President Dave called the meeting to order at 12:20. Our patriotic song was America the Beautiful led by Sandy Roeger, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the invocation by Jeff Roeger. In honor of those Rotarians being honored today, the club sang “Heart of My Heart.”
VISITORS
There were no visiting Rotarians. The many guests included the families of those Rotarians who passed since Covid restrictions were in place. Present were members of the Beckwith family, the Burbick family, and the Wertz family. Rotarian Sue Whiting was also present to honor her husband and fellow Rotarian, Charles Whiting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Amanda Senn invited everyone to attend Happy Hour at The Battleground on May 31 from 4 to 6.
Larry Lohman announced that Grill for Good will be held June 10 and invited Rotarians to join him in preparation and helping on the day.
Doug Fuller reminded everyone that Ann Ward will be speaking tonight about the history of Kent Environmental Council at the monthly Tap Talks at North Water Brewing at 7 pm.
President Dave noted that there will be a club board meeting on Thursday the 18th at Kent Free Library. He also asked for volunteers to work on the committee being formed to create a permanent Safetytown location near Holden School.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Dennis Love presented our Roosevelt High School Student of the Month, Keturah Buchanan, a senior. Keturah plans to major in visual and performing arts and Japanese language and culture at Kent State University.
PROGRAM
Asad Khan introduced today’s program: Proclamations for those Rotarians who passed away since Covid restrictions disrupted our meeting schedule. Seven longtime members of the club were honored with Proclamations, which will be available on our Club website. Each Proclamation was written by a committee of Rotarians who were close friends.
The proclamation for Richard Abbott was read by President Dave Myers. The proclamation will be delivered to his family.
Jeff Roeger honored Charlie Beckwith and presented the proclamation to his widow, Marilyn, who was present along with several of Charlie’s sons and daughters.
Shawn Gordon talked about Ron Burbick and presented our Proclamation to his sisters and nephew.
Amanda Senn read Richard King’s proclamation and will deliver it to his family.
Randy Smith recalled Walt Strawman and his many contributions to the club and to the United Methodist Church. He will deliver the proclamation to Walt’s family.
Bill Childers honored Ken Wertz and presented the Proclamation to Ken’s son, Eric.
Bill Childers also read the Proclamation for Charles Whiting, which was written by David Dix who couldn’t be present today. He presented the Proclamation to his widow, Sue Whiting.
RESPONSE
President Dave provided the response noting that those we honored today are not forgotten and still inspire us.