Inspiration
Sheri Hendrick’s gave our Inspiration. She shared with us her inspiring journey with the Rotary Club, beginning with a quote by John Wesley about igniting passion to inspire others. Sheri describes how she immediately felt welcomed and valued by the club's members, highlighting moments of warmth, service, and community engagement.
Her personal connection to the club deepened through experiences such as supporting her mother and participating in educational and outreach activities. The presentation emphasizes the club's commitment to service through initiatives like literacy education, fundraising, and school sponsorships, concluding with another motivational quote from John Wesley that encourages doing good in every possible way.
On Zoom
Don Sarazan, Lew Hassell, Jeff Binczk, Barbara Harris, Greg Lemoi, Michael Geoghegan, Michaela Herman, and PJ Fox
Guest
Today was a “Bring a Guest” meeting with several guests attending. The guests were: Jacy Settles, guest of Simone Fargiorgio, Major Doris Setty, guest of Larry Setty, Craig Trodson, guest of Anthony Hollingshead, Robert Gubala, guest of Bill Efthimiades and CJ Smith, guest of Moses Fortes. Two guests were because of a website inquiry, Matthew Schmitz and Claude Lebouef.
Announcements
President Bill Applegate welcomed back some members Ray Hull, Sheri Hendricks, and Mary Cullen.
He provided an overview of the Providence Rotary Club for the guests.
The Providence Rotary club is part of a global service organization with 1.2 million members, dedicated to causes such as promoting peace, providing clean water, fighting disease, improving maternal and child health, growing local economies, protecting the environment, and supporting education. The club encourages members to help others through donations, active participation, or supporting fellow members.
Recently, our main focus has been on education, especially early literacy, raising funds through the annual Legends for Literacy gala to support two schools in Providence’s neediest areas. The club remains open to new projects aligned with Rotary International’s objectives and welcomes community members to join their efforts. For more information, contact Anthony Hollingshead and the membership committee.
President Bill mentioned that "Thank You Notes" from the San Miguel School students are at the check in table.
Please remember to contribute to the Gold Bowls for the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation.
Happy Bucks
- Pete Brock is happy about the Pats in the playoffs!
- Cap Willey is happy about the Pats and a big Friars win over St. Johns.
- Art Norwalk is happy about so many guests joining
- Kris David offered $100 Happy Bucks in honor of her mother’s 99th Birthday.
- Emily Berstein is Happy about a great start to the New Year.
- Sharon Garland is happy about the Pats making the playoffs.
- Bill Applegate is happy about a great trip to England, spending time with his daughter.
- Don Saracen is happy about today’s Inspiration.
Speaker – introduced by Bill Applegate.
Craig Creller, the Chief of School Improvement & Innovation for Providence Public Schools, brings extensive experience in education and change management.
Now in his third year in Providence, Craig has held numerous leadership roles, including Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, Principal, STEM leader, and "Teacher of the Year."
He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, prioritizing students above all. Craig actively contributes to the Turnaround Action Plan (TAP) and supervises areas such as Data and Assessment, Grant Writing, and Research. Additionally, he oversees several schools as a "Transformation Officer."
In today's presentation, Craig was joined by Carina Pinto de Chacon, Chief of Family and Community Engagement (FACE), and Tracy Boothman, Grant and Engagement Manager.
They focused on academic improvements, enhanced attendance, and capital funding, highlighting significant progress and their commitment to students and faculty.
