I am a dynamic Nonprofit Leader, Community Advocate, and Architect of Social Change, specializing in Operations Management, Process Enhancement, and Stakeholder Engagement. My reputation is built on my talent for uniting diverse voices and crafting sustainable initiatives that generate a positive economic impact. I'm deeply passionate about community development, exemplified by my successful co-founding and leadership of the NoHi popup and café, which not only contributes to economic growth but also supports budding culinary entrepreneurs. My expertise extends to harnessing the transformative potential of creative placemaking, breathing new life into multicultural neighborhoods while driving economic prosperity and celebrating cultural diversity. I possess an intimate understanding of the nuances within multicultural communities and have honed my skill in engaging residents and stakeholders effectively. My work is a testament to my unwavering dedication to fortifying neighborhoods by utilizing art, culture, and community involvement.
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Maelle (Malou) Gorisse is enjoying her GAP year. She hails from the northern part of France close to the Belgium border and the beautiful French city of Lille. 
WELCOME OUR NEWEST AKRON ROTARIAN
A Master Arborist is someone who has met certain educational and/or experience requirements and has passed an examination administered by a professional organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). 
Akron Rotary member Jacinto Núñez, a partner in the firm’s Akron office, will be inducted into the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL).
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In February of 1914, The Rotary Club of Akron became the 107th Rotary club with 31 charter members meeting at the Portage Hotel.
The charter members and their classifications were:
Charles B. Akers
Akers & Harpman Co.
Roofing & sheet metal construction
Fred W. Albrecht
Grocer & Founder, Acme stores
Retail Grocer
Dr. George P. Atwater
Rector, Church of Our Savior
Clergyman
Harry A. Bauman
B.F. Goodrich Co.
Sales
George E. Billow
Billow Co.
Funeral Director
R.R. Bowman
Nat'l Blank Book & Supply Co.
Office Outfitter
George W. Carmichael
Carmichael Construction Co.
General Contractor
H.P. Cohill
H.P. Cohill Plumbing Co.
Plumber
George C. Dietz
Burkhart Brewery Co.
Beer Manufacturer
Freeman T. Egleson
Attorney and Assistant Attorney General of Ohio
William C. Hall
Hall-Harter Co.
Financial Insurance
Milton E. Harpster
Architect
George W. Hawkins
The Lyman Hawkins Lumber Co.
Lumber
James G. Hoover
Mantels and Grates
R.B. Johnson
Superintendent, Northern Ohio Traction & Light Co.
Charles L. Knight
Publisher & Owner, Akron Beacon Journal
Publisher
N.F. Laubach
Akron People's Telephone Co.
Manager
Dr. F.H. Lyder
Dentist
Dr. Simon Morgenroth
Physician
Mark F. Murdock
M.F. Murdock Co.
Rubber Goods Distribution
J.O. Murphy
The Portage Hotel
Manager
Bert A. Polsky
Founder, Polsky's Department Stores
Dry Goods
William M. Shoemaker
Day Drug Co.
Retail Druggist
John F. Spellman
Merchant's Credit Association
Credit Association Manager
John J. Starr
Robinson Clay Products
Service Pipe Manufacturer
John V. Swartz
J.V. Swartz Co.
Confectioner
Mulford Wade
Broker
Harry Williams
National City Bank
Banker
William G. Wise
Wise Furnace Company
Warm Air Furnaces
William E. Wright
Founder, W.E. Wright Co.
Builders' Supplies
Sam F. Ziliox
Commercial printer (printed 1st Akrotarian, Feb. 15, 1915)
Printer
Hey there! Have you heard about the upcoming District 6630 Governor's Conference hosted by this year's Governor and Akron Rotarian, Julie Brandle? It's an annual gathering for all members and guests, and it's happening on April 26 & 27.
It's time to register! Click here for more information about the event and the registration.
Why should you attend? Well, for starters, it's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians. With our District boasting more than 2,000 members and 50 clubs, you're bound to make some new connections and renew old friendships.
Plus, there are breakout sessions to help your club thrive and make a bigger impact in your community.
And let's not forget the chance to celebrate our Rotary Youth - from exchange programs to speech winners!
Don't miss out on the fun and learning - mark your calendars and join us!
#RotaryDistrict6630
As the Rotary Club of Akron continues to grow our community partnerships, we must be mindful of our capacity to serve. Rotary’s worldwide motto is Service Above Self and Akron Rotary is no different. 
7 years... 7 years ago then club president Julie Brandle inducted Nathanael Billow into the Rotary Club of Akron. Fast forward to March 16th in Columbus where at All Ohio PETS Training, Julie, now our Rotary District 6630 governor, had the honor of pinning Thane as President-Elect for our Club 2024-25. Good luck Thane on your year ahead leading our club.
I have a lot of great memories of Rotary growing up, and I feel like it was just yesterday that my grandpa told me that I should be a funeral director and a Rotarian, because “Billow’s were really good at being both.” I remember going to my first Chili Open with my dad when I was probably 4 or 5 years old. I remember when John Daily invited me to Rotary as his guest in 2017 and how he offered to sponsor me into the club. I can remember how nervous I was to get sworn in by Julie Brandle, and how my mom and dad Charles Martial Billow came to support me. I remember when I met my Rotary Mentor Dr. Robert McGregor and how impressed I was with him. He introduced me to David Miller, Connor Jarvis and Brian Kosarko, and I remember how we all would get in trouble at meetings for routinely sitting together! I remember getting lunch with Rotary Jack Harig at Rockne’s so that he could pass on stories of our Club’s history. I remember sitting with Tom Knauer at one of our meetings and thinking to myself “man, that guy is pretty sharp and we have a lot in common. I should probably be friends with him.”
The Akron Club's Rotary International (RI) Foundation Co-Chair, Nathanael Billow, recognized two club members who gave additional gifts to the RI Foundation and received their next level Paul Harris pins.
Sandy Naragon - Paul Harris +8
District Governor Julie Brandle - Paul Harris +3
Photo L-R: Nathanael Billow, Sandy Naragon, DG Julie Brandle, Club President Tom Knauer
Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.
Read more about Donor Recognition
Multiple Paul Harris Fellow
When you give additional gifts of $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.
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