INSPIRATION
Rob Black read from The Talmud - "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the World's grief. Do Justly now Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now, you are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it." 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc.
Jane Kratsch has obtained a large amount of fleece from Jo Ann Fabric and will be making hats for Christy Clausen's winter hat program. 

 

Wendy Marcus advised of Jim Alexander's appreciation for expressions of sympathy on his wife's passing and request for contributions to help defray expenses for the Celebration Of Life held for Judy Alexander on Jan. 13.

 

Terri Adelman advised there has been a delay in obtaining the books to be placed in classroom libraries at the Kizirian School. When the books come in, volunteers will be needed to label them and read to students.

 

Art Norwalk advised the painting  project at the Kizirian School will continue this coming Saturday, Jan. 20 – volunteers needed to help.

 

Mary Brewster was welcomed back after recovery from her wrist surgery.

 

HAPPY BUCKS
Pete Brock for successful Patriot season and good prospects for playoffs.

 

Don Saracen for Barry Fain's great Bay magazine.

 

Jan Feyler was happy the bat is out of her house.

 

Anthony Landi for his son's 14th birthday.

 

David Hunter for a great ski trip.

 

Richard Applebaum for trip to Niagara Falls and seeing a great Neil Diamond impersonator show.

 

Barry Fain for his daughter expecting a child in May.

 

George Burman for getting a great deal on a new Lexus and identifying a prospective corporate sponsor for the Street Painting Festival.

 

Randy Dittmar gave kudos to the Patriots for donating blankets obtained from fans at game to shelters in New England.

 

Mary Brewster for cards and help given during her surgery recovery.

 

GREEN AIRPORT IS ON THE GROW
Guest speaker Iftikhar Ahmad , president and CEO of the RI Airport Corporation, reported that Green Airport is on track for recovery after a multi-year decline.

 

Green is the 64th most used airport in the US out of 503 passenger airports. 4.6 million people live within 65 miles of the Airport and one million jobs are located within 70 miles, so the potential of the airport as a part of the state’s  economic development is large.

 

Since the reduction in flights by Southwest Airlines several years ago, there was a 40% reduction in passenger use until recently when there has been a significant increase as  the airport has seen a jump in international flights, more competitive fares and an increase in non-stop flights. Overall Mr. Ahmad said the future prospects for the airport are bright.

 

Before coming to his current position in October of 2016, he had previous aviation executive experience at airports in Houston, New Orleans, Nashville and Dayton, Ohio. He was a Rotary Club member in Nashville and expressed interest in rejoining Rotary in RI.