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One of the most important ways we live out Rotary's commitment to youth is by ensuring that every member completes our annual Youth Protection Awareness training. This training is required for all Rotary Club of Akron members each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) and helps us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for the youth we serve through our programs and activities.
If you have not yet completed this year's training, please check your inbox for an email from NAYEN Training Administrator (noreply@nayen.org) with the subject line "Rotary District 6630 Training Course: Youth Protection Awareness." The email contains your personal link to access the training. If you cannot locate the email, please be sure to check your spam or junk folder as well.
To date, only 17 members have completed this year's training. We need everyone's participation to ensure our club remains compliant and continues to uphold Rotary's commitment to youth protection. The training is straightforward, completed online, and only takes a short amount of time.
If you have not yet completed your training, please make it a priority to do so as soon as possible. Protecting youth is everyone's responsibility, and your participation helps the Rotary Club of Akron continue creating a safe and lasting impact in our community.
If you have any questions or experience any issues accessing the training, please contact me directly at michael.h.gladysz@huntington.com and I will be happy to assist.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this important requirement and for your continued commitment to Rotary's mission and values.
Michael Gladysz
Rotary Club of Akron
Club President 2026-27
** The Scholarship Interviews have been moved to the fall (previously held in winter) to accommodate the holiday schedule and to avoid snow days.
The Club will begin interviewing Akron Public School students for the 15 $1,000 Akron Rotary Foundation scholarships at the end of October.
Interviews will be conducted in person at the APS Administration Building (10 North Main Street). We are looking for two or three Rotarians to assist with each interview session. The time commitment will be approximately 3.5 hours, depending on the number of student applicants in each category. Interviews will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Interview Dates
- Manufacturing, Engineering and Skilled Trades: Wednesday, October 28 | 8:00–11:30 a.m.
- Health and Human Services: Friday, November 6 | 8:00–11:30 a.m.
- Public Service: Friday, November 13 | 8:00–11:30 a.m.
- Arts, Media and Communications: Wednesday, November 18 | 8:00–11:30 a.m.
- Business, Marketing and Information Technology: Friday, November 20 | 8:00–11:30 a.m.
We will forward the student application materials we receive from APS a few days prior to each scheduled interview session. We will also provide you with a copy of the interview questions for your guidance.
If you are interested in participating, please email Amber at amberbarkoukis@gmail.com and let her know which category or categories you would be interested in interviewing. Amber will notify volunteers as soon as possible regarding selections.
We encourage our new members to consider volunteering. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet some truly remarkable APS students, and we think you will be impressed by their accomplishments, goals and commitment to their futures.
Thank you for considering volunteering and for your continued support of Akron Public School students and the Akron Rotary Foundation scholarship program!
Best,
Amber, Liv and Terry
Thank you all for hosting me and allowing to meet so many great people that believe in this community. It is an honor to share my story and our Akron Women's Basketball teams journey. If there is anything we can do to help you / your causes please don't hesitate to reach out. My email is rgensler@uakron.edu and my cell is 352-318-2317
If you would like to come to game, bring a group to a game, please contact me. Season tickets are only $60 : https://gozips.evenue.net/events/WBS
Thanks for your support! Go Zips! -Ryan Gensler "
Ryan Gensler
Head Coach- Women's Basketball
University of Akron
DONATE TO OUR COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE FUND
Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs raised more than $712,000 during its 2026 Regatta on Saturday, September 26, bringing together over 375 community supporters, families, volunteers, and friends to invest in the future of Camp and the children and adults with disabilities it serves.
Held at Akron Rotary Camp on Rex Lake, the biennial Regatta raised critical funds for facilities, equipment, capital improvements, and repairs to help ensure Camp remains safe, welcoming, and accessible for campers and families year after year.
Akron Rotarian Mike Wojno, an Akron business leader, real estate developer, community volunteer, and dedicated supporter of Akron Rotary Camp, served as Honorary Chair of the 2026 Regatta. Wojno is Chairman of the Board of New Leaf Ventures and serves on the Akron Rotary Camp Board, including as a past President.
The Lehner Family Foundation served as the event’s Presenting Sponsor. President’s Club Sponsors included Employ-Temps Staffing Services, Steve Comunale and Jane Prem, and RDA Hotel Management Company. Akron Rotary Foundation served as Admiral Sponsor.
In addition to the funds raised through the Regatta, guests celebrated the announcement of a transformational $500,000 commitment from Joan and Rocco DiLillo over 10 years to establish the Joan & Rocco DiLillo Rotary Camp Scholarship Program. The scholarships will be awarded annually to Camp counselors in recognition of their dedication to creating meaningful, inclusive experiences for the campers they serve.
The gift reflects the vital role counselors play at Akron Rotary Camp, helping campers build confidence, form friendships, and discover new possibilities through their encouragement and support.
For 102 years, Akron Rotary Camp has created life-changing experiences for children and adults with special needs, fostering independence, friendship, and a sense of belonging while providing families with a supportive community.
Mella A. Castner
Executive Director
Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, OH 44319
(330) 644-4512 x3201 work
(330) 322-7206 cell/text
Messiah Lutheran Church, located at 4700 S Main Street, Akron, is excited to host its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, October 24, from 6 to 8pm to benefit Rotary Camp. The evening will include a great meal, a performance from the Blue Tip Big Band, Raffle baskets and more. Take a break from cooking and join us for the best Spaghetti Dinner in town! Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door. We hope to see you there!
Amanda Warner
Director of Volunteer Opportunities & Special Events
Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
(330) 644-4512 x 3205
Hello Akron Rotarians - it's that time of year again when we gather Acme Receipts! Please assist us in earning community cash back by saving your Acme Receipts dated August 1 to February 15, 2027, and sending them to the camp office, or turning them into Kelly at Rotary Lunch. The funds raised through Community Cashback will help provide essential program supplies. Thank you for your support!
Kind regards,
Amanda Warner
Director of Volunteer Opportunities & Special Events
Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
(330) 644-4512 x 3205 | gotcamp.org | Facebook | Instagram
WOW—what a wonderful field trip! A huge thank-you to everyone who played a part in organizing such a memorable experience, and a shout out to Robert J. for the delicious lunch!
The tour and overview of the facility were truly outstanding. John Flume did a tremendous job sharing his knowledge and explaining every aspect of the museum—from the beautiful buildings to the fascinating exhibits. He was incredibly gracious in answering all of our questions and made the experience both informative and enjoyable.
We certainly weren’t ready for the tour to end! I’m sure many of us will be returning again soon to enjoy this incredible gem that we are so fortunate to have right here in Akron. What a special experience!
