June 2008 Rotary President's Newsletter

Dear Akron Rotarians,

It’s All About M.E. Revisited

When I started my presidency back in 2007, I indicated to the club that my theme would be “It’s all about M.E.”

That’s….. M for Membership.
And…….. E for Electronic Communication.

As my term nears an end, let’s review the progress we have made in these areas.

Membership

To date, we have added 16 new members with four in the pipeline. We are well on our way to reaching our goal of twenty new members. This is the largest increase in new members among the 56 rotary clubs in the district for 2007-08.

Again, I want to congratulate Charlene Corlett and the membership committee for their work and diligence in helping to revitalize the club. Going into fiscal 2008 our club was at a membership low of 117 and things looked grim. Going into fiscal 2009, although we always lose some members in the end of the year process, we hope to have a base of 125 to 130 members and continue to grow the membership from there.

The focus on membership has paid off with a healthier and more invigorated club.

Electronic Communications

We have defi nitely made strides in this area, also. The Board has voted to make the roster electronic, which will save printing expenses and allow for easier updates for roster changes. As most of you are aware, by the time it is printed,
the roster is already out of date. That problem will be eliminated.

The web-site now features a mini-roster that contains a printable list of all members with their signifi cant phone numbers. There is also a mini-roster containing e-mail addresses.

We are also taking a serious look at Club Runner to update and streamline our web-site. This system is now being used by other clubs in the district and from all indications has made updating and electronic communications much easier.

Your Next President

Here is some information on your next president, Dick Farkas.

Dick was born in Massillon, Ohio. He grew up in South Florida and is a University of Florida “Gator” Alumnus. He served in the military almost 30 years, starting as an enlisted member of the U.S. Naval Reserve for over 4 years, then as an offi cer in the Air Force for 25 years. Dick’s Air Force specialties were nuclear and
national early warning operations, and space operations.

He has been a Rotarian since 1991, shortly after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. He is the past president of the Rotary Club of Annandale Virginia and is a Paul Harris Fellow.

Dick now owns Farkas Group, LLC specializing in organizational development and management/leadership coaching in Akron and Orlando, FL.

He is also a Registered Investment Representative, owns a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) life insurance designation and is an experienced executive in military, corporate and nonprofi t operations.

Welcome Dick Farkas as the next president of Akron Rotary.

Thank you

As my term draws to a close, I want to take time to thank all those who have helped get me through the past year. A huge Thank You to Mary Weaver who has kept me on the straight and narrow and has helped me focus on what needs to be done.

Thanks, also to the Rotary Board, the Foundation Board and the Camp Board for all their hard work. Thanks too must go to the Chili Open Committee, Mark Krohn and Dan Reynolds in particular, for stepping up and making sure that the Chili Open was a success this year.

And last, but not least, thanks to the club members for their support throughout the year.

It has been my pleasure serving as your president.

Yours in Rotary,
Dan

Dues are due before the June 10 th board meeting.  Click HERE for invoice!

Featured News

The following New Member Applications were submitted and approved by the Board:

Bill Price, Attorney, Elk & Elk
proposed by Charlene Corlett

If there is any question about accepting this proposed member for membership,
members must respond by June 10, 2008 to the Club office.

Dear Friends,

Greetings from the sunny shores of Rex Lake!

I can’t believe that this is my ninth summer as director of Rotary Camp! Over the years I’ve met thousands of campers and their families, hired hundreds of staff members, and led countless rounds of the Bear Song! The best part of this mission is seeing the difference we make. There are only a few precious
moments a year… campers developing their fi rst friendship, a parent spending time with their other children for the fi rst time in years, or a staff member who shares love for the first time by helping others.

These are the blessings I count.

Please take a few moments out of your busy schedule this summer season to experience the joy, wonder, and love of Rotary Camp. Whether you are coming to dinner, or driving a boat, or planting fl owers… I hope you will have the opportunity, not to give, but to experience what Rotary Camp is really about.

I look forward to seeing you at camp!

In the Spirit of Camping,
Dan Reynolds
Executive Director

Rotary Camp Campaign Update

Rotary has entered in partnership with Goettler & Associates to conduct a feasibility study for the Capital Campaign. As a part of the feasibility study process, Goettler will be interviewing local Rotarians and other community leaders to determine the local support and fi nancial commitment available to our camp.

Thanks to all of the members who have contributed names to be interviewed. The Campaign Committee, which is made up of members of the Club, Camp, and Foundation Boards, has prioritized the interview list and approved the preliminary case study.

Goettler & Associates is currently scheduling interviews which will take place over the early summer months. A summary of the interviews will be presented in August with recommendations on a total campaign goal.

June Luncheon Programs

Don't forget to invite prospective Rotarians to our very informative programs!

If any member needs to occupy a spot in the speaker schedule at any point during the year please let Dominic Frisina know as soon as possible so that he may reserve a place in the schedule for you. We often schedule speakers months in advance, so we cannot guarantee that a slot will be available unless you reserve it. Currently we have speakers booked through June 2008.

Save the Date

Remember to keep June 26th open on your calendar to join us in honoring President Dan at the President’s Gala.

Click HERE for invitation!

We are currently looking for donations for the silent auction during the gala.
Items that have been donated in the past have included; Gift Baskets, Sporting
Event Tickets, Restaurant Gift Certificates as well as various Service Items, but
any donation will be gladly accepted. If you have something that you can donate
you can contact either Ed Wagner or Ana Nino.

JUNE BOOSTERS

To join, please send your contribution of $25 for a one-year sponsorship; you will receive recognition in the Akrotarian. Checks should be payable to and mailed to the Rotary Club of Akron, 263 Millcreek Dr., Akron, OH 44307-2217.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JUNE BIRTHDAYITES 

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Meetings: Noon, Tuesday
Martin University Center
105 Fir Hill

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