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Announcements Carol Crimi announced that Lord’s Pantry volunteers were still needed for Saturday, February 20. This is one of our club’s service projects and people are needed in the kitchen and to staff the drive-thru pick up of meals. In addition, more food is needed for the lunch. Anyone interested in donating should contact Carol asap. Shawn Gordon reminded everyone that they were still looking for readers for our Literacy Project in the schools. Due to the pandemic, we will not be reading in person, but rather providing video recordings of members reading. If you are interested, please contact Shawn! 100th Anniversary Moment Jim Myers, as usual, had a unique historical story about our Club, noting that our Rotary Club was the organizing body that launched our city’s park system! Read about it in our E-Bulletin. Program Todd Kamenash introduced Nate Watson Nathan “Nate” Watson, the newly elected President of the Kent Jaycees. Nate has been employed with the Great Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America since 2013. He is currently the Director of Camping and Programs, managing the operations and programs at the three Scout Camps in the area. Nate has been a member of the Kent Jaycees since 2017, serving as Vice-President of Membership and a highly active member. has helped with almost every event they have put on. A former Kent Rotarian, Nate is now a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Rotary. Nate noted that the pandemic, and subsequent cancellation of public events, has hindered the activities of the Jaycees the past year. He proudly noted, however, that there are new members of the club in the “pipeline” and he expects a few more young professionals to join in the coming months. Utilizing his upbeat and positive speaking style we are familiar with from the past, Nate updated current plans for Jaycees activities as the pandemic restrictions are lifted, noting that almost all are “to be determined”, but remains optimistic they will happen in some form this calendar year. These include: - The Reverse Raffle, normally held in February, being scheduled later in the year.
- Grill for Good volunteers in June if held.
- Ducks Over The Falls at the Kent Heritage Fest if held, or an alternative with real ducks!
- The Dog Daze of Summer, where the Jaycees volunteer for the Madonio Family Animal Tust in August
- Kent Craft Beer Fest, sponsored by the Jaycees.
- The Brunch Bunch, providing volunteer support for this annual event.
- The Polar Express, organized and sponsored by the Jaycees.
In addition, the Jaycees will continue to sponsor First Aid, CPR, and AED Training, as well as the Feed The Firefighters program on Thanksgiving morning. Nate emphasized, while ambitious, he hopes to expand opportunities for Jaycee involvement in the community and pointed out that their annual presentation to the Kent Chamber of Commerce provides leadership training, and experience, for Jaycee board members. Nate ended the presentation thanking the club for the opportunity to speak. Responder Lee Higgens was the responder and noted the endurance of the Jaycees. He thanked Nate for his presentation and triggering memories of his days in the Jaycees. In his remarks, the Jaycees oath was referenced and, speaking to the legacy of the Jaycees, member Jim Myers was able to recite it with Lee, providing a fitting close to the program!
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