Rotareminder for the Rotary Club of Kent
September 17, 2024
President Rachel, called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m.
Our patriotic song was “America the Beautiful” led by Dominique Bollenbacher accompanied by Sandy Roeger on piano. It was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was by Dennis Campbell. Dominique led us in singing the “Get Together Song.”
Rachel Kerns’s weekly trivia challenge was: What is the nickname for the City of Kent? The answer is Tree City.
VISITORS
There were no visiting Rotarians. Guests were as follows:
Jennifer Lennox— George & Wanda Cochran
Stacey Richardson—Jackie Smiegel from Open Arms
Kathy Myers—Andra Polasky
HAPPY BUCKS
The following Rotarians were happy: Dennis Campbell, Roger Sidoti, Amy Mucha, Tom Larkin, Larry Lohman, Kathy Myers, Rachel Kerns, and Paul Organ. Tom Hatch then added to Rachel’s trivia challenge with five happy bucks for the answer to the question: What was the 1910 nickname for the City of Kent? The answer is: Home of Hump and Hustle.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Tom Hatch announced that the next Kent Historical Society Tap Talk at North Water Brewery will feature our own Rebekah Kulis presenting the history of the Patton House and more than a hundred years of Kent Coterie (tonight, Tuesday, September 17)
- Jennifer Lennox announced that our next Trivia Night will be on Thursday, September 26 from 6:00 to 9:00 at the Lake House. She needs at least eight people to sign up.
- Dennis Campbell announced two Chamber of Commerce events: After-Hours with City Council at The Pub, 401 Franklin Avenue, on Thursday September 19 at 4:30 (free). He also announced the Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast on Tuesday, Sep 24, 8:00–9:30 a.m. at UH Portage Medical Center, 6847 North Chestnut Street, Ravenna ($11 per person)
- Randy Smith addressed the ongoing parking congestion at the Methodist Church. He recommends parking in the pull-through drive at the sanctuary (west side), three spots in front of the garage, and in the handicap spots by the administration entrance—these are reserved for disabled only on Sundays.
- Matt ______ announced the Kent Junior Mothers meeting on Wednesday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Water Street Tavern.
- Kathy Myers announced the Coleman Foundation’s “Changing Destines” 36th annual fundraiser on September 19 from 6:00 to 9:00 at Highfields Event Center.
- Rachel Kerns announced Celebrate Portage’s annual awards dinner on September 26 at The NEW Center at NEOMED.
- 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. See her to sign up.
TODAY’S PROGRAM
Dominique Bollenbacher introduced speaker Ann Walden of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Portage County who introduced Portage County Judge Patricia J. Smith. Judge Smith made introductory remarks concerning the critically helpful role that CASA plays in informing the court of the objective facts regarding children involved in the juvenile court system.
Ann Walden’s then discussed how CASA came to be in 1977 in Seattle. Portage County’s CASA is two-and-one-half years old. CASA now comprises 950 organizations in 49 states with more than 93,000 volunteers and over 240,000 children served annually. CASA volunteers are highly trained community advocates who are appointed by the court to cases of child abuse and neglect. They serve as the eyes and ears of the court.
Children with a CASA have significantly fewer foster care placements than a child without a CASA. They are less likely to re-enter the child welfare system, more likely to achieve permanency and to be adopted; more likely to have better outcomes and to perform better academically and behaviorally in school. Children with a CASA have significantly higher levels of hope, which is linked to academic success, overall wellbeing, increase in self-control, positive social relationships, and optimism.
CASAs gather facts related to the child’s past and current situation, talk to all individuals who have contact with the child or who have information about the child and spend 8-10 hours per month on their case and meet with their child at least once per month. CASAs issue reports to the court and make recommendations in the best interest of the child. CASAs remain objective and neutral and maintain confidentiality.
Ann explained how CASAs differ from social workers and attorneys. CASAs are assigned to only one or two children or sibling groups at a time. They stay involved on the case from the time of appointment until the child achieves permanency. CASAs have more time to commit to each child. They are specially trained to consider issues relevant to the best interest of the child. Social workers have a focus on child safety, and attorneys are required to advocate for the child’s wishes.
CASA volunteers are regular people, from all walks of life. They receive rigorous screening and extensive training: 30 hours of preservice training, 12 hours annually of in-service training as well as ongoing support, guidance and supervision from CASA staff.
Here are addition resources for those interested in CASA:
Anyone interested in applying to be a CASA volunteer should contact Ann Walden, 330-842-1728, awalden@portageco.com.
Dennis Campbell was our responder. He thanked our speakers for their presentation and reiterated the amazingly helpful work performed by the CASA organization.
Respectfully submitted,
Will Underwood
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