Mike Kelly led us in the pledge
Inspiration
Cap Willey led an inspiration regarding New Year’s Resolutions. A 2007 study revealed that 88% of those who start resolutions fail. Some unique resolutions to consider:
- Workout to feel good versus working out to lose weight,
- Give 1 compliment a day,
- Go someplace that you have never been,
- Avoid people who complain, and
- Send handwritten notes. (Nobody does that anymore.)
On Zoom
Lew Hassell, Greg Lemoi, Sam New, Bob Morse, Ben Hadsell, Michaela Hermann and Barbara Harris.
Introduction of Guests
Elaine Fain
Announcements
Jane Berkowitz visited the RI Food Bank. It was an educational experience, the FoodBank feeds a significant number of families, including many children. Jane met with the Director of Corporate and Community Relations, Kelly Seigh, who took her on a tour of the facility on Niantic Avenue. Kelly has agreed to speak to the Club later in January about how we can set up a Rotary project that supports the Food Bank in 2025.
Anthony Hollingshead mentioned that Michaela Hermann visited RI Red Cross and she and Karen Mueller will be coordinating a Blood Drive with another Club.
Sharon Garland is gathering names for Board positions.
Next Rotary After Dark event is at The Players at Barker Playhouse on March 27th watching the musical Into The Woods.
Tickets are at a bargain of $10 each.
Keep Rob Black in your thoughts and prayers.
Holly Applegate is gathering cards to bring to the Veteran’s Hospital.
Happy Bucks
- Bill Applegate happy about a terrific Holiday season,
- Liz Messier also happy about time with family & friends during the Holidays,
- Rob Brewster happy about the help being offered the students at Kizarian Elementary,
- Art Norwalk happy about the 7th anniversary of our role in implementing changes to the Literacy program at Kizarian Elementary,
- Barry Fain happy to be in person and seeing everyone,
- Cap Willey happy about a terrific visit with his granddaughter,
- Mary Brewster happy about upcoming community work,
- Kris David happy about a surprise visit from Santa during the Holidays,
- Anthony Landi happy about his son turning 21 and,
- Pete Brock who is perpetually happy.
Speaker
Jane Berkowitz introduced our guest speaker - Michael DiBiase, CEO & President, RI Public Expenditure Counsel.
Michael began serving as President and CEO of RIPEC in January 2020. Served for 5 years as Director of Administration for the State of Rhode Island, held senior positions in government relations for Fidelity Investments serving as Chief of Staff for Governor Lincoln Almond. He was an Adjunct professor of political science—Providence College. Graduate of Boston College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Michael shared many interesting facts regarding RIPEC, RI Housing, Providence Schools and RI Economics. Those facts included: RI is ahead of the national average regarding the number of college-educated but trails MA by 10%, the overall population in Providence is down significantly and RI housing costs are above the national average. The main focus this year for the state is balancing the budget.
