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Aug 25, 2015
 
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August 1, 1995
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August 1, 2005
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August 8, 2000
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August 11, 1992
23 years
 
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August 12, 2003
12 years
 
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August 19, 2014
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August 26, 2014
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August 26, 2014
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August 26, 2014
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August 26, 2014
1 year
 
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August 26, 2014
1 year
 
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August 26, 2014
1 year
 
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August 30, 2011
4 years
 
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September 1, 1987
28 years
 
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September 6, 1988
27 years
 
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September 9, 2003
12 years
 
Barry Hollis
September 15, 1998
17 years
 
Ingaborg Gross
September 19, 2000
15 years
 
Kevin McGee
September 23, 2003
12 years
 
Brian Steere
September 30, 2014
1 year
 
Stephen Warren
September 30, 2014
1 year
 
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Akron
Club Telephone 330.644.4512
We meet Tuesdays at 12:00 PM

Portage Country Club

$13.00 per person

240 North Portage Path
Akron, OH  44303
United States
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President's Message
Sandy Naragon

16 Consistent Characteristics of Greatness

One of the perks of my job is getting to hear amazing nationally-known speakers like Don Yaeger.  Yaeger is an award-winning keynote presenter, business leadership coach, eight-time New York Times Best-selling author and longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated.  He is one of America’s most provocative thought leaders.
 
His lessons focus on achieving greatness, learned from first-hand experiences with some of the greatest sports legends in the world. I compared the characteristics he learned from great athletes and realized they also apply to great Rotarians:
 
HOW THEY THINK
  1. It’s personal – Rotary isn’t just a service club, it is much more personal than that.  Turn Akron Rotary into YOUR Rotary! 
  2. Rubbing Elbows – One ideal of Rotary is the development of acquaintances as an opportunity for service.
  3. Believe – Belief in the ideals of Rotary, especially the Four Way Test and Service Above Self.
  4. Contagious Enthusiasm – Rotarians are positive thinkers and enthusiastic and that enthusiasm rubs off.  Just ask Mr. Excitement, Stew Buchanan!
HOW THEY PREPARE
  1. Hope for the best – but Rotarians prepare for all possibilities.
  2. What “off-season” – do you know what time Mark Krohn gets up?  Have you ever seen Shon Christy tired?  Does Harry Stewart EVER miss a meeting?  (The answer is no!  Not in 50+ years!)
  3. Visualize Victory – Rotarians saw Camp as it is today, long before it became a reality!
  4. Inner Fire – They use adversity as fuel!
HOW THEY WORK
  1. Ice in their veins – Rotarians are risk takers and don’t fear making a mistake.
  2. When all else fails – they know how and when to adjust their game.
  3. Ultimate Teammate – Rotarians assume whatever role is necessary for the team to win—right, “Captain” Rob McGregor and the Wavemakers?
  4. It’s not just about the Benjamins – Rotarians also invest time, talent and energy. 
HOW THEY LIVE
  1. Do unto others – Rotarians know character is defined by how you treat those who cannot help you.
  2. When no one is watching – they are comfortable looking in the mirror.  They live their lives with integrity.
  3. When EVERYONE is watching - Rotarians embrace the idea of being a role model.   Check out a Leadership Akron Alumni Directory to see the many ways Rotarians are leading Summit County!
  4. Records are made to be broken – just ask the 2014 Chili Open Committee!  Better yet, ask 2015’s!!
 
Article adapted from concept presented by:
Yaeger, Don (Speaker). (Date). 16 Characteristics of Greatness [Audio Podcast].  Retrieved from http://www.donyaeger.com/the-16-characteristics-of-greatness/
 
August - Rotarians Calls to Action!
  • I’m looking for a Rotarian who’s willing to investigate pricing and practicality of turning 100 or so small international Rotary flags into a quilt.   Once finished the quilt could be displayed at Akron Rotary luncheon and events!
  • The Rotary Cares Committee is looking for Rotarians who are willing to reach out to Rotarians who’ve been “missing in action” and those who have suffered an illness, loss or other personal or professional challenge!  Tasks include phone calls and mailing cards.
  • We need two Rotarians to act as Co-Chairs for Service Projects.  This opportunity to serve calls for organization and communication skills to coordinate the Club’s service projects and to vet new ones!
Yours in Rotary Service,
Sandy
Stories
The membership committee is focused on  making the process more welcoming for new member prospects.  We’ve added the pre-proposal one-on-one conversation with a committee member so that we will be better acquainted with the person we are voting on and, more importantly, so that Rotary will be less mysterious to the prospect.  After approval, the new member is assigned a mentor and goes through the menu of service opportunities process.
 
