Inspiration
Anthony Hollingshead found Inspiration in the words of Lonnie G. Bunch, the 14th Secretary of The Smithsonian Institution. Previously Mr. Bunch was Director of The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History And Culture. When he began as Director in July 2005 the Museum had no collections, funding or site for a building. Under his leadership the Museum opened in 2016 in a building on the National Mall with 40,000 exhibits and has welcomed more than 8 million visitors.
Secretary Bunch’s quote is “It’s an opportunity to both look back and look ahead to make sure that the notion of freedom and the fragility of it are always protected and celebrated”.
Get Well Wishes
Wishes for a speedy recovery are extended to Alan Goer, who is recovering in Italy from heart surgery. Alan is the husband of former Club member Wendy Marcus.
Announcements
The meeting on Tuesday June 25 to install President Pete Brock will be held at The Hope Club in Providence commencing at 11:30 AM. The dress will be Business Casual (no jeans) and there will be a cash bar (no credit cards accepted for drinks).
The importance of the work of the Providence Rotary Foundation was highlighted by the grants given to the 27 non-profits at last weeks meeting so members are urged to donate to the Foundation.
Report on 2023-2024 Club Events
President Kris David gave a report of the past year.
On a sad note four Club members passed away this year – Margaret Kane, Jim Gilcreast, Arthur Robbins, and Reverend Ralph Barlow.
Margaret made every meeting memorable with her quick wit and sense of humor in leading Happy Bucks.
Jim had a perfect attendance record of 49 years that will never be matched.
Arthur was a major leader in the Providence Business and Jewish communities.
Reverend Barlow was Pastor of The Beneficent Congregational Church in Providence and made many thoughtful reflections at our meetings on the work of Rotarians.
A highlight of the year was the work of The Membership Committee in bringing in 9 new members and educating the members in the work of Rotary and ensuring that members remain active and engaged.
Social event Highlights were a dinner at Anthony Landi’s home, followed by a night at The Barker Playhouse. A New Year’s Eve Party was held at a local distillery and later The Club sponsored a dinner followed by listening to music at The Blue Room in Cranston. In December the Club continued the tradition of having a Holiday Luncheon for the students and staff of The San Miguel School.
The main focus of The Club’s community service this year was Child Literacy implemented through The Jane Babcock Childhood Literacy Initiative named after member George Babcock’s mother, a Providence Librarian. In August, one meeting was devoted to assembling welcome kits of school supplies for children at Harry Kizirian Elementary School. In October the “Legends For Literacy” Gala was held to raise funds to support the Initiative. Over the past 5 years these galas have raised Approximately $260,000. The Club also supported reading weeks by reading to students at Harry Kizirian and George J. West elementary schools.
Other community service projects were held in collaboration with other Rotary Clubs. In September, the Club volunteered at Rocky Point to install the traveling Veterans War Memorial and in October a joint meeting was held with Cranston Rotary to celebrate World Polio Day. In Spring, the Club joined Cranston Rotary in packaging 10,000 meals for persons dealing with food insecurity.
This year the Club continued holding the “Tent Suppers” at members residences to support Global Grants which this year were for clean water and sanitation in Ghana.
As to awards and recognition of service Rotary International gave a Significant Service award to the Jane Babcock Childhood Literacy Initiative, and The Rotary District Governor awarded a Certificate of Excellence to Kris David for her service as President.
President Kris expressed thanks to various committees and individuals for their contributions to a successful Club Year.
Happy Bucks
- Pete Brock happy to be at meeting.
- Liz Messier for service by Kris David.
- Cap Willey for Celtics championship.
- Art Norwalk for the assistance given by The Club to the students at Harry Kizirian and George J. West schools.
- Jane Berkowitz for the teachers attending this meeting.
- Kevin Oates for having tickets to summer polo matches to give to Club members.
- Don Saracen in recognition of all the Rotary positions Kris David has held in addition to her current Presidency.
- Bill Applegate for the service of President Kris David and for the success of incoming President Pete Brock.
Speakers
Attending the meeting were Providence School System teachers Natalie Hartley, a reading specialist at Harry Kizirian School and Gina Sousa, a reading specialist at George J. West School.
They concluded the meeting with brief remarks thanking the Club for the great impact that the Club’s efforts have had on the success of the reading programs at their schools. Both schools have over 500 students each, mainly from low income families and many of whom are Multilingual Learners. Since the Rotary Club efforts began both attendance and reading proficiency are up.
A big hit with the students have been the Book Vending Machines from which students can buy books with gold coins they earn by good attendance and accomplishments in academics and behavior.
Meeting Note
There will NOT be a weekly meeting on July 2, 2024. Hope you all have a great Holiday.
