Celebrating the 40th year of the Rotary Club of Austintown, a large group of past Presidents, current members, and past members and spouses gathered on Jan. 31 at the Fifth Season Banquet Hall.
Following a buffet dinner, past Presidents were introduced by Club Service chairman David Buttar, and each told memories of their years as President. Prior to 1986, the club was all men, so things have changed since 1968 when Youngstown Rotarian Herb Zimmer contacted Austintown leaders to create a separate club with its first President, Dan Mirto. His wife, Nancy, spoke of those early days and challenges, as did past Presidents Joe Kramarich and Dr. Murphy Morgan, who are no longer members. Josephine Baker and Delphine Vandervoort, representing their departed husbands, mentioned many foreign exchange students who were sponsored by the club, and both families had visited their past guests in their native countries.
More recent Presidents spoke of the major achievements of the club, such as the Austintown Band Shell at Township Park, message sign at Raccoon Rd, Wickliffe flood relief project, and numerous school support projects and scholarships in the Austintown schools, as well as international projects such as Polio Plus and humanitarian projects in many countries.
Current President Dr. Michael Cafaro opened and closed the event, encouraging members to spread the word of the fine works of Rotary International and its Austintown chapter. Melissa Crowley and her committee were also thanked for the preparations.
Shown in the picture: seated Lisa Oles, Nancy Mirto, Delphine Vandervoort, Donna Buzulencia, Josephine Baker, and Melissa Crowley. Standing: Karl Rein, Toby Mirto, Ram Kasaganti, Gary Reel, Chuck Baker, Ray McCune, Dr. Mitch Dalvin, Dr. Murphy Morgan, and Joe Kramarich.