Welcome to The Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio

We meet on
Tuesday at NOON*

Doors open at 11:45am
 
*There will not be a meeting December 27, 2022.

Weekly Club Meeting Location:

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
129 South Union Street
Akron, OH 44304

$20.00 per person
includes buffet lunch by Tangier Catering
 

Virtual Option for standard weekly meetings

 Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 989 441 809
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Meet Our 2022-23
Club President
Lynda Farkas

 

View Calendar of
Weekly Speakers
& Our Events

The Club Board of Directors meet the
2nd Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
Board meetings are open to Club members. 
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Our Speaker  December 13, 2022

JOE TUCKER

Executive Director
South Street Ministries

Joe Tucker has served as Executive Director of South Street Ministries since 2012 and has worked within the Summit Lake community for over a decade, developing the South Street Bike Shop program, overseeing youth programming, and working with collaborative projects such as the Summit Lake Farmers’ Market and other large-group projects. Joe Tucker is a strategic collaborator who works with varied and diverse groups to enact community investment, service, and renewal. Joe Tucker is a Christian Community Development practitioner who

believes that community investment and just development is a theological value and practice. Having overseen the development of the Front Porch site and Cafe, Joe Tucker has served as the leader for physical restoration projects of vacant properties.

Within South Street Ministries and the Front Porch, Joe Tucker oversaw the operation of the Front Porch Cafe as a social enterprise, coordinated with over 15 recovery groups to maintain a place of sobriety and meeting, and worked with Summit County office and other reentry partners to facilitate and expand reentry services at the Front Porch and beyond. Presently, South Street Ministries has partnered with the Summit County Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Board to expand recovery and reentry support through the State opioid Response program and the Community Transition Program.

With a Masters of Applied Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Akron, Joe Tucker utilizes strategic thinking, logic, and process management to oversee community transformation. Joe Tucker is also an alumnus of Garfield High School, where he now lives across the street from with his wife and 2 sons.

Honors & Awards:

Eagle Scout Award 2003
Neighborhood Leadership Institute -- Class 3 (2012) Leadership Akron -- Class 36 (19/20)

Board Service:

Summit Lake Community Development Corporation --- Board Member & Treasurer Summit Lake Community Council -- Convener
Summit County Reentry Coalition -- Board Member & Secretary
Students With A Goal -- Board Member & Programming Committee Chair

Experiences:

Mission Year Participant (2008-2009)
CCDA Cohort 5, C-Cinco, (2015-2017)

Join Us Tuesday, December 20th 
Official District Governor's Visit to Akron Club - Tuesday January 3, 2023

DAVID JONES

District 6630 District Governor 2022-2023 

Once a year, the District Governor makes an official visit to each club in the district.
 
The District 6630 Governor, David Jones, will make his official visit to the RC of Akron on Tuesday, January 3, 2022.
 
The purpose of the visit: To allow the District Governor to communicate directly with all Rotarians in our District. To listen to the Club Leadership and its members and gain a better understanding of their club.  To share information from RI and the District as it pertains to the Clubs.
 
The Governor's visit is a very special occasion and an opportunity for members, family of Rotarians and potential members to learn more about Rotary.  
 
About our District Governor
David Jones was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a military BRAT, David had the opportunity to live in 5 States and 4 countries: Spain, Japan, Germany and England. He graduated from Upper Heyford American High School in England. David moved back to Ohio from Washington State, and he completed his undergraduate work in mathematics education from Capital University. David attended Ashland University and received a Master’s in Educational Administration, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and his school Superintendent’s License.
 
David was an Adjunct Professor for Ashland University and taught high school math at Madison Local Schools and Ontario Local Schools in Richland County Ohio. David worked as the Director of Building Operations and Technology for the Summit Educational Service Center in Summit County Ohio before retiring after 32 years in education.
 
David is married to Georgeann, a native of Akron, who is Executive Director of the Oak Foundation and owner of Christian James Salon in Cuyahoga Falls. They reside in Stow and have four adult children. David is a member of the Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club and served as Club President; he is a member of the Club’s Board of Directors, Scholarship Committee, Foundation Chair and Grant Committee.
 
At the district level, David is an alumnus of LEADERSHIP 6630 Class of 2016 and served as the District 6630 Foundation Stewardship Chair. David served as the “On to Hamburg”, “On to Honolulu” and “On to Taipei” chair for the RI International Convention and continues to serve on the Planning Committee for the District Conference of Clubs. David is proud and honored to serve as the District 6630 Governor for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year.
 
