Rotareminder for August 4, 2020 emeeting

President Randy Smith called the meeting to order.

David Dix played the opening patriotic song God Bless America followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Doug Fuller. Paul Organ provided the opening prayer.

 

There were no guests at the meeting and President Randy asked if there were any announcements for the club.

 

               -Kathy Myers reminded Rotarians to watch for invitation to participate in Coleman’s virtual fundraiser “Stay at Home” September 17 through September 24. She noted the success of the Kent Rotary’s successful Christmas in July virtual fundraiser and hoped many of us will participate in Coleman’s effort.

 

               -President Randy reminded the club that the ad hoc Ways & Means committee that operated under Immediate Past President Roger’s year has been recommended by the Rotary Board to become a standing committee. We will be given the opportunity to review and vote on the bylaw change in the future. Dave Sommers, current committee chair, has agreed to continue as the Director upon approval of the club.

 

               -Roberta O’Keefe announced she is looking for someone for August 11 to provide our opening prayer. She also indicated she is filling the meeting slots for September and is asking for volunteers. You can email her at  r.okeefe4370@gmail.com

 

 

Following the announcements, Jim Myers provided our Moment in History. The period of time he highlighted was June through August 1924. He noted that on June 17 of that year Roy Smith introduced a new name for the Kent Rotary newsletter, The Rotareminder! Of course, this name continues through this present day. In July, a tornado devastated parts of Ohio and Kent Rotarians were recognized for their efforts in providing relief. And lastly, on August 5^th of that year, the original bell was presented to the club and the “gong” opening the meeting has been heard ever since. It was suggested that we should “think of service” every time we hear it!

 

 

Program Director David Myers introduced Dana Lawless-Andric, Kent State University Associate Vice President for Community Outreach and Engagement. Her presentation sought to provide an update on the university’s opening, plans for safe return during the pandemic, and answer any questions club members may have.

Dana opened with a review of the various leadership changes under second year President and Honorary Kent Rotarian, Todd Diacon, including Dr Hilton Black, Vice President of Student Affairs, and the appointment of Dr. Melody Tankersley to the role of interim senior vice president and provost. She also highlighted Rotarian Todd Kamenash, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Conduct, and his role in the pandemic efforts with the student population.

 

The school created a University Pandemic Committee as the emerging COVID-19 crisis began unfolding in March and took quick action in bringing back over 200 students who were studying abroad in Italy, one of the hardest hit regions of Europe at the time. She stated that their central mission became “how do we keep everyone healthy as we go through this (pandemic)?” Out of that grew a phased process of actions. Her comments included the following

The university currently in Phase 3 as opening of school is eminent. Some decisions have included many staff and faculty working from home if possible. Also, efforts to inform both staff and students about mandates, including masks and distancing to keep everyone healthy.

A canvassing plan has developed for off-campus student housing. This effort is led by Todd Kamedash, in cooperation with city officials to go door to door and informing students of the expectations of behaviors, both on and off campus with emphasis on compliance to the COVID-19 mandates.

The committee, working in conjunction with Kent City Health Officials, have created the Flashes Safe Seven information campaign:

 

There will be an amended calendar. This includes:

August 19-23               Staggered Residence Hall Move-In

August 24-26               Welcome Back Week Activities

August 27                    First Day of Classes

November 23-27         Campus Closes/Remote Classes through end of Semester

Lastly, she emphasized building a sense of community through Flashes Take Care of Flashes and extending this throughout the Kent community, noting the close working relationship with the city. She provided the website for more information: www.kent.edu/coronavirus

Lee Higgens asked if the state has provided any guidance to the university and Dana indicated that almost all decisions have been pushed to the institutional level, with university organizations sharing ideas. Ultimately, each school creates their own plan.

Tom Myers asked about enrollment and, surprisingly, Dana indicated that they are only down 3% from last year. Apartment complexes have indicated they are near or at full capacity for the upcoming year.

Nelson Burns asked about what efforts are being planned for those students not complying with masks, social distancing, etc. And both Dana and Todd emphasized promotion of compliance, the importance of modeling behavior, but acknowledging difficulties in enforcement. The hope is the canvassing efforts that include students and city safety forces, in the highest risk off-campus party places will impact behavior. There will be emphasis on appropriate behavior, both on and off campus.

Todd Kamenash was also the responder to the program, and he emphasized that Dana was an example of “good things happening to good people,” reflecting her new role at the university. He highlighted her team emphasis and thanked her for her presentation to our club.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Roger Sidoti