President Kris David opened the meeting by requesting a moment of silence for the innocent civilians and everyone affected by the horrible war ensuing in the Middle East last weekend.
Inspiration
Mike Kelly stated that the events referred to by President Kris brought to mind the following quote - “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strength. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is your strength.”
Announcements
A Memorial Service to honor the life of Reverend Ralph Barlow will be held on Saturday November 4th at Swan Point Cemetery. The family has requested a Rotary Honor Guard, and Past President Ken Conde will bring Rotary sashes to the service.
The Nominating Committee will meet after the meeting today. Please notify Sharon Garland if interested in serving on the Board.
There will be No Meeting on Tuesday October 17, as the Gala will be held on Monday night.
The October Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 19 at 8am. Art Norwalk and Mary Cullen will make a presentation at the meeting regarding this year’s Literacy Project funding.
The October 24th meeting will celebrate World Polio Day and the October 31st meeting will celebrate Halloween with prizes for the best costumes.
Induction
President Kris presided over the induction of a new member - Major Steve Lopes who is the Rhode Island State Coordinator of The Salvation Army. Major Lopes has previously been a member of Rotary Clubs in Toledo, Ohio and Worcester, Massachusetts clubs.
Happy Bucks
- Peter Brock $5 for his retirement as of November 1 from his position as President of The New England Patriots Alumni Club (maybe a good year to retire) and for a great bird hunting trip with his dog Jaeger in Northern Maine.
- Susan Kaplan $5 for the birth of her first granddaughter Ella Jean on October 6th.
- Kris David for all the great work done by volunteers preparing for the Gala.
Gala Preparation
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to reviewing details regarding The Gala on October 16th. The review was coordinated by Liz Messier and Jonathan Kaufman.
Pete Brock reported on the names of celebrities who would attend. They are: David Andrews, Joe Andruzzi, Tully Banta-Cain, Rick Buffington, David Cicilline, Ernie DiGregorio, Barnaby Evans, Roland James, Ilia Jarostchuk, Kim Kalunian, Ronnie Lippett, Bill Matthews, Ted Nesi, John Rooke, Dante Scarnecchia, Donna Spigarolo, Len St Jean, Kevin Stacomb, Chris Sullivan, Kerry Taylor, Arlene Violet, Brent Williams, Jon Williams, Paul Williams, and Joe Wilson.
Among the highlights of the review were a request to have a Rotary member at each table to keep notes on the bidding and a review of guidelines as to parking registration procedures. Liz Messier will be sending an email with assignments.
As of this date the sponsorship total stands at $67,000.
Remember, the Legends for Literacy Gala will replace the normal Tuesday meeting.
