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Welcome to the Rotary Club of Kent

Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.

Kent Rotary History Moment for July 27, 2021 Meeting

The war was over! Everyone was waiting for definite word from the Emperor of Japan that arrangements have been made for the formal surrender. The “bomb” had been dropped (twice) and the fact that Hirohito was ready to surrender had virtually ended the fighting.

That situation had saved hundreds of American lives while MacArthur had a chance to arrange surrender details. This was the world into which the Rotary entered for its 26th year in Kent. No one really knew what the postwar years would be like but Rotarians were anxious to share and help prepare for a lasting peace.

City Update on the Road to Recovery

City Manager, Dave Ruller, noted that it is good to be able to meet in person again. The city is still livestreaming meetings, but has begun in-person meetings as well. He offered kudos to front-line staff in the city, including police, fire, and health departments. He also noted that we are not out of the woods yet and urged precaution due to covid variants. Dave also urged us to be extra kind to others. Crime is up in the city. Disputes and domestic violence incidents are on the rise. Drug use is not abating either.

After the somber notes, Dave talked about positive changes in the city.

Kent Rotary History Moment for July 20, 2021 Meeting

It’s taken me a year to recap the first 25 years of our club as recorded in our “Silver Anniversary Edition” History of the Club No. 777 of Kent, Ohio, 1920-1945. I quote from the epilogue pages that sum up our club’s progress.

The 25 business and professional men who became charter members of the Rotary Club of Kent did not fully appreciate the full significance of Rotary, nor did they completely sense the potentialities of the organization they were founding. They soon learned that a realization of the two slogans, “Service above Self,” and “He profits most who serves best,” were not to be treated lightly, but the application of the principles embodied in these mottoes were the true spirit of Rotary.

Bill Benoit, COO of University Hospitals South Market

Bill Childers introduced today’s speaker, Bill Benoit, COO of University Hospitals South Market, noting that he has worked very hard over the last few years to enhance and upgrade all things at UH Portage, formerly Robinson Hospital. Mr. Benoit is a native of New Orleans, grew up in Brunswick, Ohio, and previously worked at Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima, Ohio.

Inside the Ohio State Supreme Court

Justice Pat DeWine began his six-year term on the Supreme Court of Ohio on Jan. 2, 2017, following his statewide election in November 2016. He did his undergraduate work at Miami University and received his law degree from the University of Michigan. He has had experience as a Hamilton County Commissioner and served in the legal system, eventually joining the Ohio Supreme Court.An excellent writer, Justice DeWine is known for the quality and thoroughness of his legal opinions. His opinions reflect his strong belief in judicial restraint and his respect for the constitutional roles of the other coequal branches of governmen