KATIE CARVER REED
Director, Network Partners and Programs
Dan Flowers has been the president and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank since 2003. During his tenure, the Foodbank has experienced significant growth, increasing distribution to more than 32.4 million pounds in 2019. Dan led the Foodbank through a building expansion project and into a newly renovated facility in 2007. Under his leadership, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank became the 2012 Foodbank of the Year, the highest recognition achievable by food banks across the nation in the Feeding America network. Most recently, the Foodbank received its sixth NorthCoast99 award, recognized as one of Northeast Ohio’s best places to work.
Dan is the former vice-chairman of Feeding America’s elected National Affiliate Council (NAC) and is a past chairman of the Ohio Association of Food Bank’s Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Aultman Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, Better Business Bureau Akron Board of Directors, WKSU Community Advisory Council, and the Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board of Directors. Dan is a proud graduate of Leadership Akron Class XXII.
After serving as a congressional intern for U.S. 5th House District Rep. Dale E. Kildee, Dan was hired as a grant writer by the Foodbank of Eastern Michigan where he was to later become the director of agency relations. Prior to moving to Ohio, he was employed by the Northrop Grumman Company as director of administration for the federally funded Job Corps Center in Flint, MI.
Dan resides in Akron with his wife, Holly, and their three children, Andrew, Jonathan, and Mary. He is an avid reader, runner, bow hunter, video gamer, and martial artist (holding a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu) and a regular columnist for Smart Business Magazine.
Katie Carver Reed is Director, Network Partners and Programs at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. In her role, she is responsible for the Foodbank’s partnerships with more than 500 hunger-relief programs, the Foodbank’s direct service programs, and oversees government compliance related to food distribution.
She earned a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy with a minor in Leadership Studies from Baldwin-Wallace College. After serving as an intern for the Ohio Senate and Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Katie started her non-profit career at the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio where she focused on volunteer recruitment and community engagement. She is a recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce 30 for the Future Award, a Torchbearers alum, graduate of the Child and Family Leadership Exchange, and a member of Leadership Akron Class 37.
Katie lives in Highland Square with her husband, Kurt. She enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly bicycling on the Towpath Trail, traveling, and engaging with the region’s arts and culture activities.
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 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).
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Andreoli family
Dorthelynn (Dee Dee) Andreoli passed away peacefully on August 25, 2021. Born in Akron, Ohio March 28, 1950 to proud parents Jack and Josephine Griffiths. She attended Old Trail, graduated from Firestone High School and attended the University of Akron, after which she went to work for the Limited. She quickly rose to become their #1 sales associate in the country. In 1976 she used her unique merchandising and business skills to open Rock a Bye Baby located in the historic Quaker Square. It became one of the most successful children's stores in Northeast Ohio. Dee Dee's vibrant personality and enthusiasm made her a favored guest on the Morning Exchange where she hosted fashion shows featuring the children of many of her friends and customers. The store was open for 20 years and after it closed, she joined her parents in operating their Spring Hills Golf Club and Griffiths Pool. This was her summer passion - working and mentoring the many young people who were employed by the family over their 25 year tenure. Dee Dee, being a woman of great energy was an enthusiastic golfer, a member of the Garden Club and a volunteer of countless hours bringing joy to Sumner home residents. She was also a partner with her husband in making the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn a welcoming and exceptional hotel for travelers and a beautiful venue for special events. Her decisions and recommendations touched every corner of every room in the building and especially in the extraordinary outdoor spaces where she would oversee the planting of each flower and tree. She was a woman who loved her home and made it a haven for all God's creatures. Saving one stray cat grew to too many to count - the garage was overtaken for shelter and the cars were moved outside. She also loved the ducks that visited the Hilton annually and made sure not only were they well fed, but designed a special pond and waterfall for their use. And when it came to her dogs, her care and concern for Mia and Milo is legendary. Besides spending time with her loving husband and family, she was always looking for an opportunity to reach out and brighten someone's day. She remembered what your favorite Girl Scout cookie was and made sure you had a couple of boxes saved during her annual cookie distribution to all the employees of the Hilton. She loved to be involved - hosting barbecues for the counselors and campers at the Akron Rotary Camp - Birthday and holiday parties at Sumner where she would lead them in memorable sing-alongs. Everyone who was fortunate enough to know her will miss the delightful laughter, her genuine sincerity and ability to make you feel you were her best friend.
Preceded in death by her parents Jack and Josephine Griffiths and sister Jackye. She leaves behind her husband of 48 years, Rennick; sister, Debbie Phoenix (Bob); nieces, Kim Goodrich and Lisa Ryan (Pat); nephews, Chris (Tracy) and Philip (Fernanda) Friden; sisters-in-law, Linda Nix and Kerin Friden; aunt, Mary Lou Dean; uncle Michael Baitz (Charline) and many loving cousins and great nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, September 3rd at 11:00 am at St. Hilary Church, 2750 West Market Street, Fairlawn, Ohio. A celebration of Dee Dee's Life will follow the funeral service at the Hilton, 3180 W. Market St. There will be a private family entombment.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to The Humane Society of Summit County, The Akron Rotary Camp or the Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation.
