February 19, 2015 minutes

 

February 19, 2015

OPENING:

CHARITY BASKETS were passed by John Meara.

Visiting Rotarians: Bill Palmisciano announced there were no visiting Rotarians today.

Guests: John Howell (1)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Leadership Institute March 21 at AMICA in Lincoln.

Janis Constantine – Three weeks to go.  21 confirmed restaurants with another 3-5 potential.  Woo hoo!!  Committee has done its job.  Now we all have to sell tickets.  Use word of mouth and social media to invite people.  Need corporate sponsorships.

50/50 Raffle – Oliver Brady. Miss Carolyn had the winning ticket, but did not pick the Queen of Hearts.

HAPPY BUCKS was hosted by Steve Tilley and collecting was Tom Sweeney.

Mark Revens – Best deli sandwich!

Bobby DeGregorio – Listing agent and selling mom’s house today.

Bob Haigh – Tried planning Valentine’s Dinner.  Snow has cancelled his plans twice.  New nickname BW – “Bad Weather”.  Leaving for FL tomorrow.  Then going to Key West for 3 weeks starting March 8.

John Meara – Damn that ice dam!  Throwing pantyhose filled product on his roof.

Kristen Acciari – First event on Saturday.  Exciting!

Janis Constantine – What the hell is “old” Bob???  Define it please.

Tom Sanford – Be careful if  you have someone shovel your roof.  If they are not insured, you are on the hook if they get hurt.

Tom Sweeney – Leaving for Puerto Rico.

Josie Dutil – Finalist for a new position at the Y.  Everyone have good thoughts for Josie!

Bob Ridgeway – Peter Koch passed away.

Bobby DeGregorio – Willing to traumatize hundreds by “Dancing With The Stars” for RI Mentoring Partnership.  Would very much appreciate donations.  Being held April 30 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet.  See Bob for a card.

SPEAKER:  Jean Johnson, Director of House of Hope

26 Years in existence.  Started with Shelter.

Now 19 properties.  Warwick, Cranston, West Warwick & Providence.

Now running rental voucher program for the entire state.

Harrington Hall – originally overflow building for Welcome Arnold Shelter.  Shelter of last resort.  Nobody wanted to be here.

Harder for single homeless individuals to receive services vs. homeless families.

Harrington Hall – facility was a deplorable place in 2008.  120 bunks.  2 bathrooms with toilets & 3 or 4 showers.

Still get many people with substance abuse (mainly alcohol) and mental health issues.  Some move in and out quickly.

Main office is in Apponaug.

Gaspee Mansion will have 10 units up and running by this time next year.

Wonderful, real plan to end homelessness in RI.

New Governor is on board.

No kitchen at Harrington Hall.