Home Page | Rotary Club of Dublin AM

Dublin AM meets at 7:30 AM every Friday morning at The Country Club at Muirfield Village. Visitors are welcome to join us to meet business and community leaders, hear presentations from some of the areas most interesting speakers and learn more about Rotary International.

NOTE: Our club is also meeting via Zoom. To learn about visiting us during a meeting or to get the Zoom link, contact our Membership Chair.

Dublin AM Rotary members have supported community projects here at home and throughout the world for 35 years. We are happy to share our Dublin AM Rotary Impact Report with you.

2-27-26 Abraham Green, Futurity - Discussing AI

The meeting focused on a presentation by Abraham Green, Senior Account Director at Futurity, who discussed artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications. Green explained the differences between AI and algorithms, highlighted the importance of data quality, and emphasized that AI cannot replace human creativity and wisdom. He also covered the recent growth of AI, citing statistics on market size and user adoption. The presentation addressed concerns about AI regulation and responsible use within organizations. Green provided insights on how businesses can leverage AI to improve productivity and suggested steps for organizations to use AI responsibly. The conversation ended with a brief discussion of upcoming events and a quote of the day.

AI Capabilities and Adoption Trends

Abraham Green, Senior Account Director at Futurity, delivered a presentation on artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting its capabilities and limitations. He compared the adoption of AI to historical technological shifts, such as canals and railways, emphasizing the need to adapt to new technologies. Abraham explained that AI can predict trends, automate repetitive tasks, personalize customer experiences, and improve speed and accuracy, but it cannot replace human creativity or make strategic decisions independently. He also clarified the distinction between AI and algorithms, noting that AI continues to learn and improve with more data input. Abraham concluded by discussing recent advancements in AI, particularly attributing the recent surge in interest to OpenAI.

2-20-26 Carmen Savarino - Wendy’s Wonderful Kids

The meeting focused on welcoming Carmen Savarino from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, who shared insights about the organization's mission to increase adoptions of children in foster care. Carmen explained that the foundation, inspired by Dave Thomas's adoption story, works to find permanent homes for children over 9 years old, particularly those in sibling groups or with disabilities. She highlighted the effectiveness of their child-focused recruitment model and the foundation's efforts to expand their Wendy's Wonderful Kids program across the United States and Canada. The meeting also included updates on local events, such as the St. Patrick's Day parade and a dental trip to the Dominican Republic, as well as announcements about scholarship opportunities and membership initiatives.

2-13-26 In Service Work for Nationwide Children's Hospital

The Dublin AM Rotary Club meeting focused on welcoming two new members, Jennifer and Joe, and discussing various club activities and initiatives. The club announced plans to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade and shared updates on fundraising efforts, including a successful polar bear golf outing that raised $12,000. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an in-service project where members created cards for Nationwide Children's Hospital's heart patients, with detailed instructions provided by Lauren, a past president of the Women's Board. The meeting also included a presentation by Lauren about the hospital's history, facilities, and ongoing initiatives, highlighting its growth and impact on the community.

Children's Hospital Card Project

The meeting focused on an in-service project where members will create cards for Nationwide Children's Hospital to distribute to heart patients. Lauren, a past president of the Women's Board, explained the project details and hospital background. The group learned about the hospital's expansion plans, research initiatives, and community programs. Members were encouraged to participate in creating positive messages for the cards, with specific guidelines on content. The conversation ended with information about upcoming speakers and a quote from Paul Harris.

Photos are available to view/download from our Flickr website

2-7-26 Polar Bear Golf Open

Photos are available to view and/or download on our Flickr website.

2-6-26 Jim Rogers, District 6690 Polio Eradication

Jim Rogers, a community leader and entrepreneur, discussed Rotary International's polio eradication efforts. Jim highlighted his involvement with Rotary, including his leadership in District 6690's polio initiatives and his commitment to service through various roles and organizations. He also mentioned his personal and professional achievements, including his education and military service.

1-23-26 Merijn van der Heijden , Executive Director, Dublin Arts Council

About Our

Speaker: Merijn van der Heijden , Executive Director, Dublin Arts Council

Topic: Arts and culture bring people together, strengthen civic life, and enrich community well-being, while shaping Dublin’s identity and future. This talk will explore how initiatives across the city spark connection, collaboration, and creativity, and how everyone can play a part in building a vibrant, thriving community.

