This coming Tuesday, our first program for June will be something special and with a little twist. Oliver Everett, Librarian Emeritus of the Royal Library, Windsor Castle; Former secretary to both the Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales; and Keeper of the  Royal will be our presenter “live” from England via Zoom! Clear your schedule and plan to join us!! Please invite a guest if they are fans of the English Royals and email me so I know they are signing in! To maximize the time available for the presentation, we will forgo announcements and move to the program as quickly as possible. If you have announcements, also send them to me, and I will get them out to our membership via email!

 

In looking back, we had another timely program for members last Tuesday, when Darla Scott from Coleman spoke of the impact COVID-19 has had on children the past 3 months. Her insightful comments and suggestions for parents were well received. Justin Gates, Director of Student Services for Kent City Schools provided the response, reinforcing the thoroughness of her presentation and the support she and Coleman can provide families. Read all about it in the Rotareminder!

 

Roberta O’Keefe has asked for volunteers for the prayer/invocation at our meetings. If you are willing to help, please contact her directly to schedule a date.

On September 3, 2019 we proposed, and subsequently passed, some revisions to our Kent Rotary By-Laws. If you recall, we also formed an ad-hoc committee to study creating a sub-committee for club fundraising and the possibility of an additional board director position. The goal was to review how we do fund raising in our club and consider some organization to our fundraising process. David Sommers graciously volunteered to chair the committee and what follows is the committee’s report. I want to thank Dave and the committee members Chas Madonio, Roger Kramer, and Randy Smith for their commitment to the process. Click here to review the Ways & Means Structure and Responsibilities.

While I intend to speak to the question of holding in-person meetings and projects in the upcoming newsletter, I believe it important to touch on the subject separately. As most of you know by now, the Board of Rotary International has extended guidance to all districts. The guidance strongly recommends that no in-person meetings or events occur through December 31, 2020. The 2020-2021 District governors are specifically advised to conduct their club visits in a virtual format and no Rotarian is required to attend any meeting or event. At the R.I. level, all Board and Committee meetings will be virtual. While the orders issued by Governor DeWine and Dr. Acton are evolutionary in nature, they still would prohibit or likely prohibit regular club meetings, Board meeting, etc. Part of the R.I. guidance is an instruction that all federal, state, and local health related orders be followed.

 

It has more recently come to my attention that there is another risk inherent in holding a meeting or event at this time, particularly one that might violate state and/or local health department orders and instructions. COVID related litigation is possible against a Rotary club or District that holds a meeting, particularly if that meeting violates an order. The existing Rotary International insurance package may not provide coverage for such a suit, and if it does not, it may also not provide for a defense. And while no one can be certain at this point, it is likely that the liability insurance package from R.I. for the 2020-2021 Rotary year will likely not provide coverage or a defense.

 

Thus, at least through December 31, 2020, no in-person Rotary meetings should take place absent extraordinary circumstances and those circumstances should include legal, medical, and insurance advice as to why such a meeting is truly necessary and will be in compliance with relevant orders and regulations. The District is following both Rotary International guidelines and instructions and thus will be meeting virtually through December 31, 2020, absent further instructions. Your concern for your fellow Rotarians, family and friends is appreciated.

 

Rotary Club of Kent meeting minutes

Information in this eBulletin comes primarily from the Rotareminder, board meeting minutes, and stories submitted by members. 

 

Since we cannot hold regular meetings, we hope to publish a weekly "Meet the Member" feature. We encourage you to submit a personal bio. Here is a sample template.

If you have any Rotary stories, events or speaker information to benefit the Club, please submit it to info.rotarykentohio.org@gmail.com. We will add it to the next appropriate eBulletin.

You previously received a Rotary member survey via Survey Monkey. With the help of member Shawn Gordon, UH’s Ashley Hendrix has put together the survey based on a Rotary International template. This will be the first step in developing a strategic plan to launch the club into its next millennium. Needless to say, every members’ input is vitally important. Please complete at your earliest convenience. Click here to access it. Thank you!