Wayne Homes didn’t invent custom, on-your-lot homebuilding. But for nearly 50 years, we’ve been working hard to reinvent it. To make it more customer-oriented. More affordable. And even more flexible, with practically unlimited customizable choices. In other words, to make it more do-able for more people.
That’s our mission. And we’re happy to say we’ve made some great strides. Our customer satisfaction rating is among the best in the industry, and we’re one of a handful of builders in the entire country to win the National Housing Quality award.
Brennan, Manna & Diamond LLC Exteriors Plus Construction
O’Neill Insurance
Perrin Asphalt & Concrete
SeibertKeck Insurance Partners
Stutler Leasing, Inc.
Whitey’s Premium Chili
Wright LaHaie Jarvis Wealth Advisors
Caring Partners $1,250
The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory
CLA
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Firestone Country Club
FirstEnergy Family Credit Union
Focal Point Social Media
Hasenstab Architects, Inc.
Huntington National Bank In Memory of Wanda Laura Fair
Pamela Kiltau
Lang Financial Group
Martins Steel Fabrication, Inc.
Sandy and Jeff Naragon
David and Susie Nelson
Paul J. Kruder Family Ports Petroleum Co., Inc. John and Linda Reyes
S Group, Inc.
Smithers-Oasis Company
Summit Construction Company
TNT Exterminating
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Cheryl and Steve Warren
Camperships
Akrochem Corporation Akron Porcelain & Plastics Co. Akron Tool and Die Co., Inc. Artists, Inc. Blind & Sons The Brandle Family W. Stewart Buchanan, CPA Cell-O-Core Choice Home Inspection Services The Caroline Lyman & Family Foundation Concordia at Sumner John Daily DKC-Warfield and Company Dominion East Ohio Jim and Ann Durr (5) Galehouse Lumber Co. The Geopfert Company GMP Friction Products (2) Morgan Goldthwaite Graves Lumber Co. Andrew and Amanda Grover Jeff Grosenbaugh, Citizens Bank, Commercial Banking Harwick Standard Distribution Marcia Holcomb
Holmes Siding Hudson Technology Partners Hummel Funeral Homes (2) Oscar and Barbara Hunsicker Terry and Jennifer Jarvis Cyndi Kane - Re/Max Crossroads Kovatch Castings, Inc. Kyocera SGS Precision Tool Margida & Associates, Inc. (2) Steve and Jeannine Marks Rob and Sharon McGregor Joe and Tamara Mora Northern Lighting & Supply Dan & Sheila O'Connell Peninsula Associates Architects LLC Pleasant Valley Teardrop Trailers Polymer Valley Chemicals and Minerals Portage Community Bank Premium Balloon Accessories
Raging Wolf Solutions LLC Roger Read/Sally Miller Dan and Carol Riemenschneider Stark Truss Company, Inc. Stillpoint Therapeutic Massage Center Stow Munroe Falls Community Foundation, Inc. Scott and Dorie Stutler Wayside Furniture Western Reserve Hospital Westfield Bank
In-Kind Supporters
Fox Sports Ohio/SportsTime Ohio
Hale Farm and Village
hfa
S Group, Inc.
CHILI OPEN
LINKS
ABOUT US
The Akron Rotary Camp 4460 Rex Lake Drive Akron, OH 44319 P: 330-644-4512 E: amandaw@akronymca.org
Akron Rotary’s Chili Open is one of Summit County’s largest and most unique promotional venues. The event consists of a day long golf outing and chili dinner at Hale Farm and Village in Bath, Ohio on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Dr. Robert McGregor is the Chief Medical Officer of Akron Children's Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics at NEOMED. He spoke to our members about Covid and Covid vaccine status and distribution plans evolving in Akron as well the pros & cons of the new Covid vaccines. He then opened up an interactive and fairly lively Q and A session. View the presentation by clicking here or on the above graphics.
As CMO, Dr. McGregor is a voting member of Akron Children’s Hospital board of directors, and his CMO responsibilities include: implementing the hospital’s strategic plan; overseeing all provider clinical care delivery; directing medical education; and overseeing physician and nurse practitioner recruitment contracting and retention. During his tenure he has facilitated re-design of the quality oversight structure and has recently taken over the oversight of the Research Institute. For the past 11 months Dr. McGregor has serves as co-incident commander beside the Chief Operating officer and has been instrumental in working with the hospital and community throughout the pandemic on safety protocols. Prior to Akron Children's, Dr. McGregor was the pediatrician-in-chief and interim pediatrics chair at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and a pediatrics professor at the Drexel University College of Medicine.
PDG Harig, DGND Julie Brandle and Linda Farkas of the RC of Akron helped collect items from the Summit County S-Medina County Cluster to be delivered to the VA Hospital.
Michael Gallucci was inducted on January 12, 2021. His sponsor is Dan Reynolds.
Michael has been a member of the Rotary Camp Board of Trustees for approximately 8 years and became the President of the Board on January 1, 2021.
Reynolds shared, “he is very dedicated to the camp and is a fantastic leader in our community. He sees the big picture and has the unique ability to work with anyone to accomplish a goal.”
Michael is the Executive Vice President of RDA Hotel Management Company and President of the Cornerstone Management Company, which over the past 32 years has owned and operated seventeen hotels/restaurants and offers hotel consulting services. He graduated from Bowling Green State University and Cleveland Marshall College of Law and has been a licensed attorney since 1980.
He also serves on the boards of Akron General Health System and is a Trustee of the Esther Lewis Warburton Foundation.
He and his wife Grace enjoy traveling and spending time with family.
Welcome Michael Gallucci our Newest Akron Rotary Member
The purpose of Rotary Cares is to show our supportfor Akron Rotarymembers and their families whendealing with the loss of a loved one,thehardship of illness and also tocelebrate the joy of a new baby, job,marriageor other events in their lives. Please be sure to email me(click here) with any news you would like placed here. Note that information is posted only with permission of the individual(s).
Condolences
Akron member John A. Mogen passed away on January 11, 2021. He was born in Owatonna, Minnesota. He received a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a Master’s degree in public administration from the University of Minnesota. He then worked for two years for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in Chicago and then another two years with the Cornell University/Ford Foundation consortium in Santiago, Chile.
John moved to Akron in 1969 and worked for Forest City/Dillon as a development manager. In 1976, he became a licensed real estate broker and later became a partner in the Spalding/Mogen Real Estate Company. He formed Mogen Real Estate in 1989.
John joined Akron Rotary in January, 1979. He was a very active member and always involved at the Rotary Camp and all of our other service projects. He served in many capacities including as a member of the Akron Rotary Foundation Board.
Outside of Rotary, John was a true community leader serving on many boards including Akron General Partners, the Akron Chapter of the American Red Cross, United Disability Service, Greater Akron Music Association, Sumner on Merriman and Summit County’s Social Services Advisory Board and the Akron Symphony Foundation. He was a member of the Commerce Club and a past president of that organization. He was a long-time member of the Akron Board of Realtors and was selected as the commercial/industrial realtor of the year. Read the full obituary by clicking here
In his leisure time, John enjoyed travelling (he had visited every nation in South America), playing tennis and an occasional round of golf.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kristine (Tina); sons Nicholas (Bronwyn) and Alexander (Emily); four granddaughters and one great grandson. He is also survived by siblings Kay (Howard) Anderson, Karen (Jerry) Ingvaldson, Lucy (William) Monahan and James (Monica); and his step-mother Ruth.
There will be no calling hours and no service at this time. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
If you wish, please make a donation in John’s name to the Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Dr., Akron, OH 44319.
Tim Miller, husband of Rotarian Katy Miller is a small business owner and 35-year member of NFIB. Tim has been appointed to a seat on the Ohio Board of Education by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Mr. Miller has been extremely active with NFIB in his local Area Action Council in Akron and also the statewide Leadership Council for the organization.
The State Board of Education consists of 19 members, 11 elected and eight appointed by the governor. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as non-voting ex officio members, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction serves as secretary of the State Board of Education.
Mr. Miller was also elected to serve for two terms on the Akron Public School Board. Serving on their Finance Committee gave him a great understanding of the intricacies of school funding. He also participated as a stakeholder in the Ohio School Board’s Strategic Plan. While on the school board he did an excellent job of inviting educators to understand the needs of the business committee, bringing several to attend NFIB meetings as his guest.
He is active in the Akron Rotary and is also the current president of the Cascade Locks Park Association which serves to preserve, protect and promote the industrial, commercial and cultural heritage of the Park along locks 10-16 of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
“Tim Miller has the temperament, judgment, dedication, and desire to be an excellent member of the Ohio Board of Education. During his participation with NFIB, he has demonstrated a firm belief that the Ohio business and education communities can come together to prepare our students for the workforce in the Akron area, and now he can help carry that forward at the state level,” said Roger Geiger, Executive Director for NFIB in Ohio.
“A thank you to Governor DeWine for appointing a small business owner who understands what skill sets it takes to be meaningfully employed in today’s economic climate. It is important to have Tim’s voice on the Ohio School Board of Education, bringing the perspective of job creators to the table,” Geiger continued. Click to view full press release
The Chili Open is only 25 days away and we are counting on your support to make this event successful!
Raffle Tickets Please take a moment to watch this message (click on the photo) from Jerry VanDevere from The VanDevere Bunch about Chili Open Raffle Tickets! If you have not returned our raffle tickets yet, please show your support and purchase them today at ChiliOpen.net. Please share with your friends, family and colleagues and support this great cause.
Help fill the Wheelbarrow of Good Cheer and Wine Fridge
The 2021 Chili Open Silent Auction will again feature a Wheelbarrow of Good Cheer and a Wine Fridge! Please help us fill these items with any donation of unopened bottles of wine, spirits and mixers, bar glassware, cocktail napkins, etc. If you can’t make it shopping, we will be happy to accept donations for this. Your contributions can be sent directly to Nichole Major through Venmo @Nichole-Major, or Paypal, Nichole2282@yahoo.com. These will be very desirable items to bid on during the auction, and the winning bidder gets to take home their new wheelbarrow along with all of its contents.
Collecting Items:
The Rotary Camp Staff will be happy to meet you during selected times and several drop-off locations to bring raffle tickets, silent auction items, or bottles of liquor on:
Thursdays: January 14, January 21 and January 28 12-1 pm at Akron Rotary Camp (4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, OH) 5-6 pm at Akron Rotary Camp (4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, OH), or
5-6 pm at World Elite Kids (81 Northwest Ave, Tallmadge, OH 44278), or 5-6 pm at Hilton Akron Fairlawn (3180 W Market St, Akron, OH 44333)
Thank you in advance for your donations to help make the Chili Open a continued success to benefit Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs!
Here are the most current results of our fundraising efforts as of January 12, 2021!
Thank you and please keep up the great work...we WILL get there!!
Although the Chili Open will look different from previous years due the impact of COVID-19, and whether you choose to attend in person or virtually, your gift will make a significant impact allowing us to continue to serve the vulnerable youth in our community.
The annual fundraiser represents 30% of operating costs to the Rotary Camp's annual budget. This ensures that no child is turned away due to their family’s inability to pay. We are extremely thankful to our Chili Open Presenting Sponsor, Wayne Homes for their continued commitment to the camp.
Join us in welcoming our newest member, Megan Olesen. She was sponsored by Tom Knauer.
Megan recently began a new career as a Realtor with Howard Hanna, however she maintains a relatively full-time position teaching English as a second language to Chinese children from the comfort of her home. Prior to those two current roles, Megan worked for Summit DD in several positions including in schools and group homes.
Megan and her husband of 12 years, Kurt, live in the Lakemore area along with their 6 year old daughter, Emma. Kurt works as a financial analyst at the Cleveland Clinic. Megan currently home schools Emma and belongs to several home school support groups and are also involved in Girl Scouts. As a family they enjoy hiking, traveling, and being outdoors. In her free time Megan loves to read.
Megan and Kurt are passionate about instilling the values of service and volunteerism in Emma at a young age. Megan is very familiar and impressed with the Rotary Camp, as her 18-year-old nephew has autism and has participated in various programs at the Camp for many years.
During her intersation, Megan expressed an interest in joining our Club due to our reputation as a leading service organization in the community, and her desire to give back to the Greater Akron/NEO communities in a meaningful way, while also forging friendships, and mutually beneficial connections and relationships for career networking purposes.
Rotary Camp had a great kick-off to the Holidays on Sunday, December 20th, as Santa and his Elves were busy spreading some Holiday Cheer. Our holiday drive-by was a huge success with over 60 families participating. All campers and their siblings received a gift from the jolly man himself, and every family went home with a gift card to help with the holidays.
We truly appreciate all the support of gifts and gift card donations for our campers and their families. Thank you for helping us spread some Holiday Cheer!
You can view the video of the event at https://youtu.be/6XpKwdzAles. Thank you to all who helped make this a special event!
Dan Reynolds District Executive Director Akron Rotary Camp
The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of virtually touring Stan Hywet Hall during our Tuesday, December 15th holiday club meeting. In addition to the virtual tour, listed below are a few interesting facts about Stan Hywet that might intrigue you to visit Stan Hywet for the first time or make a return visit.
Stan Hywet Beginnings: In 1910, F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, began to purchase land in Portage Township, a farming area on the west side of the Akron city limits. Seiberling and his wife, Gertrude, wanted to build a home large enough for their growing brood and their extended family. They also wanted the house to function as a center for entertainment and events for the greater Akron community. They named it Stan Hywet, Old English for stone quarry — after the property’s most prominent natural feature. Seiberling hired architect Charles Schneider, landscape designer Warren Manning, and interior decorator Hugo Huber to create Stan Hywet. Construction began in 1912 and the Seiberling family moved to their new house in December,1915. The Seiberlings enjoyed Stan Hywet Hall for the next 40 years —opening their doors countless times to the community, as well as marking family milestones throughout the estate.
The Stan Hywet estate includes:
70 acres
5 historic buildings
10 fully restored historic gardens
collection and furnishings with 95% original to the estate
Historic House Museum and Garden:
After the death of F.A. Seiberling in 1955, Stan Hywet became a non-profit historic house museum, opening for tours so that the public could benefit from the cultural, educational, and inspirational riches of one of the most significant achievements in architecture and horticulture to come out of America’s Industrial Age. Stan Hywet is open Tuesday-Sunday for tours, April - December.
Stan Hywet Hall: Construction 1912 – 1915:
Architectural Style: Tudor revival
Construction materials, exterior: red brick, steel, sandstone, Vermont slate, copper, oak and plaster
Construction materials on the interior include American oak, chestnut, black walnut, sandalwood, teak and rosewood
Manor House Square Footage 64,500 sq ft.
Length: 300 feet; the basement extends the length of the house
Height: Main Structure, three stories; Music Room, two stories; Tower, four stories
The Estate became a beacon of progress for F.A. and his business associates, who often met at Stan Hywet to discuss and negotiate the challenges of the day.
Gertrude Seiberling:
F.A. Seiberling's wife, Gertrude, established her own reputation as an accomplished artist, musician and patron of the arts. The home served as an international stage for well-known figures in music, the arts, and politics. She applied her passion for gardening, music, and the arts to help found Tuesday Musical and the Akron Garden Club, institutions that remain strong, vibrant, and iconic organizations and that still support the estate today.
Alcoholics Anonymous:
The Gate Lodge has its own important history. On Mother's Day, 1935, Henrietta Buckler Seiberling daughter-in-law of F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling, brought together Bill W. and Dr. Bob, so they could talk to each other about their drinking problems. The conversation lasted well into the evening, a discussion that led to the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that continues to benefit millions worldwide.
IMPACT ON AKRON
Stan Hywet is Akron’s first and largest National Historic Landmark
The 6th largest historic home open to the public
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums
Throughout their lifetimes, F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling set an unparalleled example to their children, who made the choice in 1957 to carry forward their parents’ generosity by gifting Stan Hywet to the Akron community. We follow the example set by F.A., Gertrude and their heirs as we usher it forward for the benefit of future generations. Above the Manor House entryway, the crest bearing the motto Non Nobis Solum (Not for Us Alone), welcomes guests as warmly today as it did a century ago.
Stan Hywet is clearly an Akron treasure. If you haven’t had the opportunity to tour the home and grounds, I encourage everyone to do so. There are special events throughout the year and there is an annual membership option that is reasonable. For further information on Stan Hywet, please check out www.stanhywet.org.
Nearly 200 local nonprofit organizations have been awarded $5,135,000 in grants from the County of Summit and Akron Community Foundation through the Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Program, as well as through an additional contribution from Summit DD. The program, announced earlier this fall, is providing federal CARES Act funding to 501(c)(3) organizations throughout Summit County that provide for the basic needs of underserved County residents, as well as nonprofits in the arts and cultural sector.
The Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs was one of the recipients. Thank you!!
Those of us who serve on the Rotary Club of Akron Foundation board wish you the best as 2020 comes to a close. Many members of Rotary have asked what the Akron Rotary Foundation does as opposed to Rotary International Foundation. Some even didn't know a local foundation existed. Below is a communication to help concisely answer what your Foundation focuses on and supports. Please read on (click on image to enlarge)...
If you have the ability, we hope you will include the Akron Rotary Foundation in your year end giving. You canclick here to donatenow or simply send a gift by US Mail to the Rotary Camp. Thank you for your consideration and let's have a great year in 2021!
Our Club is very excited that Julie Brandle has been selected as District 6630 Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) in line to serve as our Governor for the 2023-2024 Rotary year.
Julie Brandle is a past president of the Rotary Club of Akron and currently serves District 6630 as Assistant Governor for Summit S - Medina County Cluster, chair of the District Conference Committee, and member of the Foundation Gala committee. She has also served the District as a facilitator for the Tri-District Membership Event and chair of the public image committee.
Julie is a committed community advocate and currently serves on the boards of Kent State University's Construction Management program, the Portage Development Board (economic development), Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Urban League, Greater Akron Chamber, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) Northeast Ohio, and the Rotary Club of Akron. Julie volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. Julie is a Lifetime Gold Award Girl Scout and holds the adult honors of Women of Distinction and the Thanks Badge.
Julie is a graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, as well as Bowling Green State University where she earned a double major in Interpersonal and Public Communication and Soviet Studies and a travel grant scholarship to study in Kiev, Ukraine. She is a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses, ScaleratorNEO, Leadership Portage County and is currently in Leadership Akron's Class 37.
Julie is the president and a founder of Metis Construction Services, a female-owned commercial general contractor located in Kent. Metis completes ground-up, renovation, and facilities maintenance projects throughout Ohio, along with projects currently in PA, IL, KY, MI, and NY. With over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and public relations, Julie oversees these areas of expertise for Metis along with being an integral part of the management team that designs and manages the overall business strategy for Metis Construction.
Julie is the daughter of Rich(deceased) and Leann Soika and has a brother Rich (Sharon) and sister Kristen (Orlando) and 5 nieces and nephews (Orlando, RJ, Lydia, Ardynn and Reid). Julie and her husband Steven reside in Brimfield Twp. Their daughter Kimberly is a senior Intervention Specialist major preparing to graduate in May 2021 from Bowling Green State University.
These members of the Akron Rotary Club have honorably served as Rotary International District 6630 Governors (DG). District 6630 has been renamed over the years as noted.
Formerly 21st District (renamed in 1922)
1922-23 Theodore E. Smith*
Formerly 158th District (renamed in 1937)
1944-45 Harry E. Votaw*
Formerly 229th District (renamed in 1949)
1956-57 William D. Zahrt*
Formerly District 663 (renamed in 1957)
1968-69 Leslie P. Hardy*
Renamed District 6630 (renamed in 1991)
2003-04 Jack A. Harig
2010-11 Stew Buchanan
2015-16 Cheryl A. Warren
2019-20 John L. Reyes
We look forward to adding Julie Brandle in 2023-2024!
The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of listening to Ali Miller and Chris Meyers from Playhouse Square at our Tuesday, December 8, 2020 weekly meeting. View the video by clicking here.
Chris has been employed with Playhouse Square for the past 18 years, the past 12 years as Sales Manager. Ali is an Akron native and graduate of Firestone High School. Ali’s work experience includes the Akron Civic Theater, The Public Theater in New York City (famous for some little shows called A Chorus Line and Hamilton), Broadway.com and Broadway Across America in New York City, and finally a return to Ohio to work with Playhouse Square. It was a very engaging presentation with multiple follow-up questions about the organization, its challenges, successes, etc.
Playhouse Square is a theater district in downtown Cleveland. It is the largest performing arts center in the US outside of New York City. Constructed in a span of 19 months in the early 1920s, the theaters were subsequently closed down, but were revived through a grassroots effort. Their renovation and reopening helped usher in a new era of downtown revitalization in Cleveland.
Playhouse Square is one of Broadway’s premier touring partners, made possible by the region’s enthusiastic Broadway audiences - the largest base of season tickets holders in the country (over 50,000), skilled labor force, knowledgeable and hard-working staff, dedicated volunteers, and beautiful venues.
Playhouse Square is a Not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is presenting and producing a wide variety of quality performing arts, advancing arts education and creating a destination that is a superior location for entertainment, business and residential living, thereby strengthening the economic vitality of the region.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION
Playhouse Square understands its vital role as an educator in the community and is committed to providing arts learning opportunities of the highest quality to enrich the lives of students, families, teachers, and adults.
Since its inception in 1998, the Community Engagement & Education Department has offered thousands of events, workshops, classes and more, most with minimal or no fees, to people of all ages from all areas of Northeast Ohio.
Playhouse Square is proud to commit to arts education, providing a variety of free and low-cost programs dedicated to inspiring and invigorating people of all ages, perspectives, and abilities. As a result of the pandemic impact, Playhouse Square has modified their community education programming.
Educators have been given rights to all nine shows that have been recorded. Currently 900 classrooms have signed up and over 19,000 students have benefited. In addition to the ability to view these shows in the classroom, there are also pre- and post- show activities for the students to participate in as part of their learning experience.
While Playhouse Square is known for the great performances that are produced to interested ticket holders, what is more impressive are the sensory-friendly programming that the Playhouse Square has implemented. Their sensory-friendly initiative is dedicated to increasing access and inclusion for those with sensory needs including persons with autism.
Like many businesses, Playhouse Square has been impacted significantly as a result of COVID 19. To date, they have had to cancel over 600 performances and have sustained a $7 million dollar loss. They will be implementing a fund-raising campaign to help them continue to weather the pandemic. Current plans call for a resumption of their programming in the Fall of 2021.
Playhouse Square has partnered with the University of Akron/EJ Thomas Hall for the past 5 years to share their Broadway Series. Currently EJ Thomas has over 2500 ticket holders for the Broadway Series. This partnership will continue when the Broadway Series returns in the Fall of 2021.
To learn more about Playhouse Square and their numerous initiatives, growth plans, etc., I encourage everyone to go to their website www.playhouse.square.org.
Rotary Youth Exchange Committee held its 1st meeting in months Dec. 1 via Zoom. It was exciting to see returning members since we have NOT worked together since March. We referred to documents that that set out new Rotary policy for Youth Exchange from RI President Holger Knaack* and Bob Heydorn*, Rotary District 6630 Youth Exchange General Chair. There will be no exchanges before Jun 30, 2021. The decision to accept exchanges will be made at that date. Our patience has been alerted and we are working to maintain the momentum the RYE Committee had developed over the last two years hosting two exchange students each year. It’s important that we be ready to help the young people of Akron engage in this life changing experience when the exchange becomes possible. (*These communications were also in the most recent District Newsletter.)
Topics we discussed focused on finding strategies to strengthen the RYE Program during this Stay-at-Home period. We plan to build greater Club knowledge of RYE Program and connect with Interact and RYLA clubs to get the message out to other youths. To do this, we will reach out to former Inbounders (Zoey Mayer, Elin Na and others) so they can attend a Zoom meeting and share (5 minutes) about what they are doing now. We also intend to work with John Margida to invite Rotex (former District Outbound students) to present their experiences to the Club (Audrey Carroll, Viet Nguyen, Auri Gaston, etc.). Another way to reach young people and their parents is to put the message about RYE programs in school districts’ newsletters to parents (Akron, Coventry, Stow, Green, Norton). We’d like to meet with Mark West, District 6630’s person in charge of RYLA, to share information about the Exchange. We intend to reach out to Janice Weaver and Alma De Blasio, Interact Advisors at North High School. It would be wonderful for The Rotary Club of Akron to facilitate a H.S. Interact project to promote International Peace through Exchange.
