Our Mission:

An inclusive, action oriented service organization, Akron Rotary improves our community
and the world while having fun and building friendships.
 
Our Vision:
Together, we aspire to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of those
in our Akron community and beyond. 

 

CLUB MEETINGS, EVENTS, SERVICE PROJECTS 
Weekly Meeting Set Up/Technology:Volunteer Signup
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jan 06, 2026 11:45 AM –
Jun 30, 2026 1:00 PM
 
Greeter/Lotto at Weekly Meeting: Volunteer Signup
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jan 06, 2026 12:00 PM –
Jun 30, 2026 1:00 PM
 
Invocation at Weekly Meeting: Volunteer Signup
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jan 06, 2026 12:00 PM –
Jun 30, 2026 1:00 PM
 
One Hot Meal Program/Food Pantry Volunteer Signup
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jan 06, 2026 4:45 PM –
Jun 30, 2026 6:30 PM
 
Open M Backpack Food Packing 2026 Volunteer Signup
Open M
Jan 07, 2026 3:00 PM –
May 27, 2026 4:00 PM
 
Akron Rotary Chili Open Golf Classic
Hale Farm & Village
Feb 07, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
 
View entire list
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Jan 20, 2026 12:00 PM
University of Akron Alumni
University of Akron Alumni

Willy Kollman is a two-time graduate of The University of Akron and proudly serves as Vice President for University Engagement, Chief of Staff to President R.J. Nemer, and Executive Director of The UA Alumni Association. He and his wife, Caitlin—also a two-time graduate—reside in Twinsburg, Ohio, with their two daughters.

Forever a Zip,

                          Willy 

William R. Kollman '08 '10

Vice President, University Engagement

Executive Director, The UA Alumni Association 

The University of Akron | O 330-972-2575 | C 330-697-6403

Jan 27, 2026 12:00 PM
The Autism Society of Greater Akron: Creating Connections Across the Community
Feb 03, 2026 12:00 PM
Goodwill Industries
View entire list
CLUB NEWS
Welcome Back Jeff Kline!

Jeff originally joined The Rotary Club of Akron in 2017 and had to take a leave in 2021.  

We are so very pleased Jeff has decided to come back into the Club!  

He was re-inducted July 6, 2026.  

Jeff is the owner of Kline Enterprises, LLC which is the parent company for both Robert J. Events & Catering and Fun Services. 

Robert J. Events & Catering is an off-site catering company offering wedding packages, corporate parties, fundraisers and more.

Fun Services is the originator of the Santa's Secret Shop and Holiday Gift Shop programs for elementary schools. Fun Services works with schools in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. 

When not running these two businesses Jeff is an active volunteer and board member for Scouting America in the Great Trail Council. As an Eagle Scout he believes in giving back to the organization that developed his character. Additionally, he is on the Board of Trustees for the Akron Area YMCA and a graduate of Leadership Akron Class 32. 

He and his wife Angelique just celebrated 30 years of marriage in September. They live in Stow and have 2 adult children and a senior at Hoban.

Photo L-R  Brian Kosarko (Sponsor), Jeff Kline and President Katy Miller

 

Akron Rotary's  annual Chili Open Golf Classic needs your Support!

 

Get ready—the 36th Annual Chili Open Golf Classic is almost here, and we need your support. 

We kindly ask for your assistance in promoting our raffle tickets. Many members have found success by reaching out via email to family, friends, and colleagues, asking for assistance in purchasing tickets. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already sold tickets and to those who are still working on it. Please remember to bring your sold raffle tickets to the upcoming Rotary Club luncheon. If you need more tickets to sell, we will have them available.

Tickets are only $20 each, with a bonus of 1 extra ticket, 6 for $100, this year! Raffle winners will be announced at the Chili Open. Winner need not be present to win.

Purchase tickets today at Chiliopen.net, or call Akron Rotary Camp at 330-644-4512. Tickets must be purchased by February 7th, 1pm to be included in the drawing. 

We are still seeking contributions for the Silent Auction and Door Prizes, including the Wheelbarrow of Cheer. We kindly ask that you consider donating unopened bottles of spirits and mixers, or items that can be used for door prizes or in the silent auction. Please bring your items to the Club luncheon. If you require assistance with pickup, don’t hesitate to call or email us, and we will be happy to make arrangements.

We sincerely appreciate your support in ensuring that this year's Chili Open remains a success for our Club, benefiting the campers at Akron Rotary Camp! Together, we are "Creating a world where there are only abilities!" 

Yours in Rotary,

Katy Miller and Michael Gladysz
Co – Chairs, 2026 Chili Open Golf Classic

Great to see all of you!!

