A Message from our District Governor

Remembering our Past District Governor Helyn Bolanis

It is with deep sadness that the District shares news of the passing of our beloved friend and leader, Past District Governor Helyn Bolanis. Helyn was a member of the Rotary Club of Toledo and served as District Governor during the 2011–2012 Rotary year. She was the first female governor of our District and led during the 100th anniversary year of her home club.

Helyn was a trendsetter in Rotary and viewed her appointment as an opportunity to bring innovative ideas to the District. During her term, Presidents’ Councils were formed and remain active to this day. She believed every Rotarian had a role to play and created a number of new district committees that expanded opportunities for service. Following her term as governor, Helyn served as an advisor to several District Governors — a true testament to the respect she earned among her peers. She served our District with distinction.

Helyn was appreciated by all who crossed her path. While she possessed exceptional leadership and organizational skills, she will be remembered most for her kindness, thoughtfulness, grace, creativity, and her deep love of Rotary and of life. She truly lived Rotary’s Four-Way Test through her actions and example. She will be dearly missed by all of us.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 25, from 2:00–6:00 p.m., and Monday, January 26, from 2:00–8:00 p.m.at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Avenue, Toledo. A Vigil for the Deceased, including the recitation of the Holy Rosary and a sharing of memories, will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.

The Holy Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 5411 Main St., Sylvania, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, 15 East Manhattan St., Toledo.

Helyn’s full obituary and an opportunity to share memories or condolences with the family can be found here:
https://www.walkerfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/helyn-bolanis

Helyn was a pillar of our District and a dear friend to so many. We hope you will join us in celebrating her remarkable life and her many years of dedicated service to Rotary.

$1 Million Reached - and the Legacy Continues

International Assembly: Our District Governor Elect's First Hand Perspective

Editor's Note: Earlier this month, District 6600 District Governor-Elect Katherine Eboch attended Rotary International Assembly in Orlando — a global training experience that brings together incoming district governors from around the world. Below, Katherine shares her reflections from the week in her own words, offering a firsthand look at the learning, connections, and inspiration that will help guide our district in the year ahead.

Each year, Rotary International brings together incoming District Governors-Elect from around the world for an intensive training experience called International Assembly. This year, the Assembly was held in Orlando and served as an energizing opportunity to learn, connect, and prepare for the year ahead.

Think of International Assembly as PETS on a global scale — but for governors. District Governors-Elect come together to ensure we are ready to support clubs, strengthen our districts, and align with Rotary International’s vision and priorities.

Throughout the week, we heard from inspiring speakers who reignited our passion for Rotary and reminded us why we serve. One of the highlights was learning from Rotary International President-Elect Olayinka “Yinka” Babalola, who introduced the 2026–27 Presidential Message: “Create Lasting Impact.”

This message aligns beautifully with Rotary’s vision statement: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”

That vision was not just something we talked about — it was something we lived throughout the Assembly. From collaborative learning sessions to meaningful conversations with Rotarians from around the world, the focus was clear: how we can lead in ways that create change that lasts. You can watch President-Elect Yinka’s presentation and learn more about the message here: https://www.rotary.org/en/olayinka-h-babalola-urges-members-of-rotary-to-create-lasting-impact

During breakout sessions, I spent time learning how Rotary is experienced in different parts of the world. While districts face unique local challenges, many of the themes were universal — membership engagement, public image, leadership development, and sustaining momentum. Sharing ideas and learning from one another reinforced just how connected we are as a global organization.

We also explored practical leadership skills, including how to lead through change, foster a culture of gratitude, and use storytelling to better share Rotary’s impact. These conversations were grounded in Rotary’s Action Plan — continuing to find new ways to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and strengthen our ability to adapt.

One of the most rewarding parts of International Assembly was the relationships. I met incredible Rotarians from around the world, spent time with my Zone classmates, and especially enjoyed connecting with my fellow Ohio District Governors-Elect. It’s an outstanding group of leaders, and I am excited to work alongside them in the year ahead.

All of this learning ultimately comes back to one goal: supporting our clubs. International Assembly helps ensure your district leadership is prepared, aligned, and ready to help you succeed.

Speaking of preparation, Presidents-Elect are encouraged to register for PETS, where club leaders will receive the training and resources needed to lead successful clubs in the coming Rotary year. Registration information can be found here: https://www.allohiopets.org/registration/

As we look ahead, I am excited to work with all of you as we unite for good and Create Lasting Impact across District 6600. If you are interested in serving on the district leadership team — whether in membership, public image, youth exchange, event planning, or another area of service — I would love to hear from you. Together, we can turn Rotary’s vision into action and make a difference that truly lasts.

