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Rotareminder for the Rotary Club of Kent Hybrid Meeting on April 1, 2025. President Rachel welcomed the group by calling the meeting to order at ~12:15pm. Our patriotic song of the day was America the Beautiful with David Dix (on piano); Dominique Bolenbacher (vocals) led the club in the singing of Here Comes the Sun followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Invocation for today’s meeting was offered by Carol Crimi; Marc Pennell, Adam Alderson, and Roger Cramer working tech; Dominique handling photos, and Brian K Bialik handling Rotareminder duties. There were no visiting Rotarians. Visitors / Guests - SMS Principal, Kathy Scott, introduced several teachers from SMS.
- Mark Pennell introduced his friend, Harvey.
Student of the Month Our student of the month (SMS) was 8th grader, Becket Knoyer. Based upon Becket’s acheivements in middle school, it’s apparent he doesn’t appear to be willing to allow his medical condition to slow him down. As noted by SMS principal, Kathy Scott, “he is quite active, sociable, and very engaged in most aspects of student life.” It has been said, “if you’re a student at SMS, you would know Becket.” In addition to his proud parents, Karen and Erik, Becket’s teachers were in attendance to recognize his hard work, determination, and perseverance. Announcements Amanda has extended an invitation to any Rotarian to petition for the open membership director position on the Rotary Board. In addition, she encouraged Rotarians to sign up for the upcoming District Conference on April 12th. - Jennifer announced that this Thursday is Trivia night at North Water Brewing at 7:00pm…be there!
- Todd Kamenesh announced updates to the NCAA BB Challenge. For the women’s bracket, A. Khan, S. Hettrick and S. Reid, are one, two, and three respectively; while L. Miller, S. Reid, and a three-way tie for third (Kletzien, K. Myers, and Dix), are also one, two, and three respectively. (It should be noted that S. Reid has been rumored to be a professional gambler, using her administrative job at Davey Tree as cover.)
- Anne announced two upcoming events sponsored by the KACC: Breakfast with University Leadership, featuring provost, Dr. Melanie Tankersley, on April 8th at the KSU hotel and Conference Center, 8-9:30am, and lunch with City Manager, Dave Ruller on April 22nd at Bell Tower Brewing, from 11:30am to 1pm. You may register at www.kentbiz.gov.
- Christie Anderson announced the upcoming Face-to-Face candidates event sponsored by the LWV of Kent , with local political condidates this Saturday, April 5th, at UMC’s Pearson Hall. The event starts at 9am and goes until 11:30am.
- Dominique announced that the City of Kent is looking for volunteers for the city’s Charter Review Committee, an action that is mandated every decade. Please reach out to her for more details.
In addition, she also announced that there is a food drive in April (aka Hunger Month). It is a competition between the communities of Kent and Ravenna. Any food or cash donations may be made to Dominique Bolenbacher. Happy Bucks - Justin Gates for SMS student, Becket Knoyer.
- Tom Larkin donated a HB for Becket, his parents, and his teaching team.
- Doug Fuller contributed a HB in honor of his recent Road Scholar trip in the S.E. United States on a civil rights tour.
- Tom Myers’ HB was to cheer on his alma mater, Duke, as they seek the men’s BB title.
- Kathy Myers celebrated Becket, as well as her recent family vacation.
- Todd Kamenesh for Jeff Roeger, who recently underwent a medical procedure.
- Jeff Roeger celebrated his friends at Rotary.
- Becket’s parents expressed deep admiration for the Kent City Schools, and the broader community for its support of their son.
- Saturday, April 12th is the District Speech contest held at Springfield HS. THRS’s club winner will be competing. The Rotary District is looking for volunteers to help. Please see Will Underwood as soon as possible if you have any interest
Program MaryBeth Harper How to Make Small Talk… Today’s program was about something a number of us may struggle with…having conversations with others that lead to meaningful conversations. Light conversations (small talk), is the lead-in to these meaningful conversations…but how does one get there…? Our speaker, and fellow member and past president, Mary Beth Harper, has some experience in this matter and has agreed to share a few helpful tips on how to improve one’s interpersonal skills: - Talk about things that may be happening at the moment (e.g., weather, sports, etc). Questions of an open-ended nature could be a good place to start.
- Prepare ideas that involve questions that make a connection with the party you’re with. Once again, open-ended questions would be helpful.
- “Keep the ball in the air” – don’t use or allow one word answers to stifel the conversation.
The balance of our time was a group exercise at each table to practice these tips. Given the robust conversations observed in the room, I would argue that Mary Beth was onto something. Dave Sommers , responded to today’s speaker. Respectfully submitted, Brian K Bialik
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