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Executive Director Paul Jarrett started with the Akron Symphony in 2012. Prior to joining GAMA, Paul has worked throughout Northeast Ohio in both arts management and performance. Paul’s time with the Akron Symphony has focused on a culture of engagement in meaningful collaborations with dozens of local organizations, schools and artists. Paul is a member of Leadership Akron Class 31, and a member of Akron Rotary.
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The Rotary Club of Akron had one of our own members, Malcolm J. Costa, as our featured speaker during our Tuesday, August 16th meeting. Malcolm has devoted his life to community service: organizing communities, developing programs and people to address poverty in Akron and Northeast Ohio.
For the past 45 years, Malcolm has served as President & CEO, Community Action Akron Summit where he administers community programs most notably as the prime Summit County contractor for the Community Services Block Grant.
Malcolm shared with the Club some of the programs offered by his agency. In addition, he presented information on the impact the construction of the Akron Innerbelt had on the African American Community in the 1960’s. View the presentation – click hereWhat is Community Action Akron Summit?
Community Action Akron Summit (CA) is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to providing a wide range of diverse and comprehensive services for over 40 years that address the needs of low-income residents of Summit County.
The concept of Community Action has been part of the American social fabric for 50 years. The Community Action movement dates back to 1964, when the Economic Opportunity Act was passed indicating the beginning of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty.
CA offers specific resources and educational training that promote economic self-sufficiency to low-income residents while assisting individuals and families to move upwards and out of poverty by providing a comprehensive system of education, training, support, and resources that are central to the programs and services offered.
What are some of those programs and services?
- Pathways HUB Community Action Program
Represents a network of care coordination agencies focused on reaching
pregnant women at risk and reduction of infant mortality.
- Head Start Program
Provides high-quality early childhood education in nurturing learning
environments for infant toddlers and 3- year olds.
- Foster Grandparent Program
Provides volunteer opportunities for low-income people aged 55 and older to
serve children and teenagers who have special needs.
- Energy Assistance Program
Assists low-income households that are threatened with the loss of basic
utilities.
- Earned Income Tax Credit Program
No cost income tax preparation service for low- and moderate-income families.
- Chore Program
No cost snow removal and grass cutting service for eligible low-income families.
How Did the Construction of the Akron Innerbelt in the 1960’s Impact the African American Community?
Just as Community Action Agencies were created in 1964 by the Economic Opportunity Act, legislation to create Urban Renewal was also passed.
- The mass exodus to suburbia after World War II left many major cities in poor condition.
- Affordable, dependable housing was hard to find, especially for the poor.
- To deal with escalating problems in urban areas, Johnson won passage of a bill establishing a
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
With the creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Akron began to look at constructing the Innerbelt. The decision to construct the Innerbelt impacted large segments of homes and businesses from West Cedar Street to the northeast, to Wooster Avenue to the South. These businesses and homes were occupied predominantly by African Americans.
The Akron Beacon Journal printed an article titled “The Devastation -The failed Akron Innerbelt drove decades of racial inequity” on February 3, 2022. Malcolm shared some of the highlights from that article.
- The Akron Innerbelt tore through a Black neighborhood, destroying property values and hurting the people who lived there.
- Black families that had worked hard to buy houses — long the standard for accruing and passing on generational wealth — lost them overnight.
- Many became renters and entered public housing developments. Some were able to purchase homes in other parts of the city, though white flight followed them. Those who kept their homes also lost, as declining property values prevented them from being able to build equity.
- With so many families leaving the neighborhood, school enrollment also declined, which led to school closures, further depreciating home values.
- A 1975 document compiled by the Akron Department of Planning and Urban Renewal notes that at least 737 households were displaced during the highway’s first two phases of construction. But that figure does not account for two later phases lasting until 1987, and former city employees, displaced residents, advocates, and local historians believe the number is higher.
- To make way for the Innerbelt in the late 1960s, city officials had been seizing property through eminent domain and offering a small amount of cash to homeowners for relocation purposes. The payouts, which frequently were contested by homeowners, were often not enough to purchase new homes.
- In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the city was offering about $5,000 to each homeowner, though on rare occasions payments were as high as $15,000.
Attached to this article is the PowerPoint that Malcolm shared with the Club that shows some of the areas that were impacted by the decision to create the innerbelt and the resultant decades of racial inequity.
To learn more about Community Action Akron-Summit and the programs and services offered, I encourage you to visit www.ca-akron.org.
