When/Where we Meet:
Tuesday at NOON

Doors open at 11:45am

 
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
129 South Union Street
Akron, OH 44304
 
$20.00 per person
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Nathanael Billow
2024-2025 Club President

 
The Club Board of Directors meet the
2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:45 a.m.
Board meetings are open to Club members. 
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Upcoming Speakers

Laura Bonnet, Director
Jan 28, 2025 12:00 PM
CWR Weatherhead School of Management Center for Family Business
CWR Weatherhead School of Management Center for Family Business

Laura Bonnet is the founding director for the Center for Family Business at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.  The Center was launched in the Fall 2023 to empower family businesses in Northeast Ohio to achieve generational success as well as to conduct new family business research and develop student curriculum.  Prior to leading the Center, Laura worked eighteen years at American Greetings including Vice President of Strategic Planning & Initiatives and Director of Strategic Planning, working with multiple generations of the Weiss family.  Prior to American Greetings, Laura was a consultant for six years with McKinsey & Company.  Former work experience includes General Motors and The Disney Company.  Laura has her MBA from Stanford University and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska.

Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio
Feb 25, 2025 12:00 PM
Dave Yost
Mar 18, 2025 12:00 PM
Ohio Attorney General
View entire list...

 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
Chili Open Countdown  . . .
The Chili Open Golf Classic is just around the corner! There are several ways you can help, and we need everyone’s support to achieve our goal.
 
Our club members are encouraged to sell a minimum of $200 in raffle tickets. Our overall goal for ticket sales is $56,000, and we still have a considerable distance to cover! Many members have found success by reaching out via email to family, friends, and colleagues, asking for assistance in purchasing tickets. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already sold tickets and to those who are still working on it. Please remember to bring your sold raffle tickets to the next Rotary Club luncheon. If you need additional tickets to sell, we will have them available as well. Feel free to post the attached flyer at your workplace.
 
The Silent Auction will showcase a "Wheelbarrow of Good Cheer!" We invite you to help us fill this wheelbarrow with donations of unopened bottles of spirits and mixers. Additionally, we are still seeking items for the door prize raffle and for our auction. Items like small gift cards, hats, cups, tickets to events, candies and more, will be great. Please bring any donations to the Club luncheon. If you require assistance with item pickup, feel free to call or email us, and we will gladly arrange it.
 
We sincerely appreciate your support in ensuring that this year's Chili Open remains a success for our Club, benefiting the campers at Akron Rotary Camp! Please visit www.chiliopen.net for more information about the Chili Open. Together, we are "Creating a world where there are only abilities!"
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
Nathanael Billow and Katy Miller
Co-Chairs, 2025 Chili Open Golf Classic
 
 
 
Gregg Mervis: The Hospitality Ecosystem
We were pleased to welcome Gregg Mervis as our presenter on January 14th. 
 
 
Mervis and his team  are the promoters of Summit County's vibrant hospitality scene.
 
The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau champions the impact the tourism industry has on our local economy and way of life.
 
They are the destination marketing organization for the area and promote Greater Akron and Summit County as a memorable and entertaining location for leisure and business travel.
 
He discussed many of the events and organizations choosing Akron as their destination.   
 
Fueled by a percentage of the bed tax collected from visitors staying in Summit County accommodations, the Bureau stands tall as a self-sufficient engine of economic growth. Dollars spent by visitors on lodging, dining, entertainment and retail all support our community’s hospitality ecosystem – which bolsters revenue and tax coffers.
 
When you're looking for a place to rest your head while you’re here, you're not just finding a hotel room—you're investing in unforgettable experiences and helping our community thrive. Enjoy Greater Akron and start creating your own adventure!
Volunteer Sign Up for the Chili Open!
2025 Chili Open Golf Classic

It is finally time to be able to sign up for "2025 Chili Open Golf Classic." The co-chairs and committee chairs have been working hard to get the events organized. Time slots are available for the Friday set up and the Saturday event. Volunteer coordinators Amanda Warner and Doug Hausknecht are using this program to sign up and track volunteers.

Please click on the button below to view the online sign up sheet.

Contact Amanda c/o Camp or Doug at hauskne@yahoo.com with any questions.
 
 
 
 

Jan. 22nd - Let's make a difference together - Volunteer for Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank Service Project
Posted by David Hall
Jan. 22nd - Let's make a difference together - Volunteer for Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank Service Project
We're teaming up to support the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank (ACRFB). Together we'll help ensure that families in our community have access to the food and resources they need.
 
Details of Event:
When:   Wednesday January 22
Time:     4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Where:   Akron Canton Regional Food Bank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307  
 
This is a great opportunity to bond with fellow Rotarians while making an impact in our community. 
The service project typically involves breaking down large containers of food into smaller portions for redistribution to area food pantries. 
 
RSVP by Friday January 17th. 
Please let me know if you're able to join us by replying to me at dhall@preferredlegacy.com or texting me at 330-714-1044.  Family and friends are welcome so please bring a guest. 
 
