Dozens of Rotarians made it happen, hundreds of artists and guests enjoyed it, and thousands of dollars were raised for the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation. Clockwise from top left: artists from Paul Cuffee Upper School best exemplified the Rotary Theme of "Be the Inspiration" by honoring a staff member; PP Barbara Harris assembled a great team of judges; the famous Johnny Blue Eyes (PP Don's grandson) has a pumpkin applied to his cheek by facepainter and kids' table empressario Christy Clausen; David Lepore finishes his rain-damaged portrait of Tom Brady.

 

President Art welcomed back Phyllis Fern and Don Saracen from surgical absences.

 

Don Saracen, PP and chair of the nominating committee, announced the 2019-2020 slate of officers to be presented to the club for approval: Bryan Cook, President-elect; Holly Applegate, 1^st Vice President; Christy Clausen 2^nd Second Vice President and Tiffany Bumgardner, Secretary. Geoff Gaunt, president-elect, will not appear on the ballot as his move up to president is automatic.

 

Nominated for the Board of Directors are: Trish Cirelli, Connie Donnelly, Ron Hoak, Margaret Kane, Kevin Kernan, Richard Leone, Bob Morse, Stephen Stoops and Cap Willey. The five nominees who receive the highest number of votes will join the board.

 

Ballots will be mailed to all members in good standing and must be returned in the envelope provided no later than Monday, December 3, 2018.

 

Pete Brock stared with $5 for the Pats win and for the honor of being named to the University of Colorado Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

Wendy Marcus for Rev. Barlow who will attend the 275^th anniversary of the First Baptist Church in Providence where he served as pastor.

 

Holly Applegate for the Barker Players production of Death Trap and cast member, Walter Cotter.

 

Phyllis Fern is delighted to be back.

 

Don is also happy to be back, he was going stir crazy! BTW he didn’t mention how happy Cherie was ….

 

Richard Applebaum for the fabulous 70^th birthday celebration for Duke Robillard at Chan’s.

 

 

Former attorney general Arlene Violet demonstrated her continued passion for community service and the power of public engagement in lively remarks to the club. 

 

She cited a number of influences that adversely impact the quality of life in RI, but she still believes things can be changed with citizen involvement. Among the reasons that citizens don’t get involved is fear of possible retribution for speaking out on key issues, the growing lack of civil discourse (she called it ear pollution) and how community issues have taken a back seat to the “cult of personality” in the political process. 

 

Arlene described Rotarians as “smarter and more caring” than many politicians and encouraged members to stay engaged for this generation and those to come. It is important that we speak up about what’s wrong, what needs to be done, and keep elected officials “on topic.”  

 

Arlene Violet served as RI Attorney General from 1985-1987. She was the first woman elected Attorney General in the United States. She continues to practice law, is a TV commentator and newspaper columnist.