New North Coast Rotary President Installed

On July 15, 2026, North Coast Rotary enjoyed an evening of celebration, fellowship, and new beginnings as Jamie Wise was officially installed as President for the 2026-2027 Rotary year at the American Legion Post 211 in Avon Lake. Jamie Wise, a Navy veteran and former North Coast Rotary secretary, was awarded the Presidential gavel from Cathy Pugh who graciously served two consecutive terms.

Currently at 28 members, North Coast Rotary is a powerhouse in the Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Lake, and Sheffield Village communities. Under Cathy Pugh’s two-year term, the Club has awarded scholarships to high school students, expanded the popular Blankets for Beds program in partnership with the Good Neighbor Thrift Shop and Ridge Cleaners to deliver gently used and clean blankets to local non-profit agencies, constructed a walking trail and outdoor classroom area at Sheffield Lake’s Knollwood Elementary with a Rotary District grant and in collaboration with Lorain County Solid Waste Management District, continued to host successful medical equipment drives for Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad (MESA) in collaboration with Sprenger Towne Center and Good Neighbor Thrift Shop, and hosted a successful wine and culinary experience fundraiser in partnership with Tri-C Westshore that showcased local high school, college, and vocational chefs. “Service is the heart of Rotary, whether supporting our local communities or partnering on projects around the world, our work changes lives,” said Cathy Pugh. “I am excited to see where Jamie’s passion for service and dedication to Rotary take our Club this year.”

Incoming President Wise plans to continue the support of local communities as well as pursue new opportunities both locally and internationally. Pending approval of a Rotary District grant, plans are in the works to support the Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS) expansion through allocation of North Coast Rotary Foundation funds. In addition, the Club plans to focus on steps to become more environmentally-friendly, beginning with this year’s Avon Lake Pizza Bake-off on October 1, 2026. While meeting with other Rotary members at the recent Rotary International gathering in Taiwan, President Wise recalled, “I was thrilled to share with the group the numerous programs that our small Club in Ohio has supported to date. The very dedicated and passionate members of North Coast Rotary make this all possible.”

North Coast Rotary offers opportunities for members and those interested in making a difference to get involved. Through meetings, social events, and volunteer projects, members learn about the issues facing our community and communities all over the world, partnering with local, national, and global experts to exchange ideas about potential solutions and to draw up action plans to respond. Along with these opportunities to serve, members also are able to regularly network, resulting in long-lasting friendships, and business connections.

North Coast Rotary actively supports community projects, school programs, and student scholarships in Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Lake, and Sheffield Village. Meetings are held Tuesday mornings at the French Creek YMCA, providing an opportunity for members and guests to learn more about our communities through a dynamic lineup of speakers.

Join us in having fun and making a difference! https://northcoastrotary.org.