30 YEARS
How does the Rotary Club of Akon Newstead celebrate its 30th birthday? They throw a party for the community thanking everyone for their support which has made the club’s vast work of helping people possible over the past thirty years. Partnering with the Village of Akron’s Cruise Night, the Rotarians recently held a complimentary hot dog roast in Russell Park that made for an evening of Rotary community pride and fellowship.
Born on March 16, 1989, the club, which was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Clarence, has had a huge impact both locally in Akron Newstead and internationally through programs in countries such as Sierra Leone, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, etc. In its history the club’s largest project has been the funding of an all weather track at Akron Central School in 1998. This is indicative of the terrific relationship the club has had with the Akron Central School District through the years. A strong Interact Club, annual scholarships to graduating seniors, Rotary Youth Exchange and partnering on social assistance programs are just a few examples of this collaboration. Critical to this has been that Akron’s superintendents have been members of the Rotary Club of Akron Newstead. This is just one example of the many, many people and organizations helped by the Akron Newstead Rotary.
The club also recognized its first 30 years at its annual installation dinner in June when the gavel was passed from Julie Klotzbach to Ron Konieczny. Special recognition was given to charter members who are current members. They are Tom Brady, Dick Campbell, Joe Capan, Peter Forrestel, Peter Henley, Paul Muck, Greg Schmidt and Larry Whistler, the first president.
Pictured are some club members at the community celebration accepting a congratulatory resolution from the Erie County Legislature from County Legislator Ed Rath. Pictured second from right is club member and Immediate Past District Governor Melisa Schrock. The club also received a similar resolution from the New York State Senate.