Another focus was Protecting Youth Program Participants, a concern that stems from the need for Rotary to send students into a “safe environment.” So, by announcing that there will be no exchanges before June 30, 2021, and that the decision will be made then whether to allow the exchanges to proceed guarantees that Rotary is protecting our young participants. In addition, our Akron Risk Committee will clear any documents that go to members or to the general public.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was another focus of discussion with ways to include it in our program. We talked about ways to make the program available for a committed student who can’t afford the cost of fees and air transportation, since we have had students in the past who dropped out because of financial challenges. We are looking into multiple ways to address this concern. We would like to see greater diversity of young people applying for the program. We can definitely work with schools and districts to encourage more students to apply if they know there is support there for them.
There is also a new option for students, the virtual exchange. We hope to learn more by talking to Rotarian John Koetz (in Columbus) who has been in charge of virtual exchanges to date. A couple of committee members plan to attend a Webinar on 22 January on this topic. We are also looking at ways to help students become more language proficient before they go abroad or during a virtual exchange.
Another important topic, Develop recruiting strategies, guided our brainstorming. Suggestions ranged from
1) get in contact with all past host families to engage them in supporting our host family recruitment;
2) place notices about our program in local high school or district newsletters regularly to get the contact information out there for hosting, a description of short-term program, a description of long-term program; 3) send articles to local papers like Stow Sentry, the West Ender, etc.; and, 4) bring in past Outbound students (Rotex) to keep the topic on the front burner for the club.
Next meeting in January will be 12th or 19th at 11 am before General Meeting. TBA later.
We are open to new members who would like to work with young people, welcoming them, making certain their experience is going well, helping them get used to the American culture, acting as a guide to Akron’s cultural offering.
To get you in the festive mood here are some Mocktail and Cocktail (if you are feeling super festive at noon!) recipes to try during our meeting or after the work day is over and you want to watch the recording.
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail~
Shake 2 ounces each bourbon, cranberry juice and orange juice in a shaker with ice; strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with cranberries,
White Christmas Martini~
INGREDIENTS
2 ounces vanilla vodka
2 ounce white chocolate liqueur
1 ounce white creme de cacao
1 ounce half-and-half
Honey and coarse sanding sugar for rim garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour the honey into a shallow dish and put the sanding sugar in another shallow dish. Coat the rim of the glass in the honey; then dip the rim in the sugar to coat evenly. Set the glass aside.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao, and half-and-half. Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared martini glass.
Holiday Mocktail ~
INGREDIENTS
4 cups cranberry juice
2 cups pineapple juice
2 cups orange juice
ice
sprite or sparkling water (optional)
sugar for glass rims
INSTRUCTIONS
Measure out and stir cranberry, orange and pineapple juices together in a pitcher. Add the ice and sprite (or sparkling water).
Dip the damp edge of glasses into sugar, if desired.
Pour into glasses and serve.
Maybe a sweet treat is more your style? How about some Cinnamon chocolate Fudge?
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
Butter, for greasing the pan
Kosher or flake salt, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Line the pan with a sheet of parchment paper, about 14-inches long and 7-inches wide, allowing the excess to overhang the sides. Set aside
In a medium glass or stainless steel bowl, combine the condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir in the chocolate chips and butter. Put the bowl on a saucepan of barely simmering water and mix until the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 6 to 8 minutes (mixture will be thick). Using a spatula, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with salt, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
Run a warm knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the fudge. Remove the fudge to a cutting board. Peel off the parchment paper and cut the fudge into 1-inch pieces. Store refrigerated in an airtight container or freeze.
Enjoy and don't forget to wear your most festive Zoom top!
Katy Miller, Club Social Chair
Are you ready for our Holiday Zoom gathering on Dec. 15th?
The Annual Meeting of the Rotary Club of Akron was conducted on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 The purpose of our Annual Meeting is to announce the election of Officers and Directors for the Club, the Rotary Camp Board, and the Akron Rotary Foundation (See the results elsewhere in this newsletter), provide an update of the Club’s financial condition, an overview of the past year’s activities, and potential goals and activities for the next year.
Shared below is a synopsis of the Annual Meeting presentation.
Financial Report for the fiscal year July1, 2019 through June 30, 2020:
The year ended with the Club in a positive financial position. The 990 has been filed and is posted online accordingly.
Achievements in 2020:
While the past year has been challenging with the onslaught of COVID 19, the Club has much to be proud of.
Membership: As of November 30, 2020, the Club has 136 Active Members (plus 3 approved/pending induction)
Club Activities:
New Council of Chairs meeting monthly, new Risk Management Committee meeting monthly, broader approach for Virtual Speakers.
Creation of Diversity team including a small socially distanced service project with PPE distribution to minority owned businesses.
A sampling of the Club’s Service to the Community projects: Shoe Box Project, Paul Harris Award Presentations, Assisted Urban League in PPE Distribution, James Bond virtual cocktail party, Together but Apart - # Akron Rotarians hiking the Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree (made Fox News), ICC launched with former Club member Claudine Schooley leading the effort, virtual service project – Interview Coaching for North High School Seniors, Collaboration to plant trees with Davy Tree and Akron Public School Supply Distribution, Planting of Monarch Butterfly garden at Rotary Camp, End World Polio Day activities, Kicked of 2021 Chili Open fund raising, Rotary Disaster Grant award presented PPE to Akron Children’s, Coordinating Akron Rotary Holiday outreach.
2020 – 2021 Outlook:
Optimism – Glass Half-full, Victim versus forward thinking
Revisit our Strategic Plan and move forward on our various goals and strategies.
And finally, quoting Dr. McGregor “We can’t let what we can’t do, interfere with what we can do!”
For the full presentation, a PDF of the PowerPoint can be viewed by clicking here.
This year has been difficult—especially for those who are isolated from friends and family who typically visit during the holidays.
Akron Rotary’s Social and Rotary Cares Committees have teamed up to launch Operation Rotary Holiday Outreach! Chairs Katy Miller and Sandy Naragon are calling on volunteers to call or send cards to fellow Rotarians throughout the holiday season.
The Rotary Club of Akron had the opportunity to be updated on the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International during our Tuesday, November 24th meeting. Rebecca Silber, who serves as the Annual Giving Officer for Zones 30 and 31 was our featured speaker.
It was evident that Rebecca cares deeply about connecting donors and volunteers to the causes they are most passionate about and feels a calling towards her fundraising work as a way to leave a positive impact on the world around her.
Working at The Rotary Foundation has fulfilled a career dream of Rebecca’s working for an organization that is not only well respected but is also known internationally for its commitment to making the world a better place through Service Above Self.
Rebecca feels strongly about building bridges between Rotarians and The Foundation so they can experience a deep sense of fulfilment and accomplishment through their generosity and service.
Many Rotarians are not familiar with all of the giving opportunities that are available to us through the Rotary International Foundation. This summary of Ms. Silber’s presentation will highlight a few of those opportunities.
The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
The Foundation awarded $86,677,399 in funding to 1,306 grants during fiscal year 2018. Here is a breakdown of the six areas of focus the grants supported:
Preventing Disease
$35,660,986
Providing Clean Water
$18,761,791
Supporting Education
$10,998,136
Growing Local Economies
$10,503,910
Saving Mothers & Children
$7,204,677
Promoting Peace
$3,547,899
These six Areas of Focus guide everything the Foundation does. A seventh area of focus will be implemented in July 2021. That focus will be “Supporting the Environment.”
The Rotary Foundation supports both Global grants and District grants:
GLOBAL GRANTS:
Global grants support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus. By working together to respond to real community needs, clubs and districts strengthen their global partnerships.
Global grants can fund:
Humanitarian projects
Scholarships for graduate-level academic studies
Vocational training teams, which are groups of professionals who travel abroad either to teach local professionals about their field or to learn more about it themselves
How they’re funded:
Global grants have a minimum budget of $30,000 and a maximum World Fund award of $400,000. Grant sponsors can use a combination of District Designated Funds (DDF), cash, and/or directed gifts and endowment earnings to fund a global grant. The Foundation will provide a 100 percent World Fund match for all DDF contributions. There is no minimum World Fund match.
DISTRICT GRANTS:
District grants fund small-scale, short-term activities that address needs in your community and communities abroad. Each district chooses which activities it will fund with these grants.
What district grants support:
You can use district grants to fund a variety of district and club projects and activities, including:
Humanitarian projects, including service travel and disaster recovery efforts
Scholarships for any level, length of time, location, or area of study
Youth programs, including Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Rotaract, and Interact
Vocational training teams, which are groups of professionals who travel abroad either to teach local professionals about their field or to learn more about it themselves
How they’re funded:
Districts may use up to 50 percent of their District Designated Fund to receive one district grant annually. This percentage is calculated based on the amount of DDF generated from a district’s Annual Fund giving three years prior, including Endowment Fund earnings.
How Does a Rotarian Donate to the RI Rotary Foundation?
There are multiple areas a Rotarian might consider. The following is a list of possible areas:
Annual Fund Share
World Fund
Polio-Plus Fund
Disaster Response Fund
Endowment Fund
For additional information on the RI Rotary Foundation, I would encourage Rotarians to access the Rotary Foundation website: www.MyRotary.org.
Upon logging in, then click on Rotary Foundation.
(Click on the graphic to view larger)
Yours in Rotary Service,
Terry
Rebecca Silber, Annual Giving Officer for Zones 30 and 31 - Speaker Recap
At the District Foundation event November 19, 2020, we celebrated successes from the 2019-2020 Rotary Year.
It was truly an honor to have Jennifer Jones, Rotary International President-Nominee (2022-2023 RI President) at the celebration. She will serve as RI's first female president in its history.
Clubs, Rotarians and Non-Rotarians were recognized for their generous gifts and for living by the “Service Above Self” motto and the 4-way Test.
The virtual event was kept to one hour and can be viewed by clicking here.
Congratulations to our members and Club for the following recognitions:
PDG Cheryl Warren and her husband Steve were recognized for becoming Major Donors.
Club Members that are in the Paul Harris Society were recognized.
The Akron Club for the Disaster Relief Grant providing PPE Donations to Akron Children's Hospital.
The Akron Club for its support of the End Polio Now Campaign (Clubs that contributed at least $1,500 to the End Polio Now Campaign).
Here are the images shared at the event - click on each to view larger.
District Foundation Event Recognizes Akron Club & Individuals
We found out at today's meeting that we DO have a few members who love Pumpkin Pie.
John Daily offered up his grandmother's recipe and shared that it is not your standard pumpkin pie.
He said, "I have never actually done this myself (not much of a cook) but I feel pretty confident this is the pie I remember enjoying for many years." He added that his late wife, Ardell, was the baker and continued making it for the family over the years.
He is counting on us to report back on how we like it!!
2 cups canned pumpkin
3 egg yolks beaten (save egg whites for later)
1 cup milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Blend all ingredients together. Fold in 2 stiffly beaten egg whites.
Place into 9 inch unbaked deep dish pie shell.
Bake in hot oven (450 degrees) for 10 minutes, then low oven (325 degrees) 45-50 minutes.
Christine began her official duties as CEO of OPEN M, on July 20, 2020. Prior to joining OPEN M, Curry served the Northeast Ohio Medical University as special assistant to the president and as stewardship and development program coordinator within the University’s Division of Advancement. She previously spent two years as a member of the City of Akron’s Mayor’s cabinet as director of communications, and more than 18 years at The University of Akron, in a variety of roles including director of development/stewardship and donor services, director of alumni relations and as a public relations representative.
She is a strong believer in giving back to her community and currently serves on the Akron Roundtable Board of Trustees, LeBron James Family Foundation - LAB Community Board and our Lady of the Elms Board of Trustees. Curry is a member of Leadership Akron - Class 24.
The Vision for OPEN M is to be a community leader in breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming lives, one person and one family at a time. Their Mission is “A Christian ministry, to provide pathways out of poverty for all by feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and strengthening the community.”
OPEN M (Opportunity Parish Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministry) was formed in 1968, at a time of poverty, crime, riots, and war. In Akron, longstanding neighborhoods were being destroyed, and white residents were fleeing to the suburbs. Into that chaos, four churches came together to establish an urban ministry in one of Akron’s hardest-hit neighborhoods. Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church and Main Street Methodist and began ministering to people via backyards and front porches. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Wooster Avenue Christian Church joined the effort, rounding out OPEN M’s original Covenant Churches.
OPEN M took the name Opportunity Parish Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministry to reflect the place (Opportunity Park) where they minister, and the idea that the neighborhood itself was OPEN M’s parish. From the beginning, OPEN M has been open to all people, without regard to class, race, income or religious affiliation.
OPEN M continues to develop new and innovative programs to help people in the community become more self-sufficient. Today, more than 1,000 volunteers and many additional Covenant Churches and other supporting organizations help OPEN M continue growing, but their core purpose remains the same: Feed the Hungry,Care for the Sick, and Strengthen the Community.
Their core programs include:
Employment Services:
Employment Services offers various programs and educational opportunities to assist each participant in finding meaningful and lasting employment.
One Job, One Year
OPEN M’s mantra is ‘One Job. One Year.’ With their Employment Services team, supported by partner resources, they help participants reduce the barriers that keep them from lasting employment. Key elements of Employment Services include:
A job readiness and financial literacy workshop An emphasis on job retention A customized mentoring program Transportation assistance Relationships with core employers in the community
By training participants to succeed in the workplace, Employment Services also helps Summit County businesses, providing them with a dependable source of productive, reliable, entry-level workers.
FOOD SERVICES:
Hunger is one of the biggest issues facing our community today. Food on the table or in the fridge is something that most of us take for granted. For some, it can prove to be one of the largest hurdles to overcome yet is still one of the most important. Open M’s Food programs help individuals feed their family with emergency food assistance, hot lunches, and monthly food giveaways.
HEALTH SERVICES:
Health Services offers a Free Dental Clinic, Pharmacy and Medical Clinic that provides primary healthcare, with a range of specialties, to those without insurance.
OPEN M established a nursing clinic in 1979, in response to the serious lack of available health services for the poor and working poor. In 1995, OPEN M transformed their nursing clinic into the Free Medical Clinic, significantly expanding services. Initially, the clinic operated out of six different locations, but in 1999, they consolidated their programs into a single 22,000 square foot facility, further increasing the programs offered. In 2006, OPEN M added more space by expanding their clinic to include a full-service pharmacy, along with additional offices for medical personnel. In 2012, they began to transition the focus of healthcare services, moving away from crisis intervention and toward prevention.
OPEN M Challenges:
The COVID pandemic has created multiple challenges for OPEN M. These challenges include an increase in demand for all services, a drop in volunteers who are often older individuals who have a higher risk of getting infected with COVID 19 and are hesitant to continue to volunteer at this time, and an increase in expenses related to creating a safe environment for their staff, volunteers and individuals needing their various services.
NOVEMBER MOUNTAIN OF FOOD DISTRIBUTION
In partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, OPEN M will host three Mountain of Food distributions throughout the months of November and December. The direct distributions will take place on Nov. 20, from 9 - 11 a.m., Nov. 24 from 2 - 4 p.m. and Dec. 18 from 9 - 11 a.m. The extra November Mountain of Food will take the place of the Thanksgiving Eve meal held at OPEN M in years past. This program provides mainly perishable foods such as, bread, fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and more. Due to the unprecedented need throughout Northeast Ohio, the Mountain of Food program has been extended beyond Summit County to residents of all counties with no referral required. Guests are served on a first-come-first-serve basis and asked to stay in their cars at all times while practicing current social distancing guidelines. In a typical year, more than 80 tons of food move through OPEN M’s doors and out into the community through a culmination of food programs. As unemployment continues to rise, along with food insecurity, OPEN M anticipates serving a record number of people in 2020. The Mountain of Food program is one of four programs provided by OPEN M to alleviate hunger in our community. For more information on OPEN M food programs, please call 330-434-0110 or visit www.openm.org/food-programs. OPEN M is actively seeking volunteers to assist with the Mountain of Food program. To volunteer, please email volunteer@openm.org or call 330-434-0110 to speak with Development Manager, Jess Rist.
Wanting More Information:
Rotarians wishing to know more about OPEN M, the number of individuals served in each program and other information about OPEN M are encouraged to check out their website: https://openm.org/
We are currently accepting donations of toys and gift cards for our annual Holiday Party on December 20th. Like all of us, our campers’ and their families’ lives have been completely turned upside down this year. This year’s Holiday Party for Camp will most likely be a drive through event due to COVID-19 precautions but for many of our campers it is the only time they see Santa, so our goal is to make it as joyous as possible. Help us spread a little joy by purchasing a gift that Santa can share or a gift card for groceries.
Gift cards in any amount from major stores such as Target, WalMart, ACME, and Giant Eagle are also being accepted.
Gift cards and donations can be mailed or dropped off at Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Dr., New Franklin, OH 44319. Questions? Call camp at 330.644.4512 or email Dan Reynolds at danr@akronymca.org.
Thank you to all who joined us on the greens this past Tuesday as we reviewed the details of the 31st Chili Open Golf Classic. On February 6, 2021, at Hale Farm and Village in Bath, Ohio, we will be playing golf for the kids. This video (click here) gives you a glimpse of what happens in the day of a Chili Open!
Although the Chili Open will look different from previous years due the impact of COVID-19, and whether you choose to attend in person or virtually, your gift will make a significant impact allowing us to continue to serve the vulnerable youth in our community.
The annual fundraiser represents 30% of operating costs to the Rotary Camp's annual budget. This ensures that no child is turned away due to their family’s inability to pay. We are extremely thankful to our Chili Open Presenting Sponsor, Wayne Homes for their continued commitment to the camp.
Rotarians are needed to help with the sale of raffle tickets, acquiring unique silent auction items, and providing sponsorships. Please consider increasing your sponsorship, renewing your sponsorship or becoming a first time sponsor. If you need assistance with sponsorship questions please reach out to our Sponsorship co-chairs, Christina Horak or June Ring.
Raffle tickets were mailed out to Rotarians and you should receive them this week. We ask every Rotarian to purchase or sell a minimum of ten raffle tickets at $20 each.
2. Sell or buy 5 additional raffle tickets at chiliopen.net
3. Come visit Rotary Camp! If you have not been to Camp or would like bring a prospect, please schedule a visit with Dan Reynolds.
For 96 years, Akron Rotary Camp has been the main project of our Rotary Club. Every Rotarian is needed to help us reach our $300,000 goal in 2021! Let's help camp live out their mission of “Creating a world where there are only abilities!”
I am so thrilled to see so many out and taking advantage of our Socially Distant but Together #AkronRotaryHikes Social time!
Remember to use the hashtag when you post to Social media and send me a picture of your completed form to be entered to win a Fall Goodies Basket I am putting together.
Akron Rotarian Dr. Jeff Kempf was recognized for his vision in the development of The St. Damien Collaborative for the Improvement of Pediatrics in Haiti. This is a unique partnership of US Children's Hospitals and Universities.
The Akron Rotary Club and other clubs in District 6630 were very supportive and involved in providing funding when Dr. Kempf orchestrated sending a team of physicians to St. Damien and in turn brought their team to Akron for training.
St. Damien Children's Hospital has partnered with collaborative members from Akron Children's Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, University of Connecticut, Dell Children's Hospital. East Tennessee State University, The University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Nebraska Medical Center, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital and the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughter, as well as others as part of the St. Damien Collaborative.
During the fundraiser, Mitch Albom, author of Finding Chika and Tuesdays with Morrie, did several readings.
A.S., Georgia Military College; B.S., United States Air Force Academy; M.S.A., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; M.S., National War College; Ed.D., Benedictine University
The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of listening to Dr. Tim Collins, President of Walsh University during our Tuesday, October 27, 2020 Club meeting. His presentation was about the unique approach Walsh University takes with their students. His talk reflected on what’s going on around us with COVID 19 and the University’s approach to the pandemic. Click here to view the Club Meeting and presentation by Dr. Collins.
Timothy J. Collins, Ed.D., was appointed Walsh University's seventh President in 2019.
Dr. Collins brought more than 22 years of senior-level experience to Walsh University as a distinguished higher education professional with leadership expertise in philanthropic endeavors, conceptualization and implementation of institutional strategic plans and a demonstrated understanding of a private university’s mission, student-centered culture and Catholic traditions.
Prior to joining Johns Hopkins University in 2005, Dr. Collins served as a Senior Officer in the U.S. Air Force with multiple senior command experiences during his 23 years of service in the U.S. and abroad.
As a Catholic University, welcoming students from 38 states and 31 countries, the University offers undergraduate, graduate, and online adult accelerated degree programs. Walsh’s ultimate mission is to develop leaders in service to others.
Walsh University offers small class sizes, hands-on experiential learning opportunities interdisciplinary institutes, internships and global learning programs. Walsh education is also affordable with 98% of students receiving some form of financial scholarship or aid and a tuition guarantee. Graduates leave Walsh University prepared to succeed in the workplace and in their communities for life.
Walsh students enjoy a healthy balance of academic, spiritual, and social activities:
For nearly 2,650 students, the search for the right college has led them to Walsh University. Students find that learning transcends the classroom, caring faculty help students aim higher, and leadership requires more than intellect.
As an independent, Catholic university, Walsh University encourage individuals to act in accordance with reason guided by the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. Their aim is to develop students' mind, body and spirit - this is Walsh's distinguished tradition and the heart of its appeal.
Helping Students Discover a Sense of Purpose:
Walsh's unique character and commitment to faith, together with nearly 100 academic majors and minors, award-winning athletics and vibrant student life are primary reasons that Walsh attracts students from around the globe. With outstanding academic facilities, chapels, residence halls, a health and wellness complex, and flagship programs in the areas of health sciences, business, education, and so much more, students have a wide variety of options to make their mark at Walsh University.
BUILDING CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES:
While students' involvement in communities here and abroad takes many forms, every service experience imparts important life lessons that build character and leadership.
SKILLED TECHNICAL WORKFORCE TRAINING: ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR PEOPLE TO THRIVE IN A TECHNOLOGY-BASED ECONOMY:
By 2021, it is forecast that the Internet of Things (IoT) will surpass 25 billion devices and $1.1 trillion spent worldwide. The incredible amount of data and business opportunities generated by IoT will create a vital need for employees in all industries to have base-line knowledge of IoT, how it functions and how it will transform their job responsibilities. These skills will result in increased efficiency for employees and employers.
To address this skilled technical workforce need, Walsh University has developed several programs:
3-day interactive, practical immersion experience
Examples, exercises and applications directly from day-to-day work activities
Walsh University professors and experienced industry consultants
Certificates of Completion are Available in the Following Credentials:
Data Analytics
Data Analytics – Applied Business Solutions
Business Analytics
Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution
DevOps Executive Workshop
DevOps Foundation
DevOps Implementation Boot Camp
Additionally, you will walk away with:
Understanding of fundamental concepts of IoT
Knowledge of how readily available electronics can collect useful data in real time
Skills to cost-effectively create efficiencies within tasks and systems
Ability to use IoT tools to increase a company productivity and profitability.
Dr. Collins addressed the COVID challenge and how Walsh University is addressing the pandemic. He sees Walsh University students and faculty being “physically distanced but socially connected.” In commenting on the current polarization in the nation, Dr. Collins noted several reasons he believes fosters this polarization: 1) Separation of religion from knowledge, 2) Separation of church from college, and 3) Separation of spirituality from student life. Today “Me is the center of everything rather than Community being the center of everything. The business community makes our community go. Community must lead – not always depend on the government to do everything. What can I do to make things better?”
Dr. Tim Collins, President Walsh University Presentation Recap
Stew Buchanan and I met with Claudine Schooley and the group that is forming the ICC with Ukraine last Thursday. They are doing some pretty awesome work. The projects were presented here. Stew, Doug Hausknecht and I will continue to meet with this group.
Claudine Schooley, Chair of ICC Ukraine – USA, served as host and introduced 22 members (from Rotary districts all over the U.S. and Ukraine) and guests who attended the International Zoom meeting entitled, Hearts of Europe Global Grant Program, Wednesday, Oct. 21. Susan Colville-Hall and Stew Buchanan attended from the Rotary Club of Akron. Guest speaker, Mykola Stebljanko, PDG Rotary District 2232, Ukraine-Belarus, presented on the USAID Hearts of Europe Global Grant Program. A jointly funded 3-year program by USAID and The Rotary Foundation, it has an application window which opened in March 2020 and closes with projects completed and reports submitted by the 4th quarter of 2022.
Grants are administered by The Rotary Foundation and are matched by the Club and USAID.
