Rotareminder for the Rotary Club of Kent
April 15, 2025
President Rachel, called the meeting to order and thanked Kaleena Gharky for helping with the audio booth today. We sang “My Country ‘tis of Thee,” played by David Dix. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Rebekah Wright-Kulis offered the invocation. Our second song was “Eight Days a Week” by the Beatles. Song Leader Dom dedicated it to Rick Bissler.
There were two visiting Rotarians at today’s meeting: Bob Oborn, District Governor Elect, from Stow and Melissa Stewart from Ravenna. Carl Bako and Megan Bright from the Village of Saint Edwards were guests of Sabrina Christian-Bennett.
Announcements
Tom Hatch reminded everyone that Tap Talks at North Water Brewing is tonight at 7 pm.
Steve Dennis encouraged everyone who has not yet donated to Evert Rotarian Every Year (EREY) to bring a check to next week’s meeting.
Bill Childers congratulated Jim Myers on his 94th birthday and 70th wedding anniversary to Sally. He passed around a signup sheet for the Salvation Army food distribution event.
Larry Lohman reminded everyone to sign up for the delegation trip to the El Salvador water project site in June. He also reminded everyone to sign up for the District Conference scheduled for April 25th and 26th.
Dominique Bollenbacher announced that soon we will be able to pay water bills at our new City Hall. She also noted that Erie Street will be closed on April 19 for Earth Day. Vendors will be present that day.
Will Underwood thanked Jeff Roeger and Mark Pennell for serving as judges at the Rotary 4-Way Speech Contest held recently at Springfield High School.
Sabrina Christian-Bennett announced that Wednesday May 14 from 4 to-7 will be Recycle Day at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. Bring hard-to-recycle items.
President Rachel noted that the Board is looking for a club member to head up the Ways and Means committee.
Happy Bucks
Nelson Burns had a great time in Florida with his son and grandson. Jim Myers has enjoyed 70 happy years with his wife, Sally. Howard Boyle wants to know what “supplements” pharmacist Jim Myers has been taking to remain so young at 94 years. Dave Myers congratulated Kent City Schools Hall of Fame inductees Dr. Randy Smith and Sandee Reid, both members of Kent Rotary. Randy Smith noted other inductees and thanks Tom Larkin for his support and enthusiasm. Larry Lohman welcomed District Governor Elect Bob Oborn to the meeting. Bob noted that Kent Rotary is the largest club in District 6630. Carl Bako and Megan Bright from Village of St. Edwards thanked the club for hosting them today. Sabrina Christian-Bennett wished everyone a Happy Easter, Ann Moneypenny had a Happy Buck for golfer Rory Mcllroy for his Masters Tournament win.
Easter Trivia
Pete Kenworthy knew that the Easter Bunny tradition came from Germany. Larry Lohman guessed that the first White House Egg Roll happened in 1878. Sabrina Christian-Bennet identified the Peanut Butter Egg as the most popular Easter candy. Denise Baba knew that lamb is the traditional meat served at Passover. Paul Organ knew that three days passed between the death and rebirth of Jesus. David Dix identified Fred Astaire as one of two who recorded the song Easter Parade. The other was Judy Garland.
Today’s Program: Mary Beth Harper on How to Talk with a Grieving Friend
Mary Beth discussed the difficulty many have when trying to support a friend who is mourning the death of a loved one. At times like this, we can often ignore the situation or say the wrong thing. So she suggested two things that are appropriate:
- Say something. Even if you are unsure of what to say, it’s more helpful to acknowledge the suffering of a friend than to ignore it for fear of further upsetting him or her.
- Share a story. Don’t be afraid to tell a story about an experience you had with the deceased. Stories are a great way to make everyone feel good.
Mary Beth then posed two questions to focus discussion around the tables. First, in a time of grief, what was the worst thing anyone said to you. Second, what was the most comforting thing anyone did or said.
Responses to these questions reinforced Mary Beth’s suggestions that acknowledging the situation and sharing good memories can be comforting. It’s important not to make comments that call attention to yourself, such as, “I feel so bad for you,” or “I know exactly how you feel.” It’s also comforting to show up, be present, and bring some food – pies are great at times like this. Finally, make sure to follow up weeks after the calling hours or funeral. Grief can take a long time to recover from and grieving friends may need continuing support.
Mitch Planey provided the response sharing his own experience and thanking Mary Beth for the program.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Hatch
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