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 
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 Calendar of
Weekly Speakers
& Our Events

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Our Speaker September 22, 2020
 
Donna Skoda, MS., RD., LD.
Health Commissioner
Summit County Public Health
 
Donna Skoda, MS., RD.,LD. is the Health Commissioner for the Summit County Public Health.  She has worked in community based public health programs for over25years. Her current responsibilities include overall management of the health district including the assessment and epidemiological components within the Health District, data and information systems and general strategic planning for the health district in the community.  She has served as staff for the Summit 2020: A Quality of Life Project from the beginning and continues to assist with the local management.
 
Previously, Ms. Skoda was employed in Cuyahoga County for 15 years implementing community-based programs in the areas of nutrition and many other areas in public health,  the  community and within hospital systems.  She is a registered, licensed dietitian with a Master’s degree in Public Health and Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University.
 
 
 
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 and celebrate diverse perspectives with a global organization.  
Email our International Exchange Chair.
 
 

Let's be Social . . .Apart
Posted by Katy Miller
Let's be Social . . .Apart
CONGRATULATIONS . . . 
This inspiring initiative was noticed by FOX 8 Producer Rachel Inch and aired on their news September 18th.

 
 
Hello Rotarians!
 
Well, since we can't be social in person yet, how about a fun way to be active and social in tandem with your fellow Rotarians?
 
Here is a fun idea I came up with as your Social Chair to participate in the Summit County Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree together but apart.
 
As Julie Brandle, our Assistant District Governor shared, The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.  This seems like an opportune time to get out there and reconnect with our local environment,  Maybe a project that supports this focus will come to mind as you are enjoying our park system.
 
This years theme for the Fall Hiking Spree is From Fields to Forest.  This year, the Fall Hiking Spree celebrates the rich history of the properties they proudly manage for our enjoyment and their successful return to nature. Take a journey on this year’s spree and explore the former farms and fields that are now forests.  
 
As you hit the trails, snap a picture on your trail of choice, pre hike, while on the hike or post hike and send to me,  You can email me, text me or post to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #AkronRotaryHikes
 
Each week I'll collect the photos and post to our Rotary Club of Akron FB Page and our Akrotarian to see your fellow Rotarians out taking advantage of our amazing park system.  
 
Please remember that if you choose to hike with fellow Rotarians while distancing, please keep your distance in your photo!  I will not be featuring photos that don't follow social distancing guidelines.

Anyone who finishes the whole spree, and sends me a copy of their completed form will be entered into a drawing for a Fall Basket of goodies! 
 
Here are the links of the form and trail choices.
 
Sign up/download Form~
 
Trails~
 
Let's get out and enjoy the Fall season together....apart!
 
 
Thank you, 
Katy Miller
330.620.4098
 
Social Chair

Dr. Matthew Deevers Provided Insight about SEI Initiatives on Sept. 8th
Posted by Terrence Dalton on Sep 09, 2020
Dr. Matthew Deevers Provided Insight about SEI Initiatives on Sept. 8th
The Rotary Club of Akron welcomed Dr. Matthew Deevers as our guest speaker during our Tuesday, September 8th Club meeting.  It was a very informative presentation discussing some of the initiatives the Summit Education Initiative (SEI) is working on.  The video of his presentation is below or you can click here.
 
Dr. Matthew Deevers is the Executive Director of Summit Education Initiative, where he previously held the role of Senior Research Associate. Before joining SEI, he was a public school teacher and administrator.
 