For example, you have $15,000 from the Club + $15,000 TRF + $15,000 USAID = $45,000.
Program requirements are the same as Rotary Global Grants. There are a few additional requirements. **** see last paragraph
The three initial projects selected for implementation in Ukraine are:
1. Cervical Cancer Prevention Program (Estimated Budget - $95,000)
2. VTT: Exchange of Experience in Cardiac Surgery (Estimated Budget - $136,000)
3. The Ring of Care for Mother and Baby (Estimated Budget - $166,000)
Mykola Stebljanko is available to present at any USA club zoom meeting, and he looks forward to receiving invitations. Mykola Stebljanko is also willing to participate to a zoom meeting at the virtual ICC table (House of Friendship) at District 5240 Conference, November 6-8, 2020.
Claudine also made an announcement about the ICC World Conference in Kiev in October 2021.
***** In addition, (1) projects should increase engagement and strengthen relationships between Rotary members in the U.S. and in Eastern Europe. (2) The International Club must be a Rotary Club/District in the U.S. and Host Club must be one of the Eastern Europe countries where USAID has a presence. (3) A member of the International Club or District must visit the project and meet members of the Host Club and involve Rotaractors in the Project if a Rotaract Club is in the vicinity. Pre- and Post Project Surveys and Quarterly Reports are required.
President-Elect Steve Buie proudly inducted Lorrayne Gervase as a new Rotary member on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. She was sponsored by Tom Knauer.
Lorrayne works for SAFY of Canton/Akron as their Foster Parent Recruiter. She has lived in Ohio for most of her life and completed her graduate at Webster University and has professional experience in social work, case management, juvenile probation and inside sales.
Lorrayne is a member of the Stark County Safe Kids Coalition, Summit County Trauma Informed Coalition and Summit County Food Coalition.
She is married to Nick and they reside in New Franklin. She has 2 biological daughters (13 and 15) and 2 step daughters (19 and 15) and enjoys watching them participate in sports, spending time in the sun with family and reading.
We would like to give a warm welcome to our new member Lorrayne!
District Governor Myers presented member Terry Dalton with the District Governor's Citation - the Unsung Hero Award.
The unsung hero award is designed for Club Presidents to pay tribute to a person whose special service to Rotary has placed them in a category all of their own. A person whose dedication and commitment to Rotary has been given without recognition, without reservation and unselfishly. Many times it's done very quietly and behind the scenes.
Each Club President is asked to select only one member annually from their Club for this prestigious award from the Governor.
Dr. McGregor said "Terry has an uncanny ability to read my needs before I even know what they are." He added that Terry is quite the parliamentarian and is the Robert's Rules champion.
Terry has served the Club for many years as our Club Secretary and chair of the Scholarship Committee. He is a veteran, has a degree in Social work and is an Eagle Scout.
Terry does a lot of things behind the scenes that most of us never see... organizing the scholarship interviews, finalizing the recipients, awards, and attendees for their presentations. He facilitates putting together all the board meetings, records minutes and keeps our Club records in great order. In addition, this year, he has organized several special meetings for our Club President and stepped in to help with the virtual weekly meetings and provides a recap of the speaker presentations so we can share them with others. "No" is simply not in his vocabulary!
He shared that the the reason Rotary has been so meaningful and impactful in his life is that he truly lives by Service Above Self in all he does.
As many get ready to celebrate Halloween, President McGregor asked for members to submit their memorable/favorite costumes. Thank you to all who participated!
Dr. McGregor with his daughter on a magic carpet.
Cheryl and Steve Warren - as Elvis with his peanut butter and banana sandwich.
Colleen Iacianci as wacky wavy inflatable flailing
arm tube people - the name of the costumes
is a mouthful!
Julie Brandle as Gretel for a murder mystery
David Miller - In addition to the Harry Potter
one here are the Millers over the years.
(see more below)
Cheryl and Steve Warren as Santa and Mrs. Claus
a little earlier than normal - but if the stores can do
Every year, the Rotary Club of Akron (RCOA) is eligible to apply for Rotary District Matching Grants up to $7,000 ($3,500 from District; $3,500 from RCOA). Projects must fall in the following areas of service: Peace & Conflict (Prevention/Solution); Disease Prevention & Treatment; Water & Sanitation; Maternal & Child Health & Welfare; Basic Education & Literacy; Economic or Community Development and new in 2020—Supporting the Environment.
The recipient of the 2020-2021 Matching District Grant is The Well CDC! The RCOA Board of Directors selected The Well’s Akron Hope program after reviewing seven proposals from worthwhile area non-profits. The Akron Hope program serves Mason Community Learning Center, the local elementary school in the Middlebury neighborhood on the eastside of Akron.
The goals of Akron Hope are to connect families to stable housing, living wage jobs, and other community resources; provide resources for students to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially; and increase the civic engagement of parents within the school and the community. The program hopes to serve 600+ students (including 300+ at a second elementary school) and 100+ families.
One of the requirements for receiving the matching grant is including meaningful Rotarian involvement. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Akron Hope program has adjusted its Community Connection programming. They still plan to involve Rotary with safe volunteer opportunities to connect with students and parents—either virtually or via socially distanced outside events. Please watch for news on how to participate in coming months!
The Annual Meeting for the Rotary Club of Akron will be held December 1, 2020 at Noon via Zoom
In accordance with our club bylaws, an Annual Meeting of this club shall be held on the Tuesday preceding the regular December Board of Directors Meeting in each year but no later than December 31st of each year.
The purpose of the meeting is to announce the elected the officers and directors to serve for the ensuing year, provide updates and reports from the Club and to discuss and vote upon any resolutions as needed.
Per our Club bylaws, a quorum for this Club Annual Meeting is defined as 1/3 of our membership being present. So we would really appreciate your attendance.
The Rotary Club of Akron was honored to have District Governor (DG) Patricia (Pat) Myers as our featured speaker during our October 20, 2020 meeting. For our fellow Rotarians who haven’t had the privilege of meeting DG Myers, I would like to share a little of who Pat is. Click to view presentation.
DG Myers grew up in Ohio. She earned a Social Work degree from the Kent State University Honors College where she still serves on the Alumni Board. She also earned an MBA from the McLaren College of Business at the U. of San Francisco. Her career included: Director of the Palm Beach County Habilitation Center, Grants Manager of the State of Florida, Board member of the Florida Institute of Governments, which she established, and Executive Director of the Foundation, Development and Government at Palm Beach Community College and for the Community College System of Florida.
In 1990, she was asked to return to KSU to lead a foundation and corporation grants campaign. For 20 years she was the KSU Legislative Agent for their eight-campus system. She was also a loaned executive to the Chancellor of the University System of Ohio. Pat has received many awards and honors, too numerous to add to this article.
Her Rotary experience started when asked to join the Hudson Rotary in 1990, serving on many Rotary committees and is a founding member of The Hudson Clocktower Rotary. The new club formed with a group of dedicated Rotarians who saw a need to provide training for future leaders to keep Hudson strong. They took action by establishing Leadership Hudson and Junior Leadership Hudson, where Pat continues to serve on the board.
DG Myers began her presentation by thanking the Club for inviting her to speak with the Akron Rotary Club. She stated “It is an honor to serve your widely respected and admired club, and a bit intimidating to be in the presence of a club filled with outstanding leaders. When I came to the 100-year celebration at The Hilton in Fairlawn, and watched the video of your history, I was impressed with the leadership of Akron Rotary in your community, particularly your focus from that first year on youth, and children with special needs and how every step of the way you have used your leadership skills to unite, take action, and create lasting change.”
DG Myers continued by recognizing the involvement of so many of our club members, past and present, with District leadership activities.
DG Myers thanked Dr. McGregor for agreeing to use his leadership skills to serve as President. “When you and I talked you shared that as a medical professional, you realized even before we had to cancel All Ohio President Elect training in March, that you would need to plan differently for your year as President. I heard your concern of understanding the seriousness of the Virus first-hand in your work you looked at how to keep your club Members and others safe as they planned their meeting and events for the year. You formed a risk management team of professional medical, legal, insurance, finance club members, and developed a rubric to assess the risk if meeting In-person or holding events or fundraisers. Rob- Your club is fortunate to have you at this time – today – this year.”
A Year of Change:
DG Myers commented, “this is a year of change and like Rotary International President Holger Knaack’s theme of “Rotary Opens Opportunities,” The Akron club - is finding opportunities -to answer a call for help, to honor people; to provide needed school supplies, food, PPE, even camp – to unite – take action - to connect even if at home staying safe. We are people who love being with others who share the same core values we have had for 115 years –we like to serve, laugh together, share concerns, celebrate good news, care for others. We have all had to share in this difficult time.”
“We have had to stretch and learn new Habits and – yes- technology. I say – we were kicked into using technology whether we wanted to or not.”
How does DG Myers see the year ahead?
“My vision is the same as Rotary’s vision. My goal this year is that each of our clubs and members are connected and engaged. My Objectives include to sharing with each member the opportunities, resources and support that Rotary International, the district and other clubs can provide, as they become available. As we open our eyes and minds, suddenly – we see, as your President is doing –that we can still reach out to those who needs a hand.”
“How can we in our clubs, district or Rotary International take this time to look at how we can restructure our committees, events, fundraisers, our goals and activities, our youth and students, to think and plan – together. Those of us volunteering on district committees are asking questions –How do we meet together when we cannot be in person? Do we need to have all these meetings – can we use technology even after there is a vaccine-should we have hybrid meetings, how can R.I. and the district honor the donors to the Rotary Foundation annual fund, to keep the fight to end polio and provide grants for needs relating to the pandemic, shelter boxes for other natural disasters, youth exchanges.
How can R.I. and the District provide the support for your club -and its officers -more effectively. How can we all share ideas and resources?”
In conclusion, DG Myers quoted Past R I President Ian Riseley who said
Thank you for your support of Rotary Camp last year through the 30th annual Akron Rotary’s Chili Open Golf Classic presented by Wayne Homes! Below is a short video highlighting our trials and successes through the uncertainty of 2020. As a result of your support we are able to continue our mission of creating a world where there are only abilities!
Thank you, again!
Dan Reynolds
Executive Director
Akron Rotary’s 31st Annual Chili Open Golf Classic!
On Tuesday, October 13th, the Rotary Club of Akron had the opportunity to learn about Heart to Heart Communications presented by co-founders, Rev. Norm Douglas, M.Div. and Lawrence Vuillemin, Esq. It was a very inspiring presentation with multiple follow-up questions about the organization, its mission, philosophy, etc. Watch the presentation below or by clicking here.
THEIR STORY
Heart to Heart is a leadership development non-profit organization that works with individuals and organizations from all-across the Greater Akron community.
Throughout 2019, Heart to Heart hosted 226 events, including breakfasts, workshops, retreats, and their signature series sessions and worked with 24 organizations. Over 1,700 people participated in Heart to Heart programming through their organization or individually.
At Heart to Heart, their team facilitates conversations around mission, vision and purpose statements to inspire leaders, and ensure the organizational leaders are living out the statements that define their organization.
Their unique curriculum is grounded in the belief that there is a strong connection between employee inner and interpersonal development and the vitality and success of every organization.
THEIR MISSION
Enriching lives by helping individuals and organizations strengthen and live their inner values.
THEIR VISION
A community where people find meaning and purpose and live ethical values in daily work and community life.
HISTORY OF HEART TO HEART
Rev. Norman Douglas, M.Div. (left) and Lawrence Vuillemin, Esq. (right), Heart to Heart co-founders, crossed paths in the spring of 1986. During Larry’s recovery from a life-changing stroke at the age of 35, he was reflecting on how his work life could be linked more strongly with his personal beliefs and values when he met Fr. Norm, who was looking to help individuals experience their inner core values as more relevant to the practicalities of their everyday lives, including work.
Soon, people were coming together to discuss in a heart-to-heart way how to strengthen the link between their deepest beliefs and ideals and their daily activity. It was their vision to strengthen the connections between people’s inner core values, ethical values, and daily work. They believe that this focus upon the inner development of individuals is a necessary foundation for enhancing workplace relationships, purpose, ethics, wellness and productivity.
From their early beginnings, they eventually expanded into the not-for-profit organization called Heart to Heart Communications, Inc. facilitating workplace programs and personal enrichment experiences.
Since 1990, more than 30,000 people have attended their corporate workshops, training, H. Peter Burg Leadership Connections Series, and community programs.
During the presentation, Rotarians were asked to silently think about how one matches your values, faith and ethics to your workplace and personal life.
Current Heart to Heart Service Offerings
Core services can be customized and tailored to an organization’s needs. The services offered, include, but are not limited to:
Inclusive Leadership Series: Leverage inclusivity to create a strong culture that impacts the bottom line. In today's technology-driven world, understanding the power of inclusivity enables leaders to address workplace and personal challenges such as unconscious bias and miscommunication while strengthening personal and employee engagement.
H. Peter Burg Leadership from Within Series: An in-depth and practical guide to strengthen leadership capabilities, with an emphasis on personal inner growth as the foundation for effective leadership.
The Enneagram: An insightful, practical, and proven program about how we are alike and different, what motivates us, where we place our attention, and how we communicate, manage change, and more.
Appreciative Inquiry: A positive approach to problem solving by discovering organizational strengths and designing processes to realize hopes and dreams.
Mindful Leadership: Participants will have opportunities to experience and practice proven techniques for integrating mindful leadership into a busy life, enabling leaders—whether they lead organizations, teams, or families—to enhance their ability to lead and live with excellence.
StrengthsFinder: Become more adept at identifying and using well your strengths at work. Determine how to further recognize, encourage, and leverage team strengths.
Working as One: During this workshop teams will walk away with strategic considerations and concrete ideas for how to work better together using specific communication tools and techniques.
I encourage anyone who could not attend the Tuesday meeting to view the recording of Father Norm and Larry Vuillemin, Esq. Their passion about the mission and vision of Heart to Heart should get everyone to explore this program further for both their personal growth and the growth of their organization.
Rotarians wishing to learn more about the Heart to Heart Communications program can go to their website at https://www.h2hc.org or reach out to them at the following address: Heart to Heart, 37 N. High Street, Suite B, Akron Ohio 44308, or phone number: 330.434.3278
People, Passion, Purpose, Performance - Elevating Your Leadership
What's ahead as we move into winter? Surely things still are different and remaining virtual as we wait for a vaccine but there are some good ideas coming from some of our members.
We can look forward to a Virtual Tour of Stan Hywet on December 15th for our Virtual Holiday Party and maybe a Holiday Cocktail recipe to enjoy during the party or after 5 when the work day is done.
We are working on an idea to maybe have like a Holiday PenPal or Social Pal to reach out to some of our members who may be alone during the holidays or really any of us who would like to be involved with maybe a deepening Rotary friendship with someone over the season.
Look for a virtual bingo to come your way as well.
I appreciated all of the suggestions and look forward to being social with all of you in person soon, when its safe of course~
If an organization is looking for a speaker that would excite their employees or an organization is looking for a keynote speaker for an annual event Billy Taylor would definitely be someone to engage. The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of listening to Mr. Taylor during our Tuesday, October 6, 2020 Club meeting. His theme throughout the presentation was “people driven excellence.” Both his business life and his personal life seems to follow that motto. Click here or on the video below to view the presentation.
Mr. Taylor is an American business executive, dynamic speaker, and leadership guru. He is the CEO and President of LinkedXL, a Business Operating Systems Architecting Firm. Mr. Taylor spent 30 years with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT), serving as Director of North America Manufacturing and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. As the Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion for Goodyear, Mr. Taylor led diversity and inclusion strategies for 64,000 employees across the 22 countries where Goodyear operates.
Mr. Taylor has been called upon by universities, international conferences, global publications, and the U.S. Army to demonstrate how to drive and sustain effective results through embracing the culture and enabling employee ownership.
A servant leader, Mr. Taylor, is a member of the executive advisory board for two of the world leaders for knowledge in enterprise excellence, The Shingo Institute and The Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME).
He earned an MBA from Baker University, in Baldwin City, Kansas, and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Prairie View A&M University, in Prairie View, Texas.
The philosophy behind Mr. Taylor’s LinkedXL organization is that their practitioners coach and demonstrate business process excellence and lean leadership management from decades of practical experience driving transformational change in large and small scales diverse companies. Their insights on leadership are rooted in culture change and a passion for engaging people; a core element of transformational change that has become the centerpiece of LinkedXL’s client relations.
LinkedXL partners with clients to help manage the intersections of business. The intersections are where strategic elements and tactical execution overlap to break through and override silos to enable results.
LinkedXL consulting ensure strong linkages between planning, deploying, and executing strategy.
Mr Taylor challenged us with the questions, “How transparent are you with your employees, or work teams?” “What holds you back from growing in your company or achieving your goals?” “Is it a “sticky floor or a glass ceiling?”
“What are your standards to live by?” Mr. Taylor referenced on more than one occasion the influence his mother had on his success by always reminding him and holding him accountable to the standards he wished to live by.
Mr. Taylor talked about the 4 fundamentals of Human Need:
We need to be heard
We need to be understood
We need to matter
We need to be emancipated
We need to ask people what they need/want, followed by asking further to analyze the purpose.
What are the keys to success?
Inspiring trust/creating a safe environment for change
Key to being able to unlock “what is” in order to discover “what can be.” “Comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Critical to measure what matters
Deliberate practices incorporated into leadership practices
Define winning (both at the job and in your personal life)
Align yourself to winning
Execute winning
Critical Lessons:
Make people visible and they will make the organization valuable
Right culture: Principles to live by
Key performance actions
Performance indicators
Leverage the 4 Human Needs
Psychological safety – celebrate
All encounters matter.
While I have attempted to capture Mr. Taylor’s presentation, I encourage everyone to go to Mr. Taylor’s LinkedXL.com website for greater information about his approach to people driven excellence. Additional information can be found on his Linked In account.
Billy Taylor Provides Insights on Leadership Management & Transformational Change
On Tuesday, September 29th the Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of hearing past Club Presidents share some of their experiences, not only as president, what Rotary has meant to the and a little about them personally.
Lance Chima is a 3rd generation member of Chima Travel.
Pam Kiltau has been a member of Rotary for 30+ years and was the first woman president of the Akron Club. She currently is employed at Baird Financial.
Doug Hausknecht has been a member of the Akron Club for 24 years. Doug is a “retired” professor at the University of Akron.
Pat asked the three panelists the following questions:
What impact has Rotary had on your lives?
Doug – ability to travel around the world through the friendship of Rotary.
Lance – where else can you go and brush elbows with so many professionals committed to performing service above self.
Pam – I found myself needing to find my place at 29 years of age as a female in the Akron Rotary Club – trying to fit in and stay the course.
What words of wisdom would you share with new and prospective Rotarians to get the most out of your Rotarian experience?
Find someone to help you feel welcome.
Get involved.
Involve yourself in any and every thing to find where you are the most comfortable.
Use Club Runner to become familiar with who other Rotarians are and what their interests/professions are. Reach out to someone you find interesting in the directory.
Finding someone in the Club you can go to.
Finding your passion.
Having each other’s back.
What are your fondest memories from being a Rotarian?
Pam – After displaying a formal dress worn at the black- tie day for presidents, her fondest memory is the Poker Run that was held for several years. (Several Rotarians commented in the Chat room that they would like to hear more about the Poker run. It really was a fun time for all who participated, and it helped get Rotary’s name out in the community).
Lance – Watching my son Brian become a Rotarian. Club turning 100 years old and leading the Centennial celebration.
Doug – The family of Rotary. Meeting with Bill Gates.
We have an opportunity that was presented to us through our Interact Club contact at North High School.
They are hosting a VIRTUAL video conference and are seeking SIX (6) Rotary volunteers to present to a class of seniors at North High School on the topic of interview skills.
We are in need of ONE(1) volunteer per teacher (not time slot) – so a total of SIX (6) more people are requested for this service project please. I am taking one slot and will fill the last slot that is left open after we get 6 volunteers .
It is NOT necessary to work in a field associated with the teacher’s pathway – it is listed should you have a preference but the presentations are for general interview skills.
Each teacher has provided time slots so you can select your preferred time for the respective teacher (see below or click here). Again, we only need one person PER teacher
The easiest way to do this is for you to email me ASAP.
Your help is needed! Volunteers are needed for the following event. Click on Sign Up to view available slots and book yourself directly online.
Mary Outley-Kelly (she oversees 28 elementary schools in the APS) is in my Leadership Akron Class. When she told me about this volunteer opportunity we felt it was right up our alley! The APS will have two drive-thru distribution sites for school supplies (North High School and Kenmore). Our club will serve the North High School location on October 4th from 1-4pm. Metro is donating bus services to get student families from across the district to these two locations also.
All volunteers and recipients will be required to wear masks and social distance as well as there will be sanitizer on site.
Please Sign Up on the sheet like the AUL event. This would be for three - 1-hour increments with up to 10 volunteers each.
The club members would have to register in advance due to social distancing and safety precautions.
It is MANDATORY to pre-register. Unregistered volunteers will not be permitted to enter school grounds.
In conjunction, it is possible to make donations through the Akron Rotary Foundation for North High School specific school supplies that the high schoolers need from now until October 31, 2020. These donations would be for school supplies to be used in the second half of the year.
We could also arrange for donations of physical supplies at a few area member businesses if people are open to it or we can offer no contact porch pick-ups to retrieve donated items.
If you should have any questions or need more information please reply to this email or call me at 330.858.6672. Thanks!
You can sign up directly on the Rotary Club of Akron website byclicking here. We appreciate your participation and look forward to making this a great event together!
Thank you.
Julie Brandle Rotary Club of Akron
Volunteers Needed Oct. 4th: Akron Public Schools School Supplies Distribution
Hi Akron Rotarians!! Another volunteer opportunity has just popped up! Your help is needed!
As you know, the ENVIRONMENT has been added by Rotary International as an area of focus. For this year's Parks Week we will be planting trees at Erie Island and Joy Park!
Join us with your quarantine pod and help us add to the city's tree canopy.
Planting will take place on October 3rd and 4th as follows:
Please register for a shift directly through the links provided above(you can click on them or cut and paste these into your browser) and select the amount of people who will be joining you.
Please note that all groups must have 10 or less people.
Please bring a pair of work gloves, a shovel, and garden rake. If you do not have access to these please email gnyburg@akronohio.gov
If you do attend, please share your photos on social media with the #AkronRotaryPlants and/or email me photos direct at jbrandle@metisconstruction.com.
THANK YOU!!
Parks Week Tree Planting is Sponsored by The Davey Tree Expert Company
Thank you.
Julie Brandle Rotary Club of Akron
Volunteers Needed Oct 3 & 4: Come out and plant a tree or two!
At our September 22nd meeting , we welcomed Hilary as the newest member of The Rotary Club of Akron. She is an attorney in BMD's Akron office. Her practice focus is civil litigation and construction law.
Throughout law school, Hilary served as a judicial assistant at the Summit County Common Pleas Court. While at the court, she learned what it means to be a good attorney, a good litigator, and a good advocate. Hilary plans to take the technical and practical lessons she learned in law school and in the courts and apply them to her litigation practice.
She graduated from the University of Akron School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude and Kent State University, B.A., Art History
During law school, Hilary assisted a professor on research for his evidence textbook.
Hilary was a fellow for the Miller Becker Center for Professional Responsibility. As a fellow, she was responsible for assisting in planning and hosting CLE events at the law school. One of these events hosted District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., the District Attorney of New York County, New York.
Passionate about giving back to her community, Hilary volunteered with the University of Akron School of Law’s Expungement Clinic which has been recognized by the American Association of Law Schools as an "Innovative and Outstanding Program". She also found time to volunteer with Paws and Prayers, a local animal rescue shelter.
She is a member of the Akron Bar Association where she also serves as the Communications Officer, New Lawyer Section.
The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of listening to Donna Skoda, the Health Commissioner for the Summit County Public Health Department during our Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Club meeting. Her presentation was specifically oriented toward the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a very engaging presentation with multiple follow-up questions about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mission of Summit County Public Health is to protect and promote the health of the entire community through programs and activities designed to address the safety, health and well-being of the people who live in Summit County. The Health Department seeks to create a healthful environment and ensure the accessibility of health services to all.
Their vision is a community where all can achieve optimal health where they live, work and play, resulting in... HEALTHY PLACES, HEALTHY PEOPLE, AND HEALTHIER TOMORROWS.
SCPH’s core values are reflected in their strategic approach and guide their interactions with clients, community partners and each other. Summit County Public Health’s core values are embodied in the acronym “PROMISE.”
