Rotareminder for the Rotary Club of Kent
Hybrid Meeting on August 1, 2023
President Asad Khan welcomed the group by calling the meeting to order at ~12:15pm. Our patriotic song of the day was God Bless America accompanied by David Dix on piano, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. On this day the club sang, under the leadership of President Asad, Cabaret.
The Invocation for today’s was offered by Roger Sidoti with Mark Pennell and Roger Kramer working tech; Rachel Kerns with photos; and Brian K Bialik handling Rotareminder duties
There was one visiting Rotarian introduced by Kathy Myers – Steve Bosart from the Akron Club, with special guest, Carlo Petrak introduced by Bill Childers.
Announcements
- President Asad announced the passing of Hal Hall’s spouse recently.
- President Asad also announced the upcoming visit of our International-exchange student in the coming weeks.
- Bil Childers announced that the Ravenna car show called Octane Nights will be open this Thursday. The event starts at 2:00pm with shuttle-parking available at the hospital and Ravenna high School.
- PDG Larry Lohman announced “End Polio Night” on August 27th at Progressive Field.
- Tom Hatch announced that the Reed Center is hosting International-graduate students with ~40 of them scheduled to attend next week’s luncheon meeting.
- Kathy Myers announced a series of programs on Alzheimer’s Disease sponsored by Coleman Adult Day Care, and conducted at 6696 N. Chestnut Street, Ravenna.
Happy Buck Celebrants
- Mark Pennel – visited his former home after many years,
- Will Underwood – his spouse returned after a lengthy visit with friends and relatives overseas.
- PDG Larry – anticipating a Billy Joel concert.
- Steve (visiting rotarian) – congratulations to new DG, Julie Brandle.
- Lee - had an “unhappy buck” hearing that Billy Joel would not be joining our “Grill-for-Good” event.
- Tom Tadsen – celebrating his 77th birthday and 53 years of marriage.
- Bill – congratulations to new DG.
- President Asad- announced that his three children will be starting Fall sports.
Program
Julie Brandle
District Governor for Rotary District 6630
A message from the District Governor.
New District Governor (GS), Julie Brandle offered remarks to our club today in what is an annual address given by all new DG’s. Her message had a very practical tone, speaking to projects or areas of interest that all clubs could be immersed in:
- How clubs can develop ways to support mental health projects or organizations in their communities. Historically, the Kent club has demonstrated strong support through community-organized events and/or philanthropic activities.
- Seek ways to support and empower women/girls. This may manifest itself in behavior-changing mechanisms. Women are vital members of the global community - making them feel welcome by providing them a seat at the table, having the intended effect on building self-esteem. In addition, there are opportunities to donate hygiene products to families of disadvantaged girls.
- Work on ways to support environmental initiatives; pollution prevention; and sustainability activities.
Moreover, no DG speech would miss out on the opportunity to remind clubs to increase membership and foundation giving. There is strength in numbers and Rotary’s mission relies on its vast membership to make its vision a reality.
A sampling of activities the Kent club has or continues to remain involved with:
- Safety School financial support.
- Literacy programs that involve reading to local elementary students.
- Senior services day.
- International exchange student sponsorship.
- The Kent Rotary Foundation (KRF) awards grants annually. In the past 12 rolling months, the KRF has awarded ten grants to local organizations.
- Gazebo clean-up project.
PDG Larry Lohman and President Asad responded to today’s speaker, emphasizing the need to support girls and women in the broader community.
August’s Programs:
Aug 8th………….Kathleen Wiler / Rick Bannister – Neighborhood Villages, Kent
Aug 15th……….Tom Larkin, KSC Superintendent – new teacher introduction at STANTON
MIDDLE SCHOOL.
Aug 22nd……….Chas Madonio – a review of his book (LATER in the afternoon at Venice Café)
Aug 29th……….KSU Football Coach, Kenni Burns.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian K Bialik