Master of Ceremonies Peter Loescher noted that this is our first Installation by way of a Zoom meeting. There were 42 people on the meeting. Included were thirteen past presidents. Guests attending were PDG Val Perry, PDG Bill Tennant & wife Deb, AG Sharon Johnson, Amy Cook (wife of Bryan), PP Cynthia Leonard, and Jim & Rita Williams.

 

INSPIRATION
Walter Cotter gave a reading of how Red Skelton explained the Pledge of Allegiance in 1969. Catch the original at https://www.americanrhetoric.com/ speeches/redskeltonpledgeofallegiance.htm

 

This was followed by Holly Applegate’s wonderful singing of The Star Spangled Banner.

 

PANDEVOLUTION
That’s a new word coined by Don Wilson, our speaker for this Monday’s Zoom meeting. Pandevolution, according to Don, is the ability of people to pivot (evolve) in response to the massive changes caused by the pandemic. Join us at noon to learn more from this talented speaker and author (or 11:45 am for socializing):
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82156162339?pwd=VW9USzBMZXhCMWRzWFNYY1Q1VXludz09

Meeting ID: 821 5616 2339
Password: Club22

 

Joining by phone, dial:

        +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)    
Meeting ID: 821 5616 2339
Password: 561294

 

PRES. GEOFF’S SWAN SONG
Outgoing President Geoff Gaunt said it was an honor and pleasure to serve our club this year. There has been a lot going on with social distancing, demonstrations etc. But thinking back on the year with everyone working together, “we pulled off one hell of a Gala. Thanks to our sponsors and members support.

 

“We aligned ourselves with literacy which was a major move that has been years in the making. This is something we did together and something we all can be proud of. We had other new things going on such as the tent suppers and new ways to attract new members.

 

“We are still getting work done serving our community in ways we didn’t expect. It has been a stressful year personally. I thank so many who have with their support helped me get through the day to day. I appreciated the opportunity and look forward to Bryan’s year coming up.”

 

Margaret $10 for outgoing President Geoff and incoming president Bryan and

board members. Also wishing she had AC in her house.

 

Holly $45 today marks a special anniversary of 45 years of being married to Bill

 

Don $5 to congratulate Geoff on his year and wishing Bryan success in the coming year

 

Jim G $10 One dollar in honor of Cy and to welcome Jim Williams who he served with on

the Foundation.

 

Pete $10 Being grateful to be a member of our club & to congratulate Geoff and Bryan

 

Barbara $10 For Barry Fain for his son and daughter in-law visiting with Lewis Fain

their new grandson. And for Geoff and Bryan.

 

Barry $10 Happy to see his new addition 5 month old grandson with his son and

daughter in-law in Westport until at least July 4th.

 

Richard $5 Geoff and outgoing board and Bryan and the incoming board. Wishing Jim

Williams well in his recovery.

 

Walt $10 for Geoff doing a fantastic job this year and for Bryan wishing him well in the new Rotary year.

 

Art $10 Geoff thanks for your great work and Bryan as our new president & new board

 

INSTALLATIONS
Peter then introduced PDG Kris David to install our new board members who were elected for two year terms beginning on July 1 st: Mary Brewster, Connie Donnelly, Michaela Hermann, Liz Messier and Phil Gossel

 

Peter recognized outgoing board members Walt, George, Wendy, Bob and Art

 

PDG Kris David installed Officers:

Peter introduced Bryan Cook, a graduate of Colby College, married to wife Amy and has four children. He is Sr. Assistant Vice President at Amica Mutual Insurance Co. He’s been a member of our club since 2005. Bryan has served in the past as the Chairman of our Charities Foundation.

 

PDG Kris installed Bryan Cook as the 110th president of the Rotary Club of Providence.

 

PRESIDENT BRYAN’S REMARKS
“Thank you for the privilege of serving as your club president this year. It’s an honor to be the 110th president of the Providence Rotary.

 

“I’ve been a member of the Rotary clubs of Buffalo, Indianapolis and my ties go back even further when the local Rotary club in Georgia sponsored my Little League baseball team. Rotary has been a part of my life for a long time. The past fifteen years as a member of our club I’ve been inspired by our leaders and members who have a lot of heart.

 

“Over the coming year we are going to be impacted by the lingering effects of the pandemic and the concerns of gathering in large numbers. We have now gone from socializing to social distancing. This is really hard for an organization like Rotary that’s focused on good will and better friendships.

 

“My wish is that we focus on what unites us and not what divides us. Our strength is coming together for a common purpose like our literacy program. I’m an optimistic person by nature looking forward with hope and I believe leadership should cast a brighter vision for tomorrow.

 

“I believe our club can do great things. We have the time, talent and treasure perfectly suited to take on our literacy program. I’m grateful to the leadership that has brought that forward. My wife Amy say’s leaders are readers which is so true. Literacy is a life changing skill on which a future is built. Our club has chosen well for this project.

 

“Thanks to everyone for your service to our community. Best wishes to all for the coming year.”