He is excited to work with all of the Clubs and Rotarians of the District on club membership, Community Service, Foundation Support and strengthening the connections between Rotary, Interact and Rotaract clubs. David stated, “I am excited to be a part of an extremely talented leadership team and will continue the proud tradition of those who put “Service Above Self.”
Give Back while shopping on Amazon this Holiday Season!
 
If you are shopping for the Holidays, please consider shopping on Smile.Amazon.com and choose Rotary Camp as your favorite charity.
 
You will receive the same products, same prices, same services as the Amazon you know. Amazon will donate a small percentage of all eligible purchases back to Camp.
 
We appreciate your support!
Click Me!

 Get Involved

Change Your Community


Change your community with us by volunteering on a local project or attending a community event.
Email our Service Committee Chair.

Partner With Us


We work with groups and organizations of all sizes to accomplish even more.
Email our Service Committee Chair.

Discover and celebrate diverse perspectives with a global organization.  
Email our International Exchange Chair.
 
News and Activities
Salvation Army Bell Ringing - Dec 16th
Sign up now!!
Salvation Army Bell Ringing - Dec 16thSign up now!!
After a few years away due to COVID, on Friday December 16th our Club will again be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.  The Army is an important partner of the Club and for our community.
 
Below are details date, time and location. You can sign-up online to participate in this event. We need two Rotarians (or guests) to cover each hour of the day that we will be there.  We also are seeking substitutes.
 
This is a great opportunity to get in the holiday spirit and spend some time with your loved ones, friends, and the local community.
 
We look forward to your participation.

Mark Seward
Cell: 330-414-2075
 
Date: 
Friday, December 16th
 
Time:   
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
 
Location: 
ACME #10
2226 State Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Akron Rotary Club Annual Meeting 2022 Recap
The Annual Meeting of the Rotary Club of Akron was conducted on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. The purpose of our Annual Meeting is to announce the election of Officers and Directors for the Club, the Rotary Camp Board, and the Akron Rotary Foundation, provide an update of the Club’s financial condition, an overview of the past year’s activities, and potential goals and activities for the next year. 
 
Shared below is a synopsis of the Annual Meeting presentations.
 
Finance - Michael Gladysz, Club Treasurer
 
Club Financial Report for the fiscal year July1, 2021 through June 30, 2022:
 
Total Revenue: $67,625.26 (includes dues of $47,751.66)
Total Expenses: $61,155.08 (includes Administrative Expenses of $38,387.11 and Committee Expenses of $18,674.66)
Net Income: (income after expenses) $6,516.96
Assets: (Cash-position as of 6/30/2022) $99,192.52
Liabilities: $44,722.35
Total Equity:  $54,470.17
 
Election and Bylaw Revision Results - Karen Hrdlicka

Club, Foundation, and Camp Election Results:
 
Club
Executive Team 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024:
President:  Tom Knauer
President-Elect: Thane Billow
Vice-President: Katy Miller
Secretary: Terry Dalton
Treasurer: Michael Gladysz
 
Directors: Laura Horovitz, Gerry Kiefer, Liv Pilon, Cheryl Warren

Akron Rotary Foundation
1/1/2023 – 12/31/2023 Laura Smiley
1/1/2023 – 12/31/2025:  Doug Kohl, Katy Miller, Rima Muakkassa, Michael Shearer

Rotary Camp
Brooks Ames (Rotarian), Rennick Andreoli (Honorary Rotarian), Getta Kutachief, Susan Savage, Joe Swiatkowski (Rotarian)

Foundation & Camp Annual Updates
 
The Club approved the recommended changes to the existing bylaws presented by the Nominating Committee.
 
Akron Rotary Foundation - Dan Riemenschneider
 
The Akron Rotary Foundation is completely different than The Rotary International’s Rotary Foundation.
 
Net assets of Akron Rotary Foundation (ARF) are around $2 million given current market fluctuations – about ½ the assets are restricted or designated for the benefit of the camp.   The other ½ is to act as a catalyst for the Rotary Club of Akron to make a big impact on its community and beyond.
 
Currently the ARF covers Club guest lunches, fifteen - $1,000 scholarships to APS students; foreign exchange student program stipends ($200/month per student) and assist with eastern and western trips, if necessary; Rotary Youth Leadership Academy fees and grants the Club $15,000 annually to make big impacts on the community to grow awareness of Rotary, grow membership and grow opportunities for the Camp and ARF.
 
Donations range from $10 to $100,000 but typically total less than $15,000 per year.  The ARF needs Rotarian support through annual contributions and legacy and estate planning.
 
