Rotarians Unite for Maumee River Cleanup Project
In a powerful display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, Perrysburg and Maumee Rotarians will gather along the banks of the Maumee River on Saturday, September 13 for a coordinated Day of Service. The clean-up event will focus on removing debris, improving riverbank conditions, and protecting local wildlife habitats.
Rotarians will gather at Orleans Park, 655 Maumee Western Reserve Rd., Perrysburg on September 13, 8:30-9:00 a.m., where they will receive a mission overview, cleanup instructions, and a safety briefing along with equipment. The primary cleanup sites will be Orleans Park and Hood Park, 261 E. Broadway St., Maumee. The cleanup will end at noon. The event is open to Rotarians and their families who want to lend a hand in preserving and protecting the Maumee River.
The partnership between the two clubs was born earlier this year when Maumee Rotary President Paula Birney and Perrysburg Rotary President Greg Rufty first met at the Rotary President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS). From that initial conversation, both leaders agreed a joint service project would be the perfect way to demonstrate Rotary’s mission of service above self while also fostering stronger ties between their two communities.
"The Maumee River connects our cities physically, but this project connects our members in purpose," says Birney. "By working together, we are living out the ‘Unite for Good’ theme in a way that benefits everyone who calls this area home."
Adds, Rufty, “We’re taking to heart this year’s Rotary theme of ‘Unite for Good’ with this project. This is more than just a cleanup. It’s a chance to set an example for collaboration, stewardship, and community pride."
Partners for Clean Streams is a Perrysburg based non-profit organization whose mission is to work for clean, clear, and safe water in Northwest Ohio and beyond. Jesse Stock, the Executive Director for Partners for Clean Streams, will be the guest speaker at the Perrysburg Rotary Club’s September 12 club meeting.
The Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation and the Perrysburg and Maumee Rotary Clubs are proud sponsors of the event. “Clean Your Streams is just one example of the many community projects Rotary has spearheaded over the years,” says Jack Sculfort, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.
For more information about the Perrysburg Rotary Club or the Clean Streams project, visit perrysburgrotary.org. For more information about the Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation, visit prcf.org, or contact PRCF Executive Director Jack Sculfort at 419-343-5920 or Jack.sculfort@prcf.org.
