The Autism Society of Greater Akron: Creating Connections Across the Community
Nathan began serving as the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Greater Akron in 2024, bringing nearly 20 years of experience working with, advocating for and supporting the Autism community. His career spans roles as a direct support professional working with adults on the spectrum, as an administrator directing residential and day programs for developmentally disabled people, and as an executive dedicated to lowering barriers to access to a sense of belonging for members of the Autism community by creating meaningful quality-of-life opportunities.
Nathan’s dedication to service leadership was shaped by both his parents as well as his service in the New York State Air National Guard during 9/11 and the War on Terror. It was further developed through his academic pursuits. Nathan holds an Executive MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Public Administration (Health Care) from Marist College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (English) from SUNY New Paltz.
As the second Executive Director in ASGA’s history, Nathan is proud to build on the sound foundation already in place through the dedication and passion of the ASGA staff and Board of Directors. In collaboration with them and the Northeast Ohio community, Nathan continuously seeks even more effective, efficient, economical ways to continue advancing the mission of creating connections that empower everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
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).
CONGRATULATIONS TO JULIE BRANDLE
Akron Rotarian, PDG Julie Brandle has been elected Board Chair of theAssociated Builders and Contractors, Northern OhioChapter. ABC has long been a champion for merit shop construction, workforce development, and the values that keep our industry strong.
Brandle shared “to be trusted with this leadership role is deeply meaningful to me. As I step into this position, my primary focus will be Total Human Health — a holistic approach to the well-being of our people that includes physical safety, mental health, emotional resilience, and financial stability.”
She added “construction is built by people. When our workforce is healthy, supported, and equipped to thrive, our companies are stronger, our projects are safer, and our communities benefit. Over the coming year, I look forward to working with our members, partners, and leadership team to expand resources, education, and conversations that support the whole person — not just the job they perform. Thank you to the ABC Northern Ohio Board and membership for the confidence they have placed in me, as well as all of the work they have done building this chapter as one of the premier chapters nationwide. I’m excited to serve, lead, and help shape a healthier future for our industry." To learn morehttps://lnkd.in/gEzZGFMt
Akron Chili Open Door Prize Committee is collecting door prizes! If you have new items in the $5-$10 range you’d like to donate, bring them to Tuesday Lunch, drop them off at Camp or reach out to a committee member to arrange pick up!
Greetings Akron Rotarians and Friends of Rotary and Rotary Camp. Some of you may receive this link through more than one list. We are sure that you understand that we don't want to miss anyone.
You have been invited by Amanda Warner and Doug Hausknecht to sign up for "2026 Chili Open Golf Classic." Pleaseclick HERE or on the button below to view the online sign up sheet. Parking instructions etc. will be sent to volunteers the week prior to the event.
Perhaps you want to play instead (or also) or you cannot attend in person this year but would like to support through raffle tickets, the online auction or a donation? See "chiliopen dot net" for those options.
Questions? Contact Doug at 330.780.7925. (Amanda is with Rotary Camp so this email comes through her account). If you would like to be removed from this list, let Doug know.
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.
Get ready— Akron Rotary’s 36th Annual Chili Open Golf Classic is almost here, and we need your support. The event will be held at Hale Farm & Village, on February 7, 2026, from 9am-3pm, and is presented by Wayne Homes and will be benefit Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs.
Funding from the Chili Open help ensures that no camper is ever turned away from Akron Rotary Camp due to inability to pay. The Chili Open provides significant operational camperships for families who otherwise would not have the opportunity to send their child with special needs to camp.
Your involvement as a Rotarian will assist in helping to send children and adults with disabilities to summer day and overnight camps, as well as year-round respite programs. For over 101 years, Rotary Camp has been a viable resource for the Akron community, in providing campers with the opportunities to experience traditional camping activities, develop friendships, learn life skills and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The easiest way to support the cause is by purchasingRaffle Tickets.
1st prize is a 2026 Buick Envista Preferred, or $17,000 cash; 2nd prize is a $2,500 Flooring Credit; and 3rd prizes is a North Course Foursome Package.
Tickets are only $20 each, with a bonus of 1 extra ticket, 6 for $100, this year! Any individual purchasing six (6) Chili Open raffle tickets (for a total of $100.00) will be automatically entered into the Chili Open SNOWMANIA drawing for a chance of winning $50,000. This is in addition to the six (6) chances for the regular drawing.
For SNOWMANIA to go live we need 6-inches of newly fallen snow accumulation on February 21, 2026, between 12:01am and 11:59pm at the Akron-Canton Airport, Ohio as independently determined by Weather Command.
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. Raffle winners will be announced at the Chili Open. Winner need not be present to win.
Other ways to support the Chili Open would be through sponsorships, donations, or register as a golfer or foursome. For registration information and to learn more about the Chili Open, please visit chiliopen.net.
SILENT AUCTION
We will also again have a greatSilent Auction, including a Wheelbarrow of Cheer. To register, please text 36chiliopen to 76278.
We sincerely appreciate your support in ensuring that this year's Chili Open remains a success for the Rotary Club of Akron, 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
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 these Tuesday Rotary Meetings: 30-minute Chili Open Committee Chair Update Meeting
(open to anyone who would like to help and learn more!)
Our District 6630 conference is for ALL Rotarians and your guests.
We are 50 clubs united or one purpose - UNITE FOR GOOD.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend our District Conference & Learning Assembly.
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!!
Stay tuned for details!
April 24 & 25, 2026 | Cleveland Marriott East (Warrensville Heights).
