Weekly Meeting News - 20May2013

Guests included Honorary Rotarian Joe Potter and Speaker Deborah Nigrelli of RI Assisting Those in Need.

Members present  =  10 of 23

Joe shared with members that he visited the Green Valley Arizona factory where the EMILY Robot is manufactured.  He said that it was an interesting visit to see the different models that they are working on.

President Cal reported on his weekend at the District conference.  He attended Past Pres Bob's session on dementia.  There will be an installation dinner on 7 June for incoming District Governor Bilger.  Best of all, President Cal brought home some awards:

       Service Longevity Award for Vinnie Gaccione who has been a Rotarian for 53 years

       Club Achievement Award - recognizing that the Club has demonstrated a high level of active participation in Rotary on the District level

       Best Club Bulletin Award  - recognizing the consistent effort and hard work that is required to effectively and continuously communicate with Club members

Guest Speaker RI Center Assisting Those in Need, Founder and Executive Director Deborah Nigrelli

She spoke of new things happening at the Center, which has moved to 805 Alton Carolina Road in Charlestown.  They've worked for months to paint and repair the historic building - having received a grant to assist with the improvements.  With the help initially from Walmart and later Stop & Shop, she began an Food Rescue Program - a Friday program that provides supplemental food items "rescued" from the two stores and is available to all people in the community without eligibility requirements.  This food, she said, was headed into the dumpsters due to store guidelines but still within time usage limits.  She shared several pictures and graphs concerning the building and clients served at RICAN.  Deb said that new volunteers are always needed, as well as food items and furniture or clothing in good condition.  

For more information, go to www.rhodeislandcan.org or www.facebook.com/BelieveYouCanRICAN or call 401.364.9412

RICAN's motto:  To serve with respect, dignity and without discrimination all those in need statewide, primarily in the southern Rhode Island area.

      You can.  We can.  RI CAN!