I’m Not Sure if You Realize it but,
Rotary’s Kind of a Big Deal!
A couple of weeks ago Rotary Camp’s Executive Director Dan Reynolds observed on Facebook just how many non-profits are in our community. His “rant” as he called it, was a plea for collaboration rather than creation.
That made me start thinking about how many service organizations there are in our community and throughout the world!
Some would argue that the benefits of joining Rotary could be fulfilled through other service organizations. General benefits of joining include Friendship, Business Development, Personal Growth and Development, Leadership Development, Entertainment, Community Service, Fun, Public Speaking Skills and more.
Benefits of being making Rotary your service organization are far more reaching. Rotary District 7670 is in North Carolina and their article, “20 Reasons to Join Rotary” sums those benefits up beautifully.
Citizenship in the World: Every Rotarian wears a pin that says “Rotary International.” There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club. Every Rotarian is welcome – even encouraged – to attend any of the 29,000 clubs in 194 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one’s own community and in the world community.
Assistance when Traveling: Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while traveling has found assistance through Rotary.
The Development of Social Skills: Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one’s personality, social skills and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.
Family Programs: Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for spouse involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members in growth and the development of family values.
Vocational Skills: Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the growth and development of his or her own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about one’s job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.
The Development of Ethics: through the Four-Way Test.
Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color, and ethnic identity is found in Rotary. It is a cross section of the world’s most prominent citizens from every background. Rotarians become aware of their cultures and learn to love and work with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries in the process.
Calls to Action:
Be sure to register for Rock ‘N the Change on April 22-24th. The changes sound exciting and fun. Our own Shon Christy is co-chairing the event so you know it will be fun!!! Hope to see Akron Rotary members out in force!
The purpose of Rotary Cares is to show our support for Akron Rotarians dealing with the loss of a loved one, the hardship of illness but also to celebrate the joy of new baby, job or marriage.
Akron Rotarians offer sincere sympathies to…
…Rotarian Barry Hollis and family on the recent passing of Barry’s father, David Hollis.
…Rotarians Cheryl and Steve Warren on the recent passing of Cheryl’s father Carl Duraski.
Akron Rotarians congratulate …
…Shon Christy for receiving the Community Impact Award from the Summit DD.
…Todd Eisinger for receiving the Carlene Weaver Achievement Award from the Summit DD.
…Stow Mayor Sara Kline for receiving the Public Leader of the Year Award from the Summit DD.
Let us know your news at akronrotary@neo.rr.com. If you are sharing information on behalf of another, please get permission from the Rotarian or his/her family prior to sharing.
In addition to including in the newsletter, cards are sent when appropriate.
The Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Akron met on March 8th. President Sandy Naragon reported on the following items:
Portage Country Club has asked that Rotary Committees refrain from meeting in the common/lobby areas of the club. It hinders staff from setting up for other meetings and is sometimes disruptive to ongoing meetings. Small quite meetings could be held immediately prior to (preferred) or immediately following lunch. Thanks for understanding!
Rotary leadership has been asked to consider creating a satellite club. Officers are researching and discussing to see if the idea would enhance engagement of Akron Rotarians. Watch for more on this.
A Club Assembly has been scheduled for April 16th at our weekly luncheon. Consider this a “state of the club” address as well as an opportunity to provide feedback to club leadership.
President-Elect Jeff Sitz announced that he will be attending President-Elect Training in Columbus. Training and plans are well underway for him to begin serving the Akron Rotary Club in July!
Highlights from committee reports are below:
Service Projects Chair Karen Meek reported the committee is working on creating a mission statement and also criteria to evaluate which projects are a good fit for Akron Rotary—focusing on providing fulfilling engagement and meeting community need.
Youth Exchange Committee member Leslie Tierney shared that exchange student Gabriel Mendez celebrated his 18th birthday. Rotarians Brian Chima and Susan Colville-Hall attended his party. Upcoming trips to Niagara Falls (with Dr. Doug) and the Western US student trips are scheduled.
Steve Shechter, Membership Chair, proposed three new Rotarians who have been approved by the Membership Committee. They’ve met the membership criteria and will be presented to the club membership for consideration.
Steve also reported that in December Rotarian and then-Mayor Jeff Fusco announced a “cooperative city agreement” between Akron and the City of Accra in Ghana. Directors discussed what a great opportunity this is for Akron Rotary and Accra Rotary to develop a connection as well. Directors authorized Steve and Council-at-Large Fusco to serve as liaisons to the Accra Club. Watch for more!
The District Grants Seminar was held on March 5th. Sandy Naragon and new Rotarian Helen Farmer attended. At least two members of each club are required to attend annually in order to qualify for grant opportunities in 2016-17. Akron Rotary is prepared!
Your conference committee selected this theme to represent the changes
we all have embraced to secure Rotary’s future as the
most vibrant and effective service organization in the world.
As leaders continue to join our clubs, Rotary will continue to thrive and the
service we provide will grow because of the committed work of each of you.
We will Join Leaders, Exchange Ideas,
Celebrate our Clubs, Members and Students!!
There will be a lot of fellowship, fun, laughter and
yes, probably a few tears will be shed as
we honor Rotarians who have given of their time
and utilized their talents and efforts
to make a difference in the lives of others to Be a Gift to the World.
As mentioned in the information from the Director's meeting, Steve Shechter and Jeff Fusco will serve as liaisons to help continue to strengthen the relationship between Akron and Accra and look forward to connecting with our fellow Rotarians in the 21 clubs throughout Accra, Ghana.
Congratulations to Steve and Jeff for their ongoing efforts!!
