George Babcock led us in the pledge with a trivia question.

Sharon Garland gave this inspiration. This is National Volunteer Week - the annual celebration of volunteer services in the United States. I have worked with volunteers as a staff member, and I know the significant impact made by volunteers daily. They generously contribute their time and often express that they gain more experience than they give.

 

Rotary International serves as a prime example of the many organizations that achieve their goals through volunteer efforts. Volunteering is an essential aspect of being a Rotarian - “service above self,” part of the four way test of Rotarians.

 

In 2023, Rotary international commissioned a Johns Hopkins study to measure the impact of our 1.2 million members globally. The study revealed that Rotarians donate approximately 47 million volunteer hours annually, resulting in $850 million of savings for communities. I think it’s important to note that over 74% of new members cited volunteering opportunities as a major reason for joining Rotary.

 

So, this week let’s celebrate our volunteer service through Rotary! Thank you for all you do!

Richard Applebaum, Kris David,Barry Fain, & Greg Lemoi

Pete Brock was missed as he was in Tennessee attending a funeral for a friend.

 

Several members gave blood immediately following the meeting.

After graduating from Curry College with the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award, John was the Director of Camps and Combines for Students Sports based in Torrance, CA. Under that umbrella organization were The Nike Football Training Camps, Nike SPARQ Combines, and Elite 11 Quarterback Camps. From there, he joined the coaching staff at The United States Military Academy (West Point) where he had several roles and amassed a 16-2 record leading the B Squad. He went on to other universities and onto BSN as a sporting goods sales rep.

 

Though he followed his dad (Pete) and uncles into the sports field, John is now making a career change into industrial/commercial sales through a connection he made at West Point.  

 

John enthusiastically shared with the members the importance of forming and maintaining relationships with those that build us up, as opposed to those who sap our energy.  He shared his back story and the twists and turns that led him to where he is now. 

 

He stressed that the people who take care of you are those you should surround yourself with, and it is important to seek those people out, treat them well, and focus on building those relationships.

Author-illustrator team and Barrington, RI residents Hayley and John Rocco read and showed illustrations from their book How To Send A Hug to young students at Harry Kizirian Elementary School.

Copies of their books and works by other locally based, national award-winning children's book creators were placed in the libraries of all classrooms at the school on Friday.  The event was funded by donors to the Providence Rotary Club's Jane Babcock Childhood Literacy Initiative with support from Books on the Square.

There is still time to donate to our Blood Drive organized by Michaela Hermann.  Set up an appointment at the RIBC and use the code on the flier when you check in at the center.