Rotaryminder for the Rotary Club of Kent
July 28, 2026
President Larry Lohman, called the meeting to order at 12:15
Our patriotic song was God Bless America led by David Dix on piano.
It was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation by Nelson Burns
Dominique Bollenbacher led us in singing There’s No Business Like Show Business
VISITORS
There were 1 visiting Rotarians.
Lynn Moomaw– Sandee Reid’s Sorority sister and past president of Rotary Club Wooster
Guests
Tim Napsinger
Cathy Bates
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Nelson is looking for folks to sign up for invocation! It does not have to be a prayer, something inspiring etc.
- Companion club has 3 events- Aug 1st 8:30-11 they are going to the Akron Canton Foodbank. You do need to fill out a waiver. Aug 6th at 6 pm they are putting together the flags. They are meeting at 302 N. Water St. August 8th- they will be doing the Lords Lunch at Trinity Lutheran 10:45-12:45
- Sat Aug 15 10:15 for Lord’s Lunch- Contact Rebekah Kulis
- Ravenna Cruise In is next Wed- they are looking for volunteers
- Main Street Kent and the City of Kent present the Longest Table August 30th If you are interested in having a table, contact Dominique !
- August 19th is End Polio baseball night
- Salvation Army needs more people to volunteer
- Leadership 66 Class is still accepting people- a great way to learn more about Rotary. Talk to past district governor for that.
- 250th anniversary of America – there is a competition between other districts to plant the most trees.
- 250,000 acts of kindness- Kindland- United States of Kindness- do something good and kind
BIRTHDAYS
July 9th- Sandra Reid
July 11th- David Dix
July 11th- Lee Higgins
July 17th- Steve Smith
July 20th- Roger Kramer
July 20th- Steve Dennis
July 22nd- Sabrina Christian- Bennet
July 26th- Ben Wolford
July 29th- Ted McKown
July 29th- Maggie Mckendry
TODAY’S SPEAKER/PROGRAM
Will Underwood introduces John Martin, community outreach coordinator of Seeds of Literacy.
They have been around for 30 years. People who do not know how to read is a main concern for them. They help people get GED ready. It is a free program, and they are able to get a reduced rate for the students who go through the program. They do weekly classes and there is online opportunities as well. It is one on one tutoring. They offer flexible schedules to get different types of people the opportunity to receive the training.
They are in Cleveland as well as online. In the Cleveland area, 50-66% of the adult population are functionally illiterate. 680,000 adults 25 and older in Ohio don’t have a diploma or high school equivalency.
They do individualize learning plan. This last year they had 376 tutors, over 2,000 registrants and 140 graduates. The organization is a 501c3 and can receive donations. The biggest support is educating people that they exist.
The website is seedsofliteracy.org
RESPONDER
Janice Simmons Mortimer
Respectfully submitted,
Dominique Bollenbacher
