Our Mission:

An inclusive, action oriented service organization, Akron Rotary improves our community
and the world while having fun and building friendships.
 
Our Vision:
Together, we aspire to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of those
in our Akron community and beyond. 

Click here to RSVP by Dec 15th

 

Note that our holiday party on December 23 will be

hosted at Trailhead at Cascade Lofts in lieu of our regular meeting!

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS
One Hot Meal Program/Food Pantry Volunteer Sign Up
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jun 24, 2025 4:45 PM –
Dec 23, 2025 6:30 PM
 
Weekly Meeting Set Up/Technology:Volunteer Sign Up
Jul 08, 2025 11:45 AM –
Dec 30, 2025 1:00 PM
 
Greeter/Lotto at Weekly Meeting: Volunteer Sign Up
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jul 08, 2025 12:00 PM –
Dec 30, 2025 1:00 PM
 
Invocation at Weekly Meeting: Volunteer Sign Up
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Jul 08, 2025 12:00 PM –
Dec 30, 2025 1:00 PM
 
Open M Backpack Food Packing
Open M
Sep 17, 2025 3:00 PM –
Dec 17, 2025 4:00 PM
 
Rotary Club of Akron Holiday Party 2025 (RSVP required)
21 West North Street
Dec 23, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (UTC-05:00)
 
View entire list
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Dec 16, 2025 12:00 PM
Center for Marketing and Opinion Research

Amanda Barna, M.A. is Principal and co-founder of the Center for Marketing & Opinion Research (CMOR). A small-business leader who wears many hats, she oversees business strategy, marketing and client development, and serves as a lead researcher and project manager. With more than 25 years of quantitative and qualitative research experience, Amanda specializes in survey design, secondary data analysis, program evaluation, community health assessments and translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations for community partners.

Amanda earned both her M.A. in Urban Studies and B.A. in Sociology from The University of Akron (where she was named Undergraduate Student of the Year). She is an alumna of Leadership Akron Class 37; past board member of Akron Torchbearers; past Board Chair and current Board Member of Goodwill Industries of Akron; and President of the University of Akron Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Council. Amanda, along with her sister, run their local school district’s annual Safety Town program for incoming kindergarteners. She is a recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber’s 30 for the Future award.

Amanda lives in Canal Fulton with her husband, Tim, their three sons, and two spoiled dogs and is an avid runner who enjoys long distance running and trail races.

Dec 23, 2025 12:00 PM
RSVP REQUIRED by December 15th
Dec 30, 2025
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
View entire list
CLUB NEWS
Volunteers Needed for December 12!

It's that time again … for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing for our Rotary Club of Akron. 

10am - 6pm with various time slots.

CLICK HERE

Friday December 12th (ACME#1 in Wallhaven)

 

While you are there — we need more fun photos showing our Club activities!!

Since Cheryl Warren cannot participate this year, she has offered to give away a couple Starbucks gift cards (for each of our service dates) to the most CREATIVE/FUN photo showing you in action for this service project!

 Just a few VERY SIMPLE but important photo rules: 
Please do not include children without parents being present or non-volunteers without permission and please avoid store products if possible. You MAY include Acme and The Salvation Army signage in the photos.

Deadline for photos is end of day on December 13th! 

Email photos (no texts please) to Cheryl Warren at cawarren@neo.rr.com and include names of those in the photo with you.

Note: Judging will be done by a non-Akron Rotary member.

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).
 

Our thoughts are with Club Secretary Terry Dalton
 

Terry has been facing significant health challenges recently, and just last week, he received a call at 3 a.m. with the unexpected news of his sister’s passing. Sadly, his current circumstances prevent him from traveling to help or attend her funeral. Additionally, his second surgery has now been postponed. Please continue to keep Terry and his family in your thoughts and prayers. 

During this incredibly difficult time, any additional messages of support or gestures of kindness will surely be appreciated by Terry. If you would like to send a card or reach out, please feel free to do so, as your encouragement has truly made a difference.  Address: 1942 Larchmont Road, Akron, OH 44313.

Annual Meeting Recap

At our Annual Meeting on December 2, 2025 updates were provided about the status of the club and committees.  The club is in good standing.  In addition, the annual election of officers was announced based on the ballots that were returned.   Congratulations to all who will help lead our club, foundation and camp boards.

The Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio, Inc.
Officers for a 1 year (Rotary year) term: 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027
President - Michael Gladysz
President Elect - Cindy Kane
Vice President - Connor Jarvis
Secretary - Terry Dalton
Treasurer - Brian Kosarko


Directors for a three-year (Rotary year) term: 7/1/2026-6/30/2029
Gerry Kiefer 
Doug Kohl 
Cheryl Warren 
Tom Knauer

 

The Akron Rotary Foundation
Board Members with term 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2028
Aimee Wade 
Anne Jorgensen 
Bob Otto
 

Akron Rotary Camp
Board Members with terms 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2028
Brooks Ames (Non-Rotarian)
Carla Parker (Non-Rotarian)
Rennick Andreoli (Honorary Rotarian)
Joe Swiatkowski (Rotarian)
Getta Kutuchief (Non-Rotarian)
 

2026 Grant Cycle Open!

The Rotary Club of Akron and the Akron Rotary Foundation 2026 Grant Cycle is officially open. Grants between $1,000 and $15,000 will be considered via an application process which ends January 31, 2026.  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, 2026, via the application link below.  If you have questions, email Sandy_Naragon@yahoo.com.

https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4456/Documents/en-us/e22d5cf9-b729-41d2-9e6c-4db9dd401d7d/1/

Akron Rotary Camp Seeking Director of Healthcare/Registered Nurse

Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs is seeking a Director of Healthcare/Registered Nurse to lead and manage the daily healthcare operations for our accredited respite, day, and overnight camp programs serving youth and adults with mental, physical, and behavioral disabilities.