13th Annual Cornhole Tournament benefiting
Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs
Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs
Join us for Rotary Camp’s 13th Annual Cornhole Tournament, presented by Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. The tourney will be held on August 27, 2022 at 9:30am on the grounds of Akron Rotary Camp, in the beautiful Portage Lakes!
Sign-up your team today for either the Skilled Ringers Division ($90) or the Recreational Division ($60). Winners walk away with cash prizes! Also participate in an Air-Mail toss or Long-Toss for some bragging rights and awesome giveaways! Bring your friends, neighbors and family for a fun day! All registered players will receive a food voucher from the Menches Bros. Food Truck, and an ice-cream station. Beverages from our friends at the House of LaRose will be available for purchase to help keep you cool.
There are multiple ways to support this great event to benefit Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs by registering to play, participate with a sponsorship or recruit teams. Your participation will continue to strengthen the Camp's mission of Creating a world where there are only abilities!
Any questions? Please call Rotary Camp at (330) 644-4512.
Thank you in advance for helping us to make this a successful tournament
to support Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs!
We are looking forward to seeing you at the event!
Scott Kolligian Co-founder and Chair Annual Cornhole Tournament | Dan Reynolds |
Daniel M. Rice, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, headquartered in Akron was the guest speaker at our August 9, 2022 Club meeting. View the meeting by clicking here.
Mr. Rice presented information on the history of the Ohio and Erie Canalway and provided updates as to current and longer-term plans for the Canalway.What is the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition?
The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition (OECC), established in 1989, is the regional non-profit organization working for the conservation, development, and interpretation of the natural, historical, and recreational resources along the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, Ohio. The OECC is dedicated to developing the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area in Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties.
Their focus is on development of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, connector trails, and adjacent public spaces, all of which support a healthy and active ecosystem rich in culture and recreation.
What else does the Canalway Coalition do?The Canalway Coalition also provides a variety of programs, from bicycling and canoeing events to fishing derbies along the banks of the Ohio & Erie Canal. These programs serve to connect our communities to the Canalway, educating on the impact of the Ohio & Erie Canal as a development asset in the mid-1800s, and how the impact can still be felt as a recreational asset today.
Does the Canalway Coalition partner with anyone else?
According to Mr. Rice, as a non-profit, they work with community, government, and corporate business leaders on development projects throughout the National Heritage Area. They have created collaborative relationships with elected officials, community leaders, park districts, local businesses, and volunteers. Mr. Rice said that they work closely with these partners to develop trail plans, encourage community engagement, and maintain the Towpath Trail.
What are some of the Programs and Events that the Canalway Coalition Offer?
From canoeing and bicycling to large-group cleanups, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition offers a wide variety of events for individuals, friends, and families to enjoy while supporting the OECC efforts. Programs offer participants the chance to learn more about the Ohio & Erie Canal and what it means to become a steward of the environment. To learn more about the upcoming events, check out their website at www.ohioeriecanal.org/events.
To get a better feel about what is available in our own backyard, explore more about the Towpath Trail, the Akron Civic Commons, Summit County Trails and Tuscarawas County Trails, I encourage you to check out their website at www.ohioeriecanal.org as well as view the online presentation from today.
Michael Kahoe was inducted on August 2, 2022. He was sponsored by Tom Knauer. Tom shared that Mike understands the importance of public and community service and enjoys
working on behalf of the residents of the state. He is passionate about serving and desires to focus more of his time working locally to improve the lives of residents in Akron and surrounding communities.
working on behalf of the residents of the state. He is passionate about serving and desires to focus more of his time working locally to improve the lives of residents in Akron and surrounding communities.
Mike is the Northeast Ohio Regional Liaison for Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
He was born and grew up in Bath and Richfield Ohio.
He was involved in helping a number of nonprofit organizations throughout high school. In 2019 he was elected to the Revere Board of Education and in 2021 was appointed to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Board of Education.
He also serves on the governing board for the Revere Class of 2020 scholarship, where they reserve funds to send a special needs student to a summer camp each year.
He enjoys cooking, traveling, and running. He is training for his first half marathon in August. He said "I am joining Rotary to meet other people invested in the community and find new ways to give back."
T
he party held for our outgoing President Steve Buie on Friday, July 29, 2022 was great fun!!It was a beautiful setting at the camp overlooking the lake and the weather was absolutely perfect.
There were 35 Rotarians and guests in attendance.
Past President (2020-2021) Dr. Rob McGregor organized the event and treated Steve to a bagpiper to celebrate his Scottish heritage.
The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of listening to Charles Guthrie at our Tuesday, August 2nd meeting. Mr. Guthrie is the Athletic Director for the University of Akron. He has held this position since July 1, 2021.