All this is designed to get our new members off to a fulfilling start. We’ll know that we have succeeded hear them say “we” when they are talking but Rotary instead of “they.”  It takes a little longer, but it seems to be working based on our early efforts. 
 
Proposal forms are found on the website home page.  Just click “Join Rotary” and then the “prospective member proposal form” link on the left side.
 
Speaking of new members, if you think you would like to join the membership committee, I’d love to hear from you at sshechter@dawsoncompanies.com .  It’s fun.
We have just wrapped up another amazing summer at Rotary camp. There were many successes and new experiences to be shared by both or campers and staff this summer. I don’t believe that any story sticks out more than this story about a camper who was in their final year of day camp. For years this camper was very afraid of the water, so much so that many times he did not even want to go on a pontoon boat ride. A couple years ago, with a lot of encouragement, he joined other campers on a pontoon boat ride, but was still very afraid to go swimming. All summer our staff worked him and on the last week of camp he swam all the way out to the floating dock. This was an accomplishment that many people thought could not be done. However our amazing staff wasn’t satisfied. The next day they tried again and swam with him all the way out to the floating trampoline! When the camper finally made it onto the trampoline he gave a huge fist pump and yelled, “I DID IT!”  This camper conquered his fears with the help of our amazing staff, who truly believe that at camp we are, “Creating a world where there are only abilities.”
 
As we celebrate the accomplishments with our campers, we hope that you can join us for the Regatta, on September 26, 2015 an Evening of Jazz on Rex Lake. This celebrating and fundraiser will help us meet the challenge to serve even more in need allowing us to set sail into the future. Visit rotarycamp.org/regatta to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or make a donation. 

When Beckett was born in 2010 we found our passion to support and advocate for people with disabilities especially those with Down syndrome.  We found out about the Buddy Walk shortly before he was born and created our team Beckett's Buddies from his crib side in the hospital.  We were stunned at the support and raised over $4,000 in our first year. 

Each year we have been continually amazed at the generosity of the many people in our lives, especially our Rotary family.  This year the Rotary club and many of the businesses represented within it supported Beckett's Buddies in a BIG way.  Our amazing supporters helped us raise over $12,000 for The Upside of Downs which was a Northeast Ohio team record.

Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Akron, City Cleaners, Margida and Associates, Metis Construction, and Artists Inc. who generously supported us through sponsorships.  Thanks to club members Joe Horak, Julie Brandle, Pat O'neill and their families for taking time out of their busy schedule to come and walk with us!  We were overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of so many wonderful people.  I am proud to call you family!

Shon Christy, Rotary Club of Akron 

The Rotary Club of Akron’s Board of Directors met on Tuesday, August 18th and the following items were discussed:
Immediate Past President Shon Christy announced that the Akron Rotary Club received the 2015 Summit for Kids Organization Award.  The award was presented at their annual luncheon on August 14th. The award recognizes an organization that has made a significant contribution to children/youth in the areas of social services, education or humanitarian services.
 
Directors discussed processes for considering service projects, funding requests and Rotary events.  All agreed the most important aspect of a process is engaging Akron Rotarians and helping them achieve their goals of service and camaraderie.   Dan Reynolds reported that prior Club, Camp & Foundation leadership envisioned a joint committee tackling the issue of funding.  Current leaders will be asked to convene a meeting.  Jen Halcomb offered to share a form with Directors that will help coordinate events.   Akron Rotary is growing in influence and reach!  These processes will help us manage and communicate our great work!
 
