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The following represent just a brief review of some of our projects and activities. These are in addition to our fundraising and charitable contributions.
 Little Red Schoolhouse was one of the first service projects of Willoughby Rotary in the 1970s. Located just west of Rt. 91 on Euclid Avenue, the landmark was in jeopardy of being destroyed in the name of progress. Willoughby Rotary raised funds, gained the rights to the school, and eventually moved it to its current site on Shanklin near Rt. 84.
 The Bandstand in the park, adjacent to Public Square, was a project of the 1980s. Although the idea had been proposed before, it never happened. In 1981, club president Joe Tulley (also chairman of the "Heart of Willoughby" downtown revitalization program) suggested Willoughby Rotary take on the bandstand project. Charlie Hoffecker was named chairman of the project, raised the monies, materials and gathered the volunteers required to make The Bandstand a reality.
 Wick Pavilion in Daniels Park was taken on as a club project in 1994. The club contacted the city asking what we might be able to contribute to ongoing improvement planning. An older structure in Daniels Park had washed away during one of the Chagrin River's floods, and the club was asked to provide a replacement. The photo shows our first picnic at the new pavilion, and the presentation of a plaque to its namesake, Doug Wick, past president and long-time, generous contributor to the club.
Christmas Lights in Point Park
In the late 1990s, Willoughby wanted to do something special for the holidays, and it was suggested that Christmas lights would be especially nice. Willoughby Rotary Club donated $5000 for the project – the very short slide show below depicts the results.
 Kilo, K-9 Drug Sniffing and Rescue Dog
Although without a K-9 patrol dog for many years, the Willoughby Police Dept. decided that it was time to revive the program. In 2001, the Willoughby Rotary Club donated the money to purchase Kilo, a Labrador Retriever. Kilo is rather special – not only is he a certified drug detection dog, but he's also certified for search and rescue. Kilo's partner is Patrolman Michael Negrea.
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If you have other material to add, or more photos from past projects, please email the
Meetings: 12:15 p.m. Monday, Gavi's at 38257 Glenn Ave., Willoughby
Dictionary Project (Annual since 2003)
Each Fall, Willoughby Rotarians return to the classroom as ambassadors of the English language. Along with a brief message on the importance of their education, dictionaries are given to over 800 third grade students in the Willoughby Eastlake and Kirtland City School Districts. Schools participating in the program include approximately 40 third grade classrooms in seven W-E schools, one Kirtland public school, and four parochial elementary schools in the Willoughby Rotary Club's area. Rotarians volunteer their time to deliver the dictionaries directly to the students.
John Nelson, the Willoughby Rotarian who originally suggested the dictionary program for the local Rotary District, says that even he is surprised how popular and appreciated the program has become. "The students are always thrilled to receive their own personal 'take home' copy of this exciting learning tool," Nelson says. "The classroom teachers and school administrators share this excitement for the emphasis the program gives to reading skills."
Although originated by the Willoughby Rotary, the success of the Dictionary Program in their area has inspired other local Rotary clubs in the county to initiate similar programs in other Lake County school districts. Programs are already underway in Mentor and Painesville, and beginning soon in Wickliffe.
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