Stories

2023 Healthcare Internship Announced!

Order Your Flag Subscription Now For 2023!

Matt Wyatt Inducted Into Oxford Rotary

Rotarian Liz Mullenix Selected as MU Provost

Recipients of Oxford Rotary 2021 Healthcare Internship Announced

March 11, 2021. Congratulations to Daniel Sawdei and Taonanyasha Banda, the recipients of the 2021 Oxford Rotary Healthcare Internships at McCullough Hyde/TriHealth Hospital. Each individual represented a deep passion for healthcare as well as outstanding communications skills, empathy and a high level of achievement in their sports, volunteer and academic pursuits. All applicants who undertook the application process represented a very difficult choice for the Selection Committee. In total, eleven candidates applied with four semi-finalists being personally interviewed.

Rotary Provides $1,500 To School Backpack Program

March 11, 2021. The Oxford Rotary Club has provided $1,500 to the St. Mary's Church Backpack program. St. Mary Church is part of a national, charitable, non-profit program that provides a bag of vitamin fortified, non-perishable food items to low-income school children to take home on Fridays. St. Mary’s call this ministry The BackPack Program, and 200 children are served at the three elementary schools in the Talawanda School district when school is in session.

Rotarian Vets Share Heartfelt Memories

November 11, 2020. Oxford Rotarians shared heartfelt stories of their Veteran experiences. To hear their stories go to: https://youtu.be/UMOO0xlMMfg

Memorial Service Recognizes Passing Rotarians

Rotary Donates to Oxford Nursing Center

July 22, 2020. Oxford, Ohio. Rotary donates funds to the Oxford Nursing Center to buy BINGO Prizes for Residents during COVID-19.

Dodi Wolke Rotarian of the Year 2019 - 2020

June 26, 2020. Oxford, OH. Each year-end, Oxford Rotarians come together to reflect upon the past year and which Rotarian most exemplified our motto, "Service Above Self". We are pleased to announce that Dodi Wolke, our Director of Community Service, has been chosen.

Some reasons why:

"Dodi has taken the community Service program to a level I have not seen in my many years of Rotary."

"Dodi has started new programs under the current environment which has uplifted many people in the Oxford Community."

"Dodi has put together a team to assist her and has taken her time to complete these acts of kindness on her own if need be. She has shown in these tough times that it is not what you do for yourself, but it is what you do for others that is important."

Memorial Day 2020

Memorial Day 2020. Oxford, OH. Some, we knew. Some, we knew of. All, we know about. In honor of those who fought and lived, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the Families that Loved and Supported them, we gently place and steadfastly watch over more than 700 flags throughout our community each year at this time. (click photo) IN THEIR HONOR

Appreciation Day Rotary Style

Nurses Day 2020, Oxford, OH. Who doesn't like a doughnut?

We Love our Oxford Nurses and their friends.

So why not celebrate them all on Nurses Day. Dodi Wolke and Brian Revalee, two of our Community Service elves,loaded up 40 dozen doughnuts and delivered them to McCullough Hyde, The Knolls of Oxford Nursing Center, Oxford Healthcare Nursing Home, the Miami Police Department

and the Oxford Fire Department.

That's alot of doughnuts!

Virtual Meetings Keep It Going

April 16, 2020. Zoom. The Oxford Rotary Board

doesn't skip a beat. Weekly meetings via Zoom

are productive and keep our efforts going!

Cookie Caper Round Two

April 15, 2020. Oxford, Ohio. And they did it again!!

The Cookie Caper Crew brought warm and gooey

Chocolate Chip Cookies from LaRosa's to

deserving members and their families. Look at those Happy Faces!

Rotarian Ralph Gutowski "Prints" Straps

April 13, 2020. Oxford, OH. Last week Oxford Rotarian Ralph Gutowski’s daughter-in-law Angie, a Nurse Practitioner, reached out to him about a problem she was having wearing a surgical face mask all day long. The elastic bands that loop behind the ears begin to rub the skin raw and it becomes very uncomfortable as the day progresses. She encountered a colleague who was wearing a plastic strap across the back of her head that held the elastic off the ears (see picture). The strap was printed on a 3D printer. So Angie reached out to Ralph to see if he could print one for her on his 3D printer.