Providing professionalism - Honesty, integrity and competency in all interactions
Respect - Everyone who interacts with us in any capacity will be treated with respect
Outstanding quality - We are nationally accredited and have an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement
Mission-driven dedication - Our mission statement says it all. It's who we are and what we do
Innovation - We look at every situation as an opportunity to be forward-thinking and proactive
Service-orientation - Our goal is to provide excellent customer service in all interactions
Equity for all - Everyone should have the opportunity to attain their highest level of healthy, regardless of social or demographic factors.
Many of the initial COVID-19 Summit County cases were in long term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living facilities). With new knowledge on promising treatment options and improved testing, social distancing and mask wearing, the increase of cases in long term care facilities is being managed much better.
The challenge facing Summit County, as in most other counties in Ohio, is the issue of communal spread. Currently 90% of all new cases are from community spread. Several reasons for this community spread are the resumption of after-school activities and family gatherings where the family bubble or pod is breached and individuals are exposed. She stated that up to 40% of cases are asymptomatic.
The SCPH District has received over 7000 COVID-19 related complaints since the pandemic became of concern in March. The United States has experienced over 200,000 deaths in the past 7 months. In a really bad flu season, the United States experiences about 36,000 deaths. The SCPH department is trying to confront the pandemic through multiple strategies.
Recently Summit County saw a new spike in cases. Ms. Skoda stated that anytime the community “reopens” some segment of our community, we will see an increase in the spread. She also reported that the county, as well as the nation, are seeing long term secondary effects from the virus.
Ms. Skoda stated that the availability of testing materials for the virus is no longer a problem. The problem facing the county now is the shortage of laboratory testing capacity. She also cautioned us all about the varying degrees of effectiveness with the anti-body tests that are available. Currently the department is ramping up “quick testing” for the Summit County schools. When asked whether the SCPH department was doing contact tracing, Ms. Skoda said that this is occurring and that they have been doing contract tracing for years because of past concerns with the spread of HIV, Ebola and other viruses that the community has been exposed to over the years.
While Ms. Skoda’s presentation was about the pandemic, I encourage everyone reading this synopsis of her presentation to go to www.scph.org to see all of the programs the health district is responsible for. In addition there is the Summit County COVID-19 Dashboard available on their website that provides a great deal of data and resource materials for all of our education about this pandemic.
Summit County Public Health Commissioner Discusses Pandemic
The Rotary Club of Akron welcomed our fellow Rotarian and Rotary Camp Director as our guest speaker during our Tuesday, September 15th Club meeting. Dan provided fellow Rotarians with an update on what is happening at camp, the impact of COVID-19 and shared ways we can provide support to the camp. Click here view the video presentation.
For readers who don’t know much about Dan, let me share a little about him. Dan started his YMCA career as a camp counselor at Rotary Camp in 1995. In 1999 he became the director at Akron Rotary Camp. Under his leadership camp has grown from serving 200 campers each summer to over 1800 throughout the year. In addition to program growth, Akron Rotary Camp has completed over $5million in capital improvements over the past eight years. In 2014 Dan’s leadership role expanded to provide leadership to the Camp Y-Noah team. Today, Dan’s current title is District Executive Director working with Rotary Camp and Camp Y-Noah and the branch day camps.
He earned a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Slippery Rock University. He is a member of the American Camp Association (ACA), served on their National Standards Commission for seven years and is the current co-chair of the Standards Committee for ACA, Ohio. Dan also serves on the YMCA of the USA Overnight Camping Cabinet.
The newest feature of the camp is the Bud Rogers Adventure Park. The Adventure Park allows individuals living with a disability the opportunity to experience the thrills that were previously unavailable to them. The park was constructed by Adventure Experiences out of Texas. The cost for the adventure park was approximately $315,000. Individual Rotarians interested in experiencing the adventure park are encouraged to contact the camp staff to arrange a time. Due to the current pandemic, social distancing will be required. To view more information about the Adventure Park, please view the recording of today’s presentation.
This year’s camping experience was drastically reduced but staff were able to hold several weeks of camping experiences with many adjustments, reduced campers, etc. The camp will resume respite this weekend.
Financially, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the budget. A number of action steps have been taken to control costs and maximize available revenues.
Some current updates include:
The Camp Regatta has been postponed until 2022.
The Cornhole tournament held last weekend will provide approximately $10,000 in revenue
The camp will be initiating some Family Events for campers
Camper backpacks will be filled shortly
Partnership with the Super Learning Center will continue
Preparing for a modified 2021 Summer camp experience
Beginning strategic planning for the 100th anniversary in 2024 of the camp
How can Rotarians help the camp staff?
Help with the 31st Annual Chili Open
Participate in volunteer opportunities
Share the Rotary Camp Story – come for a tour, bring a friend
Support donations through Amazon Smiles, Facebook campaigns, etc.
Dr. Matthew Deevers is the Executive Director of Summit Education Initiative, where he previously held the role of Senior Research Associate. Before joining SEI, he was a public school teacher and administrator.
SEI’s mission is to improve personal and regional prosperity through increased educational attainment. Education provides a clear path to future success, career opportunities and promotes vibrant and resilient communities. The SEI sees their role as providing support and enhance existing systems. Mr. Deevers commented that part of SEI’s mission is to ensure students have the degree and skills needed to have the life they desire and dream of. The proper education allows for greater pathways for the future.
To help Summit County realize their vision and act upon its mission, Summit Education Initiative:
Articulates the major educational challenges facing Summit county and
Tracks the progress being made to address those challenges by conducting research and publicizing relevant data and findings
Encourages and facilitates collaborations designed to address those educational challenges and
Develops prototype programs that test and refine strategies for removing barriers to high educational aspiration and achievement.
The goals that drive SEI’s mission and vision are:
to increase the number of students ready for kindergarten success
to increase the number of students on track for success in school,
ensure all students who graduate high school have a plan to become enrolled, enlisted or employed,
to increase the number of individuals with career credentials and college degrees, and
empower partners who are working with youth to support student success.
As SEI works to engage with their partners and collaborators, Mr. Deevers listed a few of their engagement activities. These engagements include the following:
all Summit County school districts, plus many non-public schools,
three closest higher education institutions,
60+ Out of School Time Partners,
130+ preschools,
government and nonprofit agencies,
local, state and national foundations and funders, and
business entities.
To accomplish SEI’s goals, Mr. Deevers described their methods. These include:
Convene caring adults from educational, nonprofit, government and business entities,
Use data to identify specific issues that require attention,
Mobilize their five strategy teams to execute specific goals and tactics that address the issues,
Measure progress and success,
Report their findings,
Scale successful strategies across the county, and
Repeat steps 1 – 6 as necessary until the goals are met.
SEI in collaboration with their various partners have developed some Leading Indicators of Success. These indicators can change as new needs or challenges are identified. Currently the following Educational Attainment Indicators are in place:
Kindergarten Readiness – Scoring on track in Language and Literacy on Ohio’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment,
Third Grade Reading – Scoring proficient or higher on Ohio’s 3rd Grade Next Generation Reading Test,
Eighth Grade Math - Scoring proficient or higher on Ohio’s 8th Grade Next Generation Math Test,
Ninth Grade Success – Completing 9th Grade with a 3.1 or higher GPA and 6.5 cumulative credits,
College and Career Readiness – Graduating with a 21 or higher composite score on the ACT (or equivalent),
College Enrollment – Enrolling in accredited post-secondary programs,
Post College Readiness – Encouraging individuals who have attended college but didn’t graduate, to see how they can go back to school to get their degree or other type of certification, etc.
SEI has a staff of nine. Most of their funding comes from the United Way of Summit and Medina Counties and various local Foundations. Since SEI is a Not-for-Profit organization they always welcome donations from individuals and corporations.
Rotarians interested in getting involved with the SEI initiatives can check out their website. Currently they have a Career Awareness Video Project. SEI is looking for volunteers to complete a brief video about their career to enable students to explore various career options, etc.
Individuals wishing to know more about Summit Education Initiative are encouraged to go to their website, which is seisummit.org.
Dr. Matthew Deevers Provided Insight about SEI Initiatives on Sept. 8th
Well, since we can't be social in person yet, how about a fun way to be active and social in tandem with your fellow Rotarians?
Here is a fun idea I came up with as your Social Chair to participate in the Summit County Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree together but apart.
As Julie Brandle, our Assistant District Governor shared, The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment. This seems like an opportune time to get out there and reconnect with our local environment, Maybe a project that supports this focus will come to mind as you are enjoying our park system.
This years theme for the Fall Hiking Spree is From Fields to Forest. This year, the Fall Hiking Spree celebrates the rich history of the properties they proudly manage for our enjoyment and their successful return to nature. Take a journey on this year’s spree and explore the former farms and fields that are now forests.
As you hit the trails, snap a picture on your trail of choice, pre hike, while on the hike or post hike and send to me, You can email me, text me or post to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #AkronRotaryHikes
Each week I'll collect the photos and post to our Rotary Club of Akron FB Page and our Akrotarian to see your fellow Rotarians out taking advantage of our amazing park system.
Please remember that if you choose to hike with fellow Rotarians while distancing, please keep your distance in your photo! I will not be featuring photos that don't follow social distancing guidelines.
Anyone who finishes the whole spree, and sends me a copy of their completed form will be entered into a drawing for a Fall Basket of goodies!
The Rotary Club of Akron welcomed Don Drumm as our guest speaker during our Tuesday, September 1st Club meeting. It was a very informative presentation on the history of Don Drumm including his studio and career. Click here or below on the video to view the presentation.
After studying medicine for two years at Hiram College Don decided he was more of a visual person and decided to pursue a career in art and transferred to Kent State University where he received a B.F.A. and an M.A. He subsequently worked as a designer for the Industrial Design firm “Smith, Scherr and McDermott” for two years. Early in his career he was an artist in residence at Bowling Green University.
In 1960 Drumm opened his own studio, as a full-time practicing Sculptor and designer/craftsman near the University of Akron. In 1971, together with his wife, Lisa Drumm, he expanded the studio to incorporate a one-room gallery. Since then the enterprise has grown extensively and now embraces eight buildings, providing gallery facilities for over 500 artists and studio space for three resident artists. In addition to the 500 active artists with work on display at his studios, he has a data base of over 2000 artists that individuals can access if they are looking for a particular item.
Don has been a pioneer in the use of cast aluminum (aluminum) as an artistic medium. In addition, he has been a pioneer in the use of contemporary building materials, and techniques for the creation of arts and crafts.
Don created a sculpture at Kent State University at the site of the May 4th Viet Nam protest between students and the National Guard.
During Don’s presentation he showed numerous pieces of art he has designed and exhibited. Several of those included sculptures at the Quaker Square Inn. In addition to the sculptures, Don has provided designs for residential customers. This technique involved the layering of different colors of cement. Drumm has worked on a wide range of public, commercial and private commissions in the USA and abroad.
Mr. Drumm explained there are three types of art: Abstract Art. Realism Art and Non-objective Art. Don has devoted most of his career in the area of Non-objective art which involves art that has no subject matter.
Don continues experimenting and constantly creating to this day. Drumm has won numerous awards along the way, including: Ohio Designer Crafts' “Lifetime Achievement Award”, “Outstanding Contributors of the Century”, to the Akron community by the Beacon Journal Publishing Company, first recipient of the Outstanding Visual Artist Award from the Akron Area Arts Alliance in 2000, and the first recipient of the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) “Artist and Craftsman Excellence” award.
If you are interested in viewing some of Mr. Drumm and the other 500 artists creations, I encourage you to visit his studios at 457 Crouse Street, Akron, OH.
The recent Virtual Cocktail Party - Shaken Not Stirred was really fun! President Rob and his his wife Sharon kicked off by 'virtually' welcoming us to their home with a tour of his Steelers memorabilia, then his martini glass collection and all the ingredients for the festivities. Sharon bought him a bar towel that says "If you can't fix it with duct tape or a Martini, it ain't worth fixing".
He keeps the liquor and mixes in the freezer until ready to use and starts with a very chilled glass.
Dr. Rob began by showing us how to make a Vesper followed by the perfect Martini. He was a very good teacher, explaining each step, ingredient and proper measurements.
We all followed along making our drinks in the comfort of our own homes then enjoyed sipping them while 'virtually' socializing. We were pleased to welcome some guests: Ali Whitley (friend of Cyndi Kane), Stephen Hall (spouse of Susan Colville-Hall via phone), and Joe Mora (spouse of Tamara).
The video provides some of the fun we had including the pyrotechnics! Ideas were exchanged for another 'virtual' after hours so watch your email for the next event! View video by clicking here or below.
The name is McGregor, Rob McGregor...Shaken Not Stirred
The Rotary Club of Akron welcomed Ilene Shapiro as our guest speaker during our Tuesday, August 25th Club meeting. It was a very informative presentation discussing some of the initiatives the Summit County government is working on. View the presentation below or click here.
County Executive Shapiro has an accomplished career resume both in the private and government sectors of our community. County Executive Ilene Shapiro became the fifth Summit County Executive in August of 2016. As Executive, Ilene manages a budget of nearly a half billion dollars and nine departments including: Administrative Services, Communications, Community and Economic Development, Finance and Budget, Human Resources, Job and Family Services, Law, Insurance and Risk Management, Sanitary Sewer Services and the Medical Examiner. In addition to these 9 departments, Ms. Shapiro collaborates closely with 31 Summit County municipalities. Summit County is the fourth largest county in Ohio.
Ilene Shapiro served on Summit County Council for ten years, three of those as Council President. Ilene served on various committees during her tenure on Council, including serving as the Chair of Planning and Economic Development Committee for seven years.
Executive Shapiro is an accomplished business leader with a history of successful business ventures for high growth, established, turn-around and start-up organizations and led Shapiro Consulting, which specialized in the areas of Sales, Marketing, Business Planning, Workforce and Economic Development.
Executive Shapiro began her presentation on leadership from her experience with this quote, “Leadership is heart share and mind share. One doesn’t have to have a title to be a leader. Leadership is ‘moving the community forward’. Leaders grow up with what they have learned. Leaders are defined, not by what they do, but by the things they have touched.”
Executive Shapiro discussed several of the initiatives she has been involved with during her tenure as County Executive.
Recently the county formed a collaboration committee to work together in forming a shared dispatching department. Currently seven communities are participating with this initiative. Other communities have expressed interest when their existing contract come up for renewal. To date over seven million dollars have been saved with this centralized dispatch system.
Some other accomplishments included Summit County being the first county in Ohio to offer parental leave for both spouses. Summit County as the second Ohio county to develop a female veteran’s homeless shelter. In 2017 Executive Shapiro “had had it” and decided to take additional action regarding the Opioid Epidemic. On behalf of Summit County residents her office filed lawsuit against the drug manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. Over 2,000 lawsuits were filed, but the judge selected only Summit and Cuyahoga Counties. The lawsuit was settled for approximately $107 million dollars. These dollars will be allocated over 4 different opioid initiatives.
In addition to these initiatives, her office has been extremely busy dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and allocating CARES ACT dollars with small business grants, rental and mortgage assistance and other categories specifically outlined by the federal government but distributed and administered by the County.
When Ms. Shapiro is not performing her duties as County Executive, she serves as a board member for the Akron Community Foundation, the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF), the County Executives of America, the Summit County Land Reutilization Corporation, United Way of Summit County, Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS), and the Greater Akron Chamber. She also serves on the Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council of Governments and is a member of the Greater Akron Area ATHENA PowerLink governing body. She is an alumnus of both Leadership America and Leadership Akron. She is a past President of the Women’s Network and is a founder of the Women’s Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation.
In recognition of her distinguished work, Shapiro was awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration Women’s Business Advocate for the State of Ohio and the Judith A. Resnick Woman of the Year Award for Inspiration. In 2007, she was recognized with a Women of Professional Excellence Award from Women's Network Inc. And in September 2008, Shapiro was honored as the 2008 Northeast Ohio Athena Award Recipient sponsored by ATHENA International and Inside Business Magazine. In 2011, the Akron Urban League awarded Ilene the distinction of being named as a Pioneer at their annual Pioneer and Protégé’s recognition event. In 2015, she received the Harold Stubbs Award for Government. In 2019, Executive Shapiro was named a Crain’s Cleveland Business Woman of Note.
The Club truly appreciated Executive Shapiro taking time to meet with us virtually and update us on what some of the initiatives Summit County is working on to ensure Summit County is a great place to live and work.
The Rotary Club of Akron welcomed Mark Gerberich, President and CEO of the International Soap Box Derby to our August 18th meeting to update us on the status of the International Soap Box Derby during this trying time of COVID-19 as well as a general overview of the Soap Box Derby.
Mr. Gerberich leads a team of 10 full time and six part-time employees, pre-COVID-19 with a budget of $1.9 million and operates more than 250 events yearly.
Mr. Gerberich has worked in the sports field for 35 years after attaining his undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in NY and his master’s degree from the University of Akron in sport management.
Since 2010, Mr. Gerberich has been teaching two sport management classes at the University of Akron, where he enjoys the opportunity to assist students in making the transition from being a student to joining the work force upon graduation.
Mark expressed his appreciation to all the individuals and organizations that have been so collaborative in ensuring the success of the Soap Box Derby.
The All-American Soap Box Derby® is a youth gravity racing program which has run nationally since 1934.
Children between the ages of 7-20 are eligible to race in the program. Kids, along with a parent, mentor, etc. build a car using a specially designed kit purchased from the International Soap Box Derby (ISBD).
Races are held each year in officially sanctioned Soap Box Derby® race locations throughout the United States and a few foreign countries. The racing season culminates at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship Race, held each July at the world-famous Derby Downs Track in Akron.
There are two ways a child can qualify for the First Energy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship Race. The first is to enter a local race and win. The child will qualify for the World Championship Race and compete against other Local Champions.
Local race programs are sponsored by a variety of civic clubs, service organizations and businesses. These groups establish their local Derby administrative and promotional organizations to conduct the program. Local race organizations are responsible for a license fee to the ISBD.
There are 12 Regional Divisions plus the International Division.
The Soap Box Derby attempts to provide the following to their participants:
Youth Education and Leadership Development, Family Engagement and Enrichment,
Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Teamwork and Collaboration, Mentoring, Volunteerism and Commitment to the Community.
The Akron Soap Box Derby has three main programs. They are the All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD) Race Program, their Education Program and their Derby Down Special Events Program.
The Special Events program includes such events as Inclusion Day, Senior Day, Veterans Appreciation Day and Corporate Derby Challenge. Two of the newest programs within the Education Section is their STEM program and their Robotics program. When asked what happens to old cars that kids might have raced but are sitting in basements or garages now, Mr. Gerberich answered that the Soap Box Derby would gladly take old cars to provide an opportunity to other children to have the experience of the Derby Downs who couldn’t otherwise afford to purchase a car.
The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of listening to Teresa R. LeGrair, President and CEO of the Akron Urban League during our Tuesday, August 11, 2020 Club meeting. It was a very engaging presentation with multiple follow-up questions about the organization, its challenges, and successes. To view the video of her presentation click here or view it below.
Ms. LeGrair is no stranger to the Akron community. She previously served the Akron Community Foundation and the President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve. Ms. LeGrair has served the Akron community in many capacities over the course of her career. Prior to joining the Akron Urban League and the Boys & Girls Clubs, she served as Vice President of Programs and Member Services for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Executive Director, Human Resources at the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Prior to working for the past 25 years in the non-profit arena, she spent 16 years with Aetna Health Plans in various and progressive roles of responsibility.
Her current board and committee involvement include, Greater Akron Chamber Board of Directors and Opportunity & Inclusion Committee, Fund for Our Economic Future Board of Directors, ATHENA Akron Fierce Advocate member, and member of the Summa Cancer Institute Leadership Advisory Council and the Summa Healing Arts Leadership Advisory Council.
She has been the recipient of the Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Drum Majors Roll Call Award, Akron Black Women’s Leadership Caucus Award, Akron Urban League’s Woman of Power Award, finalist for the ATHENA International Leadership Award and 2020 Summit County Historical Society Woman of the Year for Integrity.
Ms. LeGrair provided the Club with some historical information about the Urban League. The National Urban League was founded in 1910. The Akron Urban League was established in 1925. Discussions about forming the Akron Urban League began in 1918. For additional information on the history of the Akron Urban League, I encourage you to visit their website www.akronurbanleague.org. For many years the organization was located on East Market Street. Currently the organization is located at 440 Vernon Odom Blvd.
The mission of the Akron Urban League is to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Summit County, particularly African Americans, by advocating and facilitating programs that are economically and educationally transformational, impacting their lives and the lives of future generations.
Annually, the Akron Urban League serves nearly 13,000 individuals through job placement assistance, business education, computer training, GED preparation, emergency food distribution, scholarships, and other services to those in need. Ms. LeGrair discussed several of their programs and are highlighted below.
Education Initiative
With a team of highly skilled and qualified educators, coaches and counselors, The Akron Urban League has developed programming that aligns with the Akron Public School’s curriculum preparing students to take the necessary steps to become contributing citizens. Many of the participants are returning students who look forward to being a part of their urban community summer camp. Young people who are referred or come on their own to the Urban League seeking employment know they will gain job skills and work experience in the Youth Employment Program. Both parents and students want to be a part of our STEAM Academy, where children are exposed to a new way of learning.
Students who enter the Urban Youth Academy can count on learning, having fun and growing to the next level towards adulthood. From the summer camp, to the Youth Employment Program, to the afterschool STEAM Academy, individuals from ages 5 to 24 are engaged mentally, emotionally and physically in activities that close the education gaps during the summer months, groom them for long-term employment, and generate higher levels of interest in science and math.
Work force development
The Akron Urban League believes that combining job readiness and emotional intelligence training (life coping and critical thinking skills + exercising good judgment training) will address the turnover challenges and improve job retention and satisfaction. Their goal, therefore is to develop a curriculum that is individually-directed to assist individuals seeking employment to become not only employment ready, but emotionally able to address the stress of work/life balance and improve the quality of life for themselves and families.
The Urban League staff expect that individuals completing the program will be employed and retain employment for no less than 3 years. They expect individuals will meet, if not exceed the expectations of their employment role with no work-related relational incidences and will be positioned for future promotional opportunities.
WORKFORCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP EMPOWERMENT CENTER
The Akron Minority Business Development Center (MBAC) is supported by the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) Minority Business Development Division (MBDD) who all support the growth and sustainability of small, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses in the State of Ohio.
The MBAC works with entrepreneurs, and emerging business enterprises to help them achieve, scale, and market success. The overarching goal is to help small, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses contribute to job creation and economic growth in Ohio.
Supporting businesses means providing them with resources that include technical and professional assistance, access to capital, surety bonding, and connection to business opportunities. The Division leverages these resources to support the achievement of the state's 15% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) set-aside goal, which is overseen by the Department of Administrative Services.
The programs presented above are just a few of the programs and services offered by the Urban League. For additional information about the Akron Urban League, you can visit their website at www.akronurbanleague.org.
Fellow Rotarians, it's that time again! Help Akron Rotary Camp earn $ to send kids to Camp! Save your ACME receipts from August 6 to December 26 to earn some Community Cash Back on ACME Fresh Market Store Brands. Receipts can be mailed or dropped off to Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319. As always, thank you for your support!
Thank you to all of our Rotarians who volunteered at The Akron Urban League to assist with the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for those in need in our community.
The Shoebox project has been a long standing international project supported by the Akron Rotary Club. Our portion of the 650 boxes in total across Rotary Clubs is 30 boxes. 30 children will receive a box full of supplies and fun items they can enjoy. The project will need $2000 of support; whether that is in donations of items needed or a financial donation of approximately $66 per box. If you wish to make a financial donation to support the cause (and we will purchase the items) please click this link and indicate "SHOEBOX PROJECT in the "gift designation" box.
The Rotary Club of Akron welcomed Margo Sommerville as our guest speaker during our Tuesday, August 4th Club meeting. It was a very informative presentation discussing some of the initiatives the City Administration and Council are working on. A recording of the presentation is posted below but if your website or email client prohibits you from seeing you may click here to view.
Margo Sommerville is president of Akron City Council, chairs the Committee on Committees and is an ex-officio member of all standing Council Committees. Ms. Sommerville was appointed to be the Ward 3 representative in 2013 and elected to that position in 2014. Ms. Sommerville decided to run for Council President in 2018 to act as a “bridge between a divided Council.
Council representative Sommerville hosts Ward 3 meetings on the second Thursday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. at Odom Boulevard Branch Library, 600 Vernon Odom Boulevard.
