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Welcome to The Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio

Due to Covid-19
our Club is currently hosting
online meetings using ZOOM.

Please see the list of meetings below you may wish to join.

For Zoom information see below or

email us (click here) with your request to attend.

You have the option to join via your computer or just by phone if you prefer.

Meet Our 2020-2021
Club President
Robert S. McGregor, MD

View our other Club Leaders

View Calendar of
Weekly Speakers
& Our Events

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Join Our Conversations

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
A Follow-up from our
Club Assembly

Club President, Dr. Rob McGregor, will focus this meeting
on the outcomes from our Club Strategic Plan Club Assembly.

On February 2nd, we hosted a virtual brainstorming session
that consisted of six different breakout rooms.
Each focused on an area of our Strategic Priorities.

Impact

Experience

Include

Engage

Transform

Innovate

Our facilitators and scribes captured the discussions and we are ready to provide their summaries in our meeting on March 9th.

I hope you will mark your calendar to attend!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/989441809

Meeting ID: 989 441 809

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Meeting ID: 989 441 809

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 New Cultures

Discover and celebrate diverse perspectives with a global organization.
Email our International Exchange Chair.

Help us change lives locally and around the world

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Akron Public Schools and the Virtual Library

I would like to pass along this invitation to participate in this Storytelling opportunity that is hosted on the APS YouTube Channel.

After you take a look at the attached directions (click here) please let Megan know if you have any questions.

No need to reply but it would be great to know who decided to participate.

Happy Storytelling!

Megan A. Mannion
Library Media/SEL Learning Specialist
Ott Staff Development Center
Sylvester Small Administration Building
10 North Main Street | Akron, OH 44308
330.761.3045 |
mmannion@apslearns.org

Julie Brandle, DGND, Assistant Governor - S Summit and Medina Cluster
Past President, Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio
Cell 330.858.6672 | jbrandle@metisconstruction.com

Speaker Recap: Aimee Wade, Interim Executive Director, ADM Summit County

Posted by Terrence Dalton

The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of listening to Aimee Wade, Interim Executive Director of the Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADM) Services Board at our March 2, 2021 Club meeting. You can view our meeting by clicking here.

Wade earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminology from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Akron. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant (OCPC). Wade has been with the ADM Board for 10 years and currently serves as the Associate Director of Clinical Services, a position she has held since 2015, in addition to her status as Interim Executive Director.

The Summit County ADM Board is responsible for seeing that effective and affordable prevention, treatment, and recovery services are available for adults, teens, and children with mental illness and/or alcohol or other drug addictions.

The ADM Board contracts with over 30 local organizations to ensure state-of-the-art services, for individuals and families at critical times in their lives, are available.

Through the support of a local property tax levy, the ADM Board provides opportunities for recovery and hope for a better life.

Alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental illness are real medical conditions that can affect anyone.

Recovery is possible with the right services and support services funded by the County of Summit ADM Board.

Funding

The ADM Board in 2021 has nearly $45 million in revenues. 78% of the revenues come from the local levy that is on the ballot every six years. 10% of the revenues are Federal dollars and 12% are State dollars. Less than 1% comes from local non-levy dollars.

The ADM Board has approximately $45 million dollars in expenditures in 2021. 94% of the expenditures are allocated for contracted alcohol, drug and mental health services provided by local not-for-profit organizations. 6% of the expenditures are for Board Administration.

Data for Funding Decision Making

The ADM Board uses data gathered from the funded agencies as well as other local, State and Federal sources to make decision on how the revenue dollars are allocated. Several of the areas monitored by the ADM Board include:

Depression symptoms by region
Mental Health Variables by Gender Differences
Overdose Cause of Death by Year
Overdose Death Rates per 100,000
Day to Appointment for Addiction Helpline Caller
Detox Availability by Days to Access
Residential Treatment Availability by Days to Access
Summit County Suicide Rate per 100k by Year

Activities and Initiatives

Collaboration with ASIA Inc. to develop relevant communications and education around mental health for the diverse populations they serve.
Collaboration through the ADM Change Direction Faith Initiative with local faith partners to train key individuals in the Grief Recovery Method.
General and targeted suicide prevention and awareness campaigns partnering with local pharmacies, pizza and take-out restaurants, and the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank.
Grant funded ADM providers through the end of December 2020 to ensure that they could keep their doors open as an essential service provider.
FEMA Counseling & Outreach grant is supporting community education and referrals for services to help combat stigma, isolation, and grief as result of COVID-19.
Collaboration with Akron Public Schools-College and Career Academy at Buchtel High School to introduce Behavioral Healthcare as Healthcare!
Extended resources early in the pandemic to allow for hazard pay in our crisis and residential programs as well as for those essential to working in the community with our Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) and Seriously Persistently Mentally Ill (SPMI) populations.
Engagement of Mental Health Adult Care Facilities (group homes/adult foster homes) across Summit County to ensure that they had information and access to PPE, testing, and the vaccine.

