Jenn Kidd is the Executive Director of The Nightlight, Akron's nonprofit Arthouse Cinema. She oversees the programming and development of one of Akron's most exciting cultural institutions.
Before joining The Nightlight, Jenn served as Creative Director for the Historic Arts District in Akron, Ohio. She oversaw marketing, promotions, events, and outreach for the district's arts-based partners. With a long-standing background in the arts, Jenn has worked as a creative and visual consultant for numerous arts organizations and businesses.
When she's not enjoying films at The Nightlight, Jenn is an accomplished artist who enjoys family time with her husband, an artist, and son, a sculpture major at the University of Akron.
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 be sure to let us know any news you would like placed here. Note that health related information is posted only with permission of the individual(s).
Patricia "Patty" Graves
Patty joined Rotary September 29, 2015. It is with great sadness that we share she has passed away.
She was extremely involved in the Akron community. Here is an excerpt of her obituary.
Patricia L. Graves “Patty” departed this life for her heavenly home on March 31, 2023. She passed away peacefully at home with loved ones nearby every step of the way. She was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church, and community.
Patty was born February 16, 1931 in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, and was raised by loving foster parents Jessie and Abram Kipple in Akron, Ohio. She attended The University of Akron and is a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She worked in the advertising department of the Akron Beacon Journal before meeting her husband, Harvey Graves, Chairman and CEO of Empire Wholesale Lumber Co.
She was deeply grateful to call Akron home, and is known for nearly 70 years of service to the people and community she loved so dearly. Patty served on the boards of many civic organizations and as cofounder, with husband Harvey, of the Patricia and J. Harvey Graves Family Foundation, created mainly to provide assistance to people in need in the Akron community. She enjoyed providing encouragement and much more to young people, which often included helping some finish their education.
Patty served for nine years as a member of the Board of Trustees of The University of Akron. She was honored to be selected as Vice Chair and later Chairwoman of the Board by her fellow trustees. Along with Trustee Dr. John Fink, she initiated the Landscape for Learning Building Program in the mid-1990s that led the institution into the 21st century. She was an associate member of The University of Akron’s Women’s Committee, a member of the UA Foundation Stewardship Committee, and member of the UA Research Foundation Board of Directors. In 2004, the University lauded Patty with an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts & Humanities and named her Chairwoman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees. Last but not least, she was a diehard Akron Zips sports fan and rarely missed a basketball game, wearing blue and gold proudly.
In addition to serving the University, Patty volunteered with a host of the city’s organizations in fields as diverse as medicine, art, education, sports, social welfare, and business.
A private entombment service will be held Wednesday, May 17 at Rose Hill Burial Park. Calling hours will be Thursday, May 18 from 4 to 7 pm at Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St, Akron, Ohio 44313, on Friday, May 19 at 11:00 am.
Summer is around the corner, and we would appreciate any help getting Rotary Camp ready before staff and campers arrive for the summer. Tasks might include cleaning of all the cabins, bath houses and communal areas. Cleaning supplies and gloves will be provided, but please bring shop-vacs, step stools, dusters and rakes.
Join us for an hour, or the morning. Family and friends are welcome too! We are looking forward to see you at camp, - please register below.
Camp Clean-up Day Saturday, April 22, 2023 9:00am-1:00pm
Akron Rotary Camp 4460 Rex Lake Drive Akron, OH 44319
I hope you are enjoying your Spring. It is time again to sign up to volunteer for the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank service project!
I am looking for volunteers (spouses and friends are welcome; they just need to signup for volunteering with ACRFB!) for Wednesday, April 26 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Akron location which is located at 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307. After the food bank service project anyone is welcome to join me in going out to dinner for more social time at a downtown Akron restaurant to be determined later.
The service project involves breaking down large containers of food into smaller portions for redistribution to area food pantries. The two hours flies by as we all have fun with the project and we get the opportunity to work with our fellow Rotarians and strengthen our friendships and maybe meet a few new people from other organizations/companies that are there volunteering as well.
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOLUNTEERED BEFORE AT THE FOOD BANK THEN I NEED YOU TO REGISTER. See volunteer application link below.
If you have any questions please call or text me at 330-714-1044.
I need a head count by noon Friday April 21, so if you would please let me know by then if you plan on attending by sending me an email or text: dhall@preferredlegacy.com or 330-714-1044. I would greatly appreciate it!
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s Main Campus is located at 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307, at the corner of Dart Avenue and Opportunity Parkway off of OH-59 near Downtown Akron. Get Directions.
When you arrive, please park in the front of the building or in the Dart Avenue parking lot. Use the front glass doors to enter the building.
If the parking lot is full, please park in the grass lot or proceed to the Shipping and Receiving parking lot on the other side of the building.
If entering through Shipping and Receiving, enter through the RED visitor door and proceed to the front desk.
We also recommend carpooling when possible.
What to wear:
Face Masks are optional.
Safety is our priority! Please note that open-toed shoes are not permitted in the warehouse.Jewelry is not permitted in the clean- room and we recommend wearing limited jewelry when volunteering.
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you may be on your feet the entire time.
It is best to dress in layers. The weather outside may affect the temperature inside the warehouse.
Thank you for volunteering at your Foodbank! We look forward to welcoming you.
Tasha R. Ledrich // Volunteer & Guest Experience Supervisor
AKRON-CANTON REGIONAL FOODBANK Main 330.535.6900 // Direct 330.777.1065 Main Campus 350 Opportunity Pkwy, Akron, OH 44307 Stark County Campus 1365 Cherry Ave NE, Canton, OH 44714
.png)