Bio: Merijn van der Heijden is an experienced arts administrator and curator with over 20 years in visual arts leadership, curatorial practice, and higher education. She currently serves as Executive Director of Dublin Arts Council, where she leads strategic initiatives to advance community engagement and support for the arts.

Previously, Merijn directed Urban Arts Space and Hopkins Hall Gallery at The Ohio State University (2017–2024), overseeing a period of growth, and strengthened community partnerships. Her earlier roles at OSU included Deputy Director of Exhibitions and Curatorial Practice and Assistant Dean and Director of the Arts and Sciences Honors Program.

She holds a BFA from the Akademie voor Beeldende Vorming in the Netherlands and an MFA from Ohio State. Merijn remains actively involved in Ohio’s arts ecosystem through service on the Columbus Arts Commission, the Columbus Public Art Plan Steering Committee, and as a frequent juror and panelist for exhibitions and festivals nationwide.

For photos from this meeting, please go to our Flickr website: Dublin AM Rotary’s albums | Flickr

For the video of this meeting, please go to our YouTube Channel: Dublin AM Rotary - YouTube

1-16-26 Roger Geiger, Exec Director, Ohio Small Business Council, Ohio Chamber of Commerce

Club Updates and Small Business Insights

The meeting began with Peter welcoming everyone and discussing the upcoming events, including the first golf tournament on February 6th and 7th, and the St. Patrick's Day parade preparations. Peter also reintroduced Joe Kasu, who has turned in her application to become a new member. The club is planning a happy hour at Fado in Bridge Park on Thursday at 4:30 PM, and Ken encouraged everyone to attend. The polar bear golf outing was also discussed, with Peter emphasizing the importance of finding people to join the event. The club welcomed Jerry as a new member and conducted the four-way test led by Ingrid.

Roger Geiger, the executive director of the Ohio Small Business Council, was the guest speaker and shared insights on the impact of small businesses on the economy and society. The conversation ended with a discussion on healthcare challenges faced by small businesses and the need for workforce development and education reform.

About Our Speaker: Roger R. Geiger
Executive Director, Ohio Small Business Council
Ohio Chamber of Commerce

Roger R. Geiger serves as the Executive Director of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Ohio
Small Business Council (OSBC), which represents more than 4,000 small business owners
across the state. The OSBC is Ohio’s leading advocate and resource for entrepreneurs. The
OSBC champions free enterprise, economic competitiveness, and growth for the benefit of
all Ohioans.
Prior to joining the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Geiger served as Vice President and
Ohio Executive Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), where
he managed the organization’s public policy, political, member activism, and
communication programs.
Mr. Geiger has been consistently recognized in Smart Business Magazine’s “Power 100: Most
Influential Leaders in Columbus.” He is frequently quoted in state and national media on
issues impacting small businesses and has been appointed by four Ohio governors to
various state boards and commissions. His most recent appointments include the Ohio
Commission to Reform Medicaid, the Ohio Sunset Review Committee, the Ohio Bureau of
Workers’ Compensation Nominating Council, and the Ohio Industrial Commission
Nominating Council. He currently serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Ohio Vision
Professionals Board.

1-9-26 Dorinda Byers - Ohio Auditor Office on Fraud

For photos from this meeting, please go to our Flickr website: Dublin AM Rotary’s albums | Flickr

For the video of this meeting, please go to our YouTube Channel: Dublin AM Rotary - YouTube

The meeting focused on various club activities and announcements, including Operation Full Plate, a food donation initiative, and plans to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade. The club discussed the importance of integrating new members through the red badge process and highlighted the success of the Polar Bear Golf Outing, which supports the Rett Syndrome Research Trust and the club's foundation. Susan West was honored with a Paul Harris Award, and members were encouraged to participate in the golf event on February 7th.

And the feature presentation was by Dorinda Byers from the Ohio Auditor of State's office, who discussed fraud prevention and the office's responsibilities in auditing government entities.

