Newsletter Date: May 20, 2018
Meeting Date: May 14, 2018
Reporter: Sharon Garland
INSPIRATION
David Hunter shared “Rose’s story” on how an 86-year old student inspired college students with her wisdom and interest in their lives.
Big News from the
District Conference
PP Richard Applebaum accepts the
Percy Hodgson Award -- the highest honor
presented by our district -- from DG Steve Certa. Richard was honored for his extensive service to both our club and the district. (Pop quiz: Who's Percy Hodgson? Answer at the bottom of this newsletter.)
AND
Providence Rotary received about ten District Recognition awards for accomplishments this year. Details in next week's issue.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc.
President Don:
- Welcomed back Arthur Robbins from Florida
- Announced that the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation is accepting proposals for investment management of the Foundation’s endowment funds. Contact Paul Segal for more information.
- Thanked Holly Applegate for her terrific work in organizing a fundraiser for the club at Barker Playhouse; he acknowledged Kris and Bill David and Mary and Mike Cullen for the terrific refreshments served that evening. Holly and Liz Messier had roles in the play.
- Reminded that June 11th is the first “Service Above Self” luncheon. Member price is the usual $22 (or included for quarterly payers) -- $40 for guests. Members are urged to reserve ahead – this will make it much easier to plan for a smooth running event and give the Marriott an accurate meal count.
Art Norwalk introduced a new promotion card highlighting Rotary local and worldwide service and the benefits of club membership. Rob Black has a supply – they’re great to mail or hand to prospective members.
Good news on PP Susan Blicker: she is making great progress towards recovery! Susan is at Sunnyview Nursing Home at 83 Corona Street, Warwick, RI 02886 if you’d like to visit or send a card.
HAPPY BUCKS
Pete Brock started things off with his own in the spirit of Mother’s Day thanking all mothers at the meeting.
David Hunter shared great news that his brother, who was diagnosed with cancer 1 ½ years ago, now is in unexpected 100% remission!
George Burman for his wife’s nomination in RI Monthly as one of the Top Doctors in Rhode Island.
Anthony Hollingshead for David Hunter’s good news and thanks to Holly for organizing the Barker fundraiser.
Barry Fain in memory of his cousin and partner, Bunny Fain.
Arthur Robbins $ 9.50 for being back and $.50 for sitting next to Paul Segal!
Don Saracen for Anthony Hollingshead and Richard Applebaum, who graciously served as valets at the Barker Playhouse event.
Art Norwalk for learning that he and Connie Donnelly had numerous acquaintances and memories in common through her late husband, ProJo crime reporter Dave Donnelly.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS MAKE A SPLASH
WITH NITROGEN-INFUSED COFFEE
PP Randy Dittmar introduced speakers, Sam Lancaster and Audrey Finocchiaro, young entrepreneurs who were inspired to start a business in Rhode Island by a trend they had seen in New York City: cold brewed coffee infused with nitrogen.
They created their own proprietary recipe that gives the drink a creamy foam top, like Guinness beer. The coffee beans they use are locally sourced from a RI roaster. In their Pawtucket facility, the coffee is slowly brewed cold for 24 hours and then added to a Nitro tap system.
Bob Morse samples the Nitro coffee from a
complimentary keg brought by Sam & Audrey.
The Nitro Cart distribution system started with a home-built cart which they brought to events around Providence. Once the drink was introduced to students on the East Side, the business really took off and has grown with the help of social media and rave reviews from customers.
The business is growing at a rapid pace with the introduction of The Nitro Cart on Tap, now in over 50 shops and restaurants. They have four full-time employees, 12 part-time and the future looks very bright as they expand beyond Rhode Island.
Quiz Answer:
Percy Hodgson, of Pawtucket, was the only Rhode Islander to serve as president of Rotary International. His year was in the late 1940s.
