The January 12, 2026 meeting of the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary took place at the Garrettsville Family YMCA as the opening of this year’s “Lunch and Learn” series and hosted about 22 people. Ted Lysiak (moderator), Pat Singlyn, Michelle Herron, Dee Synnestvedt, Kim Curry and Sue Elam served as the panel of information-givers concerning the local response to needs of children and adults in our community.
These responses included lunches supplied over school breaks to children who depend on the nutrition which they get at school, the Snack Pack program providing kids between-meals healthy snacks with private delivery, Community-wide needs are the focus of the NGCC (Nelson-Garrettsville Community Cupboard); this is not limited just to food but personal care items and help with encouraging healthier eating in the family; deliveries are available and residence in the district is the basis of the outreach. Food insecurity can be found at all levels, from infants to seniors and is found in an amazing number of families, often associated with transiency or age.. Local farmers, gardeners and businesses often step up to make contributions and the Ben Curtis Foundation (KSU golfer of note), the Akron-Canton Foodbank, local churches, school food drives contribute as well.
The core components of all these activities are community empathy and compassion. The synergy of the services available and the outstanding work of many, many volunteers make this work for the greater good of all. No contribution is too small; every donation is another star in your crown. Be a part of it.