Other Highlights:

Wolf: Notify relevant staff about the TV connection/router issues when they arrive.
All club members: Report any Operation Full Plate food collection activities to Wolf by the end of tomorrow, using the provided spreadsheet, email, or text.
Interested members: Indicate interest in joining the St. Patrick's Day parade committee to Wolf, who will contact those interested to coordinate next steps.
All members: Enthusiastically applaud Jerry next week when he receives his red badge removal, as requested by Ingrid.
New Member Committee: Meet on the last Friday of January (per email notification).
Interested golfers: Sign up for the Polar Bear Open golf outing on February 7th and indicate t-shirt size on the sign-up sheet or via email to Claudia.
Interested members: Sign up to be a hole sponsor for the Polar Bear Open and provide t-shirt size.
Sue: Enter golfers and sponsors into the system and invoice as needed.
Sue: Correct the date for the Polar Bear Golf Outing on Eventbrite (from 7th to 8th, if necessary).
Sue: Create and distribute a sign-up sheet for volunteers for the Polar Bear Golf Outing.
Interested members: Contact Sue if interested in being part of a 4x4 Paul Harris donation group.

Summary

Club Initiatives and Member Recognition

The meeting covered several topics, including the St. Patrick's Day parade participation, Operation Full Plate food donation initiative, and new member orientation. Wolf announced the club's interest in entering the St. Patrick's Day parade and requested volunteers to form a committee to plan the club's participation. Ingrid highlighted the importance of the new member orientation process, led by Kent, to integrate new members into the club. Claudia promoted the upcoming Polar Bear Open golf event and the opportunity to sponsor holes.

Susan Robenalt presented Susan West with a Paul Harris Award, explaining its significance and how club members can contribute to this honor.

Polar Bear Golf Fundraiser

The meeting covered several topics, including the Polar Bear Golf Outing scheduled for February 7th, which aims to raise funds for the Rett Syndrome Research Trust and the foundation, with a call for volunteers and participants. Dorinda Byers, a business development consultant from the Ohio Auditor of State's office, presented on fraud prevention, highlighting the office's role in auditing governmental entities, conducting performance audits, and offering public records training. She emphasized the importance of identifying red flags for fraud and encouraged attendees to report suspicious activities. The meeting also included a raffle drawing and a brief personal update from a participant about becoming a grandparent.

12-5-25 - Sandra Knoessel, District Governor

SANDRA KNOESEL, DISTRICT GOVERNOR 2025-26

Sandy Knoesel Sandra Knoesel joined the Columbus Rotary Club in 1992 shortly after beginning her career at the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio as director of Communication Services. She was promoted to deputy executive director of Member Benefits in 1999 and retired from STRS Ohio after 25 years of service. Sandy also was a member of the Rotary Club of Newark.

Sandy first volunteered for District 6690 in 2016 when she was asked to be district grants chair. She enjoys collaborating with club grant coordinators and helping them with the grant process. From July 2017 – June 2020, Sandy served as assistant governor to the Clintonville, Granville, Newark-Heath and Zanesville Daybreak clubs. When the pandemic hit, she was asked to coordinate the district-wide fund-raising project to provide donations to three food banks in District 6690. Through the generosity of our members and clubs, Rotarians donated $100,000 to the food banks plus another $25,000 was contributed through a grant by the Rotary Foundation.

As co-chair of the first district Community Service Projects Committee, she helped organize the Sock-tober initiative. More than 10,670 pairs of socks were donated by 26 clubs to 20 different charities that helped unhoused people in need. Sandy also serves on the district’s Rotary Foundation and Multi-year Planning committees. In 2021, she coordinated the district’s annual Awards Celebration that recognized outstanding achievements by our clubs. She is a member of the District 6690 125 Club, the Polio Plus Society and the Paul Harris Society.

Sandy served as president of the Columbus Rotary Club in 2010-11. She also was chair of the Columbus Rotary Foundation twice, most recently in 2019-2020. She currently is co-chair of the Career Path Awards Committee that provides $2,500 awards to selected graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools who are pursuing a career in the technical trades or other careers that do not require a four-year college degree.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an MBA from Ohio University. Sandy lives in New Albany along with her husband, Dr. Bob Kamps, who is a retired physician. They have four grown children and three grandchildren.

12-13-25 Holiday Party Photos

Good day Dublin AM Rotary!

