INSPIRATION
David Hunter—About the frogs

David shared his childhood memories of watching a frog trapped in a pit trying over and over to jump to freedom. Finally the frog was able to muster the energy for one last attempt to secure safety. With what seemed like his last burst of energy, the frog soared up and over the lip of the pit to earn his freedom. The moral of the story is -- never give up.

 

Pete Brock said the Gala committee is still looking for the right name for the event. They would like to memorialize Richard Kaplan in the event title. Also, every committee should have a spokesman who is prepared to report on progress.

 

Welcome to visitors Stephanie Coleman from Charleston, WV and Herb Altman who recently relocated from Vero Beach, FL, both former Rotarians and prospective members of our club.

President Art was pleased to induct Amy Manchester as the newest member of Providence Rotary, sponsored by John McGinn and the Membership Committee.

 

Margaret Kane in honor of the Red Sox finally winning a game.

 

Steve Hug--$ for his grandson’s first word.

 

Jim Gilcreast--$ for the honor of telling another of his famous Irish tales.

 

Pete Brock--$2 for the great weather last weekend and for an assist from Geoff Gaunt on a framing project.

 

Geoff Gaunt--$ good visit with his 98 yr old grandfather.

 

Kris David-$ for a trip to Idaho that she and Bill bought at the San Miguel charity dinner.

 

Stephanie Coleman-$ happy to be in RI.

 

Pres. Art—happy to see membership growing.

 

Herb Altman—happy to have found our club

 

PDG Steve Certa gave a very compelling presentation on his work in International Service with an organization called Safe Passage. The group was founded by Hanley Denning, a young woman who had visited Guatamala and was moved by the plight of the people living in the Guatamala City Dump.

 

Safe Passage provides food, education, employment opportunities, and healthcare for kids and families living in the dump community.

 

A preschool was started using donated materials and as the kids aged, additional grades have been added. In addition to schools for kids, Safe Passage also offers vocational programs in sewing and jewelry making to help adults manufacture goods for sale. Financial literacy courses have been added as many in the community have progressed to successfully operating micro businesses.

 

Steve Certa became involved with Safe Passage in 2011 when his club asked him to find an International Service project. He was drawn to the organization and has been pleased to see it grow. On his first visit to Guatemala, the kids in the school were still wearing clothes they had found in the dump. Today, clothing and many services are provided.