Vice President f or Equity and Inclusion
St. Edward High School
James Knight is an educator, coach/mentor, consultant, author, itinerant speaker/teacher, and equity and inclusion strategist. Much of his work revolves around leading with humility and partnering with other leaders to build dynamic and inclusive communities/spaces where people collaborate, innovate, and engage in fearless dialogue.
As an equity and inclusion strategist, James works with leaders, schools, organizations, and individuals in the corporate, nonprofit, governmental and academic sector to develop frameworks rooted in humility. The primary goal of this work is to assist others in building safe environments where everyone can thrive and bring their best selves. As an author, James has written numerous books and his latest release is entitled Heart: A Journey Toward Cultural Humility. This book is a manual and resource for any leader, student, or person looking to develop greater awareness and increase their emotional and cultural intelligence.
As Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at St. Edward High School, James leads the development of vision and strategies that champions the importance of a diverse and inclusive community. Part of his work involves engaging faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni in order to make the school a culturally safe environment. In his role, James assesses the potential barriers to inclusion and diversity; develops strategies focused on recruiting and retaining a diverse community.
In addition to his work at St. Edward, James has served as a teacher, coach, pastor, and is the founder and leader of I.D.E.A.S., a coalition of DEi practitioners and directors throughout Ohio. James' passion is people and he sees himself as a servant-leader. His personal mission by which he does everything is "education + empowerment= elevation." James' number one goal in everything he does is to elevate those he serves through education and inspiration. He holds a Bachelor of the Arts Degree from Oberlin College and a Masters of Education Degree from Ashland University. He is presently a doctoral candidate at Ashland University. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Diversity, Social Justice, and Inclusion from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.
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 email me(click here) with any news you would like placed here. Note that information is posted only with permission of the individual(s).
CONGRATULATIONS
RICHARD B. FRY III
Fellow Akrotarian, Richard Fry III, has been selected as one of this year’s 30 for the Future winners! On October 7th he and the other 2021 recipients will be honored.
Fry is a business tax attorney who provides clients with trusted advice concerning significant transactions, tax planning, and difficult challenges encountered in their daily operations. His practice focuses on state and local tax compliance and controversies, including Ohio and multistate sales/use tax, commercial activity tax, and personal income tax issues, and in federal income tax controversies with the Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, because of his tax background, he often advises clients regarding the business and tax implications of commercial and real estate transactions.
In his bio, he states "I take pride in understanding my clients’ business needs and objectives so I can help them achieve their goals in the most beneficial, yet practical, manner."
His community involvement extends beyond Rotary with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio and Stewart’s Caring Place.
Peter G. Wilson, who served as our Club President in the 1996-1997 Rotary year, passed away on 9/3/21, his 85th birthday. He was born in Toronto, Canada the son of late Jack G. Wilson and Sally Palmer Wilson.
In 1942 he immigrated to the U.S. with his name attached to his mother's passport. He became an American citizen in 1955 and has proudly voted in every election since.
He received his M.S. from the University of Michigan in 1960 and his education career path began as a biology teacher at Cranbrook School in Michigan where he and Lois met. They were married in Birmingham MI in December 1963. After their marriage, Peter accepted a teaching position at The Prairie School in Wisconsin where their three children were born. Twelve years later Peter became the Head of The Heritage School in Georgia. Then in 1981 he and his family arrived in Akron where he became the head of Old Trail School in Bath OH. Upon retirement in 2000 from Old Trail School he became a consultant for ISACS. Peter would have told you that he was fortunate in that he truly enjoyed every day of his working career, even those that were challenging!
He cherished family and friends and enjoyed sharing his passion for photography, sailing, volunteering, reading, learning, and supervising Lois's gardening projects.
Peter is survived by his wife Lois G. Wilson; sons Craig G. (Jennifer) Wilson, Mark L. Wilson; daughter Anne L. (Chris) Ramsey; sister Penny (Dan) Phares; grandchildren Nicholas, Peter, Ethan, Zachary, Beth, Laina and Celia.
A celebration of Peter's life will take place in October, details to be announced later.
Peter's family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Old Trail School or to the CVNP Conservancy, both places that Peter loved.
Become a Chili Open Champion – Join Us to Learn More!
Dear fellow Rotarians,
Before you know it Northeast Ohio will face cold winter days with some white and fluffy stuff falling from the sky, and with that it will be time for the Chili Open Golf Classic. The Chili Open is the Rotary Club of Akron's annual fundraiser to benefit Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. Golfers and volunteers will come together on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Hale Farm and Village to golf, win prizes, and celebrate the great work that Rotary is doing for our Camp.
Come join us and hear from committee members and the Camp staff on how you can help us to take the 32nd annual Chili Open Golf Classic to the next level Fore the Kids! This meeting is for all Rotarians who want to provide service above self while enjoying a great time!
Feel free to reach out with any questions, our contact information is listed below.
This is a free event, cocktails and refreshments will be provided and tours of Akron Rotary Camp will also be available. Please click on the link below to attend or decline.
Event: Become a Chili Open Champion
Date: Sep 14, 2021 5:00PM – Sep 14, 2021 6:30PM
Fee: Free
Location: Akron Rotary Camp 4460 Rex Lake Drive Akron, OH 44319
Details: This is a great opportunity to learn from past Chili Open Committee members on how you can help as well as see Akron Rotary Camp.
