and each time we do something for others, we all reach within to embrace humanity. After an accident in 2001, Mr. Hays experienced first hand with all the Rotarians who helped him during his time of need. He joined Rotary 21 years ago and he began giving back to Rotary by allowing him to serve. His emphasis for 2011-12 the need for members and of course money to make things happen in Rotary. Polio Plus is an example of what an impact Rotary has made and this was acknowledged by Bill Gates. The cost to eradicate polio has been estimated at $1 billion. The Polio Plus drive has transformed Rotary from valuable to a key player in world health. In India there was only one case last year, 309 in the entire world. We are getting close to the eradication of Polio. Growth of membership is the key to this organization. Rotary is ranked third in what we do with the money we raise. Rotary International is only as successful as it’s clubs.
Shown in picture: District Governor Hays is presented with certification by Austintown President, Deanna Spirko for a book to be donated to Woodside Elementary Library for the Woodside reads project. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Aug 15, 2011
Maria Stevens of Stevens Coaching was special guest at the Rotary Club of Austintown at their recent meeting.
She stated "Whether it is sales results or anything else in our lives, the notion that we are all capable of changing our outcomes by changing how we think is the very reason I have dedicated my career to personal and professional development and the field of coaching. There is always a better way, a better approach, strategy or perspective out there."
This is the guiding principle by which founder and owner, Maria Stevens lives her life. For years, Maria excelled in various jobs in the corporate world but always felt like there was something missing. She dreamed about owning her own business and making a living by teaching others from her experience and life lessons. Today, she is living her dream and is honored to partner with each one of her clients on their personal and professional journeys.
Maria specializes in coaching business owners, leaders and high potential professionals to lead more effectively and drive results within their companies. Her coaching approach is grounded in a passion for leadership development along with a strong business background in Business to Business selling, training and consulting. For more information visit her website at www.stevenscoaching.com.
Shown in picture: Deanna Spirko with Maria Stevens | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Aug 08, 2011
Austintown Fitch Seniors Alex Sofranko (left) and Jason Miller (right) received Scholarships from The Rotary Club of Austintown at the August 8 meeting. Both students were involved in the Interact Club of Rotary. Alex will be studying Chemestry at OSU and Jason is planning to be an RN and will attend YSU in the fall. Also pictured, President Deanna Spirko. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Aug 08, 2011
Speaking at the Rotary Club of Austintown, Superintendent Vince Colaluca described some of the revamping necessary for the excavation to begin for the new schools estimated to open September of 2013. The entire campus, bordered by Raccoon Road and Idaho Road is approximately 97 acres. The State of Ohio is paying for 47% of the cost for construction. On another note, Austintown Schools has been looking at expenditures, and are finding that there is not too much left to cut. They have been tightening thru the years and cutting back as much as possible. Open Enrollment has proven to be a good revenue source although controversial. It is saving the taxpayer 4.5 mills. When a parent chooses to transport their child to Austintown Schools, they care about the education of their children. Out of 575 kids, there has been only one expulsion where there is normally 45 per year.
The School system is now awaiting word to find out if they are EXCELLENT or EFFECTIVE. A committee will be formed to make sure Austintown is on line for the future. They will look at all avenues in October.
Shown in picture: Austintown Rotary President, Deanna Spirko presenting certificate for a book to be donated to Woodside Elementary for the Woodside Reads Project to Superintendent Vince Colaluca
| | Posted by Susan Leetch on Aug 01, 2011
Janet Polish described “Falcon Pride Online” as the new learning program that Austintown Schools began offering for the 2010-11 school year.
This is a public, tuition-free program serving all students in grades K thru 12. It plays it’s part in providing a high quality education to every student every day. It has been offered as one of the district goals to give Austintown students an additional opportunity to get the individual attention and tutoring on a daily or weekly basis.
Students still participate in Austintown Local Schools’ extracurricular activities such as athletics, clubs, band, choir, prom, etc. They receive a diploma upon graduation. The program received an EXCELLENT rating on the 2010 State Report Card.
