Installation of Officers
and Directors.
Peter Loescher, PP served as Master of Ceremonies for the Providence Rotary Club’s 114th Installation.
The Salute to the Flag was led by George Babcock.
Holly Applegate led the National Anthem.
Inspiration
Paul Harris (Aka Walter Cotter) offered the inspiration in honor of Kris David and Pete Brock, outgoing and incoming Presidents of the Providence Club, the 22nd Rotary Club in the world. Paul Harris and three others started Rotary in 1905, never anticipating a worldwide movement. He wrote at the time,” When a man plants an unpromising sapling in the early springtime, can he be sure that someday he will grow a mighty tree? … Does he not have to reckon with the rain and the sun and the smile of Providence? … Once he sees the first bud – Ah, then he can begin to dream of shade.”
Rotary International has since grown to be a 1.2-million-member organization with 27,000 clubs in 166 countries across the globe. Over $4 billion has been contributed to to the Rotary International Charitable Foundation that supports POLIO PLUS for the eradication of polio and critical community needs around the world.
Visiting Rotarians
Sharon Johnson, Rotary District Governor, Marcel D’Auteuil, Assistant District Governor
Guests
Emily Brock, Mark and Sue Cruise, Dr. Elaine Fain, Dr. John Hare, Katie Messier, Janet Collier, Seth Kern, Staci Landi, and Kathy Kelly
Former Club Presidents
Susan Fabrizio, Jan Feyler, Richard Applebaum, Cynthia Leonard, Barry Fain, Barbara Harris, Jenny Miller, Paul Borelli, Anthony Hollingshead, Don Saracen, Art Norwalk, Holly Applegate, Mike Kelly represented by his wife, Kathy and Outgoing President Kris David, PDG
Happy Bucks
- Bill Applegate led Happy Bucks and had $20 because he’s happy
- Cynthia Leonard happy to be at the meeting
- Pete Brock happy to see everyone
- Rob Black in honor of his dad’s 100th birthday last week
- Don Saracen $2 happy bucks Pete traveling from Topsfield, Ma. to serve on the the Board when Don was president in 2017.
- Jenny Miller $11 to congratulate to Pete and Liz
- Paul Borelli $20 for Pete
- Susan Kearney for her husband, Richard Kaplan, bringing Pete into the Providence Rotary eight years ago
- Mary Brewster happy for the great memories and people in Rotary
- Elaine Fain happy to give her last $9 of cash for being at the meeting with Barry
- Wendy Marcus (via Holly Applegate) happy for Kris, Pete, Jan, Dr. Hare, Barry Fain and Barbara Harris
- Mark Cruise wanted to give $13 but he only had a $20 bill! Thirteen represents Pete and Mark playing with the Patriots, unfortunately only one month for Mark, but 12 years for Pete!
- Stacy Landi $20 because Rotary makes Anthony so happy!
2024 Rotarian of the Year: Liz Messier
Kris David PDG presented the Rotarian of the Year award to Liz Messier. The award is designated for the one Rotarian in the Club who clearly stands out by demonstrating Service Above Self and principled commitment to the Four Way Test.
Since joining Rotary in 2008 Liz has been an outstanding Club member who has made significant contributions to the mission of the Club. She has shared her organizational skills and creativity by serving on the Board of Directors, hosting Tent dinners and organizing fundraising events at the Players. She has made a significant contribution to the success of the Legends for Literacy gala by spending hours organizing behind the scenes to make each gala a success. Congratulations, Liz!
Paul Harris Fellows
Presented by Richard Applebaum, PP and Jan Feyler, PP.
- Liz Messier received her second Paul Harris award for her service as a Board member, creatively organizing fellowship events and monthly birthdays. She’s” the glue behind the scenes” of the Legends for Literacy Gala.
- Rob Black, a Providence Rotarian since 2015, received his first Paul Harris Fellow in 2019. He is recognized for his organizational skills that make Club meetings and operations run smoothly throughout the year.
- Sharon Garland has been a member since 1995 and served a number of terms on the Board of Directors and Rotary Charities Foundation. She organizes newsletter reporters, serves on the literacy team and served as this year’s nominating committee chair.
- Anthony Landi has been a member since 2016 and has served on the Board of Directors and is currently Chair of the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation. Anthony has participated in many direct service projects including literacy, the San Miguel fishing derby and feeding the hungry programs.
New Board Members
Installation by Marcel D’Auteuil ADG
George Babcock, Jane Berkowitz, Anthony Hollingshead (Sam New, and Troylynda Williams - absent)
Installation of
President Pete Brock
and Officers
Sharon Johnson Governor of District 7950 presided.
Pete Brock, President; Bill Applegate, President-Elect; Liz Messier, 1st Vice President; Alex David, 2nd Vice President; Emily Bernstein, Secretary; Luis Lourenco, Treasurer; Peter Loescher, Assistant Treasurer
President Pete Brock’s Message
Pete thanked Bill Applegate and his committee for the outstanding work on the Installation meeting and acknowledged Richard Kaplan for bringing him into the Club. He has enjoyed his 11 years as a member and is proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. As an offense lineman he was used to executing what he was told to do, only better. Pete will continue to use that strategy as Providence Rotary President. He views his role for the next 12 months as a servant to the Club and will look to members to determine what the Club wants to be and accomplish in the coming year. He will work to make it happen starting at
our next meeting on July 9th!
In appreciation for her untiring work and outstanding service as the 2023-2024 President, Pete presented Kris David with a gift card to Matunuck Oyster Bar and a floral bouquet.
MC Peter Loescher thanked the Installation Committee for their work in making the event a success. The committee included:
Bill Applegate, chair, Holly Applegate, Liz Messier, Rob Black, Alex David, Jackie Gourd for the beautiful calligraphy, and Anthony Hollingshead for donating flowers from Swan Point Cemetery.
Rotary After Dark
Join us at Liz Messier's home for an evening of fun on Thursday, July 18th starting at 5:30pm!
Contact Liz if you plan to attend!
