Service Above Self: Rotary D6670

Breaking the Mold: RI Director Brian Hall on Leading Rotary Into the Future

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Heidi Schiller, Chuck Shonkwiler, Brian Hall) — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 16:02:21 +0000

Brian Hall reflects on his first year as Rotary International Director for Zones 30&31, sharing what has surprised him most, the privilege of traveling across districts, and the inspiring work happening throughout Rotary never gets old. He discusses the momentum behind the 8-in-8 Challenge and why growing membership in North America is a drum he'll keep beating for the remainder of his term.

The conversation explores what separates good leaders from great ones, whey vision without follow-through leave no legacy, and why Rotarians shouldn’t be afraid to “break the mold.” Brian also offers insights into Rotary’s evolving use of technology, and how including AI can support stronger engagement, onboarding, and global connection.

Topics Covered:

Highlights from the All-Ohio PETS experience and the impact of the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library fundraising effort
Key leadership lessons from Brian's journey from club president to RI Director
A look at sustainable water and sanitation projects through the WASH Rotary Action Group
Why attending events beyond your club can transform your Rotary experience
A preview of the District 6670 Gala (May 1) and the Zone 30/31 Institute in New Orleans

Plus, a lighter moment as Brian and Heidi connect over a shared love of gaming, including Brian’s unexpected connection to the original Diablo!

As Brian's term continues, his challenge to every Rotarian is clear: dream bigger, try new things, and work together to Create Lasting Impact.

🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.

📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org
📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com
🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670
🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Free Books, Lifelong Impact: District 6670 & Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio

Sun, 1 Mar 2026 14:51:41 +0000

Early childhood literacy starts long before kindergarten. In this episode, DG Heidi Schiller and DGE Chuck Shonkwiler welcome Catherine Sulecki, State Director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, to discuss how free monthly books are strengthening kindergarten readiness across Ohio. Learn how universal enrollment through birth certificates, local nonprofit partnerships, and Rotary District 6670 support are helping more than 415,000 Ohio children build critical reading skills from birth to age five.

Topics Covered:

The mission and growth of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio
Why early brain development and shared reading matter before age five
Why $155 funds five years of books for one child
How the $2.60 per book funding model keeps the program free to families
The impact of local community partners in all 88 Ohio counties
How District 6670 clubs can support literacy locally
Storybook Trails at Ohio state parks and rest areas

Also in this episode:

Highlights from the District 6670 Four-Way Test Speech Contest
The 8 in 8 Membership Challenge across Zones 30 & 31
A preview of the May 1 District Gala in West Chester

🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.

From Ohio to the World: Rotary Peacebuilding in Practice

Sun, 8 Feb 2026 20:36:24 +0000

Peacebuilding in Rotary happens at every level, from local club projects to global collaboration. In this episode, DG Heidi Schiller and DGE Chuck Shonkwiler explore how peace work takes shape across Ohio and around the world. Tom Carlisi, RAGFP Ohio Chapter Chair and District 6690 Peace Co-Chair, shares how Peacebuilder Clubs are formed, supported, and activated, including lessons learned from Ohio’s first-in-the-world achievement of 100% Peacebuilder Clubs. Later, Tijana Ristić, Chair of the Rotary Action Group For Peace, brings a global perspective, explaining how Peace Chapters connect Rotarians across borders and why youth and young professionals are essential to Rotary’s peacebuilding future. The conversation offers practical guidance, inspiration, and a reminder that peace is built through intentional action and service.

Topics Covered:

How Rotary clubs become Peacebuilder Clubs
Ohio’s Peacebuilder Club model and lessons learned
Building and sustaining effective club Peace Committees
Examples of peace projects in clubs and districts
The role of the Rotary Action Group for Peace and Peace Chapters worldwide
Global peacebuilding priorities for 2025–26
Engaging Rotaractors and young professionals in peace work

Also in this episode:

February as Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month
District updates including the Foundation Dinner on February 26
Upcoming All-Ohio PETS and planning for District Gala on May 1

🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.

