INSPIRATION - Liz Messier

“January, the first month of the year, the perfect time to start all over again, changing energies and deserting old moods, new beginnings, new attitudes,” says Charmaine J Forde.

 “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-day book. Write a good one,” says Brad Paisley.

 “May your New Year’s resolution be one that focuses on the causes that are important to you and humanity and may you focus on relationships today, spending time with the people who bring you joy,” says Liz Messier.

 

Paul Harris Awards President Geoff presented Mary Brewster and Art Norwalk with Paul Harris awards for their generous gifts to The Rotary Foundation (the international foundation).

 

Providence Rotary Charities Foundation Walter Cotter has been appointed a trustee of the foundation.

 

Dictionaries Randy Dittmar asked club members to consider delivering dictionaries to Providence schools. There are four more schools that need dictionaries. Contact Randy if you can help the kids!

 

   

January Birthdays Wendy Marcus led the club in recognizing Walter Adamowicz, President Geoff, Cap Wiley, Steve Hug’s birthdays. Wendy’s celebrating, too, all with party hats!

 

Steve Hug explained his arrival on crutches, saying he had a, “runner’s injury,” and once he entered the medical system ended up with a MRI and a rather large cast!     

 

Nominating Committee Report  Chairman Art Norwalk presented a slate of officers and new board members for 2020-2021 Rotary year; it’s been emailed to all members. Additional nominations accompanied by signatures of ten members can be made until Jan. 20.

 

Pete Brock is very happy that his family has reconnected with his son when he returned home at Christmas after several years. Re: Patriots – they haven’t played well and deserve what they got.

 

Nondas Voll is happy to see her friend, Jim Vincent.

 

Art Norwalk for delivering Legends Gala acknowledgment to sponsor, First Student. Happy to hear they would sponsor again.

 

Bob Morse for the birth of his 4^th grandchild- that makes four grands under 2 ½ years old!

 

Bryan Cook for 20 years of great Pats football.

 

Don Saracen for the mutual respect between members of a local VFW and his grandson, Jack. The men served in the Vietnam War and one 95 year old man served in WWII. Jack spent hours interviewing the veterans on their experiences. They gave him a standing ovation when they heard he had won an award for telling their story.

 

President Geoff for cooking Chinese food with his daughter – lots of fun, very messy kitchen!

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ON THE RIPTA BUS?
Jim Vincent, Community Outreach Officer for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, updated us on evolving plans to respond to Rhode Island’s need for transit beyond the fixed routes offered using traditional large buses.

 

RIPTA covers the entire state with 16.8 million riders in 2019. Routes are not just between cities, buses go to outlying areas where you can call for a stop near your home. The RIDE program with curb to curb service serves those qualifying because of medical, physical or cognitive needs. Well established programs, like the one with Electric Boat at Quonset and Groton, CT, respond to the needs of shift workers.

 

An accessible and flexible transportation service is increasingly important to businesses that are considering relocating or expanding in RI. It’s easier to recruit employees with an affordable and responsive public transit system. RIPTA seeks partnerships with more businesses like East Bay employers who are receptive to coordinating work schedules for efficient transit services. RIPTA and Enterprise are currently offering a national van pool model program with small vans transporting up to 15 individuals who want to travel together and share the cost.

 

Business and individual surveys will drive the development of additional programs.