Greeter
Paul Harris
Master of Ceremonies
Anthony Hollingshead, Past President, welcomed members and guests.
Pledge of Allegiance
John Adams led the salute to the flag.
National Anthem
Holly Applegate sang the National Anthem.
Inspiration
Paul Harris (aka Walter Cotter)
Thank you for welcoming me to the Providence Rotary Club, the 22nd Rotary Club established in 1911. When Rotary began in February 1905, I did not imagine it would become a worldwide movement. At the time, I wrote: “When a man plants an unpromising sapling in the early springtime, can he be sure that someday here will grow a mighty tree? Does he not have to reckon with the rain and sun, and the smile of Providence? Once he sees the first bud—ah, then he can begin to dream of shade.”
Today, Rotary has 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs across over 200 countries. Rotary International is the world’s largest service club organization by membership, with 1.9 million volunteers across the Rotary family. Our mission is to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.” We are non-political and non-religious.
I was especially pleased when our Rotary Foundation was created in 1917. Its enduring goal has been to address health, hunger, education, and environmental needs among impoverished communities worldwide. Providence Rotary’s literacy project reflects that goal and is supported by the Providence Rotary Foundation. Since its inception, more than $4 billion has been contributed to the Foundation, including over $569 million this past year. Net assets exceed $1.6 billion, and the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-sustaining projects. In 2024–25, the Foundation awarded more than $406,000,000 in funding for over 1,400 global grants, including: 468 district grants and 74 disaster response grants.
It ranks in the top 1% of the largest U.S. foundations by giving and is seventh lowest in administrative costs, directing 90% of spending to program awards and operations.
Our greatest project, adopted in 1985, is the global eradication of polio. We aim to finish this work within the next three years. To date, more than three billion children have been immunized, and we will achieve our goal. We are almost there.
Congratulations to Bill, Liz, and the members of the Providence Rotary Club for advancing our philanthropic and humanitarian mission.
Remember our mottoes: Service Above Self and They Profit Most Who Serve Best
And, of course, remember the Four-Way Test for the things we think, say, and do:
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Guests
Cheri Saracen, Emily Brock. Kylie Morgan, Singh Saluj, Nishat Ziddiqi, John McGinn, Charles Hawley, Katie Messier, Sally Lapides, Libby Isaacson, Kathy Kelly, Sharon Charpentier, Suzanne Cannon, Tammy DeBarros, and Seth Kern
On Zoom
Paula Jagemann, Dennis Messier, Greg Lemoi
Past Presidents Acknowledged for Club Service
Kris David, Holly Applegate, Art Norwalk, Don Saracen, Mike Kelly, Paul Borelli, Jenny Miller Koehler, Barbara Harris, Barry Fain, Richard Applebaum, John McGinn, Peter Loescher, Pete Brock and Anthony Hollingshead
Happy Bucks
Pete Brock started with $116 from Susan Kaplan Kearney in honor of Liz becoming the 116th Rotary President. Susan is recovering from surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Emily Brock had $11 for Susan’s recent surgery which took 11 hours instead of four.
Members and guests enthusiastically offered happy bucks to congratulate Bill for his outstanding work as president and for Liz who will do a fabulous job as this year ‘s president.
Presentation of Awards
Richard Applebaum, Kris David and Art Norwalk (major donors to the Rotary International Foundation) presented Paul Harris awards to Don Saracen, Cap Willey, Michaela Hermann, and Bill Applegate for their commitment to Providence Rotary and the community.
Rotarian of the year
Bill Applegate presented the Rotarian of the Year Award to Don Saracen for his commitment to gather sponsorships for the past six Legends for Literacy galas, producing quality speakers for our meetings, and producing a PSA for the upcoming gala. His service is greatly appreciated.
Installation of 2026 – 2027 Board Members and Officers
The following officers were installed: Liz Messier, President; Emily Bernstein, President-Elect; Lew Hassell, First Vice President; Peter Loescher, Second Vice President and Assistant Treasurer; Michaela Hermann, Secretary; and Luis Lourenco, Treasurer.
New Board of Directors
2026-2027 Bill Efthimiades, Sheri Hendricks;
2026-2028 Jane Berkowitz, Pete Brock, Sharon Garland, Yani Hernandez and Mike Kelly
Special Appreciation to outgoing board members Anthony Hollingshead, Sam New, and Troylynda Williams, and in remembrance of George Babcock and Bob Morse.
Reflections on the New President
Katie Messier offered a heartfelt reflection on her mother describing herself as Liz’s “#1 fan.” She noted that Liz has always been an even bigger fan of Katie and her brother, Dennis, supporting them with enthusiasm, encouragement, and pride.
Katie described Liz as a tremendous role model—someone who has been a force in the workplace, one who makes even ordinary moments feel special and brings joy and energy to everything she does.
Katie said those same qualities—leadership, warmth, joy, and energy—will serve Liz well as she begins her term as Club president.
Liz Messier, 116th President of the Rotary Club of Providence
Liz shared her vision for the upcoming Rotary year and the key priorities that will guide the club’s work, fellowship, and community impact. She expressed her gratitude to club members for their trust and support, to Bill for his leadership and service as past president and the installation committee, led by Holly, for making the installation so meaningful.
The guiding vision for the year is to evolve, engage, and enjoy the journey. This reflects a commitment to strengthening the club while preserving the values of service, fellowship, and community leadership.
Evolve
The club can continue to honor its history of service and fellowship while staying open to new ideas, improved practices, and thoughtful growth. This priority aligns with Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola’s guidance: “Better your best. Do not compete with other clubs. Compete with yourself.”
Engage
To engage is to invite every member to find a place in the work of the club. Whether through service projects, fellowship, leadership, or quiet acts of support, each contribution matters. By encouraging member-led projects and creating more opportunities to participate, the club can deepen its impact and strengthen the bonds that make Rotary special.
Enjoy the Journey
To enjoy the journey is to remember that Rotary is not only about the work accomplished, but also about the friendships formed along the way. Meetings, service projects, and fellowship opportunities should feel meaningful, welcoming, and joyful. Rotary After Dark will serve as the fourth meeting each month, offering another way for members to connect, participate, and share in the fellowship of the club.
(Note: this newsletter my be clipped, please click on “view entire message” to see the important sidebar!)
Be sure to join us next Tuesday, June 7th to hear about two new service projects - “Shower on the Move” and “The Bodega.” We’re partnering with the Pawtucket YMCA on these exciting projects and we’ll hear about the lasting impact we can help make for members of our community by participating. Volunteer opportunities for this project will begin in July, so don’t miss this meeting!