Pledge of Allegiance

Mike Kelly led the Pledge.

President Liz introduced Victor Pricolo.

Victor shared that his wife, Heide Abelli, died last week after a lengthy battle with cancer. He described her as a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, athlete, educator, executive, board member, author, illustrator, and dedicated Rotarian committed to education, literacy, and service to disadvantaged communities.

Heide grew up in Arizona, graduated from Wellesley College, earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, taught economics at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, served on global company boards, and was named by Forbes as one of the top women in technology in 2019. She later wrote, illustrated, and published the children’s book When Fireflies Dance as a gift for her grandchildren.

Victor expressed gratitude for Heide’s trust and love and said he intends to continue their shared mission of service in her memory. Members offered condolences, prayers, and support.

Inspiration 

Gregory Bowman reflected on how Rotary shaped his family through his parents’ involvement and their hosting of exchange students. He noted that service includes both major commitments and everyday actions, such as making introductions, sharing skills, listening closely, showing up, and allowing others to lead.

He emphasized that service may go unrecognized but still builds trust, hope, progress, and stronger communities. He encouraged members to continue living lives rooted in meaningful service to others.

On Zoom

Zoom attendees included Richard Applebaum and Lew Hassell. 

Guests and Visiting Rotarians

The club also welcomed Justin Sprague, a prospective member with a target installation date of October 6, and Tom Glasgow, Assistant District Governor.

Announcements

Memorial Honor Guard

Members were invited to participate in a Rotary Honor Guard in memory of Past President Jan Feyler.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Ronald McDonald House dinner: This week’s volunteers are Holly and Bill Applegate, Barbara Harris, Simone Fargiorgio, and Bill Efthimiades.
• YMCA Bodega pantry: Additional volunteers are needed on Wednesdays from 9–11 a.m. at the YMCA’s Bodega clothing and food pantry.
• Book labeling project: Volunteers were confirmed to label donated books at Kizarian and West Schools after the meeting.

Schedule and Dinner

There will be no Rotary meeting this Tuesday, September 29.

The District Potluck Dinner will be held Wednesday, September 30, at the Cranston Portuguese Club. Assistant District Governor Tom Glasgow explained that the area dinner will replace individual District Governor visits for several clubs, including Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Warwick, and Pawtuxet Valley.

Fellowship begins at 5 p.m.

The program starts at 6 p.m.

The event is expected to conclude around 8 p.m.

Members do not need to bring food; a light dinner will be provided at no cost, and a cash bar will be available.

Tom Glasgow also announced an End Hunger New England incentive: any club with approximately 50% member participation at the District dinner will receive 5,000 meals to distribute locally to people in need. Providence members were encouraged to RSVP to Liz and help the club earn meals for the Shower on the Move Food Pantry.

Margaret Kane

Anthony Landi announced another generous gift of $324,780 from the estate of longtime Rotarian Margaret Kane. This final trust distribution brings Margaret’s total gift to the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation to more than $575,000.

Literacy Gala

Anthony also announced that Literacy Gala sponsorships have reached $70,100, exceeding last year’s pace and moving closer to the $75,000 goal.

Members were encouraged to sponsor the gala, purchase tickets online, form group sponsorships, and help fill 22 tables!

Happy Bucks

• Pete Brock was happy that his brother, Stan, was designated as a University of Colorado “living legend.” He fondly remembered and honored his mentor and dear friend, Bob McKay, who passed away recently. Bob taught Pete how to be a pro in life as well as on the football field.
• A number of members remembered Jan Feyler and Heide Abelli.
• Holly Applegate was happy that Don Saracen will moderate a panel at the gala featuring Karen Parsons and Malcolm Mitchell and that the Mount Hope Bay sail auction item will be donated again this year.
• Members congratulated Barry and Elaine Fain on being honored for their contributions to WaterFire and noted Elaine’s brief, effective remarks at the event.
• Several members expressed appreciation for auction experiences, including sailboat rides on Mount Hope Bay.
• Charles Donnelly noted his induction into the Sons of the American Revolution through his ancestor Joshua Bentley, who helped Paul Revere cross Boston Harbor during the Revolution.
• Elaine Fain marked the Jewish New Year 5787 and offered wishes for everyone to be inscribed in the Book of Life in the coming year.
• Tom Glasgow welcomed Justin as a prospective member and praised the Providence club’s service, warmth, and especially the strong membership culture under Anthony Hollingshead’s leadership.

Speaker

President Liz welcomed Rear Admiral Darryl “D-Day” Walker, President of the U.S. Naval War College, as the featured speaker. Rear Admiral Walker was recognized for his distinguished service in the United States Air Force and United States Navy, including his early service as an Air Force air traffic controller and his later commission through Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School.

His remarks focused on leadership, civic responsibility, and service above self. He emphasized that effective leadership depends on truth, trust, humility, and a willingness to serve others without expectation of recognition.

Rear Admiral Walker also highlighted the mission of the U.S. Naval War College: educating future leaders, informing current decision makers, and strengthening engagement with allies and international partners. He described the college as a place where military, interagency, and international leaders exchange perspectives and prepare for complex security challenges.

Connecting national security to civic life, he praised Rotary’s work in literacy, veteran support, school partnerships, and community service. He underscored that strong local communities, sustained by volunteers and civic organizations, are an essential part of the nation’s resilience.

As he reflected on his upcoming retirement after 41 years of military service, Rear Admiral Walker encouraged attendees to continue serving quietly, consistently, and generously. President Liz thanked him for his presentation, and the meeting concluded with Rotary reminders and the Four-Way Test.