There will be a new date for the April bumper ball event. Details to be provided.
Bob reminded us of the Hammers and Hope fundraiser for South County Habitat.
Membership
Fran passed out a membership attraction survey; and Judy uploaded it for those who were not in attendance. Please complete and return.
Happy Bucks
Nancy: $4 for upcoming trip to Australia and New Zealand
Steve White: Maureen’s birthday weekend at the Weekapaug Inn
Bob Horrocks: Piling up 200 lbs. of food for donation
Tom T: $20.00 for three words:
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
Sandra for being happy.
Jim Buchannan: $20 missed meeting etc.
Bob Cruz: for the successful removal of three stones the size of casino dice.
PROGRAM
Our Speaker was Rebecca Garland, Director of Strategic Partnerships, BEAUTIFUL DAY. The organization trains refugees, especially youth, from all over the world legally admitted to Rhode Island to make, package, and sell granola. The granola can be purchased at Dave’s market place, farmers’ markets other venues and on line. They are a growing concern, having been in business for six years, as a non-profit. Last year they produced 9 tons of product. They started in 2008; and incorporated in 2013. They have 3 full time and 12 part time staff members. There are twenty trainees at a time, who work 300 hours, 6-12 months at $10.50 an hour. The trainees work as independent contractors.
There are 70 million refugees globally, RI admits 120-150 per year. More info on line: www.beautifulri.org.
Editor’s note: there is a timely and interesting article on refugees in the March issue of the ROTARIAN magazine.