Meeting: Date Sept. 14, 2021
Reporter: Don Saracen
Pledge
Jim Gilcreast led us in the pledge
Inspiration
Don Saracen shared: “Rotarians are very much more favorably disposed toward action than they are toward words.” Quote from Paul Harris. So it is with our club. We are the 22nd oldest club in the world celebrating 110 years of Service Above Self. We have a long and storied tradition. As far back as 1917 our club organized the Educational Council of Civic Clubs, For many years we sponsored Summer Camp’s for inner city kids, we have made a difference in kid’s lives with experiences such as live plays at the Barker Playhouse and concerts at the VET to fishing derby’s, the dictionary project to reading in classrooms and now our literacy intuitive. Let’s continue our clubs tradition as we carry on our important works going forward.
Guests
Cherie Saracen and Miosotis Alsina - Miosotis is the Manager of Asthma Programs at Hasbro Children Hospital and she’s involved with the Manton Avenue Project.
Announcements
President Holly confirmed that Governor McKee will attend our gala.
Art Norwalk recently printed brochures which were distributed to members on their tables.
Don’s update on our new Sponsors. Providence Picture Frame and Northeast Investment Group are both Conference level sponsors. Don & Cherie Saracen, Art & Mary Norwalk, Anthony Hollingshead and Family Services RI are Game level sponsors.
Jim Gilcreast reported on raffle and auction items. He asks members for a few more items. Pete Brock is donating 4 tickets to the Game with the Greats and a field experience. He is also reaching out to Pat’s legends, and Peter Loescher to recruit local legends.
Rotary After Dark will be held on Thursday 23rd, 5:30-7:30 at TroopTop at the WaterFire Arts Center at 475 Valley Street in Providence. Please join us.
Get Well message was sent to Paul Segal who has a fractured patella and be out for several weeks.
Wendy Marcus announced September Birthdays for Don Saracen, Bob Murphy and Margaret Kane
Happy Bucks
- $5 Margaret Kane Old age is not for sissies and she made other poignant quotes
- $1 Steve Hug’s grandson had a high fever which was a concern but now he’s back to normal.
- $5 Jim Gilcreast, a Cy Wyche Happy Buck, also because we are honoring Arthur Robbins a terrific Rotarian and a better person.
- $5 Cap Willey for his Mother who celebrated her 97th birthday Monday.
- $10 Bryan Cook Announced his retirement from Amica at the end of this year. He’s looking forward to the next phase in his life. We wish him well!
- $10 Pete Brock Happy to have a new QB but unfortunately the late game fumble led to a loss. On a sad note learning of his good friend & teammate Sam “Bam” Cunningham’s passing.
- $1 Wendy Marcus for Barbara Harris and her husband, Seth Kurn, who had a recent hand surgery.
- $1 Miosotis Alsina for our clubs grants making a difference for small non-profits.
Tuesday Speaker
President Elect Steve Hug introduced our speaker. Joshua Xavier is an associate with Partridge Snow & Hahn Law firm.
He defends employers in courts and administrative agencies in actions concerning wage and hour disputes, discrimination claims, non-compete enforcement and other claims. Education: Roger Williams University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, New York University, B.S. Member of the Rhode Island and National Bar Associations.
Joshua started by saying literacy is close to his heart, remembering how his mother took him to the library for story time.
On his main topic, he discussed the differences between the federal and RI State Covid mandates, which can add confusion to business leaders. There is only one case in the country that a judge has ruled on regarding the federal mandate and it was in favor of the mandate.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) came up with the current guidelines.
He mentioned that in RI, 77% over the age of 18 are vaccinated. The only national exemptions are religious or medical. RI has tighter restrictions.
He noted that as of now, employers can ask for proof of vaccines and are testing.
Rotary District 7950
President Holly and Bill Applegate attended the District Celebration for District Governor Billy Roberts on Saturday September 18th in North Falmouth, MA. At the event, she accepted a 2020-2021
Rotary Opens Opportunities Citation for the club. The club also showcased the Childhood Literacy Initiative, the Legends for Literacy Gala, the Good Works Committee, the Rotary After Dark program and our membership drive opportunities.
