INSPIRATION
The purpose of an inspiration is motivation, said Bob Murphy, who gave an example of how he was motivated by delivering dictionaries to a school. The enthusiasm of the students, their appreciation and questions made him want to become involved in similar projects of service above self.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc.
President Don thanked Trish Cirelli for serving as Greeter, Rob Black and Richard Applebaum for handling Registration, and Nondas Voll as Reporter.
He read a letter from Senator Jack Reed, speaker at a recent meeting, who applauded the club for creating opportunities for dialogue and change.
Reminder that the April 16 meeting will be our Million Dollar Meal at the Johnson & Wales University Harbor View Building, 1150 Narragansett Blvd., Cranston. For those with long memories, this is the former Colonial Hilton Motor Inn; it is NOT located at the Harborside Campus. There’s lots of parking right at the door.
Pres. Don announced that Pete Brock will be honored by Men Who Make a Difference at their event on April 27 in Newport.
Holly Applegate announced that Barker Playhouse will offer a benefit for Rotary on May 10. The play is a musical: “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” Holly and Liz Messier will be in the cast.
Tickets are still available for the May 17 trip to the Boston Pops featuring a tribute to Leonard Bernstein. This is a fellowship event with food and wine. If interested, contact Walter Adamowicz or Paul Segal.
Kris David, wearing her cowgirl boots, invited members to celebrate PP Anthony Hollingshead’s 60th birthday with line dancing on April 16. Lessons are included in the $15 cover charge.
President Don announced that in May three Interact students will attend RYLA training on the Cape funded by the club foundation. He also urged members to attend Rotary International’s annual conference in Toronto from June 23-27.
HAPPY BUCKS
Margaret Kane returned as collector and donated in honor of Pete Brock.
PP Anthony also gave in honor of Peter Brock’s upcoming award.
Trish Cirelli gave for Crossroads RI and Amos House.
Paul Segal welcomed Margaret back from Florida.
Wendy Marcus marched in DC for 17 Parkland High School victims.
PP Barbara Harris was pleased to be home in Providence after time in Florida.
Jane Kratsch appreciated some works of art and a concert.
John McGinn donated for Margaret Kane’s return and the Convention Center’s expected profit of $123 million by June 30.
Terri Adelman gave to admonish adults who suggest arming students with rocks will safeguard them.
Member Talks
Steven Stoops - “Forgotten Child”
Major Stoops was raised in OhIo as the middle child in his family. He told stories of his parents forgetting him on various occasions that left him with memories of being “a forgotten child.” At age 17 he joined the Air Force where he learned leadership, loyalty and hardship. Later he entered the Salvation Army seminary, mirroring his parents’ vocation. Speaking about positions he held in Eastern Pennsylvania and New York City, he appreciated becoming an expert in empathy by helping people in poverty gain a state of wholeness. Remembering his feelings of having been “a forgotten child,” he is determined that he will not let one child in Rhode Island go without a chance.
Trish Cirelli - “Peanut butter lady”
Trish has already stepped up to coordinate Providence Rotary’s peanut butter collection for Crossroads RI and Amos House. She talked about her family in Coventry where her mother was with DCYF and her father owned Wayne’s Service auto shop on Silver Spring Street jin Providence. Today she is the mother of twins and married. Trish’s father will retire after running his business for 23 years. After 8 years of experience with him, she will own and run the company as of August. Trish is proud to be a Rotarian in order to: “have her fingers in the community.”
Anthony Landi - “Helping Children”
Incoming Secretary Anthony Landi, a financial advisor with UBS, talked about growing up in North Providence, marrying a woman from the same town after they met on a high school trip in Canada, and raising two children. He spoke of his father who taught him: “The more people you help, the more you are blessed.” In his family there was only one baseball glove so only one child could play the sport. Because his father always worked two jobs, Anthony has tried to focus upon helping children. He has volunteered at the Street Painting Festival, the fishing derby and other projects. Anthony applauds Barry Fain’s role in encouraging him to join Rotary where he feels: “Blessed to be here to appreciate helping children.”