When not involved in Council business, Sommerville is vice president and funeral director of Sommerville Funeral Services. She attended Firestone High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University and a Master's in Public Administration/Urban Studies from The University of Akron.
There are several initiatives that Akron City Council has recently acted upon or are in the early stages of researching or implementing. In June, the Council voted to ban police choke holds as well as additional measures to protect police officers and citizens. In June, the Akron City Council declared racism as a public health crisis.
Recently a committee of the Council has begun reviewing the city charter. Several of the items being reviewed are as follows: Updating the “rule of 3”. This review has to do with the hiring practice of interviewing the “top 3” candidates. The proposed change is to increase the number considered for interviewing up to 10. This expansion would allow for a broader and more diverse selection process. Another HR area being reviewed involves “preferential points for hiring and promotions.” In addition to some of the existing reasons for awarding preferential points (residency, veteran status, etc.) consideration would be given for good job performance evaluations and other considerations.
Another area that is being reviewed is the competitive bidding process. In many ways the existing process penalizes small businesses and minority businesses. The change would allow the Mayor’s office to do more purchasing, allowing the expansion of potential vendors that may be excellent businesses but do not have the staff to compete with larger corporations with more staff to handle the complicated administrative bidding processes.
The Council is also looking at releasing all body camera footage to the public when there are cases of deadly use of force situations to ensure transparency.
A final initiative is the “Reimagining Public Safety.” With all the national discussions on defunding police departments and other actions looking at police departments, this initiative will involve several subcommittees that will be meeting between September and November with results being provided in December as to possible recommendations. Each subcommittee will have a representative from the police department to be sure the police perspective is not overlooked.
For the fastest response to concerns about everything from potholes to tree trimming to snow or ice removal, call 311 within the City of Akron or 330.375.2311 from any other phone.
Ms. Sommerville allowed us to record her presentation. If you wish to view it you may do so below or if your website/email client prohibits the video from appearing you may click here.
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris
After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. He envisioned a place where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
On 23 February 1905, Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.
“I was sure that there must be many other young men who had come from farms and small villages to establish themselves in Chicago ... Why not bring them together? If others were longing for fellowship as I was, something would come of it.”
In February 1907, Harris was elected the third president of the Rotary Club of Chicago, a position he held until the fall of 1908. Toward the end of his club presidency, Harris worked to expand Rotary beyond Chicago. Some club members resisted, not wanting to take on the additional financial burden. But Harris persisted and by 1910 Rotary had expanded to several other major U.S. cities.
Harris died on 27 January 1947 in Chicago at age 78 after a prolonged illness. His death prompted an outpouring of contributions from around the world and his name continues to evoke the passion and support of Rotarians and friends of Rotary.
Paul Harris Fellows: Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.
Paul Harris Society: The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants.
The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.
Our Akron Rotary club honors new members of the Paul Harris Society by presenting them with a certificate and chevron at a club luncheon. Due to Covid-19 our weekly Rotary luncheons were transformed into Zoom meetings and we have not been able to celebrate our members’ donations to the International Rotary Foundation.
August 5th and 6th Akron Rotary club VP Lynda Farkas with the help of PDG Jack Harig diligently delivered new Paul Harris Fellow pins and yummy Rotary cookies to the following Akron club donors.
If you have questions and/or would like to become a member of the Paul Harris Society, please contact VP Lynda Farkas, 330.819.3739 , lfarkas2@neo.rr.com
With the cancellation of all Rotary International Student Exchanges, our foundation has funds that will go unused for these programs. These funds have now been designated for emergency funds to assist Rotary clubs in other countries with unexpected expenses as a result of COVID. Rotary clubs around the world are struggling as members are losing jobs and the need for Rotary services is greater in their communities. What better way to support fellow Rotarians during this time than to support these struggling clubs. Thank you Claudine Schooley, Brian Chima, and Susan Colville-Hall for the idea. Over 1/3 of our club supports work internationally. The Board approved a $500 grant each to three clubs in Honduras, Columbia and Equador. With these funds we can help ease the burden of fellow Rotarians in Central and South Americas.
“Our foundation board recognizes there are people struggling around the globe as a result of COVID,” remarked James Redmond, Foundation Board President and Rotary Club of Akron Member. “To be able to send some love from Akron is a remarkable idea, and we were all too happy to do it.”
There are still limited funds that remain. Akron Rotarians - If you have an International club in need you would like to recommend, please contact Julie Brandle, Rotary Club of Akron Past President and Foundation Board Communications Chair at 330.858.6672 or jbrandle@metisconstruction.com.
Foundation Board Officers and Members
James Redmond, President
Katy Miller, Vice President
Mark Krohn, Treasurer
Sally Christman, Secretary
Julie Brandle, Communication/Public Relations
Steve Buie, Governance/Liaison to Club Board
Marcia Holcomb, Nomination/Roster
Rima Muakkassa, Ph.D, Scholarships
Jeff Sitz, Finance
Brian Steere, Fundraising/Development
Akron Rotary Foundation Makes a Difference in Central and South Americas
The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of listening to Kemp Boyd, Executive Director discuss the mission of Love Akron during our Tuesday, July 28th Club meeting. It was a very engaging presentation with multiple follow-up questions about the organization, its challenges, successes, etc.
The mission of The Love Akron Network is to call Christian leaders of the greater Akron area to pray, unite and collaborate in ministry for the advancement of spiritual and social transformation in our communities.
Love Akron challenges Christian leaders of the local church, para-church ministries, marketplace, and nonprofit sectors of Summit County to... ...unite as a prayer network for the purpose of leading communities and congregations in prayer strategies as one church. ...tear down the walls that divide the colors, cultures, and congregations and to build bridges of understanding for the purpose of creating strategies that promote unity and harmony. ...invest their collective resources for the purpose of the whole church taking the whole Gospel to the whole county.
Love Akron was established in 1995 by Pastor Mark Ford, Pastor Knute Larson & Rev. Dr. Ron Fowler. The first event was a prayer meeting, hoping it would grow into a city-wide prayer movement, and has since been successful. With the retirement of its founding leader in April 2019, Love Akron hired Executive Director Kemp Boyd.
Mr. Boyd is committed to empowering others to make Greater Akron thrive. What this means is Love Akron wants to listen together and learn together, so that we can lead together as a city and not as separate organizations. As Mr. Boyd stated, “Better together collaborating with community change agents resulting in collaborative impacts.”
Love Akron, through the guidance of Kemp Boyd and his staff, attempts to help the community celebrate our differences not just acting when there is a tragedy. What unites us, not divides us.
Love Akron attempts to bring awareness to what resources are available in Akron already, and then bringing together a team of players to address a concern.
Love Akron has 3 Initiatives for 2021. One of those will be to address the challenge of 850 children being served by Children Services Board and only 170 foster home beds available.
Mr. Boyd commented that “race” is just one component that makes up “diversity.” Race doesn’t need to get lost in “diversity.” When we try to lump all types of diversity into one category, we often dilute each one of them and accomplish very little.
For additional information on Love Akron you can visit their website at http://www.loveakron.org
Kemp Boyd of Love Akron Helps Make a Collective Impact
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If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Mella Castner, director of development at Rotary Camp (330) 644-4512.
John was our speaker on Tuesday, July 21st and enlightened our members about Royal Family KIDS (RFK) which aims to intervene in the lives of children in foster care. RFK transforms communities by interrupting cycles of neglect, abuse and abandonment of children in the foster care system. They provide an array of programs, all directed toward changing the trajectory of young lives which usually include a combination of academic failure, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, sex trafficking, homelessness, and incarceration.
In 1985, an assistant pastor named Wayne Tesch and his wife, Diane, saw a need to provide hope to local foster children in Costa Mesa, California. They created a week-long summer camp held in the mountains, the “cathedral of the outdoors,” in order to create moments that matter for foster children ages 6-12.
When John Schwider started a summer camp for foster children in Chicago Southland in 1994, he found his niche. His whole focus became developing healthy supporting relationships for foster children. He transitioned from volunteer to a full-time position as Field Representative with Royal Family KIDS in 2005. Although he works nationwide, his concentration is in the Great Lakes Region which includes Ohio.
Royal Family KIDS mobilizes churches to begin summer camps for foster children. Currently there are 239 camps nationally and internationally. There are 10 camps in Ohio but are limited in their activities currently because of COVID-19. The organization expanded to include mentoring clubs, Teen Reach Adventure Camps (TRAC) and the teen mentoring component, TRAC Life. Through these four passages the church can be the one organization in a foster child’s life that can maintain consistent relationships from age six to eighteen.
When children age out of foster care at age 18, RFK still maintains contact with many of their “kids” via their Facebook page. Over the 30 years of RFK’s existence 106,000 children have been served. Last year RFK served 9,00 children. Serving these children were 14,000 volunteers. The week at camp is magical. The sponsoring church pick up the children via coach buses. Children arriving at camp are greeted with a poster board welcoming each-and-every child. Each day there is a choice of activities that campers can choose from. At the end of their week of camp, the students plant a silver maple tree. Before planting the tree, each camper writes a note about a traumatic event in their life. The note is buried in the hole as the tree is planted, as a way of “letting go” of that traumatic event and moving on with their life. The camp ratio is 30 kids and 50 volunteers. The closest camp for Summit County is in Canton. This camp has been in operation for 20 years.
We are pleased to announce that this year’s Cornhole Tournament, presented by Buckeye Corrugated, Inc., is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020 on the grounds of the Akron Rotary Camp. Last year’s event raised $16,160 to benefit sending kids to Rotary Camp!
Joining me on this year’s committee are Rotarians – Andrew Grover, Doug Hausknecht, Jim Redmond and Julie Ann Sweet-Buntin. Our committee along with Rotary Camp has put together a plan for the health and safety of all attendees and players.
Back by popular demand will be the Menches Bros. Food Truck, topped off with ice-cream for dessert, and beverages from our friends at the House of LaRose to help keep you cool.
Your help is needed to support for this great event for our Camp. You can help with participating to play, recruiting teams, securing raffle prizes and/or sponsorships.Click here for the Cornhole Tournament flyer to help promote and invite your colleagues, family and neighbors for some friendly rivalry. You can also share this link to register, sponsor or donate online: bit.ly/rotarycornhole2020
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions skolligian@neolaw.biz or (330) 253-2227. Thank you in advance for helping us to make this the most successful tournament yet to support Rotary Camp!
Scott Kolligian Co-Founder, Charity Cornhole Tournament
President Rob inducted Richard Fry at our July 21st meeting. Rich was sponsored by PDG John Reyes.
Rich is an attorney at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC, specializing in the area of Taxation. He recently became Office Partner in Charge at the Akron office.
He is a native of Northeast Ohio and currently lives in Stow. He is a graduate of Kent State University and the University of Akron.
Rich is active in a number of community groups, including Boys and Girls Club of America, Stewart’s Caring Place and various bar associations and legal associations. He has a long history of interest and involvement in community service especially involving youth.
Rich has recently been selected to be part of this year’s Leadership Akron class.
Truly Reaching You was formed in Akron, OH in 1999 by Perry Clark, who after being released from prison in 1997 realized the need for a healthy environment to not return to his old ways. TRY became a formal 501(c)3 in 2006 and has steadily grown since.
Mr. Clark shared his amazing story of resilience with our club and how he found a way to help other men who have been "inside".
Truly Reaching You is committed to helping men, reentering the community from incarceration and/or addiction, transition into healthy lifestyles, renewed attitudes, and positive relationships through Christian principles.
Truly Reaching You works in collaboration with the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Summit County, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Adult Parole Authority, various Judges, and the National Association of Recovery Residences.
He said that everyone entering the program goes through an thorough interview process and men 18 and older are who they serve.
In addition, they are committed to self sustainability - hence grant funds are used only for covering housing and housing needs - the grant funds do not get used for staff or payroll needs.
He said "the greatest blessing in my life was that my dad taught me a strong work ethic". It's his mission to instill this ethic in the men who come through Truly Reaching You.
They have a Work for Hire program to help the men served by Truly Reaching You develop the work history and skill sets needed to find -- and keep -- jobs that will support themselves or their families, and ultimately enable them to make a successful transition.
They offer Lawncare & Landscaping, Commercial Cleaning, Housing Rehab & Construction, and Hauling & Manual Labor.
Simultaneously, the program provides the entire community - business owners, local government, nonprofit organizations, churches, and residential home owners - with high-quality, competitively priced services and provides TRY with a growing source of income to support its reentry work.
Immediate needs of the organization are a cargo van and mini van.
The 2019-2020 District Governor, John Reyes, presented clubs and individuals with awards earned during his year. Our Club and many of its members were honored to receive recognition at the event. The awards our members received are listed below.
This event was held virtually due to this unprecedented time in our lives.
President Rob inducted Carol Marturano-Becker at our July 7th meeting. Carol was sponsored by John Margida.
She is the the President of IMPACT Learning, which she founded in 1997. Her company is focused on providing practical and comprehensive resources for today's leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs. She provides strategic planning initiatives for her clients which have included: Fortune 500 companies, midsize and small companies, nonprofits, community organizations, education institutions and entrepreneurs.
Carol was selected to help our Club develop a strategic plan in the 2018-19 rotary year. Her leadership and collaboration was instrumental in the development of our current strategic plan.
She is currently a member of: The International Coach Federation, Society of Human Resource Management and the Association of Training and Development and a volunteer with Scouting BSA and several other local community organizations.
She and her husband Dale Becker have two adult children. She enjoys reading, gardening, boating, skiing, golf, sporting events spectator, learning, spending time with family.
This was our first meeting of the new Rotary Year. Our 2020-2021 President, Dr. Robert S. McGregor, was officially installed, and he in-turn installed his officers. It was a pleasure to hear from Rob about his vision, themes and goals for the upcoming year. In addition to continuing to embrace and implement the strategic plan, he plans to have the Bylaws committee revise/update the club bylaws. He is planning routine monthly meetings for the council of chairs and will also be forming a new Risk Management Assessment committee.
Anne Jorgensen became our newest member on June 30, 2020. She was sponsored by Rotarian Doug Hausknecht.
She was promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Programming and Leadership in September 2019.
She directs Student-Athlete Programming and the Cline Leadership Academy. Jorgensen is responsible for guiding the career direction for 20 teams and 530 student-athletes. She recruits for all sports.
Named the Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services in January 2007, Jorgensen coordinated all academic advising for Akron's 450 student-athletes and coordinates eligibility with compliance. Working with all 18 Zip sports, she conducts recruitment visits and meets with each coaching staff for academic reviews.
Prior to joining the Athletics Department, Jorgensen spent six years as the director of undergraduate programs and assistant to the dean in UA's College of Business. A member of the UA staff since 1997, Jorgensen was the senior assistant director of admissions and coordinator of transfer admissions for three years, helping to recruit for all sports.
Jorgensen spent six years at a part-time faculty member in UA's School of Music.
Jorgensen earned a double bachelor's degree in music/piano pedagogy and music education from Michigan State in 1974. She completed a certificate in early childhood education from Midwestern State University in 1985. Jorgensen earned a master's degree in music from Morehead State in 1976.
A native of Michigan, Jorgensen resides in Twin Lakes. Her husband Robert Jorgensen, professor emeritus and director of bands emeritus at The University of Akron, passed away on July 4, 2015, directing a band. The couple has a daughter, Laura, who is the assistant athletics director and director of athletics ticket operations at the University of Oregon.
Congratulations Pat! Your final meeting as President was June 30, 2020. You provided us with an overview of your year which proved to be challenging when the pandemic began - but you kept marching forward and bringing us all together! Thank you. We were so happy you were surprised by our little video presentation to help send you off since you were unable to have your President's Gala this year! All our best to you as you now enter the ranks of Past President!
Haven of Rest will be hosting a canned food drive (see below or click here to open a flier) August 20th from 11 am -7 pm at Chick-fil-A locations: Canton/Dressler Road; Montrose/Flight Memorial Drive and Chapel Hill/Howe Avenue. You can also visit https://www.havenofrest.org/ for more information.
Our newest Rotary member joined us on Tuesday June 23, 2020. We were pleased to welcome Mario Mastroianni back to Rotary. Previously Mario served in the Rotary Clubs of The Abingtons in Clark Summit, Pennsylvania, and also Westlake-Bay Village, Ohio.
Mario Mastroianni is a Sales Executive with Oswald Companies. He is passionate about helping professionals, business owners and affluent families protect their most valuable assets. He focuses on Family Protection, Income/Legacy Continuation, Business Succession, and Estate Planning. He, his wife Cecile, and their 3 year old and 9 month old boys reside in Seven Hills.
Audrey Carroll,a Rotary Exchange alum (Germany 2018-2019), was the recipient of the Owen Norris Interact Scholarship for her involvement and dedication to the Interact Club at Stow Munroe-Falls High School. She is a member of the Class of 2020 and was recognized with the hope that her “ experience in the Interact Club of Stow will encourage her to continue her volunteer service to others in the community and the world.” It should be noted that Audrey is the connection to the global grant that we are pursuing with the Rotary Club in Ecuador. Her year in Germany was shared with the daughter of president to the Portoviejo Club. Because of the earthquake there 4 years ago the city is poorly equipped to deal with Covid-19. Audrey shared the request for global grant with us. Already a woman of action! She will attend Ohio State University in the fall and intends to major in International Affairs.
Lydia Olin-Hitt, sponsored by our club, was accepted as a Rotary Exchange student to France this year. Although there is no long-term exchange because of the Covid-19 situation, there is the possibility that she could do a half year starting in January. If that opportunity continues, she will leave in January. We will keep you posted.
Doug Piekarz, President & CEO of Akron Zoo was our presenter on June 23rd. Doug became president & CEO in 2015. Prior to taking the lead role at the zoo, Doug was the vice president of planning and conservation programs. Doug has over 26 years in the zoo profession, specializing in the areas of strategic and master planning, animal and facility operations, exhibit development, and green practices. Doug joined that Akron Zoo in 1998 as the general curator and has held several positions at the Akron Zoo. Before coming to the Akron Zoo, Doug was a senior wild animal keeper and area supervisor at the Bronx Zoo in New York.
Doug is very passionate about conservation and building value for wildlife and wild places through connecting people to nature. He shared that 50% of the Akron Zoo revenues are from the Summit County tax levy and 50% are from earned revenue. As an essential business during COVID-19, the Akron Zoo maintained a daily staff, a critical staff and an at-home staff.
Akron Zoo's mission is to support the community by connecting our lives to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action.
During the pandemic, the Akron Zoo also partnered with the Akron-Canton Foodbank by providing of the Zoo's lots for food distribution. In addition, since the public could not enjoy the Zoo's blooms this year, the horticulturists harvested the blooms and delivered them to First Responders.
The Akron Zoo is one of only 237 AZA-Accredited Zoo's,
Rotary Club of Akron inducted Janice Radl to our club Tuesday, June 16th.
Janice is an Adult Services Librarian at the Akron-Summit County Public Library's Main Library in downtown Akron. Her current assignment is the Business & Government Division. Janice holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University, a Master of Science degree in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University, and a Master of Library & Information Science degree from Kent State University. Prior to joining the library, Janice completed a fellowship with the Cleveland Restoration Society, a local partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Since relocating to Summit County in 2004, Janice has volunteered with organizations ranging from the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, International Institute of Akron, and the Akron Area Interfaith Council. Janice enjoys hiking and reading American History and biographies. She is a graduate of Leadership Akron’s Diversity On Board program, Class 4.
Janice attends St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Akron. She and her husband Bob live in Sagamore Hills.
As you know, since mid-March Akron Rotary Camp has had no activity due to COVID-19. With Governor Mike DeWine’s Responsible RestartOhio for both Youth Day Camps and Residential Camps, the Rotary Camp board made some exciting and difficult decisions regarding the remaining summer programs. We will be offering limited overnight and day camp programs beginning July 5th. We are operating at a greatly reduced enrollment this summer. The health and safety are first and foremost for our campers and staff. While camp will look and be different in many ways this summer, we would still like to offer the best experience we can to our campers. Our summer camp schedule is as follows:
July 5-10 Overnight children’s camp
July 13-17 Day camp
July 20-24 Day camp
July 26-31 Overnight children’s camp
August 3-7 Day camp
Annually, Akron Rotarians have been a huge help with Camp cleanup in preparation of the start of summer camp. With the approval of President Pat O’Neill, President-Elect Dr. Rob McGregor, and Service Chair Cyndi Kane, we are in need of Rotarians who are comfortable in volunteering to assist us in getting Camp in tip-top shape before our campers and staff arrive on June 28, 2020. All cabins, bathhouses and open areas need to be cleaned and sanitized. We have several volunteer opportunities at staggered times to encourage social distancing - more dates have been added!
All cleaning supplies and gloves will be provided, but you are more than welcome to bring your own. Suggested cleaning items:
* Buckets
* Dusters
* Gloves
* Rags
* Shopvacs
* Stepstools
Please click on the sign up genius link below to review volunteer options - we added more dates so please check back if you are still interested in helping. If you would like to come at a different date and time that is offered, we will be happy to accommodate it. Any questions, please contact Amanda Warner at amandaw@akronymca.org<mailto:amandaw@akronymca.org or 330-644-4512 x3205.
As some of you may know, our Rotary club is a community partner with North High School. We have had several events throughout the year where members of the club went and donated their time and expertise to help students. We also had been working on a professional skills-like event in late March that was unfortunately cancelled due to the virus. Nevertheless, we made a great impact at the school and are more ready than ever to support NHS this upcoming year.
We received a message from Janice Weaver, the Academy Coach from North High School, sharing the following:
First, I want to say THANK YOU for supporting North High School's Academies in the 19-20 academic year. As I'm sure you can imagine, this year was a unique one. We had our first graduating class to experience the full academy model, and even though it ended on an unexpected note, it is clear that they benefited from your support as a partner.
In total, The Rotary Club of Akron invested 41 hours over 10 engagements equaling $4,100 in time and talent! In addition, any planning time on your end also counts towards your total investment, and is currently not reflected in the figures above.
I will be meeting with Janice virtually to plan for this fall. We are very excited about our history and continued support of North High School. If anyone has any suggestions for programs they would like to see, please contact me at josephmariomicale@gmail.com. Great job Rotary!
We were pleased to hear from Mike Solosky, Donor Relations Coordinator at Haven of Rest Ministries on June 16th. Mike share some staggering statistics about both, the Residents (those who stay on average of a year) and the Clients/guests who seek overnight shelter, food and clothing. Haven of Rest Ministries supplies approximately 1,400 men, women and children and meals. Even more are hungry and struggling. Haven of Rest Ministries plays a vital role in our community by addressing this growing need and helping to break the cycle of homelessness so that people can live brighter, hope-filled lives.
Haven of Rest provides a variety of services to the homeless, the new poor, battered women and children, rape victims, alcoholics, drug addicts, evictees, parolees, runaways, transients, indigents, and those with minimal mental and physical disabilities. Diversified services, offered to these individuals and families without charge, provide pathways for a new way of life and self-sufficiency. This past year, the mission provided 269.608 meals and 59,800 nights of lodging.
For 77 years, Haven of Rest Ministries has never received government funding. It's funding is private and corporate donors only.
Cash donations are always welcome but they are also in need canned goods for their meals. The larger cans are best if possible!
They will be hosting a canned food drive (see below or click here for the flier) August 20th from 11 am -7 pm at Chick-fil-A locations: Canton/Dressler Road; Montrose/Flight Memorial Drive and Chapel Hill/Howe Avenue. You can also visit https://www.havenofrest.org/ for more information.
In April, Dan Flowers, CEO and President with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank shared with our Club the impact of the COVID-19 crisis has elevated the need for food in our community. Many families who have never needed help before are now facing hunger because of the pandemic.
Our club is a group who shares a passion for and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives across the world. We have another opportunity to do so here in our own backyard. Please join President Pat O’Neill for Akron Rotary’s Pack That Truck Challenge to benefit the Foodbank on Thursday, June 25th, between 3pm to 7pm at Portage Country Club, 240 North Portage Path, Akron, Ohio 44303. We appreciate the support of Portage Country Club in stepping up to serve as the donation host site for our event.
As of May 20, 2020 the Akron Beacon posted that Ohio’s 16.8% unemployment rate is the highest recorded since tracking began in 1976, which is approximately 823,700 Ohioans who have lost their jobs.
Let’s continue to step up and take on the next Club challenge. The Akron Rotary Club is teaming with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and the Ohio National Guard to raise funds and food through our Pack That TruckChallenge.
