Upcoming Events
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Debbie Garofalo
    January 19
  • Gerald Walker
    January 31
Spouse/Partner Birthdays:
  • Ann McCall
    January 1
Anniversaries:
  • Brian Kane
    Cristen
    January 8
Join Date:
  • Alma Riley
    January 1, 1996
    30 years
  • David McCall
    January 1, 1985
    41 years
  • Susan Schofield-Fratino
    January 10, 2018
    8 years
  • David Franz
    January 25, 2020
    6 years
 
 
Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Painesville

Service Above Self Since 1926

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Lake County History Center
415 Riverside Drive
Painesville, OH 44077
United States of America
Home Page Stories
Meetings are Tuesday's at noon at the Lake County History Center. Please join us if you are interested in finding out about Rotary or joining the club!
 
 
 
 
December 13, 2025
 
The Painesville Rotary has been ringing the bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Fundraiser for many years. Here are some pictures of members who were able to participate this year. 
 
Stu Lucker, President Elect, made some free time to ring the bells.
 
Dave McCall and Christy Maygar having some fun! 
 
Dan Garry, President showing his grandson how important service above self is.
 
Dave Franz and friend (ringing the bells for the first time). 
 
 
December 16, 2025
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month Painesville Rotary partners with St. James Church and The Western Reserve Junior Service League to provide a hot meal for those people of Lake County who face hunger and other challenges. Please join us, to help prepare the meal, serve, and clean up. Preparations begin at 3:30 and clean up is usually done by 6:15-6:30. 
 
The crew this week. The meal is done, just waiting to serve it and clean up.  
 
 
 
 
 
Save the date: Next year's fundraiser is scheduled for April 25, 2026!! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 15, 2025
 
Today, at the Perry Outdoor YMCA a bench was donated in memory of our long time Rotarian Dr. Donald Lucker. For several months we have been collecting plastic film, and the hard work finally paid off in early October, we received a composite bench. We knew after Don's passing that the bench would be donated in his honor, we just didn't know where. 
 
In early November, Dan Garry was approached by the parents of Sydney Brown, Brad (past Painesville Rotarian) and Becky Brown with an idea; because their daughter Sydney and Dr. Lucker were so close, why not place the bench near the tree that they planted in her memory at the Perry Outdoor Y. So the wheels were in motion and on Saturday November 15th the bench was placed. Dan will attach the memory plate at a later date, recognizing "Doc" and his 57 year contribution to the Painesville Rotary.
 
Dan Garry and Stu Lucker, standing; Brad and Becky Brown, sitting on the bench.
 
A picture of the tree and the proximity of the bench. 
 
 
 
January 17, 2026
 
To avoid interfering with other Holiday parties, we decided to have our party in mid January. Fun was had by all, with great fellowship and food. We also had a white elephant gift exchange. There was lots of wine, some alcohol but boy did Pam and Chris flip over the O'Cedar spin mop. Pam stole it from Dick and then Chris stole it from Pam (they use to friends, but I guess "mop" before "top" buddy rules). 
Chris will NOT let Pam have it. 
 
Here are some pictures from the party. Those people who could not make it to the party were missed. 
 
Others besides Chris went home with some great presents.
The food was excellent as always, more dinner like than our usual lunches. Beckie and Dan did a great job with the desserts.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
January 13, 2026
 
Our speaker today was Lori Richards, owner and operator of 1922 Coffee and Brew. Lori told us that she has 25+ years of retail management history which she said truly helps with her small business today. 
Lori Richards, owner and operator of 1922 Coffee and Brew on Madison Avenue here in Painesville. 
 
All her years in retail taught her that you need to talk to people, get their stories, share yours. When people come into 1922 she wants them to feel like they are guests, she calls them guests not customers. She wants her guests to feel at home, come in, stay, eat and drink a little, and talk. Many times when guests come in and she or Brian talk with them a while they find out that they might be there celebrating something and they celebrate together, or they just want to talk and relax.  They strive to make 1922 a welcoming space where people feel safe and at home.  Debbie Garafalo came over at the end of the meeting to let Lori know that is exactly how she felt when she went there. She stopped in for a bite to eat and to study for a test. She sat by the fire with her computer in hand and it was relaxing and easy to study for her.  
 
Lori also told us that she truly believes that she is where is supposed to be. She recalled another time that happened in her life. When she worked for Build-A-Bear, it was during the time of the Chardon tragedy. As a footnote, she graduated from Chardon High School, so it really hit hard. Also her father had a tracking dog and he was the officer who tracked the shooter. So now she works at Build-A-Bear and families from Chardon came in to get a bear as a way to cope and get comfort. She said she truly felt that was where she was supposed to be at time. Now she feels 1922 is her place.
 
