Rotareminder   October 10, 2023

 

President Asad Khan called the meeting to order noting that Todd Kamenash would be taking pictures and Roger Sidoti will be the Rotareminder scribe. 

David Dix opened the meeting on the piano leading the club in singing God Bless America. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Asad. The invocation was led by David Myers. We then sang two songs as a club, The Bells of Saint Mary’s, and The Irish Lullaby.

 

Visiting Rotarians

Larry Lohman introduced Julie West Past Cleveland Rotary President and on-line.

Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski, Past District Governor.

 

Announcements

Amanda Senn reminded everyone that “Pints to End Polio will be next Thursday, 5:30 PM at Mad Cap Brewery.

Larry Lohman announced that the Rotary District Foundation Gala is scheduled for November 16. This year’s gala will be in Willoughby Hills, and we should look for a link to be sent that will have all the details.

Roberta O’Keefe passed the sign-up sheet around volunteers to do the Prayer/Invocation at our weekly meetings. 

 

October Birthdays

Todd Kamenash filled in for Jeff Roeger   Rotarians with October birthdays sort of answered the question “what did you want to be when you were young and if you could be anything else, what would it be?”

Kathy Myers

Wanted to be a model and psychologist, but she is pleased using her business/marketing skills at Coleman.

Nithya Venkataraman 

Wanted to be a classical dancer but would be a horticulturist and marry rich.

Tom Larkin

Wanted to be a professional athlete but wouldn’t change what he is currently doing.

Laura Martin

Wanted to be a professional soccer player but was “dental destined” and wouldn’t change.

Bill Childers

Wanted to be a “tree sawer” aka lumberjack but wouldn’t change anything.

Anne Moneypenny

Wanted to be a race car driver and would give anything to still be driving! You go Anne!

 

Program

Larry Lohman introduced Julie West, Past President of the Cleveland Rotary Club. She introduced Wisdom Addo. Noting that Wisdom was a Rotary Peace Scholar. He was awarded a three-month fellowship to study and participate in field research related to interfaith peacebuilding, gender and conflict, human rights, democracy and governance, conflict resolutions, mediation, and displaced populations. His emphasis since has been dedicated to helping young people in conflict resolution. Living in Ghana with his wife and five children, he is the Founder and executive director of the West Africa Center for Peace Foundation in Ghana and has introduced “PeaceJam” in various other parts of Africa.

 

Appearing via ZOOM, Wisdom Addo gave us a brief overview of PeaceJam, a conference held every year that attracts middle school, high school, and college age kids. Here are his points of emphasis:

 

-The mission of PeaceJam is to create young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world through the inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates who pass on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody. The Nobel Laureates play a crucial part at the conference in creating excitement.

 

-PeaceJam uses a three-part formula to create positive change: INSPIRATION provided by the 14 Nobel Peace Laureates through their experience and wisdom, to excite and guide young hearts for positive change. EDUCATION through curricular programs designed for age 5-25 that build citizenship and teach 21^st century skills of leadership. ACTION through engaging and challenging students to design and execute service projects aimed at solving real community and global problems as part of PeaceJam’s Billion Acts of Peace Campaign.

 

-Curriculum activities during PeaceJam Conferences include strategies on how to transform anger into positive action, discovering what really matters to you the individual, and how to share your thoughts with others to develop constructive programs and action.

 

-At the conference in individual family groups with an experienced mentor students are urged to use the strategies to 1) pick an issue, 2) make a plan that combines your interest with your skills, and then act by putting your plan in place. 

 

-Wisdom gave an example of a service project to provide support for children with mental challenges living in a remote village of Ghana. 

 

Wisdom concluded his presentation by thanking Rotary for the opportunity to be a Rotary Peace Scholar and supporting of his efforts not only in Africa, but worldwide.

 

Responder

Rebeka Wright Kulis thanked Wisdom Addo for his enlightening program. She noted that our Kent Rotary Club has sponsored Peace Scholars in the past and is pleased that he has thrived through his participation in the program and helping young people in problem solving.

 

President Asad ended the meeting with the 4-Way Test.

 

Submitted by Roger Sidoti