Wes has been with Shelter Care since 1991, serving as the therapist of the Boys’ program, Respite house parent, Executive Director and now Shelter Care's president. Wes has a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Akron in Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family. His commitment to Shelter Care is based upon his faith and desire to provide leadership to a program that is designed to meet the needs of the young people and families in our community.
Jessica Purdy, Director of Development
Jessica began her journey at Shelter Care just over two years ago as a case manager at Shelter Care's Street Outreach Services program, that meets the needs of young adults experiencing homelessness. In the fall of 2022, she transitioned to Shelter Care's Development Department. Jessica has her Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University.
At the July 11 meeting, I was honored to have Julie Brandle, District 6630 Governor induct me as president of our club. I am excited to take on the role of president and lead our club during the 2023-24 Rotary year.
Following my induction, I administered the oath of office to our board members and club officers then had the very distinct pleasure of inducting our two newest members, Marissa Rufe and Andrew Grant.
Following the inductions, I delivered a brief overview of my wishes for our Club during the 2023 – 2024 Rotary Year:
Increase member engagement.
Affirm our club’s commitment to The Rotary Camp, not just during the Chili Open season but throughout the year.
Re engage in Rotary programs including childhood literacy, the 4-Way Speech Contest,Interact and Rotaract to spread the mission of Rotary to younger generations.
Work with fellow Rotary clubs and other local organizations to increase our Club’s ability to make an impact in our community and work on at least one community-based project in addition to the Chili Open.
Participate in at least one Rotary International project.
Build our public image and the Rotary brand in order the spread the message and mission of Rotary and build momentum for our club and the organizations we support.
I look forward to working with all of you in support of our club, community and Rotary International.
July 11, 2023 the Rotary Club of Akron inducted two new members!
Pictured is newly installed President Tom Knauer and our two newest Rotarians.
Andrew Grant sponsored by Lynda Farkas and Marissa Rufe sponsored by Thane Billow.
We look forward to a year filled with service and fellowship!
About Our New Members:
MARISSA RUFE
I was born and raised in Akron; Cuyahoga Falls to be specific. I was able to begin my college degree in my Junior year of High School thanks to CFHS o"ering a Post Secondary Enrollment Program. This gave me a jumpstart on credits, but like most teenagers.... I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I may have thought I knew, but my college journey taught me that life is an everchanging experience and it's okay to shift the plan just keep your eyes on the goal!
After graduating college (the initial goal), I began working full time in the financial services industry. This taught me more about people than even my years of sorority membership. Sales training, in my opinion, can be summed up as learning to understand human behavior and motivation. I knew I belonged in sales with the skills I have developed and when I met Jim Pickard, I knew I wanted to learn from him. That is how I began my career in Commercial Real Estate. I am now over 3 years down this path, and I love what I do.
Volunteering with Keep Akron Beautiful and The Humane Society has fed my passion for nature and animals. I actively pursue connections and organizations that speak to my interests and allow me to get involved in the community that raised me. I am blessed with wonderful friends that are my chosen family and in my free time I enjoy camping, hiking, reading and gardening.
ANDREW GRANT
I joined Akron Rotary in 1983 when I moved to Akron with Babcock & Wilcox. I was unable to make meetings due to heavy travel.
I have been a biomass-energy consultant for about 20 years, following work with B&W, Ontario Hydro and FirstEnergy.
In addition to consulting, I am launching an organic waste recycling business. This is an exciting time to be in the organics recycling business - everything from fertilizers to jet fuel.
I have been a member of St Paul's episcopal church for 40 years and have served on its vestry and many other roles - I enjoy reading lessons. I have degrees in Natural Sciences and Economics from the University of Cambridge.
I have been happily married to Sue for many years; we have three adult children, one grandson who recently graduated from Akron U.
I am an inactive private pilot, love flying, sailing, hiking, gardening, and music - roll on this year's Blossom season!
Thanks to everyone who joined us to have dinner at the Camp with the campers and Wayne Homes representatives. Looking forward to seeing you over the next few weeks before camp ends.
Photos courtesy of Amanda Warner and Cheryl Warren.
The program chair position is an exciting one in our club as our speakers give weekly meetings verve and spice, not to mention information and community knowledge.
If you would like to become involved in proposing and scheduling speakers for 2024 and beyond, please contact Gerry Kiefer, Program Chair 2022-24, gkiefer@su.edu.
Yours in Service -
Geraldine Wojno Kiefer, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Art History and Art Shenandoah University 540-742-2260 cell
Ever wonder why 1 July is the beginning of the Rotary year? Initially, our conventions played a key role in determining the start date of our fiscal and administrative year.
Rotary’s first fiscal year began the day after the first convention ended, on 18 August 1910. The 1911-12 fiscal year also related to the convention, beginning with the first day of the 1911 convention on 21 August.