For more information about the Summit County ADM Board you can check out their website at www.admboard.org.

Yours in Rotary Service

Terry

Welcome New Members

Welcome to The Rotary Club of Akron
Geraldine Kiefer and Ryan McCauley
were inducted March 2, 2021!

View the recording of our meeting by clicking here.

Geraldine (Gerry) Kiefer, PhD, was sponsored by her mother, Virginia (Ginny) Wojno.

Geraldine recently moved back to Akron from Winchester, Virginia after retiring from Shenandoah University where she was a Professor of Art. Gerry has extensive art background as she is a graduate of Kent State University and earned a Masters Degree from Oberlin College and her Ph.D., Art History, from Case Western Reserve University.

Gerry was a longtime member of the Frederick County Rotary Club and the Winchester Rotary Club. Thanks to Ginny, she has considerable knowledge of The Rotary Club of Akron having attended several times as a guest. Gerry said she considers herself "an Akron Rotarian since birth".

Gerry is very familiar with the Camp and looks forward to participating in events and service opportunities. You may spot Gerry driving around town in her new car (her old one just conked out) and she is thrilled that she is able to transfer her Rotary license plates!

Gerry is a Rotary Paul Harris+5 (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. 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).

She is very energetic and plans on being extremely engaged with our club through participation on various committees and service projects.

Ryan McCauley was sponsored by Dan O'Connell.

Born and raised in Stow, Ohio, and lived in Phoenix for seven years where he worked as a project manager at Bank of America.

Ryan and his wife Jessica and their one year old, moved back to the area about six months ago when he joined the family business, McCauley Financial LLC.

He is involved with the Fairlawn Chamber of Commerce and through his father and brother`s work at The Hudson Rotary Club, knows a lot about Rotary and is excited to give back through our service projects.

He is a graduate of Western Reserve Academy and received his B.A. from Kent State University.

When not working , Ryan enjoys golf and working around his new house, which is just around the corner from our Rotary Camp.

Club Assembly on February 2nd Was Energizing!

Posted by Robert McGregor on Feb 03, 2021

Dear Fellow Club Members:

It was great to see the energy from those who participated in our meeting on February 2^nd.

The ratings and comments you provided in the recent survey gave us a wonderful base for this meeting.

Our virtual brainstorming session consisted of six different breakout rooms – each focused on an area of our Strategic Priorities.

Impact
Experience
Include
Engage
Transform
Innovate

Our facilitators and scribes captured the discussions and will provide their summaries to me in the coming days.

Next Steps:

The facilitators/scribes will share highlights as a team, then I will take our suggestions for action to the Club board.

At our weekly meeting on Tuesday, March 9^th I will discuss the action items with you – our Club members.

So please mark your calendar to attend!

I can’t thank everyone enough for the time and expertise they put into this process. It is important for the future of our Club that we continue this forward motion.

Your Partner in Service –

Rob McGregor, MD

Rotary Club of Akron President 2020-2021

Chef Rosh Creates Food for the Soul: Chef, Mother, Teacher and Reality TV Star

Posted by Terrence Dalton

The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of interacting with Chef Rosh (Roshni Gurnani) at our Tuesday, February 23 Club meeting (view presentation by clicking here).

Chef Rosh is a highly innovative and passionate chef with an exceptional 14 years record of international culinary experience in establishments such as Park Hyatt Resort & Spa, The Sagamore Resort and Thistle Marble Arch Hotel.

Gurnani earned a Bachelor of Business Administration before attending the Culinary Institute of Canada where she earned a Bachelor of Culinary Management. Coming from a traditional Indian family, she said her biggest challenge as a chef wasn’t conquering any cuisine or dish – it was getting her loved ones to accept her career path.

After graduating culinary school, she took some time to travel the world, exploring foreign cuisines and discovering innovative cooking techniques. Gurnani draws inspiration from her Sindhi heritage, and her signature style is fusion. But sometimes she prefers to keep it simple.

