Rotareminder Rotary Club of Kent September 29, 2020
President Randy Smith called the meeting to order.
David Dix played the opening patriotic song God Bless America, and this was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Randy.
Rick Bissler provided the opening prayer.
President Randy asked for guests to be introduced:
-Anthony Horton introduced Stanton’s Student of the Month, Aaron Watt, and parents Mark and Courtney Watt.
-Shawn Gordon introduced Kelly Tremaine
-Bill Childers introduce Julie Collechi
President Randy asked if there were any announcements:
-Curt Stumph thanked everyone who volunteered for his programs in October on brewing and is still looking for a few more. Contact him directly if you are interested.
-President Randy announced that we are looking for a new Membership Program Director.
David McKeen moved into the Secretary’s position creating the vacancy. Anyone interested should contact him, or any Board member.
-President Randy also announced the passing of Rotarian Chuck Whiting. He was a long-time member, along with wife Sue.
Following the announcements, Jim Myers provided our 100th. Anniversary Moment. In reflecting on the many great programs, the past month, featuring speakers of prominence known to the Tom Myers’ family, he talked about a collective meeting of Kent Rotary, the Kiwanis Club, and the Canadian Club in 1929. It featured a prominent national figure who had been a classmate of a club member.
Rotary Foundation Presentation
Carol Crimi announced that the next Foundation Board Meeting will be October 13. She then made the following presentations:
-United Way was presented with a check for $5000 to be used to supplement the COVID-19 Special Fund. This, along with other money raised, will be used to support food pantries throughout Portage County. Bill Childers thanked the Club and Foundation for the support and reminded everyone of the struggles remaining for those in poverty in our county.
-Kent Social Services was presented with a check for $4900. This was the result of the challenge of our Foundation to match, dollar-for-dollar, direct donations made to Kent Social Services at our July Fundraiser. We raised $2450 at the event for the cause, subsequently the $4900 match. Christy Anderson thanked the club for its support and explained that the money will be used to get a head start on purchasing of toys for the holidays for the needy children in our community.
Stanton Rotary Student of the Month
Anthony Horton introduced Aaron Watt as Stanton’s Student of the Month. Aaron is a member of the Endeavor Team and was singled out for his efforts in the classroom and throughout the school. Aaron is also currently taking German I as a high school credit, along with his other academic load. He is also a member of the band and soccer team. He enjoys his English/Language Arts classes and plans on studying Journalism after high school graduation, like his father had done.
Program Director David Myers introduced Todd Kamenash, who graciously agreed to fill in for the scheduled speaker who had a medical emergency. Todd prefaced a video at the center of his presentation by introducing a saying: “Having a full day is to laugh, to think, and to cry.”
Before listening to Jim Valvano talk about this saying, Todd suggested that other sayings have their past origins that may not match how we think about them today! These included:
-Bury the Hatchet Actually the burying of weapons between warring people before meeting.
-Turn a Blind Eye An Admiral blind in one eye and always used it as an excuse to do what he wanted.
-One for the Road A prisoner’s final drink before being executed.
-A bird in the hand, A Falcon on your shoulder better than being hunted by two Falcons’
worth two in the bush
-Riding Shotgun A Hollywood interpretation of second riders’ purpose on a stagecoach
-Put a sock in it A way of restricting volume in a gramophone
-Break a leg Wishing evil so good things will happen in response
-Stole my Thunder Playwright’s creative sound used in another’s production, without acknowledgment.
-Pull out the stops Adjusting a pipe organ to full output capacity
-Every cloud has a Coined by John Milton in 1634
silver lining
-Eat humble pie The least desirable parts of a feast for lowest class of people.
-Rule of thumb The historical width of a stick a husband may use to beat his wife.
Following this, Todd played a video of Jim Valvano speaking at the ESPN Awards prior to his passing of cancer. His focus was on living your life to the fullest with enthusiasm. He punctuated this message with stories of trying to emulate Vince Lombardi and his commitment to excellence in his coaching career. This no less true than in his battle with cancer. He tries to live “a full day” every day. To laugh and be joyful throughout the day. To think and learn, growing each day. And to cry, feeling and being sensitive. Lastly, he lives by the motto “Don’t give up, never give up!”
President Randy served as the responder. He thanked Todd for filling in at the last moment and providing an engaging program.
EDITORS NOTE: I highly recommend that you go to Kent Rotary Club’s YouTube Channel and watch the inspiring video.
Roger Sidoti