Toledo Past District Governor Recognized on the International Stage

Register Today - Community Peace Summit

ROAR – Unite for Good at the 2026 District Conference

Rotary for Reading: A Friendly Ohio Challenge for Early Literacy

MESA Bike Ride: Clubs Power a Life-Saving Mission

Operation Full Plate: The Impact Adds Up

Make May 16 EPIC: A Global Day of Rotary Service

Rotary Youth Exchange Builds Momentum — and Opportunity

The Rotary Youth Exchange program gained renewed energy during the OE Lakes to Oceans Multi-District conference and country reveal event held over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The gathering brought together students, parents, Youth Exchange alumni, and district leaders from seven states for training, connection, and inspiration.

A highlight of the weekend was the country reveal ceremony. District 6600 outbound students Alannah (Bryan Rotary Club), Raquel (Hicksville Rotary Club), and Alex (Maumee Rotary Club) learned they will spend the 2026–2027 academic year in Brazil, Spain, and the Czech Republic, departing in August 2026. Current outbound students in Switzerland, India, and Taiwan also joined via Zoom to share how their exchanges have shaped their perspectives and personal growth.

While the enthusiasm was strong, participation across the seven-state region remains at an all-time low, with just 24 outbound students. Clubs play a critical role in rebuilding the program by supporting student applicants, serving as host families, and engaging in Youth Exchange leadership.

STEP applications are open through March 1, with all interviews and materials due by that date. Clubs interested in hosting an inbound student for the 2026–2027 school year or getting involved in Rotary Youth Exchange are encouraged to act soon.  If interested in being a part of this life changing program, please reach out to Mary Aufdenkampe. 

4-Way Test Speech Contest : Club Building Momentum for Spring

S.T.R.I.V.E.: Encouraging Students to Reach Their Potential

Rotary Club of Bellevue Supports National Child Safety Council

Passing of Elyria Club's Dan Messaros

Fremont Rotary Celebrates Paul Harris Fellows

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition honors individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation, supporting programs that promote goodwill and peace worldwide.

As of January 2026, Fremont Rotary Club proudly has:

• 103 Paul Harris Fellows since chartered

• 73 current members, including:

• 26 Paul Harris Fellows

• 12 Multiple Fellows (Level 1)

• 11 at Levels 2–4

• 3 at Levels 5–9

At their weekly meeting, the club celebrated Past President Scott Lang and Past President Angelica Rinehart for their incredible generosity!

• Scott achieved Level +5

• Angelica achieved Level +8

Thank you for your commitment to Service Above Self and helping Rotary create a world of understanding and peace!

Lima Rotary Receives History Lesson from Wilson Football

Marion Club Supports Public Library's Memory Kits

North Coast Super Bowl Squares

Oak Harbor Rotary Brings the Joy of Reading to Local Students

Sandusky's Newest Member

Tiffin and Fremont: Trying New Ways to Welcome Members

Two District 6600 clubs are experimenting with small but meaningful changes to make Rotary more accessible — and early results are promising.

The Rotary Club of Fremont is piloting a new Companion Club pathway that has sparked interest among spouses and partners of current members. While the club previously offered Active, Senior, Family, and Corporate memberships, the Companion Club structure has created new enthusiasm and momentum. The club is preparing to induct two Rotary spouses, with additional interest already emerging.

Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Tiffin is testing a new meeting option to better fit members’ schedules. Traditionally a noon-meeting club, Tiffin has started adding a once-a-month Rotary Digest Breakfast, offering a morning alternative for current and prospective members who cannot attend mid-day meetings.

Though their approaches differ, both clubs share a common goal: reducing barriers to participation and creating new pathways into Rotary. Their efforts offer simple, adaptable ideas for clubs looking to strengthen and grow their membership.

Continuing a Fun Tradition at Weekly Meetings

The Rotary Club of Toledo kicked off 2026 with another round of weekly Rotary check-in photos, continuing a tradition that highlights fellowship and engagement among members. The week included a visit with Rotaract members and Lee Peters, District Governor Nominee for Rotary District 6600.

Toledo shares its check-in photos through a special feature on the club’s website, but the idea is easily adaptable. Clubs looking to energize meetings and showcase fellowship might consider adopting a simple weekly check-in selfie of their own — whether by sharing photos on social media or creating a unique club hashtag for members to use when they “check in.”

Small moments of connection like these can help tell Rotary’s story in a fun, visible, and authentic way.

Show off your impact! Email a brief write-up (what/when/impact) and one photo to d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com.

Images from Around the District 

Wouldn't you like to see your club's photos in this space? Send your good quality photos and a caption to the D6600 Public Image Team at d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com!

Events & Opportunities

Have an event coming up? Add it to the DACdb Calendar as a Club Fundraiser or email your flyer to d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com to be featured here.

The Three-Legged Stool

Rotary clubs are strongest when three essential “legs” work together: Membership, The Rotary Foundation, and Public Image. Like a stool, all three are needed for balance and strength. Each month we’ll highlight news and updates from these areas of focus to help your clubs grow, serve, and shine.  Here are this month's updates. 

District 6600 Webcasts: Watch at Your Convenience