Rotareminder September 10, 2024
President Rachel Kerns called the meeting to order. David Dix opened the meeting on the piano leading the club in singing of the National Anthem. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Rachel. The invocation was led by Rebekah Kulis. Our opening song, The Sidewalks of New York, was led by Tom Myers
Visiting Rotarians
There were no visiting Rotarians.
Announcements
Doug Fuller announced that the next Kent Historical Table Talk at North Water Brewery will feature our own Rebekah Kulis presenting the history of over a hundred years of Kent Coterie.
Kaleena Gharky announced a luncheon to be held with donations being given in support of Freedom House.
Kathy Myers announced the Coleman Foundation’s “Changing Destines” fundraiser being held on September 19th.
Dennis Campbell announced the after-hours Chamber event being held at The Pub on Thursday September 19 at 4:30. It will feature a panel from Kent City Council. He also announced that nomination form for The Tree City Awards is now available on the KACC website.
Rebekah Kulis announced that a sign-up is passing around for those who would like to ride or walk representing Kent Rotary in the KSU Homecoming Parade on Saturday September 28th. She also announced Kent Coterie’s two upcoming events: The Tea Café this coming Saturday the 14th and the second event in the Bourbon Dinner Series to be held on October 18th.
Program
Doug Fuller introduced Heather Malarcik, Executive Director of Main Street Kent. In his remarks he noted that Heather received her bachelor’s degree in advertising from KSU and worked for MSK, eventually moving up to the Director’s position. Doug also indicated how she has taken the Main Street into a different level, transforming downtown Kent into a vibrant place. She has a passion for the organization and her position, but also finds time to read and engage with nature.
Utilizing a Power Point, Heather gave an overview of the history of Main Street emphasizing the following:
-It was founded in 2007 as a vehicle for revitalization and visual presentation of downtown Kent.
-The original Board Members included a few Rotarians, noting Brian Bialik and Larry Lohman in the picture.
-The organization couldn’t exist without strong fiscal partnerships that include The City of Kent, Kent State University, and the Business Community in Downtown.
- The Rotary Club of Kent has also partnered in a variety of MSK projects and events. These include the new mural at the falls, the Cookie Walk, and the Story Walk. In addition, Rotary Continues to maintain the Gazebo.
Heather then presented the four key areas that support the mission of Main Street Kent:
Marketing & Events
The web site drives the marketing of Main Street. People can find the sponsored events and plan accordingly. She noted the Eclipse Day Programming that was accessed by people as an example of marketing. In addition, there is now a MSK Podcast, Katie’s Corner, where people can learn about the Downtown business owners on a more personal note. Out of these efforts the top three fund-raising events are The Art & Wine Festival in the spring, The Wizardly Weekend in the summer, and The Octoberfest in the fall. She also noted that The Rainbow Weekend in October bring many people into Kent’s downtown. All of these keep their organization fiscally operational.
Downtown Design
This effort of the organization is to improve and maintain the aesthetics of Downtown Kent. There is an annual “Clean Up Kent” activity as well as sponsoring other efforts. These include additions of public art like the Eclipse Project, the addition of the large hanging flower baskets, the Adopt-a-Spot program where over 50 flower beds are maintained, and a Saturday morning walking history of the buildings and architecture of downtown hosted by architect Doug Fuller and others.
Business Collaboration Support
A variety of activities are designed to bring people from all over the area to downtown in support of our businesses. These have included February Foodie Month, The Taco Walk, The Glow-In-The Dark Bar Crawl, the 5K Eclipse Run, The Crafty Crews, Put Around Kent, etc. These serve to encourage ongoing crowds of people being exposed to the many stores, restaurants, and bars in the city. In addition, Main Street offers a Business Owners Workshop to maximize the impact Main Street can bring to their establishments.
Operations
The Main Street board is critical in providing leadership and hands-on efforts in making the organization thrive. They provide the impetus for the many volunteers that give their time freely to make sure all the sponsored activities are well organized. This past year 1800 volunteer hours were logged in for Main Street Kent. Using the national average of the $33.49 per hour value of volunteers, this equated to about $60,000 in support. She closed by thanking the club for our ongoing support.
Heather took some time for comments or questions:
Tom Hatch wanted to acknowledge, and the wonderful job Heather and Lesley have done, noting they were “amazing people,” and thanked them.
Randy Smith asked if there were any more planning for river festivals? Both Heather and Larry Loman indicated that those plans are still on hold for a variety of reasons.
Rachel Kerns asked how they stayed on top of social media so well? Heather indicated that she and Lesly do it all.
Kathy Myers asked that Lesley be introduced. Calling her the other half of their Thelma and Louise team, Heather introduced Lesley Sickle.
Responder
Brian Bialik was today’s responder noting the “institutional history” you provided was so important in understanding how Main Street Kent has grown and woven into the community. He pointed out that Main Street and Heather “shows up” every day, demonstrating commitment in generating our economic growth! He ended by telling Heather that, as only the second executive director in the organization’s history, “you have taken us to the clouds!”
Submitted by Roger Sidoti
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