Mike Kelly gave the pledge of allegiance.
Inspiration
Richard Applebaum brought up the Rotary magazine and responses to a survey, and readership thereof. Richard also discussed famous Rotarians and significant figures in history and the impact that their contributions have had.
Guests
Don Saracen – Maria, his daughter- In-law, and grandson (Johny Blue Eyes, Ralph Gianfrancesco, a prospective member, is Simone Fargiorgio’s guest, Jennifer Smith – ED of Books Are Wings a non-profit in Pawtucket, former members Jenny Miller and Jim Scanlan.
Announcements
March 27 is the preview performance of Into the Woods for the Rotary. Cocktail hour starts at 6:30, the curtain goes up at 7:30. Talk to Kris David for tickets or more information. She is still looking for additional food and drink donations.
Kizirian school is holding Reading Week. Do you want to read to kids?! Of course you do! This will be held on the morning of March 25. See the email sent by Art Norwalk for details.
Liz did happy birthdays and talked about the wonder of being born in March, a month of transition. They included under the Zodiac sign of Pisces, Maxine Cohen on March 5th, Anthony Landi on March 6th and Barry Fain on March 15th; and under the Aries sign, Bill Applegate on March 30th.
Emily Bernstein is still collecting coats for our project to help Dorcas International.
Happy Bucks
- Bill Applegate had $20 after attending NEPELS in Framingham. This was a seven district event preparing new Rotary presidents for the next year. Intense, but useful and inspiring, Bill reports.
- Rob Black - $5 great weekend in Pittsburgh with family.
- Anthony Landi gave $20 in honor of Margaret Kane, whose estate just made a large donation to the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation.
- Anthony Hollingshead $5 for welcoming guests and prospective members.
- Cap Willey - $2 mentioned his granddaughter’s tremendous experience in her study abroad program, it includes riding a Camel.
- Liz Messier offered happy bucks honoring guests and her daughter who is recovering and returning to work.
- Kris David said hello to Jenny and Jim who are visiting. Also, Kris helped and attended an event for International Women’s Day. The event focused on networking and the related benefits.
- Mary Brewster $5 because Nondas Voll entered her thoughts. Mary finds Nondas inspirational and someone to be proud of.
- Jenny Miller was happy to be back at our Rotary meeting visiting with old friends.
- Jim Scanlan was also happy to see friends from his days in Rotary since career moves took him out of the Providence area.
- Pete Brock offered $10 simply because he is happy.
- Daniel Crenca (guest speaker) offered happy bucks in thanks of smiles.
Speaker
Bill Applegate mentioned visiting Nico Bella’s, a restaurant in downtown Providence on Dorrance/Westminster. He met the owner, Daniel Crenca, and during the conversation learned of his philanthropic adventure to become PVD Santa.
Daniel’s family has been in the restaurant business for decades and a few generations. He trained at some of the best-known restaurants in the city. During the Pandemic he grew out his beard and his family and friends said he would make a good Santa.
PVD Santa is a charitable organization that focuses on Christmastime activities. Daniel got his start playing Santa when Nico Bella’s re-opened in the pandemic era. Daniel shared several experiences over the course of his five-year tenure as PVD Santa, some of which are emotional, and heart warming. Daniel feels a calling to help the communities in need in our city of Providence. He also gave tremendous admiration to Heather, his "Mrs. Claus".