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOLUNTEERED BEFORE AT THE FOOD BANK THEN I NEED YOU TO REGISTER WITH ACRFB.  See volunteer application link below. 
If you have any questions please call or text me.
 
Let's come together to embody the Rotary spirit and make this event a success.  I'm looking forward to seeing many of you there!
 
Yours in Service,
 
David Hall
Rotary Club Director
Preferred Legacy National Trust Bank
330-714-1044 - cell 
 
***********************************************************************************
 
PLEASE COMPLETE A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION – If you have not volunteered with the Foodbank in the past 2 years.
  
 
Preparing for your visit, main Akron Campus:
When you arrive, please park in the front of the building or in the Dart Avenue parking lot. Use the front glass doors to enter the building.
  • If the parking lot is full, please park in the grass lot or proceed to the Shipping and Receiving parking lot on the other side of the building. 
    • If entering through Shipping and Receiving, enter through the RED visitor door and proceed to the front desk.
  • We also recommend carpooling when possible.
 
What to wear:
  • Face Masks are optional.
  • Safety is our priority! Please note that open-toed shoes are not permitted in the warehouse. Jewelry is not permitted in the clean- room and we recommend wearing limited jewelry when volunteering.
  • Comfortable shoes are recommended as you may be on your feet the entire time. 
  • It is best to dress in layers. The weather outside may affect the temperature inside the warehouse.
2025 Grant Cycle Open until January 31st
The Rotary Club of Akron and the Akron Rotary Foundation 2025 Grant Cycle is officially open. Grants between $1,000 and $15,000 will be considered via an application process which ends January 31, 2025. 
 
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, 2025, via the application link below.  If you have questions, email Sandy_Naragon@yahoo.com.
 
Please Volunteer to Help at our Meetings!
Happy New Year!  I hope that each of you and your families had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season overall!
 
It's that time of year again where I send out everyone's favorite email - plus, you will get to hear my voice even more than usual at club meetings (cue the eyerolls and groans - I know you can't wait!) as I announce the need for volunteers to assist with the following roles at our club meetings for the 1st half of 2025: Greeter (& "Daily Lotto" sales), Invocation Speaker, & Meeting/Technology Set-Up. 
 
My most sincere appreciation and gratitude goes out to the faithful “regulars” I have been able to consistently count on to help fill the respective roles or jump in last minute to cover an empty slot (you know who you are).  I also appreciate the handful of "newcomers" (both established and newer members) who helped throughout the course of last year or expressed a willingness to do so moving forward. 
 
I would like to encourage anyone that has either never served as Greeter or Invocator (or who has only done so sparingly) to consider volunteering for a few slots during this 1st half of 2025 - I'd be immensely thankful to see my list of "regulars" grow.  Not only are these roles a much appreciated and valued service to the club, but they also present an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the weekly meetings. 
 
If you need help signing up, please let me know and I can direct you to the appropriate location on the Rotary Club of Akron website, or I will gladly fill in your name for whatever date(s) you are able and willing to volunteer.  For convenience, here is the public URL to the relevant volunteer sign-up page:
 
CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER 
 
For Greeters, please plan to arrive by 11:40ish (if possible) and be prepared to help sell Daily Lotto raffle tickets and have the speaker pull the winning ticket at the end of the meeting.
 
For Invocation Speakers, I have provided some links with sample invocations below.  You are quite welcome to create your own invocation, of course, but please know that custom content is not a requirement!  I am happy to assist with this too.  In fact, I'll even provide an invocation for you to read if that's what it will take for you to sign up.  I assure you, this need not be an intimidating volunteer role for the meeting! 
 
For Meeting/Technology Set-Up, the duties currently require:
  1. Ensuring the computer, projector, and microphones are all up and running smoothly before the start of the meeting.  NOTE: Brian Kosarko, Michael Gladysz, or I can/will help train new volunteers - we would certainly appreciate expanding the rotation for this role. 
  2. If necessary, correcting the flag positioning so that when viewed from the audience, the U.S./American Flag is to the left of the speaker/podium and the Ohio Flag is on the right. 
 
Thank you in advance for volunteering!  
 
Yours in service,
CJ
 
Connor G. Jarvis, CFP®
Sergeant of Arms
Rotary Club of Akron
 
 
 
Some links with sample invocations (if needed/desired):
 
 
 
 
Now packing lunches - OPEN M Backpack Service Project 
Akron Rotary's Open M has resumed their Food Backpack Program for food insecure students at Innes Middle School for 200 kids in need. 
 
We are continuing our support of the supplemental food service through June 4, 2025.
 
 
Wednesdays at 2:30pm now through June 4, 2025
 
Location: Open M 
941 Princeton Street, Akron, OH 44311
 
You can sign up directly on the Rotary Club of Akron website by clicking here. We appreciate your participation and look forward to making this a great event together!
 