Rotary's member benefits program gives Rotary and Rotaract club members access to discounts on a variety of products and services selected with their interests in mind.
Rotary Global Rewards offers discounts on vehicle rentals, hotels, dining, and entertainment. Products and services from companies around the world are being added every week. Check back often to see what’s new in Rotary Global Rewards.
Tell us how you've benefited from Rotary Global Rewards. Share your #rotarystory on social media or email us at rotaryglobalrewards@rotary.org.
HOW TO REDEEM OFFERS
Anyone can view the offers and discounts on Rotary Global Rewards. But onlyRotary and Rotaract club members who are signed in to their My Rotary accounts can redeem them. You can access and redeem rewards from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Rotaractors must be in our records to redeem or add offers on Rotary Global Rewards. If after signing in to your My Rotary account, you are unable to use Rotary Global Rewards, send your Rotaract club name and membership start date todata@rotary.org using your My Rotary sign-in email so we can update your membership in our database. Please allow 3-5 business days for the change to take effect.
Dick Farkas was selected to serve as District Governor for District 6630 for our 2016-2017 Rotary year. When Dick passed away suddenly last July, many of us, including his wife and fellow Akron Rotarian, Lynda, continued to work diligently to ensure that his dream is realized for the Rotary Foundation Centennial Celebration. Two great events will take place October 23, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dick understood that our District (Rotary International District 6630), as the Home of Arch C. Klumph, Father of The Rotary Foundation, has a special responsibility and privilege to honor Arch Klumph’s memory and his vision while celebrating The Foundation’s accomplishments over the past 100 years. Dick was excited and committed to doing something very special because Dick was also a passionate Rotarian with a vision.
Once of Arch's many achievements included bringing professional music to Cleveland. Because of the relationship between Arch C. Klumph and the Cleveland Orchestra and because the Cleveland Orchestra entertained the attendees at both Rotary International Conventions held in Cleveland in 1925 and 1939 where Arch was involved in coordinating the Orchestra’s performance
We are hosting are TWO separate events on October 23, 2016:
A private afternoon Concert at Severance Hall featuring the Cleveland Orchestra. See below for advance-sale ticket information.
A dinner recognizing those who have made new donations and commitments to The Rotary Foundation in honor of the Foundation’s 100th Anniversary. Featured speakers will include Rotary International President-Elect John Germ and The Rotary Foundation Chair-Elect KalyanBanerjee. You will have the opportunity to create your own legacy with a 100th Anniversary contribution to the Rotary Foundation and become a Foundation Centennial Celebration donor or a member of the Foundation Centennial Celebration class of the Arch Klumph Society. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you don’t want to miss. Tickets for the Donor Dinner event will go on sale soon.
Dick's spectacular vision is coming to fruition, but we need your help to truly make it a reality - here are ways you can join the Celebration:
2. Purchase Individual Concert Tickets
(Advance Sale Offering until Feb. 1st)
Advance Sale Tickets are available to our District but only until midnight February 1, 2016.
Then they go on sale to the entire Rotary International community and will be first come, first served.
Get live updates and vote totals from the Council on Legislation on Rotary.org beginning on 11 April.
Representatives from Rotary clubs worldwide will gather in Chicago 10-15 April to consider changes to the policies that guide Rotary International and its member clubs.
Many of this year’s proposed changes are designed to increase membership by giving clubs greater flexibility in the timing and the nature of their meetings. Other proposals would amend membership requirements.
The Rotary Foundation and UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education are offering up to 10 scholarships for graduate study at UNESCO-IHE's Delft campus in the Netherlands. The aim is to increase the number of trained professionals who can devise, plan, and implement water and sanitation solutions in developing areas. The scholarships also are designed to promote long-term relationships between Rotary members and skilled water and sanitation professionals.
Scholars will receive a Master of Science degree in urban water and sanitation, water management, or water science and engineering. The...
Interact clubs are making a positive difference in schools and communities around the world. Leaders of sponsor Rotary clubs and districts should make sure their Interact clubs get the recognition they deserve by verifying that they qualify for a Presidential Citation.
First, ensure that the Interact club status is active in Rotary's database by checking the Listing of Club-Sponsored Organizations report in Rotary Club Central. If a sponsored club is not listed, submit the Interact Club Certification Form by 1 March.
Then, verify by 15 April that your Interact clubs have qualified for the...
Rotary members, their families and friends can support Rotary’s work by bidding on antiques, artwork, jewelry, and collectibles through eBay Live Auctions events.
Each month, Rotary will promote on its social media outlets a set of upcoming Live Auctions events, and eBay, the world’s largest auction website, will donate a portion of all sale proceeds from those events to Rotary.
Live Auctions events enable buyers to participate in auctions across the United States -- held at such auction houses as Sotheby’s, Swann, and Freeman’s -- without leaving home. Under this proceeds-sharing...
A new email purporting to be from Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Ray Klinginsmith is targeting Rotary members. The email falsely claims that members can become End Polio Now ambassadors if they email club information to a Gmail address within 48 hours.
The fraudulent email has the subject line “BECOME AN END POLIO AMBASSADOR” and is sent from a fake email address.
This is a scam. Rotary staff is working to resolve the issue. Avoid being the victim of scams by deleting any email that appears suspicious.
Since 1914, The Akrotarian has been the
official publication of The Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio.
Be sure to register for Rock ‘N the Change on April 22-24th. The changes sound exciting and fun. Our own Shon Christy is co-chairing the event so you know it will be fun!!! Hope to see Akron Rotary members out in force! 
The Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Akron met on March 8th. President Sandy Naragon reported on the following items:
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