Ralph found a file on the internet containing a design that would work on his 3D printer. He downloaded a file and printed off a dozen of these surgical mask straps, which have NIH approval. After meeting Angie’s and his sons’ needs, he turned to Pam Collins, Chief Patient Services Officer at McCullough-Hyde Hospital to see if they could use them. Pam replied enthusiastically, “We sure could!” Ralph delivered 75 of these ear-saving surgical mask straps to Pam Collins at McCullough-Hyde.

Ralph’s son, Jeff, reached out to colleagues and faculty in Miami’s College of Engineering who have 3D printers to get involved with supplying the hospital. Ralph uploaded the “build files” to “the cloud” so others can download them and help meet the demand, and now Miami Engineering faculty are contributing, too.

We Treasure Our Hospital

Oxford, OH. April 9, 2020. Its not every small town that has a hospital, especially one as special as our McCullough-Hyde/TriHealth (MHMH/TH). Opened in 1956, and managed with a Board of townspeople for many years, the union with TriHealth was a necessary step in 2014 to secure its future to this community. Some thought it would change the hospital. They were wrong. The expertise and opportunities brought by TriHealth infused our local gem with new energies and talents. Take Nathan Simmons, Director of Pharmacy. An enthusiastic Preble County resident, Nathan has become an important fixture at MHMH/TH. Managing the inventory of medicines can be tricky business, but he's got the knack. And he is a caring people person too. So when the Coronavirus began to have an impact on morale at MHMH/TH, he reached out to his Rotarian colleagues for help. Enter Dodi Wolke, Director of Community Service for the Club and Brian Revalee. They worked with Nathan and Pam Collins, our wonderful townie who is Chief Patient Services Officer to coordinate the delivery of 85 meals for the heros of our hearts. Our deepest gratitude to all departments at our community hospital who are working long hours. We fed food from LaRosa's to staff in EVS, Imaging, Lab, Respiratory, PT/OT, Maintenance, Pharmacy, Urgent Care, McCullough Admin, Dietary, SPD, Central and Discharge Planning

The Cookie Caper Crew Hits Again

April 1, 2020. Oxford, OH. They hit again!!

Thanks to our Cookie Caper Crew (Dodi Wolke,

Brian Revalee, Corey Watt and Rebecca Smith who

once again delivered cookies to Rotarians at our

normal meeting time.

We live for those w

arm

cookies from LaRosa's!

Rotary's Cookie Caper Crew

March 29, 2020. Oxford, OH. What happens when you have a few Rotarians with some time on their hands? They find something kind and worthy to do. Take Dodi Wolke, Corey Watt and Rebecca Smith for example. In

addition

to doing grocery shopping for Rotary members who are house-bound and high-risk in this new COVID-19 World, they deliver hot cookies from LaRosa's at The Knolls and surrounding homes.

2020 Four-Way Speech Contest Winners!!

March 4, 2020. Oxford, OH. Each year, Rotary sponsors its Four-Way Test Speech Contest for Talawanda High School Students. Each student selects a topic and writes a speech subjecting that topic to Rotary's Four-Way Test: Is it the Truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Congratulations to these winners!!!

** Justin Beckner

** Heather Kuckuck

** Piper Muhlhauser

** Lucy Wang

** Hunter Hoefker

Chief John Jones Annual Update

October 23, 2019, Oxford, OH. The Oxford Rotary Club welcomed Chief John Jones for an annual update on police operations in the City of Oxford. He talked about community policing in Oxford, and the challenges faced in the new age of digital media and body cameras. Chief Jones joined the Oxford Police force in 1998. Today, he oversees 27 full-time officers working throughout the community with an ever-increasing demand for support. Body cameras have greatly assisted the force in bringing criminals to justice, but have also added an administrative burden in maintaining the equipment and digital files. Chief Jones reports that the greatest increase in crime has been bicycle theft. We salute this dedicated team of professionals as they continue to face new demands in their efforts to keep Oxford Residents and Miami Students safe.