Investing in Youth: RYLA and the 4-Way Speech Contest

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Greta Batton, Chuck Shonkwiler, Heidi Schiller) — Fri, 2 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Rotary’s youth programs are more than events - they’re investments in future leaders. In this episode, DG Heidi Schiller and DGE Chuck Shonkwiler explore two of District 6670’s cornerstone youth initiatives. Greta Batton, Chair of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), offers a look at the energy, growth, and transformation that happens over one powerful March weekend at Camp Kern. Later in the episode, Heidi and Chuck share how the Four-Way Test Speech Contest introduces students to Rotary values through persuasive storytelling and public speaking. Whether your club is a seasoned host or looking to get involved for the first time, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and key deadlines.

Topics Covered:

What makes RYLA a powerful experience for high school students
How Rotary clubs can support and connect with local youth
Greta’s five-word description of RYLA
Why the Four-Way Test Speech Contest is so impactful
Tips for clubs interested in either program

Also in this episode:

Chuck reflects on preparation for All-Ohio PETS in March
Heidi recaps club visits and the District Holiday Celebration
Upcoming District events including the Foundation Dinner (Feb 26) and District Gala (May 1)

🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.

Purpose-Driven Leadership: RI Director-Nominee Mike Kelly

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Mike Kelly, Heidi Schiller, Chuck Shonkwiler) — Mon, 1 Dec 2025 05:05:00 +0000

As a financial planner, executive coach, and longtime Rotarian, Mike Kelly brings a uniquely thoughtful lens to leadership. In this conversation with District Governor Heidi Schiller and District Governor-Elect Chuck Shonkwiler, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his Rotary path, the importance of aligning service with purpose, and what he's hearing from clubs across Zones 30 & 31. Whether you're leading a district or just joined your local club, Mike offers insights to help you lead with clarity, joy, and impact.

Topics Covered

Mike's Rotary origin story - and how one invitation led to decades of service.
Why he believes Rotary is uniquely positioned to develop the next generation of leaders.
How purpose, joy, and authenticity drive Mike's Rotary and professional life.
Reflections on membership, leadership development, and adapting for the future.
What it means to Unite For Good in today's Rotary.

Also in this episode

🎄 Reminder about the District Holiday Celebration on December 11 in Oxford.
📅 Save-the-date for the Foundation Dinner on February 26 featuring Mike McGovern.
🎉 Get ready for the District Gala on May 1 at VOA Park, with youth and peacebuilding at the center.

Call to Action:
👉 Listen, then share this conversation with your club. Use it to start your own conversation about leadership, service, and where your Rotary journey could take you.

🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.

The Multiplier Effect: Sam Adams on Rotary’s Power to Give Back

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Sam Adams, Heidi Schiller, Chuck Shonkwiler) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this Foundation Month episode of Service Above Self, District Governor Heidi Schiller and District Governor-Elect Chuck Shonkwiler welcome Sam Adams, Zone 30 Rotary Foundation Coordinator, for a conversation about how the Rotary Foundation turns generosity into global impact. Sam breaks down how Foundation giving works - from Annual Fund Share to District Designated Funds - and shares how even one dollar can multiply through partnerships, transparency, and passion.

Note: Heidi’s microphone had a slight technical issue during recording, so her audio sounds a bit underwater - but the conversation is well worth the listen.

Listeners will hear insights on why members hesitate to give, how to talk meaningfully about philanthropy, and how every contribution, large or small, helps Rotary “do good in the world.” Sam also shares heartwarming stories from the field, including his experience administering PolioPlus vaccines in Mexico and the enduring joy of the Dictionary Project in Montgomery, Alabama.

🔑 Topics Covered

Why the Rotary Foundation is central to Rotary’s mission
How Foundation dollars multiply through local and global partnerships
The Annual Fund, PolioPlus, and Endowment explained
District Designated Funds (DDF) and how they return to clubs
The impact of programs like Paul Harris Society, PolioPlus Society, and Every Rotarian Every Year
How to approach giving conversations with empathy and passion

The episode closes with important District 6670 updates, including the Vibrant Club Workshop (Virtual) on November 13, the District Holiday Celebration on December 11 at Oxford Community Arts Center, the District Foundation Dinner on February 26, 2026 at Sycamore Creek Country Club - featuring Mike McGovern, Rotary International PolioPlus Chair - and the District Gala Celebration on May 1, 2026 honoring service, youth programs, and peacebuilding.

🌐 Resources

Donate to the Rotary Foundation through rotary.org
Rotary Donor Recognition
Paul Harris fellowship Recognition
The plus in PolioPlus
Rotary Zones 30 & 31 – Heart of America

🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.

