INSPIRATION
Rob Black on Positive Thinking: if you fail, never give up.
FAIL means First Attempt in Learning.
END means Effort Never Dies.

NO means: Next Opportunity.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc.
President Geoff announced with great sadness, the passing of Wendy Marcus’s father, Stanley S. Marcus, 98.

 

President Geoff thanked Rob Black and Richard Applebaum for checking everyone in at the front desk.  Thank you to Connie Donnelly for greeting and Holly Applegate for doing the minutes for the meeting.

 

The first order of business was the new member induction of Deb Gossel, wife of Phil Gossel. Deb and Phil have a Family membership. Deb spoke briefly about her time caring for her mother and her enjoyment of playing piano, reading and traveling.

 

Randy Dittmar reported that total revenue from the Legends for Literacy Gala was over $100,000 with a net of $64,819.89. This was the most successful fundraiser in the history of our club. To date, $23,132 has been paid out by the Childhood Literacy Initiative for teaching materials already in use at Kizirian Elementary School.

 

Randy also reported that there are three schools still needing volunteers to deliver dictionaries. Steve Hug delivered dictionaries to appreciative students at Fogarty Elementary in South Providence recently and reports that the 3rd graders quickly got out their pens and pencils to proudly write their names in their brand new books! Contact Randy to claim your school.

 

President Geoff introduced our guest, Dave Crossley, who spoke about the January 30th Providence Rotary Benefit reception and performance of The Country House at Barker Playhouse. Dave has one of the starring roles in the play. The event starts at 6 pm with food and wine and a 7 pm performance. The cost is $35. Rotarians and friends can sign up on-line at www.ProvidenceRotary.org or bring a check to the next meeting or pay at the door.

 

 

PDG Kris David sent us a preview of the Rotary Theme for 2020-2021.

 

 

 

 

Pete Brock is happy about an upcoming family reunion in his home state of Oregon, Feb 5th through Feb 10th.

 

Steve Hug gave a Happy buck to honor Dave Crossley who he described as a consummate actor with an amazing work ethic. Steve learned a lot from Dave when he acted with him in Shadow Box, presented at The Players.

 

Jim Gilcreast gave a Happy Buck because he was happy.

 

Connie Donnelly gave a Happy buck because of her volunteering at the Harry Kizirian School. She has been working with a 4th grade student who’s reading skill has increased 6 levels. He recently wrote a synopsis of a story he read. It was word perfect!!

 

Barry Fain gave a sad buck for Wendy Marcus’s father, but a Happy Buck for Providence Monthly/East Side Monthly 10 to Watch Party.

 

Holly Applegate gave 20 Happy Bucks for her ten-day visit with her daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren in London and Norfolk over Christmas. She also was happy to have her dear friend, Dave Crossley at the meeting.

 

Walter Adamowicz gave a Happy Buck for his upcoming trip to Florida. He will be there until March.

 

President Goeff Gaunt gave a Happy Buck for his busy time moving into a new space for Providence Picture Frame. He encouraged everyone to call his cell phone instead of emailing during this very busy time.

 

Rob Black gave a Happy buck for his children’s recent move out of his home to a new home of their own.

 

FEEDING RHODE ISLAND SENIORS FOR 50+ YEARS
Guest speaker Meghan Grady, new executive director of Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, gave an overview of the only non-profit home delivered meal program in the state, started in 1969.

 

While the home-delivered meal program is its most recognized service, Meals on Wheels of RI also has a Capital City Cafe program, a restaurant (voucher) program and a Senior Wish program for those in need. Their mission is meeting the nutritional and other special needs of the elderly in order to help them maintain their independent lifestyles in their homes.

 

They have a paid staff plus over 700 volunteers and are always looking for more. They deliver meals on Monday thru Friday. They have a nutritional staff overseeing the quality and types of food served. They also provide “shelf stable” meals that recipients can use in case of snow cancellations. Meghan is working on partnering with local food providers to provide more fresh food choices.

 

The organization’s funding from state and government sources covers only 75%. Meals on Wheels needs to raise the other 25%.