Cogitator May 8, 2013

VISITING ROTARIANS

Cathy McMann, a Rotarian who may be relocating to East Greenwich, was with us today.

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES

Happy birthday wishes from the club go out this week on May 9^th to Jonathan TerMeer. 

And, a very happy 17^th wedding anniversary as well to Beth (and Tony) DeGerlia, who celebrate their nuptials on May 11^th.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

-President Ken Colaluca invited board members and all Rotarians to the May 9^th board meeting at the United Methodist Church. 

-Jane Boynton, a past Rotarian of the Year herself, asked that all members submit their votes over the next two weeks for this year’s Bipin Pancholi Rotarian of the Year.  The recipient will be announced at our annual installation banquet on June 5^th. 

-Jane also reminded us that Taste of the Town will begin at 6pm on Friday, May 17^th, at the St. Francis de Sales Parish Center.  Tickets are only $35, which is a steal considering the delicious samplings from nine local restaurants, excellent wine from Thorpe’s, plenty of other beverages as well, and of course, the true fellowship in what has become over the past years a can’t miss social event.  It will also be an important night for padding the Charitable Fund coffers, with plenty of auction items and specialized baskets for guests.  Make sure to invite all of your friends and family! 

-Bill TenEyck and several Rotarians were on hand at the RI Convention Center last Sunday to proudly support several New England Tech Rotaract members during their commencement ceremony.  They even got a chance to see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who happened to be the commencement speaker!

-Sally Russell reminded the club that the Installation of Officers Banquet approaches.  The 1149 Restaurant will be the site of Jodi Gladstone’s induction as president for the 2013-2014 Rotary year, as well as the review of a great year under President Ken’s leadership.  The evening will start at 6pm, and tickets will cost only $35.

HAPPY BUCKS

-Sally Russell thanked Sue Dorne and noted a nice Rotarian presence during Sue’s Zumba for Rotary Fundraiser at Cole Middle School.  Sally added, ‘What a great way to get in shape!’ 

-Bob Miller was happy to see our guest speaker, Judge Brian Stern, join us for lunch.  Bob was also in California recently and had a chance to meet a young nephew. 

-Lou Lepry, upon his return from the Emerald Isle, offered this Irish saying, ‘May you be in heaven twenty minutes before the devil knows you’re dead.’   

-Jodi Gladstone’s son received a special grant to attend college this fall at Tel Aviv University.  And, Jodi’s daughter will receive a President’s Award from Simmons College in Boston, along with a cool $10,000 to pay off some student loans!  (Now that’s a good week…)

-Bob Sloan was in California last week, up close to the scary wildfires encroaching local highways.  Bob also said he couldn’t have been prouder to be a Rotarian while helping Rotaract member Ramon Wong find his first post-graduate job…as a marine mechanic at Brewer’s Boat Yard. 

Bob Sloan (left) with Ramon Wong and Ramon’s proud mom. 

-President Ken thoughtfully gave the club word of the passing of Dave Iannuccilli’s mom, Antonya ‘Etta’ Iannuccilli. 

-Robert Allen Greene wished his friend Alan Flynn well in his new North Carolina home.  Alan was with us one last time before making the big trip South.    

-John Wolcott added, ‘God bless you Alan, and come back soon…’  (Amen!)

SPEAKER/PROGRAM

Rhode Island Superior Court Associate Justice Brian Stern

Judge BrianStern was appointed to the bench in 2009 by GovernorDon Carcieri. He is married to Jennifer Silverman, daughter of former Rotarian and Past President Irving Silverman. Together they live in East Greenwich with their three sons. 

Judge Stern spent several years with the New York law firm of Stern & Gonzalez.  He was chief of staff for Governor Carcieri from 2007-2009, prior to which he served as his executive counsel.  Stern also worked as executive director of the Department of Administration and chief securities examiner and deputy chief of legal services for the state Department of Business Regulation.  (*Judgepedia)

He remembered his first Rotary meeting and how involved the Silverman brothers were--Irving, Howard and Arthur.  He particularly recalled how Arthur warmly greeted people as they came in and made visitors sign his famous guest books.  The Silverman brothers, and their sister Ruth, have all passed now, but their legacy lives on in the Rotary Club of East Greenwich.  Additionally, the East Greenwich Rotary Scholarship Fund has three named Silverman scholarships from which awards are made each year.

Judge Stern thanked the club for sponsoring his son Andrew at the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Conference, held this year on Cape Cod.  Andrew had a 'great trip.'  It was a ‘real eye opener’ for him, learning about different cultures and what leadership means. 

Speaking about some of his experiences on the bench, Judge Stern noted what a privilege it is to be called to jury duty.  Many may shy away, but they ought not since it is a serious, important, and ultimately, rewarding civil duty. 

He also discussed the Superior Court’s new ‘Business Calendar.’  Relatively new in RI, the court is attempting to streamline hearings for commercial disputes, insolvency matters, and other financial cases.  Asked to take on a leading role, Judge Stern agreed.  He quickly found himself in the midst of two significant recent cases in RI—the Westerly Hospital receivership, and, the financial struggles and potential closing of the Central Coventry Fire District.  The Westerly Hospital is being merged into a local Connecticut hospital, with only 45 jobs lost.  The fire district case in Coventry continues, however, and closing is a real possibility unless past egregious financial errors can somehow be overcome.   

Sentencing can be a very difficult job for a judge, Stern noted.  One must strike a balance of fairness, while being tough when necessary.  There are plenty of guidelines for sentencing, but the judge must make ultimate calls.  In this, he said he thinks often of components of Rotary’s Four-Way-Test.  Is it the truth?  Is it fair to all?  Is it beneficial to all?

Judge Stern also briefly discussed a very real and very new problem in our society, one which winds its way into plenty of courts these days—cyber bullying. 

In closing, he added, ‘I’m thrilled my wife brought me to Rhode Island.  I’m happy to be here in East Greenwich.  And, I’m very happy to be an extension of Rotary and the Silverman family.’   

Proud RYLA parents, Beth DeGerlia and Judge Brian Stern