At 1922 they feel that it is very important to be connected to community! Their small business needs the community support as well to stay healthy. Lori plans events for children, they have pop-up boutiques, they give back to the community any way they can. 
 
Lori also shared that they purchased the ice cream shop right next door to 1922 and hope to open it fairly soon. They had a few mechanical and cosmetic things that needed to done before they could open, but hopefully those are all fixed! She hopes to open in the next couple of months, Wicked Cone Creamery. She is a big Wicked fan hence the name. 
 
If you haven't been to 1922 Coffee and Brew, stop in. They offer not only good coffee but great breakfasts and lunches and they even do a baked potato night once a week. Plus they have a full bar in the evening. Make sure to watch for the opening of Wicked Cone Creamery. 
 
Lots of happy smiles from Lori and Dan Garry, President. 
 
 
 
Our next meeting is January 20, 2026 in the barn at the Lake County History Center. Our speaker will be Steve Howell, from Lights on the Lake at Lake Shore Park in Ashtabula.       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Painesville – Meeting Minutes
 
📅📅 Date: January 13, 2026
 
🕛🕛 Time: Meeting called to order at 12:23 PM
 
👥👥Members Present
Patrick Armstrong (Sergeant at Arms)
Lori Benjamin
Marc Burr
Maureen Conway
Kathleen Cotter
Sue Ellis
Jim Federico
Dave Franz
Bob Fratino
Debbie Garafalo
Dan Garry (President)
Halle Graham
Ken Graham
Brian Kane
Dick Krestschman
Lisa Lewins
Stu Lucker (President Elect)
Chris Price
Dave McCall
John Miller (Millie)
Alma Riley
Jerry Walker
Anita Walters (Secretary)
 
 

🙋🙋Guests
Millie from First Federal Lakewood, John Millers stand in, always good see her.
 
 
🙏🙏Opening🙏🙏
🙏🙏Prayer -The meeting opened on a uplifting prayer led by Alma. She opened our meeting with prayer, setting the tone with words so thoughtful and uplifting they felt heaven-sent, as they always do.
 
Pledge of Allegiance –Dick then led us proudly in the Pledge of Allegiance, reminding us why we stand tall (even when it’s a bit chilly).

SongStu took the reins for our song of the day. Yes, Christmas has officially packed up its ornaments, but with a lingering nip in the air, “Jingle Bells” still felt right for Mr. Lucker. There was no snow for a sleigh ride, and whether the tune did anything to improve the barn’s acoustics is up for
debate, but it certainly lifted our voices, our laughter, and our mood.
 
💸💸 Happy Bucks / Sad Bucks
Dan kicked things off on a bright note {literally} celebrating that the days are getting lighter a little longer every day. Sunshine: free, reliable (not always in Ohio but somewhere), and always worth a happy buck.

Stu chimed in with several reasons to smile: first, for Dan, who’s been busy painting his garage; second, because he earned the Rotary Spotlight; and finally, because next week he will be blessed with a great crew for St. James. Stu clearly came prepared with a full wallet of happiness.

Alma happily shared that she had a wonderful birthday yesterday and we made sure to seal the celebration by singing to her (loudly and with enthusiasm).
 
Anita brought some work cheer, announcing that the Credit Union has completed a rebrand with a shiny new logo. She promised to bring items next week so we can all admire in person.

Debbie was all smiles as she shared that Lisa Lewins has returned. Welcome back energy all around.
 
Jerry contributed $8, one happy dollar for each week he’ll be in Florida. Warm weather math that everyone understands. thankful he did not have to place a sad buck for missing last week’s meeting. The secret is officially out: the alone time in the barn parking lot was absolutely worth it. What happens in the barn parking lot... eventually makes it into the minutes.

Brian was happy for Jerry, proving that joy can be secondhand and still count.
 
Bob shared a public service announcement after giving blood at work: it’s easy, relatively painless, and if he can do it {self-described baby that he is} anyone can.
 
Ken proudly announced that Halle is now a new board member for Andrew Osborne Academy, with her first meeting happening tonight. Applause and good luck all around.
 
Halle followed up with full honesty, contributing a slightly stressed buck because school has officially started again. Reality acknowledged.

Our speaker, Lori Richards, contributed $5—happy to be here and grateful for the simple but powerful blessing of waking up today. A perfect reminder of what truly matters.
 
 
♠ Queen of Spades  Jackpot: $752
                                   Daily Draw: $33
                                   Cards Left: less than last time
🎉🎉🎉🎉💰💰
Bob's name was drawn as the daily pot winner, earning bragging rights and $33 in cold, hard cash. Then came the moment... the draw.
No queen...
 
👑👑♠ The queen lives another week. 💰💰
 

🎤🎤Guest Speaker Spotlight
Lori Richards, owner of 1922 Coffee and Brew and soon opening Wicked Cones Creamery. Welcome Lori!
 