Pick up trash, cans, bottles – Keeping Akron Beautiful working with Kenmore Community Development Corporation and Tina Boyes.
Co-laboring with members from Akron’s 100 Black Men as well as members from Goss Memorial Church in Kenmore. Keep Akron Beautiful will be having one of their trucks present.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Steve Buie 2021-2022 Rotary Club of Akron President Tel: 330-701-2970 Email: sbuie@learningrx.net
Join us for Rotary Camp’s 12th Annual Cornhole Tournament, presented by Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. The tourney will be held on August 28, 2021 at 9:30am on the grounds of Akron Rotary Camp, in the beautiful Portage Lakes!
Sign up your team today for either the Skilled Ringers Division ($110) or the Recreational Division ($60). Winners walk away with cash prizes! Also participate in an Air-Mail toss or Long-Toss for some bragging rights and awesome giveaways! Bring your friends, neighbors and family for a fun day! All registered players will receive a food voucher to the Menches Bros. Food Truck, and an ice-cream station. Beverages from our friends at the House of LaRose will be available for purchase to help keep you cool.
There are multiple ways to support this great event to benefit Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs by registering to play, participate with a sponsorship or recruit teams. Your participation will continue to strengthen the Camp's mission of Creating a world where there are only abilities!
Any questions? Please call Rotary Camp at (330) 644-4512. Thank you in advance for helping us to make this a successful tournament to support Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs!
We are looking forward to seeing you at the event!
Scott Kolligian Co-founder and Chair Annual Cornhole Tournament
Laura Duda was previously a member of the Akron and Tampa Downtown Daybreak Rotary clubs. Julie Brandle serves as her current club sponsor and her original sponsor was Steve Shechter.
She said she is happy to reconnect with old Rotary friends and make some new friends.
Rotary has been deep in her heart for many years - she participated in a group study exchange program and lived in India for several months during the cultural exchange. Laura said, “it changed my life”. She participated in polio immunizations and visited rural areas of the country, where the only reason there is a hospital, ambulance and a school, is because of Rotary.
Along with other scholars she formed a club in Tampa where she served as President.
Duda is Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. As the chief communications officer, Duda leads all internal and external communications for the company, including public and media relations, employee communications, corporate reputation management, philanthropy and community relations, as well as Goodyear’s fleet of world-famous airships.
Raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Duda attended Western Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing & Editing. She later received her Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication from University of Florida and her Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Tampa. She is accredited in Public Relations and is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society and a graduate of Leadership Tampa, Leadership Greater Chicago and Leadership Akron.
In 2020 and 2021, Duda was named to the National Diversity Council’s Power 50, honoring women in the C-suite from top corporations who endeavor to improve not just departments and companies, but communities as well. She was also named to PR Week’s 2021 Hall of Femme, recognizing inspiring women who set the bar higher within their organizations, nominated by their peers and colleagues, and as one of the 2021 Women of Note by Crain’s Cleveland Business. Duda was Goodyear’s 2020 Employee Resource Group executive sponsor of the year for her work with the company’s Asia India Middle East (AIM) ERG. Duda is a board member of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and a trustee of the Institute for Public Relations and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Duda and her husband, Michael, both avid hikers, live in Northeast Ohio with their four-legged children.
Candace Harmon may be new to Rotary but not to community service! She has over 20 years serving with Girl Scouts where she is a lifetime member.
Harmon enjoys being actively involved and is a member of the Akron Chamber, Medina Women's Endowment Fund Board, AFP NEO, and Leadership Akron women's program.
She refers to herself a “camp nerd” and served as a camp director so she is excited about helping with projects at our Rotary Camp for Special Needs Children.
Tamara Mora is her sponsor and shared “Candace has been involved in Northeast Ohio for years. She will make a great Rotarian because she has a passion for the general betterment of the Akron community. She has been in fundraising/development/non-profit work for 7 years. Candace has a fun and caring spirit.”
Harmon currently works as the Strategic Partnership Manager for Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates and is a graduate of The University of Akron.
She is married to Travis and they live in Copley with their 3.5 year old daughter. Harmon and her family enjoy spending time outdoors.
Michelle Wilson is the Executive Director of Global Ties Akron (GTA). At GTA, Wilson is responsible for international exchanges for professional developments through the U.S. Department of State and has written grants to bring professionals
from a myriad of countries to Akron, Ohio, usually up to 8-10 delegations per year. She has met many of our members through her initiatives and has spoken at numerous Rotary Clubs.
GTA, under Wilson's leadership, provides outreach to the Akron community linking our local children to the international scene.
On her Linkedin profile she states "Through my work both with Global Ties Akron and in the community my focus is on building mutual understanding and respect, helping others to realize the value of diversity especially through global education and citizen diplomacy, and connecting the Akron area and Northeast Ohio to world leaders and changemakers to build a global network of community builders."