Even before she realized she could pursue that passion as a career, she knew it was her calling. Gurnani, popularly known as Chef Roshni, gained recognition as a contestant on FOX's "Hell's Kitchen." She then went on to win the popular Food Network show "Chopped." A Toronto native, she currently resides in Houston.

After Hell's Kitchen, Roshni became Culinary professor at The Art Institute of Houston and is also a private chef, wedding caterer and travelling chef consultant. She appeared on Cutthroat Kitchen and Beat Bobby Flay on Food Network and was Executive Chef at Revolve Kitchen + Bar in Hotel Derek in Houston.

Gurnani feels Sindhi cuisine hasn’t yet become mainstream like other Indian food. She tries to educate people about the unique and decadent flavors it has to offer. “We use a lot of aromatics, a lot of floral spices like cardamom, saffron and lots of dried fruit,” she said.

When asked what she cooks at home, Chef Rosh stated, “When I cook at home, I cook from what I know,” she said. “Kidney beans and rice is my go-to, my comfort food.” As a wife and mother Chef Rosh makes it a point to feed her family home-cooked meals daily. Her philosophy is that food is not just for satisfying hunger, but for “feeding the soul.” “There’s only so much takeout you can eat,” Gurnani said. “You may be full, but you’re not satisfied, and there’s a huge difference.”

How does the working mom manage to prepare fresh meals several times a day? She said “time management is key.” Gurnani sets aside one day a week to do cooking prep. She buys her groceries, marinates her meats and chops onions and garlic in bulk. When she gets home from work, it takes her about 20 minutes to finish cooking. “I think a lot of people feel they have to do it from scratch every day,” Gurnani said. “It’s all about planning your meals.”

Apart from having her traveling, Chef Roshni has her own catering and consulting company, as well as, a published cook book author. Chef Roshni believes "food is a journey, not a destination."

Chef Rosh is very familiar with Ohio. She visits Northeast Ohio 3 – 4 times per year, including working with Children’s Hospital and a Catholic school in Hudson.

Chef Rosh also encouraged everyone to be comfortable cooking. She reminded everyone that “recipes are only guidelines. If a recipe calls for 30 ingredients and you only have 15, still go for it. Improvise, experiment. Cooking should not be a chore, make it fun.”

You can find out more about Chef Rosh at her website, chefrosh.com.

Below is also a recipe if you wish to use it:

Sindhi stuffed kebabs

by Chef Roshni Gurnani, as featured on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, April 2019

Ingredients

1.5 lbs. ground goat meat/lamb or chicken
4 yellow onions
4 Thai chili
1 qt yogurt
2 bunch cilantro
1/2 cup fenugreek leaf
2 bunch mint
1 cup lime juice
1 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup curry powder
1/2 cup garlic purée
1/2 cup ginger purée
8 tbsp cardamom powder
4 tbsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp cumin seeds
5 tbsp turmeric
6 chopsticks
Salt and pepper
2 cups basmati rice

Directions

Kebab – tenderize meat with acid [lemon juice] and mix together for about 10 minutes to really allow meat to become tender. Then combine meat and spice mix and set aside. After about 25 mins of resting, form meat over chop sticks and grill on each side for 3-4 mins. Let rest.

Soak rice for 15-20 mins, rinse well. Pan fry rice in oil and cumin seeds. Then add water and butter to rice and allow to “poach” for 12-15 mins.

Chutney – combine cilantro, mint, green chili, yogurt and lime juice to a blender and season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!!

Yours in Rotary Service -

Terry

Follow-up from VP of National Federation of Independent Business

Posted by Terrence Dalton on Feb 17, 2021

The Rotary Club of Akron had the opportunity to learn about the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) at our February 16^th Club Zoom meeting. Watch our meeting video by clicking here.

Our speaker, Roger R. Geiger is Vice President/Ohio Executive Director for NFIB, managing the public policy, political, member activism and communication programs

throughout the state. He also represents NFIB with national policy organizations.

So, what is NFIB?

NFIB is the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is a nonprofit (501.c.6), nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since their founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. NFIB has 350,000 members nationwide. There are 21,000 Ohio members and 409 members in Summit County. Membership eligibility is for small businesses with 25 employees or less and revenues of $2,000,000 or less.

There are over 1,000,000 small businesses and an additional 650,000 individuals who are self-employed. Eight out of Ten small businesses have less than 25 employees.

70% of us had our first job opportunity working for a small business. 75% of small business employers grew up within 50 miles of where their business is today.

Two out of three new jobs are created by small businesses.

What Does NFIB Do?

