Rotary Club of Providence
Meeting: Date Feb. 22, 2022
Reporter: Don Saracen
Pledge
Jim Gilcreast led us in the pledge
Inspiration
Paul Harris (AKA Walter) –
Thank you Providence Rotary, club #22 for welcoming me on Rotary’s 117th anniversary. Back in 1905 four business men Silvestre (a coal dealer), Gus (a mining engineer), Hirum (a Merchant tailor) and myself (a lawyer), met for the first time at Gus’ office in the Unity Building. We then rotated from one of our offices to another for subsequent meetings.
When we started Rotary I did not foresee a worldwide movement. At the time I wrote “When a man plants an unpromising acorn in the early springtime, can he be sure that someday here will grow a mighty Oak?”Reckoning with the rain and sun then seeing the first bud. Ah he can dream of shade.”
And thus grew Rotary International to what it is today. Remember Service Above Self.
Announcements
President Holly, recognized our members on Zoom and welcomed everyone to our Twos-day meeting.
She then announced that members should have received a club survey via email on Saturday. Please fill it out.
Kris David updated us on the Good Works committee. If anyone needs product picked up contact Kris.
Anthony Landi gave us an update on the PC game. The college asked to move our students from the first to the second level at their cost. Plus the kids will receive PC hats. So we will realize $1,310 after food expenses.
Danny Smith gave us an update on the Harry Kizirian School students. Due to poverty, language barriers, Covid, and kids on many different reading levels its been a difficult year. They have spent monies for teacher professional development which is critical. Thanks for your support.
Happy Bucks
- $20 Margaret For being 2/22/22 and National Margarita day
- $20 Anthony L for everyone’s support donating for the PC game
- $1 Walter Adamowicz as a PC grad please to hear of them underwriting the game.
- $10 Wendy Marcus for Suzanne Cannon’s help on her presentation
- $2 Cap Willey for PC having a great season 22-3 record a season to remember
- $20 Pete Brock Happy 117th Birthday to Rotary
- $20 Art Norwalk Happy Birthday to Rotary and our partnership Danny Smith for Kizirian School
- $5 Holly Applegate Happy 117th Birthday to Rotary and we have a Red Velvet cake to celebrate
Speaker
Steve Hug introduced our new member speaker Erica Busillo-Adams, Director Of External Relations at Providence Public Library. She oversees a $25 million capital campaign for the largest renovation in the library history.
Erica explained that she is directly responsible for managing the Development and Planned Giving department. She is a graduate of Northwestern with a BA in Communication. And holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Tufts. She is a Philly girl who also lived in Princeton, NJ.
Her parents at an early age encouraged her to give back. From her simple beginnings of saving the Rain Forest in the 3rd grade to her professional career with nonprofits serving the Homeless, Healthcare to the Art’s. In her Fundraising position Erica works with donors on how they can make a difference. She’s interested in inviting our club to tour the Providence Public Library in the future.
117th Anniversary Trivia Game
Kris David led us down memory lane with a Rotary Birthday Trivia contest. Q&A we learned Rotary began February 23rd, 1905 in Chicago. The first service project was a Public Comfort Stations. The Providence Club #22 was Charted in 1911. Our club was the merger of the Providence and Rhode Island clubs.
We were sponsored by the Boston club. Our first club President was Hugh V. O’Donnell a Druggist. Dr. Percy Hodgson of Pawtucket was the only one from our District to serve as President of Rotary International. Our own Richard Applebaum is a recipient of Percy Hodgson Award. Elaine Carroll was our first Woman President. Stanley Sorrentino was Rotarian of the Century.
