Meeting opening:
President Kathy Myers called the meeting to order. David Dix led us in singing our patriotic song, America the Beautiful. President Kathy led the Pledge of Allegiance and Shawn Gordon offered the invocation. We used our songbooks to sing, “Let There be Peace on Earth”, accompanied by David Dix.
Guests:
Sandra Reid introduced a colleague from Davey Tree, Jennifer Lennox. Bill Childers introduced his guest Emily Murnane, an intern at United Way. President Kathy asked new members Bill Myers and Steve Smith to stand and be recognized.
Announcements:
- The District banner exchange ceremony will be held on July 14th. Go to the district website to register at rotarydistrict6630.org. Our club will receive a banner since we are District Governor Larry Lohman’s home club.
- The Kent Rotary Board will meet on July 15th at 7 pm via zoom.
- On August 24th we will not be able to meet in the church. Meeting arrangements will be announced later.
- Rachel Kerns announced that we will try food trucks for meeting lunches. Food selections will need to be made in advance. Look for an email notice prior to next week’s meeting.
- Randy Smith announced a celebration of life service for Dick King will be held on July 19th from 5 to 7 pm at the Southeast Church of the Nazarene in Tallmadge.
- Randy also noted that the 100th Anniversary event on October 23rd will accept sponsors. A letter will be sent offering details.
- Carol Crimi announced that the Foundation Board will meet on the second Tuesday in August to consider requests for funding. July 31st is the deadline for applications.
- Incoming District Governor Larry Lohman encouraged attendance at the ceremony on Wednesday, July 14th either in person or virtually. He also encouraged going to the End Polio Night at the Indians game on July 22nd. Over 250 individuals are already signed up. Larry is selling raffle tickets for the event.
- President Kathy wants a club photo and is looking for recommendations for photographers.
100th Anniversary History Moment:
Jim Myers talked about events that occurred 76 years ago in our Club. See the report.
Program: City Update on the Road to Recovery
Dave Myers introduced our speaker, Dave Ruller, City Manager of Kent.
City Manager, Dave Ruller, noted that it is good to be able to meet in person again. The city is still livestreaming meetings, but has begun in-person meetings as well. He offered kudos to front-line staff in the city, including police, fire, and health departments. He also noted that we are not out of the woods yet and urged precaution due to covid variants. Dave also urged us to be extra kind to others. Crime is up in the city. Disputes and domestic violence incidents are on the rise. Drug use is not abating either.
After the somber notes, Dave talked about positive changes in the city. Lager and Vine will be moving into the former Treno location. Downtown businesses are busy again and looking to hire additional staff. The closing of Franklin Avenue for pedestrian use has been well-received. Wizardly World is coming back this year. Heritage Fest was modified from before but did well this year. An outdoor ice rink is being planned for downtown in the area between the hotel and Parta. It should be open around Thanksgiving and run until February. Parta is going to run a trolley service between campus and downtown. Look for that in the summer of 2022.
Dave briefed us on a traffic circle project for East Main Street and developments in the Historic South End. The Burbick properties are still for sale. The city hall building project is out for bid. Dave had a few more items on his update list but ran out of time. President Kathy said we would have him back again.
Response:
Dave Sommers thanked Dave for providing a very engaging talk about a wide range of updates on the city of Kent.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Hetrick
