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. 

Thanks to all who registered to attend our holiday party.  

Doors will open at 11:30am for cheer & friendship!

 

Note that our holiday party on December 23 will be

hosted at Trailhead at Cascade Lofts in lieu of our regular meeting!

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS
Rotary Club of Akron Holiday Party 2025 (RSVP required)
21 West North Street
Dec 23, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (UTC-05:00)
 
Weekly Meeting Set Up/Technology:Volunteer Sign Up
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jan 06, 2026 11:45 AM –
Jun 30, 2026 1:00 PM
 
Greeter/Lotto at Weekly Meeting: Volunteer Sign Up
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jan 06, 2026 12:00 PM –
Jun 30, 2026 1:00 PM
 
Invocation at Weekly Meeting: Volunteer Sign Up
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jan 06, 2026 12:00 PM –
Jun 30, 2026 1:00 PM
 
One Hot Meal Program/Food Pantry Volunteer Sign Up
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jan 06, 2026 4:45 PM –
Jun 30, 2026 6:30 PM
 
Open M Backpack Food Packing 2026
Open M
Jan 07, 2026 3:00 PM –
May 27, 2026 4:00 PM
 
View entire list
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Dec 23, 2025 11:30 AM
Registered guests: Doors Open at 11:30am for cheer and friendship
Dec 30, 2025
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Jan 06, 2026 12:00 PM
The Youth Success Summit: the power of afterschool and summer learning
View entire list
CLUB NEWS
Club Welcomes Alan Mobus as New Member

Alan is sponsored by Doug Hausknecht. 

A graduate of The University of Akron, where he was previously a member of the Akron Rotaract Club, Alan is the care taker at the Mustill Store House in Akron. 

He currently works in the child safety industry, with a focus on car seat safety and safe sleep and is a Certified Passenger Safety Technician. Primarily he works with hospitals, health departments, First Responders and Safe Kids World Wide Coalitions to get them the items they then provide to their communities.

He is a part-time Kick Boxing instructor at World Kickboxing Academy in Cuyahoga Falls. They held two successful kick boxing shows at the Akron Civic Theater on top of running one of the largest Youth programs in the area. They currently have competitors preparing to head to the largest international Kickboxing tournament in Abu Dhabi to compete on the U.S. National team.

An active community volunteer, Alan shared, “I have always had a strong passion for helping people and want to be able to continue to help people both in my community and world-wide. I can't wait to be able to work together with Rotary and see what future projects we can accomplish together. “

 Photo L-R:  President Katy Miller, Alan Mobus, Doug Hausknecht

 

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Recap and Rotary Club of Akron Photo Contest Results

A huge shout out and thanks to Mark Seward for organizing all of the volunteers and working with the Salvation Army for our Bell Ringing service project this year.

Mark had 22 volunteers sign up and several took more than one shift (he personally took 4 shifts)!

Thank you all for helping with this service project and having fun by participating in taking photos.  

You all did an amazing job taking photos!

Your photos help us promote what we do in our community.  

Photo Contest outcome:

Cheryl enlisted three judges who are not Rotarians and do not know any of you.  

Getting three people to agree was a challenge so she decided to award THREE first place winners, TWO runner-ups and ONE special recognition.

She will be handing out awards at the holiday luncheon or the next time she sees you!

Thank you again for your time and talents dedicated to this service project! 

Brandle Receives Paul Harris+4 Pin
 
We are proud to recognize Julie Brandle, PDG, who reached a new milestone in her donor legacy.  
 
She received her Paul Harris+4 pin which now contains 4 gemstones.  It was presented by President Katy Miller. 
 
Thank you for your outstanding generosity to The Rotary International Foundation (TRF), PDG Julie – you demonstrate a spirit of giving which helps sustain and improve the lives of others.
 
ABOUT PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS (PHF)

Paul Harris Fellow
Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition is given in appreciation to anyone who contributes, outright or cumulatively – or in whose name is contributed – a gift of US$1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, PolioPlus Partners or the Humanitarian Grants program. The recognition consists of a certificate, pin, and medallion.

Multiple Paul Harris Fellow
Multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognition is extended at subsequent $1,000 levels (e.g., $2,000, $3,000). Recognition consists of a pin with additional stones corresponding to the level.

Recipient's recognition amount level.
US $2,000 to 2,999.99 - one sapphire
3,000 to 3,999.99 - two sapphires
4,000 to 4,999.99 - three sapphires
5,000 to 5,999.99 - four sapphires
6,000 to 6,999.99 - five sapphires
7,000 to 7,999.99 - one ruby
8,000 to 8,999.99 - two rubies
9,000 to 9,999.99 - three rubies

Learn more about all of the Rotary Donor recognition programs  - click here.

Luciana Enjoys Holiday With Host Family

This season Luciana Ortiz’s host family includes Santa!!!

 The Jacinto Nuñez family.  🎅 

Rotary Youth Exchange at Rotary Camp

The snowmaagatten failed to deter Rotary Youth Exchange enthusiasts Dec 13 from gathering at Akron Rotary Camp, where Rotary leaders from District 6600 and District 6630 hosted mandatory training for current inbound students and prospective outbound students. The interviews for students and parents interested in departing in 2026 generated excitement, with the country match reveal anticipated in January. Both districts offer long-term study aboard programs and short-term family-to-family summer cultural exchange experiences. Applications for the short-term program are open until March 1.

Mary Aufdenkampe

2026 Grant Cycle Open!

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/

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

One Hot Meal Program & Food Pantry - Volunteer Once a Month through December 2025
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
 
Our last date for 2025 is December 23rd (click here to sign up)
 
We appreciate your participation and look forward to making this a great event together!
 
Chair: John Matheos
Chili Open News

  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 (every Tuesday in month) or 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th

February 3rd

EVENT on February 7th

 

Monthly Committee Chair Breakfast at Eye Opener:

December 19th

January 23rd

Chili Open 2026
Have you done your training?
Akrotarian Supporters
Join Our Social Media Conversations 
ImageImage
_____________
 

If you or someone you know wants to share news with us
<Click to Email us>

_____________
 
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
 
Ken Babby
December 4
 
Earl Hamlin
December 9
 
Mark Auburn
December 9
 
Cheryl Warren
December 14
 
Greg Skinner
December 18
 
M A Weaver
December 27
 
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
 
Ham Amer
Beth Amer
December 14
 
Jack Harig
Vivian Harig
December 18
 
Vivian Harig
Jack Harig
December 18
 
Cyndi Kane
Michael Kane
December 26
 
Fr. Dean Kokanos
Gabrielle Kokanos
December 27
 
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
 
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
 
Thomas Gedelian
December 1, 1986
39 years
 
Mark Seward
December 4, 2012
13 years
 
Evey Williams
December 17, 2024
1 year
 
Rachel Shepard
December 17, 2024
1 year
 
Julie Ann Sweet-Buntin
December 31, 2002
23 years
 

THANK YOU TO OUR PREMIER SPONSORS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Learn More About Akron Rotary!
<Email Us>
 
Join LeadersExchange IdeasTake Action
 
Please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca to your safe sender list or address book.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
 
 
 
© 1914-2025 Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio