Rotaryminder for August 22, 2023
Posted by Mary Beth Harper
NOTES FROM THE VENICE CAFÉ
A special meeting of the Rotary Club of Kent took place at the historic Venice Café in downtown Kent. Selected to mark a special presentation by Rotarian Chas Madonio, the bar’s ambience added to the discussion of Chas’ recent book, Bars Bands and Rock ‘n Roll—The Golden Era in Kent, Ohio. A delicious buffet dinner was provided by Erie Street Kitchen.
GUESTS
Special guest Craig Cooper of Australia was introduced by Sherry Joy. Craig was part of a Rotary Exchange program 15 years ago and spent a week staying with Sherry and Dave Joy. Lee Higgins headed that exchange visit. Craig reconnected with Lee and the Joys via our Rotary website.
Other guests included spouses of members, as well as potential new members.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Due to a rainout, the Guardians game featuring Rotary members is rescheduled for September 26. Larry Lohman announced that the raffle is ongoing, and he has one ticket for $10 or three for $20.
A number of Rotarians shared beers and Happy Bucks!
PROGRAM:
Chas Madonio introduced his talk by relaying some history of the ‘60s—both in our country and in Kent. He discussed how music changed with the advent of the Beatles, and then gave the names of clubs that opened in downtown Kent. “All of the sudden, there were bars everywhere,” he explained.
As he does in his book, Chas relayed stories of the colorful bar owners and local hangouts.
He talked in detail about the Vietnam war protests and the local events of the weekend before the May 4 shootings.
He concluded with anecdotes about famous musicians who got their start in Kent, including Joe Walsh, who wrote the introduction to Chas’ book. He included anecdotes about other infamous characters around Kent, including FU Bob and George Condos.
RESPONDER: Jen Lennox encouraged members to read Chas’s fascinating book, Bars, Bands and Rock ‘n Roll.
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