Full house at the Club meeting January 6th to learn more from Rachel Tecca, Executive Director of the Youth Success Summit. To learn more visit Contact - Youth Success Summit https://share.google/ujWxZns2nVw4pvYbz

2026 Grant Cycle Open - Applications due by Jan 31st! 

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.

https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4456/Documents/en-us/e22d5cf9-b729-41d2-9e6c-4db9dd401d7d/1/

OPEN M - Rotarians back in action in 2026!

The team was having so much fun during the service project they forgot to capture a picture of their work this week at OPEN M Ministry -- huge thank you to Sandy for sharing this: our packers Greg Skinner, Angie Claypool, Fred Carter and Sandy Naragon.

Akron Rotary packed 150 food bags for students at Innes Middle School.

Remember to click here to sign up to help with this service project!

 

Akron Rotary Camp Seeking Director of Healthcare/Registered Nurse

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. 

 

Applicants can apply at: 

https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6149727.careers?ShowJob=855958977

 

Questions: 

Mella Castner, Executive Director 

mellac@akronymca.org 

(330) 644-4512 x3201

Chili Open Committee Meeting Dates

  1. 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

 

  1. Dates of upcoming Chili Open Committee Meetings:

Following these Tuesday Rotary Meetings: 30-minute Chili Open Committee Chair Update Meeting 

(open to anyone who would like to help and learn more!)

January 20th, & 27th

February 3rd

EVENT on February 7th

 

Monthly Committee Chair Breakfast at Eye Opener:

January 23rd

Volunteer for 2026 at Open M

Packed our last meals for 2025 at OPEN M Ministry so Innes Middle School students have extra food when they go on holiday break. Thank you Liv Pilon, Doug Kohl, Fred Carter, Angie Claypool and Sandy Naragon.

Be sure to sign up for 2026 Wednesday dates - CLICK HERE!

Volunteer for One Hot Meal Program & Food Pantry (through Dec 29, 2026)
Volunteers are needed for the One Hot Meal and Food Pantry at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.  
 
SIGN UP - CLICK HERE (scroll past 2025 to the 2026 dates)
 
Time: 4:45 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union Street, Akron, OH 44304
 
We appreciate your participation and look forward to continuing to make this a great event together!
 
Chair: John Matheos
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Member Birthdays
John Matheos
January 3
 
Daniel Riemenschneider
January 12
 
Pamela Kiltau
January 12
 
Elizabeth Saraceno
January 18
 
Sammy Kay Smith
January 18
 
Rennick Andreoli
January 21
 
Thane Billow
January 27
 
John Reyes
January 31
 
Michael Gladysz
January 31
 
Ham Amer
February 3
 
Anne Jorgensen
February 4
 
Jeff Sitz
February 4
 
Laura Horovitz
February 5
 
Heather Meeker
February 6
 
Brian Harding
February 10
 
Susan Colville-Hall
February 14
 
Dan Sveda
February 15
 
James Redmond
February 15
 
Morgan Lasher
February 19
 
Fr. Dean Kokanos
February 20
 
Rich Fry
February 25
 
Bill (JR) Manby
February 28
 
Steve Buie
March 17
 
Johnna Economou
March 25
 
Evey Williams
March 28
 
Anniversaries
Angie Claypool
Harry Claypool
January 1
 
Abraham Pannikottu
Mini Abraham
January 5
 
Cynthia Snider
Larry Snider
January 5
 
Michael Wilson
Patrick Bravo
January 25
 
Amanda Leffler
Dan Leffler
January 31
 
Mark Seward
Judy Seward
March 18
 
Join Date
Sandy Naragon
January 1, 1999
27 years
 
Joe Swiatkowski
January 10, 2017
9 years
 
Michael Gallucci
January 12, 2021
5 years
 
Pat O'Neill
January 13, 2015
11 years
 
Alan Mobus
January 15, 2020
6 years
 
Rima Muakkassa
January 22, 2019
7 years
 
Richard Brandenburg
January 24, 2017
9 years
 
Laura Smiley
January 30, 2018
8 years
 
Timothy DelMedico
February 1, 1989
37 years
 
Mike Wojno
February 3, 2004
22 years
 
Tom Knauer
February 3, 2015
11 years
 
Steve Bossart
February 16, 2021
5 years
 
Amber Barkoukis
February 25, 2025
1 year
 
Jim Slater
February 25, 2025
1 year
 
Jack Harig
March 1, 1961
65 years
 
Michael Gladysz
March 1, 2012
14 years
 
David Koly
March 6, 1984
42 years
 
David Showers
March 13, 2001
25 years
 
Dan Sveda
March 15, 1988
38 years
 
Malcolm Costa
March 18, 1997
29 years
 
Katerina Papas
March 22, 2005
21 years
 
Bill Manby, Sr.
March 27, 1973
53 years
 
Connor Jarvis, CFP
March 28, 2017
9 years
 
Laura Duda
March 29, 2016
10 years
 
Katy Miller
March 31, 2015
11 years
 

THANK YOU TO OUR PREMIER SPONSORS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
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