The City of Kent in line with the rest of the country was slowly working its way out of the economic depression at this time; yet work was needed for those who were unable to secure a regular employment. To create worthwhile jobs for some of the worthy unemployed and, at the same time to afford recreation for underprivileged children in the city, vice president Ernst Ferry suggested that the Rotary Club sponsor a recreational program for the children and youth of Kent and use the idle men of the city to develop facilities for the promotion of the project. This was a citywide undertaking with several civic organizations joining with the City of Kent to promote the plan..jpg)
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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.
The City of Kent in line with the rest of the country was slowly working its way out of the economic depression at this time; yet work was needed for those who were unable to secure a regular employment. To create worthwhile jobs for some of the worthy unemployed and, at the same time to afford recreation for underprivileged children in the city, vice president Ernst Ferry suggested that the Rotary Club sponsor a recreational program for the children and youth of Kent and use the idle men of the city to develop facilities for the promotion of the project. This was a citywide undertaking with several civic organizations joining with the City of Kent to promote the plan. James Green was our President during the year 1935.That year Kent Rotary played an important part in relief work necessitated by the Depression. The following members assumed leadership roles of various organizations.
Emmet Stopher was elected President of the Kent Welfare Association. Many members energetically participated in the Community Chest Drive. Will Reed had charge of the drive for finds that raised more than the quota set by the Welfare Association
Dr. Ellie Yanchar was born and raised in Kent. She graduated from Kent Roosevelt in 1999. She took a roundabout journey to get to medicine, which was sparked by working for the American Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina, and she did not start medical school until she was 29 years old. She is now dual boarded in family medicine and psychiatry. She did her most of her medical training on the west coast, with medical school in Oregon, and residency in San Diego, where her training was focused primarily on working with homeless and underserved populations, and those suffering from addiction. After residency she moved to NYC to complete a fellowship at Columbia University, where she was working at a shelter for men with mental illness in the Bronx. 
Amanda Senn introduced Mason Kisamore, who frequents the Kent Farmer’s Market. Amanda noted that Mason met his wife Stacy at the Randolf Fair. Mason, his wife along with sons Harlan and Emerson raise animals, supplying meat for Dumas and the Farmer’s Market.
Mason told us that he has been involved with farming his entire life. He started helping on his dad’s farm and now he has his own farm business. He owns over 20 acres of land and leases an additional 600 acres of land, to grow crops and raise animals. They raise cattle, lambs, pigs, turkeys, chickens, laying hens and milk cows. They sell pork, lamb, beef to customers at Dumas Meats and the Kent Farmer’s Market. They also sell fresh turkeys and eggs.
January program chair Amanda Senn introduced her 2002 Kent Roosevelt High School classmate Marquis Parham. He is the Assistant Director of the Career and Leadership Development Center at his alma mater Ohio University. Marquis holds bachelors and masters degrees in recreation and sport pedagogy with an emphasis in coaching education and recreation management and administration. He is an educator, motivator, personal trainer, fashion model and television celebrity.Marquis told his life story about how his successes and failures during his early years in Kent have shaped his life. He gave great credit to his mother Jackie Peoples Duke for raising him and his older brother alone. She worked two jobs to provide for them.
Meetings moved online until further notice.
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Service Above Self
Kent, OH 44240
United States of America