With 30 years of editing experience across Ohio, Michael Shearer currently serves as editor of the Akron Beacon Journal and regional editor for Gannett’s USA TODAY Network in northern Ohio. He’s responsible for coordinating newsrooms in 5 markets beyond Akron, including Canton, Kent, Alliance and Massillon.
This is actually his last week at the Beacon Journal as he will begin a new role on Jan. 8 as executive editor of The Columbus Dispatch.
Originally from Central Ohio, Shearer moved to northeast Ohio in 2017 to serve as regional editor for GateHouse Media, which acquired the Beacon Journal in 2018 and merged with Gannett in December 2019.
Shearer previously served as Executive Editor of the Media Network of Central Ohio, a group of 10 daily Gannett Co. media sites, from 2009 to 2016 while also serving as the top editor of The Advocate in Newark, Ohio, from 2000 to 2016.
A graduate of Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Shearer has won numerous personal awards for editorial writing.
He is married to Greta and they have two adult sons. He enjoys travelling, playing golf, watching sports and took up running during the pandemic.
He was recently named executive editor of The Columbus Dispatch.
Several members volunteered ton December 7th to help wrap gifts for The Well CDC - Akron Hope Service Project at Mason CLC.
It was rewarding and fun to wrap gifts for those families in need for the holiday. Thank you to all who participated!
Well CDC - Akron Hope Service Project
Rotarian Coordinator: Doug Kohl
The Well CDC's Akron Hope project provides year-round support to its neighborhood elementary school, Mason CLC. This project received grant funding from the Akron Rotary Foundation.
One of the ways Mason CLC is supported is through Akron Hope's annual Holidays of Hope outreach that spreads joy to Mason CLC students, teachers, and families during the Holiday season. This is done by providing every student (250+) with a new, wrapped gift that gets hand delivered by volunteers.
The Rotary Club of Akron and the Akron Rotary Foundation have a longstanding commitment to the greater Akron community. Rotary is dedicated to causes that build relationships, improve lives, and create a better world—locally and globally.
The 2024 Grant Cycle is officially open! Grants between $1,000 and $15,000 will be considered via an application process which ends January 31, 2024. Projects must have an Akron Rotarian “sponsor” and must include direct volunteer service opportunities for Akron Rotarians. Akron Rotary doesn’t just write checks, we’re action oriented and live by the motto, “Service Above Self.”
ROTARIANS: Spread the word to impactful community service providers! Encourage them to apply by January 31, 2024, via the application link below. If you have questions, email
This is a great chance to join the Exchange Students for the CAVS game against the Orlando Magic on February 22, 2024.
All Rotarians and friends are welcome for the pregame reception and CAVS game on the 22nd.
The reception with the students begins at 5:00 pm and includes a snack with soft drinks at The Clevelander Bar and Grille at 834 Huron Street, Cleveland, Ohio.
In addition, we will have a few door prizes and a raffle for the exchange students and their guests.
This has always been a fun night, a chance to see the young CAVS and have some great fellowship.
Please see the flyer below to order tickets. Any questions, call Stew at 330-607-1442.
Every week, 100 students at Innes Community Learning Center receive packs of non-perishable food on Fridays to ensure they have enough to eat over the weekend. The Feeding Kids Backpack Project is provided by Open M and is partially funded by a grant awarded by the Akron Rotary Foundation. Food insecurity negatively impacts a child's ability to learn and grow.
Packing is on Wednesdays from 3-4 pm at Open M. Delivery is at 9:00 am on Thursdays.
Akron Youth Mentorship K-3rd Grade Reading Program has started!
The State of Ohio has a 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee that ensures that students in grades K-3rd grade are provided with resources to get them to the appropriate reading level by the time they enter 4th grade and aren't falling behind. Akron Youth Mentorship's K-3rd Grade Reading Program puts a tutor in front of them to read books for one hour a week. This extra reading time gives our K-3rd grade mentees a little extra help making sure they are on track to meet state standards and be set up for success as they move into 4th grade.
Our club has committed to send 2 volunteers every Monday from 4:45pm-6:00pm.
The Rotary Club of Akron and the Akron Rotary Foundation have a longstanding commitment to the greater Akron community. Rotary is dedicated to causes that build relationships, improve lives, and create a better world—locally and globally.
Sandy_Naragon@yahoo.com
If you are interested in serving on the Service Projects Committee, please contact Cyndi Kane: 
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