Rotary Club of Hudson celebrates may successes in the past year

A highlight for the Rotary Club of Hudson was the restoration of the Historic Log Cabin. Pictured is Council President Chris Foster, speaking during the August rededication.
A highlight for the Rotary Club of Hudson was the restoration of the Historic Log Cabin. Pictured is Council President Chris Foster, speaking during the August rededication.

The Rotary Club of Hudson accomplished many of its strategic goals in 2023 setting the stage for a productive 2024 serving the Hudson community. The following is a year-end recap and a look forward to new projects, new speaker programs, new members and continued involvement with our schools and community.

Rotary’s major success in 2023 was the conclusion of a $275,000 fund raising campaign for the restoration of Hudson’s historic log cabin and its August dedication involving community and scouting leadership as well as Western Reserve Academy’s Historian Tom Vince. The refurbished cabin was then used for the Rotary sponsored annual Santa-on-the-Green event entertaining hundreds in a warm, cozy, historic environment.

An updating of the Club’s Long-Range Plan is underway to decide what worthy community projects might qualify for the next major fund-raising project. An effort will be made to coordinate with Hudson’s ongoing Comprehensive Plan and the needs of the community that it reveals.

The Rotary Speakers Committee has established monthly themes for the coming months to include Health and Wellness, Youth of the Hudson Schools and Scouts, the Environment, local Summer Fun and Community Law. These in-person professional presentations are typically augmented by Club member questions and after meeting discussions with the speaker.

Rotary members Bob Krampf and Rich Warfield serve up food in the Biergarten.
Rotary members Bob Krampf and Rich Warfield serve up food in the Biergarten.

Rotary’s Annual Gala, that develops funds for numerous charitable programs and community services, is planned for Friday May 17th at the Hilton Garden Inn. The evening’s format will be enhanced with multiple raffles and entertainment. Typically, over 200 guests enjoy a silent auction with cocktails followed by a full course dinner and live auction.

2024 events that couple Club member networking with community service fun will include the Octoberfest Biergarten, Scout Camp Manatoc service day, elementary school pollinator garden maintenance, community parades, art shows and Gala planning activities.

The Rotary Foundation is an important component of the Rotary Club of Hudson funding the annual College Scholarship Program and providing grants to numerous community services and cultural organizations. The Foundation Grant Committee encourages and carefully considers all grant requests received from community organizations and individuals.

Membership in the Rotary Club of Hudson provides the opportunity to learn from highly respected weekly speakers, to exchange ideas with members from various professions and to become involved in selected community activities. Rotary is a worldwide network of 1.4 million people of action who tackle the most persistent problems in our communities while building professional and leadership skills through meaningful connections. If you are interested, please check out our projects, speakers and networking activities at www.rotaryhudson.org or talk to any Rotary member. Join us for a meeting any Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:30 am at Hudson Meadows on Barlow Road.

New Member induction, Madeline Lepidi-Carino, President Joe Boysel, Mike Swain
New Member induction, Madeline Lepidi-Carino, President Joe Boysel, Mike Swain

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Rotary Club of Hudson is looking forward to new year after busy 2023