SEI’s mission is to improve personal and regional prosperity through increased educational attainment. Education provides a clear path to future success, career opportunities and promotes vibrant and resilient communities.  The SEI sees their role as providing support and enhance existing systems.  Mr. Deevers commented that part of SEI’s mission is to ensure students have the degree and skills needed to have the life they desire and dream of.  The proper education allows for greater pathways for the future.
To help Summit County realize their vision and act upon its mission, Summit Education Initiative:
  • Articulates the major educational challenges facing Summit county and 
  • Tracks the progress being made to address those challenges by conducting research and publicizing relevant data and findings
  • Encourages and facilitates collaborations designed to address those educational challenges and
  • Develops prototype programs that test and refine strategies for removing barriers to high educational aspiration and achievement.
The goals that drive SEI’s mission and vision are:
  • to increase the number of students ready for kindergarten success
  • to increase the number of students on track for success in school,
  • ensure all students who graduate high school have a plan to become enrolled, enlisted or employed,
  • to increase the number of individuals with career credentials and college degrees, and
  • empower partners who are working with youth to support student success.
As SEI works to engage with their partners and collaborators, Mr. Deevers listed a few of their engagement activities.  These engagements include the following:
  • all Summit County school districts, plus many non-public schools,
  • three closest higher education institutions,
  • 60+ Out of School Time Partners, 
  • 130+ preschools,
  • government and nonprofit agencies,
  • local, state and national foundations and funders, and
  • business entities.
To accomplish SEI’s goals, Mr. Deevers described their methods.  These include: 
  • Convene caring adults from educational, nonprofit, government and business entities,
  • Use data to identify specific issues that require attention,
  • Mobilize their five strategy teams to execute specific goals and tactics that address the issues,
  • Measure progress and success,
  • Report their findings,
  • Scale successful strategies across the county, and
  • Repeat steps 1 – 6 as necessary until the goals are met.
SEI in collaboration with their various partners have developed some Leading Indicators of Success.  These indicators can change as new needs or challenges are identified.  Currently the following Educational Attainment Indicators are in place: 
  • Kindergarten Readiness – Scoring on track in Language and Literacy on Ohio’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment,
  • Third Grade Reading – Scoring proficient or higher on Ohio’s 3rd Grade Next Generation Reading Test,
  • Eighth Grade Math -  Scoring proficient or higher on Ohio’s 8th Grade Next Generation Math Test,
  • Ninth Grade Success – Completing 9th Grade with a 3.1 or higher GPA and 6.5 cumulative credits,
  • College and Career Readiness – Graduating with a 21 or higher composite score on the ACT (or equivalent),
  • College Enrollment – Enrolling in accredited post-secondary programs,
  • Post College Readiness – Encouraging individuals who have attended college but didn’t graduate, to see how they can go back to school to get their degree or other type of certification, etc.
SEI has a staff of nine.  Most of their funding comes from the United Way of Summit and Medina Counties and various local Foundations.  Since SEI is a Not-for-Profit organization they always welcome donations from individuals and corporations. 
Rotarians interested in getting involved with the SEI initiatives can check out their website.  Currently they have a Career Awareness Video Project.  SEI is looking for volunteers to complete a brief video about their career to enable students to explore various career options, etc.
Individuals wishing to know more about Summit Education Initiative are encouraged to go to their website, which is seisummit.org.
 

Don Drumm Enlighted Our Members & Guests
Posted by Terrence Dalton
Don Drumm Enlighted Our Members & Guests
The Rotary Club of Akron welcomed Don Drumm as our guest speaker during our Tuesday, September 1st Club meeting.  It was a very informative presentation on the history of Don Drumm including his studio and career.  Click here or below on the video to view the presentation.
 
After studying medicine for two years at Hiram College Don decided he was more of a visual person and decided to pursue a career in art and transferred to Kent State University where he received a B.F.A. and an M.A. He subsequently worked as a designer for the Industrial Design firm “Smith, Scherr and McDermott” for two years. Early in his career he was an artist in residence at Bowling Green University. 
 
In 1960 Drumm opened his own studio, as a full-time practicing Sculptor and designer/craftsman near the University of Akron. In 1971, together with his wife, Lisa Drumm, he expanded the studio to incorporate a one-room gallery. Since then the enterprise has grown extensively and now embraces eight buildings, providing gallery facilities for over 500 artists and studio space for three resident artists. In addition to the 500 active artists with work on display at his studios, he has a data base of over 2000 artists that individuals can access if they are looking for a particular item.
 
Don has been a pioneer in the use of cast aluminum (aluminum) as an artistic medium. In addition, he has been a pioneer in the use of contemporary building materials, and techniques for the creation of arts and crafts.
 
Don created a sculpture at Kent State University at the site of the May 4th Viet Nam protest between students and the National Guard.
 