Guthrie comes to Akron from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he served as director of athletics since late 2017. At Green Bay, Guthrie led a department of coaches, staff and more that 240 student-athletes competing in 14 NCAA Division I athletic programs as a member of the Horizon League Conference. At Green Bay, his responsibilities included strategic, operational and financial planning; extensive external relations and fundraising programs in coordination with University Advancement; compliance and academic achievement; staff and coach development; and relationship building with campus and community constituents.
Mr. Guthrie began his presentation identifying many of the great things that are occurring at the University. During his brief tenure at the University, he has been charged with recruiting six new coaches.
One of his first hires was Joe Moorhead, who is returning to the University after several years coaching at other universities. Mr. Guthrie stated that Coach Moorhead was rated as the #1 hire by ESPN for football coaches in 2021.
Mr. Guthrie is also looking forward to great things with the University’s basketball team. Six of seven players will be returning for this year after experiencing a MAC championship this past year. Three of the returning players are pursuing their MBA.
Soccer has several returning players and have recruited some very talented new players.
He is looking for a new Track coach. The past coach retired after many years at the University of Akron. The University has been refurbishing the track field and is encouraging Akron residents to take advantage of running on the track as a community attraction.
With the return of Baseball at the University, Mr. Guthrie has recruited a new baseball coach from OSU who has 12 years coaching experience.
Mr. Guthrie has also recruited a softball coach from Arizona State.
The University is replacing the artificial turf at InfoCision stadium after thirteen years of use. He encouraged Rotarians to come to the stadium and root on the Zips this Fall.
In addition to Mr. Guthrie’s commitment to athletics, he is also adamant about his athletes excelling academically. While he was pleased to see the overall average GPA is 3.0 for the athletes, he intends to work on raising that overall GPA.
Mr. Guthrie also discussed the challenges coaches are experiencing with the NCAA decision that athletes can ask to be paid as athletes. He is hoping changes can be made that allow athletes to be able to “sell themselves” as an athlete for activities outside of their actual playing time. His concern is the ability of small schools to retain athletes who wish to pursue the money route and “go where the money is.”
Mr. Guthrie answered many questions during the Q & A portion of his presentation. I encourage readers to listen to his presentation. My written comments can’t match the enthusiasm exhibited in Mr. Guthrie’s presentation. The University and the Akron community are fortunate to have an individual like Mr. Guthrie as the Athletic Director at the University of Akron.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Committee and President Lynda Farkas welcomed Yara Martin and her host family, Keith, Tonya, Samantha and Carston Kramer, July 31, to a typical American potluck picnic. All took advantage of the beautiful late afternoon for fun and relaxation. It was a Great opportunity to get to know Yara and her host family. Samantha leaves for Brazil August 9. 
NEXT AKRON-CANTON FOODBANK SERVICE DATE:
Our next Akron-Canton Food Bank service project is Wednesday, September 21st from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Akron location which is located at 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307.
The projects involve breaking down large containers of food into smaller portions for redistribution to area food pantries. The two hours flies by as we all have fun with the project and we get the opportunity to meet a few new people from other organizations/companies that are there volunteering as well.
ALL volunteers need to apply/register in order to volunteer (See below my signature for the link). I am the volunteer coordinator for the Akron Rotary Club and you will need the Akron Rotary Club’s address for signing up.
Akron Rotary Club
4460 Rex Lake Drive
Akron, OH 44319
If you have any questions please call or text me at 330-714-1044.
I need a head count by Friday September 16th 9am if you plan on attending by sending me an email or text: dhall@preferredlegacy.com or 330-714-1044. I greatly appreciate it!
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PLEASE COMPLETE A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION – If you have not volunteered with the Foodbank in the past 2 years.
Youth Volunteer Application (ages 10-17)
Preparing for your visit, main Akron Campus:
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s Main Campus is located at 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307, at the corner of Dart Avenue and Opportunity Parkway off of OH-59 near Downtown Akron. Get Directions.
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.
Thank you for volunteering at your Foodbank! We look forward to welcoming you.
The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of listening to Jim Mahon, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Management at the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau, John S. Knight Center, Greystone Hall and the Sports
Alliance of Greater Akron, during our Tuesday, July 26 Club meeting. View the recording by clicking here.
Alliance of Greater Akron, during our Tuesday, July 26 Club meeting. View the recording by clicking here.So what does the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau actually do?
As the community’s destination marketing organization, the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitor’s Bureau proudly advocates the positive impact the hospitality industry has on the local economy and our quality of life.
