Rotareminder
The Rotary Club of Kent
May 12, 2026
President Amanda Senn called the meeting to order at 12:15. We sang the National Anthem and Mary Beth Harper offered the invocation. David Dix at the piano led us in singing “Hey Good Lookin’.”
There were no visiting Rotarians at today’s meeting. Our Rotary Scholar from Japan, Naoko Chiba, was a guest.
Announcements
Nithya Venkataraman said that the Flag Program will roll out on July 4th this year in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country.
David McKeen asked for volunteers for the Gazebo cleanup starting at 9:30 on May 23rd.
Will Underwood noted that he’s planning a program on August 4 for newer members of the club to introduce themselves.
Doug Fuller encouraged everyone to come to tonight’s Tap Talk about the history and future of the Haymaker’s Farmer’s Market.
Bill Childers promoted the Community Bus Tour from 9 to 1 on May 29.
Kent Rotary Leadership for the Upcoming Year
President Amanda thanked the nominating committee -- Christy Anderson, David Sommers, and Bill Childers – for their work in planning for the upcoming year. She also announced that, for personal reasons, Stacey Richardson will not be able to fulfill her role as president next year. Standing in for her will be four past presidents, each taking a quarter of the year. They are: Larry Lohman, Bill Childers, Kathy Myers, and Brian Bialik. Amanda will remain as the president of record for another year.
The following members were elected by a unanimous voice vote:
President Elect: Jennifer Lennox
Program Chair: Will Underwood
Treasurer: Matt Carter
Secretary: David McKeen
Membership Chair: Nithya Venkataraman
Administration: Melissa Stewart
Outreach: Rebekah Wright Kulis
Today’s Program: Jessica Sabin, National Service Director for Axess Family Services
Denise Baba introduced our speaker who over sees three Americorps programs specifically designed for senior volunteers. Ms. Sabin is a lifetime Kent resident and a 2002 graduate of Kent State.
She currently oversees the Foster Grandparent program, the Senior Companion program, and RSVP which recruits, retains, and recognizes volunteers for other non-profit organizations in the community. These are state-wide programs.
Foster Grandparents work in schools, childcare centers, and youth development programs providing tutoring, nurturing, and guidance to vulnerable children Their goal is to improve educational outcomes.
Senior Companions provide assistance and companionship to older adults who need help with daily living. Americorps Seniors Volunteers help people remain independent longer, provide respite to family caregivers, and improve the health and longevity of older clients.
RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) participants serve at food pantries, senior centers, clothing centers, museums, animal shelters, and more. Their goal is to make a difference in their community.
Ms. Sabin gave a special thanks to Clyde Louise Adams who recently retired, at age 96 as a Foster Grandparent at Headstart and Ravenna Schools and to the Samaritins of Columbiana County who partnered with Americorps to provide new shoes for seniors in their community.
Response
Bill Childers provided the response thanking Ms. Sabin for the excellent work her organization provides to communities across Ohio.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Hatch
