The Thanksgiving Holiday is fast approaching, let us take time to reflect on all the blessings in your life. I know that I feel blessed to know each and every one of you! Also, how grateful I am to be President of such an amazing club! We have so much to be proud of in all that we have accomplished for our community! I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving!
Your President, Deb Liptak
Boardman Rotary Reminders:
November 9th 5:30PM - Boardman Rotary Board Meeting
December 12th - Mark your calendar for the Rotary Christmas Party Location TBD.
Boardman Rotary Board Meeting Recap:
Click HERE to see the October Board Meeting Minutes
Member Spotlight John Burgan, Burgan Real Estate Years at Boardman Rotary: 47 Years
For John Burgan, being a Rotarian is about much more than attending meetings. It’s about building friendships, serving the community, and making memories that last a lifetime. With more than four decades of Rotary involvement, John has certainly experienced all three!
John’s Rotary journey began in 1979 when he was new to the business world and saw Rotary as a wonderful opportunity to connect with others. At the time, the club had more than 100 members and was well known throughout the community. However, joining wasn't quite as simple as signing up. Rotary membership was by invitation only, and John's business classification was already filled. After waiting two years, he was invited to join by John Lewis and officially became a Rotarian in 1981, with Fred Moran serving as club president.
John still remembers his very first meeting, held at the newly completed Rotary/Boy Scout Training Center. That day, Dick Jones received the Turkey Award, which involved a live turkey being placed on the table in front of him. John recalls thinking, “This is where I belong.” Clearly, Rotary's sense of humor made an immediate impression!
Throughout his years of service, one project stands out as particularly meaningful: Sunday for Seniors. John was the program's first chairman and helped organize special Sunday outings for senior citizens. From visits to fruit farms and the Playhouse to trips to the library and Butler, the program offered seniors opportunities to get out, socialize, and enjoy an afternoon of fun. Rotarians volunteered their time to pick up guests and spend the afternoon with them. The program continued for approximately 10 years and left a lasting impression on everyone involved. John believes it's a tradition worth bringing back someday.
While many know John through his Rotary involvement, there are a few things that might surprise fellow members. For starters, he's not originally from Ohio! He grew up in the Finger Lakes region of New York, in the town of Victor, and later attended college in Denver. He also spent time working in college food service at the University of Maryland, where he witnessed a food fight involving 700 students—and even participated in the cleanup! He credits that experience with helping influence his decision to eventually make a career change.
Outside of Rotary, John enjoys watching movies at home, attending YSU sporting events, spending time at his part-time babysitting job, and enjoying a good bourbon. He also appreciates his weekly breakfast and lunch groups. When it comes to local dining, some of his favorites include Stonebridge, Inner Circle Pizza, and Angenettas.
If John had an unexpected day completely free, it would likely involve good food and even better company. His ideal day would include breakfast with Jackie, lunch and brunch with friends, and dinner with family. As John puts it, his social life often revolves around eating and sharing a few laughs!
One place John would love to return to is his hometown of Victor, New York. Although many family members have passed, his memories of growing up in a small town remain among his favorites. He hopes to make his annual trip back to the Finger Lakes to revisit those special memories.
When asked what Rotary truly means to him, John's answer reflects the heart of our organization: connecting with and being part of the Boardman community. He values the opportunity to continually meet new people, work on meaningful projects, and make a difference in ways he couldn't accomplish alone.
But above all, it's the fellowship that keeps him coming back.
For John, the greatest reward of Rotary is spending time each week with people he knows, likes, and respects.
Thank you, John, for your many years of dedication, friendship, laughter, and service to Boardman Rotary. Members like you are what make our club so special!
New Member Spotlight Cailey Barnhart, Shepherd of the Valley
Years at Boardman Rotary: 10 months
For Cailey, joining Boardman Rotary was an opportunity to become more involved in the community and make a meaningful difference. She was drawn to Rotary because of the impact the organization has on the community and the number of active members dedicated to giving back.
One of Cailey’s favorite parts of being a Rotarian is getting to know her fellow members while doing good for the community. Her first major Rotary event was the Pancake Breakfast, which left a lasting impression. She enjoyed seeing so many Rotarians come together and work hard to make the event run smoothly, while also witnessing how much the tradition means to the greater community.
Outside of Rotary and work, Cailey enjoys cooking, baking, reading, playing board games, and shopping. Something fellow Rotarians might be surprised to learn is that she loves trivia nights and can get very competitive!
When it comes to favorite local spots, Cailey enjoys catching a show and grabbing a bite to eat at Westside Bowl or heading downtown for a local beer at Penguin City or Noble Creature. If she had an unexpected day off, she would spend it sleeping in a little, shopping, running errands, and enjoying dinner out. She appreciates how even the little things can feel more enjoyable during a weekday off.
Cailey also has a love for reading and has successfully met her goal of reading 40–50 books each year for the past two years! She is currently working her way through the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and plans to finish it. Another experience on her wish list is attending Oktoberfest in Germany.
When asked to finish the sentence, “Rotary means...” Cailey summed it up simply:
“Rotary means community to me.”
We’re happy to have Cailey as part of the Boardman Rotary family!
Shelly will provide a broader look at Rotary beyond our local club, sharing information about both Rotary District initiatives and Rotary International and how our club connects to the larger Rotary organization.
If you don't know already, Brian Governor runs our Song of the Week schedule at Rotary. So, I wanted to dedicate this part of the newsletter to him! Singing may not be anyone's full time job in the Club, but who doesn't enjoy hearing a good ole round of Lil Liza Jane to brighten up our day!
Our November song of the Month is "Love is Like a Rock" by the Donnie Iris!
Rock & roll lost a legendary voice with the passing of Donnie Iris on October 26, 2026, at the age of 83. Best known for his unforgettable hits “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like a Rock,” Donnie spent decades entertaining audiences with his powerful voice, infectious energy, and passion for music.
Throughout his career, Donnie brought people together through music, creating memories that will last for generations. His dedication to his craft, humble personality, and connection with his fans made him more than just a rock star.
As Rotarians, we recognize the importance of making a lasting impact on the lives of others. Donnie's legacy reminds us that whether through music, service, or simply bringing joy to someone else's day, we all have the ability to make a difference.
Rest in peace, Donnie Iris. Your music and legacy will continue to rock on!
Frank's Cafe