During Don’s presentation he showed numerous pieces of art he has designed and exhibited.  Several of those included sculptures at the Quaker Square Inn.  In addition to the sculptures, Don has provided designs for residential customers.  This technique involved the layering of different colors of cement.  Drumm has worked on a wide range of public, commercial and private commissions in the USA and abroad.
 
Mr. Drumm explained there are three types of art: Abstract Art. Realism Art and Non-objective Art.  Don has devoted most of his career in the area of Non-objective art which involves art that has no subject matter.
 
Don continues experimenting and constantly creating to this day. Drumm has won numerous awards along the way, including: Ohio Designer Crafts' “Lifetime Achievement Award”, “Outstanding Contributors of the Century”, to the Akron community by the Beacon Journal Publishing Company, first recipient of the Outstanding Visual Artist Award from the Akron Area Arts Alliance in 2000, and the first recipient of the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) “Artist and Craftsman Excellence” award.
 
If you are interested in viewing some of Mr. Drumm and the other 500 artists creations, I encourage you to visit his studios at 457 Crouse Street, Akron, OH.   
 
 
 

Help Send Kids to Camp
Posted by Mella Castner
Help Send Kids to Camp
Fellow Rotarians, it's that time again! Help Akron Rotary Camp earn $ to send kids to Camp! Save your ACME receipts from August 6 to December 26 to earn some Community Cash Back on ACME Fresh Market Store Brands. Receipts can be mailed or dropped off to Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319. As always, thank you for your support!
 
Regards,
 
Mella

Members Take Action
Posted by Julie Brandle

Thank you to all of our Rotarians who volunteered at The Akron Urban League to assist with the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for those in need in our community.   

Akron Rotary Foundation Makes a Difference in Central and South Americas
Posted by Julie Brandle
Akron Rotary Foundation Makes a Difference in Central and South Americas
With the cancellation of all Rotary International Student Exchanges, our foundation has funds that will go unused for these programs.  These funds have now been designated for emergency funds to assist Rotary clubs in other countries with unexpected expenses as a result of COVID.  Rotary clubs around the world are struggling as members are losing jobs and the need for Rotary services is greater in their communities.  What better way to support fellow Rotarians during this time than to support these struggling clubs.  Thank you Claudine Schooley, Brian Chima, and Susan Colville-Hall for the idea.  Over 1/3 of our club supports work internationally. The Board approved a $500 grant each to three clubs in Honduras, Columbia and Equador.  With these funds we can help ease the burden of fellow Rotarians in Central and South Americas.
 
“Our foundation board recognizes there are people struggling around the globe as a result of COVID,” remarked James Redmond, Foundation Board President and Rotary Club of Akron Member.  “To be able to send some love from Akron is a remarkable idea, and we were all too happy to do it.”
 
There are still limited funds that remain.  Akron Rotarians - If you have an International club in need you would like to recommend, please contact Julie Brandle, Rotary Club of Akron Past President and Foundation Board Communications Chair at 330.858.6672 or jbrandle@metisconstruction.com.
 
Foundation Board Officers and Members
  • James Redmond, President    
  • Katy Miller, Vice President
  • Mark Krohn, Treasurer
  • Sally Christman, Secretary
  • Julie Brandle, Communication/Public Relations
  • Steve Buie, Governance/Liaison to Club Board
  • Marcia Holcomb, Nomination/Roster
  • Rima Muakkassa, Ph.D, Scholarships
  • Jeff Sitz, Finance
  • Brian Steere, Fundraising/Development

“Paul Harris Fellow”
Posted by Lynda Farkas
“Paul Harris Fellow”
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris
 
After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. He envisioned a place where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
 
On 23 February 1905, Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.
 
“I was sure that there must be many other young men who had come from farms and small villages to establish themselves in Chicago ... Why not bring them together? If others were longing for fellowship as I was, something would come of it.”
 
In February 1907, Harris was elected the third president of the Rotary Club of Chicago, a position he held until the fall of 1908. Toward the end of his club presidency, Harris worked to expand Rotary beyond Chicago. Some club members resisted, not wanting to take on the additional financial burden. But Harris persisted and by 1910 Rotary had expanded to several other major U.S. cities.
 
Harris died on 27 January 1947 in Chicago at age 78 after a prolonged illness.  His death prompted an outpouring of contributions from around the world and his name continues to evoke the passion and support of Rotarians and friends of Rotary.
 
