When/Where we Meet:

 
 

Michael Gladysz
2026-2027 Club President


 

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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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Upcoming Speakers

Hans Dorfi, Exec. Dir. / Chief Innovation Officer
Oct. 06, 2026 12:00 p.m.
Polymer Industry Cluster at Greater Akron Chamber
Polymer Industry Cluster at Greater Akron Chamber

Dr. Hans R. Dorfi is Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC), a global polymer industry consortium and innovation ecosystem.

He brings more than two decades of U.S. and European leadership experience in innovation, technology, and transformation.

As Senior Vice President at Bridgestone Americas, he advanced digital innovation, sustainability, and next-generation materials.

A champion of open innovation, Hans serves on the board of Bounce Innovation Hub and has held roles across startups, academia, and nonprofits.

He holds advanced engineering degrees from The Ohio State University and Vienna University of Technology.

Katie Riley, Community Outreach Director
Oct. 13, 2026 12:00 p.m.
Akron Marathon Race Series
Holly Klein, MNPM, RN, Co-Founder & Exec. Director
Oct. 20, 2026 12:00 p.m.
Grace House
Chili Open Tee-Off
Oct. 27, 2026 12:00 p.m.
Mella Castner and Michael Gladysz
Tina Graver, Founder & Owner
Nov. 03, 2026 12:00 p.m.
Trees & Gardens Consulting, LLC
View entire list...
Club Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Weekly Meeting Set Up/Technology:Volunteer Signup (7/1-12/31/2026)
Jul 01, 2026 11:45 AM – Dec 31, 2026 1:00 PM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Greeter/Lotto at Weekly Meeting: Volunteer Signup (7/1-12/31/2026)
Jul 01, 2026 12:00 PM – Dec 31, 2026 1:00 PM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Invocation at Weekly Meeting: Volunteer Signup (7/1-12/31/2026)
Jul 01, 2026 12:00 PM – Dec 31, 2026 1:00 PM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Volunteer at the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank
Jul 22, 2026 4:30 PM – Apr 28, 2027 6:30 PM
Akron Canton Regional Foodbank
Open M Food Packing - Wednesdays (thru Dec 2026)
Open M Food Packing - Wednesdays (thru Dec 2026)
Sep 09, 2026 – Dec 16, 2026
Open M
One Hot Meal Program (4th Tuesday of each month)
Sep 22, 2026 4:45 PM – Jun 22, 2027 6:30 PM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Club Social
Club Social
Oct 08, 2026 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Hoppin' Frog
Board of Directors Meeting
Oct 13, 2026 10:45 AM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Board of Directors Meeting
Nov 10, 2026 10:45 AM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Board of Directors Meeting
Dec 08, 2026 10:45 AM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Board of Directors Meeting
Jan 12, 2027 10:45 AM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Board of Directors Meeting
Feb 09, 2027 10:45 AM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

  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.
 
Join Our Conversations . . .
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News and Activities
Akron Art Museum Field Trip

WOW—what a wonderful field trip! A huge thank-you to everyone who played a part in organizing such a memorable experience, and a shout out to Robert J. for the delicious lunch!

The tour and overview of the facility were truly outstanding. John Flume did a tremendous job sharing his knowledge and explaining every aspect of the museum—from the beautiful buildings to the fascinating exhibits. He was incredibly gracious in answering all of our questions and made the experience both informative and enjoyable.

We certainly weren’t ready for the tour to end! I’m sure many of us will be returning again soon to enjoy this incredible gem that we are so fortunate to have right here in Akron. What a special experience!

    

 

 

The Regatta

Thank you to all who participated and attended.  

We will be providing a follow-up article in the next newsletter.

In the interim click here for a slide show of a few photos from the festivities.

Rotary Cares
 
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).
 

 

THEY'RE ENGAGED!!

Congratulations to Liv Pilon and Ryan O'Neil

9.20.26 — Howth, Ireland

Liv wrote on Social Media:  “If it isn’t you, it wouldn’t be anyone.”


 

Read more...
Volunteer Spotlight

Help us spotlight Akron Rotary volunteers

If you spot our Rotarians volunteering in the community - snap a picture and <Email the photo to us> with the name(s) of people in the photo and the activity. 
Even if it is just you - get a selfie and send it our way!! 

 

 

Rotary Cares
 
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).
 

 

ROTARIAN SPOTLIGHT:
CONGRATULATIONS MARISSA RUFE!

The Rotary Club of Akron is proud to congratulate Marissa Rufe on being named a 2026 Greater Akron Chamber 30 for the Future honoree. Marissa was recognized as one of 30 outstanding young professionals selected from across the region for demonstrating exceptional leadership, professional achievement, and a commitment to making Greater Akron a stronger community. The Chamber's 30 for the Future program is celebrating its 20th year and has recognized hundreds of emerging leaders whose talents and community involvement are helping shape the future of our region. [greaterakronchamber.org]

Marissa's selection places her among an impressive class of professionals representing businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations throughout Greater Akron. The award highlights individuals who are not only excelling in their careers but are also investing their time, energy, and leadership in efforts that strengthen our community and position the region for continued success.

