Cogitator May 11, 2011

GUESTS

Donna Wolcott joined us for our Rotary lunch with the GSE Team from Scotland.  Donna, ever the auxiliary-Rotarian-by-marriage, and John hosted one of the GSE team members this week. 

BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY

Happy Birthday to Mike Balsamo on Friday the 13th of May.  And, Happy Anniversary to Beth (and Tony) DeGerlia, married 15 years today.

CLUB ANNIVERSARY

Happy Rotary Anniversary to Sergeant-at-Arms, Jim Essex, who celebrates his 11th year in the club.  (A terrific sergeant, and, the best tenor in the club.)  

A TASTE OF THE TOWN 

Jane Boynton has an impressive count of 190 people lined up for the big event, Friday, May 20th, at Swift Community Center.  Get those tickets sold and get ready to have a great time on the 20th. 

ALS EVENING OF HOPE 

President Ed Neff and Judy Pratt led a large Rotary contingency to the annual ALS RI Chapter's Evening of Hope, Saturday, May 7th.  At the Quidnessett Country Club John Pagliarini, ALSA RI Chapter President, thanked Judy Pratt as she announced the EG Rotary's Scott Carlson ALS 5K final results and donation amount--$55,000!  The check for $55,000 actually exceeded the Evening of Hope's funds raised from ticket sales and auctions ($50,000).  The total amount of funds donated to RI ALSA since 2001 now stands at a whopping $330,000.  Fantastic job by Judy Pratt, her committee, sponsors, runners and volunteers, who pulled off yet another phenomenal and record breaking year.  Nice work, everyone!     

(RI ALSA Chapter president John Pagliarini, George Cooper, ALS 5K Chair Judy Pratt, and Seth Wilson) 

ROTARIAN PERFECTION

Alan Flynn has truly enjoyed Rotary throughout the years, so much so that he decided he would do his best to attend each week.  Well, he's kept that streak going for some time now.  Congratulations, Alan, for 35 years of perfect attendance! 

BIPIN PANCHOLI AWARD

Don't forget to get your nominations for the Bipin Pancholi Rotarian of the Year Award to John Wolcott.  He and his committee need your response as soon as possible.  The Rotarian of the Year will be announced at the Installation Banquet on Wednesday, June 15th, at the East Greenwich Firemen's Club. 

HAPPY BUCKS

Dave Iannuccilli is a proud grandpa again, and, a grandpa to be.  Dave's daughter Jen Fleming and son-in-law Patrick announced the birth of their second daughter, Addison.  Also, Dave's son Jay and his wife Shauna, who now live in California near the UCLA Medical Center, announced that their first child is on the way. 

Beth DeGerlia was happy about her anniversary, as well as a very successful fundraiser recently held at Rocky Hill School in which $100,000 was raised for the school's technology needs.

Betsy DePrimo was happy to welcome the Scottish GSE team to our meeting.  (Betsy was also a host for one of the team members.)

Judy Pratt was thrilled about passing on a $55,000 check to the RI ALS Chapter at Saturday's Evening of Hope.  

Mike Gemma reported on a great night at Cragan Field last Saturday.  The new lights were turned on, enabling the first night-time little game in East Greenwich.  Mike also did a nice job plugging how instrumental Rotary was in getting the lighting project completed, and, how important Rotary is each year in our town helping those in need.

Ian Dow, GSE team leader, gave a happy buck for such great hospitality shown by our club's GSE hosts.   

Bob Petrucelli's daughter was recently married on Sanibel Island in Florida, where it was 85 degrees and sunny (as opposed to the chilly rain we're seeing today).

Mike Balsamo thanked his staff for all their help with keeping the ALS 5K books this year.  Mike was also glad to get a chance to take the GSE team sailing, like he did last year.

Jonathan Malone was happy to have spent time in Dayton, OH with his family last weekend.  He traveled to Dayton for his PhD graduation ceremony. 

Vin Meola recently had the chance to view a broad-sheet print of the Declaration of Independence at the John Brown House in Providence. 

John Wolcott gave a 'sorry you're not here with us' buck for Sally Russell, who had the misfortune of breaking her ankle last week. 

PROGRAM/SPEAKERS

Ian Dow and the Scottish Group Study Exchange Team  

(Pictured above are Erin Scott, Louise Blakelock, Ian Dow, Wendy Cheung, and Louise Napier.) 

Ian Dow, GSE team leader from Scotland's Aberdeen St. Nicholas Club, has been president of his club for two years, but he's finally getting a break as his club's secretary will move into that role this July.  The only thing is, now Ian will have to be secretary!  Ian's been quite busy with Rotary for some time.  He traveled recently to India for Polio Plus, after his club and his kids helped raise $12,000 for immunizations.  Ian is officially retired, but he remains very involved in Rotary, Boy Scouts, and local fund raising.  

Louise Blakelock is a police officer for the Grampion Police Department back home.  She travels to the US frequently to see family.  Aberdeen is the oil capital of Europe, and her police force is very involved with security.  Balmoral Castle is also near Aberdeen, and the royal family visits quite often.  Louise has truly enjoyed her travel with the GSE team, and she has had a good 'exchange' with state and local police personnel. 

(GSE team, enjoying a meal at a local diner.) 

Wendy Cheung's family is originally from Hong Kong.  She works in accountancy and taxation back home at a small firm.  Wendy loves singing, her dogs, and her boyfriend of 2+ years, Kevin.  Music festivals and friends are also very important to Wendy.  She mentioned that the GSE has been a great experience professionally and culturally.  

Erin Scott works in waste coordination and environmental services back in Scotland's Kinross District.  During her trip to the states she was able to meet with EPA officials and tour the RI Resource Recovery (Johnston) landfill.  Erin loves to ride horses, as well as attending music festivals with family and friends.  

Louise Napier confessed to not being a native born Scot.  She was actually born in England.  But Scotland is indeed her true home now.  Louise is a town manager back in Aberdeen, and her specialty is transportation.  During the GSE team's trip, she was able to visit professionals from both RIPTA and MBTA (Mass).  Her father was in the Scottish Guard, and, her descendents include renowned mathematicians who invented logarithms.  Traveling is Louise's passion.  She has been to places as far as India and Fiji.     

Ian wrapped up the meeting with a heart felt 'thanks' to our club's GSE hosts, and, to all club members for such warm hospitality and support.   

(Taking in a PawSox game at McCoy Stadium.)