Established in 1973 to promote Akron/Summit County as an ideal destination for business and leisure travel, the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau is the clearinghouse for area travel and tourism information. Funded solely by a percentage of the bed tax collected from visitors staying in Summit County accommodations, the Bureau is self-sustaining economic development organization. Visitor expenditures on lodging, dining, entertainment, and retail represent “new dollars” for the local economy – money that would otherwise not be included in revenue and tax totals. Mr. Mahon stated “Putting heads in beds” is an unofficial slogan that underscores the importance of marketing opportunities and experiences that require visitors to spend a night (or few) in Summit County.
Areas of responsibility within the organization include the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau, the John S. Knight Center and Greystone Hall. Within the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau are the Sports Alliance of Greater Akron and the Greater Akron Amenities, Inc.
What Impact Does the Hospitality Sector Have Financially on Our Community?
Hospitality expenditures include the following:
- Overnight Accommodations
- Dining
- Retail
- Entertainment & Recreation
- Transportation
The economic impact in Summit County in 2021 were as follows:
- Direct Spending = $1.4 billion
- $321.7 million in tax revenue
- $163.7 million/Federal - $91.6 million/State - $66.4 million/Local
- 13,986 direct jobs + 2,735 indirect jobs supported
- $352.3 million in direct tourism employee wages
Who are the Stakeholders of the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau?
- Visitors – Leisure & Business Travel
- Hotels & Hospitality Partners
- Meeting, Event, Tour & Sports Planners
- Board of Directors & Elected/Public Officials
- Local Residents, Organizations, and Businesses
The Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau has many goals. These goals address the following areas:
- Vibrancy
- Authenticity
- Diversity
- Accessibility
- Affordability
- Hospitality
- Advocacy
Mr. Mahon shared with the Club how the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau [Re]bounded and [Re]activated programs coming out of the COVID pandemic. This included both In-Market and Out-of-Market initiatives.
What are some of the past and current initiatives?
- Partnerships In Motion
- Partner Networking
- Destination Development Grant Program
- Speakers Bureau
- Hotel, Marketing & Sports Alliance Meetings
- Print/Digital/Social Media Advertising & Messaging
- Tourism Ohio Co-op Program
- Summit Brew Path, New Again Akron, and The Drip Drive
- Sales Missions & Industry Trade Shows
- Fly2AkronCanton
- GG9 Legacy & LGBTQ Marketing Strategy
The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau benefits all the citizens of Summit County and visitors coming to our community for business or leisure.
I encourage fellow Rotarians to access the following websites to gain additional knowledge on how we can utilize the services provided/coordinated by the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, the John S. Knight Center and Greystone Hall and various other stakeholders who make this all possible.
- www.visitakron-summit.org
- www.akron.travel
- www.johnsknightcenter.org
- www.greystonehall.org
- www.playakron.com
- www.grabliferighthere.com
- www.summitbrewpath.com
- www.newagainakron.com
- www.thedripdrive.com
- www.playeatshop.org
- www.meetplaystay.com
- www.fly2akroncanton.com
- www.hospitalityeconomy.com
- www.idefyconvention.com
Wavemakers from the Rotary Club of Akron responded to the call of Dragons on the Lake July 23 and kept their rendez-vous to race on the water against challengers from local corporate and civic organizations.
The winners: The Dragon Dream Team, Akron's local breast cancer survivor team and its outreach program AND all who participated in the FUN-FILLED event.
Kimmie and Kaitlyn Hoch served as a strong stroke pair at the front of the boat while Brian Kosarko captained the team to a fourth place finish overall. Not a bad showing for first-time or once-a-year paddlers who reach out in this annual event to support Breast Cancer Survivors! Also on board pulling with strong strokes were Sharon Buie (BCS), Cyndi Kane, Olivia Pilon, Angela Kosarko, David and Anna Marie Hall and other Rotary supporters.
Wavemakers wore the best in t-shirt logo designed in 2018 by Tom Knauer. And they raised significant funds over and above the required participation sum.
Kudos and a HUGE Thanks to Captain Kosarko and Rotary’s Wavemakers!!!!!
Apolline Snyers from Belgium, Serena Guo and Manuel Nuñez from Akron. Apolline and Serena are doing the STEP or Short Term Exchange Program this summer: 4 weeks together in Akron, 4 weeks together in Belgium. Manny is doing the long-Term program and will leave for S. Korea at the end of August. He will spend 11 months attending classes and hosted by Rotarian families.|
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