Katie Carver Reed serves as Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. She will be joining Akron Rotary to talk about a community passion project, the PorchRokr Arts and Music Festival. Katie has been a longtime volunteer of the festival and currently serves as festival chair. She is a recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce 30 for the Future Award, a Torchbearers alum, graduate of the Child and Family Leadership Exchange, and a graduate of Leadership Akron (Class 37). She serves on the board of the Better Business Bureau of Akron, Akron Parks Collaborative, and the Highland Square Neighborhood Association.
She lives in Highland Square with her husband, Kurt. They enjoy spending time outdoors, bicycling on the Towpath Trail, traveling, and engaging with the region’s arts and culture activities.
Jessica Reed is a business development manager at The Ruhlin Company, where she drives growth and fosters relationships in the commercial construction industry. A longtime fan of the PorchRokr festival, she’s now in her second year on the committee focusing on volunteer recruitment. Jessica is a member of NAIOP Northern Ohio, where she assists with the Developing Leaders Committee philanthropic efforts. She also lends her time to the Kenmore Legion, volunteering at fundraising events.
Having moved from Canton to Highland Square ten years ago, Jessica has grown to love the area’s vibrant sense of community. She is an enthusiastic connector—always eager to meet new neighbors, share a story, and build relationships.
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).
NICK GEORGE
We were sad to receive the news that Nick George has passed away. He was a true advocate for The Rotary Camp for Children With Special Needs.
A special message from Camp Director, Mella Castner:
Nick's connection to camp began in the 1950s when his sister, who had contracted polio in 1942, attended as a camper. Inspired by her experience, Nick became a dedicated supporter through his position at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs. He joined the Rotary Club of Akron on May 11, 1999 to further champion Rotary Camp.
As a longtime Camp Board member, he served in numerous Camp Board officer and committee positions, including Board President in 2002 and 2003.
Alongside his wife, Ruthie, and Jack and Vivian Harig, he co-chaired our 2010–2013 Capital Campaign, helping to raise $3.5 million to initiate the transformation of Rotary Camp. Nick exemplified Service Above Self!
Nicholas T. George, 80, passed away July 21, 2025. He was born August 8, 1944 in Akron, Ohio to the late George and Frances George.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruthie; daughter Mimi (Rick) Kent; son Niko (Micaela O'Leary) George; grandchildren Sidney and Josie Kent and Ida George; niece Theresa (Mikk) Carr and their children Alexine (Caleb), Tia and Willow; sister-in-law Patti Weinstein and a host of other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister George Ann Wheeler.
A practicing attorney for over 55 years, recently retiring from Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, Nick approached his work with integrity, tenacity, and a deep love for the law. Nick was a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather and uncle. His greatest joy came from time with his family.
Cantor Kathy Fromson will conduct a graveside service Thursday 11:00 am at Rose Hill Burial Park, 3653 West Market Street in Fairlawn.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rotary Camp of Akron, 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, OH 44319, Comunale Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 13805, Akron, OH 44334 or charity of your choice would be appreciated.
We are in need of members to join us August 6th at 11am at Cleveland Airport to help us welcome our new exchange student from Peru - Luciano Anci Ortiz.
If you can help please reach out to Susan Colville-Hall at 330-714-3765 (call or text) or email her at rye6630susan@gmail.com -- we will then able to organize car pooling to the airport, signage, etc.
Are you ready to embark on a rewarding cultural journey without leaving your home or know of someone else who might be? The Rotary Club of Akron is seeking three dedicated host families to welcome a student from Peru at Stow-Monroe Falls High School during the 2025-26 school year. Each family will host the student for approximately 3-4 months, providing a unique opportunity to share your culture and learn about another. You must reside within the Stow-Monroe Falls School District.
Why Host an Exchange Student?
Hosting an exchange student offers numerous benefits for your family and the student. It’s a chance to:
Cultural Exchange: Experience Peruvian culture firsthand and share your own traditions and customs.
Global Connections: Build lifelong friendships and expand your global network.
Personal Growth: Enhance your family’s understanding of global issues and develop a broader perspective.
Community Engagement: Contribute to the global community and support international understanding and peace.
What Are the Obligations of a Host Family?
As a host family, you will be responsible for:
Providing a Room: Offer a comfortable bedroom for the student, ensuring they have a private space to rest and relax.
Study Space: Ensure the student has a quiet place to study and complete their schoolwork.
Meals: Provide daily meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Transportation: Assist with transportation to and from school and extracurricular activities, if necessary.
Support and Guidance: Offer support and guidance as the student navigates a new culture and school environment.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in becoming a host family, please contact Susan Colville Hall at 330-714-3765 or Jacinto Nunez at 330-634-6876. We will do our best provide you with all the necessary information and support to ensure a successful and enriching experience for both your family and the exchange student.
The Rotary Club of Akron has a proud history of sponsoring students to attend Stow-Monroe Falls High School for many years. Join us in continuing this tradition and making a difference in a young person’s life while enriching your own. Open your home to a Rotary Youth Exchange student and become a part of this global connection!
Mark your calendars for The Rotary Camp for Special Needs Children 16th Annual Cornhole Tournament presented by Buckeye Corrugated.
Join us onAugust 23, 2025, at the beautiful Rotary Campgrounds. This exciting event is more than just a cornhole tournament; it's a chance to make a difference in the lives of children and support the Camp’s mission of Creating a world where there are only abilities!
All proceeds will directly benefit Rotary Camp, helping to send children to camp and providing them with life-changing experiences.
Volunteers are needed for the One Hot Meal and Food Pantry at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
Last Fall, we helped the folks at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with their One Hot Meal Program the week of Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful Rotarian turnout to help serve.
The Rotarians involved loved the project.
The Church does this once a month, on a smaller scale.
We now have scheduled 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
Click on the respective Tuesday below to view available time slots and book yourself to volunteer directly online.
NICK GEORGE
Are you ready to embark on a rewarding cultural journey without leaving your home or know of someone else who might be? The Rotary Club of Akron is seeking three dedicated host families to welcome a student from Peru at Stow-Monroe Falls High School during the 2025-26 school year. Each family will host the student for approximately 3-4 months, providing a unique opportunity to share your culture and learn about another. You must reside within the Stow-Monroe Falls School District.
Mark your calendars for The Rotary Camp for Special Needs Children 16th Annual Cornhole Tournament presented by Buckeye Corrugated.
