Hybrid Meeting on August 17, 2021
President Kathy Myers welcomed the group.
Patriotic song God Bless America was arranged by David Dix followed by a rendition of Let There be Peace on Earth.
President Kathy led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Invocation was offered by Nelson Burns.
Brian Bialik handling Rotareminder duties.
Visiting Rotarians
None.
Guests
State Representative for the Ohio House District 175, Gail Pavliga.
Rachel Kerns introduced her daughter Camille.
Matt Carter, David Hansford and Bruce Hansford introduced their daughter, granddaughter and
great granddaughter, Mallory Carter.
Sandy Reid introduced her guest, Jennifer Lennox.
Announcements
Randy Smith called a meeting of the 100th Anniversary committee immediately after lunch. The purpose of the meeting is to determine if the 100th Anniversary Gala scheduled for October 23rd can/should be held in light of COVID concerns.
Chas Madonio announced the annual Dog Days event will be held this Saturday, the 21st of August at the Hometown Bank Plaza.
Rotary Board meeting will be held this Thursday the 19th at 7:00pm.
Next’s week’s meeting is at Stanton Middle School. George Joseph would be happy to conduct a tour of the new stadium turf (weather permitting).
Amanda Send is working hard to make week-to-week lunch arrangements.
September 22nd is the next scheduled Happy Hour to he held at River Merchant.
Roger Sidoti thanked all who have pledged support to the Kent Rotary Foundation.
100th Anniversary moment(s) – Jim Myers
See separate story below.
Program
David Hassler – KSU – Director of Wick Poetry Center – “Traveling Stanzas”
David Hassler, Ohio Poet of the year on ’06 and author of at least nine books related to poetry, is the director of the Wick Poetry Center on the campus of KSU. His passion for poetry has led him on a mission to introduce poetry into the lives of many across the county.
His primary mission is to not only help develop one’s interest in poetry, but to use poetry as an integration tool to foster understanding that can assuage concerns that may arise from the unique circumstances people experience.
Some examples of the numerous projects David has been responsible for creating: poetry posters on downtown utility boxes by school-age students; poetry writing workshops in collaboration with the International Institute of Akron; outreach programs to places like rural areas or local hospitals, and a developing idea of a mobile unit that can take poetry to places as a way to provide others the opportunity to expand themselves through verse.
Today’s responder to the program was David McKee.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian K Bialik