ADVOCATE

When a big issue affects small and independent businesses, NFIB is there. They have been for over 75 years and will continue to be.

NFIB has an ear to the ground on what’s happening in Washington, D.C., and the state capitals. That puts NFIB at the forefront of advocating on today’s most pressing small business issues, such as taxes, healthcare, and regulations.

INFLUENCE

When NFIB speaks, legislators listen. They know that NFIB brings them the voice of small business.

That voice, hundreds of thousands strong, comes directly from NFIB’s members and their research—combined, they make a powerful and influential case for their advocacy.

Because of NFIB’s credibility, they are asked to bring the small business perspective to Congress, state capitals, the courts, and the media.

OFFER BENEFITS

NFIB works with trusted providers to offer quality products and services that can save your business time and money.

COVID IMPACT

The vast majority of small business owners have been very concerned about the survival of their businesses as well as the safety of themselves and their employees . Clearly there is a need to support the small businesses as part of the various COVID Relief programs. Ohio has received approximately $8 billion in COVID Relief from the Federal government.

Seventy-five percent of small businesses in Ohio have been able to remain open.

LESSONS LEARNED

Although the past year had the pandemic, there was a record number of start-up businesses this past year. Over 17,000 businesses started up. People are willing to take a risk. Individuals may have lost their jobs because of COVID – 19 and decided to take their skill set and start their own business.

The average start-up cost for a new business is $5,000. Annual membership for NFIB varies but average is $230 annually.

Want More Information?

To learn more about NFIB and their policy agenda on Taxes, Health Care, Labor, Economy and Regulatory Reform, I encourage you to check out their website at www.nfib.com. You can also reach the NFIB office at 614-221-4107.

Club Welcomes Two New Members

Welcome to The Akron Rotary Club
Steve Bossart and Zach Prosser!

Steve Bossart was sponsored by Julie Brandle. Steve has been attending our meetings routinely before his induction.

He is the Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Coleman Professional Services and has over 30 years of professional experience, his past 14 years were in the healthcare and behavioral health industries.

At Coleman, he leads a team that includes regional development and marketing executives and grant writing staff. He is also charged with exploring avenues to expand the Coleman business throughout the state.

He has an established history in the nonprofit sector of our community and is very passionate about community service and philanthropy.

Julie wrote, "Steve embodies the word service. He is optimistic and enthusiastic about serving others".

Steve is very involved with his fraternity, Delta Chi, and serves as an alumni advisor.

He is married to Lorrie and they have two young children.

Steve earned a degree in Public Relations from Kent State University and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

Zachary (Zach) Prosser is not new to the Akron Rotary Club, he was a member of our Club previously but had to step away temporarily and is thrilled to be back.

He was originally sponsored by Sam Lupica and recently, Tom Knauer helped him get back into our Club.

Zach and his wife Heather life in Stow. He leads a very busy professional life. He has completed his tenure as the president of a nonprofit coaching organization, and now remains active as Lead Pastor in North Hill at Celebration Church. He also founded Zach Prosser Coaching and is a Master Facilitator and Coach Trainer.

As a trainer, Zach provides International Coaching Federation (ICF) approved coach training to those desiring to utilize coaching skills either professionally as a coach or those looking to advance their skills in leadership. He received the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Young Leader Award (Prague) and the ICF Chapter Recognition Award (Dublin).

In addition, he is now the Director of Coaching & Coach Training for Emerge in Akron.

He shared that he "always enjoyed being a part of Rotary and the projects and is looking forward to re-engaging and serving".

Akron Rotary Foundation

Posted by Doug Kohl on Dec 15, 2020

Those of us who serve on the Rotary Club of Akron Foundation board wish you the best as 2020 comes to a close. Many members of Rotary have asked what the Akron Rotary Foundation does as opposed to Rotary International Foundation. Some even didn't know a local foundation existed. Below is a communication to help concisely answer what your Foundation focuses on and supports. Please read on (click on image to enlarge)...

If you have the ability, we hope you will include the Akron Rotary Foundation in your year end giving. You can click here to donate now or simply send a gift by US Mail to the Rotary Camp. Thank you for your consideration and let's have a great year in 2021!

https://www.akronrotary.org/sitepage/akron-rotary-foundation

Akron Rotary Foundation & Rotary Members Helps Refugio de Ancianos San Cristobal in Medellin

Claudine Schooley shared the following thank you sent to the Foundation and Club Members. The report of how the funds were used along with photos are also included below their thank you.

