Dr. Denis M. Crawford is a training coordinator at Youngstown State University and a freelance writer. His research interests are sports entrepreneurship and alternate professional sports leagues. His recently published biography of Johnny F. Bassett is his third book. He has also written a biography of influential NFL owner Hugh Culverhouse and scholarly articles on the World Football League's Papergate Scandal and the rhetoric of losing. Denis taught American History and Journalism for five years. He is also the managing editor of the Coffin Corner, a publication of the Professional Football Researchers Association.
Before pursuing an academic career, Denis spent more than a decade working for American credit unions and writing/performing in a local comedy troupe.
Denis holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Florida State University, a Master of Science in Communication from Florida State, a Master of Arts in History from Youngstown State University and a PhD in American Studies from Pennsylvania State University.
Save the Date!!
- for Your Club Assembly-
Tuesday November 9th, 5:30 pm at the National Club -
- more info to follow
Past Meetings
On October 1st we heard from a former ambassador to Israel, Jon Allen, talking about the Middle East - a fascinating topic. Our Impact Report was done by Stephanie Christensen of ShelterBox. She did it by video as she is currently working in Haiti where Shelterbox is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Haiti who have been on the ground a long time. Maureen Bird was our How We Hobby speaker who updated us on how she stays young and active.
You can find the full meeting on the above link as we are posting the recordings of our meetings.
October 6th was Cocktails with Past Presidents led by John Andras.
Recording of Cocktails and Members Only segments are in Google Drive/All RCT Members.
IMPACT REPORT
The Club and Foundation work together to have an impact. Here is a recent example from one of the organizations…
ShelterBox in Haiti
ShelterBox Canada is an international disaster relief charity which provides emergency shelter and the supplies that people need to recover after disasters around the world. ShelterBox started as a Rotary Club project in Helston, England in 2000 and has since grown into a professional humanitarian organization.
ShelterBox is proud to be Rotary International's Project Partner in disaster relief.
Credit: Habitat for Humanity International
The Rotary Club of Toronto is the largest Rotary donor to ShelterBox in the world, and has transformed thousands of families lives around the world. As a direct result of The Rotary Club of Toronto’s donation, and fundraising efforts which raised over $32,000 throughout District 7070, ShelterBox has been able to reach some of the worst hit communities in Haiti following the August magnitude 7 earthquake.
Working in Haiti has presented many challenges. Infrastructure has been further damaged by the most recent earthquake, but still hadn’t been fully repaired following the 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. This means even landing at the airport, or driving to communities has been very difficult. There are also serious security concerns with access roads controlled by gangs, and political turmoil after the assassination of Haiti’s President in July. COVID-19 presents many of its own challenges as well.
Despite all of this, ShelterBox is on the ground working in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Haiti, providing vital shelter and items like water filters and solar lights to people who have lost absolutely everything. The support of everyone at the Rotary Club of Toronto and Clubs throughout District 7070 has meant that people now have a safe place to sleep at night, and the ability to begin their recovery following this devastating earthquake. This is an incredible gift.
From all of us at ShelterBox Canada, thank you so very much.
This year in addition to the Thanksgiving Day the world was celebrating 11th of October as is #DayOfTheGirl. Rotary International were introducing and celebrating #Rotary People of Action: Champions of Girls' Empowerment. This distinction recognizes the honorees' commitment to improving girls' access to education, health, and sanitation and hygiene resources, as well as their work to create environments where girls can flourish.
This week Rotary International together with Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, join for week of service to Celebrate Community
Service clubs work together to make a difference in communities
Celebrate Community, a joint initiative of the four major volunteer service organizations, will launched this year with a focus on local community service during the week of October 10 to 16.
Credit: Habitat for Humanity International
