On Zoom
Lew Hassell, Sam New, Rob Brewster, Anthony Landi and Barry Fain
Inspiration
– Sharon Garland
Sharon mentioned that in the past mid-August would make her sad because it was an indication that summer was coming to an end.
Sharon reminded us to enjoy the abundance that August has to offer, for example: hydrangeas are blooming, Farmer’s Markets are opening…and who does not love the taste of a fresh native tomato slice on a BLT?!
Announcements
– President Kris
- Get Well – Jim Gilchrest and Rev Barlow
- Gala – we have a meeting on Thursday…please consider ways that you can get involved and help.
- Newsletter volunteers – please see Sharon Garland if you would like to volunteer to be on the newsletter team. We need 2 more volunteers.
- Visitor – we had a visitor, Robert Bowman, a proud Rotarian from the Leicester, England Club (70 members).
- Happy Birthday – Liz Messier!
Happy Bucks
- Pete Brock – happy to be considered a “living legend” by his alma mater, the University of Colorado. There are three criteria that must be met: 1) you must be alive – good news, Pete is alive!, 2) you must be a letterman – Pete received a varsity letter in 1973 which leads to the next requirement, 3) you must reach the 50th anniversary of receiving a varsity letter. Congratulations, Pete!
- Liz Messier – happy to celebrate the good work of our guest speaker, Joe Wilson, Director of Art Culture & Tourism in Providence.
- Anthony Landi – happy for the successful completion of his daughter’s presentation. He is happy to report that Francesca nailed it and got an “A”!
- Don Saracen – happy to celebrate that 4 of his 5 grandchildren are heading off to college.
- President Kris – happy that she has insurance to cover her many recent woes with water damage
Speaker
Pete Brock introduced our guest speaker, Joe Wilson, Director of Art Culture and Tourism for Providence. Joe is a proud graduate of Notre Dame University. He has spent the last 18 seasons as an Actor/Director at Trinity Rep.
Joe grew up in New Orleans and planned to go to Law School following college. He took an acting class, because he needed the credits, which changed his plans for his future. He was an activist in college and reminisced about his “Jambalaya” meetings with friends…from those meetings came a list of demands to improve campus culture. Many of those demands have come to fruition.
Upon graduating Notre Dame, Joe went to Minnesota where saw the first production of the Lion King. He then secured roles in the following Broadway plays: A Rock Opera of Romeo & Juliet, Jesus Christ Superstar and then landed a lead role in Ain’t Misbehaving at Trinity Rep.
Art Culture and Tourism Department, under Joe’s leadership, has forged a deep partnership with the community of Providence! His department offers Grants and unwavering support for many events that celebrate diversity & community. Providence is a culturally diverse city with over 50% of the residents speaking Spanish. The marquee event is Providence Fest, below are details:
- Dates – September 8th – 10th.
- Friday 9/9 – unveiling of the Grand Marshalls, Mayor Smiley will be in attendance.
- Saturday, 9/10 – A full day of events with music, food trucks and water fire at night.
- Sunday 9/11 – a full day of events with food trucks and closing ceremonies.
This year will mark the 9th year of Providence Fest. They are preparing for nearly 120,000 attendees over 3 days.