Attendees at Rotary’s first convention in Chicago in 1910. Rotary’s first fiscal year began the day after the convention ended.
The next August, the Board of Directors ordered an audit of the International Association of Rotary Clubs’ finances. The auditors recommended that the organization end its fiscal year on 30 June to give the secretary and treasurer time to prepare a financial statement for the convention and board, and to determine the proper number of club delegates to the convention.
The executive committee agreed and, in April 1913, designated 30 June as the end of the fiscal year. This also allowed for changes to the schedule for reporting club membership and payments. Even The Rotarian changed its volume numbering system to correspond to the fiscal year (beginning with Volume 5, No. 1, in July 1914).
Rotary continued to hold its annual conventions in July or August until 1917. Delegates to the 1916 event in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, approved a resolution to hold future conventions in June, mainly because of the heat in cities where most of them occurred. The next one was held 17-21 June in Atlanta, Georgia.
The term “Rotary year” has been used to signify Rotary's annual administrative period since at least 1913. An article in The Rotarian that July noted, “The Rotary year that is rapidly drawing to a close has been signalized by several highly successful joint meetings of Clubs that are so situated as to assemble together easily and conveniently.”
Since the executive committee’s decision in 1913, the end of the Rotary year has remained 30 June.
Calling all Akron Rotarians, please join us for a Thursday evening Summer Camp cookout at Akron Rotary Camp (4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, OH 44319). Come and enjoy a burger or hot dog with our campers and camp counselors, as well as take a tour of our camp facilities. You are welcome to bring along your family, co-workers and/or a colleague. It is also a great opportunity to introduce someone new to Rotary Camp.
Akron Rotary Camp’s 100th Summer Camp Season is in full swing, and our campers are having lots of fun and making memories to last a lifetime! We have been the main project of the Rotary Club of Akron for 100 summers. The Club’s support of the Chili Open Golf Classic helps to make it possible to offer financial assistance to families in need. Allowing their child, the opportunity to attend camp, enjoy the outdoors, discover their abilities and succeed beyond their dreams!
Please join us and help us celebrate the 100th summer of Rotary Camp!
What: Thursday Evening Camp Cookouts
When: July 20, July 27, August 3
5:30pm to 7:00pm – dinner is served at 6:00pm
Where: Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, OH 44319
If you are unable to attend on a Thursday evening, please reach out to Mella Castner, (mellac@akronymca.org or (330) 644-4512 x3206) to schedule a visit during summer camp.
Akron Rotary Camp ∙ 4460 Rex Lake Drive ∙ Akron, Ohio 44319 ∙ (330) 644-4512 ∙ gotcamp.org
REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND END POLIO NOW GUARDIANS GAME ON AUGUST 17, 2023 VS. DETROIT TIGERS
Once again we are planning an End Polio Now Guardians game on August 17, 2023 against the Detroit Tigers. We will be in the Terrace Club for fun, food, and auctions along with drawing the winner of the Paul Harris /First Pitch.
We are also able to parade pregame on the field after missing several years.
As you are planning your Rotary club’s summer activities, please keep this in mind. It is a great opportunity for fellowship and FUN.
Rotary International has long held the fight to eradicate polio as it’s signature fundraising effort. Over $6,000 was raised during the July 13, 2022 End Polio Night at the Cleveland Guardians baseball game versus the Chicago White Sox.
Last year more than 300 Rotarians in District 6630, along with those is Districts 6600 and 6650 were in attendance.
Each received an End Polio Now t-shirt along with their ticket to the baseball game. Congratulations to Dean Thayer of the North Hampton-Cuyahoga Valley Club who was chosen to throw out the first pitch. The fun continued in the Terrace Club as raffle baskets with autographed jerseys, bats, baseballs and other great prizes brought in over $1,800. Special thanks to the Guardians own Bob Dibiasio, who came by to visit. with Rotarians during the event. Bob’s visit helped ease the sting of the Guardians loss to the White Sox, 2-1.
As 2022-2023 Rotary International President Jennifer Jones reminds us, “ As long as polio exists somewhere, it’s a threat everywhere.” With that in mind and with our commitment to “ Service Above Self” Rotary will continue this important mission throughout the coming year.
See the District 6630 flyer below and sign up now for August 17, 2023.
Pictured:
Dean Thayer of Rotary Club of North Hampton-Cuyahoga Valley throws out the first pitch at Rotary’s End Polio Now Night at Cleveland Guardians vs Chicago White Sox 2022.
Once again we are planning an End Polio Now Guardians game on August 17, 2023 against the Detroit Tigers. We will be in the Terrace Club for fun, food, and auctions along with drawing the winner of the Paul Harris /First Pitch.
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