Our goal is to physically and virtually pack one of the Foodbank’s trucks full with food items and monetary donations. Our club's goal is to raise $15,000, which will provide 60,000 nourishing meals. The Akron Rotary Foundation is providing a challenge grant and will match the first $7,500 raised in monetary donations. Your support is crucial for this valuable cause.
Here is a list of the Foodbank’s requests for preferred non-perishable items needed:
Boxed Cereal
Canned Beef Stew
Canned Soup
Canned Tuna
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Peanut Butter
Rice/Pasta/Beans
Other Non-perishable food items
Paper products
Paper towel
Tissues
Personal Care Items
We are grateful for this incredible opportunity to impact so many families in need and be beneficial to all concerned. Stay tuned for more details to come.
President Pat O'Neill made the decision to cancel this year's President's Dinner/Roast as he does not wish to put anyone at risk.
This dinner takes place annually to honor the outgoing President and generally there is a fun roast during with the evening.
President Pat appreciates a great idea that was presented by Dan Reynolds as follows:
To encourage members to donate the money they would have spent on the dinner ($35 per person) to the service project our Club is involved with for the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank called "Pack the Truck".
You can donate until June 30, 2020
If interested, please make the contribution online at
Thursday, June 11, 2020 the Akron Rotary Club, Akron Rotary Foundation delivered the "Coin Boxes" and a Foundation check to the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. We were so happy to hand-off the beloved coin boxes, in the amount of $127.00, to Mr. Joe May, Manager of the State and Federal Communications Food Banks (non-profit organization located in Akron). Mr. Jim Redmond presented a matching check of $125.00 to Natalie Peacock, Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank specialist.
The Harvest for Hunger Campaign, vital to the Foodbank's hunger relief efforts, was a kick-off breakfast back in February and the Akron Rotary Club was represented by 10 "Lady" Rotarians. Coin boxes were carried out and became a featured centerpiece at Akron Rotary Club lunches until the beginning of March — COVID-19 hit! We did our best to keep the campaign alive as we zoomed our luncheon meetings collecting Happy coins and drive by donations.
Many thanks for all who donated and helped on a service project by the Akron Rotary Club for a total of $252.00 supporting the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, feeding people and fighting hunger. They couldn't do it with ALL of us supporting their case.
Photo L-R: Joe May, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility for State and Federal Food Banks, Lynda Farkas, Jim Redmond representing Akron Rotary Club Foundation, Natalie Peacock, Corporate Relationship specialist ACRFB
Want to do something fun? The Community Project Committee from the Rotary Club of Akron has a project for you, “Beautification Watch Award Canvassing”. This program is sponsored by “Keep Akron Beautiful”.
Beautification Watch Awards are the way of saying “thank you” to the homes and businesses that take pride in taking care of their property in the City of Akron. The Rotary Club of Akron has been involved with this for the last 8 years.
Please see the information below to sign up directly with Keep Akron Beautiful.
We're looking for volunteers to be canvassers for our Beautification Watch Awards (BWA).
BWA volunteers drive one of our pre-determined routes on their own time throughout the month of July and nominate homes + businesses for our Beautification Watch Award.
There are 45 routes that cover the entire City of Akron. Each route takes 2-4 hours to complete. Routes are only to be completed in the month of July and have to be turned in to KAB by Monday, August 3, 2020.
Beautification Watch Awards are our way of saying “thank you” to the homes and businesses that take pride in taking care of their property in the City of Akron.
If you would like to participate as a Beautification Watch Award Canvasser, click here to sign up.
We suggest participating in teams or groups to ensure everyone’s safety, as you will need to write down nominated addresses as you drive by them.
Booklets will be mailed to participants this year to avoid contact. This is an easy + safe way to volunteer with us! We appreciate you all so much.
During our virtual meeting, Jim Mullen, President & CEO of United Way of Summit County updated us on the United Way of Summit County's BOLD GOALS and how the United Way became the lead organization for the COVID-19 Emergency Response raising 1.7 million to date. Thank you for joining us today Jim Mullen!
You can view some of Jim's slides below (thanks Julie Brandle for the screen shots!).
This past weekend, June 6th and 7th, the Akron Rotary Club officially planted boots on the ground to help serve a very specific need for barbershop and salon owners in the greater Akron black community.
A team of seven Rotarians gathered at the Akron rotary camp on Saturday to put together supply care packages for 70 local businesses. The supplies ranged from Covid prevention supplies to cleaning supplies as well as some beauty products.
The following day 5 Rotarians and a few family members met in the afternoon outside of Dr. Leia Love's salon in West Akron to distribute the packages. There were lots of smiles and thankful hearts for our gracious gifts.
A big thanks to the club members and our Akron Rotary Foundation for its matching donation - we raised $6,300 for this project!
Well-done Akron Rotary Club for stepping up to meet a very present need by planting seeds of love.
A big thank you to fellow Rotarian Steve Warren for presenting to our club on June 2nd. Steve is an Emmy award winning producer and serves as Director of Operations for Fox Sports Ohio / SportsTime Ohio.
Steve introduced himself and gave a brief background of his career in sports television, beginning with his jobs as a freelance Producer and Director, transitioning to becoming the Manager of Broadcasting Operations for the Cleveland Indians and how the Indians created their own Regional Sports Network - SportsTime Ohio - and his role with STO before and after STO was purchased by Fox Sports.
Steve then spoke about how Fox Sports Ohio / SportsTime Ohio dealt with creating programming for 2 full time, 24/7 sports networks without any live sporting events to cover once the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all sports. The networks immediately began to fill time with re-runs of "classic" games. With those games needing to be edited for air and the prospect of not being able to work in the Fox facilities, Steve and his team began figuring out ways for the Fox editors to work from home, accessing the editing software, highlights and transmission facilities at their Cleveland and Cincinnati production facilities remotely from the editors' homes across the state.
The next task his team was challenged with was to figure out how to create new programming, integrating the announcers, players and coaches all from their homes. Steve explained how they found new software and how they modified the intended use of that streaming software to create 6 new weekly shows for the networks. Their success was eventually reported to the rest of the Fox Regional Sports Networks. Steve and his team were then tasked with training all 22 of the Fox RSNs in the use of the software so that the other RSNs could catch up with the creative output of Fox Sports Ohio / SportsTime Ohio.
Currently, Steve and his Operations team are working on "Return To Play" scenarios for when live sports eventually returns. With the prospects of all 5 of the teams that FSO/STO covers potentially returning to play at the same time, but no one knowing the exact plans of the various leagues, Steve described it as "trying to pack for a vacation but you don't know where you are going, when you are going or who is going with you." He covered some of the health and safety precautions his company is taking to keep employees safe when they return to their work environment which normally includes having 20 people jammed together in a television production truck. He also enlightened the Club on some of the new technologies that will be coming to the forefront as a result of working from home and rapid evolution in broadcasting technologies.
This year has been very much like a Charles Dickens novel. One could say it has been the best of times and the worst of times, simultaneously. The pandemic has caused us all to reach deep and come up with creative ways to transition, get better, and move forward with renewed vision. Your Akron Rotary Club is right on time the step up and help meet a deep need for barbers and salon owners in the black community of Akron.
At the beginning of the year our club formed a diversity/inclusion committee to look at ways to build bridges with black Akron and the international community. This Saturday, June 6th, a team of Rotarians and Rotaract students are gathering at The Rotary camp in portage lakes to put together care packages of needed supplies for salons and barber shops to be able to get back to business with confidence. Supplies will be distributed on Sunday afternoon.
What's really wonderful is that this need was only shared with the club one time and $6,300 was raised to help. What a wonderful way to start the journey of building relational Bridges within our wonderful community. Stay tuned, there's more to follow in the coming days, months, and years. We are Akron proud!
Akron Rotary Club is leading a new project with the Rotary Wheelchair Foundation to deliver a container of 280 wheelchairs to Ukraine. The Board of directors of Akron Rotary voted on January 15, 2020 to contribute raising money to the total amount of $21000, in partnership with District 4250 of California and the Wheelchair Foundation. The members of the Akron Rotary club were very generous, giving “one wheelchair at a time for $75 each”. The Wheelchair Foundation will match the total amount of dollars, will buy the wheelchairs in China, and will take care of the freight to Ukraine to our partner-in country, NGO God’s Hidden Treasures. Usually after the delivery of the wheelchair container, the Rotary clubs involved in the project send a team of Rotarian volunteers to participate in the distribution to the people in need of mobility. They also meet the Rotary clubs of Ukraine to continue to promote peace and friendship. With the uncertainty of the Coronavirus and the interruption of international travels it is difficult to schedule a date for such a trip. The project was being slowed down with the circumstances but it is now continuing and is extended to all the clubs of our District 6630 who want to participate to international projects and help people with disabilities.
This week the Akron club had the privilege to include a new partner, the Rotary club of Port-Summit who decided to contribute to the project. They are supporting the Wheelchair Foundation and are very familiar with the wonderful work of wheelchair distribution that the Foundation does around the world. Any club from District 6630 can invite Claudine Schooley, Rotarian from Akron Club, to be their guest speaker at one of their virtual club meeting to present the Ukraine project and see that even a pandemic cannot stop a good solid international project. There is a big need for wheelchairs in Ukraine, especially in orphanages and in the war zone where the conflict is raging more than ever with Russia.
We’re so grateful to all of our Akron Fellow Rotarians who donated their change in support of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank 29th annual Harvest for Hunger Campaign that will end the May 31, 2020.
The COVID-19 did not stop the “good deeds” of Rotary as we collected approximately $125.00 in donations for the ACRFB along with matching dollars from the Akron Rotary Foundation – thank you Jim Redmond – for a total of $250.00!
Did you know each $1 = 4 meals and every $20 you give can help provide 160 meals for families facing hardships? We maximized every coin donated!!!
Thank you again for joining in this great effort in supporting our Summit County community of feeding people and fighting hunger. We could not do it without your help and support.
The Akron Rotary Club continues to have a strong commitment to serving our wonderful community. Last year, the club's President, along with a group of club leaders spent many months developing a strategic plan for the next 5 years. Part of that plan was to be deliberate and to choose to become more diverse and inclusive. We recognize that our city is blessed with tremendous people resources throughout and we need the help and involvement of black Akron and the International community.
We also realize that in order to successfully represent our great City, we need to see and hear the needs of all Akron.
Recently, Robert DeJournett, director of diversity and inclusion, from the Akron chamber of commerce shared with our club during a virtual zoom meeting. He shared how our Club could take a much-needed step to help black small business owners who own barber shops and beauty salons throughout Akron.
The effects of the pandemic on these small businesses was overwhelming. Robert invited us to help meet a present need by purchasing much needed supplies for these shops to reopen in the first week of June.
Our Club responded by saying yes, count us in! We have raised $6,000 for the purchase of supplies to be distributed to area salons and barber shops.
Rotarians will be meeting to put together the supply packages and to make deliveries.
We're thankful for the opportunity to serve and to build relationships with our brothers and sisters in need.
Club dues invoices were sent out via email May 1, 2020. Need another copy of
your invoice? Just email us (click here) and include your name in the body of the email. Additionally, any dues payments received after June 30th will be assessed a $19.00 late fee. Thank you.
President Pat O'Neill did a very personal and special induction on May 26th. He inducted his younger brother, Luke O'Neill, into our club during a virtual meeting.
Luke was sponsored by Earl Hamlin.
Luke is a realtor with Keller Williams. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Luke has extensive knowledge and experience with the major markets and submarkets that make up Northeast Ohio. Not only does he have experience in helping buyers and sellers on the retail side, Luke actively invests in the Real Estate markets that he sells in and helps investors in those markets, too.
When Luke is not working or talking real estate, he loves spending time with his wife, Elyse and their two sons, and dog, Mali. With a zest for life and a passion for helping other, Luke said he "will make sure he gives 100% at everything he does."
As you prepare for the big night, we wanted to share some exciting details regarding the 2020 Akron Virtual Heart Ball that will be held on Friday, June 5, 2020 beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Here is what you can expect during our time together:
* Powerful stories from local survivors and a real-time Open Your Heart appeal
* Information about how the AHA is responding to and caring for our at-risk friends from COVID-19
* A LIVE AUCTION!
* Exclusive opportunity to hear about the impact of your dollars and how the American Heart Association is investing in cutting-edge research and treatments
You will also receive a reminder email 30 minutes before the start of the program. Please feel free to share this link to invite your family and friends to join you!
Some masked do-gooders were out last week leaving out, picking up, and dropping off fabric for mask making! Thank you Akron Rotarians for 10 donations with 6 drivers, totaling approximately 10 to 12 bags for www.gahss.org. Mahananda Luitel thanked all for the donations! If you come up with more at a later date reach out direct to their website. Thank you!!
June Ring
Julie Brandle, June Ring and Mahananda Luitel
Ginakaye Maddox & Tom Knauer
John Daily
Amador & Shannon Gonzalez
Cyndi Kane
Michael Wilson from the Akron Canton Foodbank and June Ring
I just wanted to send a note of thanks for donations from some of our Rotarians to Hope Walk at Home benefitting Stewart's Caring Place. We were so thrilled with the positive response from our supporters and ended up exceeding our goal! It truly takes a community to support the work of all the wonderful nonprofits and businesses in our area and I'm so thankful for your support.Our goal was $40,000. We had over 700 people participate including folks from California, Indiana, and Georgia and raised over $47,000. I've attached some photos from our Selfie Scavenger Hunt as we encouraged people to enjoy walking in their own neighborhood or favorite park! Here are some of the Rotarians who participated.
What a great Club meeting on May 12th. Joe Swiatkowski is the president of Hickory Harvest Foods and 2 subsidiary companies and gave us a wonderful virtual tour of his company. This company is truly a gem in our community!
The Swiatkowski family owns and operates food processing and manufacturing companies all in Akron, Ohio. Their breadth of products include nuts, dried fruits, organics, chocolate, and yogurts.
Thank you for the 'insiders view' of your operations and history!
Our speaker on May 5, 2020 was Robert DeJournett who spoke on Diversity and Inclusion. Below is his PowerPoint and two videos he shared during his presentation. We appreciate the time he took to share this information with our Club and look forward to continuing our support of the the Greater Akron Chamber's initiatives to advance economic opportunity through diversity and inclusion to accelerate the growth and success of Greater Akron's Companies.
INCLUSION SUMMIT: THE HISTORY OF INCLUSION IN AKRON Video is below. If your browser/email service does not support seeing this video - click here to view
GREATER AKRON INCLUSION SUMMIT: What are you going to do?
Video is below. If your browser/email service does not support seeing this video - click here to view
This past weekend, while observing the national debate over returning to work, it dawned on me that many people may be eventually returning to work to the realization that some of their co-workers have died. I know that our club has lost Rotarians (like my grandpa) in the past month and I know countless other members have been impacted.
Our governor Mike DeWine has began making preparation to reopen the state of Ohio and get us all back to work. Accordingly, I feel that it is appropriate to share the attached article, which is written by Dr. Alan Wolfelt. He is the most preeminent American writer on the topics of death, grief and healing.
I hope Dr. Wolfelt's words provide comfort and encouragement to everyone in our Rotary Club as well as get back to work. Can you please distribute to the larger Rotary Club?
Thanks!
Nathanael M. Billow
Executive Vice President & Treasurer
The Billow Co.
85 N. Miller Rd.
Fairlawn, OH 44333
(330) 867-4141
Condolences in the Time of COVID-19
Guidance for Conveying Your Love and Support
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
When someone dies—of COVID-19 or any cause—during this pandemic, their loved ones are being left to grieve in especially harrowing circumstances. They may not have been able to be by the dying person’s side in the hospital or long-term care facility. They may have been prevented from spending time with the body, which we know helps mourners say hello on the path to goodbye. And due to social distancing mandates, they have probably been unable to gather with friends and family to provide each other essential mutual support.
For these and other reasons, it’s a terrible time for loss. It’s a terrible time to be grieving.
If you would like to support a grieving person during this time, you might feel unsure about what to say or do. After all, many of the time-honored methods of demonstrating your care and concern—such as attending the funeral, or stopping by the family’s home to offer an embrace and your presence—aren’t options. Yet you can still be a light in this dark time. The five principles that follow will guide you.
Get in touch, and stay in touch.
To convey your love and support, video calls are the best substitute for face-to-face conversations. Voice calls come second. After that, emails, texting, and social media work too. And don’t forget the power of the handwritten note! Depending on how close you are to the family, I recommend reaching out to the grieving person at least once a week in the coming months—and even more often than that in the beginning.
Be an exemplary listener.
On video calls or the phone, try to listen most of the time. When you do talk, validate what the grieving person has said to you. In their isolation, they still need their experience witnessed and affirmed. They still need to feel heard and understood. By actively and attentively listening, you will be giving them this gift.
Say what’s on your heart.
Especially in challenging death circumstances, it can be difficult to know what to say to the grieving family. It’s always OK to say, “I’m so sorry,” “You’ve had to endure so much,” and “My heart is breaking for you.” Keep in mind that the word “condolence” comes from the Latin condolens, meaning “to suffer with another.”
Be genuine, but please refrain from advice-giving, judging, and sharing your own loss stories and religious viewpoints unless you are asked. What I’ve learned from my work as a grief counselor and educator for more than forty years is that what you say is often less important than how you say it. As long as you are genuine and focused on the grieving person’s experience and worldview, your empathy will come across.
Listen to and share memories.
In the early days after a death, grieving people are usually consumed by shock, attending to tasks related to the death, and integrating the reality of the circumstances of the death. But after some time has passed, they are often ready to start thinking about the life of the person who died. You can be someone who listens to the stories they want to tell and, if you have your own memories of the person who died, shares them with the grieving person. Remember that the love lives on, and the memories live on. You can support the grieving person by honoring this.
Consider the love languages.
In his landmark 1995 book The Five Love Languages, author Dr. Gary Chapman introduced us to the idea that human beings feel cared for by others in five primary ways:
• receiving gifts
• spending quality time together
• hearing words of affirmation
• being the beneficiary of acts of service
• experiencing physical touch
With the exception of physical touch, whose lack is indeed a great hardship right now, all of these remain ways you can support your grieving friend or family member in the weeks to come. For example, you can send a gift of flowers, food, or self-care items, such as books or a candle. You can still spend quality time together, online or on the phone. By mailing cards and sending texts, you can share words of affirmation. And you may be able carry out or arrange acts of service, such as dropping off a home-cooked meal, mowing the lawn, or running errands.
I hope you will use some of the ideas in this article to reach out to your grieving friend or family member—as well as healthcare workers, emergency services personnel, funeral home employees, and others you may know who are confronting overwhelming illness and death during the pandemic. Most of all, I hope you will keep in mind that it matters less what you specifically say or do and more that you simply make efforts to get and stay in touch. If you genuinely care and you find active ways to express your empathy, the grieving person will feel your support, even from a distance. Remember that the death of someone loved is a shattering experience. Lead with your heart and be gentle, loving and compassionate in all of your helping efforts.
About the author
Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., is an author, educator, and grief counselor. He serves as Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition and is on the faculty of the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Wolfelt has written many bestselling books on coping with grief, including Grief One Day at a Time and First Aid for Broken Hearts. Visit www.centerforloss.com to learn more about grief and loss.
Exchange to me this next year holds so much importance to me as a person and practically as well. To start with the practical, I am a junior in high school planning to finish high school this year and graduate early. This past year I have had my lasts and said my goodbyes to the high school Friday football games, the after school Starbucks runs with my friends, the classmates I will not see next year, and I have worked countless hours saving to pay for my own exchange instead of going out to eat with friends or buying new things. For me this has been significant in my life as it ends a big portion of my life and signifies change and growth as a person to be moving towards this next stage of my life. For this next year, I was planning on having probably one of the best years of my life going on exchange. In a strictly practical sense, not going on exchange would mean that I would be at home for a year probably working and then going to college since this past year I did not apply to colleges. While this is not the worst thing that could happen in this upcoming year, it was not the way I had pictured or wished to be spending my time. For me emotionally, this exchange also has significance since around 8th grade I have longed to experience rich cultures and speak in another language. It wasn’t until this past year that I realized it was possible for me to go and I started this journey. As I became more involved with the exchange students here in the U.S. I have seen first hand how life changing it can be. Seeing the exchange students at the last overnighter was one of the happiest and saddest things to see as we sat around in a circle at night softly singing a song together and enjoying the limited time we had. I saw the deep connections each of them made with each other often feeling a little bit envious wondering why I wasn’t in their circle not realizing that what you must go through as a group is something unique to everyone who goes on exchange. This bond is something so unique and precious that can’t be made in any other setting than exchange. For me, being culturally aware and being able to understand and communicate in someone’s own language has always fascinated me and been one of my goals. Exchange for me would allow me to explore these avenues and continue my french learning in a new way. As I continue to get older, I find myself wishing to find my own identity and who I really am and what my values are in life. For me, exchange meant my first journey alone where I would be faced with challenges whether I liked it or not and I would have to be able to overcome these. I think being able to overcome these and really be myself without my parents would allow me to find out more of who I really am and discover new things I didn’t know about myself. Ever since I was little, I have had a passion and yearning for travelling as well as I have always been interested in trying new food when we go out to eat or watching foreign films. This passion for me goes beyond just wanting to travel and see cool places. For me I think it means understanding people better and connecting. It means opening up my own thoughts and challenging them and making me uncomfortable. This next year I hope to go on exchange and experience the challenges and uncomfortable moments and the new people to further expand myself as a person and those I meet. Exchange to me means so much more than just seeing a new place and I wish I could fully express myself and what it means to me, but I think it would be impossible in words. If there is one takeaway from this is that exchange means more to me a virus and more to me than having to wait a month to go.
I thought others might find this link to akronlife a good resource while we continue to follow stay-at-home orders. This is helpful for finding interesting virtual activities, and food/dining locations serving take out.
In addition, each week they also honor some of our locals for their dedication to our community. This week I extracted two articles from them to share with you - they have a special feature for Nurses Week called Cameos of Caring and also the Stronger Together article is where you can nominate people who work in all aspects of the health care system to say "thanks".
Medical professionals make the difference between life and death, especially in moments of crisis. With Nurses Week May 6 through 12, now is a time to salute those dedicated to public health. Caregivers, thank you for working the long nights and early mornings, for being a pillar in our community and for always showing up to help our neighbors. Here are The 330 nurses we highlighted as the most recent recipients of the Cameos of Caring awards.
Stronger Together
Know a health care hero?
While we stay safe at home, our vital health care workers continue to serve on the front lines. Doctors and nurses are treating and advocating for patients, pharmacists are filling ongoing requests and environmental service crews are sanitizing facilities. These are just some of the many that make up the heart of our health care system. These are our health care heroes.
A sign of the times, our Rotary exchange student Elin Na with Anita and Tom Gedelian at her side said good-bye at the airport with a selfie of their masked faces as Elin embarked on her long journey home to South Korea.
When I met Elin the day before her departure, she was all smiles but sad to leave until she saw the photo book of her Rotary Exchange Year with pictures of our Akron club members, exchange students from District 6630, events at Stow Munroe Falls High School, her primary host family Tom and Anita Gedelian, and her other hosts, the Nuñez and Lanzinger families. Tears formed and the urge to hug her host mom and me was hesitantly extinguished, a necessary action in this era of social distancing!!! Photos of fantastic memories for one exceptional young ambassador!!!! So much to be thankful for!!!! And, so you ask, “Why was she smiling?” Elin was holding a bag full of pins from her Rotary Club in Korea for me to distribute to members of the Rotary Club of Akron, something that will hopefully be done at our first non-distancing opportunity. A generous gesture, one that will help us remember this quiet, beautiful young lady and this stellar year marked only by this abrupt Covid-19 interruption. Hopefully, Elin’s adventures will bring her back to Akron someday. And, although there will be changes made to the Rotary Youth Exchange motto, “World peace, one handshake at time,” we pray that Rotary exchanges will start again in the not so distant future.
Dr. Rob McGregor was our presenter April 14th and provided us with an amazing, heartfelt presentation about Children's Hospital Response: Being Safe in Today's Environment.
He is the "Incident Commander" at the hospital and provided some inspirational quotes along with the important chart below to help us all think about who we want to be during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Rob also said, "Be courageous, Be the storm - socially distance and wash your hands. Keep connected and strive to move past fear to learning and growth! Virtual hugs and handshakes for now. We WILL grow and move past this! Be well my friends!"
Quote from Amy Triano - with the non profit Hold the Door Open says: "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something else is more important than that fear."