We are working with club leadership and board to long-range plan effective ways to leverage the annual grants, focusing on utilizing and supporting the Camp in those plans.
 
Akron Rotary Camp - Dan Reynolds
 
A few facts about Rotary Camp in 2022:
  • $108,792 in financial assistance provided for camper participation
  • 962 campers served at Happy Days and Rex Lake locations through Summer Camp and year-round Respite programs
  • Hosted 6 Field trips for the I Promise Village
  • 115 hours spent swimming
  • Hosted Camp Promise weekend camp for individuals with Muscular Dystrophy
  • Campers took 60 canoe rides and 85 pontoon boat rides
  • 65 group experiences on the Bud Rogers Adventure Park
  • 10,092 meals served to 213 campers and staff
  • Employed 40 seasonal staff representing 6 countries
  • Extended School Year program provided 250 hours of service provided by Intervention Specialists; 50 hours of services provided by Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists
  • 516 volunteers served 2,929 hours YTD
Club Annual Updates:
 
Membership - Tom Knauer
 
The club started this Rotary year with 127 members, and we added two new members so far this year.
 
We have one person who has been approved and we’re waiting to set an induction date. Police Chief Steven Mylett’s membership is being voted on at next week’s board meeting.  Another person is beginning the membership process.
 
On the negative side, Lynda just sent out termination letters to six members for non-payment of dues.
 
For some perspective, during our last year at Portage CC (2018-19) we had 155 members. COVID took a toll not only on The Rotary Club of Akron but other district clubs as well.
 
We are experiencing an increase of in person attendance since our move to the church--up from an average of approximately 17 per week at Bounce to 23-25 per week at the church.
 
Tom would like to see an improvement in member engagement and encouraged each member to do some person-to-person outreach to members we have not seen in a while in an effort to bolster attendance and engagement.
 
The Membership committee is working on a new member welcome kit in the hope this may help new members become acclimated more quickly and easily into the club. 
 
Tom is recommending the club be willing to try a once-a-month breakfast meeting for three months to see if we can get a few more folks to participate and also recommended we revisit the idea of a corporate and/or family membership. Tom intends to discuss these last two items at next week's board meeting.
 
Club Survey - Sandy Naragon
Sandy Naragon gave a brief report on the Club survey.  In the interest of time, Sandy stated she would be presenting more detail on the survey results at an upcoming meeting. The winner of the $50 gas card for completing the survey was won by Hugh Alpeter.
 
While the past year has been challenging with the continuation of some COVID 19 challenges and the return to in-person and Zoom meetings, the Club has much to be proud of.
Successes:
  • September Regatta raised $799K
  • Bylaws revision – Passed
  • District Matching Grant –
  • Rotary moved in September to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church!
  • We have exchange students this year!
  • We started volunteering, monthly, at the Akron/Canton Regional Food Bank & Salvation Army Red Kettle
  • Akron’s Julie Brandle was chosen to be District Governor Elect
 
 
 
Wrapping up our 2022 Annual Meeting, President Farkas had this to say: “We are halfway through our Rotary year… Please help to make the remaining 6 months successful…. please attend our meetings; take an active role; share your ideas; and remain positive.  Remember we are in this together – no one can do the work alone!
 
Looking forward to the days ahead…hopefully as much as I am!”
 
Minutes respectfully recorded and presented by
Terry Dalton, Akron Club Secretary & Scholarship Chair 
 
District 6630 Governor Official Visit Slated for Akron Club January 3, 2023

DAVID JONES

District 6630 District Governor 2022-2023 

Once a year, the District Governor makes an official visit to each club in the district.
 
The District 6630 Governor, David Jones, will make his official visit to the RC of Akron on Tuesday, January 3, 2022.
 
The purpose of the visit: To allow the District Governor to communicate directly with all Rotarians in our District. To listen to the Club Leadership and its members and gain a better understanding of their club.  To share information from RI and the District as it pertains to the Clubs.
 
The Governor's visit is a very special occasion and an opportunity for members, family of Rotarians and potential members to learn more about Rotary.  
 
About our District Governor
David Jones was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a military BRAT, David had the opportunity to live in 5 States and 4 countries: Spain, Japan, Germany and England. He graduated from Upper Heyford American High School in England. David moved back to Ohio from Washington State, and he completed his undergraduate work in mathematics education from Capital University. David attended Ashland University and received a Master’s in Educational Administration, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and his school Superintendent’s License.
 
