Youngstown Rotary celebrates 99 years

Photo

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR From left, Rotarian Elayne Bozick, District Governor Debbie Esbenshade, Rotarian Sharon Letson and club President Scott Schulick present the Paul Harris Fellowship Award to Dr. Richard Billak, far right.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Earlier this month, Youngstown Rotary Club celebrated its 99th anniversary at the Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Scott Schulick, club president, led the celebration, which included bestowing Paul Harris Fellowships upon people from the community and members and revealing a new centennial logo. About 100 Rotarians and community members attended.

The fellowship is named for Rotary’s founder, and it is one of Rotary International’s highest honors.

The fellowship expresses appreciation for those who contribute to the humanitarian and educational activities of the Rotary Foundation. Rotarians also designate a Paul Harris Fellowship to another person whose life coincides with the objectives and mission of the foundation, to build world understanding and peace. This year, Youngstown Rotary has re-established the tradition, and it took nominations from the membership during the meeting.

Rotarians honored as Paul Harris Fellows were Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, Carlton A. Sears, Carol Chamberlain and John B. Slanina. Community members honored were Brian Corbin, Lawrence Bozick, Frank Matyi, Dr. Richard Billak and Janet Murray.

Schulick and Paul Garchar, who is incoming Rotary president, rang the Rotary bell together to begin the centennial celebration and yearlong festivities

The Centennial Committee revealed the new Youngstown Rotary centennial logo. It reflects the change in Youngstown’s skyline over the past 100 years, with smokestacks, skyscrapers and prominent education buildings.

Youngstown Rotary Club has 84 members and meets at noon Wednesdays at the YMCA downtown. For information on becoming a member visit www.youngstownrotary.org.