Cogitator September 8, 2010

Visiting Rotarians

Ira Steinberg, retired educator from Oberlin, Ohio joined us once again.  (And we think Warwick is too far for a makeup.)  Tom Madden, a business attorney from the Providence Club visited us as well. 

Guests

Gretchen Caramiciu was a guest of Paula Buckheit.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Jim Essex's birthday comes once a year on the 9th of September, and each year our club's strongest singing voice patiently grins and bears it when we render Happy Birthday to him.  Gill and Nancy Thorpe celebrate their 55th anniversary this year on September 10th.  George and Lisa Cooper celebrate their 12th on the 11th of September.  (And apologies to Wil Yoder, who is married not 42 but 52 years to Shirley on August 30th.)         

Club Anniversary

Bob Greene has an anniversary as well this week, a notable one--he's been in the Rotary Club of East Greenwich for 43 years as of this month.  Congratulations, Bob, and thank you for so many years of Service Above Self. 

Announcements

The Pawtuxet Valley Rotary Club reminds us that the Old Theater Diner in Coventry is now their venue for meetings and makeup's.  (C'mon, it's not that far.  And it beats heading to Oberlin.)   

The District Visioning/Planning session will be in October at Betsy DePrimo's home.  More details from President Ed will follow.

George Popella needs only a couple more Rotarians for his newest Paul Harris team.  Please see George if you would like join your first Paul Harris team, or, if you've already been on another Paul Harris team and would like to join again. 

Rotary Foundation Minute, John Wolcott 

John presented some interesting statistics about the Rotary Peace Center's post-fellowship alumni employment.  These alumni are spread throughout the world doing good work in the name of Rotary and the Peace Center, and we can take pride in our contributions throughout the years to the Rotary Foundation, and more specifically, in our Paul Harris Fellowship teams.

-156 work for NGO's or other peace related organizations

-95 work for a government agency

-64 are pursuing advanced degrees in peace-related fields

-39 are teachers/professors

-31 work in research or academia

-26 work for United Nations agencies

-11 are journalists

-10 work in a law-related field

-9 work for the World Bank

-23 work in banking, human resources, or various related businesses

-18 are actively looking for work in the field 

Installation of Laura Krohn, Elder Law Attorney

President Ed installed our newest member, Laura Krohn, an elder law attorney from East Greenwich.  Paula Buckheit, her sponsor, re-introduced Laura and gave her her official Rotary pin.  Richard Waterman and George Cooper assisted with the Objects of Rotary and the Four Way Test.  Welcome Laura!  

Happy Bucks

Jim Essex gave his happy birthday buck, but ordered us all into post-Rotary song practice. 

Bob MacKenzie apparently was not discovered by Hollywood agents during the MDA telethon, but he did have a great time presenting a big Rotary check on Labor Day weekend.  

Bill TenEyck's 67 year old mom made it to a local tennis tourney final. 

Richard Waterman's son begins his first year at URI.

Ira Steinberg's granddaughter started kindergarten. 

John Wolcott's did, too, and she even got her own locker!

Paula Buckheit was happy to see the EG High School field in use, finally.

New member Laura Krohn gave a buck for her daughter's announcement of a new addition to the family--a new cat (phew).

And President Ed gave a buck for his new beardless look, and wondered when Irene will finally notice. 

Guest Speaker--Kevin Boryczki, of the Providence Bruins

Kevin Boryczki is the Director of Sales and Public Relations for the P-Bruins.  He has been with the Bruins organization for nearly 6 years, and he broadcasts all the games as well. 

Kevin grew up in Connecticut, and went to Syracuse University to study communications and broadcasting.  Upon graduating, he took a job in baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies' single 'A' affiliate.  He enjoyed baseball, but he wanted to get into the hockey scene, where he could enjoy a more normal 'season.'  Kevin worked for an upstate New York team in Glens Falls, a team which he compared to that of the (in)famous movie 'Slapshot.'  Thankfully, he was rescued from the Hanson-brother days when the P-Bruins came-a-calling. 

Kevin and the P-Bruins pitch their games at the Dunk as a family event--a good brand of hockey, and a good night out for the family at a very reasonable price. 

There's a lot of 'up and down' movement for players between Providence and Boston, since injuries happen often throughout a year and also since the coaches of the Boston team are eager to see who can help in the Big-B's quest for the Stanley Cup.  

Kevin also mentioned that the Bruins hockey players, perhaps more so than with many pro sports teams, are always ready to go into the community to meet people young and old, and in lending a hand toward community projects and events.  They are talented hockey players trying to make a living, but they are also very community oriented. 

The average age of the Providence Bruins players is 22, and they come from all over--mainly from Canadian junior hockey programs and US colleges, but also from Europe.  

Lastly, Kevin reminded us about a great night at the Dunk coming up, Friday, October 15th, which will be Rotary Night with District Governor Charlie Murphy.  Tickets are only $10, and $5 of the ticket price will go to District Polio Plus efforts. 

Keep up the good work, Kevin, and go Bruins!   

(REMINDER)

Foundation Seminar October 3rd
by George Cooper

Rotary District 7950 will conduct its annual Foundation Seminar on October 3rd at White's of Wesport

The 2010 Rotary Foundation Seminar will be held on Saturday, October 2 (8:30 am-noon), at White's of Westport (Mass.). It's a good way to familiarize yourself with the many aspects of our foundation, and learn where, when and how money is used and returned to the district. The registration fee of $25 will be paid by the club, and includes opening coffee/juice and mid-morning brunch. See John Wolcott for more information, and get the word to him by Sept. 20th if you plan to attend.