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.
Food insecurity is a stressor middle school kids shouldn’t have. Akron Rotarians have packed 150 bags of food at OPEN M Ministry on a regular basis for Innes students to have meals.
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).
Our hearts are with the family of George “The Chief” Romanoski
George served as a Rotarian from July 12 2011-June 28 2024 when his health precluded him from remaining active.
Obituary
George A. Romanoski, age 86, was born in Akron, Ohio, and passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, at Maplewood Assisted Living in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where he was affectionately known as “The Chief.”
Fiercely independent and strong-willed, George was known for his sharp sense of humor, love of a good drink and great food, and his passion for the outdoors. He especially cherished the annual fishing trips to Canada with family and friends, lazy days spent on the pontoon boat at Piedmont Lake, and rounds of golf with good company.
Raised on the north side of Akron, George loved to share stories of his youthful shenanigans on “The Hill.” He graduated from North High School, attended Kent State University, and dedicated over 40 years to the City of Akron, where George worked his way up through the ranks of the Akron Fire Department, ultimately serving as Fire Chief before becoming Deputy Mayor of Public Safety. Of all his accomplishments, he especially treasured his time as a firefighter and the camaraderie that came with it. Along with serving the residents of Akron, George also dedicated his time to help others through the Rotary Club, Salvation Army and Oriana House.
George is survived by his children Christopher (Ann), Gregory, Jeffery (Tom), Debbie (Eric) Baldwin and Keith (Anne) Romanoski; grandson Nicholas (Ryan); stepdaughters Wendy and Kristin; step-grandchildren Meredith and Ryan; and his former wife and close friend, Betty.
George is preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Janice, his brother Warren, and his wife Janice.
Proud of his Polish heritage, George’s favorite toast was “Na zdrowie.” In his honor, raise a glass and celebrate a life full of professional achievements, adventure and laughter.
The family would like to thank the amazing loving staff at Maplewood Assisted Living and Crossroads Hospice for taking such wonderful care of “The Chief”.
Visitation will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 W. Market St., Akron 44333, on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 10am – 1pm, with a funeral service immediately following.
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.
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
George A. Romanoski, age 86, was born in Akron, Ohio, and passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, at Maplewood Assisted Living in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where he was affectionately known as “The Chief.”
