Jane Christyson has more than 45 years of nonprofit administration and management experience with a concentration in strategic planning, partnerships and corporate sponsorships. She is currently Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) which serves almost 19,000 girl members and over 8,000 adult volunteers in 18 counties. With a budget of more than $14 million, GSNEO is focused on building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place through unique programs and opportunities. Three Council-run camps of almost 1,000 acres serve as the anchors for outdoor adventures and leadership learning. Jane also served as Director of Marketing and Golf Clubhouse Services for Cleveland Metroparks and began her career at United Way Services of Cleveland. She was also executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. As a volunteer, she is currently a board member for the Beck Center for the Arts and is the Board President for North Pointe Ballet.
The International Breast Cancer Participatory Competition takes place every four years in a different country to acknowledge that life after breast cancer is good and honor those who lost their fight.
Kudos goes to our local Dragon Dream Team who joined 4,500 breast cancer survivors competing in Aix-les-Bains, France, for the IBCPC honors and partook in remembrance of all who left this earth too early.
The DDT was one of 172 teams from 25 countries bridging 5 continents. We sent two boats of paddlers (Dream & Hope) to the beautiful Savoie region in the cradle of the French Alps.
Each boat paddled in two 200 meter races and in the final 1 kilometer race. Rotary Club of Akron member, Susan Colville-Hall paddled on the DDT Hope team and contributed to its total success even at age 81!!!
Spectacularly, DDT Dream made its mark as it finished 1st in the 1,000 meter race among the U.S. teams and 2nd in the WORLD!
DDT Hope also did a fabulous job and held its own even when rammed at the end of the 200 meter course by an eager, but out of control competitor.
The head of the Dragon fell off but the heads of our steerer, Christina Potter (coach, who also serves as 6630’s RYE Trainer) and paddlers remained calm.
In total, it was a beautiful scene from August 27-31.
We especially appreciate the continued support of the Rotary Club of Akron in our local festival!
Akron Club President Michael Gladysz with DG Terri Speck
We were honored to welcome our 2026–2027 District 6630 Governor, Terri Speck, on September 1, 2026. Her passion for Rotary was evident throughout her presentation, and her enthusiasm left our club members energized and motivated to make an even greater impact in our communities. The clubs that DG Terri has not yet presented to have a lot to look forward to when she visits!
Terri kicked off by sharing the 2026–2027 Rotary International theme from President Yinka Babalola: “Create Lasting Impact.”
A Lifelong Rotary Journey
Terri’s connection to Rotary runs deep. Her father was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Nordonia Hills, and that very club sponsored her as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student to Australia. The experience was life-changing and jump-started what has become a 37-year Rotary journey.
Over the years, Terri and her husband have hosted Rotary Youth Exchange students, many of whom they remain connected with to this day. They also participated in the Group Study Exchange (GSE) program and continue to maintain friendships with people they met through Rotary.
Terri shared that she has stayed involved in Rotary for nearly four decades because she has witnessed firsthand the lasting impact Rotary can have on communities and the lives of people around the world.
Find Your Passion — and Your Superpower
One of Terri’s key messages was the importance of passion. She said, “Feeding off your passion is critical,” encouraging clubs to connect their programs and activities with the interests and passions of their members. Those passions can also become powerful tools for engaging others and inviting them to experience Rotary.
Terri shared an example from one of her fellow District Governors in Ohio, whose passion for the Imagination Library became the All Ohio District Governors' class project. By bringing their collective energy and resources to something they were passionate about, they were able to amplify the impact they could make for the organization.
She challenged each of us to find our “superpower” and use it to support our clubs and help achieve success. Get to know the people around you. Discover what they are good at, what inspires them, and what they are passionate about — then find ways to put those strengths to work.
Terri also shared a personal goal for the year: “My goal is to be a better communicator — it’s about listening, not just talking.” She encouraged Rotarians to share their ideas with her and welcomed hearing from members throughout the district. She can be reached at tspeckrotary@gmail.com.
DG Terri’s Priorities for 2026–2027
Terri outlined two key areas of focus for her year as District Governor:
Youth Engagement & Continuity
Strengthening Club Excellence & Support
She also reminded us of another inspiring message from Rotary International President Yinka Babalola: “Become the Best Version of Yourself.”
Making an Impact Across the District
There are already many exciting initiatives underway throughout District 6630, including:
25 Acts of Kindness
250 Trees being planted across the district
New membership initiatives
An End Polio fundraiser that recently took place at a Guardians baseball game
Save the Date: 2027 All Ohio United District Conference
A new approach is also coming to our District Conference this year. The All Ohio United District Conference will bring together all five Ohio Rotary Districts for one exciting event.
📅April 30–May 2, 2027 📍Hilton Columbus/Polaris
Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
Terri’s message was a great reminder that Rotary’s greatest strength is its people — their passions, talents, connections, and willingness to make a difference. By finding our own “superpowers” and sharing our enthusiasm with others, we can truly Create Lasting Impact.
For over 100 years, Rotary Camp has served children with special needs throughout Northeast Ohio. Thanks to the generous support of so many in our community, we have made tremendous strides to fulfill our mission of “Creating a world where there are only abilities!” We need your support as we continue this voyage of making a difference in the lives of special needs children and their families.
Formal invitations have been mailed!
September 26, 2026, join us for our Akron Rotary Camp Regatta, held at our facility in the scenic Portage Lakes. Come enjoy an evening filled with cocktails, entertainment, delicious food, and fireworks as we celebrate embracing the future together.
Please visit rotarycampregatta.com for additional information, or contact Amanda Warner at 330.644.4512, ext. 3205 or email amandaw@akronymca.org.
Catering by Beau’s Grille and the Doubletree by Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.
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 7:00PM 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!
