This meeting was the 113th Installation of Officers and Directors and was held at the Squantum Association in East Providence, Rhode Island. Our Master of Ceremonies was Past President, Ken Conde.
President Stephen Hug welcomed everyone to the meeting and two graduates from San Miguel School, Anderson Flores and Gabriel Guevara led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Alex David and Joyce Bernau led everyone in a chorus of America the Beautiful.
Inspiration
Bob Murphy shared an inspiration with us about our new President, Kris David. He said:
"It has been truly inspiring to observe the multi-faceted efforts of Kris contributing to the success of the Providence Rotary Club, serving in a variety of official positions and committees. Kris has given us a fine example of our own Rotary motto of Service Above Self and we look forward to continued inspiration during her upcoming presidential term."
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
(Jim Gilcreast welcomed all)
Anxhela Alezaj, Steve and Joanne Carlino, Morgan Roy, Frances Musco, Cheryl Sachs, Ralph Accinno, Mary Gilcreast, Cherie Saracen, Gary Kaufman, Keith Beck, Michael Cullen, Parker Smith & Jan Collier, Dick Brussard, Paul Borelli, Roger DeFelice, John McGinn, Joyce Bernau, Bill Tennent, Deb Tennent, Betty Galligan, Cynthia Leonard, Lori DiPersio, Bill David, Victor Reynoso, Lyn Daly, Kim Martel, Anderson Flores, Gabriel Guevara
Awards and Special Presentations
(presented by President Stephen Hug and Richard Applebaum)
The following Rotarians were recognized and awarded the Prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award:
- Luis Lourenco, for stepping into the role of treasurer following Richard Kaplan's passing and for his continued service as Club Treasurer.
- Robert Murphy for his continued work and support of the San Miguel School, and for his frequent contributions to committee work.
- Barry Fain for serving as chairperson to several of our most successful fundraisers including the Providence Street Painting Festival, the Paint Off and most recently as Honorary Chair of our Legends for Literacy Gala. This is Barry's third Paul Harris Fellow.
Happy Bucks
(Mary Cullen Collected)
The room was full of Rotarians and guests, too many to mention, stepping up to give happy bucks today. Many gave kudos and thanks to Stephen Hug for his successful year as President and so many gave warm welcomes and best wishes to Kris David as she begins her term as the 113th President of the Providence Rotary.
Installation of Officers
Assistant District Governor Marcel D'Auteuil installed the new Officers and Board Members.
Congratulations to the Officers for 2023-2024:
Peter Brock - President Elect
Bill Applegate - 1st Vice President
Liz Messier - 2nd Vice President
Alex David - Secretary
Luis Lourenco - Treasurer
Peter Loescher - Assistant Treasurer
Stephen Hug - Immediate Past President
Directors Term 2023-2024
Sharon Garland
Jim Gilcreast
Lisa Hill
Robert Murphy
Directors Term 2023-2025
Mary Brewster
Mary Cullen
P.J. Fox
Jonathan Kaufman
Cap Willey
Installation of
President Kristine David
Performed by District Governor Angela Ponte.
This was followed by the presentation of the Club Charter and the President's Pin by President Stephen Hug. President Hug also presented two citations to our newly elected president, one from the Mayor of Providence, Brett Smiley and the other from Governor Dan McKee. Congratulations to our new Providence Rotary President, Kristine David.
Passing of the Gavel
Alex David led the formal ceremony where all Past Presidents in attendance pass the gavel from one to another in chronological order of when they were president until finally President Stephen Hug passed the gavel to Kris David. Fifteen past presidents in addition to President Stephen Hug and newly installed President Kris David were in attendance and took part in the ceremony.
Past presidents in attendance included:
Roger DeFelice, Peter Loescher, Ken Conde, Susan Fabrizio, Randy Ditmar, Janet Feyler, John McGinn, Richard Applebaum, Cynthia Leonard, Barry Fain, Barbara Harris, Paul Borrelli, Mike Kelly Sr., Don Saracen, Art Norwalk, and Holly Applegate.
Special Thanks
Thank you to the Installation Committee: Rob Black, Gabriella Carlino, Ken Conde, Mary Cullen, Alex David, and Sharon Garland.
No Meeting on July 4, 2023; Next Meeting on July 11!