Firefighter gear update

Through a collaboration between the Rotary Club, the Strongsville Fire and Emergency Services, and partners in New Amsterdam, 22 sets of retired firefighter gear were delivered to firefighters in Guyana. While this equipment had reached the end of its approved service life in the United States, it remains valuable and much needed in other parts of the world.

During the visit, the receiving fire department expressed deep gratitude, noting that the gear represents more than equipment—it provides protection and safety for the men and women who serve their community every day.

The project also highlighted the broader impact of Rotary connections. Members were welcomed warmly, reinforcing the idea that Rotary creates a global network of service and collaboration.

There is already interest in building on this relationship, with possibilities such as training exchanges and continued support between departments.

The Strongsville Fire Chief also emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting that while equipment must be retired locally due to regulations, it is meaningful to see it continue to serve a critical purpose elsewhere.

This effort is a clear example of turning resources into real impact—extending the life of essential equipment and strengthening international connections in the process.

Speaker: Orlando Baking Company

Last Friday, we welcomed Nick Orlando and Bob Braider from Orlando Baking Company, introduced by Jerry Balint, who opened with a bit of history on our Chili Open fundraiser. Jerry shared how the event began in the early 1990s and how, from the very first year in 1992, Orlando Bakery stepped up to provide the buns for the signature sausage sandwiches—a contribution they have continued every year since.

Nick and Bob gave an engaging overview of the bakery’s history and operations. The business traces its roots back to Italy in 1872, with the family establishing itself in Cleveland in the early 1900s. What began as a neighborhood bakery delivering bread by horse and buggy has grown into a fifth-generation family business with around 250 employees and a wide regional distribution network serving restaurants, schools, and institutions across Northeast Ohio.

They also shared their perspective on community involvement, emphasizing that supporting local events like the Chili Open is simply part of who they are as a family business. Their long-standing partnership with our club is one example of a broader commitment to the communities they serve.

In recognition of that commitment, Tom Perciak joined us to present an official proclamation from the City of Strongsville. The proclamation honored Orlando Bakery’s more than 30 years of support for the Chili Open, which has helped the Rotary Club raise over $3 million for charitable causes, as well as their broader impact across the community.