Marissa Gerbitz was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kent State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. During her time at Kent State, she was an active member of Delta Gamma and volunteered with the Kent Lions Club. She later completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Cincinnati. Before joining Apex, Marissa worked as a registered nurse at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and as a nurse practitioner at Milan Laser, where she received two medical excellence awards for outstanding patient care. Currently enrolled in the Apex training program, Marissa specializes in diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic dermatologic conditions for patients of all ages. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, staying active with Pilates, and listening to ’80s rock. A proud Ohioan, she’s also an enthusiastic Ohio State football fan.
The purpose of Rotary Cares is to show our support for Akron Rotary members and their families when dealing with the loss of a loved one, the hardship of illness and also to celebrate the joy of a new baby, job, marriage or other events in their lives. Please <Click to Email us> to let us know of any news you would like placed here. Note that health related information is posted only with permission of the individual(s).
Thoughts and Prayers for our Rotary Family:
Susan Colville Hall's husband Steve hit the pavement in their driveway and fractured his upper left arm (the one with a prosthesis). It has been, and will continue to be, a long process of healing for him. They finally were able to get a specialist and Susan said they “feel good” about the new doctor and the care Steve is now receiving. Steve's daughter Jennifer (Alaska) and son David (Nantucket) have also arrived in town to help out. Cards may be sent to: 3454 Edgewood Dr., Stow, OH 44224
Terry Dalton is slowly recovering from a recent surgery to place a titanium rod in his left femur due to a 3 inch hairline fracture. Surgery on his right femur will occur in December if his current recovery stays on track. Cards may be sent to: 1942 Larchmont Road, Akron, OH 44313
Dr. Rob McGregor had heart surgery and is out of ICU. He will be at home recuperating for several weeks.
Cards may be sent to: 2999 Old Mill Road, Hudson, OH 44236
The Rotary Club of Akron and the Akron Rotary Foundation 2026 Grant Cycle is officially open. Grants between $1,000 and $15,000 will be considered via an application process which ends January 31, 2026.Projects must fall within Rotary’s areas of service which include Peace & Conflict Prevention; Disease Prevention; Water &Sanitation; Maternal/Child Health & Welfare; Basic Education/Literacy; Economic/Community Development or the Environment.
ROTARIANS: Spread the word to impactful community service providers! Encourage them to apply by January 31, 2026, via the application link below. If you have questions, email Sandy_Naragon@yahoo.com.
Congratulations to Sandy Naragon who received her Level 1 Major Donor Pin from Rotary International, presented by Club President Katy Miller.
During our meeting, Sandy shared her story about deciding to donate $1,000 a year for the past 10 years.
She said, “the work of Rotary International around the world to get clean water to those without access, inspired me to begin contributing to the RI Foundation. Jack Harig invited me to become a Paul Harris Fellow for the first time. Leadership 6630 is where I learned about committing to joining the Paul Harris Society. Rotary Direct allowed me to manage my giving so that I could achieve major donor status. Knowing I’m bettering the world beyond Akron has been my motivation to give.”
There are many ways to give that allow members to support areas that are important to them and make an impact.
Over the years our Club has been honored to have several Major Donors along with members and honorary members who achieved the highest level of recognition by becomingArch Klumph Society members.
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotary members and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. This support is essential to making Foundation grants possible, which bring sustainable improvement to communities in need.
Doug Kohl, President of our Akron Rotary Foundation spoke at the Club recently. Because we have The Akron Rotary Foundation along with The Rotary International Foundation, we want our members to understand their giving options between the two foundations.
Doug provided a wonderful overview of the Akron Rotary Foundation and provided the following:
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs is seeking a Director of Healthcare/Registered Nurse to lead and manage the daily healthcare operations for our accredited respite, day, and overnight camp programs serving youth and adults with mental, physical, and behavioral disabilities.
The Director of Healthcare is responsible for:
Reviewing health histories and assessing the current medical needs of registered campers
Overseeing the safe intake, dispensing, and documentation of all medications
Providing basic first aid and health assessments for campers and camp counselors as needed
Ensuring high-quality care, safety, and compliance with healthcare standards across all camp programs
This role is vital to supporting our campers' well-being and creating a safe, inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.
This position may include an on-site single-family private residence at no cost to the staff member.
Even if you don't know if you want to be on a committee we would like your input! It may turn out that one of the companies or individuals we are trying to make contact with, you may have a better connection!
Help Needed:
We would like help approaching new sponsors (please check with Mella, Michael or Katy to see if they are already being approached before reaching out)
Securing Camperships (again check with above to see if they are being approached)
Silent Auction- Secure donations, help with set up, help with data input.
Door Prizes - Secure freebies for golfers, help man the table, set up.
Course Set up - Day prior (Friday) at Hale Farm
Dates of upcoming Chili Open Committee Meetings:
Following Tuesday Rotary Meetings: 30-minute Chili Open Committee Chair Update Meeting
(open to anyone who would like to help and learn more!)
November: 11th & 25th
December 9th 16th(NO meeting 12/23)
January (every Tuesday in month) or 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th
We need more fun photos showing our Club activities!!
Since Cheryl Warren cannot participate this year, she has offered to give away a couple Starbucks gift cards (for each of our service dates) to the most CREATIVE/FUN photo showing you in action for this service project!
Just a few VERY SIMPLE but important photo rules: Please do not include children without parents being present or non-volunteers without permission and please avoid store products if possible. You MAY include Acme and The Salvation Army signage in the photos.
Deadline for photos is end of day on December 13th!
Email photos (no texts please) to Cheryl Warren at cawarren@neo.rr.com and include names of those in the photo with you.
Note: Judging will be done by a non-Akron Rotary member.
Akron Rotary is continuing its support of the supplemental food service program through Open M to help provide food for insecure students at Innes Middle School.
SIGN UP to view available slots and book yourself directly online.
Open M Backpack Food Packing at 941 Princeton Street, Akron, OH 44311
Volunteers are needed for the One Hot Meal and Food Pantry at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
We began helping the folks at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with their One Hot Meal Program the week of Thanksgiving in 2024 and had a wonderful Rotarian turnout to help serve.
The Rotarians involved loved the project and the the Church now does this once a month, on a smaller scale.
We have scheduled volunteer opportunities to serve once a month through the end of the calendar year.
Time: 4:45 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union Street, Akron, OH 44304
Click on the respective Tuesday date below to view available time slots and book yourself to volunteer directly online.
