WARREN — Area Rotary clubs came together Sunday at Packard Park to find ways to share ideas and collaborate on projects as a way to further the purpose of the organization.

Warren Rotary President Cindy Matheson said the club hosted the Rotarian and family picnic for club members from across the Mahoning Valley. Among those attending were Rotary Club members from Youngstown, Howland, Cortland and Champion.

“I wanted to bring the clubs together to have a discussion and collaborate on ways to help our communities and around the world, which is what Rotary is all about. There is strength in numbers. We are all working toward the same goals,” she said.

Matheson said one of the goals of Rotary is to eradicate polio, which is a worldwide effort. Locally, the Warren Rotary Club has helped with work at the Warren Community Amphitheatre, raised funds to repair the fountain at Courthouse Square, and had a clock added at the square.

“We have done a lot for the local community,” she said.

Matheson said the annual Slice of the Valley, which was a major fundraiser for Warren Rotary for many years, likely will be replaced with another fundraiser.

“I hope today that with everyone coming together, we can gain ideas from them such as how to build club membership and ways to give back to the community,” she said.

Matheson said anyone who wants to help their community be a better place can become a member.

Rotary District 6650 Gov. Elayne Bozick, who represents east central Ohio in 10 counties, said when Rotary members are at their weekly meetings, they need to find more time to talk with other Rotary clubs.

“There needs to be more talk among the clubs so more sharing of ideas can happen. Often there is not always enough time to really talk at the weekly meetings, with members needing to get back to work,” she said.

Bozick said she is all about collaboration.

“My slogan is we can do more together. That is why we need to get together more to discuss short and long-term goals. I believe we can get more done working together,” Bozick said.

She said she has a passion for helping the environment. She said she works with Warren Rotary member Christine Cope of the United Way of Trumbull County, which is working on helping to improve local pollinator habitat areas.

“The more we get to know one another, the more we can start having multi-club gatherings and events,” Bozick said.

She said all Rotarians focus on service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership.

Mike Bollas, past president of the Warren Rotary Club, said he is always open to hear ideas from different clubs on how to get projects done, increase membership and better serve the community.

“Those have always been my goals,” he said.

Ray Sinchak of the Warren Rotary said he wants to hear ideas from other clubs and bring them back to the local club.

“Having events like this will help us do that,” Sinchak said.

George Nelson, president of the Youngstown Rotary Club, said he always looks at collaboration between clubs as a way to further the goals of Rotary International.

“If I hear how something works for another club, I want our club to try it,” he said.

Tony Ianucci, president-elect for the Warren Rotary, said while each Rotary does its own thing, he agrees that coming together for fundraising or community events makes sense.

“We can learn from each other,” he said.

Have an interesting news story? Email Bob Coupland at bcoupland@tribtoday.com.