Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Paul Borrelli
Inspiration
Service Above Self from Anxhela Elezaj.
"I just adopted a dog yesterday, and it feels amazing! As I dive into this new adventure, I can’t help but think of Gandhi’s words: 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.'"
Bringing home my furry friend isn’t just about cuddles and playtime; it’s my little way of spreading some love and kindness. Every wagging tail and goofy bark is a reminder that helping others—whether they have two legs or four—makes life so much richer.
So, here’s to new beginnings! I’m excited to see how this furry bundle of joy will inspire me to keep spreading smiles and good vibes in my community. Let the fun (and some training) begin!
Announcements
President Pete thanked Emily Bernstein, Bill Applegate, Alex David, and Art Norwalk for their work on the new Owl program for better Zoom viewing.
Mary Brewster asked for a volunteer to organize the Tent Suppers this year. Kris David volunteered.
Michael Durand is looking for two or three volunteers, who are willing to work with him on the Environmental Committee.
Bob Murphy will have surgery this week. He’ll be back at meetings once he completes rehabilitation. Best wishes for a complete recovery.
Guests
- Holly Applegate introduced her granddaughter, Lark Birkbeck.
- Barbara Harris introduced her husband, Seth Kurn.
- Anthony Hollingshead introduced Michael Semper from Merit Solutions 2.0.
- Peter Loescher introduced Simone Fragiorgio
Both Michael and Simone are applying for Club membership.
Happy Birthdays!
As usual, Liz Messier added a fun twist to birthday wishes, thanks Liz!
- Kevin Kernan Oct 1 - International Coffee Day
- Rob Black Oct 4 - World Animal Day
- Lisa Hill Oct 10 - Mental Health Day
- Diane Riccitelli Oct 26 - National Pumpkin Day
- Maury Ryan Oct 27 - National Black Cat Day
- Ben Hadsell Oct 30 - known as Devil’s Night
Happy Bucks
- Barbara Harris was happy to hear Troylynda and Paul Williams at the Blue Room.
- Cap Willey is happy his home renovations are complete. He urges people to vote in Tuesday’s election.
- Kris David is happy because someone actually paid for pumpkins at her church sale when no one was around to collect money, it renewed her faith in human nature.
- Rob Brewster encouraged members to volunteer at either Harry Kizirian or George J West elementary schools. You can make a difference by working on lessons with small groups of students.
- Michael Durand is happy to hear Mark Patinkin. Michael had many deployments in the Mideast during his lengthy career in the Army, and he is fascinated by the culture and the contributions made over the centuries by people in the Mideast.
- Liz Messier is happy because she is retiring from Residential Properties Ltd. at the end of the year. She will take on a new role as general manager of the Players at the Barker Playhouse. Her successor at RPL, Christine Haner, will be proposed as a new Club member.
- Maury Ryan is happy because the Rotary bookclub recently had the best meeting ever with guest speaker, Mark Patinkin.
- Holly Applegate and Alex David were happy to announce they each got a role in the play – Into The Woods.
- Pete Brock because he decided to be happy again today.
Speaker
Bill Applegate introduced Mark Patinkin, longtime Providence Journal columnist, commentator, and author of The Holy Land at War.
Mark shared his insights into the war that began on October 7, 2023. After the shocking Hamas led attack that killed the greatest number of Jews since World War II, Mark wrote Pro-Israel commentaries for the Journal, but realized he could have a more significant role by serving as a witness to the war. He wanted to try to understand the war through the eyes of those living through it on both sides.
Mark traveled first to Jerusalem, a sacred place for millions of Jews, Christians, and Muslins. From Jerusalem, Mark went to the kibbutz where the attack took place. He described it not as a memorial, but as a testimony to the killing and destruction that took place during the attack. It is difficult to describe the slaughter of those who chose to live here and the destruction of this community.
An Israeli military vehicle transported Mark and other journalists into Gaza, where the war continues. The sheer devastation made Mark wonder; did Israel have to do so much damage. And yet, he asks, how it is possible that Hamas is the leader of this Palestinian homeland, how could they launch this war knowing it would invite this kind of destruction from Israel.
In his concluding remarks, Mark shared his surprise that life does go on for both sides, despite living through upheaval and war. Arab and Jew have arranged to continue to live, live as normally as possible.