David was an Adjunct Professor for Ashland University and taught high school math at Madison Local Schools and Ontario Local Schools in Richland County Ohio. David worked as the Director of Building Operations and Technology for the Summit Educational Service Center in Summit County Ohio before retiring after 32 years in education.
 
David is married to Georgeann, a native of Akron, who is Executive Director of the Oak Foundation and owner of Christian James Salon in Cuyahoga Falls. They reside in Stow and have four adult children. David is a member of the Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley Rotary Club and served as Club President; he is a member of the Club’s Board of Directors, Scholarship Committee, Foundation Chair and Grant Committee.
 
At the district level, David is an alumnus of LEADERSHIP 6630 Class of 2016 and served as the District 6630 Foundation Stewardship Chair. David served as the “On to Hamburg”, “On to Honolulu” and “On to Taipei” chair for the RI International Convention and continues to serve on the Planning Committee for the District Conference of Clubs. David is proud and honored to serve as the District 6630 Governor for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year.
 
He is excited to work with all of the Clubs and Rotarians of the District on club membership, Community Service, Foundation Support and strengthening the connections between Rotary, Interact and Rotaract clubs. David stated, “I am excited to be a part of an extremely talented leadership team and will continue the proud tradition of those who put “Service Above Self.”
It's Chili Open Time - Can you help?
On February 4, 2023 over 500 golfers, Rotarians and volunteers will come together for Rotary Club of Akron’s 33rd annual Chili Open to golf, win prizes, and celebrate the great work that Rotary is doing in our local community. So far we have raised almost $100,000, but still has a long way to go to reach our bold goal of $350,000.
 
Because of the Chili Open, no child is ever turned away from Akron Rotary Camp due to inability to pay. Since its inception, the event has raised over $4,500,000 to support families and children in attending Camp.
 
If you are considering a sponsorship, or know of someone that might be interested in helping a great cause, please reach out to our Chili Open co-chairs.
 
We would also appreciate any donation of an item that can be used in our silent auction and/or door prize raffle to help us to meet our goal. Items can include gift cards, baskets, getaways, experiences, and more!
 
As always, thank you for helping to “Create a world where there are only abilities!”
 
Jeff Sheeks and Cyndi Kane
Co-Chairs, Chili Open 2023
Kenmore Storefront Features Rotary Holiday Tree
Rotarians and friends volunteered to decorate a Rotary Holiday Tree for the Kenmore Blvd. Light the Blvd. project on December 2nd.
 
Our tree is decorated in Rotary Blue and Gold colors.
 
Akron Rotary Welcomes New Member
Cynthia Snider
The Akron Club had the pleasure of inducting Cynthia Snider on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.  She was sponsored by Steve Buie.
 
She is well known in the community as a fundraiser, media relations professional, and advocate for the arts — has been the Executive Director of Tuesday Musical Association since March 2020. She served as interim director since September 2019.

Founded in 1887 and now an Akron anchor arts organization, Tuesday Musical presents concerts by internationally acclaimed musicians as well as education and community engagement programs throughout northeast Ohio Snider joined Tuesday Musical in September 2015 when, after 31 years, she retired from The University of Akron (UA) where she directed communications, community engagement, development, special events, and other initiatives for UA’s programs in the visual and performing arts. She also worked closely with UA’s EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall.

Snider began her communications career in 1976 as a reporter and editor for several weekly newspapers in Northeast Ohio, and then joined The University of Akron’s communications department in 1984 as editor of UA’s newsletter for faculty and sta", assistant editor of UA's alumni magazine, and a public relations representative. She became the public relations director for the university in 1986, and served in that role until she joined the UA College of Fine and Applied Arts in 1995.
 
As an arts advocate and volunteer, Snider was a longtime board member of Neos Dance Theatre and the Autism Society of Greater Akron, as well as a member and vice president for the Akron Area Arts Alliance’s executive board until 2015. She has also served on the board of the Greater Akron Musical Association, Friends of Fashion at Kent State University, the City of Norton Charter Review Commission, Friends of the Norton Library Board, TV 45/49 Production Capacities Action Team, and Imagine Downtown Akron.

Snider holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Kent State University and a master's degree in higher education administration from The University of Akron. Her husband is Larry Snider, a distinguished professor of music at The University of Akron, longtime principal percussionist with the Akron Symphony, and founder of UA’s Steel Drum Band.
 
