East Providence, R.I. (June 29, 2026): The Rotary Club of East Providence/Seekonk held its annual Installation Luncheon event last week at Davenports Restaurant in East Providence, R.I.
The program agenda included the installation of 2026-27 officers and Board members; induction of new member Rhonda Lapham, executive director of FeedRI in Rumford; and bestowing “Above and Beyond” awards to several members and others in attendance. A non-denominational blessing with a peace theme was given by Riverside resident and member of Bridgepointe Christian Church Tom Fredericks, and a moment of silence was held in honor of Rotarian Steve Propatier (Seekonk resident) who recently passed away.
The Rotary Club also presented five local charities with check donations, as follows: Aldersbridge Communities (based in East Providence), Doorways Food Pantry (Seekonk), East Bay Community Action Program (East Providence), Good Neighbors (Riverside and Rumford), and Tap-In (Barrington). Rotary District 7950 Assistant Governor Paul LaFleur (Bristol resident) assisted with presenting to the charities.
East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva presented each of the incoming Board members with Certificates of Recognition from the City of East Providence. Much to his surprise, the Mayor -- who usually bestows awards to others -- was presented by Rotary Club President David Kent with the first “Above and Beyond” award at the luncheon for his continued and ongoing support of the Club’s service and community activities. Other “Above and Beyond” awardees included Betty Galligan (Riverside resident), Lori DiPersio (Riverside resident), Elise Strom (North Attleboro resident), William Francis (Rumford resident), Sue Axelrod (Barrington resident), and Rotary District 7950 Governor Nicole Brien (Woonsocket resident).
DG Brien thanked those who served in leadership positions during the previous Rotary year, and presided over the installation of the incoming 2026-27 Officers and Board members as follows: President Bart Axelrod (Barrington resident), President-Elect Vanny Nhem (East Providence resident), Vice President Valerie Perry (East Providence resident), Secretary Lori DiPersio (Riverside resident), Treasurer Scott Haggerty (Rumford resident), Immediate Past President David Kent (East Greenwich resident), and Directors Alicia Alexander (Pawtucket resident), Betty Galligan (Riverside resident), Patty Lyons-Bousquet (East Providence resident), Mary Roda (Rumford resident), and Elise Strom (North Attleboro resident).
Immediate Past District 7950 Governor Sharon Johnson (Scituate resident) inducted Rhonda Lapham (Douglas, Mass. resident) into Club membership.
###
ABOUT ROTARY: Chartered in 1946, The Rotary Club of East Providence, RI/Seekonk, MA is a local club of Rotary International, based in Chicago, IL. Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who raise funds for charity, provide humanitarian “service above self,” encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Members are action-oriented people interested in helping their local communities. Club meetings are held at East Providence City Hall (third floor) once per month, and new members are always welcome. For more information, visit www.epseekonkrotary.org.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here