I am honored to be here as one of your newer members. What drew me to this organization is its focus on community service without political or religious agendas.

 

When I serve others, I regain a sense of dignity. As a survivor of childhood sexual violence, I now work with survivors here in Rhode Island. Giving back helps restore my own dignity while helping others reclaim theirs.

 

I see that same dignity in this group. Each of you brings different skills and experiences, yet you all work to uplift others, including victims of sex trafficking. In many ways, you reflect an amplified version of the work I try to do.

 

Tomorrow [last Wednesday], I’ll attend a press conference at the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office related to abuse in the Catholic Church.

 

I’m deeply honored to have been personally invited. Experiences like this continue to shape and strengthen my advocacy.

 

Paula Jagemann, Charles Donnelly and Peter Perkins

 

Tracy Boothman, Providence Public Schools, who will be inducted into the club on March 10.

 

Liz thanked Kris David who hosted a delicious and fun Tent Supper on Saturday evening.

 

It’s not too late to attend a supper hosted by Mary and Rob Brewster in Warwick on March 20 or by Anthony Landi in Narragansett on March 27. Let Mary Brewster or Liz know if you would like to attend. A suggested donation of $50 supports educational programs for women in Nepal.

 

Thank you to those who were unable to attend a dinner, but who have donated to this project. Gifts of any amount are welcome and may be made through the Providence Rotary website.

 

Members and guests are invited to a performance of the Tony Award-winning musical, The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Barker Playhouse in Providence on Thursday, March 19. It is funny, heartwarming, and it is definitely not for kids!

 

A reception with wine and refreshments starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by the performance at 7:30 p.m. Attendance is free and you are welcome to bring guests. Let Liz know if you are planning to attend.

 

Club members gave time and energy to two important literacy projects this week.

 

They delivered boxes of books for the libraries in every classroom at George J. West and Harry Kizirian Elementary Schools. And eight volunteers – six club members and two locally based authors and illustrators of children's books – read to young students in support of Reading Week at Kizirian.

  

Rotarian Michaela Hermann, left, read to a fourth grade class and author/illustrator Hannah Chung, right, read and discussed one of her books with first graders.

 

Pete was $5 happy as he thought about his friend and fellow Rotarian, Margaret Kane. Thinking of Margaret made him very happy as he reflected on her friendship and how she trained him to be Mr. Happy Bucks! 

 

Cap Willey was $5 happy because of a good deed done by a stranger who plowed his driveway and left without asking for payment. He is also thinking about the six soldiers killed at a Kuwait base this weekend. He is thankful that his granddaughter left the same base in December.

 

Simone Fargiorgio was $10 happy because his friend Peter Perkins was at the meeting and he was finally able to meet Paula Jagemann.

 

Paula Jagemann was happy because she is meeting this week with Johnson & Wales on a Cachexia cancer nutrition research project.

 

Rob Black was $5 happy for a great three-week cruise he took from Sydney to Bali.

 

Richard Applebaum was happy to see Liz chairing the meeting and for a terrific time at Kris David’s Tent Supper.

 

Bill Efthimiades had $10 happy bucks to thank Holly and Bill Applegate for the great food, wine, and company at their Tent Supper.

 

Simone Fargiorgio introduced Ryan Strik, Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society – Cancer Action Network.

 

Ryan provided an overview of the American Cancer Society Action Network (ACS CAN) and its role in advancing evidence based public policies to reduce the cancer burden in Rhode Island and nationwide.

 

Ryan highlighted a number of recent legislative successes in Rhode Island, including eliminating cost sharing for colorectal cancer screenings, expanding biomarker testing coverage, advancing paid family leave, and reducing the burden of medical debt.

 

He also shared 2026 legislative priorities, such as no cost follow up cancer screenings for breast and lung cancer, prescription drug affordability reforms, and increased funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

 

There are several upcoming advocacy events and research initiatives including the Voices of Black Women study that are opportunities for partner engagement and collaboration.