Akron Rotarians will be assembling the bins on Thursday, May 7th at 4:30 pm at the Beck Center, 2114 Lindbergh Avenue in Cuyahoga Falls.Volunteers will spend an hour assembling the bins following a quick tour.
Read the article below from Sandy Naragon about this project -a grant from our Akron Rotary Foundation was presented to fund this project for the foster system.
Dennis O'Connell began his career in the Theatre as a professional actor while still in elementary school. Before graduating from the University of Akron (B.A.), he became the Director of Drama at Walsh Jesuit High School for three years. He then spent six years as a free-lance stage actor and director, working in 16 states and Canada. Dennis began directing professional productions in 1989 and also got his feet wet in arts administration at the numerous theatres where he was acting and directing. They include: Gateway Playhouse (FL), Starlight Productions (FL), Nebraska Theatre Caravan (NE), White Hart Inn (CT), Petrucci's Main Street Theatre (MD), Fort Salem Theatre (NY) and Naples Dinner Theatre (FL).
He has had the pleasure of directing or acting with Connie Britton, Jami Gertz, Melina Kanakaredes, Doug McKeon, the late Kelly Preston, and Carrie Ann Spellman, as well as the late internationally known playwrights Fred Carmichael and Aurand Harris.
Professional affiliations include: Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, Creative Ohio, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and SAG-AFTRA. He is Past President of the erstwhile Akron Area Arts Alliance and served on the Board of the Summit County Regional Arts District, as well as being in Class 2 of Leadership Akron’s Barberton Community Leadership Institute. Along with Holly Barkdoll, Dennis was named Co-Producing Director of Magical Theatre Company, in 1992 - making him one of the longest-tenured arts leaders in Summit County. Under their leadership, Magical Theatre Company has received the Game Changer Award from Barberton Community Foundation, the Impact Award for Imagination from Peg’s Foundation, the Outreach Award from the Akron Area Arts Alliance, and the Community Collaboration Award from Summit County Housing Network.
DENNIS O’CONNELL
Co-Producing Director
Magical Theatre Company
Phone: 330-848-3708
E-mail: dennis@magicaltheatre.org www.magicaltheatre.org
The 36th annual Akron Rotary Chili Open Golf Classic, presented by Wayne Homes, was an enormous success, and we are happy to share that it raised a total of $359,132! We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported the event and helped make it a continued success benefiting Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
Click here to watch some highlights of the Chili Open!
The majority of the funds raised came from sponsorships and camperships. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped secure sponsors or served as sponsors themselves. We were especially grateful to have representatives from our top sponsors in attendance, whose generosity and commitment make it possible for families to send their children to camp.
Wayne Homes – Keith Anstine, Todd Brown, Jen Collinsworth, Kelly Odegard, and Morgan Wagner
Industrial Tube & Steel Corporation - Dick Siess and Geoff Siess
VanDevere Automotive Family – Jerry VanDevere and Katie Bender
Wealth Impact Advisors – Jim Redmond
Congratulations to John Reyes, recipient of the 2026 Jim Redmond Ambassador of Service Award. This award was established in 1991 to recognize community leaders who have gone above and beyond in support of the Rotary Club of Akron, Akron Rotary Camp, and the Akron Community. John joined the Rotary Club of Akron in 1994, serving in various roles, including District Governor (2019-2020), and on multiple district committees. He is actively involved in community organizations, including serving on the Board of The Well CDC, Inc., and Walsh Jesuit High School, as well as on the Summit County Board of Building Appeals. John is honored to receive this award in 2026 and plans to continue supporting Rotary activities. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition as the 2026 Chili Open Ambassador of Service!
We also want to acknowledge our key in-kind Sponsors:
Hale Farm and Village for being the ideal venue for the Chili Open.
Main Street Gourmetfor providing delicious desserts.
Lala’s in the Lakes for providing the delicious pasta.
The Basement for trays of healthy salad.
Pearl Coffee Company for pots of delicious hand-roasted coffee
SGD Golf for providing the bright yellow Chili Open golf balls for every golfer; and lastly.
Whitey’s Booze N Burgers for providing all the chili and fixings and serving as the Official Chili of the Chili Open.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all our Rotarians, sponsors, and friends of Rotary who played a vital role in selling, purchasing, and promoting raffle tickets. Together, we raised a remarkable $49,760 in raffle ticket sales.
A special thank you to VanDevere Automotive Family for their generous donation of the 2026 Buick Envista through their Thrive and Drive Program. This marks our 13th year collaborating with them for the Car Raffle, and we are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting our campers and their families.
Congratulations to the lucky raffle ticket winners:
1st Prize: David O’Neal won the 2026 Buick Envista Preferred (photo below)
2nd Prize: George Murphy – $2,500 flooring voucher from Barrington Carpet & Flooring
3rd Prize: Monica Stevens – North Course Golf Package at Firestone Country Club.
SnowMania – Sandy and Jeff Naragon
Make sure to redeem your $10 off Oil Change voucher at any of the VanDevere Chevy, Buick, Kia or Cadillac locations, and your $15 coupon off the purchase of two entrees at Lala’s in the Lakes, located at 4315 Manchester Road, Akron.
We had the honor of hearing from a dedicated Rotary Camp parent, Jen Connor, who is the proud mother of Tyler (photo right), one of our adult campers. At 24 years old, Tyler has been attending Rotary Camp for many years, particularly enjoying the summer overnight camps and respite weekends. Jen and Tyler also take part in our holiday celebrations, with their favorite being the Christmas party featuring Santa.
The Chili Open is the primary fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Akron and plays a vital role in supporting the operational needs of Akron Rotary Camp. The success of this event stems from the commitment of our Club, Rotary Camp, Rotary Foundation, and our corporate community. We deeply appreciate everyone’s contributions and support in ensuring that the Chili Open continues to thrive, benefiting our campers and their families.
Mark your calendars to attend the 37th annual Chili Open Golf Classic on Saturday, February 6, 2027, at Hale Farm and Village.
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 & PRAYERS ARE WITH MIKE WOJNO
Having recovered from heart complications last year beginning in California, then at the Cleveland Clinic, Rotarian and former camp board president Mike Wojno is moving forward and upward with his recovery at Edwin Shaw Rehab. His therapies last through the afternoon on weekdays but he is available and would like to see friends later in the afternoon and on weekends. Hopefully he will return home in a few weeks. For up-to-date information please email Gerry Kiefer at gkiefer@su.edu
The District will have a service project at the conference ‘PACK AWAY HUNGER’ which will provide for those in need within our District. Our Akron Club President has committed our club to fund the $50 requested from each club. Members are also being asked to support the project. They would like all pledges and donations in by March 1st so that we can start planning for how many meals we anticipate making and work with PACK AWAY HUNGER on how these meals will be distributed throughout the district. Click to view the flier and QR Code
You can also volunteer to help pack the food during the District Conference - it will occur on Saturday April 25th from 2:30pm-4pm. All you need to do is show up!
Aside from the above we are also seeking Conference Sponsors, CLICK HERE for the opportunities. This is a great way for members, businesses and “friends” of Rotary to support the conference and get their name and information out to those across the district. You or anyone who does business in NE Ohio would benefit from being exposed to all 1600+ Rotarians in our district.
We're mixing things up with a new schedule and new options so as many club members can join us. PLUS - our keynote speaker is one you don't want to miss!!
It is a great opportunity to meet other members, learn more about Rotary and exchange ideas and have fun and fellowship!!
Watch the District 6630 website for updates, hotel reservations, and registration information.
April 24 & 25, 2026 | Cleveland Marriott East (Warrensville Heights).
