"Strong Women, Strong Community” Women's Health & Wellness Fair

The Strongsville Women's League is hosting the "Strong Women, Strong Community” Women's Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday May 30th 9am - noon at the Strongsville Rec Center featuring guest speakers and vendors with raffles.

Chili Open Check Presentation

Last Friday, the Rotary Club of Strongsville presented a $25,000 check to Rise In Love, the primary beneficiary of this year’s Chili Open fundraiser. Chili Open co-chairs TJ and Ashley shared their excitement and appreciation for the support that helped make the donation possible.

Barbara from Rise In Love explained that the funds will go directly toward the organization’s housing assistance program, which helps keep families together and prevents homelessness. She noted that many families face housing instability after the holiday season, making spring fundraising efforts especially important. The donation will help provide emergency housing support, including keeping parents and children together in homes or temporary hotel accommodations when needed.

She shared that several families who recently entered the program will directly benefit from the Rotary Club’s contribution, emphasizing the immediate impact the funds will have in the community.

The presentation concluded with recognition of the many Rotarians who have supported Rise In Love over the years, including participation in the organization’s annual gala and other service efforts.

Speaker: Scott Allen

Last Friday, we welcomed local genealogist Scott Allen, who shared insights into genealogy research, local history, and the fascinating stories that can emerge when tracing family roots. Introduced by Jerry Balint, Scott explained how a casual conversation at the Chili Open led him to quickly assemble portions of Jerry’s family history, sparking a broader discussion about uncovering personal and community connections through historical records.

Scott spoke about his own deep roots in the area, including connections to the Howe family of Strongsville, for whom Howe Road is named. He shared stories of early pioneer families, local farms, and businesses that once shaped the community, including the old Bedford hardware store and a former Dodge dealership on Pearl Road. Drawing on his upbringing in Berea and generations of local family history, he highlighted how genealogy can bring local history to life in a much more personal way than textbooks alone.

He explained how genealogical research relies on records such as census data, immigration documents, military records, and local government archives to piece together family stories. While modern technology has made much of this information more accessible online, Scott noted that earlier in his work he often traveled in person to libraries, courthouses, and archives to gather information. He emphasized that genealogy is not just about names and dates, but about understanding the lives, struggles, and experiences of real people across generations.

Throughout the presentation, Scott shared examples of the unexpected discoveries that can emerge from family research. Jerry reflected on learning new details about his own family, including clarification of stories passed down through generations. Scott also recounted uncovering connections to major historical events, military service, immigrant journeys through Ellis Island, and even distant ties to notable figures and infamous criminals. He noted that these discoveries often help people connect more personally with history and better understand how family experiences shaped later generations.

As part of the presentation, Scott brought along examples of the detailed family history books he creates for clients, including research he had assembled for fellow Rotarian Jim Kaminski. The program generated many questions and lively discussion from members interested in their own family histories and the stories hidden within them.