Greg and Renate Crawford Update on Miami University and Town and Gown

Greg and Renate Crawford celebrated their one-year anniversary recently as the new Presidential couple for Miami University. The Oxford Rotary Club was delighted to welcome them for lunch and an update on new directions and strategies for Miami in the coming year. The Club is excited about the new initiatives they've worked to build with the Oxford Community and thanks them for taking time to celebrate their one-year anniversary with us!

2017 Membership Development Award

Annual Recognition and Awards Dinner

The Oxford Rotary Club's Annual Recognition and Installation dinner took place on Wednesday, July 12th at The Knolls of Oxford. Approximately 33 club members and their guests attended. The dinner was preceeded by wine and beer at 6 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner at 6.30 p.m. Many thanks go to the Social Committee of Dodi Wolke and Susie Sadler for setting up this event. Special thanks go to Ross Farnsworth for making it possible for the Club to have this event in such a nice location.

Norm Harsh received recognition for 15-years of perfect attendance. Congratulations, Norm!

The new Board of Directors was installed and include:

Pat Sidley, President

Kathy Butterfield, President Elect

Betsy O'Beirne, Secretary

Brian Fey, Treasurer

Susie Sadler, Club Service

Etta Reed, Fundraising

Alan Oak, Community Service

Warren Mason, International Service

Ross Farnsworth, Vocational Service

Monthly Board meetings will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month after the Regular Meeting.

Rotary Celebrates Hefner Fund Award Winners

May 17, 2017. The Oxford Rotary Club gathered at its annual luncheon to honor the Hefner Fund awardees.

Eight scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors at Talawanda High School, as follows:

$1,000 scholarships to:

Alex Bowie, attending Ohio State University to study Biomedical Engineering

Natalie Cobb, attending Ohio State University to study Chemical Engineering and Biology

Elijah Frazier, attending the University of Cincinnati to study Biology

Emily Froude, attending Miami University to major in International Studies

Adam Mandrell, attending Ohio Northern University in their Pre-Pharmacy/Doctor of Pharmacy program

Peter Whiteman, attending Ohio University to study Engineering

$2,000 scholarships to:

Beth Hansford, attending the Good Samaritan College of Nursing

Cody Kiefer, attending Wilmington College to study Agrimony.

The Hefner Fund also made grants to thirteen programs and initiatives, as follows:

Talawanda School District-scholarship support for the eighth-grade class trip to Washington, D.C.

Talawanda Middle School-support for the Sandy Hormell Community Book Celebration

United Way of Oxford-support for the Back to School Supplies program

Space Camp- support for fifth grade students to attend Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, as part of the new STEM program

Oxford Literacy Team-grant for the Super Summer Readers program

Coalition for a Healthy Community-Oxford Area-grant for programs to support obesity reduction/prevention for youth in our community

Kramer Elementary School: support for presentations by an author and illustrator

Talawanda Middle School-support for the Bel Canto Honor Choir to compete in a music festival in Chicago

Miami Little League- a grant to support its Little League Baseball /Softball programs

Talawanda High School - a grant to support two boys to attend the Buckeye Boys State program; scholarship support for the Talawanda Band

Respect for Law Camp – a grant to support this program to help youth understand law enforcement and respect for officers

Talawanda School District - awards to four high school students participating in our Rotary Club’s Four Way Test speech contest

2017 RYLA Winners Return From Camp Kern

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program is a cornerstone of our work in the community. RYLA is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and distr

icts where participants develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.

This year's award winners were Patrick Geshan and Isabel Shoker, shown here ready to head off to Camp Kern. Both attend Talawanda HS. They reported they had a great time and made some new friends.

Each spring, local Rotary Clubs partner with local school districts to select one or more High School sophomores and juniors (Award Winners) to attend a leadership development program held at Camp Kern. This camp is a terrific 48 hour Leadership training event for Award Winners.