Sandy Naragon, Chair
Grant Committee
330-256-5315 - Cell
 
 
Member Receives Paul Harris+6 Pin
President Nathanael Billow received his Paul Harris+6 pin today.  It was presented by President Elect Katy Miller. 
 
Thank you Thane - you truly make a difference!
 
 
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.

Club Supports CoCoDA
President Billow presented a $1,500 check on December 10 to PDG Larry Lohman who chairs the CoCoDA Water Project for El Salvador.
 
Past President Knauer also surprised the Club and Larry by donating an additional $500 from his year as Club President through a fund maintained by our Akron Rotary Foundation for President's to use at their discretion.
 
  
Our Newest Members of The Rotary Club of Akron
President Billow inducted three new members into the club on December 17, 2024
 
JAKE BOCCUTI
sponsored by Thane Billow
 
RACHEL SHEPARD
 sponsored by David Miller
 
EVELYN WILLIAMS
sponsored by Doug Hausknecht
 
 
You can  click on each graphic below to enlarge the content
 
 
 
 
Rotary Cares
Posted on Dec. 18, 2024
 
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 DR. ROBERT McGREGOR
 
After 35 impactful years as a pediatrician and 12 years as Akron Children’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert McGregor is retiring. His legacy of transforming challenges into opportunities will live on through the programs he pioneered. His advice to young professionals: Get engaged, bring positive solutions, find joy in your work, and prioritize self-care. 💙
 
From his wife Sharon:
"I couldn’t be prouder of this man, my husband, for his outstanding career extending from a medical student to chief resident to primary care pediatrician to outstanding academic diagnostician, to long term residency director, pediatric educator at a local and national level, to chair of pediatrics and ultimately in an executive position as chief medical officer for an outstanding free-standing children’s hospital. He has always cared deeply for the kids he has taken care of as well as for his colleagues and the people he has worked with. In addition, he is a dedicated family man and continues to be an amazing father to his two daughters and loving Papa Mac to his 3 grandchildren. I have walked with him through his career and have seen his care and dedication behind the scenes. You can be sure he will continue to pay forward all the wisdom and experience that he has gained from this career that he had loved."
Akron Rotary Club, Camp and Foundation Officers Elected for 2025
The Annual Meeting of the Rotary Club of Akron was conducted on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
 
A key purpose of our Annual Meeting is to ratify the election of Officers and Directors for the Club, the Rotary Camp Board, and the Akron Rotary Foundation.
 
Below are the election results ratified accordingly at the meeting:
 
Club, Foundation, and Camp Election Results:
 
Club
Executive Team 7/1/2025 – 6/30/2026:
  • President:  Katy Miller
  • President-Elect: Michael Gladysz
  • Vice-President: Cyndi Kane
  • Secretary: Terry Dalton
  • Treasurer: Brian Kosarko
 
Directors 7/1/2025-6/30/2028
  • Hugh Alpeter
  • David Hall
  • David Miller
  • Marissa Rufe

Akron Rotary Foundation 
Board Members term 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2027
  • Sandy Naragon
  • Tom Knauer
  • Anne Jorgenson
 
Akron Rotary Camp
Board Members term 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2027
  • Bill Manby, Jr.
  • Sandy Naragon
  • Pat O'Neill
  • Steve Wessel (Non-Rotarian)
  • Mike Wojno
 
Minutes were respectfully recorded by Terry Dalton, Akron Club Secretary & Scholarship Chair 
John Reyes, PDG Discussed Youth Protection on December 10th 
PDG John Reyes started and led the District Youth Protection Committee for several years.  He and the committee wrote, and are an integral part of ensuring that clubs follow, the Youth Protection guidelines.  This also includes making sure that all of our members take the youth protection awareness training.
 
By reviewing real-life scenarios, John aimed to illustrate the potential risks and challenges clubs might face, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to these guidelines.  You can find the guidelines and best practices by clicking here.
 
Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in Rotary activities. To the best of their ability, Rotary members, their partners, and other volunteers must safeguard children and young people with whom they come into contact and protect them from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.

Since our Club participates in and supports many Youth programs, all RC of Akron members must complete the online Youth Protection Awareness Training. A custom/unique link will be sent to you from our YPO Chair.
 
Our Club is currently working through this process, so watch your emails and when this link arrives be sure to complete the survey in a timely manner.  Failure to do this training may result in your inability to participate in some meetings and programs, including service projects.

This youth protection survey will need to be taken annually by all club members. 
Feb 1st - Chili Open 2025!!
 
If your club president doesn't wear a Golf Beanie are you even in Rotary????🤣
 
Club President Nathanael Billow and Club President-Elect Katy Miller are chairing the 2025 Akron Chili Open.
 
At our kick-off they made the call to action for volunteers.
 
Find a member to purchase your chili open raffle tickets today or
visit chiliopen.net and purchase your tickets or sponsorship online.
 
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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