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, September 30th, for a much needed night out with fellow Rotarians! At 6:00pm all are welcomed to attend our next Rotary social event at The Cigar Lodge where you will find some of the best selections of cigars, bourbon, & whiskey in the Akron area.
With plenty of room on their outdoor patio, or indoors if the weather were to take a turn, the night will be about fellowship. There is no cost to attend, other than the cigars and libations you may choose to purchase, and guests are welcomed!
The Cigar Lodge is located 2989 S. Main St in Akron and their website is www.thecigarlodge.com if you would like more information about the venue.
As Executive Director of IBH, Mr. Wylly is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic planning at IBH Addiction Recovery.
Jonathan Wylly
Executive Director
History of IBH:
IBH Addiction Recovery, originally known as the Interval Brotherhood Home, was founded in 1970 to help those struggling with alcoholism.
IBH Addiction Recovery began as a residential treatment center that was rooted in the 12-step recovery program. Over the years, their services and programs have evolved to meet the needs of their client base with a focus on the treatment of both alcohol and drug addiction. IBH Addiction Recovery now offers additional services to clients, including outpatient treatment and day treatment. What’s more, IBH Addiction Recovery offers the REACH (Recovery Education Accountability Community and Hope) Program, a peer-based continuing care program for those that complete treatment.
Upcoming plans include the opening of an outpatient facility at 1601 S. Main St. in Akron’s Firestone Park neighborhood. The new space will house the REACH Program and outpatient services that support people after they complete treatment with us. Formerly the Boy Scout building, it is currently being renovated with plans to open very soon.
What are IBH’s treatment core values?
IBH Addiction Recovery builds its treatment philosophy around four core values: Dignity, Community, Stewardship (Outcomes), and Spirituality.
IBH Addiction Recovery values the dignity of every person.
Treatment at IBH Addiction Recovery occurs in a community, not in isolation.
IBH Addiction Recovery believes that stewardship must be outcome-driven and operate on a theory of change that will maximize our clients’ opportunities to develop a life of sobriety.
Persons have a spiritual dimension. We are made for activities and relationships that align with our true calling and are worthy of our dignity as persons.
A View Accomplishments:
674 individuals received services at IBH, 435 were male and 239 were female in 2020.
60 % of those that entered IBH residential treatment completed the program with an approved discharge in 2020.
99.4% of those receiving treatment at IBH would recommend us to someone seeking help for a drug or alcohol addiction per 2017 survey.
267 individuals entered the IBH Addiction Recovery REACH Project in 2018
A typical residential stay is 60-70 days.
How does one initiate treatment at IBH?
If you or someone you care about needs treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, please contact IBH Addiction Recovery by either completing their online Admissions Form or calling IBH at 330.644.4095 or 866.815.0IBH, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Programs Offered:
The IBH Addiction Recovery agency offers a variety of programs including, Outpatient, Residential Treatment, Day Treatment/IOP, Aftercare/REACH, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), etc. For more information about each of these programs, visit their website at: https://www.ibh.org.
Margaret Reymann Skinner and John Reymann
Jonathan currently serves as chair of the Asset Management Committee for the Reymann Foundation. Jonathan, along with Margaret Reymann Skinner and John Reymann shared information on the activities the Reymann Foundation is involved with in the community. Given the technical difficulties some Rotarians were having with Spectrum during the presentation, an information sheet about the Reymann Foundation and their community involvement can be viewed by clicking here.
Break the Cycle of Addiction Presented by fellow Rotarian Chris Richardson, COO
This annual event for CHC Addiction Services has been re-imagined outdoors on the grounds of Stan Hywet – allowing for a casual, socially distant event that is more about reconnecting with our friends in the community (rather than a long presentation and sit-down meal) .
All proceeds will benefit the quality, comprehensive outpatient programs provided by CHC.
Akron Rotary Club Service Project - Meeting location: TBA
Another service day project in Kenmore. We will be helping to paint and beautify some of the storefronts along Kenmore Boulevard. Plan to come out and enjoy a safe, fun time with fellow Rotarians, as well as friends from 100 Black Men and local residents.
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August 28 – October 29, 2021 at Akron Women’s City Club, 732 W. Exchange
Presented by fellow Rotarian, Geraldine Wojno Kiefer
Residencies, Reflections, Rememberings
A Retrospective Exhibition of Landscapes and Maps, Dedicated to Bruce W. Kiefer
> > October 16th 5pm-7pm:Reception, given by Virginia Wojno
The drawings comprise imaginative places inspired both by historical reproductions (exploratory sketches, Chinese brush paintings, historical maps) and by Dr. Kiefer’s processes of making, which include soaking watercolor papers in coffee-based solutions, then drawing and/or collaging over them. The colored-pencil-overlaid photographs were taken both by Dr. Kiefer and her late husband, Bruce Kiefer, architect and master art photographer.
The relationship between Rotary International and the Peace Corps, made official with a 2014 partnership agreement, has its foundation in the organizations’ shared values.
Rotary joined its partners in the GPEI to mark the first anniversary of a public health milestone: the WHO's African region being certified free of wild polio.
Rotary 2022 International Convention to be held in HoustonThe event will bring more than 20,000 participants from around the world and deliver $30 million in local economic
Fellow Akrotarian, Richard Fry III, has been selected as one of this year’s 30 for the Future winners! On October 7th he and the other 2021 recipients will be honored. 
