Meeting opening:
President Kathy Myers called the meeting to order. She announced that the Rotarians in the audio booth today are Mark Pennell, Bill Nome, and Adam Alderson. Rachel Kerns is responsible for photos. The opening song is “My Country ‘tis of Thee,” played by David Dix. Kathy Myers led us in the pledge of allegiance. Todd Kamenash gave the invocation. We then watched a video of the national anthem of Ukraine.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests:
Visiting Rotarian – Olivia Pilon
Tom Hatch introduced a delegation of Fulbright scholars currently attending the Teaching Excellence and Achievement program at Kent State University. They are as follows:
Irina Grudeva, Bulgaria
Daniel Simeonov, Bulgaria
Vladimira Teneva, Bulgaria
Anna Vasjutina, Estonia
Edina Finta, Hungary
Aigul Yeleussiz, Kazakhstan
Giedre Akramiene, Lithuania
Merita Redjepi, North Macedonia
Katerina Susinova, North Macedonia
Adina Ionescu, Romania
Natalija Budinski, Serbia
Nada Filipovich, Serbia
Gulnoz Aknazarbekova, Tajikistan
Laylo Rahimova, Tajikistan
Merve Gok Saik, Turkey
Muhammed Salih Tasdemir, Turkey
Liudmyla Sokolova, Ukraine
Shavkat Kholdoshovisch Geldieiv, Uzbekistan
Other visitors included Emily McKeen, daughter of David McKeen, Gail Pavlika, Pam Harr, and the mother and brother of Jacob Jividen, one of the speech contestants from Kent Roosevelt.
Birthdays:
Jeff Roeger announced the Rotarian March birthdays. The Rotarians are Bill Russell, Dave Myers, Dennis Love, Rachel Kerns, Debbie Krutz, Randy Smith, David Patterson, George Joseph. No one present or on-line won the drawing. Brad Ehrhart is celebrating a 10 year anniversary with Rotary.
Announcements:
President Kathy announced the May 6th auction for the club. The auction committee will be meeting weekly. We need additional volunteers for the A/V work of virtual meetings. The District Conference is April 22-23, 2022. We need to have a good number of attendees to support our District Governor. Todd Kamenash noted that next week is the last week for bracket busters. Funds support our literacy work. Carol Crimi told us that the Foundation will meet on April 12th to consider proposals for funding. The deadline for proposals is March 31st. Dave Myers asked for additional financial support for the blanket project. A basket was passed around for donations.
Program: Four Way Speech contest
Brian Bialik introduced Pam Harr from Kent Roosevelt High School. She serves as the academic advisor for the speech contestants. Pam then introduced the three contestants as follows: Elizabeth “Liz” Cline, Jacob “Jake” Jividen, and Maren Seaholts.
Liz Cline gave her speech on inclusivity for transgender people. Jake Jividen said his speech was inspired by his mother and brother Michael. He talked about the anti-vax movement and the needless deaths that occur due to not taking advantage of vaccines. Maren Seaholts told us about migraines and how costly this condition can be in terms of suffering and other negative consequences.
Rotary judges for the speeches were Nancy Whitehead, Carol Crimi, Mark Pennell.
Will Underwood told us about the District Speech Contest that will be held on April 9th here in Kent. We still need additional volunteers to serve as judges.
Brian Bialik thanked the contestants for their inspiring speeches. After the judges deliberated, Elizabeth Cline was selected as the winner. She will represent Kent Rotary at the District contest. All contestants received checks from Rotary.
Response:
David McKeen thanked the students for their speeches and indicated that it is difficult to select a winner.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Hetrick