Committee reports were given.  John Margida, Chair of the renamed Club Communications & Public Image Committee shared the committee’s purpose.  “To educate, promote and keep all Akron Rotarians informed of all goings on via social media, press releases, and club newsletters with the goal of pursuing the success of the Akron Rotary Club, Camp and members.”
 
Watch for enhanced communication as he rounds up information from committee chairs.  The committee will serve as a central place for all Rotary communication!  A new aspect of communication will also include press on, “How Akron Rotarians are Changing the World!”  Email how you’re making a difference to
 
The next meeting of the Akron Rotary Club Board of Directors is scheduled for September 8th at 11:00 am at the Portage Country Club.
The purpose of Rotary Cares is to show our support for Akron Rotarians dealing with the loss of a loved one, the hardship of illness but also to celebrate the joy of new baby, job or marriage.
 
 
Akron Rotarians offer sincere sympathies to…
 
…Sarah Buccigross on the loss of her Grandmother, Natalie Ziegler, in June.
 
…the Farkas family on the loss of Rotarian Dick Farkas in July.
 
…Steve and Cheryl Warren on the loss of Steve’s father in July
 
...the Goumas family on the loss of past Rotarian Spiro Goumas in August.
 
Akron Rotarians congratulate …
 
…Tom & Melissa Knauer on the birth of their son, George, on July 31st.
 
Let us know your news at akronrotary@neo.rr.com.  If you are sharing information on behalf of another, please get permission from the Rotarian or his/her family prior to sharing.
 
In addition to including in the newsletter, cards will be sent when appropriate.

 

 
 
OCTOBER 17, 2015 
700 Beta Center, 700 Beta Drive, Mayfield, OH
8am - 12:30 PM   $30 per person

Registration is now open on the District 6630 website - click here
 
Attention enthusiastic Rotarians!!
 
The District 6630  “One Rotary Summit” will join together Rotary leaders to exchange ideas and provide take away cutting-edge ideas on how to energize and bolster your club for growth, service and public interaction.
 
“One Rotary” refers to the synergistic relationships among Membership, Foundation and Public Image and how success in any one area benefits the other two.  For example, Doing Good in the World through Foundation funded programs enhances the public image of Rotary and makes it easier to attract new members.
 
In one place, on one day, you can help shape your dream of what the future of your Rotary club will look like doing good locally and globally.  Become a champion to help strengthen your club and Rotary by joining us.
 
By definition all Rotarians are leaders – so all club members are welcome with a strong emphasis on club leadership.
The One Rotary Summit is designed to engage current and future leaders with fresh new thinking so you can walk away with hands on tools to help strengthen your club’s membership, public image and involvement in Foundation programs. 
 
 

 

District 6630 Foundation Awards  
November 15, 2015

Celebrate the successes of Clubs in District 6630 for their Foundation efforts in 2014-15. Enjoy some food, beverages and a short art auction (profits will go toward our Polio campaign). Registration will open soon.

2016 Annual Conference of Clubs
Conference Dates: April 22-23, 2016
700 Beta Banquet Conference Center, Mayfield, Ohio
 
That's right . . .We are asking you to plan ahead for 2016.  
 
We are planning some FUN activities for the weekend that will be announced over the coming months.
 
Our Annual Conference of Clubs is a Celebration not to be missed. 
Bring your family, bring your friends!
 
*If you PRE-register before September 1, 2015 you will be entered to win a one-night stay at the hotel during the conference. 
 
We are honored that Dr. Scott L. Scarborough,
President of The University of Akron
has accepted our invitation to serve as
he Keynote Speaker on Saturday evening.
 
 
 
 
 
About our Speakers for the 2016 Conference of Clubs:
 
Josh Bliell:  Marine Corporal Josh Bleill [Bly-ul; rhymes with “Kyle” or “smile”] is a native of Greenfield, Indiana. After graduating high school, Josh attended Purdue University. Upon completion of his education, Josh decided to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps in 2004, and was activated for a tour of duty in Iraq in 2006.  While serving in Iraq, Corporal Bleill was severely injured, resulting in the loss of both of his legs. After extensive rehabilitation, Bleill returned to Indiana in August of 2008, where he attacked his new life head-on. This new life included employment as the Indianapolis Colts Community Spokesperson.  Indianapolis Colts Owner, Jim Irsay, has described Bleill as “very talented, bright-eyed, and skilled,” and Josh now travels the country to spread his message of hope, “one step at a time.”
 
