Want to lead or participate in a community project? The Rotary Club of Hudson offers many opportunities to give back to our community while enjoying the programs, events and social interaction with like-minded Rotarians. Many levels of involvement are available as a Club member.Recently concluded strategic long-range planning for the Rotary Club established eight committees for leading and participating in Club activities. All members are encouraged to contribute their experience and knowledge to one of the committees for the betterment of our community.
The following are brief descriptions of Rotary’s working committees, their tasks, projects and expected results:
- Programs Committee--responsible for Rotary’s monthly theme and weekly speakers. Expectations include engaging community/business leaders and accomplished youth for weekly presentations.
- Community Service Projects Committee--responsible for major undertakings such as the Scout Cabin refurbishing, Ellsworth School pollinator garden and conservancy efforts. Expectations are to maintain a high profile of service to Hudson.
- Youth Leadership Development and Education Committee--responsible for HHS Service Learning and college scholarships, the 4 Way Speech Contest, the WRA Interact Club and Scouting. Expectations are to promote and sustain all of Rotary’s youth programs.
- Community Health and Safety Services Committee--responsible for charitable projects including support for Gift of Life NEO, Hudson EMS, Hudson Food Bank and Hudson Job Search. Expectations are for the continued support of the critical needs of the community and guidance for those in need.
- Fundraising Committee--responsible for the Annual Gala, the Fall Fund Raiser and Fine Day. Expectations are that significant funds will be raised to support the Hudson Rotary Foundation’s many grants to community causes.
- Membership Development Committee--responsible for recruiting, orienting and mentoring new Rotary members. Expectations are that the Club’s growth will continue and include increasing numbers of women and minorities.
- Community Events Committee--responsible for Rotary’s involvement/support of annual community social events and celebrations such as Santa on the Green, Art on the Green parades and concerts. The expectation is that Rotary will continue to be an “involved citizen”.
- Marketing and Public Relations Committee--responsible for continuing communications with the community regarding all Rotary activities. Expectations are that Rotary will be prevalent in local publications, Facebook, YouTube, HCTV and on the Rotary website.
As an example of the cross section of Hudson citizens recently joining the Club, here are the profiles of some new members:
- Phil Butto--Treasurer of Hudson Schools
- Terry Bortnik--Real Estate Professional, Humane Society
- Chris Foster--Hudson Council, Publisher, Bee Keeper
- Nikki Kowalski--Hudson Council, Graphic Arts Marketing, Leadership Hudson
- Geoff Korff--Entrepreneur, Lawyer
- Pat Goetz--MD Psychiatry
- Jane Howington--City Manager
- Chuck Nnabuife--Home Health Care Finance
- Bill McClure--Retired, Bikes for Christ
- Bill Libby--Veteran Cleveland Club Rotarian
In addition to these recent new members, the Rotary Club of Hudson includes educators, business owners, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, printers, foundation principals, food retailers, hospital executives, marketers, entrepreneurs and retired professionals anxious to contribute their ideas and skills.Joining Rotary is easy. All citizens concerned with the welfare and social communications in the community are welcome to apply by contacting Mike Swain at swainmp1448@gmail.com. A simple application, a casual interview over coffee and an expression of your interests will suffice to establish your candidacy.
The club has a very relaxed attendance requirement recognizing that many busy professionals and parents of young children might find it difficult to participate every week. The current Zoom broadcasts of weekly meetings will also continue after the pandemic has subsided and the Club returns to in-person sessions
You are invited to join our Zoom meetings on Wednesdays at 7:30 am to enjoy one or more of our programs. Our website www.rotaryhudson.org features our upcoming speakers. Please contact Marilyn Orr, President at marilynjorr@me.com for a link. We look forward to meeting you.
raising funds for community needs, serving local youth and planning for the future.
Using Zoom technology, a meeting has been held every week since the pandemic “stay at home” order featuring many of the typical topics from past years. Speakers from a variety of professions, businesses and institutions provided engaging, enlightening and useful presentations that got high marks from Club members. Major topics included medical/psychological guidance, summer fun parks and activities, educator advice, local foundation focuses, major league sports insights, candidates for office debates, local business success stories and panels of our own members sharing ideas. Typical on-line weekly attendance has averaged 35 members and guests. 
The club lost a few longtime contributing members, but gained some participants from various professions including: John Adams, finance; Phil Butto, HHS administration; Chris Foster, Hudson Councilman; Bill Libby, veteran Cleveland Club Rotarian; Pete Spacagna, General Manager auto dealership; Jane Howington, City Manager; Keith Viers, banking; Chuck Nnabuife, home healthcare finance; and Bill McClure, retired. All have committed to becoming involved in a chosen service area of the Club. 
Hudson Fire/EMS Chief, Jerry Varnes needed $25,000 to purchase a 90 day supply of Personal Protective Equipment for Fire/EMS personnel. The Rotary Club of Hudson, the Rotary Clocktower Club and EMS Outreach of Hudson successfully campaigned to raise that sum, and more, in approximately 90 days.
