Inspiration
Mary Brewster stated that she is inspired by the concept of Rotary as positive imagination coupled with active service. This concept was the basis of the speech of Rotary International President Jennifer Jones last January to incoming District Governors. Some of the comments of President Jones were as follows:
In a world that deserves our best we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference. Engaging Rotary members with meaningful responsibilities offering hands on service is the key to retaining members and leads to personal growth, leadership potential and lifelong friendships. Rotary dreams of big things like ending polio and world peace and takes responsibility to make it happen. This New Year should be the year of “The Person and The Club of our aspirations”.
Birthday Announcements
Liz Messier announced the January member birthdays:
Erica Busillo-Adams Jan 3,
Rob Gessman Jan. 16,
and Geoff Gaunt Jan. 20.
These are Capricorns who are focused and responsible, make great managers and love to spend time with friends and family. Others with birthdays in this time are Michelle Obama, Betty White and Isaac Newton.
Those with birthdays in the Aquarius period are:
Walt Adamowicz and Steve Hug on Jan. 22,
and Cap Willey on Jan. 27.
Their traits are caring about the world and supporting charities and Environmental groups. Others born in this period are Oprah Winfrey, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison.
Announcements
President Steve Hug expressed get well wishes for Margaret Kane, Jim Gilcreast and Nondas Voll.
Anthony Landi, Chair of The Providence Rotary Charities Foundation announced two major donations to the Foundation - one of shares of Apple stock worth $2080 from Herb Rakatansky and Barbara Sokoloff, and another of $5000 from the Starkweather and Shepley Charitable Fund.
Happy Bucks
- Pete Brock $10 for great Holidays with family;
- Mary Brewster $5 for interesting article in Sunday New York Times about life in Vermont during the Depression highlighting activities of Manchester Rotary Club;
- Art Norwalk $5 happy Holidays involved no travel by him on Southwest Air;
- Anthony Landi $5 for Holiday visit by son home from college;
- Rob Black $5 for enjoyable cruise to the Caribbean;
- Walter Cotter $50 for having retired this week from his employment of 50 years;
- Jim Gilcreast $5 for Holiday visit from his friend from Puerto Rico he has known for 35 years;
- Richard Applebaum wishing speedy recovery for Jim Gilcreast and congratulating Steve Hug for his great job as President;
- Holly Applegate, communicating by Zoom from The United Kingdom - $5 best wishes to Walter Cotter on retirement and happy to be in UK with Bill visiting their daughter and grandchildren.
Report of the President
President Steve reported on some highlights of the past year. Four new members were inducted - Lew Hassell, Jonathan Kaufman, Sam New and Ray Hull. Materials regarding new members were updated to focus on service and accomplishments.
The mission of the Membership Committee was revised to concentrate on retaining new members by mentoring and contacting members who have not been attending meetings.
The cost of the weekly lunch to members was kept at $26, partially subsidized by Club to reduce burden on members.
On August 23 the Club sponsored a debate by the 3 candidates for Mayor of Providence moderated by Dan McGowan, Boston Globe reporter. A large turnout of members and guests was achieved and broadcast by Zoom was included.
To assist a Club member with a debilitating stroke the Club arranged for transportation from Boston and within Rhode Island for the member’s caregiver who came from the UK to give care.
The Club continued assistance to the Kizirian Elementary School in Providence which serves many underprivileged children. Funds were raised for school supplies which members packed at the August 30 meeting for delivery to the School.
In September, the Club welcomed Kento Suzuki from Japan ,a Rotary International Global Scholar studying at Brown University and is being hosted by Holly and Bill Applegate.
On September, 30 Providence Rotarians and members of other Rotary Clubs gathered at India Point for “Good Night Lights”, flashing flashlights to Hasbro Children’s Hospital and receiving their flashes in return.
On October 25, the Club and Foundation sponsored an appearance at George West Elementary School of former N. E. Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell in furtherance of the youth literacy initiative “Read With Malcolm”. That evening the Club held its Third “Legends For Literacy“ Gala at the Providence Marriott which raised over $100,000. Rotarian Barry Fain served as Honorary Chair and was very effective in fundraising.
On December 6th the Club revived its long standing tradition of a Holiday lunch with students and staff of San Miguel School not held the last two years due to Covid.
On December 15 the Club held its first Holiday Party at Swan Point highlighted by an “Ugly Sweater” competition. Attendees brought peanut butter for donation to RI Community Food Bank.
Speaker
The originally scheduled speaker was Sharon Johnson, District Governor Nominee. She will be rescheduled and will speak on a proposed joint Club service day in Spring of 2023.