They provide rigorous curriculum consisting of regular and advanced courses in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies as well as elective courses.
They ask for strong parental and family support which is important for the success of the students and the program. For more information you may contact Janet at 330-797-3900 Ext. 1512, or check them on
Shown in picture Janet Polish, Director of 21st Century Learning with Austintown Rotary President Deanna Spirko presenting certificate for a book to be donated to Woodside Elementary School for the "Woodside Reads" Rotary Project. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Jul 11, 2011
Newly elected Officers and Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Austintown were sworn in by Rotarian Chuck Baker at the July 11th meeting. Front row: President, Deanna Spirko; Secretary Hillary Prestridge; Vocational Service Vince Colaluca; International Jennifer Connolly; Club Service Mark Cole; Back row: VP Ron Carroll; Treasurer Brian Frederick; Community Service Dave Buttar;
| | Posted by Susan Leetch on Jul 25, 2011
Our own Michael Sciortino, Mahoning County Auditor was guest speaker today. Mike is in charge of 36 departments and is the payroll director for 2,000 Mahoning County Employees. Mahoning County has had to scale back from 72 to 53 million and everyone had to tighten their belts. He must file a comprehensive financial report with the State of Ohio, and every year has received an “excellent” rating. The Report is also online for anyone to visit. There are 8 to 9 people in his office. Michael is also Chief Appraiser of property in Mahoning County with 180,000 parcels to re-appraise every six years. Forclosures cannot be used by county or government to determine property value. The Auditor’s Office studies the market and collects information about properties to estimate value. They have no control over tax rates. Tax relief is available in the form of Rollbacks, and Homestead Exemptions for homeowners 65 or older. House bill 920 provides a credit against all voted tax millage. As property values increase due to reappraisals, additional “credits” are applied to voted tax levies so that property owners are not paying more than the amount of taxes the levy was originally voted to collect. The end of August thru October allows for dialog between the taxpayer and county where you can complain informally. Appeals can be filed if you believe the estimated value of your property is incorrect. For more information please contact Mahoning County Auditor’s Office, at 330-740-2010. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Jun 27, 2011
Rotary Club of Austintown Perfect Attendance awards were given out for the second quarter at the June 27 meeting. Those receiving awards from left to right: Dr. Mitch Dalvin, Mark Cole, Jerry Haber, Deanna Spirko, Susan Leetch, Brian Laraway and Chuck Baker (in back). | | Posted by Susan Leetch on Jun 13, 2011
Erin Mellinger from Fitness Together gave some good advise on staying healthy and living well in today’s fast paced world. Erin began her business in 2008 and offers one-on-one private personal training to those looking to lose weight, tone and tighten muscles or simply work toward better health. Fitness Together pairs you with a certified personal trainer in a private setting equipped with a workout plan tailored just for you.
Erin explained that Health and Wellness are huge factors in our lives. With all the modern, fast-paced living our society is less into physical activity than ever before. This impacts our economy with health care costs. The lifestyle choices make America the most unhealthy country in the world and yet we live the longest. It’s time for us to make health a priority. We must set a time and work around our busy schedules.
Nutrition, of course is an essential part of Health and Wellness. Eat healthy with high fiber and high protein. Eat light and often. “Graze all day” is a motto to live by which would mean 5 light meals a day. Stay away from fad diets or fad excercises and by all means allow “cheat days” so you won’t feel guilty when you have that piece of pizza. Exercise is not a punishment - 30 minutes a day, five days a week are suggested and don’t get stuck in a routine. You must switch exercises to keep the body guessing - try new things.
Pictured: Erin Mellinger with Rotary President Susan Leetch. President Leetch is presenting a certificate for a book to be donated to the Woodside Reads Project for the school Library.
| | Posted by Susan Leetch on Jun 06, 2011
The Rotary Club of Austintown is learning first hand about the social needs of individuals and families infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Linda Titus from the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry explained some of the services they do to help those who have no other resource.
