Rotareminder - October 17, 2023

 

President Asad Khan welcomed Rotarians and guests. 

 

David Dix led us in singing The Star-Bangled Banner followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The second song was the KSU Fight Song. 

 

The invocation was offered by Laing Kennedy. 

 

VISITING ROTARIANS

Kaleena Gharky was visiting from the Aurora, OH Club. 

Past District Governor Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski attended via Zoom. 

 

GUESTS

Kathy Myers welcomed back the club’s exchange student for the 2023-2024 school year, Maria.

David Dix introduced past Rotarian Hal Hall. 

                

ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Asad reminded everyone about the Pints to End Polio event this Thursday, October 19 at MadCap Brewing at 5:30 pm. He also asked for donations of candy to be used for Main Street Kent’s Family Friendly Trick or Treat event on October 27. There will also be a multi-district hike on October 28. 

 

Bill Childers thanked David Dix for his presentation about the history of the Bowman Breakfast at that event this morning. This was the 60th anniversary of the Bowman Breakfast and David gave a shout out to many Rotarians past and present during his talk. 

 

Tom Hatch shared that there will be Fulbright Scholars in attendance at next week’s lunch meeting. 21 English and math teachers from 20 different countries will spend about 6 weeks in Kent. Tom also reminded everyone about this evening’s Tap Talk featuring Todd Peetz at North Water Brewing at 7 pm. The subject will be about historic places in Kent and a historic story map project. 

 

Larry Lohman announced that the district’s Foundation Gala will be on November 11 from 6-9 pm. Ticket/reservation information can be found on the district’s website. He also shared that the district’s Interaction event for high school students will be held at Shaker Heights High School on November 18. 

 

Rachel Kern will begin collecting for the club’s annual Toy Drive on November 1. Toys collected will be distributed between Salvation Army, Kent Social Services, and Coleman Health. 

 

Nithya Venkataraman reminded everyone about World Polio Day which is recognized annually on October 24. World Polio Day highlights global efforts to eliminate polio and the importance of vaccination in protecting children from the disease. Dunkin’ Donuts is selling purple donuts, so go order some now, or you can make a donation. 

 

Nancy Whitehead thanked Roger Kramer for making updates to the club’s website which added more information and better access to the club’s Foundation. She also thanked Howard Boyle, Jim Myers, Larry Lohman, Kelly Tremaine, Denise Baba and Asad Khan for driving and riding in KSU’s Homecoming parade on October 21st to represent our club. 

 

Maddie Barron, RHS student of the month, shared information about an upcoming Class of 2024 fundraiser. A 5K or 1 mile fun run race is planned for this weekend to help raise funds for the senior class trip to Chicago. Kathy Myers passed a basket for donations to their trip. 

 

VERY HAPPY BUCKS 

Todd Kamenash passed the basket for happy bucks. Mark Pennell was happy about his recent trip to Wales. Tom Larkin was happy to see the student of the month. Tom Tadsen returned from St. Kitts where he was very happy. Brian Bialek recognized David Dix for his appearance at the Bowman Breakfast and shared that his daughter got engaged on October 13. Anne Moneypenny also mentioned David Dix and today’s Bowman Breakfast  and said she’s been in Kent since 1970. Rachel Kerns wished Anne Moneypenny a happy birthday. Chas Madonio celebrated the wedding of his grandson. Nelson Burns was happy to see Randy Smith had the same good taste in shirts. President Asad Khan was a proud soccer dad noting that Simon got 2nd team honors in the Suburban League. Lee Higgins was happy to travel for his 60th high school reunion and recently saw a fraternity brother after 52 years. Todd Kamenash wished Bill Childers a happy birthday. 

 

STUDENT OF THE MONTH 

Madeline (Maddie) Baron, a senior at Theodore Roosevelt High School, is the student of the month for October. Maddie was joined by her proud mom, Julie Baron. Maddie is the President of the Class of 2024. Principal Dennis Love shared Maddie’s many accomplishments including maintaining a 4.0 GPA, soccer, cross country, band, and many others. Maddie will be going to college to study biochemistry. 

 

PROGRAM 

Larry Lohman introduced his friend and speaker, Ken Foggle of the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club and Gift of Life Northeast Ohio. Larry met Ken while working at the House of Friendship at the District Conference about eight or nine years ago. 

 

Ken shared a short video about the Gift of Life, which helps children worldwide who suffer from congenital heart defects. Their organization helps to not only provide necessary health care to those suffering with this condition, but it also trains professionals in other countries with life saving skills. The video featured a hospital in Haiti that Gift of Life partnered with to provide aid. 

 

The Gift of Life started in 1975 by bringing children from developing countries to the US for life saving heart surgeries. Since then, their mission has evolved to train people in other countries to provide first-world medical expertise to third world kids in their own countries. 

 

Gift of Life Northeast Ohio was founded in 2002. They began by bringing children from over 20 different countries to Cleveland and Akron for heart surgeries at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital  and Akron Children’s Hospital. Gift of Life NEO wanted to save more children so they began establishing World Children’s Heart Surgery Centers around in developing nations. These centers help set up, equip, teach and train for professionals to save thousands of lives and give children a second chance. 

 

Gift of Life is a Rotary supported program and they rely on donations. If you’d like to donate to this cause visit www.golneo.org. 

 

Dr. Randy Smith was the responder to today’s program.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Stacey Richardson