Quote from Curt Cronin Navy seal friend reminds me of his favorite quote -"Fate whispers to the warrior "You are not strong enough to weather the storm...The warrior whispers back ; "I am the storm!"
We want to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. McGregor and each of the first responders for all they are doing to keep us healthy.
President Pat O'Neill inducted Philip Williams as a new member during our April 14th virtual meeting. Philip was sponsored by Dr. Rob McGregor. New to the Akron area, Philip now works as Director of New Business Development for United Way of Summit County. He describes himself as a data driven problem solver and likes to use Six Sigma ideologies and is willing to share those skills. With his prior employer, he volunteered and lead Junior Achievement Bowl-a-thons and volunteered for many events with the Cleveland Food Bank.
Zoé Mayeur, from Brussels, Belgium, spent the 2019-2020 exchange year with the Rotary Club of Akron. Because of the current Covid-19 pandemic, she left April 5 to return home to ride out the rest of this storm with her parents and older sister Fanny. In her own words, “The trip was not easy but I made it home. I am quarantining with my parents and my sister so I enjoy my time with them, we go on bike rides, we cook, we talk.” Like most people in the time of Covid-19, her parents are not working. Normally, Zoe’s mother serves as a Federal Ombudsman for the Belgium Parliament. Her father is a criminologist in charge of helping prisoners who are released find jobs and then he follows up on them in their work.
While in Akron, Zoé was enrolled in classes at Stow Munroe Falls High School. Eager to try something new, she started playing the clarinet in the marching band and participated in cross-country and track and field. She said she“likes playing on a team because of the team spirit.” Zoé especially enjoyed marching in the Brown’s Game in the fall when the SMFHS band played at halftime. She now understands Americans’ enthusiasm for football! Due to her curiosity and eagerness to discover new things, Zoé made friends in her classes, in the band, in the SMFHS Interact Club and in her sports. Consequently, she was able to take advantage of many opportunities to experience American culture, through Rotary, her school and her host family.
Her host parents, Jen and Richard Carroll, generously opened their doors and hearts to Zoé and treated her like one of their own children, of which they have two - Audrey and David. Audrey was our Outbound Exchange Student to Germany last year. Zoé spent a lot of valuable time with her new family and celebrated the ordinary things of American life. One of her favorite experiences was going to Puerto Rico during Winter Break with her family to enjoy the warmth of one of the U.S.’s Caribbean territories. And life was not too boring after the orderfor “shelter -in-place” was issued. The kids enjoyed playing games, watching movies and cooking.
District 6630 Exchange students have been using Zoom to connect for the last 3 weeks, thanks to Shelia Hedrick who connects us all. Before her departure, Zoé took time to demonstrate a no-cook dessert recipe made with Belgium cookies (biscuits) and whipped cream, it was so delicious looking!!! She “was happy to share one more thing about [her] before leaving.” Wish we could have tasted it!
Zoé has been a wonderful ambassador for Belgium and a delightful visitor to the U.S. Like Elin, she was so looking forward to the Eastern trip to visit Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. in March, and to meet other RYE students. A disappointed ambassador to say the least, Zoé took the cancellation in stride as well as news of no summer Western Trip to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Colorado and California, understanding that personal safety comes first. So Zoé, too, will miss so many of the spring cultural events such as Prom, our Rotary 6630 Conference, and graduation as well as summer prospects of fun in the sun.
Zoé’s “goal this year was to be immersed in a new culture with people who don’t necessarily think like [her] and learn from them and to share [her] Belgium culture with them. We can say that she more than accomplished this goal. And she is still eager to help us learn more about Belgium. We hope to connect with Zoé using Zoom one day soon to see her smiling face and listen to her charming voice again and learn more about Belgium culture. Her greeting to us: “I miss you and the rest so much... Stay safe!”
Elin Na (Hye Rim) from Yeoju (city), Gyeonggi-do (province), S. Korea has spent this year with the Rotary Club of Akron. Because of our Covid-19 pandemic, on April 16 she will be returning to her parents who are real estate agents, and her younger sister and younger brother. In case you are interested, Yeoju is located in the middle of the Korean Peninsula where many ginkgo trees grow and the temperature has extremes (very hot and very cold).
While in Akron, she attended Stow Munroe Falls High School where she enrolled in multiple classes and played the clarinet in the marching band and the concert band. She especially enjoyed marching in the Brown’s Game in the fall when the SMFHS band played at halftime. She now understands the NFL!!! Elin easily made friends and was able to take advantage of many opportunities to experience American culture, both through Rotary and her host family. One of her favorite experiences was going to Disney World and spending time with Jill Flagg Lanzinger’s family during Winter Break. Jill and her family had volunteered to host Elin in May and June.
Her host parents, Anita and Tom Gedelian, opened their doors and hearts to Elin. She spent time with their grandchildren and celebrated her birthday Korean style at Seoul Gardens with the whole Gedelian gang in January. She felt very comfortable at home with the Gedelians.
Elin had planned a trip with Anita to visit another Gedelian daughter and her family in Texas in April, but that trip has been cancelled.
Elin has also had the opportunity to spend time with the Nuñez family. She and son, Manny shared an interest in band and were great friends at school. Rachel and Jacinto have great welcoming expertise as they hosted Sotaro Yamasaki, our RYE student from Japan, for a good part of last year.
Elin has been a wonderful ambassador for her country and a delightful visitor to the U.S. She was so looking forward to the Eastern trip to visit Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. in March, and to meet all the other RYE students but that trip was canceled a week before departure. And now the summer Western Trip to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Colorado and California has been canceled. No luck for Elin!! We are sorry Elin will miss so many of the spring cultural events such as Prom, our Rotary 6630 Conference, and graduation as well as summer prospects of fun in the sun. But a decision to return is always best when personal safety is the focus. It is certain that we will miss her delightful smile and her eagerness to help us learn more about and appreciate Korean culture. Here’s a photo of Elin as we hiked the Bike Trail at Brust Park along the Cuyahoga River in Munroe Falls last week while maintaining good social distancing!
Join us for our ZOOM meeting on April 7 at noon when Dan Flowers (click for bio) will be talking with us about the Akron Canton Foodbank and their response to COVID-19.
IF YOU SEW (or know someone who does) ... YOU CAN HELP!!!
This mask consists of 2 layers of HALYARD ON H600 medical fabric. (Typically used to cover sterilized surgical instruments.) It has a 16 Gauge copper or brass wire sewn in at the top and fabric ties reinforced with regular acrylic yarn.
The medical grade fabric is provided by the hospital and comes in varying sizes.
Pull the two layers apart. If you pull gently-the fused areas will come apart just fine. If it creates holes-then you will need to cut the fused part (or the holes!) off.
Stack both layers when cutting. Cut and you have the 2 pieces needed. A cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter makes cutting a breeze! A 36” wide cutting mat and 36” ruler and works great!
DO NOT press the medical grade fabric - it will melt!
Community Support Services' Homeless Outreach indicated that they could give away about 20-30 bag lunches each day.... So, if you're interested in making lunches - they don't have refrigeration space, so it would be better if the sandwiches were peanut butter and jelly rather than lunch meat - it could include a sandwich, granola bar or cookies, an apple or banana, and a bottle of water.... Those could be dropped off at the main office (call Michael Gaffney, and I'll meet you in the parking lot), or if you'd like to, you can take them to Homeless outreach - 111 E. Voris Street.
I am sure many of you are not surprised; camp is unusually quiet these days! Due to the COVID-19 outbreak we have cancelled programs from mid-March through the end of April. We will continue to follow the guidelines from Governor DeWine and his team as when to consider reopening. Our camp team is planning out different scenarios as to what camp will look like this summer. Our goal is to begin providing meaningful programs to our campers and families as quickly and safely as possible. Today, we are still planning on moving forward with summer camp as scheduled; we are hiring counselors and planning programs.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to the camp team. We appreciate your support and love for our campers. We look forward to seeing you at camp this summer for a Thursday Cookout and other events.
If there is anything that you need, please do not hesitate to contact me.
During this extremely difficult time, the value of our relationships is more important than ever. While we may rely on phone calls, text messages and video conferences, our relationships will get us through this.
One of my favorite authors is Jon Gordon and he shares frequent blog posts to his email followers and yesterday’s email shared the following:
"I know what's going on is scary. I know the images on the television wreak havoc on our minds and souls. I know fear is at an all-time high. But I also know that a fear-filled life isn't living. This is why, now more than ever, I want to encourage you to choose faith...I want to encourage you to keep faith and hope alive in your most difficult moments. Focus on the task at hand each day. Strive to be productive and creative. Something great will come out of this for you. I truly believe that."
There are Rotarians in our Club that need faith and hope more than ever.
Beginning Tuesday, April 7th at 12:00 p.m., we will be hosting our weekly meetings via Zoom conference.
I would encourage you to participate and to share this invitation with anyone looking for encouragement, prayers or emotional support because that is exactly what we will be providing each Tuesday at noon, for the foreseeable future.
Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Tuesday:
Apr 7, 2020 12:00 PM
Apr 14, 2020 12:00 PM
Apr 21, 2020 12:00 PM
Apr 28, 2020 12:00 PM
How to join us:
1. JOIN BY COMPUTER
To join Zoom Meeting on your computer - click on this link https://zoom.us/j/989441809 and follow the directions.
Use this Meeting ID when/if prompted to enter: 989 441 809
PLEASE be sure you test your audio when prompted to do so. If you do not have audio capability on your computer you can call you in on the phone for the audio feed (see below call in information) but please use only one form of audio connection - either your computer or phone - otherwise there will be feedback).
2. JOIN BY PHONE
--You can join by phone to listen and participate- even if you do not log in on the computer you will be able to hear and participate by phone.
--This is also useful for anyone who does not have computer based audio capability on their computer.
--Note: If using your computer audio do NOT use the phone audio or there will be feedback.
Dial one of these numbers:
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
Then you will be asked to enter Meeting ID which is: 989 441 809 - you will then be prompted to press the # key
Hi All - here is a message from Dan Reynolds, our Director of Endless Possibilities and sneak peak of the Bud Rogers Adventure Park. We can’t wait for you to see it this summer! #onlyabilities
Messages concerning the impact of COVID-19 on our District, Clubs and RI have been posted on www.RotaryDistrict6630.org, along with our District and Club Facebook pages.
View Messages on COVID-19 from Governor Reyes (click on date):
In addition to the District 4-Way Speech Contest and meetings, the following activities have been canceled for the District and Rotary International:
2020 DISTRICT CONFERENCE, DLA & GOVERNORS DINNER
Our District has the unfortunate necessity to cancel all activities for the District Conference, DLA and Past District Governors Dinner that had been scheduled at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls on April 23,24 and 25 2020.
As you all know COVID-19 has virtually shut down public life.
It is the primary goal of Rotary to prevent disease and suffering. It is also our goal to protect the well-being of our members, families and friends. At this time that must be our only goal. Your Executive Committee understands the tremendous effort that has already been undertaken to plan the conference and its component events and we extend our thanks and appreciation for that effort to all involved.
Pursuant to the instructions from Rotary International and our own by-laws the necessary business of the District and Presidents Elect will be done through remote means. Pat Myers and the LEAD Committee are looking at further training opportunities for P.E.’s.
Thank you for your help and support.
John Reyes Rotary District 6630 Governor 2019-2020 Tel: 330.258.6469 Email: jreyes@bdblaw.com
Congratulations to the Akron Rotary Club/Akron Rotary Camp for the generous $5,000.00 donation from the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship Tournament, July 2019.
A friend of Akron Rotary member, Lynda Farkas, Karen Keasling, member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, longtime volunteer of the tournament and Tournament Board member immediately thought of the Camp as her choice of charities to receive the donation.
During the February 27th “Thaw” we celebrated the news with the help of Rotarians; Dan Reynolds, Mella Castner, Jan Ryan, Lynda Farkas and Karen Keasling.
Our thanks are extended to Karen for thinking of the Akron Rotary Camp.
Due to the generosity of our 1,000 volunteers, $825,000 went to Northeast Ohio non-profits!
Due to the success of the 2019 Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS additional funds became available for charitable proceeds. Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation recently announced that ten past grant recipients were selected to receive a one-time discretionary grant. We commend these groups on the work they are doing to improve the lives of residents of our community and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to help fund their mission.
The selected charities include; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina and Stark Counties, City of Akron Fire Department’s REACH Program, Elves and More of Northeast Ohio, Embrace Clinic and Care Center, Embracing Futures, Faithful Servants Care Center, First Tee of Canton, Open M, Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs ($5,000.00), and Summit Choral Society.
Your health and safety is important to us. As we continue to learn more about the threat of the Coronavirus, our board has voted to suspend all meetings and events until April 28th.
I've asked Dr. Rob McGregor to provide his insights and he shared the following; "For most of you, if you get this illness, you should recover fine with supportive care like fever meds and fluids. Don’t panic and use good judgment. Call your doctor should you have symptoms and stay away from hospitals unless directed to go by your provider. Stay safe and away from crowds."
My contact information is below and please feel free to contact me at any time.
Wayne Homes is at it again supporting the rotary camp! This year’s Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club Jump benefitted the Akron Rotary Camp and Ronald McDonald House of Akron. This year we had 8 jumpers and one chicken and we raised $785 as a team!!
Akron Rotarians supporting Harvest for Hunger! — attending Harvest for Hunger Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast with Mella Hawk Castner, Julie Brandle, Nichole Major, Lynda C. Farkas and Christina Horak at John S Knight Center.
Are you warm-hearted and willing to freeze your body to raise money for kids with special needs? Join us on February 29 for the 17th annual Polar Bear Jump benefiting Akron Rotary Camp.
Too cold to jump? No worries, - the Chili Chicken will jump for you! Every donation counts!
Join the fun on: Saturday, February 29, 2020 Portage Lakes State Park at the Swim Beach 5031 Manchester Road Akron, OH 44319
Raise $500+ and become a VIPB (Very Important Polar Bear)
Your donation will allow us to continue to offer assistance to families in need. No child is ever turned away for their inability to pay. In 2019, we provided over $170,000 in financial assistance.
Special thanks to the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump for helping us to create a world where there are only abilities! Hope to see you on February 29.
In the spirit of Camping,
Dan Reynolds Director of Endless Possibilities Akron Rotary Camp
Make a Splash for Akron Rotary Camp on February 29, 2020!
At our February 5, 2020 meeting, we inducted Pat Weimer into our Akron Rotary Club.
Pat is a partner at Tenacity, Inc. and is excited to support the Akron community through service efforts. He was sponsored by Connor Jarvis.
He travels extensively, but plans to be an active and involved member! Please introduce yourself to Pat at a future meeting and watch for more about him in our New Member quarterly announcement.
Photo L-R: President Pat O'Neill, Pat Weimer, Connor Jarvis
Happy New Year! It's hard for me to believe that we're halfway through our Rotary year and in six short months, we'll be inducting Dr. Rob McGregor as the next President of the Rotary Club of Akron. As I look ahead to 2020, I'm extremely optimistic and excited about the opportunities that we have in front of us.
On February 1st, I hope to see every Rotarian bring their friends and family out to Hale Farm and Village for the 30th Annual Chili Open present by Wayne Homes. The Chili Open committee has been working extremely hard to make this a extraordinary year for the Chili Open. With a goal of $300,000, we need each and every one of you to help us achieve this milestone.
Additionally, we will be identifying key service projects for our Club to get involved with and will be working to identify a big impact cause for our Club and Foundation to support through the money made available from the Akron Rotary Foundation.
Thank you to each and every one of your for your contributions to our Club and I wish you a prosperous 2020.
Santa is Coming to Rotary Camp! Join us on Sunday, December 15th, 2019, 3pm-5pm for our annual Holiday Party at Akron Rotary Camp. Our Holiday Party is fun for all to enjoy with some sing-a-long songs, holiday crafts and cookies.
Santa will be stopping by with a bag full of gifts for our campers. Please consider supporting this event by buying a gift for our campers from our Wish List on Amazon,just visitbit.ly/campholiday Gifts will be shipped directly to camp.
RSVP to Tina Gardner at tinag@akronymca.org, (330) 644-4512 x 32054 by Wednesday, December 11, 2019 if you will be attending.
Support Akron Rotary Camp while shopping on Amazon!
Start shopping at smile.amazon.comand link your account to support Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Rotary Camp.
On Friday, December 13th, our Rotary Club will be ringing the bell from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm for the Salvation Army at ACME #10 on 2226 State Road in Cuyahoga Falls. We will need two Rotarians (and friends) to volunteer for each hour we are covering that day.
This is a fun and popular service project for the Club that fills up quickly. Creativity is encouraged, as we have had singers, musicians, children and grandchildren participation in the past.
After you sign-up, you will receive an email confirming your participation and additional information will be forthcoming regarding what to expect and how to plan for your participation. Questions? Contact Mark Seward at markdseward@gmail.com or on 330-414-2075. Thank you for volunteering!
Come join us, Santa Claus and over 150 special needs children for the Rotary Club of Akron’s Annual Christmas Party at SUPER Learning Center! An Hour of Your Day Will Create a Lifetime of Christmas Memories!
What: SUPER Learning Center Christmas Party
When: Thursday December 19th, 2018 from 9:15 AM to about 3:30 PM
Where: SUPER Learning Center is located at: 1584 Wilson Ave, Lakemore, OH 44250
Description: Come join us, Santa Claus and over 150 special needs children for the Rotary Club of Akron’s Annual Christmas Party at SUPER Learning Center! An Hour of Your Day Will Create a Lifetime of Christmas Memories!
Thank you,
-Matt Slonsky National Social Security Advisor® Certificate Holder
Assistant to Bill Manby CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, AEP®, National Social Security Advisor® Certificate Holder Manby Financial Strategies, Inc. Creating Financial Independence, Inc. 1611-A Akron-Peninsula Rd. Akron, OH 44313 (330) 475 - 8575 (Phone) (330) 475 - 8571 (Fax)
On behalf of District Governor John and Immediate Past District Governor Beverly you are invited to attend the upcoming Foundation Gala “Holidays Around the World” on Thursday, December 5th at 5:30 p.m. at Windows on The River.
Dress in your favorite International Holiday Attire or that “special” Ugly Holiday Sweater
It promises to be an evening of great fun, food and plain old-fashioned holiday cheer – definitely an opportunity to celebrate all of the hard work of ALL of our clubs and share our cultures with our Rotary Youth Exchange students. AND it is also a perfect time to do “a little shopping” thanks to the generosity of so many Rotarians and their friends who have provided an incredible array of items to choose from in both our Silent and Live Auction and the Decadent Dessert Dash. And, if you can’t attend, find someone who can to bid for you – below is just a sample with a more detailed list coming later in the month!
Please join us to help honor those who made significant contributions in 2018-2019 to The Rotary Foundation during PDG Beverly's year and all of our humanitarian efforts each of us are involved in to help those less fortunate.
Join us at "Holidays Around the World" Foundation Gala presented by Rotary District 6630
Outstanding Professional Fundraiser, Mella Castner was honored at the AFPNO awards November 1st. Many Rotarians were present to show their support.
Nominated by AFPNEO member Vondea Sheaffer, The Village of St. Edward.
Cleveland Clinic Akron General Women's Board (Rotarian Rima Muakkassa, President)
Recipient of a Special Recognition Award from AFPNEO for their outstanding contributions and dedication to our community.
Pam Kiltau
Special evening for the 2019 Athena Leadership Awards Dinner and celebrating all the inspirational finalists and award winners representing women leaders in our community!
Congratulations to all the award winners and finalists and a special special shout out to our fellow Rotarian and Rotary Camp board President Pamela Kiltau for being a Leadership Award Finalist.
The event recognizes exemplary women leaders for their professional achievement, community involvement, and for actively assisting women in reaching their full leadership potential.This year’s Leadership Award recipients will join more than 60 local women leaders who have been honored as recipients or finalists of this important award.
Photo L-R: Mella Castner. Pam Kiltau, Dr. Rob McGregor
Julie Brandle - Metis Construction
Contributed photo
Metis Construction Services has swelled to 57 employees since its founding in 2009. The company's fortunes really took off when it worked on the Acorn Alley II development, seen here, in Kent.
As featured in Crains Cleveland: Born from recession, Metis Construction Services keeps on steady growth track. Read the story here
Roger Read
Fellow Rotarian philanthropist and community leader Roger Read will be the 16th recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award.
The Greater Akron Chamber announced Read will be honored on March 18 at the chamber’s 113th annual meeting at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron.
The chamber award was created in memory of the late H. Peter Burg, former chairman and chief executive of FirstEnergy Corp. The award recognizes a leader who embraces economic and community development in the Akron area.
Happy 30th Birthday to Akron Rotary’s Chili Open Golf Classic! In celebration of 30 years, the committee has set the Chili Open goal at $300,000! Last year, we raised $287,391 we feel confident that with the support of our Rotary Club and community that we will reach our 2020 goal.
We are extremely thankful to our Chili Open Presenting Sponsor Wayne Homes for their continued support. Plus the Chili Open wouldn’t be complete without Chili. Thank you to Whitey’s Premium Chili as the official Chili Sponsor!
Funding from the Chili Open helps ensure that no camper is ever turned away from Akron Rotary Camp due to inability to pay. Sponsorships and Camperships make up 75% of our event goal. Rotarians are needed to help support with sponsorships, view the updated sponsorship benefits packet here. Please consider increasing your sponsorship, renewing your sponsorship or becoming a first time sponsor. We are also looking for new prospective sponsors, so please let our Sponsorship chairs Christina Horak or Jeff Sheeks know if you have someone you would like to reach out to. Your support makes the Chili Open an annual success for our Club.
We also ask every Rotarian to purchase or sell a minimum of ten raffle tickets at $20 each. There are great chance to win the following prizes:
1st prize is a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LS, or $10,000 cash prize – Thank you The VanDevere Bunch!
2nd prize is a 55” 4k Smart LED TV, courtesy of the S Group, Inc. – Thank you Rotarian Jeff Sheeks!
3rd prize is a behind-the-scenes media package at a 2020 Cleveland Indians Game – Thank you Rotarian Steve Warren!
Each ticket also includes $20 in discounts – which is the cost of the ticket:
$10 off oil change at The VanDevere Bunch
Purchase two entrees and receive $10 off your bill at BRAVO, Summit Mall
Raffle tickets were distributed to Rotarians who attended Tuesday’s Club luncheon. If you did not attend, you will receive your ticket in the next few days by mail.
Still wondering what the Chili Open is about?
This is a short video for you to share with prospective sponsors and donors to help promote the Chili Open and help secure sponsorships (or click here to watch it on YouTube). Thank you to Rotarian, Mario Micale and Narrative Digital Design for creating the video!
For 96 years, Akron Rotary Camp has been the main project of our Rotary Club. Every Rotarian is needed to help us raise $300,000 for Rotary Camp continue with their mission of “Creating a world where there are only abilities!” Thank you for teeing off with us and we look forward to seeing you on February 1, 2020 at Hale Farm and Village for the 30th Akron Rotary’s Chili Open Golf Classic.
Again, thank you for helping us to celebrate 30 years of greatness!
Dr. Rob McGregor and Wanda Whipkey Co-Chairs, Chili Open 2020
These Akron Rotarians dedicated their Saturday morning to exchange ideas with other Rotarians from District 6600, 6630 and 6650. With over 140 attendees present there were several breakout sessions with discussion of best practices for engaging members, managing membership leads and much, much more. Membership is critical to Rotary's Success and we look forward to continuing to strengthen and build upon the membership in the Akron Club which has served our community for over 105 years!
Akron Rotarians: L-R: George Rooney; President Pat O'Neill, Lynda Farkas; Doug Hausknecht; PDG Cheryl Warren; Membership Chair Tom Knauer; President Elect Dr. Rob McGregor; District Governor John Reyes; Assistant Governor Julie Brandle.
Fellow Rotarian philanthropist and community leader Roger Read will be the 16th recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award.
The Greater Akron Chamber announced Read will be honored on March 18 at the chamber’s 113th annual meeting at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron.
The chamber award was created in memory of the late H. Peter Burg, former chairman and chief executive of FirstEnergy Corp. The award recognizes a leader who embraces economic and community development in the Akron area.
On Tuesday, October 22nd, Past District 6630 Governor, Steve Zabor shared his experience participating in a Polio National Immunization Day (NID) in India and why our continued efforts to eradicate this disease are so important.
The presentation of Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Recognition is The Rotary Foundations’ way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. It is named for our founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago Lawyer who began Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.
