The Rotary Club of Strongsville and Rotary Club Kraków have completed a joint project and purchased two ambulances for Ukraine. (Photo Courtesy of Rotary Club of Strongsville)

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- The Rotary Club of Strongsville and Rotary Club Kraków have completed a joint project and purchased two ambulances for Ukraine.

The vehicles have been specially prepared for Ukraine. They are painted in a different color than traditional Ukraine ambulances, due to the fact that the average life of an ambulance in Ukraine is one week. Russian soldiers have made it a priority to destroy all kinds of medical equipment.

Rotary Club Kraków has decided to continue the project and collect funds for further purchases of ambulances for Ukraine.

Strongsville Rotary’s contact at Rotary Club Kraków and his wife have made their whole house in Poland available for refugees. Currently, they are hosting seven people and are waiting for more to come shortly.

Another project implemented by Strongsville Rotary is offering health services to refugees by doctors that work with Rotary. These doctors run a non-profit clinic for the homeless. If a refugee does not have Polish documents entitling them to use the Polish healthcare service, they can get help from Rotary doctors.

In addition, the Rotary Club Czestochowa has shipped the next aid for Ukraine, consisting of textiles and canned food worth about $11,300, and is working on two more deliveries of mobile diagnostic devices, mobile x-rays and consumable medical aid (gloves, antiseptics, dressings).

The transportation and delivery have been donated by a local Polish company.

To get updates on the work Strongsville Rotary Club is doing, go to www.strongsvillerotary.org.

Calling all businesses: The Strongsville Community Business Expo will return to the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Road, on Oct. 12. This popular event has been postponed the last two years due to coronavirus precautions.

It will feature more than 100 tables of local businesses showcasing their products and services from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Bill Wills, morning host on WTAM 1100 Radio, will again be the special guest and master of ceremonies.

Businesses interested in participating should call 440-580-3118 or email brent.painter@strongsville.org for information on being a part of this business community event.

Fundraising gala: Stewart’s Caring Place, a local nonprofit providing supportive services and programs for individuals and families on their cancer journey, is hosting its 19th annual Butterfly Gala Sept. 10. Mark your calendars now.

The Butterfly Gala will honor the 2022 Spirit Award winners, Roger and Sally Read, at the home of Stewart’s supporters Dr. Michael Gangel Jr. and Brandi Gangel.

This intimate fundraising event is expected to sell out, with more than 250 people who will raise necessary funds for Stewart’s Caring Place, which serves 22 counties in Ohio.

Guests will enjoy a live performance from DT & The Shakes and will participate in an auction that includes items including a ride on the Goodyear Blimp, champagne and dessert provided by Regency Wine in Fairlawn, use of a beach house in Hilton Head, and earrings valued at $8,000 donated by John Borstein of J&B Fine Jewelry.

“This is our largest fundraising event and one of our favorite evenings of the year,” said Jeannine Marks, executive director.

“I get asked all the time, why the name Butterfly Gala? Along with being in our logo, the butterfly is deeply engrained in our history. Dr. Stewart Surloff, who we exist because of, passed away in 2001 and loved butterflies for their symbolism of rebirth and transformation.

“And we use this event to honor his legacy and every person we’ve had the privilege to serve ... and will serve.”

New this year is the evening’s emcee, board member Angela “Angel” Wharton, who came to Stewart’s Caring Place after her cancer diagnosis.

“I was in denial when I walked in the door to Stewart’s,” shares Angel. “But when I walked in, Jeannine and her dog Blue greeted me at the door. I attended a breast cancer survivor meeting that night and I felt this instant connection and strength. From that moment at Stewart’s, I knew I was going to survive.

“Learning how to advocate here, and the counseling services, I’m sure this place saved my life. And now it’s your turn to help. Donate, and help with a silent auction. When I say it helped to save my life, I wouldn’t be here without it.”

More than two years later, Angel has no evidence of cancer.

To attend the event, become a sponsor or learn more about Stewart’s Caring Place, visit stewartscaringplace.org/events/butterfly-gala/#.

Library lineup: Note that some of the following August 2022 events are being held on Zoom virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events in order to send a Zoom invitation.

Visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information or call 440-238-5530. The Cuyahoga County Public Library Strongsville Branch is located at 18700 Westwood Drive.

· Studio Orientation: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 13 virtual or 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 in person. Have you ever thought about recording your own music, making a video, digitizing memories and more? The Strongsville Branch Library is home to both audio and video recording studios that can help you do just that.

You must go through an orientation to use the spaces. Patrons 11 and older can participate in the orientation and must turn in the user agreement form at the branch for the orientation to count. Register online to attend either the virtual or in-person sessions.

· Wednesday Evening Book Discussion: 7 p.m. Aug. 17 in person. The Wednesday Evening Book Discussion meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Strongsville Branch Library. All adults interested in reading and discussing great books are welcome.

The next discussion title will be “Harlem Shuffle” by Colson Whitehead. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.

· Computer Classes: The Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced. Classes are currently being held in person, as well as some virtually, which require a web browser and an internet connection. There is no additional software to download. Google Chrome is the recommended browser.

A valid email address is required for registration. Registrants will receive an email with a link to join the class at least an hour before the start time. Registration opens 30 days before the start of the class and closes prior to the start of the class.

To see a full class list, descriptions and to register, visit https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Computer-Classes/2021-Virtual-and-In-Person-classes.aspx

Let the Strongsville community know what is going on with your organization, church, school, business or family. Email me at shirleymac48@att.net.

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