Zoom attendees
PP Barbara Harris and Mary Cullen
President Steve Hug presided over the meeting.
Pledge
Liz Messier led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inspiration
Liz Messier gave the inspiration.
We are reminded of Rotary International’s guiding words- Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change-across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
As a longtime Rotarian, I am inspired to see that our club is growing, that we are attracting new Rotarians, of all ages, who are willing to engage and take the actions needed to create change. I am inspired that our club is continuing to thrive. We are not just a lunch or social club, but a group of individuals who are indeed willing to do hard work needed to solve problems and bring about necessary change.
Those of you who have recently joined us, we are so glad you are here. You bring a new vision, a different perspective and the enthusiasm needed for all of us to re-engage with passion to strive to meet our goals as an organization. You inspire us. And for that we thank you.
Announcements
Get well wishes go to Margaret Kane, Reverend Barlow, and Mary Lou Ryan.
President Steve announced our speaker next week is Anne M. Smith, Chief Development Officer of Bradley Hospital, and Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley will be speaking about his vision for the Capital City on May 2, 2023.
Emily Bernstein, a member of the Environmental Committee reminded us to meet between 8:30 and 9 am at the Community Boating Center for the India Point Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9 am to 12 pm, and to bring your gloves, tennis shoes and be ready to work. We are combining efforts with
November Project that is a international community based exercise program.
Good Works Co-Chair, Mary Brewster announced our continued efforts to collect pasta and soup for RI Youth Pride.
The ballots went out for Board nominations and need to be returned. If you didn’t get one, let Rob Black know.
The Installation of New Officers and Board Members is on June 27, 2023 at the Squantum Club.
Happy Bucks
- Alex David gave a Happy Buck for his Dodge Ball team’s win.
- Mary Brewster gave a Happy Buck for RISD ‘s wage settlement which is ending the strike. She can go back to painting in her studio in peace.
- Maury Ryan gave a Happy Buck for the suggestion to start an evening Book Club group in addition to the current group of 7 who meet during the day. Contact Steve, Kris, or Maury about adding another Book Club.
- Don Saracen gave 10 Happy Bucks for his recent 30th Anniversary of being a Providence Rotarian, and his first meeting at the Marriott with Past Presidents, Norm MacLeod, the Original Tom Brady and Ed DiPersio.
- Jim Gilcreast gave a Happy Buck for Don’s remembrances of members from the past, Norm, Tom, and Ed.
- Anthony Landi gave a Happy buck for his daughter who passed her driving test.
- Steve Hug gave a Happy Buck for his weekend visit to his Alma Mater, Boston College.
- Kris David gave a Happy Buck for Jan Feyler who suggested our speaker, Dr. Vinka Oyanedel Craver.
Speaker
President Elect Kris David introduced Dr. Vinka Oyanedel Craver, who is a Professor at the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The University of Rhode Island.
Dr. Craver’s current research focuses on clean drinking water, wastewater and stormwater treatment in rural communities in developing countries. At the meeting she focused her presentation on two clean drinking water programs - one small scale individual property water purification system in Guatemala, and a more centralized system in the Dominican Republic.
She worked with engineering undergraduate students from URI in the development of these systems.
One of her big take aways from doing these projects was to understand the limitations of engineering projects if one doesn't know the workings of a community. She covered several issues with dealing with the population and governments.
More of Dr. Craver's work can be seen at the URI
website.
