INSPIRATION
Paul Segal provided our inspiration by quoting from a commencement speech given by Denzel Washington at U Penn in 2011. The emphasis was on falling forward with the tag line being “every failed experiment is one step closer to success.”
President Don thanked greeter Jane Kratsch and front table workers Rob Black and Anthony Landi.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc.
Paul Segal noted that he has two tickets left for the Pops concert/trip on 5/17. Please see Paul or Walter Adamowicz if you want to attend.
The club awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship to the Gabe family in honor of Mo Gabe. The award was accepted by Mo’s son, Dana.
Pete Brock was honored as one of Rhode Island’s Men Who Make A Difference. The Saracens, the Kellys and Jim Gilcreast attended the Women's Resource Center gala in Newport.
Trish Cirelli announced that she has a trunk full of Peanut Butter which will be delivered to the food bank next week. That leaves one more opportunity for members to bring in PB.
Bob Murphy let us know that plans are proceeding smoothly for the annual fishing derby. The bus will leave the Marriott at 8:20 am on 6/2.
Pres. Don advised that there will be a Service Above Self Award Lunch on Monday 6/11. Honorees will be George Babcock and George Farrell. A cash bar will be provided. Cost to attend is $22 for Rotarians and $40 for guests.
Terri Adelman thanked those who had come prepared with signed background checks which are necessary for those participating in our reading program this month. She encouraged all to pick a date to read. She will confirm dates and times with all volunteers individually.
PP Susan Blicker is doing better.
HAPPY BUCKS
Pete Brock-- $ in honor of his recognition from the Women’s Resource Center in Newport.
Jim Gilcreast--$$ for Pete Brock and Laurie DiPersio.
Steve Hug--$ his grandson - 4 months old - and Steve is looking forward to their first in-person visit.
Mike Kelly-- $ for Pete Brock and a recent trip to Fl.
Wendy Marcus--$ in honor of Barry Fain’s newest grandchild who arrived the morning of 4:30 weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz.
Christy Clausen--$ for missed Rotary meetings. She was running the Earth Day project for the City of Providence. Also gave a $ to recognize Shelter Box being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Trish Cirelli--$ for a great birthday weekend with family.
Mary Brewster--$ for a wonderful trip to Japan.
Randy Dittmar -- $ for the end of tax season.
Jane Kratsch--$ in honor of Cy Wyche “ I’ve got a buck and I’m happy”
Pres. Don--$ for Pete Brock
WE WILL CHOOSE THE MURDERER
Guest speaker Joan Dillenback, VP of the Players and director of the musical “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” gave us a preview of the fun awaiting members who attend the club’s benefit performance this coming Thursday.*
Joan is a lifelong lover of theater and the arts, but spent her career in purchasing for companies such as Cumberland Engineering and Teknor Apex.
The Players is the oldest continuously performing theater group in the U.S. and includes Providence Rotarians Walter Cotter, Holly Applegate and Steve Hug, while the incumbent president is former club member Liz Messier.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood is based on an unfinished work by Charles Dickens. The last words written by Dickens were “Drood disappears” with no mention of the cause of the disappearance. That bit of mystery lets audience members vote on the fates of certain characters such as the identities of the murderer as well as who the “lovers” are. Actual ballots are cast and the actors don’t know until they’re counted which ending they’ll have to perform.
*Joan has enjoyed the challenge of directing this show and encourages all to come out for the performance Thursday, May 10. Reception starts at 6:30, performance at 7:30. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased online at www.ProvidenceRotary.org