The Leadership Camp features several outdoor challenges, critical thinking exercises, and motivational speakers. Students come prepared for physical activity and are required to attend the entire camp. 100% of the cost of the camp is covered by our Rotary Club. It is a special honor and opportunity for students who receive this RYLA award.

If you'd like to learn more about Oxford Rotary's RYLA program, contact Jim Haley at jimhaley45056@yahoo.com.

Valerie Elliott Speaks On Oxford During 1914

April 12, 2017. Oxford, OH. Valerie Elliott presented a look at the Oxford Community as World War I unfolded. In 1914, Oxford had a permanent population of approximately 2,000 residents with 1,000 students enrolled at Miami. The two additional (Oxford College For Women and Western College For Women) comprised an additional 500 students.

Residents learned about the beginning of World War I through the Oxford Forum, the major paper serving the community at that time. By 1915, the paper had folded and news came through other local newspapers including the Miami Student.

Rotary 1st Place Winners in 4th of July Parade

Congratulations to the Oxford Rotary Club for coming in 1st Place in Oxford's 4th of July Parade!

Thank You to all our members, family members, grand children, neighbors and friends who came out strong

to march with us in this year's Parade.

2016 Rotary Scholarship Recipients & TMS Guests

The Oxford Rotary Club recognized scholarships winner and heard presentations on the TMS Washington D.C. Trip and Space Camp! Morgan McQueen, Patrick Geshen, Allyson Heitger, Emily Shoker, Alvera Abouseif, Julia Tegge, Sarah Beth Richter, Samantha Baker

50th Celebration

During the Oxford Rotary Club's 50th Celebration, founding members Bob Miller and Fred Brower were presented with their 50 years of Perfect Attendance Award.

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2014-2015 Oxford Rotary Club Dictionary Project

Posted by Holli Morrish on Dec 15, 2014

The Oxford Rotary Club distributes Dictionaries to 3rd graders at Marshall Elementary.

ROTARY VETERANS

On November 12th, the Oxford Rotary Club honored our Rotary Veterans with a special program and special Rotary pin.

Miami Professor to present to Rotary Club on Sept. 17th

Posted by Susie Sadler on Sep 11, 2014

Adeed Dawisha, Miami University professor, will be the featured speacker at the Sept. 17th meeting of the Oxford Rotary Club. Adeed will be speaking on the Political Landscape of Iraq.

October 1st will be a prospective new member event with Rico Blasi, Miami Head Hockey coach giving us an update on this years's season. Contact Bryan Hehemann if you will be bringing a guest.

The Family Resource Center speaks to Rotary

Posted by Holli Morrish on Aug 26, 2014

This Week's Speakers

Posted by Susie Sadler on Aug 10, 2014

Our very own Brian Ravelee and Greg McBee will be giving a presentation about Freedom Summer! Don't forget our monthly Tuesday Rotary breakfast at Morning Side Cafe, 7:30am August 12th.

This week's speaker......

Posted by Susie Sadler on Jul 29, 2014

The Oxford Rotary Club is proud to host Dr. Bryan McCullough, Orthopedic Surgeon as our speaker for the July 30th meeting.

Betsy Beaton- Rotary Teacher of the Year!

Posted by Holli Morrish on May 30, 2013

Miss Beaton is a second grade teacher at Marshall Elementary and is also competing to be the Ohio Teacher of the Year!

Flags for Graves- Oxford Cemetery

Posted by Holli Morrish on May 13, 2013

Wednesday May 22, 2013 6pm

Flag placement on veteran's graves at the Oxford Cemetery.

Wounded Warrior Program to be hosted on November 7th...don't miss it!

Posted by Holli Morrish on Nov 01, 2012

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs.aspx

May 2, 2012 Rotary Meeting & Tour of New THS

Posted by Joseph Hookey on Apr 17, 2012

Please make note that the May 2, 2012 Rotary meeting will be hosted at the new Talawanda High School located at 5301 University Park Blvd., located just south of town on U.S. 27. Lunch will be served, and a tour of the building will immediately follow.