 
Announcements📣📣 :(hot off the Painesville Rotary Press)
 
Stu reminded everyone that next Tuesday is St. James, so mark your calendars and prepare accordingly. That means service, smiles, or sensible shoes.
Lisa happily announced that she’s officially back for good. Thanks to her teaching schedule not falling on Tuesdays, we’ll be seeing much more of her.
Dan followed with a trio of updates, clearly determined to keep everyone both informed and busy. First, he shared the good news that Dave Franz is back, proving once again that Rotary reunions are always a cause for celebration.
Next, Dan reminded us of the fundraiser meeting last night at 6:00 at 1922 Coffee and Brew—because nothing fuels great ideas like caffeine. He also announced a party this Saturday at 6:00 at The Woods on 84. We’re excited—even if you think you don’t want to go. You should still be
there. Show up, fake it till you make it, and bring your best smile. There will be weird White Elephant gifts, questionable surprises, and guaranteed fellowship. All smiles required.
Finally, Dan floated (pun fully intended) the idea of forming a 250 Committee to create a Rotary float for the Lake County Fair. Creativity, teamwork, and possibly glitter may be required—volunteers encouraged.
 
 
🎤🎤 What’s Your Why?
Same great members... until we recruit more.

Stu Lucker (Grab a snack. He spoke for 12 minutes.)
This week’s Rotary Spotlight shined brightly on Stu Lucker, who treated us to a heartfelt, informative, and slightly longer than advertised walk down Rotary memory lane. Twelve minutes, to be exact—but who’s counting? (We are. Lovingly.)
Stu’s Rotary roots run deep—really deep. He’s been around Rotary since he was a little kid, attending Rotary Christmas parties way back in the early 1970s. Before he could even spell “fellowship,” he was already practicing it. Some people are born into royalty; Stu was born into
Rotary.
Long before officially joining, Stu was already recruiting people for fundraisers—because why wait for membership when you can start volunteering early? Overachiever status unlocked.
He fondly recalled helping install a garden for Extended Housing, a project rooted (pun intended) in service and still remembered with pride. Proof that Rotary memories grow best when watered with hard work and good intentions.
Stu officially joined Rotary in 2013. Three years later the St. James project began; November 2016 to be exact. Coincidence? Unlikely. He has been part of that project ever since, meaning this November will mark 10 years of dedication. That’s not just commitment, that’s endurance training.
Somewhere along the way (because time blurs when you’re this involved), Stu also joined Rotary in 2013, became a Paul Harris Fellow 5 times over, joined the Paul Harris Society, served as President in 2016–2017, and is now President-Elect. At this point, it may be easier to list the Rotary roles he hasn’t held.
In summary: Stu didn’t just join Rotary, he slowly, lovingly became part of its infrastructure. And while his Spotlight may have run 12 minutes, every second reminded us why Rotary, and Stu, are worth the time.
 
 
✅Four-Way Test
  • 🎤🎤✨ 🙌 Stu brought us home with the Four-Way Test, delivering its familiar lines with the kind of energy that practically put an exclamation point on the meeting.
 
📍📍 Next Meeting
🗓🗓 Tuesday, January 13, 12:00 pm
📌📌 Location: The Lake County History Center – 415 Riverside Drive –
🎙🎙 Speaker: Steve Howell, Light on the Lake.
 
 
 
 
🕧🕧 Meeting adjourned at 1:00 PM

Respectfully submitted,
✍ With Christy absent this week, Lori bravely stepped in and took notes for the meeting. pen in hand, details captured, and Rotary history preserved. The notes were then safely handed off to Christy, and here you have them, folks. Proof that teamwork makes the dream work... ... ... and that Rotary always has a Plan B (and a Lori).
 
Speakers
No meeting
Jan 27, 2026
Off site meeting on January 29th
Taste of Auburn with our Mentor Rotary Friends
Jan 29, 2026
Off site eat and dine at Auburn Career Center's Restaurant
Rebekah Jones
Feb 03, 2026
Dolly Pardon's Imagination Library, Lifeline
Gina Fletcher
Feb 17, 2026
Leadership Lake County Youth Services
Aurora Martinez
Feb 24, 2026
Morley Library
4 Way Speech Contest
Mar 03, 2026
BrainKane
Kathy Todrick
Mar 10, 2026
100+ Women
Doug Brendel
Mar 17, 2026
The New Thing
Steve Howell
Mar 31, 2026
Lights on the Lake
Dr. Robyn Strosaker (Off site at TriPoint Medical)
Apr 15, 2026
University Hospitals
Club Executives & Directors
President
Immediate Past President
President Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Sergeant-at-Arms