It was a pleasure to attend the celebration and see so many talented leaders recognized for their contributions. The event was also a reminder of the strong Rotary presence in our community. I was able to catch up with David Miller, a previous 30 for the Future recipient, whose own leadership has made a big impact in both his professional work, and our club.  It was equally great to see fellow Rotarian Amanda Leffler, who helped introduce several of this year's honorees and celebrate their accomplishments.

Marissa's recognition reflects the very qualities Rotarians seek to foster: leadership, service, integrity, and a commitment to creating lasting impact. We are fortunate to have her as part of our Rotary family and proud to see her receive this well-deserved honor.

Please join us in congratulating Marissa on this outstanding achievement and wishing her continued success as she helps lead Akron into the future!  

Also thanks to Rotarian Amanda Leffler who was also on hand to introduce several of the  honorees!

Yours in Service,

Michael Gladysz
Rotary Club of Akron President 2026-2027

Read more...
Gather Your ACME Receipts!

Hello Akron Rotarians - it's that time of year again when we gather Acme Receipts! Please assist us in earning community cash back by saving your Acme Receipts dated August 1 to February 15, 2027, and sending them to the camp office, or turning them into Kelly at Rotary Lunch. The funds raised through Community Cashback will help provide essential program supplies. Thank you for your support!

Kind regards,

Amanda Warner
Director of Volunteer Opportunities & Special Events
Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
(330) 644-4512 x 3205 | gotcamp.org | Facebook | Instagram

 

Volunteer at Akron Canton Regional Foodbank – Through April 2027

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Note: if you have not volunteered before at the foodbank or within the past 2 years - see below information.  

4:30-6:30pm

February 23, 2027
April 28, 2027
 

Where:   Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307.  

Parking:

  • Volunteer parking is located in the Blue Lot, which should be accessed via Entrance A on Dart Avenue. Please use this entrance rather than entering from Opportunity Parkway.
  • Dart Avenue is a one-way street. Depending on your route, you may need to circle the block to reach it (Opportunity to Pier to Bartges to Dart).
  • When heading north on Dart Avenue, Entrance A will be the first entrance on your right.
  • Once you've parked, please follow the sidewalk toward Dart Avenue and use the city sidewalks to walk to our main entrance on Opportunity Parkway.
  • Handicap-accessible spaces remain available in front of the building on Opportunity Parkway.

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. 

>>>IF YOU HAVE NOT VOLUNTEERED BEFORE AT THE FOODBANK OR WITHIN THE PAST 2 YEARS - WE NEED YOU TO PLEASE REGISTER WITH ACRFB: 

Adult Volunteer Application         

Youth Volunteer Application (ages 10-17)

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October 8: More than just a Club Social…

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Rotary Night Out, a fantastic opportunity to connect, relax, and support those that support us.

Mark your calendars for October 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Hoppin' Frog Brewery, located at 1680 E Waterloo Rd, Akron, OH 44306.

This event is more than just a social gathering; it's a chance to show appreciation. Hoppin' Frog has been a generous supporter of our Annual Chili Open, and this evening is a perfect way to give back to them and celebrate the new ownership team. Plus, it's a relaxed setting to meet fellow members and enjoy great company.

Remember, there is no cost to attend, and all food and drinks will be purchased individually. We encourage everyone to bring friends and family to make this event even more special. Your participation helps us build a stronger, more engaged Rotary community.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a memorable evening together. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to connect and support our local business!

Warm regards,
Dave Miller
Social Chair

 

Club Sponsors
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Rotary projects around the globe – October 2026
Rotary projects around the globe – October 2026
Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in Bolivia, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Italy, and Australia.
Picturing polio pioneer Dorothy Horstmann
Picturing polio pioneer Dorothy Horstmann
For years, polio pioneer Dorothy Horstmann stood in the shadow of great men like Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin. Now she’s ready for her close-up.
Young leaders take the stage at Rotary Conventions
Young leaders take the stage at Rotary Conventions
Connect with the next generation of global and community leaders at the 2027 Rotary International Convention in Barcelona, Spain.
Beguiled in Barcelona
Beguiled in Barcelona
To discover the 2027 Rotary International Convention host city of Barcelona, start by getting lost.
Pennsylvania club's tourney is the reel deal
Pennsylvania club's tourney is the reel deal
The Oil Creek Classic, a fly-fishing tournament held each May, has been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Titusville, Pennsylvania, since 2014 to raise money for youth programs and scholarships.

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