Cogitator Feb 6, 2013

Posted by George Cooper 
on Feb 06, 2013
 

Bill Sequino, East Greenwich Town Manager

 

VISITING ROTARIANS

Russell Bertrand, our Assistant District Governor from the Wakefield Club joined us, as did Rona Mann from North Kingstown, who is now our Assistant District Governor-Elect.

GUESTS

President-Elect Jodi Gladstone announced her ‘guest,’ Soozie Sundlun, just in case folks didn’t recognize her!

 

BIRTHDAYS

Happy birthday on February 7th to Treasurer Ed Neff, who received a nice Jim Essex led serenade from the club.

CLUB ANNIVERSARIES

Happy ‘Service above Self’ anniversary to several Rotarians this week:  Secretary-Elect Bonnie Sauer joined 2 years ago on February 9th; Soozie Sundlun (re)joined the club 3 years ago on February 5th; Past-President Richard Waterman was sponsored by Charter Member Gil Thorpe 18 years ago on February 8th; and, Past-President Dr. Bob Miller was inducted back on February 9th in 1970, 43 years ago.  Thanks to all for your dedication to the club!      

ANNOUNCEMENTS

-President Ken Colaluca spoke of Rotary’s Polio Plus initiative which began in 1979, the same year polio was declared ‘eradicated’ in the United States.  Since then, Rotary has been at the forefront in the battle to wipe out polio in the rest of the world.  George Popella and Richard Waterman pointed out that our club has donated over $100,000, more than any club in our district since then.  Bipin Pancholi, a polio survivor and for whom our Rotarian of the Year Award is named, was instrumental in leading the charge in the 1980’s, while Richard was at the helm of the club during our club’s successful ‘second campaign’ with Polio Eradication in the 2002-2003 year.    

-Russ Bertrand announced that his term as assistant district governor ends in June, but he assured us that Rona Mann will do a fine job in his stead.  Rona is a past president of the North Kingstown club, and she has for years been involved with Rotary youth programs. 

-Janet Essex will be leading a membership meeting at President Ken’s office Friday, February 15th, at 9am.  Her goal is to try to help the club ‘build a good membership base and foster ideas for growth.’ 

-George Popella, along with Vin Meola, presented Jodi Gladstone with a Paul Harris Fellowship Award.  Jodi will visit her family in California this spring, and with her Rotarian mom she will present this Paul Harris Award to her dad, who also is a polio survivor.

-Punxsutawny Phil and Lou Lepry…sure signs of spring ahead.  One see his shadow (or not), while the other…supports the American Cancer Society through Daffodil Days.  Lou is gearing up for another successful campaign this year, so please make sure to place an order for a great cause.  

-Jonathan TerMeer reminded everyone that this month’s Rotary After Dark will be at 1149 Restaurant on Thursday, February 28th.  The evening begins at 5:30pm, and the cost is only $10 for food/light appetizers.  Let’s all make an effort to be there for some good after-hours fellowship and perhaps some new member recruiting.  (It’s a make-up, too!)

-Bill TenEyck did the numbers, and he’s promising those who haven’t reserved their tickets for the 50th Club Gala event at Crown Plaza—this event will sell out soon!  So get your tickets today.  (Bonnie Sauer added that you can now purchase them online.)

 

SPEAKER/PROGRAM

William Sequino, Jr., East Greenwich Town Manager

Bill Sequino has been Town Manager in East Greenwich since 1988.  He came to East Greenwich with fine credentials, previously managing another town (Stoneham, MA) and two other cities (Statesville, NC and Ownesboro, KY). 

Bill passed on some updates/news from town hall:

-The Odeum had its Grand Re-Opening in January after years of efforts and negotiations with the town, and, with the state fire marshal. 

-The Post Office Café has been re-opened, as Rok Bar ‘N’ Grill. 

-The fire district will likely be merged into town government at some point.  A non-binding referendum on Election Day showed a solid majority approving the move.  Bill added, however, it won’t be a quick and easy transition.

-The town is considering a liquor policy exception for future Rotary fundraising events.  (Nice!)

He also discussed the town’s most recent Comprehensive Plan.  A plan is issued every 10 years, identifying items to be addressed over the next 20 years.  Some of the key points from Bill included:

-A possible train station in East Greenwich.

-To protect the Hunt’s River Aquifer, new rules are under consideration for lawn fertilizer and winter rock salts. 

-Affordable housing efforts continue, including a new development on land near the Coventry border.

-Mandatory septic tank pumping is being discussed. 

-Commercial re-zoning of the Post Road properties between South Pierce Road and Cedar Avenue.

-The possibility of a Target Store coming the North Kingstown/East Greenwich border plaza off Frenchtown Road. 

-The potential for the town’s purchasing development rights at Bailey Farm in ‘open space’ efforts.

-A possible rotary where First Ave and Division Street meet.

-The town reports no significant news relating to the Bostitch property’s landfill or water run-off problems.    

 

Dave Iannuccilli with Town Manager Bill Sequino