Everybody's Cause: Craig Maxey on Rotary's Polio Promise

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Craig Maxey, Chuck Shonkwiler, Heidi Schiller) — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

October is all about Rotary’s promise to end polio. In this episode of Service Above Self, District Governor Heidi and District Governor-Elect Chuck welcome Craig Maxey, Past District Governor of District 6690 and Zone 30 End Polio Now Coordinator.

Craig shares why polio eradication remains Rotary’s top priority, what “we’re this close” really means, and how every Rotarian can play a role through awareness, giving, and advocacy. From the PolioPlus Society to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 2-to-1 match, to stories of frontline vaccinators risking their lives, Craig reminds us that polio anywhere is a threat everywhere.

🔑 Topics Covered

Why Rotary made a promise to eradicate polio in the mid-1980s
Progress from 350,000 annual cases to just 28 so far in 2025
The challenges of the “last mile” in Afghanistan and Pakistan
The role of the PolioPlus Society and how to join
How the Gates Foundation 2-to-1 match multiplies your gift
Stories of resilience: frontline vaccinators and community donors
How clubs can raise awareness and funds during October and World Polio Day

The episode closes with important District 6670 updates, including the Rotary Leadership Institute on October 18, and the return of Sing Out Polio on October 23, and Save the Date for the D6670 Gala on May 1.

🌐 Resources

Rotary End Polio Now: endpolio.org
PolioPlus Society info: myrotary.org
Rotary District 6670: rotarydistrict6670.org

🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.

Literacy Opens Doors: BELRAG Chair Nancy Leonhardt

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

September is Basic Education & Literacy Month in Rotary, one of our Seven Areas of Focus and the foundation for health, opportunity, and peace. In this episode of Service Above Self, District Governor Heidi Schiller and District Governor-Elect Chuck Shonkwiler welcome Nancy Leonhardt, Chair of the Basic Education & Literacy Rotary Action Group (BELRAG) and Past District Governor of District 6150.

Nancy shares her Rotary journey and the mission of BELRAG, offering practical ways clubs can strengthen literacy in their own communities and beyond. From Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to laundromat mini-libraries, global grants, and adult literacy programs, this conversation highlights resources, success stories, and the impact of education at every age.

🔑 Topics Covered

Why literacy is foundational to all Rotary Areas of Focus
How BELRAG supports clubs with resources and expertise
Creative literacy projects — from laundromats to Little Free Libraries
The importance of adult literacy and addressing stigma

The episode closes with important District 6670 updates, including the Zones 30 & 31 Institute, Rotary Leadership Institute on October 18, and the return of Sing Out Polio on October 23.

🌐 Resources
BELRAG Website: bellrag.org

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🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.

From 27 to 1: D6670 Stories from Calgary

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

From 27 to 1: hear Rotary District 6670’s unique perspectives from the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, AB, Canada! DG Heidi Schiller and DGE Chuck Shonkwiler host a lively conversation with two very different guests: Past District Governor Eric Marcus from the Springboro club, who has attended 27 conventions, and Assistant Governor Nikki Larson from the Fairborn club, who experienced her very first.

🎧 Timestamps:
✅ [00:02:07] Eric Marcus joins us in-studio to share decades of convention wisdom, favorite moments from Calgary, and advice for anyone considering attending a Rotary International Convention.
✅ [00:17:55] Nikki Larson joins by phone to reflect on her first convention and tell us what excited her most.
(Note: You may notice a few brief audio drop‑outs during Nikki’s phone interview. Thanks for your patience—the conversation is worth it!)

Whether you’ve been to dozens of conventions or are considering your first, these stories will inspire you to connect, learn, and keep showing the world how we UNITE FOR GOOD.

🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.