Rotary Club of Akron

District 6630 Ohio

Mrs. Claudine Schooley

Dear Rotarians,

As legal representative of the Refugio de Ancianos San Cristobal in Medellin I wanted to express my deepest appreciation for your kind donation to our institution.

Your donation is very important and will help us maintain a dignified and brighter life for our 60 seniors, all of them coming from a previous life of neglect and abuse.

Please remit our appreciation for your generosity to the members of your club.

Warm regards

DORA LUZ MEJIA PIEDRAHITA

Director

AYUDAR A UN ANCIANO ES PREPARAR NUESTRO INCIERTO FUTURO

Teléfono 216 16 58 - 216 16 40

Nit 890 984 879-8

Personería Jurídica 12191

Report on the $500 donation from Akron Rotary Foundation

When Claudine Schooley first reached out to me about a donation to buy food for families on the dam where the Alberto Chedrani School is located, they were suffering from the pandemic. Many people lost their jobs, others could not even leave the area due to government restrictions.

Then, in November, two tropical storms impacted Honduras within 10 days. The general area of the dam was among the hardest hit, and thousands of families lost everything in the floods.

2020 was a truly tragic year, and this year will be complicated, too. This is why I am so happy and grateful for your donation of $500 for food for poor families on the dam. It brings a ray of hope in a time of great suffering. Thank you so much for allowing us to serve.

With the funds, equivalent to 12,192 Lempiras, we purchased 300 lbs of rice, 200 lbs of beans, 50 lbs of coffee, 82 lbs of sugar, 144 lbs of wheat flour, 75 lbs of spaghetti, 50 lbs of fat, 50 tomato sauces and 270 lbs of corn flour. This is the basic Honduran diet. The kids at El Refugio packed 50 bags for equal number of families. We think that each bag feeds a family of six for up to a week.

We distributed the bags all along the dam, all the way from the beginning to the school. We handed one bag to each mother or grandmother present and took many pictures.

I hope you can feel how happy these families are to receive your gift.

Again, thank you so much for your kind donation.

Chili Open Re-Cap

Posted by Wanda Whipkey

The celebration for 31st Chili Open Classic took place this past Saturday, February 6th.

Click here to view the presentation the committee made at our Club meeting on February 9th!

The generosity from our Rotary Club members, sponsors and volunteers made this Chili Open a monumental success.

The total amount raised this year is $315,961!

Our presenting sponsor Wayne Homes has been a part of the Chili Open since 1993. This year they stepped up their support with a matching raffle ticket purchase which resulted in $7,420 in raffle ticket purchases. Wayne Homes leadership also presented the Chili Open with a $5000 donation in addition to the presenting sponsorship. Thank you again to all the sponsors listed below in this newsletter.

Congratulations to our raffle ticket winners:

1st Prize:

Rhonda Mele

Vandevere Sponsored 2021 Chevrolet Trax LS

2nd Prize:

Keith Anstine

S Group Sponsored 55" 4K Smart LED TV

3rd Prize:

Julie Lehman

Steve Warren Sponsored FOX Sports Ohio Media Package

Snowmania Winner:
David Miller

Our club members went above and beyond in securing sponsorships, camperships, raffle ticket sales, donations, and silent auction items. It was truly a remarkable day to celebrate as a club.

Mark your calendars for the 32nd Chili Open on Saturday, February 5, 2022 where we hope to be back at Hale Farm.

Dr. McGregor Leads Q&A About Covid Vaccines

Dr. Robert McGregor is the Chief Medical Officer of Akron Children's Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics at NEOMED. He spoke to our members about Covid and Covid vaccine status and distribution plans evolving in Akron as well the pros & cons of the new Covid vaccines. He then opened up an interactive and fairly lively Q and A session. View the presentation by clicking here or on the above graphics.

As CMO, Dr. McGregor is a voting member of Akron Children’s Hospital board of directors, and his CMO responsibilities include: implementing the hospital’s strategic plan; overseeing all provider clinical care delivery; directing medical education; and overseeing physician and nurse practitioner recruitment contracting and retention. During his tenure he has facilitated re-design of the quality oversight structure and has recently taken over the oversight of the Research Institute. For the past 11 months Dr. McGregor has serves as co-incident commander beside the Chief Operating officer and has been instrumental in working with the hospital and community throughout the pandemic on safety protocols. Prior to Akron Children's, Dr. McGregor was the pediatrician-in-chief and interim pediatrics chair at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and a pediatrics professor at the Drexel University College of Medicine.