INSPIRATION:
PP Anthony Hollingshead quoted President John F. Kennedy: “As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” May your Memorial Day be reflective of those who have made it possible.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc:
President Don suggested that the recent District Conference should have been named Providence Rotary Rocks District 7950 as our club received seven awards:
- Vibrant Club Award
- International Service Award
- Public Image Award
- District Award for Excellence
- Service Longevity: Stanley Sorrentino – 52 years
- Perfect Attendance: Jim Gilcreast – 44 years
- Rotaract/Interact Award
- plus one to Art Norwalk for producing the District Governor’s newsletter
PP Richard Applebaum received the highest award, named for Percy Hodgson, the only Rhode Island Rotarian to have become President of Rotary International. Richard was cited for exceptional service as Past President, Paul Harris Fellow, Boy Scout leader and more. He responded saying that other than family the best thing that ever happened to him was becoming a Rotarian.
Bob Murphy reminded members of the fishing derby to be held in Richmond on June 2.
Tirsh Cirelli reported collecting 225-250 jars of peanut butter for Amos House and other food pantries.
Walter Adamowicz said the visit to the Boston Pops was fantastic.
PP Anthony Hollingshead announced that the Membership Committee will offer an ancillary evening gathering on Tuesday, June 19, at the Selim Madelin Recreation Center near Kizirian School for members and potential Rotarians.
President reported that three RYLA students participated in team building and leadership skills while on the Cape.
Bill David reported that PP Susan Blicker went home yesterday.
HAPPY BUCKS:
Pete Brock was delighted to spend time with his granddaughter.
Jim Gilcreast, PP Paul Segal, Jane Kratsch, Rob Black and Art Norwalk gave in honor of PP Richard Applebaum’s award.
PDG Kris David was discouraged after hearing the conference speaker talk about pending nuclear disaster and the opioid crisis but was revived when reading to children at Kizirian School this morning.
Bill David celebrated a recent San Miguel event that raised $260,000.
PP Anthony Hollingshead appreciated the efforts of the Adamowicz and Segal families in running the Boston Pops event.
PP Richard Applebaum gave in appreciation “for all of you”
Tom Adams is happy to have his badge at last.
Priya Banerjee gave for enjoying time with her daughter.
IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE PPL,
THINK AGAIN
A new initiative is transforming the Providence Public Library under the leadership of our speaker, executive director Jack Martin. He told Rotarians how his mother volunteered him to help his local library in Georgia when he was only thirteen. This experience made literacy “dear to his heart.”
Before his current position he was Associate Director of Public Programs and Life Long Learning at New York Public Library where his team offered 61,000 educational opportunities across the city. Currently he is leading a change in PPL from a “grocery store” model connecting the library with education to a “kitchen model” with classes, wrap-around classrooms, and multiple partnerships
Mr. Martin described programs in workforce development to fill positions offered by new high-tech companies. He closed by showing drawings of the library’s 84,000 feet of space being redesigned through a $20,000,000 renovation to be unveiled on August 1st.