Photo L-R: President Lynda Farkas, Cynthia Snider, Past President Steve Buie
 
Two More PH Fellows Get New Stones
The Rotary Foundation Co-Chair, Nathanael Billow, presented Julie Brandle and Lynda Farkas with their next level Paul Harris pins.
 
Thank you for your generous support!
 
The Rotary Foundation Recognition Presentation
The Rotary Foundation Recognition Presentation
Thank you to all who have contributed to The Rotary Foundation.
 
Club Co-chairs, Nathanael Billow and Bill Manby, Jr. recognized those who gave through the prior Rotary year and thus far this year.
 
Your contributions continue to advancing the mission of The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
 
The Akron Club was by recognized by District 6630 for being a PolioPlus Club in the 2021-2022 Rotary Year under the leadership of  President Steve Buie.

Akron was one of four clubs in the District that received this award. The others were Chardon, Cleveland and Northampton-Cuyahoga Valley.
 
 
 
or click on the images below to view larger
 
How can I help with Hurricane Ian relief efforts?  Here are a few ways...
 
Posted by Lynda Farkas
How can I help with Hurricane Ian relief efforts?  Here are a few ways... 
What can I do to help?
 
We are now accepting donations to the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Trust for island locals who are in need due to the storm. Donations may be given online at https://bit.ly/3VeJywJ, which is linked to our club’s paypal account. All contributions will be directed to the Trust’s Hurricane Ian fund.

A Go Fund Me page has also been created. The webpage can be found at https://bit.ly/3rOYDaB. This too is linked to the club’s paypal account with 100% of donations designated to individuals, businesses and organizations on island who need our help.

In addition, checks can be written to the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Trust with “Ian” on the memo line and mailed to: Edison Bank, San-Cap Rotary Trust, c/o David Lowden, 13000 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33907. All checks to the fund will be deposited into the account and money will be distributed to locals at the discretion of the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Trust Board.

Information about the Hurricane Ian Relief Fund will be shared on the club website and social media outlets. Please feel free to share widely about the fund, which is specific to locals on Sanibel and Captiva. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (231) 313-1589 or annie@heightsfoundation.org.

Also, Fellow Rotarian Taylor Osborne Clary has designed hip, high quality “Sanibel Strong” apparel to raise money for our Rotary Hurricane Ian Relief efforts. 100% of profit is being donated to the Rotary Trust fund. Here is the link to her fundraiser: https://bit.ly/3rmtXNW.
RotaryFL.org
The outpouring of concern and support from our Fellow Rotarians around the world is tremendous. Please know that Rotary is here for you, now and always.

If you need anything (water, shelter, food, supplies, etc.), or would like to help by volunteering or donating, please go to: Rotaryfl.org.  This website will help us stay organized and enable us to be more effective. Please share this link widely with family and friends.

We WILL get through this together because WE are Rotarians and WE are people of action.
Hurricane Ian Disaster Fundraiser
Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief Fundraiser
Rotarian Taylor Osborne has created a collaborative fundraiser between the
Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club
and the
Sanibel and Captiva Business Women's Association to provide direct relief to the
victims of Hurricane Ian.

*Proceeds from your purchase will be donated to assist in hurricane relief efforts.
https://hurricane-ian-disaster-relief.myshopify.com/
SAVE YOUR ACME RECEIPTS!
 
 
Rotary Camp is collecting ACME receipts! Help us earn 5% Community Cashback by shopping store brands in Acme Fresh Market. Save your receipts from August 4, 2022 until December 24, 2022.
 
Receipts can either be mailed to Camp (4460 Rex Lake Dr., Akron OH 44319), or be turned in at the weekly Rotary Meetings.
 
Thank you ACME for your continued support to the community!
 
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Our Sponsors
Our members support numerous causes.  We are People of Action.

Upcoming Speakers

Joe Tucker
Dec 13, 2022 12:00 PM
Executive Director, South Street Ministries
Club Holiday Party
Dec 20, 2022 11:30 AM
NO WEEKLY MEETING - HOLIDAY BREAK
Dec 27, 2022 12:00 PM
District Governor David Jones
Jan 03, 2023 12:00 PM
District Governor Official Club Visit
Theron Brown
Jan 10, 2023 12:00 PM
Pianist and Educator
Andrew Thorn
Jan 24, 2023 12:00 PM
Rhythm and Roots Farm
View entire list...
Club Events
Club Information
Rotary Links
 

Celebrating Over a Century of Service in the Akron Community!

 
The History of The Rotary Club of Akron
 
Honoring the Past.  Driving the Future.
 
April 5, 2014 Centennial Celebration