August 17, 2020
Virtual Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 12:15 by President Betty Galligan.
Twelve members were present.
Betty led the Pledge of Allegiance, and David Kent led the Four Way Test.
Guests were introduced: Carmen Aguilar, a member of the Fall River Rotary Club and new Dean of Program Development at Providence College, and Guest Speaker, Laura McNamara, Executive Director of the East Providence Chamber of Commerce
Announcements
- Future meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month, and we will be looking to have these at Chelo's.
- A Board Meeting will be held on August 24, 2020 at Haines Park. Members are asked to bring a chair and their favorite beverage. The focus will be on Strategic Planning.
- Lori DiPersio reported that a membership survey will be sent to members.
- Betty and Valerie are members of the PR Subcommittee of the Rotary District Conference Committee. The Multi-district conference with District 7830 will be held in April 2021 at the Cape Codder in person, or on Zoom.
- Jennifer Jones of Canada has been elected as the first woman Rotary International President.
Happy Bucks
- Lori DiPersio recently had a Hole in One during a tournament; her physical therapist is going to allow his parking lot to be used for the food drive
- Scott Haggerty - very stressful time right now, with the kids going back to school
- Elise Strom - for Christine’s baby Walker
- Will Francis - Baseball season has started; Dad had surgery last week
- Valerie Perry- has been painting and walking with Betty
- Jennifer Hyde - switched offices
- Steve Propatier - PR stuff went to Helen
- Carmen Agular - Happy to be at PC and to connect with us
- Laura McNamara - happy that the heat wave ended
- David Kent - good time with Mom and Dad
- Betty - back to normal (mid 50's) in her golf game - played 6 times last week - husband Mike calling her a G.M. (Golf Machine)
Guest Speaker
Will Francis introduced Laura McNamara, Executive Director of the East Providence Chamber of Commerce, who has held that position for the last 23 years
Laura spoke about what is going on in the community, and said businesses have had to reinvent themselves during this pandemic. She said the Chamber helps them to get information. Also, the Chamber has been helping the State of Rhode Island with suppies distribution. Grants have been received for Development Loan programs, up to $15,000. She also encouraged everyone to look at their Credit Report, as their have been scams, which are under investigation. Laura also mentioned a fundraising project for the Chamber. T-Shirts with - 3 zip codes 1 Heart. T-shirts are either long sleeved or short sleeved and sell for $19.99 or $22.00.
September 26 is Touch a Truck day
Other business
Lori mentioned that Bridgepoint will be doing the Back to School Fair as a drive through, and they need volunteers.
The next meeting will be held on September 21 at either Chelo's or on Zoom. The Guest Speaker will be Erin Gilliatt, Executive Director of the East Providence Boys and Girls Club.
Betty wished everyone a Happy Labor Day and a long weekend.
She closed the meeting with this quote,
"Excellence is the key that opens doors of success."
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