Rotaryminder -- Mary Beth Harper
June 30, 2026
PLEASE NOTE: NO MEETING NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 7, DUE TO JULY 4 HOLIDAY.
TODAY’S SONG:
“Oh, Canada” in honor of Canada’s Independence Day on July 1, Canada’s recent FIFA win and our very own Canadian—Laing Kennedy!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Bill Childers and his group of volunteers will be distributing food on Wednesday, July 1.
Tom Hatch asked for volunteers to help write the weekly Rotaryminder. Please contact him.
Larry Lohman attended the District Awards and presented the A.Z. Baker Award to President Amanda Senn and the club.
Dennis Campbell announced the annual Heritage Festival downtown on Friday, July 3, including new events for kids and families—and fireworks
NEW MEMBER
Jeff Forstner was introduced by Dennis Campbell. Jeff owns the Forstner Insurance Agency at 711 S. Water Street in Kent—a Farmer’s Insurance Agency. He and his wife Megan have two sons. Dennis says Jeff is a dedicated community volunteer involved in a a number of causes.
PROGRAM
President Amanda Senn organized the final program of her “first” term and shared her thoughts. She said our club stays strong because of our members. Amanda credited the Board for their thoughtful responses, efficiency and how well they work together.
Highlights of the year include a very successful auction organized by Dominique Bollenbacher and Nithya Venkataraman. The auction raised $42,930, including $3,150 for the new, renewable Rotary scholarship for a Roosevelt senior.
Amanda thanked Rebekah Wright Kulis for organizing the holiday party and the Tech Team of Bill, Roger and Mark for helping each week with the PowerPoints. She presented Roberta O’Keefe with flowers to thank her for organizing the prayers each week for many, many years. She also thanked the Methodist Church and the cooks and lunch volunteers.
Amanda explained that she will continue to serve as co-president next year as president-elect Stacey Richardson is dealing with health issues. However, the podium/meeting duties will be handled by former presidents Larry Lohman, Rebekah Wright Kulis, Kathy Myers and Brian Bialik. They will each serve a three-month term and continue until or if Stacey feels she can resume her office.
Nithya reported on the progress of the flag program. A “soft” rollout is underway for July 4, but a few details need to be worked out. She thanked members for their enthusiastic support of the project. If you want to be a part of the program or have any questions, please contact Nithya.
Larry reported that members of the Companion Club will assist in the rollout of the flag program. Currently, six to eight people are interested in the Companion Club, and four have completed applications. He expects to introduce these new members at a regular Rotary meeting sometime in September.
Nancy Whitehead summarized the work of the Kent Rotary Foundation this year, which included awarding $48,000 to Kent and Portage County groups. The Foundation remains very solvent with a total of $607,000 in assets. A special fund has been created in the name of Rotarian Larry Wright, and the Wright family will give input on projects they want to support.
Bill Childers inducted the new Board members. He said Amanda is the first president of the Rotary Club of Kent to serve two terms in our 126-year history—except for William Walls. See the list of Board members on the right.
ROTARYMINDER AUTHOR: Mary Beth Harper
