Bill Applegate provided the inspiration.
Have you ever heard of the glass sponge? Specifically, the Euplectella aspergillum (also known as Venus's flower basket).
These are deep-sea creatures that build their skeletons entirely out of glass (silica). But here is the mind-blowing part: though glass is famously brittle, these sponges construct an intricate, layered lattice structure that is nearly impossible to break.
Why it's inspiring:
Turning weakness into strength: They take a fragile material and, through sheer design, make it resilient enough to withstand the crushing pressures of the deep ocean. Sometimes it’s not about the raw material you're working with—whether that's limited time, a tough problem, or feeling a bit drained. It’s all about how you structure it. A few small, intentional adjustments to your design can turn a fragile day into a masterpiece.
Announcement
New Members’ met at India on June 2 as guests of the membership committee. Besides the camaraderie, a description of what they can do to join or make committees was presented.
June 9, from 9:00 – 12:00 – Downtown, opposite the State House by the train station, four volunteers will join the parks department have volunteered to join students doing an irrigation project and learning more about the operational side of environmentalism.
Art Norwalk announced that on July 21, during our meeting, we will have a debate between the two major Democratic mayoral candidates. The debate includes incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley (moderate), and David Moralles (progressive).
The new officers’ installation will occur on June 30 at 11:00AM, at the Providence Marriott. See Holly Applegate for more information and to confirm your attendance.
Happy Bucks
Peter Loescher collected Happy Bucks and was happy to do so.
Simone is happy that Peter is here.
Anthony Hollingshead is happy to do something for Rotary today.
Cap Willey is only so-so happy looking through the state budget.
Mike Kelly is happy to be sitting between two folks in their birthday month.
Paul Borrelli is just happy to be alive.
Bill Applegate is happy to see Mike Kelly back.
Speaker
Anthony Hollingshead introduced Clara Decerbo. Clara Decerbo serves as the Director of Providence Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (PEMA), responsible for leading the all-hazards emergency management and homeland security program in Rhode Island’s capital city. Prior to joining the PEMA team in 2018, Clara was a Rhode Island Sea Grant Fellow focusing her research on challenges related to climate change, hazard mitigation, and coastal resilience.
Clara is also an Information Management Section Chief with the HHS ASPR Incident Management Team with past deployments including the Biden Inauguration, Operation Allies Welcome, and Hurricane Ian. Clara is an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University (Newport, RI) in the Homeland Security graduate program and serves as the President of the Rhode Island Association of Emergency Managers.
Clara received a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island in Marine Affairs. She also holds a B.A. from Middlebury College in International Studies with a focus in Middle Eastern History and Arabic. Clara received her Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) in 2020. She is a graduate of PEMA’s Vanguard Executive Crisis Leadership Fellowship Program, the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program and was a 2024 International Association of Emergency Managers 40 Under 40 awardee. In her free time Clara volunteers as a firefighter and paramedic.
Clara provided a brief overview of the role of Providence Emergency Management Agency, essentially to prepare for, and respond to “anyone’s worst day.” The team is small, but the mission scope is huge. The activities in scope range from natural disasters to civil disorder, and many things in between.
Clara gave an overview of PEMA’s role in the Boston FIFA matches. The Providence Emergency Management Agency’s role in the seven matches at Boston Stadium, formerly known as Gillette Stadium. The events will run from 7/11 – 7/19. There will be multiple Fan Marches (team parade), where fans gather and, well, March. These events can get rowdy, and it is not difficult to imagine the security concerns. Providence is home to the Scotish Fan Base - complete with bagpipes and kilts.
One key element of concern is cultural differences in fanship. Behaviors and traditions that are considered normal and standard in other countries will at times seem dangerous and out-of-place by American standards. Clara focused on the criticality of the agency during the World Cup, and the ways that it accomplishes their goals and maintains security with limited budget and resources.
