Nondas Voll shared an inspiration from a book entitled “Leadership in Turbulent Times” by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin describing the leadership of U.S. Presidents Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR and Lyndon Johnson. At their best, all four were guided by a sense of moral purpose. Their examples provide a road map for leaders in every field and for all of us in our everyday lives.  In these times of fracture and fear, they summon our talents as Rotarians to enlarge the opportunities and lives of others.

 

Many months of hard work came together as everyone pitched in to bring the event together and young artists filled over 50 squares with original chalk drawings. President Art and John McGinn, PSPF chair, congratulated Rotary members on their participation in the festival. John thanked Liz Messier for her work on sponsorships, Kris David for sharing her operational experience and Anthony Landi for volunteer coordination.  Preliminary results indicate that the event is on track to net about $10,000!  He congratulated club members for picking up the slack with their contributions when corporate sponsorships were less than expected.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc.
Kris David reported that Susan Blicker is awaiting a transfer to a Boston hospital.

 

Walter Adamowicz shared the great news that Paul Segal’s mobility has greatly improved with the help of a new medication and that his prognosis is good.

 

Want to help in hurricane relief through Rotary?
DG Rich Glover of District 7620 asks that you donate to Disaster Aid USA, a non-profit 501-c-3 organization. Please designate your online donation to a specific disaster:

 

Hurricane Florence: 

 

Hurricane Michael:  
https://disasteraidusa.networkforgood.com/projects/60167-hurricane-michael

 

Checks may be mailed, designating each cause, to Disaster Aid USA at 9817 Lanham Severn Road, Lanham, Maryland 20706.  

 

 

Pete Brock collected Happy Bucks starting with his own for the Pats win over the Chicago- what a difference one yard makes.   

 

Kris David for the University of Michigan winning over Michigan State.

 

Don Saracen for his grandson, Johnny “Blue Eyes” telling him that the PSPF was the best day of his life. Don’s joy was short-lived when his son told him Johnny says that to his parents every day!

 

Richard Applebaum for attending the Barker Playhouse production of Deathtrap; he urged members to consider an annual theatre membership for $85.

 

Mary Brewster for an upcoming road trip with her daughter.

 

Cap Willey for his sister’s visit from Montana – he recruited her as a PSPF volunteer.

 

Mike Kelly for the spirit at the PSPF 2018.

 

Barry Fain for rushing back from his trip to Austria and London to see the 7^th game of the Red Sox playoffs -- he’s  happy a 7^th game wasn’t needed and delighted because he gets to see the first game of the World Series in Boston!

 

Steve Hug congratulated Barry Fain for the new design of Providence Monthly.

 

Maxine Cohen for the good news on Paul Segal and Avram Cohen, because he’s happy! 

 

Kevin Bruneau, president, and Travis Landry, pop culture expert, at Bruneau & Co. Auctioneer in Cranston gave an energetic overview of the current status of the antique and collectible market.

 

The speakers had some good and bad news on how to make money with items things collected over the years. The good news is that if you have 1^st edition Pokémon cards, pre-1970’s baseball cards, specific comic books and toys, all in great condition, you may make some serious money. On the other hand, traditional furniture, sterling silver and your mom’s wedding china have little value in this market.

 

There are two realities that impact the market: younger buyers have little interest in antiques and the internet is causing enormous changes in the way items are marketed. The market is very cyclical and the speakers emphasized that sellers should not hold on to today’s hot items too long because the item is likely to lose value once collectors’ interest have been met.

 

They offered advice if you’re downsizing or helping others to do so: Don’t throw anything away until a professional has looked at everything, including old cereal boxes! What you think has value may be very different from the reality of today’s market. For instance, items like Pyrex dishes are hot right now.

 

After reviewing the seller’s inventory, they usually only find 5 or 6 items of interest to collectors. They then refer sellers to used furniture businesses for the majority of items. They strongly suggest accepting the first offer from these dealers, although you will likely be disappointed. Otherwise, you will have to pay to have someone get rid of the stuff.