Sheri Hendricks led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Bill Efthimiades led us in an inspiration focused on the many accomplishments that took place on August 19th throughout history, they include: 1839 Louis Daguerre – Daguerreotype photographs first picture to capture a living person, 1909 First Automobile Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 1939 FDR Franklin Delano Roosevelt designates August 19th as National Aviation Day which marks Orville Wright’s birthday, 1944 Liberation of Paris – French Resistance mobilizes fighting units against the German Garrisons, German Commanders will ignore Hitler’s orders to destroy Paris - the German Garrison surrenders the French Capital on August 25th, 1945 William Jefferson Clinton is born, he later becomes the 42nd President of the United States (1993-2001), 1991 Coup in the USSR – The gang of eight, unhappy with President Gorbachev’s policies, attempt to take over the Soviet Union’s government - tanks wind up patrolling Moscow, Gorbachev is placed under house arrest, and tens of thousands of citizens go to the streets in protest.  Future Russian President Boris Yeltsin gains a lot of political capital as a result. 2004 Google holds its Initial Public Offering, they sell 22 million shares at a starting price of $85…Google closed at $100.34 per share that very same day. Thanks for the historical facts, how do I tie this into something inspirational?

 

Let’s look at the first race at the Indianapolis Speedway. Considering that the first marketable automobile first appeared for production in 1886 by Carl Benz, a mere 23 years later, folks were racing automobiles. Fast forward to current time, and we realize just how much the world has changed and benefited because of the invention of mass-produced automobiles. Let’s revisit Google’s IPO, I wish I had invested in that IPO.  More importantly, just think about the change and advancement in technology in a mere 21 years.  Life comes at us fast; some might argue too fast.  Nowadays, the buzz is about Artificial Intelligence (aka AI).  Every indication is that because of AI, our world as we know it, will change faster than any previous time in history.  As I dabble with AI to do research about various topics, improve efficiencies in the workplace, or just seeking help in getting an inspiration together for today’s Rotary meeting, I am awed by what one can currently do as an AI user today. I am looking forward to what AI will do soon.  For those of you in the audience who haven’t dabbled with it, I hope my inspiration gets you thinking about embracing AI as you go about your daily routine.  I think AI can help lighten your workload. As for me, AI helped me get through my first, and, hopefully, not my last Inspiration.

Bill Monaghan was inducted as the third member of the Swan Point corporate membership by Bill Applegate.

Barry Fain, Lew Hassell and Liz Messier

Marcel D’Auteuil – Assistant Governor,
Seth Kern

Don’t forget the Gold Bowls for the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation.

 

September 2 meeting – assemble boxes of supplies for the Kizirian School (60 Camden Ave, Providence).  We need help before the meeting to set up, and after meeting to deliver the supplies.  Contact Mary Brewster.

 

Don Saracen (Gala Sponsorship update) – Here are the new sponsors this week!

Art Norwalk – Kizirian Back to School Day, August 25, 2025 from 4:30 to 6:00. Please see Art if you are interested in attending.

Environment – Station Meadow (at the train station) is looking for volunteers on Wednesdays.

 

Pete Brock updated us on the “Coat Drive”. Ocean State Job Lot has graciously offered to donate winter clothing to support the drive. Please consider donating new, or gently used, clothing to support the drive.

Lunch Meeting cost will increase $1 to $27 per meal, and $10 to $280 for quarterly payments starting with the September 2^nd meeting.

 

Annual Dues are increasing to $275 per year starting July 1, 2026 due to increases from the district and international.

 

There is a district meeting on September 13^th at Bridgewater State University.  All Rotarians are encouraged to attend.  We have at least four signed up and if we can be joined by 5 more the club will be eligible for an award. Go to https://rotary7950.com/ to register, there is no cost to you.

Introduced by Art Norwalk.

 

 

Our guests discussed the changes the students face with food insecurity, not being able to understand the language they are being taught in and not having the support needed at home.