Since the panic of the ‘80’s when we first heard about AIDS, there is not much being said about it today, but we are still stuck with the fear and ignorance surrounding this disease.
The Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry began in 1993 when four Ursuline Sisters sponsored a spiritaul support group for those living with HIV/AIDS, their families, friends and those grieving their loved ones. The Ursuline Sisters have been serving the Mahoning Valley for 130 years.
The Ministry offers: Angela’s Place a pantry of personal toiletries and household supplies. The Guardian Angel Cafe a monthly dinner and social support group. Just for Kids, a program of children’s support services, such as tutoring, child advocacy, crisis intervention, life skills and recreational activities. Casa Madre, the site for children’s programs and respite care, located on Youngstown’s South side. Pastoral visits to homes and hospitals. Patient advocacy and general support services. The omprehensive Care Center, a pediatric and adult HIV clinic offering HIV testing HIV health care, counseling, case management, patient education, and wrap-around services.
Shown in picture: Linda Titus with Austintown Rotary Incoming President, Deanna Spirko. Deanna is presenting a certificate for a children's book to be donated in their name to Woodside Elementary Library.
| | Posted by Susan Leetch on May 23, 2011
The Group Study Exchange (GSE) is sponsored by Rotary International District 6650 which is comprised of 51 Rotary Clubs in the area. It is under the direction of the Rotary Foundation whose mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill , and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty. T he Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. This year the vocational exchange partner in the Philippines is Rotary International District 3820 in the region southeast of Luzon. Speaking at the Rotary Club of Austintown, the Ohio team leader was Elaine M.S. Bozick, a past president of the Rotary Club of Youngstown. In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families. Tired but full of enthusiasm for the wonderful welcome they received, Elaine was totally impressed with the way the Philippine Rotarians made the team feel. Elaine encouraged everyone to become familiar with what Rotary is doing with this program become a Team Leader if possible. Shown in picture: Elaine Bozick, Past President of the Rotary Club of Youngstown with Susan Leetch, President of the Rotary Club of Austintown. | | Posted by Susan Leetch on May 16, 2011
Chuck Baker was called upon to induct our new member, Toni Fuzo, sponsored by Dr. Mitch Dalvin. Chuck went over the qualifications and importance of attendance, avenues of service commitment, and for sure to have a good time. Dr. Dalvin did the honor of placing the pin. Toni is the Adminstrator at Meridian Arms Nursing Home | | Posted by Susan Leetch on May 09, 2011
Jennifer stated that Briarfield Manor provides the following services: Assisted Living, Micro-Community, Alzheimer's Care, Nursing Home, and Hospice. Nursing homes are required by federal law to have a licensed nurse on duty 24 hours a day. Residents typically share a room and are served meals in a central dining area. They have the opportunity to be involved in activities that provide mental, physical, and social stimulation.
The cost of care for nursing home care ranges between $3,500 and $8,500 per month. The cost is based on the level of care needed and the location of the facility. Due to the high cost of care, many residents use supplemental funding from the government in the form of Medicare and/or Medicaid.
Briarfield Health Care Centers offer various services including care levels from hands-on assistance with activities of daily living to more complex nursing care involving IV therapy, comprehensive wound care and pain management. Medical services are provided under the direction of a licensed physician and carried out by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. State tested nursing assistants provide hands-on care under the direction and supervision of the nursing staff.
An in-house staff of professional therapists provides rehabilitation services. Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies treat both individually and as a team. A team of restorative nursing assistants under the direction of a licensed nurse provides exercises and training to help resident maintain skills necessary for maximum independence.
With all of that, a number of additional services are available for residents including psychological counseling, dental care and podiatry care. Audiology services, x-ray and orthotics are also available on-site.
Facilities include: Briarfield Manor, Briarfield at The Ridge, Ashley Circle, Vista Center, Victoria House and the Inn at Christine Valley.
Shown in Picture: Jennifer Connelly receiving certificate from President Susan Leetch, for book to be donated to Woodside Elementary School Library for Woodside Reads Program.
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