Ben LeRoy:  Ben LeRoy is the publisher of Tyrus Books, a division of F+W Media. In 2014, he set out on a mission to perform volunteer work in all 50 states, and in December of that year, he completed that mission. In 2015, he decided there was no reason to stop volunteering and continues to do good in world.    When he's not traveling the country doing charity work and speaking to audiences big and small, he resides in Madison, WI. He has been featured in several publications and news programs including Fox & Friends.    Ben believes we can make the world a better place by simply choosing to do so..  
 
Dr. Scott Scarborough:   Scott L. Scarborough became the 16th president of The University of Akron on July 1, 2014. He had previously served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at The University of Toledo since 2012. Scarborough was UT’s chief academic and operating officer, responsible for 12 colleges and the divisions that managed student affairs, enrollment management, libraries, registrar’s office and the university teaching center. He directed the development of a new five-year strategic plan for the main campus, and emphasized such strategic priorities as ensuring academic quality, enhancing academic distinction and improving the student experience. 
 
*One winner will be selected from those who pre-register before September 1, 2015. One room night will be awarded and may only be used during the weekend of the District Conference (the winner may select Friday or Saturday). There is no cash value if not used.  
 
 
Read more...
Stories from Rotary International
From the September 2015 issue of The Rotarian When Carole Kimutai was growing up in Nairobi, family members were always coming for long stays – a grandparent one month, a cousin the next. "Anyone who needed school fees would come to Nairobi, and my parents would assist," she says. "Or if my grandmother was sick, she would come to live with us until she was better. It was natural to help others." Years later, Kimutai was invited to a meeting of the Rotary Club of Nairobi-East, where she instantly felt at home. "I grew up seeing my parents help relatives, and now I am seeing people help quote-...
 
From the September 2015 issue of The Rotarian Chances are, you’ve heard of Psy and his signature song, “Gangnam Style.” He’s the Korean pop star with dark sunglasses and a distinctive galloping horse dance who was everywhere a few years ago, including on a This Close ad for End Polio Now. But what you might not know is that Psy is merely the tip of the colossal iceberg known as K-pop, short for Korean pop. If you plan to attend the 2016 Rotary International Convention in Seoul from 28 May to 1 June, you won’t have to search for K-pop – you’ll hear it in the streets, in cafes, in taxis, and on...
 
From the September 2015 issue of The Rotarian A Rotarian for nearly three decades, Jay Cook has helped hundreds of young people broaden their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. Recently, while working for the nonprofit Water Missions International, he’s turned his attention to bringing safe water and sanitation solutions to developing countries and disaster-stricken areas. Cook is a member of the Rotary Club of Charleston Breakfast and the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group. THE ROTARIAN: How did you become involved with Rotary Youth Exchange? COOK: My club was hosting a young...
 
From the September 2015 issue of The Rotarian When I was a college student in Wisconsin in the 1970s, those of us who worked at the 10-watt radio station hoped our signal would reach not only the 1,500 students on the Beloit College campus and the 35,000 residents of the town of Beloit but also the people in the cars and trucks passing by on the interstate 3 miles to the east – and possibly, late at night, the 150,000 who lived in the bustling metropolis of Rockford, Ill., 20 miles to the south. Some of us hoped to get jobs in radio after we graduated, and there was even talk about starting...
 
From the September 2015 issue of The Rotarian Before her family was forced into exile, before her mother was assassinated, before her father became president, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was known for something simpler, but in some ways equally powerful: In 1994, she became the first child in Pakistan to receive the oral polio vaccine, as part of the country’s first National Immunization Day. Benazir Bhutto, then prime minister, gave the drops to her daughter herself, a compelling endorsement of the nascent campaign. “I was a baby at the time, so I don’t remember it,” says Bhutto Zardari, now 22. “...
 
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