 

The Director of Healthcare is responsible for:

  • Reviewing health histories and assessing the current medical needs of registered campers

  • Overseeing the safe intake, dispensing, and documentation of all medications

  • Providing basic first aid and health assessments for campers and camp counselors as needed

  • Ensuring high-quality care, safety, and compliance with healthcare standards across all camp programs

 

This role is vital to supporting our campers' well-being and creating a safe, inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.

 

This position may include an on-site single-family private residence at no cost to the staff member. 

 

Applicants can apply at: 

https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6149727.careers?ShowJob=855958977

 

Questions: 

Mella Castner, Executive Director 

mellac@akronymca.org 

(330) 644-4512 x3201

One Hot Meal Program & Food Pantry - Volunteer Once a Month through December 2025
Volunteers are needed for the One Hot Meal and Food Pantry at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.  
 
We began helping the folks at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with their One Hot Meal Program the week of Thanksgiving in 2024 and  had a wonderful Rotarian turnout to help serve. 
 
The Rotarians involved loved the project and the the Church now does this once a month, on a smaller scale. 
 
We have scheduled volunteer opportunities to serve once a month through the end of the calendar year.  
 
Time: 4:45 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union Street, Akron, OH 44304
 
Our last date for 2025 is December 23rd (click here to sign up)
 
We appreciate your participation and look forward to making this a great event together!
 
Chair: John Matheos
Volunteer: Open M Backpack Food Packing Wednesdays though Dec. 17th 
Akron Rotary is continuing its support of the supplemental food service program through Open M to help provide food for insecure students at Innes Middle School.
 
SIGN UP to view available slots and book yourself directly online.
Open M Backpack Food Packing at 941 Princeton Street, Akron, OH 44311 
 
Wednesdays Through Dec 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM
 
Chair: Sandy Naragon 330-256-5315

 

Chili Open News

  1. Even if you don't know if you want to be on a committee we would like your input!  It may turn out that one of the companies or individuals we are trying to make contact with, you may have a better connection!  

Help Needed:

  • We would like help approaching new sponsors (please check with Mella, Michael or Katy to see if they are already being approached before reaching out)

  • Securing Camperships (again check with above to see if they are being approached)

  • Silent Auction- Secure donations, help with set up, help with data input.

  • Door Prizes - Secure freebies for golfers, help man the table, set up.

  • Course Set up - Day prior (Friday) at Hale Farm

 

  1. Dates of upcoming Chili Open Committee Meetings:

 

Following Tuesday Rotary Meetings: 30-minute Chili Open Committee Chair Update Meeting 

(open to anyone who would like to help and learn more!)

November: 11th & 25th

December 9th 16th  (NO meeting 12/23)

January (every Tuesday in month) or 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th

February 3rd

EVENT on February 7th

 

Monthly Committee Chair Breakfast at Eye Opener:

Nov 21st

December 19th

January 23rd

Chili Open 2026
Have you done your training?
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Member Birthdays
John Matheos
January 3
 
Daniel Riemenschneider
January 12
 
Pamela Kiltau
January 12
 
Elizabeth Saraceno
January 18
 
Sammy Kay Smith
January 18
 
Rennick Andreoli
January 21
 
Thane Billow
January 27
 
John Reyes
January 31
 
Michael Gladysz
January 31
 
Ham Amer
February 3
 
Anne Jorgensen
February 4
 
Jeff Sitz
February 4
 
Laura Horovitz
February 5
 
Heather Meeker
February 6
 
Brian Harding
February 10
 
Susan Colville-Hall
February 14
 
Dan Sveda
February 15
 
James Redmond
February 15
 
Morgan Lasher
February 19
 
Fr. Dean Kokanos
February 20
 
Rich Fry
February 25
 
Bill (JR) Manby
February 28
 
Ken Babby
December 4
 
Earl Hamlin
December 9
 
Mark Auburn
December 9
 
Cheryl Warren
December 14
 
Greg Skinner
December 18
 
M A Weaver
December 27
 
Anniversaries
Angie Claypool
Harry Claypool
January 1
 
Abraham Pannikottu
Mini Abraham
January 5
 
Cynthia Snider
Larry Snider
January 5
 
Michael Wilson
Patrick Bravo
January 25
 
Amanda Leffler
Dan Leffler
January 31
 
Ham Amer
Beth Amer
December 14
 
Jack Harig
Vivian Harig
December 18
 
Vivian Harig
Jack Harig
December 18
 
Cyndi Kane
Michael Kane
December 26
 
Fr. Dean Kokanos
Gabrielle Kokanos
December 27
 
Join Date
Sandy Naragon
January 1, 1999
27 years
 
Joe Swiatkowski
January 10, 2017
9 years
 
Michael Gallucci
January 12, 2021
5 years
 
Pat O'Neill
January 13, 2015
11 years
 
Rima Muakkassa
January 22, 2019
7 years
 
Richard Brandenburg
January 24, 2017
9 years
 
Laura Smiley
January 30, 2018
8 years
 
Timothy DelMedico
February 1, 1989
37 years
 
Mike Wojno
February 3, 2004
22 years
 
Tom Knauer
February 3, 2015
11 years
 
Steve Bossart
February 16, 2021
5 years
 
Amber Barkoukis
February 25, 2025
1 year
 
Jim Slater
February 25, 2025
1 year
 
Thomas Gedelian
December 1, 1986
39 years
 
Mark Seward
December 4, 2012
13 years
 
Evey Williams
December 17, 2024
1 year
 
Rachel Shepard
December 17, 2024
1 year
 
Julie Ann Sweet-Buntin
December 31, 2002
23 years
 

THANK YOU TO OUR PREMIER SPONSORS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
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