Slippery Rock Keeps “Roaring Like a Lion”
The statement that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb,” certainly doesn’t apply to the Rotary Club of Slippery Rock. Our speakers and activities have “roared like a lion” all month long. Dale Duran kicked off the month’s luncheon meeting on Monday, March 2, with a presentation on the Slippery Rock's Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR). Duran is a board member and frequent instructor and tour mentor for the organization. Her presentation outlined the various programs and classes that the ILR organization sponsors throughout the year for area seniors.
Rotarian extraordinaire Paul Rizza attended this luncheon meeting prior to his death on March 13, 2026. Rizza was a Rotarian for more than 50 years and devoted significant time and energy supporting the Rotary Foundation’s Peace Fellowship Program. He was active in Rotary International and served as President of the Slippery Rock Rotary Club from 1978-1979 and as District Governor of 7280 from 1999-2000. Rizza served on the Rotary International Peace Center Committee and received the Service Above Self Award in 2005 and the Citation for Meritorious Service in 2007. If you would like to honor Paul’s memory, please consider a donation to the Rotary Club of Slippery Rock or the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center at Slippery Rock University.
Barrett McGinnis, a university student with Multiple Sclerosis, spoke at Slippery Rock Rotary’s morning meeting on March 10 about the many programs the organization sponsors for physically challenged individuals worldwide. Active in many local service projects, McGinnis is particularly dedicated to “Crutches for Africa.” The program, conceived by Rotarian Dave Talbot, himself wheelchair challenged by Polio, collects used and surplus mobility devices and ships and distributes them to developing countries for free to people with mobility challenges regardless of their race, gender, tribe, age or religion. Barrett, a member of the online Keystone Rotaract and a student at Slippery Rock University, works to collect, store and distribute mobility devices for the program together with the Mercer County Area Vocational Technical School, Mercer, PA.
March ended with Harrisville, PA, Police Chief Jordan Waclav speaking to Slippery Rock Rotarians via a Zoom call. Waclav addressed the challenges of being a part-time officer responsible for local policing in Harrisville and Marion Township (Boyers) as well as supporting law enforcement efforts in Slippery Rock and other local areas. He also stressed the importance of developing trust with local citizenry. At the end of the call, Rotary President Brad Smith awarded Waclav a $500 grant for the Harrisville Borough Police Department.
Ode To a Rotarian
Early in April, President Brad Smith shared the following letter with members of the Slippery Rock Rotary and wanted to share it with fellow Rotarians throughout District 7280 since it really defines the essence of Rotary and
“Service Above Self.”
On behalf of myself, my wife Rrezarta, the Rotary Club Gjakova-Qabrati, and Rotary International District 2485 Albania-Kosova, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of our dear friend, Past District Governor Paul Rizza.
Paul was not only an outstanding Rotarian, but a truly beloved friend whose presence enriched our lives in the most meaningful ways. Since 2015, I have had the honor of building a close friendship with Paul, one grounded in shared values, mutual respect and the deep fellowship that Rotary uniquely fosters across borders.
We cherish the many meaningful moments we shared together through Friendship Exchange Programs in Kosova and in Western Pennsylvania, US, during international gatherings such as the Rotary Convention in Hamburg, and through the enduring bonds formed alongside his beloved wife, our families and fellow Rotarians. These experiences were not simply Rotary activities. They were honest human connections that reflected the very essence of Rotary.
The moments captured in our recent October 2025 photos, whether gathered with fellow Rotarians in warm fellowship or sharing quiet, meaningful conversations, stand today as a testament to Paul’s character: welcoming, wise, generous, and deeply human.
Paul exemplified “Service Above Self” in its truest form. As a PDG, I especially valued his leadership, his mentorship and his unwavering belief in Rotary’s mission. His passion for peacebuilding, particularly through his commitment to the Rotary Peace Centers, leaves behind a legacy of profound and lasting impact. Together with Carolyn, his support for peace fellowships reflected not only vision, but a deep moral commitment to a better world.
Paul was a philanthropist in the fullest sense, guided not by recognition, but by purpose. He touched lives quietly, meaningfully and globally. His passing leaves a deep void, but his legacy endures in the values he lived, the friendships he nurtured and the inspiration he gave to all of us who had the privilege to know him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his daughters, his family, friends and to the entire Slippery Rock Rotary Club and RI District 7280. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Paul will forever remain in our memories as a dear friend, a remarkable leader and a Rotarian whose life will continue to inspire generations.
With the deepest respect and gratitude,
Butrint Batalli
Gjakove, Kosova