President-elect Holly Applegate organized and conducted our first in-person meeting since March, held in the picture-perfect and socially distant setting of Swan Point Cemetery.

Jim Gilcreast offered the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln “Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.”

 

Holly thanked John McGinn and Art Norwalk for their work in organizing the very informative Zoom tour of the 600 bed hospital at the RI Convention Center. 

 

Stanley Sorrentino’s daughter, Polly Cardea, brought collages highlighting his interests and hobbies. In addition to his dedication to Rotary, (named“Rotarian of the Century” in 2011) Stanley is known for his magic shows, and as a huge Patriots fan.

 

Thanks to all who contribute through Happy Bucks.

You may send your gift to Rotary Club of Providence, P. O. Box 90, Barrington, RI 02806 or CLICK HERE to pay online by credit card.

               

Margaret Kane didn’t let her walker stop her from collecting Happy Bucks laughing, “when a Kane needs a walker, there’s trouble!”

 

Jim Gilcreast gave $5 because he’s “happy” in the tradition of Cy Wyche and in honor of Stanley putting together the foundations’ history and records.

 

Wendy Marcus gave $5 to welcome Sharon Johnson and her friend, Jillian. She also recognized Swan Point’s horticulture chief Kelly Perry for being a secret weapon and providing centerpieces and flowers for many Rotary events.

 

Ron Hoak offered thanks to those who put together this meeting.

 

Art Norwalk gave $10 for Stanley sponsoring him for Rotary and for being able to see fellow Rotarians in-person for a welcome change.

 

Barbara Harris gave $10 for her husband, the former “first dude,” attending the meeting, for Sharon Johnson’s leadership, and thanks to Holly and Anthony organizing this meeting.

 

Anthony Hollingshead gave $5 for Stanley’s tour of Providence when Anthony was new to the city and for Holly’s work organizing this meeting.

 

Holly gave $10 for how lovely it is to be together, and hopefully we can do it again soon!

 

Richard Applebaum, it’s great to see everyone!” He reminded us of when Stanley chaired a membership campaign that resulted in 100 new members.

 

Kelly Perry, Director of Horticulture, Greenhouse Operations and Educational Outreach at Swan Point Cemetery, shared highlights of the unique challenges of maintaining Swan Point’s 200 acres of trees, shrubs and flower beds in 2020. She detailed how much dedication and energy goes into maintaining the noted property that brings comfort to both families and the public.

 

Maintaining the grounds means dealing with the impact of higher temperatures, repeated droughts, insect damage and protecting wildlife. Each year six horticultural staff grow and plant 70,000 annuals. In addition to planting these on the grounds, families may choose a service where flowers are planted, watered and maintained at monuments for their loved ones from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

 

A variety of wildlife live at Swan Point including turkeys, baby grey horned owls and many red tail hawks. Each presents their own unique challenges, like the flock of 40 wild turkeys. Kelly described them as ugly, but at the same time, cute. Unfortunately, they kept pulling out annuals, not for food as you might imagine, but to settle into a cool spot in the moist soil. This kept staff very busy replanting annuals through the summer!

 

Staff rescued a red tail hawk that almost drowned in the Italian fountain while trying to cool down.  Social media drew too many birdwatchers and photographers when it was posted that a baby grey horned owl was nesting at Swan Point.