RYLA- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Winners

Posted by Holli Morrish on Mar 28, 2012

THS students Erika Wilhlem and Christian Jones are this year's recipients! Congratulations to them both.

NEWS UPDATES

Posted by Joseph Hookey on Feb 01, 2012

WELCOME NEWEST ROTARIAN

President Bryan introduced Bob Keller, University Architect, who has many responsibilities touching on numerous aspects of the physical facilities at the University. Born into a family of brick masons, Bob when asked by his grandfather about his future, responded that he would continue in the family tradition, but the grandfather urged Bob to become an architect. He did just that. Following many years of study, including a time in London, Bob worked for some time in the Dayton area. He joined the Miami staff in 1989. Again, welcome, Bob.

HEFNER FUND

Upon recommendation of the Rotary Board, Club members agreed to increase the Hefner Fund contribution by $10.00 a quarter, making the total contribution $45 per quarter for each member. This increase will add support to the mission of the Hefner Fund to reach out to charitable ventures within the community. Bob Miller and Alan Oak have volunteered to serve as members of the Hefner Fund Board.

THE COLD WAR AND THE SYMBOLS OF LOVE

Susie Sadler brought the club's memories of a dark period in both the history of the nation and also of our local area, in the still somewhat mysterious area known as Fernald. Susie introduced Jane Powell, director of the Fernold Site and Visitors Center. From 1951 through 1989, 7000 workers were employed on the site processing uranium. Although there never was a reactor or weapon, secrecy surrounded the facility. After a 10 year major cleanup effort, the area has been turned into a visitors center and a nature reserve.

In contrast to mystery and secrecy, Dodi Wolke's program introduced clum members to the amazingly complex process of growing, transporting and marketing the symbols of love that may eventually overcome nuclear power. Dodi brought Norm Gormann, a major distributor from Cincinnati, who took us step by step from the planting of seeds to providing the final bouquet in the hands of loved ones.

Dodi announced the beginning of a program to award bouquets to those recommended as worthy recipients in the community. This is a generous program by Ball Flowers to enhance the life of the community.

FOUNDATION NEWS

Ralph Gutowski announced the major gift from the Gates Foundation in support of the Polio Plus effort of the Rotary Foundation. Polio Plus is moving forward in eliminating the dread disease throughout the world. (see full article in Newsletter)

Paul Harris Fellowships

Posted by Holli Morrish on Jan 29, 2012

Demske Brothers Awarded Paul Harris Fellowships

Rotary After Hours

Posted by Susie Sadler

September begins our newest member get together on a Thursday of each month.

Join us on Sept 25th, 5-6pm on the patio at Dakota's for Rotary After Hours. This will be a great time for a quick beverage and fellowship with club members. This is also a great opportunity to bring anyone interested in joining the club. The weather should be beautiful so hope to see everyone there!

OPD to Speak at Rotary on Sept 3rd

Posted by Susie Sadler

The Oxford Police Department will be giving a presentation on the heroin epidemic in Butler County on Sept 3rd. This should be an excellent and informative talk about a huge issue for the county.

Welcome District Gov. Eric Marcus!

Posted by Susie Sadler

This week we are excited to welcome District Gov. Eric Marcus, District Gov. Elect William Shula and Assistant Gov. Anil Marifatia.

Dave Lapham visits Oxford Rotary

Posted by Susie Sadler

The Oxford Rotary Club hosted Dave Lapham of the Cincinnati Bengals at the July 23rd meeting. Dave briefed the club on the upcoming Bengals season and new recruits to the team.

Oxford Rotary Dictionary Project in Talawanda Schools!

Posted by Holli Morrish

Brad Bays- New President of the Oxford Rotary Club!

Posted by Holli Morrish

New officers ceremony...

President- Brad Bays

President Elect- Susie Sadler

Secretary- Holli Morrish

Treasurer- Brian Fey

Past President- Cindy Menges

New Rotary Members Ceremony

Posted by Holli Morrish

Brian Revalee & Ross Farnsworth recently became new members of the Oxford Rotary Club. They were sponsored by Cindy Menges and Dodi Wolke, respectively.