Rotary Foundation Club Co-Chair, Lynda Farkas. presented JIm Durr with his first Paul Harris Fellowship - he received his certificate and pin.
An email enters my inbox in August: it said: "I picked up a vintage roster of your club, I am a Rotarian. I would like to send you pictures of every page. It’s a cool history of your club .... any interest?"
I asked a couple questions and immediately introduced him to our Club Historian, PDG Jack Harig.
Jack took it from there - and he did a tremendous job coordinating to bring this document home. You can view the document by clicking on the image to the left.
It turns out that Mr. John Waterman, who sent the email, found this treasure. He is a Rotarian and collector of Rotary memorabilia. He lost his entire collection, including 3 original signatures of Paul Harris, along with his home, in the "Camp Fire" that took their town of Paradise last year. He had been a member of Paradise Rotary until the fire then joined Roseville Rotary.
Mr. Waterman spotted this 1916 Roster for sale on the WEB and purchased it. He then contacted us, the result being we now have this historical treasure in our hands. Thank you to Mr. Waterman and to Jack for all they did to coordinate and ultimately obtain and scan the document - their long hours are much appreciated and will keep our history alive. You can view the document by clicking on the image to the left.
We were honored to have Grace Wakulchik, President and CEO of Akron Children's Hospital present at our September 17th meeting. Grace was generous to share her PowerPoint presentation "Women Leaders" with us. It can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.
We’re excited to announce that we’re going to be rolling out a new Ambassador program in the upcoming weeks. A Rotary Ambassador is someone who can make guests and newer members feel welcome, answer questions and get people connected quickly. This is a very informal position that you can decided to do on a week by week basis when you arrive to the meeting. There is no need to sign up each week and if all the tables have an ambassador that week then there is no need to do anything. Should there be a table or two that doesn't have an ambassador that's okay too. You will wear a red lanyard they will signify "you're a person who can answer my question". Again, our goal with this position is to quickly engage our guests/newer members and let them know of areas they can be involved that align with their passions and connect them with the people who can answer their questions.
Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.
"Creating a world where there are only abilities!"
An Evening To Remember
Enjoy cocktails as you walk along the shore of the picturesque Rex Lake.
Sample some gourmet creations prepared by the one and only Chef Beau Schmidt of Beau's Grille and Beau's on the River.
Stretch your sea legs and enjoy the soft waves of music filling the air. Enjoy the camp and experience all the wonderful facilities our campers enjoy throughout the year.
Take in the view from the water with a cruise on one of our seafaring vessels.
Join us in the Grand Tent, where SARA SHOOKMAN, WKYC TV3 News Anchor, will emcee the evening's program featuring Rotary Camp's superstars JACK AND VIVIAN HARIG. Followed by an entertaining live auction featuring unique items and exciting getaways.
The evening will conclude with a fireworks spectacular over Rex Lake.
A few meetings ago, I asked John Daily when his next swim meet was. He told me Saturday, August 24. Since he swims throughout the country, I held my breath, and was pleasantly surprised that it was being held locally, in Avon. I told John I’d be there. Fortunately, I heard no objection.
The next meeting, John gave me a copy of the meet details. He told me I didn’t have to come, but I don’t listen very well.
So on the 24th, Eileen and I drove to the Avon Aquatic Facility. It was a brisk morning, with a few sprinkles. One might think that, having a fancy name like Aquatic Facility, the pool would be in nice, warm surroundings. But, alas, it was outdoors. Not so bad for me, at least in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, but just think about the wet, nearly-naked swimmers!
And there were a lot of swimmers. This was a popular Ohio Masters Swimming event. John had entered 3 events - 50 meter freestyle; 100 meter freestyle; and, despite John’s hip surgery a few years ago, he bravely entered the 50 meter breaststroke.
John and I went over to the meet sheet, and he located his name in the 3 events, and duly took notes of his heat numbers and lane numbers. To my surprise, the heats were not grouped by age group. Rather, they appeared random, and John was swimming with swimmers much younger. I noted a 38.
Based on John’s age on December 31 of this year, John was entered in the 93+ group. He’s actually merely 92, but has a birthday coming up. John felt that was to his advantage, since he otherwise would have been in a more crowded group of 89+! The age differential didn’t matter, though, because the swimmers were not racing against each other; rather, they raced for time in their respective age groups.
John warmed up a bit in one of the 2 free lanes while other events progressed. Now wet, it didn’t take long for the weather to take hold a bit, and John bundled up as he awaited his first event. The 50 freestyle was called, and John made his way to his lane. The starting block is probably 2 to 2-1/2 feet high, and I marveled as John climbed a step stool up onto the block, and then stood, seemingly forever, awaiting the start. The swimmers were called to their marks, the starting signal sounded, and John dove in with the others.
We have all probably noticed that John moves around relatively slowly these days; but all bets were off when he hit the water. I was amazed watching him slice through the water with a very smooth stroke. I snapped a pic as John approached the finish.
We then visited with John as he awaited his other events. The other 2 proceeded as the first, and I took a few more pics, including of one of the 3 medals John earned that day.
John thanked us for being there. He may not have realized that I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. John is such a humble human being, with immense determination, and such an inspiration for all.
I am so proud, and want to be like John, but I get tired trying to keep up. Thank you, John, for being my fellow Rotarian.
Presentations of Paul Harris Fellows (PHF) is The Rotary Foundations’ way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. It is named for our founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago Lawyer who began Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.
Our club is very honored to recognize our members for their contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
Most recently, on August 13th, our District 6630 Foundation Chair, Jim Lechko, was on hand to present the Paul Harris certificates and pins to the following members. Jim expressed appreciation to all who have donated to The Rotary Foundation throughout the years.
Welcome to Michael Shearer who is the newest member of the Rotary Club of Akron. Michael transferred to us from the Kent Club and has been a Rotarian since 2002.
Photo L-R: Club President Patrick O'Neill, Michael Shearer and Membership Chair Tom Knauer
Watch for our New Member eNews that will share more about all new members who join us in July and August!
Audrey Carroll who spent 2018-2019 in Germany proudly holds her certificate of completion signed by District Governor Johns Reyes. Audrey returns to Stow-Munroe Falls High School to complete her senior year. She will speak to her sponsoring club, Rotary Club of Akron, August 20.
The Annual Charity Cornhole Tournament, presented by Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. was held on July 27th on the beautiful grounds of Akron Rotary Camp. This year marked the 10th anniversary for the Tourney and a record year for teams. The day was a great success and are very excited to announce that we raised over $16,000 to help provide financial assistance for kids to attend camp.
Participants and volunteers enjoyed lunch from the Menche’s Bros Food Truck, beverages from the House of LaRose and snacks from the Peanut Shoppe. Thanks to all who support the tourney with teams, raffle tickets, donations, auction items, and to all who volunteered. Special thanks to Scott and Jaime Kolligian for their continued support and commitment over the years to help make this event grow.
Congratulations to all the winners:
Ringers – 1st place: Jeff Beattie and Drew Thomas (TNC2)
Ringers – 2nd place: Zac Hagy and John Whitehead (Corn in the USA)
Recreational – 1st place: Kenmore’s Finest
Recreational – 2nd place: Alan Umerley and Dave DiReggerio (Airbaggers)
The Akron Rotary club filled 30 shoeboxes that will be shipped to the children of the dump in Nicaragua, in time for Christmas. Our boxes will be combined with boxes from other clubs in our District. For the past several years the district has spearheaded this effort to relieve the day-to-day struggle that leaves the children reduced to fighting cows and dogs for food they can scavenge from the local garbage dump.
We are grateful to all the members who made donations to make this project a success. Ben Heckerman & Emily Patterson played an integral role with the organization of shopping and packing. We also had some members of the North High Interact Club attend as well; thanks to Tam Chau, SaHa Da Be, Nitash Dahal, & Prabin Magar. They were excellent additions to our team.
Or Club will be hosting On The Table Greater Akron on October 3rd at 11:45 am. Note: our normally scheduled meeting for October 1 will not be held.
Everyone is welcome to join us for the conversation. The cost is $13.00 per person and includes lunch. Location: Portage Country Club.
On the TableGreater Akron is a one-of-a-kind initiative where thousands of diverse residents from all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds gather to share a meal and discuss meaningful ideas to strengthen our community. It’s an opportunity to shape our region into a strong, vibrant, safe and dynamic place to live and work. This project is part of On the Table, a national civic engagement initiative supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and initially developed by The Chicago Community Trust.
Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Summit or Medina counties is invited to host or participate in a mealtime conversation with their family, friends, neighbors or colleagues. Conversations are held in person at locations such as a library, church, neighborhood restaurant, office break room or around your own kitchen table.
We know that big ideas can spring from small conversations and that people invest in what they help create. When we come together face-to-face to find common ground on community issues and challenges that matter to people, powerful things can happen.
October 3rd - Join us for On The Table Greater Akron
We can't brag enough about our Akron Rotary Wavemakers! Not only did they place second at the Dragons on the Lake Dragon Boat Festival, but they also had the 2nd best time in the history of the race! Paddles Up! Special thank you to our Captain Robert McGregor on this achievement! And all for such a great cause! Thank you to all who participated in this tremendous event.
Akron member, John Reyes, took his oath as our 2019-2020 District 6630 Governor on Saturday, July 20th. He was sworn in by Rotary International Director Stephanie Urchick who was graciously in attendance to participate in our celebration. Joining DG John was his wife Linda along with over 100 Rotarians from throughout the District. Special thanks to our Rotary Camp Staff, Mella, Dan and Amanda, and this year's DG Home Club Representative Julie Brandle - they handled all the details for the day! We look forward to a great year under DG John's guidance.
DG John and his wife Linda
DG Reyes with Club President Pat O'Neill
The Governor's Banner will now be on display for the 2019-2020 Rotary Year at our Akron Club. DG Reyes is the 8th Club member to serve in this capacity.
Our Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Sotaro, leaves with many souvenirs and good memories of his exchange year with the Rotary Club of Akron. Photo: Sotaro with Susan Colville-Hall, Youth Exchange Committee Member.
Congratulations our new President Pat O'Neill for being inducted as our 2019-2020 Club President. He is shown with L-R: his father Patrick O'Neill, great aunt Patricia Graves, and his wife Sarah O'Neill.
Also we proudly recognized returning and new board members who were sworn in by President Pat. We were honored to be joined by our current District Governor and several past District Governors and past Club presidents.
Board members L-R: Terry Dalton, Dr. Rob McGregor, Steve Buie, Nicole Major, Michael Gladysz, Wanda Whipkey, Tom Knauer, June Ring, Dave miller, Karen Hrdlicka, Blake Babcock, Brian Chima and Connor Jarvis.
L-R: President Pat, 2019-2020 District Governor John Reyes, Past District Governors Jack Harig, Cheryl Warren (all from the Akron Club and Jack Young (Conneaut Club).
Akron Past President's L-R: DG John Reyes, Lance Chima, PDG Cheryl Warren, Pam Kiltau (President, Rotary Camp Board), John Margida, Sandy Naragon, Julie Brandle, Shon Christy, Doug Hausknecht, President Pat O'Neill and PDG Jack Harig.
It was our distinct pleasure to name long time club members, Mary Anthony Weaver and John Mogen as Honorary Rotarians - they both lifetimes of service to our club and community!
Special thanks to President O'Neill, Past President Steve Shechter, Past Foundation Board President Marilyn Buckey, Past District Governor Jack Harig, and Past President Tom Fox for all your kind words you offered about our honorees, and also to Mrs. Mogen for joining us.
Hanging with the kids at Rotary Camp on a beautiful sunny ☀️ evening! We are truly blessed 😎👍🌞
You do not have to serve -- you can just come out and be our guest at one of the meals! Please join us anytime!!
Last week we had our Interact Students with us along with several Rotarians - Thank you!
Interact Class: North High Teacher/Interact Counselor, Paula Peyak is surrounded by Rishma Tamang, Yasoda Khadka, Ashika Rai, Gay Doh Soe, Sodhan Biswa, Monisha Rai, Puja Rai.
Rotarians/guests: Susan Wilson, Lynda Farkas, Cheryl Warren, Doug Hausknecht, Marilyn Smythe, Stu Perry, Dan Reynolds and Mella Castner.
Summer Camp Dinners are a great opportunity for Rotarians to see Rotary Camp in action, meet the campers and counselors, and serve alongside other Rotarians.
Volunteers are needed to help set-up for dinner, serve, and help clean up afterwards. The Staff at Rotary will be extremely grateful if you can help with any of the following dates.
The Hope Foundation manages 18 properties for adults with developmental disabilities across the state of Ohio. Our task was to scrape and paint a large garage that supports two of their homes in Stow. We were fortunate to have a beautiful clear day to complete our work. The following Rotarians participated:
At his last meeting as Rotary Club of Akron President, John Margida had the pleasure of giving $3,750 grants from the Akron Rotary Foundation, to each of the following:
Julie Johnson, Boys and Girls Club of Western Reserve
Caroline Alitzer, Great Trail Council
Edwin Hubbard and Larry Chadwick, Akron Urban League
Zac Kohl, The Well Community Development Center.
Congratulations to all of these wonderful organizations for their good work in our community.
Zoe will be attending Stow-Munroe Falls High School. We have a host family for Zoe for Fall 2019. Please help us find a 2nd host family for her December-March and a 3rd host family for mid -March – June. Contact Emily Patterson, Rotary Youth Exchange Officer, at epatter3@kent.edu
Hyerim will be attending Stow-Munroe Falls High School. We have a host family for Hyerim for Fall 2019. Please help us find a 2nd host family for her December-March and a 3rd host family for mid -March – June. Contact Emily Patterson, Rotary Youth Exchange Officer, at epatter3@kent.edu
GET TO KNOW OUR INCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Zoe Mayeur- Belgium:
Zoe Mayeur, 17 years old, lives in Brussels, Belgium with her parents and older sister Fanny, 21.
She likes kin-ball, a game that comes from Canada and dances 4 hours a week. She likes playing on a team because of the team spirit. She is also a girl scout and enjoys participating in projects. In school, she is majoring in science and math and belongs to an entrepreneurship group that is working on a project. In addition, she likes to travel and has traveled a great deal, USA, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Spain, Vietnam and Morocco.
She is very curious and eager to discover new things. Her family has always had cats. She is not as familiar with dogs, but is willing to get used to them.
Her goal this year is to be immersed in a new culture with people who don’t necessarily think like her and learn from them and to share her Belgium culture with them. As for her parents, Zoe’s mother works as a Federal Ombudsman for the Belgium Parliament. Her father is a criminologist in charge of helping prisoners who are released find jobs and then he follows up on them in their work.
Na Hye Rim (Hyerim)- South Korea
Na Hye Rim (or Hyerim), 17 years old, lives in Yeoju (city), Gyeonggi-do (province), Korea with her parents who are real estate agents, and her younger sister and younger brother. Yeoju is located in the middle of the Korean Peninsula where many ginkgo trees grow and the temperature has extremes (very hot and very cold).
She likes to play the piano in her free time. She is practicing the Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. She likes watching movies and dramas, listening to songs and singing. She often sings with her family. She also plays the clarinet and likes to run. She likes to talk to people, is energetic and practices listening to others. Her birthday is in January.
She is the president of her Interact Club, talks to community leaders to see what they will talk about in the club and works on building friendships within the club community.
She is also current class president.
Hyerim wants to major in English or Spanish so she can use these languages in the future as a tour guide or flight attendant.
She says she wants to be an exchange student because she wants to know the culture of the U.S.A. and to learn to accept it compared the culture in S. Korea, and to share that learning with people from her country. She wants to broaden her “mindset and experience various cultures” while living abroad.
Michael Gallucci was inducted on January 12, 2021. His sponsor is Dan Reynolds.
Akron member John A. Mogen passed away on January 11, 2021. He was born in Owatonna, Minnesota. He received a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a Master’s degree in public administration from the University of Minnesota. He then worked for two years for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in Chicago and then another two years with the Cornell University/Ford Foundation consortium in Santiago, Chile.
Julie Brandle is a past president of the Rotary Club of Akron and currently serves District 6630 as Assistant Governor for Summit S - Medina County Cluster, chair of the District Conference Committee, and member of the Foundation Gala committee. She has also served the District as a facilitator for the Tri-District Membership Event and chair of the public image committee.
Chris has been employed with Playhouse Square for the past 18 years, the past 12 years as Sales Manager. Ali is an Akron native and graduate of Firestone High School. Ali’s work experience includes the Akron Civic Theater, The Public Theater in New York City (famous for some little shows called A Chorus Line and Hamilton), Broadway.com and Broadway Across America in New York City, and finally a return to Ohio to work with Playhouse Square. It was a very engaging presentation with multiple follow-up questions about the organization, its challenges, successes, etc.
He is counting on us to report back on how we like it!!
She is a strong believer in giving back to her community and currently serves on the Akron Roundtable Board of Trustees, LeBron James Family Foundation - LAB Community Board and our Lady of the Elms Board of Trustees. Curry is a member of Leadership Akron - Class 24. 
Dr. Collins brought more than 22 years of senior-level experience to Walsh University as a distinguished higher education professional with leadership expertise in philanthropic endeavors, conceptualization and implementation of institutional strategic plans and a demonstrated understanding of a private university’s mission, student-centered culture and Catholic traditions.
eekly meetings and provides a recap of the speaker presentations so we can share them with others. "No" is simply not in his vocabulary!
of Florida, Board member of the Florida Institute of Governments, which she established, and Executive Director of the Foundation, Development and Government at Palm Beach Community College and for the Community College System of Florida.
Officer. As the Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion for Goodyear, Mr. Taylor led diversity and inclusion strategies for 64,000 employees across the 22 countries where Goodyear operates.
At our September 22nd meeting , we welcomed Hilary as the newest member of The Rotary Club of Akron. She is an attorney in BMD's Akron office. Her practice focus is civil litigation and construction law.
over $5million in capital improvements over the past eight years. In 2014 Dan’s leadership role expanded to provide leadership to the Camp Y-Noah team. Today, Dan’s current title is District Executive Director working with Rotary Camp and Camp Y-Noah and the branch day camps. 
SEI’s mission is to improve personal and regional prosperity through increased educational attainment. Education provides a clear path to future success, career opportunities and promotes vibrant and resilient communities. The SEI sees their role as providing support and enhance existing systems. Mr. Deevers commented that part of SEI’s mission is to ensure students have the degree and skills needed to have the life they desire and dream of. The proper education allows for greater pathways for the future.
In 1960 Drumm opened his own studio, as a full-time practicing Sculptor and designer/craftsman near the University of Akron. In 1971, together with his wife, Lisa Drumm, he expanded the studio to incorporate a one-room gallery. Since then the enterprise has grown extensively and now embraces eight buildings, providing gallery facilities for over 500 artists and studio space for three resident artists. In addition to the 500 active artists with work on display at his studios, he has a data base of over 2000 artists that individuals can access if they are looking for a particular item.
they have touched.”
Ms. LeGrair is no stranger to the Akron community. She previously served the Akron Community Foundation and the President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve. Ms. LeGrair has served the Akron community in many capacities over the course of her career. Prior to joining the Akron Urban League and the Boys & Girls Clubs, she served as Vice President of Programs and Member Services for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Executive Director, Human Resources at the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Prior to working for the past 25 years in the non-profit arena, she spent 16 years with Aetna Health Plans in various and progressive roles of responsibility.
When not involved in Council business, Sommerville is vice president and funeral director of Sommerville Funeral Services. She attended Firestone High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University and a Master's in Public Administration/Urban Studies from The University of Akron.
Love Akron challenges Christian leaders of the local church, para-church ministries, marketplace, and nonprofit sectors of Summit County to... ...unite as a prayer network for the purpose of leading communities and congregations in prayer strategies as one church. ...tear down the walls that divide the colors, cultures, and congregations and to build bridges of understanding for the purpose of creating strategies that promote unity and harmony. ...invest their collective resources for the purpose of the whole church taking the whole Gospel to the whole county.
President Rob inducted Richard Fry at our July 21st meeting. Rich was sponsored by PDG John Reyes. 
She is the the President of IMPACT Learning, which she founded in 1997. Her company is focused on providing practical and comprehensive resources for today's leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs. She provides strategic planning initiatives for her clients which have included: Fortune 500 companies, midsize and small companies, nonprofits, community organizations, education institutions and entrepreneurs.
Our newest Rotary member joined us on Tuesday June 23, 2020. We were pleased to welcome Mario Mastroianni back to Rotary. Previously Mario served in the Rotary Clubs of The Abingtons in Clark Summit, Pennsylvania, and also Westlake-Bay Village, Ohio. 
Rotary Club of Akron inducted Janice Radl to our club Tuesday, June 16th. 
were very generous, giving “one wheelchair at a time for $75 each”. The Wheelchair Foundation will match the total amount of dollars, will buy the wheelchairs in China, and will take care of the freight to Ukraine to our partner-in country, NGO God’s Hidden Treasures. Usually after the delivery of the 
Club dues invoices were sent out via email May 1, 2020. Need another copy of 
Exchange to me this next year holds so much importance to me as a person and practically as well. To start with the practical, I am a junior in high school planning to finish high school this year and graduate early. This past year I have had my lasts and said my goodbyes to the high school Friday football games, the after school Starbucks runs with my friends, the classmates I will not see next year, and I have worked countless hours saving to pay for my own exchange instead of going out to eat with friends or buying new things. For me this has been significant in my life as it ends a big portion of my life and signifies change and growth as a person to be moving towards this next stage of my life. For this next year, I was planning on having probably one of the best years of my life going on exchange. In a strictly practical sense, not going on exchange would mean that I would be at home for a year probably working and then going to college since this past year I did not apply to colleges. While this is not the worst thing that could happen in this upcoming year, it was not the way I had pictured or wished to be spending my time. For me emotionally, this exchange also has significance since around 8th grade I have longed to experience rich cultures and speak in another language. It wasn’t until this past year that I realized it was possible for me to go and I started this journey. As I became more involved with the exchange students here in the U.S. I have seen first hand how life changing it can be. Seeing the exchange students at the last overnighter was one of the happiest and saddest things to see as we sat around in a circle at night softly singing a song together and enjoying the limited time we had. I saw the deep connections each of them made with each other often feeling a little bit envious wondering why I wasn’t in their circle not realizing that what you must go through as a group is something unique to everyone who goes on exchange. This bond is something so unique and precious that can’t be made in any other setting than exchange. For me, being culturally aware and being able to understand and communicate in someone’s own language has always fascinated me and been one of my goals. Exchange for me would allow me to explore these avenues and continue my french learning in a new way. As I continue to get older, I find myself wishing to find my own identity and who I really am and what my values are in life. For me, exchange meant my first journey alone where I would be faced with challenges whether I liked it or not and I would have to be able to overcome these. I think being able to overcome these and really be myself without my parents would allow me to find out more of who I really am and discover new things I didn’t know about myself. Ever since I was little, I have had a passion and yearning for travelling as well as I have always been interested in trying new food when we go out to eat or watching foreign films. This passion for me goes beyond just wanting to travel and see cool places. For me I think it means understanding people better and connecting. It means opening up my own thoughts and challenging them and making me uncomfortable. This next year I hope to go on exchange and experience the challenges and uncomfortable moments and the new people to further expand myself as a person and those I 
Zoé Mayeur, from Brussels, Belgium, spent the 2019-2020 exchange year with the Rotary Club of Akron. Because of the current Covid-19 pandemic, she left April 5 to return home to ride out the rest of this storm with her parents and older sister Fanny. In her own words, “The trip was not easy but I made it home. I am quarantining with my parents and my sister so I enjoy my time with them, we go on bike rides, we cook, we talk.” Like most people in the time of Covid-19, her parents are not working. Normally, Zoe’s mother serves as a Federal Ombudsman for the Belgium Parliament. Her father is a criminologist in charge of helping prisoners who are released find jobs and then he follows up on them in their work. 
Akron Rotarians supporting Harvest for Hunger! — attending Harvest for Hunger Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast with Mella Hawk Castner, Julie Brandle, Nichole Major, Lynda C. Farkas and Christina Horak at John S Knight Center.
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Welcome to Michael Shearer who is the newest member of the Rotary Club of Akron. Michael transferred to us from the Kent Club and has been a Rotarian since 2002. 
Audrey Carroll who spent 2018-2019 in Germany proudly holds her certificate of completion signed by District Governor Johns Reyes. Audrey returns to Stow-Munroe Falls High School to complete her senior year. She will speak to her sponsoring club, Rotary Club of Akron, 
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