Rotaryminder -- Mary Beth Harper
September 15, 2026
GUESTS:
Serra Gingrich, niece of Rachel Kerns.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
David McKeen shared a thank you note from one of the 4-H members awarded camp scholarships thanks to the Harry Longcoy Fund, which is administered by Rotary.
Kaleena Gharky announced the Recycle, Repurpose, ReStore contest and celebration on October 17. See her for details.
Janice Simmons-Mortimer talked about the Portage Foundation online auction, which runs through September.
Bill Childers announced the sad news of the deaths of Charlie Thomas, owner of Ray’s and Lisa DuBois, whose father-in-law was longtime Rotarian Fred DuBois.
Larry Lohman encouraged members to complete the Youth Protection 10-minute training online. Contact Larry, Todd Kamenash or Dave Myers for details.
As part of the 250th celebration, Rotarians are planting trees and performing Acts of Kindness. More details to follow.
On September 29, our meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the home of Sue Whiting, who generously offered to host a “Speak Easy.” Larry will talk about the distilling industry, and tastings and appetizers will be served. Only one ticket available.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH:
Roosevelt Principal Dennis Love introduced Brooklyn Frank and her parents Eva and Chad Frank. Calling her an “exceptional leader and role model.” Love listed her numerous academic and athletic accomplishments, as well as leadership and volunteer roles.
PROGRAM:
Doug Hausknecht, member of the Akron Rotary, talked about ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity providing emergency shelter after disasters. Founded by the Rotary Club in 2000, Rotary support has helped transition it into an independent NGO. Currently ShelterBox stores aid, including tents, tarps, rope and shelter kits, in different parts of the world so it can be moved quickly when disaster strikes.
Hausknecht encouraged Rotarians to support ShelterBox with financial contributions, Visit ShelterBoxUSA.org.
Responder: Kaleena Gharky
ROTARYMINDER AUTHOR: Mary Beth Harper