Paul Harris Fellows:   Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
 
The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.
 
Paul Harris Society:   The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants.
 
The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.
 
Our Akron Rotary club honors new members of the Paul Harris Society by presenting them with a certificate and chevron at a club luncheon.  Due to Covid-19 our weekly Rotary luncheons were transformed into Zoom meetings and we have not been able to celebrate our members’ donations to the International Rotary Foundation. 
 
August 5th and 6th  Akron Rotary club VP Lynda Farkas with the help of PDG Jack Harig diligently delivered new Paul Harris Fellow pins and yummy Rotary cookies to the following Akron club donors.
 
If you have questions and/or would like to become a member of the Paul Harris Society, please contact VP Lynda Farkas, 330.819.3739 , lfarkas2@neo.rr.com

Congratulations to . . .

Sandy Naragon – PHF +5
Cheryl Warren – PHF +4
John Reyes – PHF + 7
(John was out climbing rocks!)
 
Dr. Rob McGregor – PHF +2
 
Dr. Doug Hausknecht – PHF +3
Nathanael Billow – PHF +1
 

Turn on AmazonSmile
Posted by Mella Castner on Jul 23, 2020
akron rotary amazon amazon smile rotary camp special needs children
 
Do you shop on Amazon? If yes, AmazonSmile is an easy way to support Rotary Camp with every purchase. Just takes a few minutes to set up.
 
At no cost to you, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases
If you are not already an AmazonSmile member, sign up on your web browser. Simply select Rotary Camp for Children With Special Needs Inc to start generating donations.
 
AmazonSmile customers can now support Rotary Camp for Children With Special Needs Inc in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones. Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
  1. Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
  2. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
  3. Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, you will need to update your mobile app. Click here for instructions.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Mella Castner, director of development at Rotary Camp (330) 644-4512.

District Recognizes Clubs and Individuals for Achievements
Posted on Jul 11, 2020
The 2019-2020 District Governor, John Reyes, presented clubs and individuals with awards earned during his year. Our Club and many of its members were honored to receive recognition at the event.  The awards our members received are listed below.
 
This event was held virtually due to this unprecedented time in our lives.  
 
If you cannot view the video below: CLICK HERE
 
 
1.Recognition Certificates
  • Julie Brandle - District Conference Committee Chair
  • Stewart Buchanan, PDG - Foundation-Indian’s Baseball Chair
  • Stewart Buchanan, PDG - Foundation Polio Plus Chair
  • Cheryl Warren, PDG – District Website and Newsletter Chair
 
2.  Assistant Governor Appreciation Award – Julie Brandle
 
 
3. Our Club continues to have a history of recipients for this award!  
Rotary District 6630 Distinguished Service Above Self Award
 
--2019-2020:  Bob Heydorn, Shelia Hedrick, Julie Brandle, Tracy Jemison, Steve Zabor
--2016-2017:  Stew Buchanan, Cheryl Warren
--2015-2016:  Jack Harig and Stew Buchanan
 
 
 
4. Outstanding Leadership Award - Stew Buchanan and Lance Chima
 
 
5. AZ Baker Patch   
 
The Akron Club - under the leadership of President Patrick O’Neill
 
6.  Training and Education Award Certificates
  • Julie Brandle
  • Stew Buchanan
  • John Daily
  • Lynda Farkas
  • Jack Harig
  • Doug Hausknecht
  • Tom Knauer      
  • Sandy Naragon
  • Pat O’Neill
  • John Reyes
  • Claudine Schooley
  • Cheryl Warren
  • Steven Warren
Join Our Conversations . . .
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Our members support numerous causes.  We are People of Action.
What Our Members are Saying
Our Sponsors

Upcoming Speakers

Leia Love
Sep 29, 2020
Parkland Management Company
Patrick O'Neill
Sep 29, 2020
Panel Discussion
Billy Taylor
Oct 06, 2020
Goodyear Tire and Rubber
Reverend Norman Douglas
Oct 13, 2020
Heart to Heart
Pat Myers
Oct 20, 2020
District Governor
Dr. Tim Collins
Oct 27, 2020
President Walsh University
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