Anthony Hollingshead led us in the pledge

Cap always likes to look at what happened in this day in history. He noticed not much happened today on May 10. But 11th is National Twilight Zone Day. Celebrating the show that started in 1959 and ran for 150 shows. Many of the stories and comments are still relevant today. One quote was “Being like everybody is the same as being nobody.” He also said 11^th is Eat all you want day, National Root Canal Appreciation Day and Hostess Cupcake Day.

Cap’s guest Norman Gauthier is from Florida whose enjoying our Spring weather

Past President Anthony ran our meeting while President Holly has been under the weather. Anthony, Kris and Richard attended our District 7950 conference at Sea Crest on the Cape. Approximately 150 members were in attendance. The theme was Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Kris received a special Citation For Meritorious Service from The Rotary Foundation recognizing her for outstanding service and being the embodiment of the motto "Doing Good in the World." Our club also received several awards. Vibrant Club & Significant Award for our Reading Rally, The Public Image Award, International Service Award and the Service Longevity Award to our good friend and member Ralph Barlow for his 51 years to our Rotary Club of Providence.

 

Liz reminded us that the Players production of Stephen Sondheim's Putting it Together will take place on May 19^th. Tickets can be pursued on our website.

 

Holly said that Randy Dittmar called her to share the great news his doctor has indicated he’s now cured and looks forward to attending meetings again in June.

 

A reminder that our May 17^th meeting will be at the Providence Public Library, sign up with Rob.

 

Also, May 31^st will be a Member Guest meeting with our featured speaker U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

Mikel Wadewitz, Director of the partnership for Project Weber / RENEW. This is a recovery, support peer led organization whose mission is to help drug and substance abusers, sex worker’s and overdose issues. Their focus is on the communities of Providence, Pawtucket and Central Falls. Mr. Wadewitz serves on the advisory board of the Providence Library’s RI LGBTQ+ Community Archive.

 

Dennis A. Bailer is a person in long term recovery from substance use disorder. He is the Overdose Prevention Program Director at Project Weber/RENEW  and has been with the organization for over six years. Dennis is also employed at Anchor Community Recovery Center as a Providence Safe Station Responder. He is a Peer Recovery Specialist, a Certified Community Health Worker, a Certified HIV/HepC Test Counselor, and a Naloxone/Narcan Train the Trainer Specialist.

 

Dennis is a founding co-chair of the Racial Equity Working Group, which is one of nine working groups advising Governor McKee’s Overdose Prevention and Treatment Task Force.

 

Dennis stated that substance abuse is a mental health disorder. They presented a slide show with statistics such as 4,600 individuals served, 200+ transports to detox clients, 2,500 fentanyl test handed out, there have been 400 over dose deaths in RI in 2021. Plus the many issues and programs they offer such as HIV/HepC testing, Naloxone/Narcan, LGBTQ+ Support, Harm Reduction, Mobile Resources and Peer Counseling. Being a peer led organization provides their clients with a more meaningful interaction and outcome.