Her sponsor, Susan Colville-Hall said, “Michelle Wilson is a miracle worker. These groups experience a schedule of interaction with community services and industries suited to their professional needs. They may be medical teams, educators, civic engineers, government servants, etc. Friendships and international connections are formed and Akron benefits because the rest of the world knows Washington, D.C., New York City and Akron, Ohio!”
She and her husband John reside in New Franklin, Ohio.
Our invited speaker, Mr. Tommy Bruno, was unable to attend our Tuesday, August 24, Akron Rotary Club meeting because of technical challenges accessing our Zoom meeting, but not all was lost because Laura Smiley, Underwriting Sales Director of The Summit and a fellow Rotarian provided the Club with some general information on the radio station.
WAPS-FM, The Summit (91.3 FM) has been in existence for 65 years. The radio station is Akron-Canton’s home for true music diversity. The radio station 90.7 FM also serves the Youngstown - Warren, Ohio and Western Pennsylvania area and worldwide via mobile at thesummit.fm.
The radio station is locally owned and operated by the Akron Public Schools, and is a member supported public radio. The Summit plays a wide variety of music, including Rock, Pop, Folk, Acoustic, Local Reggae, and much more.
The radio station offers commercial-free music for Northeast Ohio and beyond through four channels. These channels are:
The Summit – Their flagship station
The 330 – Features the past, present, and future of Northeast Ohio music – homegrown, hyper-local and powered by the Summit
KIDJAM! Radio – Is an exciting and fun online listening experience that everyone can enjoy.
The KIDJAM! Radio mission is to entertain and empower children to build good health and lifestyle habits, self-esteem, and character.
The Summit believes that a child’s personal development is profoundly influenced and shaped by the increasingly sophisticated types of media and technology that are widely accessible to our youngest citizens.
KIDJAM embraces this technology by combining high-quality entertainment with a solid foundation for shaping character.
KIDJAM messages are delivered between songs by kids, for kids, sharing tips to motivate, educate and inspire.
Rock and Recovery – Is a community for people experiencing addiction, trauma, and mental health issues, supporting self-motivation, sharing information and resources, and offering personal serenity both on-air and online.
The Rock and Recovery™ Mission: Provide entertaining and meaningful music and uplifting messages with individual testimonials for people experiencing recovery from substance use, alcohol, trauma and mental health disorders. This resource is open to loved ones, families, and friends as well. Rock and Recovery™ mobilizes and supports our recovery community to grow and heal together through the therapeutic power of music mixed with messages of hope and inspiration curated to serve as encouragement for each personal recovery journey.
To learn more about 91.3 The Summit and their other programs, check out their website at https://theskummit.fm
The Little River Band is performing at Loew’s Theater
Tickets are $43 each
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Saturday, August 28, 2021 –Two CLUB events + a LAGERFEST!
9am-11am
Kenmore Cleanup Day – Club Service Project: pick up trash, cans, bottles – Keeping Akron Beautiful working with Kenmore Community Development Corporation and Tina Boyes.
Meeting location: 952 Kenmore Boulevard and co-laboring with members from Akron’s 100 Black Men as well as members from Goss Memorial Church in Kenmore. Keep Akron Beautiful will be having one of their trucks there.
8:30am–2pm
The Annual Cornhole Tournament benefiting The Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs.
All proceeds benefit our wonderful camp!
3pm-7pm
Akronym Brewing Company is hosting LAGERFEST 2021 Music, food, and the selection of 16 different lagers.
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Tuesday, September 14, 2021 4pm-6pm at Stan Hywet
Break the Cycle of Addiction Presented by fellow Rotarian Chris Richardson, COO
This annual event for CHC Addiction Services has been re-imagined outdoors on the grounds of Stan Hywet – allowing for a casual, socially distant event that is more about reconnecting with our friends in the community (rather than a long presentation and sit-down meal) .
All proceeds will benefit the quality, comprehensive outpatient programs provided by CHC.
> > October 16th 5pm-7pm:Reception, given by Virginia Wojno
The drawings comprise imaginative places inspired both by historical reproductions (exploratory sketches, Chinese brush paintings, historical maps) and by Dr. Kiefer’s processes of making, which include soaking watercolor papers in coffee-based solutions, then drawing and/or collaging over them. The colored-pencil-overlaid photographs were taken both by Dr. Kiefer and her late husband, Bruce Kiefer, architect and master art photographer.
Rotary joined its partners in the GPEI to mark the first anniversary of a public health milestone: the WHO's African region being certified free of wild polio.
Rotary 2022 International Convention to be held in HoustonThe event will bring more than 20,000 participants from around the world and deliver $30 million in local economic
Katie Carver Reed is Director, Network Partners and Programs at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. In her role, she is responsible for the Foodbank’s partnerships with more than 500 hunger-relief programs, the Foodbank’s direct service programs, and oversees government compliance related to food distribution.
Smiley, Underwriting Sales Director of The Summit and a fellow Rotarian provided the Club with some general information on the radio station. 