Here is the link to the photos of the Holiday Party. And below are collages of most of the photos.

And a quick reminder that our meeting this Friday will feature Jared Buerger, Director of Development for the Central Ohio Chapter of A Kid Again

11-21-25 Craig Krenzel, Ryan Miller & Jimmie Bell on OSU Football

There was lots of fun and en

ergy as we heard from former OSU football players Ryan Miller, Jimmie Bell and Craig Krenzel.

These football experts shared their take on the season thus far and predictions for the end of the season. We also presented a check to Ryan Miller for 2ND & 7 and learned what our club is doing to support their work. Their mission is to promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young community athletes to pay it forward.

For photos from this meeting, please go to our Flickr website: Dublin AM Rotary’s albums | Flickr

For the video of this meeting, please go to our YouTube Channel: Dublin AM Rotary - YouTube

11-14-25 Dublin Taiko

Taiko is a Japanese drum ensemble that encompasses music and choreographed movements. It embodies cultural awareness and beautiful art.

Dublin Taiko, based in Dublin, Ohio, provides hands-on learning opportunities about the Japanese drumming art of Taiko through education, cultural exchange and performances.

We are the largest K–12 taiko program in North America. Since 2005, Director Susann Blair-Ewing has taught 6-12 grade Dublin City Schools students the powerful art of taiko -a dynamic Japanese drum ensemble that combines music, movement, and culture.
Originally developed in collaboration with world-renowned taiko artist,
Eitetsu Hayashi, the program has impacted over a thousand students during
its 21-year history. Dublin Taiko has also shared its vibrant performances at
Disney and across the U.S., the U.K., and Japan. WELCOME TO DUBLIN TAIKO! - Home

For photos from this meeting, please go to our Flickr website: Dublin AM Rotary’s albums | Flickr

For the video of this meeting, please go to our YouTube Channel: Dublin AM Rotary - YouTube

11-7-25 Veterans Day Presentation

Veteran's Day Presentation

Dave Williamson, long time Rotary member and chair of the Veterans Committee, shared a three-part presentation that featured local veterans organizations that described who they are, what they do for veterans, cover some of the events and activities they participate in, and provide some examples of how they have (and continue to) support veterans in the area.

Part 1 Lt Col Jeff Noble, Commander of Dublin's American Legion Post 800 who will describe the Post, its programs and activities, it's connection with our club and many of the activities we both support.

Part 2 Colonel Buck Bramlish, Executive Director of the Franklin County Veterans Service Commission who will describe their organization (and how many of the surrounding counties) provide support to county veterans seeking employment, career transition training, health and welfare support, etc.

Part 3 an update from Dublin Scioto High School teacher John Witt on the Purple Star Club program that our club Veterans Affairs Committee provides funding support to each year.. His presentation will also include two students project reports on veterans interviews and reports they conducted as part of this year's "Veteran's Experiences".

View Our Pictures, Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dublinam/albums/

10-31-2025 Becky Schisler, Historic Dublin Ghost Tour

Becky shared stories of hauntings and unexplained encounters drawn from years of research and firsthand accounts in the Historic District. Her presentation, Historic Dublin – Ghost Encounters, offered a fascinating look at the origins of the tour, the evolution of its storytelling, and the unique experiences that have shaped it over the past 15 years.

We also held a raffle of prizes for those who joined the 125 Club - thank you to Michael Darling for organizing our club's participation!

10-24-2025 In-Meeting Service Project for Dublin City Schools Students

Club members worked together to assemble female personal care packages in bags for girls in need in Dublin schools. Thank you to Claudia Trusty for organizing and procuring the items for this project and to Michael Leopold, district Students Services Coordinator who joined the meeting.

For photos from this meeting, please go to our Flickr website: Dublin AM Rotary’s albums | Flickr

For the video of this meeting, please go to our YouTube Channel: Dublin AM Rotary - YouTube

Dublin AM Executives

AI Capabilities and Adoption Trends

Children's Hospital Card Project

Club Updates and Small Business Insights

Other Highlights:

Summary

Club Initiatives and Member Recognition

Polar Bear Golf Fundraiser

SANDRA KNOESEL, DISTRICT GOVERNOR 2025-26