June Podcast - Fellowship/Looking back and and Looking forward

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Heidi Schiller, Chuck Shonkwiler, Dottie Meade) — Sun, 1 Jun 2025 21:18:22 +0000

This is the final episode of our first year for Service Above Self: Podcast for Rotary District 6670. June's theme for Rotary International is Felowship. We spent this episode talking about Fellowships and a little bit about RAG's. Then we spent the second half of the podcast looking back over 24/25 and the Magic of Rotary and looking forward to 25/26 and the new theme, Unite for Good. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

May 2025 Rotaract/Interact

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Wendy Kissel, Chuck Shonkwiler, Heidi Schiller) — Tue, 13 May 2025 18:55:00 +0000

Heidi, Chuck and Dottie talk about Interact and Rotaract clubs in our district. Wendy was not able to join us, but she had shared much information for us to share. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Environment Month with Lisa White

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Lisa White, Heidi Schiller, Dottie Meade) — Tue, 1 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

This month we had as our guest, Lisa White. Lisa is a member of the Eaton Club and the vice chair of the district's environmental committee. We spent the 30 minutes talking about the projects that we know about going on across the district. The challenge was 43 clubs doing 43 environmental projects all during the month of April. Lisa shared the projects that we currently know about and invited more clubs other to participate. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

February 2025 - DEI and Peace (Sigrid Solomon)

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Sigrid Solomon, Chuck Shonkwiler, Dottie Meade) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

The theme for February in Rotary is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention. Our guest this month is Sigrid Solomon. We talked about all of the work that she has done in the district, the zone and for Rotary International. Sigrid is our diversity, equity and inclusion chair for the district. She shares a program/workshop called Good Polarization vs. Toxic Polarization. District 6670 will be hosting a 1/2 day workshop with this title on Saturday, April 5. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Rotary March 2025 podcast - Global grants in D6670

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Ron Hollenbeck, Heidi Schiller) — Sat, 1 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Ron Hollenbeck shares his expertise with Heidi Schiller (DGE). They discussed district 6670's involvement in global grants, how the system works and how clubs and individuals can get involved. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Rotary District 6670 January Podcast - DG Line (Vocational Service)

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Heidi Schiller, Chuck Shonkwiler, Dottie Meade) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0000

During this episode, this year's DG Line had conversation about vocational service. Dottie, Heidi and Chuck told their vocational stories and how those stories brought them to Rotary. They also talked about upcoming events, the importance of setting club goals and working for consistency from one year to the next. Goals can help grow our clubs. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Rotary District 6670 December podcast - Kelly Lehman (Peace Initiatives)

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Kelly Lehman, Dottie Meade, Heidi Schiller) — Sun, 1 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we talk with Kelly Lehman, our district Peace chair. She shares information about the peace initiatives here in the district, both with Rotarians, Rotary clubs and with our youth. Kelly has been the chair of this committee for 3 years and is working hard to help clubs to become peace clubs, plant peace polls and get their students involved in peace seminars. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Rotary November Podcast - Frank Scott (Foundation)

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Frank Scott, Heidi Schiller, Dottie Meade) — Fri, 1 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

This month we talked with Frank Scott, our District Foundation Chair. He shared Mark's Magical markers from our Rotary International Chair of the Rotary Foundation. These are Mark's challenges for each district. We also talked about how money donated through Rotary Direct comes back to our district in three years for us to use in District and Global grants. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Rotary District 6670 October Podcast - John Germ and Polio

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Heidi Schiller, John Germ, Dottie Meade) — Tue, 1 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

John Germ, RI president for 2016-2017, shares the history of Rotary's involvement in the eradication of polio. He also about the partners Rotary gained in order to help us get to where we are today. Currently there are 19 cases in Afghanistan and 17 cases in Pakistan for the 2024 calendar year. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Rotary District 6670 September Podcast - Steve Naas and RYE

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Chuck Shonkwiler, Steve Naas, Dottie Meade) — Sun, 8 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Episode 3 talks about Rotary Youth Exchange in Rotary District 6670. Steve Naas, the committee chair for Youth Exchange is our guest. He shares the importance of using the youth exchange program as a peace builder. District 6670 is a part of a much larger group of Rotary Districts who work together to create a youth exchange program at low cost completely run by volunteers. Please note important dates for participation. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Service Above Self: Rotary District 6670 (Membership and the Action Plan)

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Carol Hughes, Dorothy Meade, Chuck Shonkwiler) — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we talk with Carol Hughes, the Action Plan Champion for Zone 30, about membership growth and the action plan for Rotary District 6670. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Service with Purpose: From Kindness Kits to Green Projects

rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com (Rotary District 6670) — Wed, 3 Jul 2024 14:09:18 +0000

Important dates

January 30, 2025 - Foundation dinner

April 26, 2026 - Environmental Day of Service

🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio.