Inspiration
Sam New spoke of the inspiring work of The
School Of Leadership Afghanistan (SOLA) which was founded in Afghanistan after the defeat of The Taliban in 2002. Its purpose was the education of girls as most of them in the country were illiterate. Upon the return to power of The Taliban in 2021 the entire staff and student body fled to Rwanda and continued the functioning of the School there with the hopes of one day resuming operation in Afghanistan. Here are some inspiring videos about SOLA.
Announcements
President Steve extended Get Well wishes to Nondas Voll and Jim Gilcreast.
He expressed appreciation to Bob Murphy and Club members for making the Holiday Party on December 6 a success.
President Steve advised that in regard to The Youth Exchange issue discussed at the November 29 meeting efforts are being made to possibly locate the incoming student at Classical High School.
Richard Applebaum announced he will be serving as Chairperson on The Nominating Committee for the nomination of officers and Board members for 2023.
Kris David reminded members of the December 15 "Ugly Sweater" party to be held at Swan Point. (See some photos of the event below in the sidebar!)
Mary Brewster advised that Dorcas House cannot accept more clothing due to space limitations, so the Club clothing drive has ended. She suggested that those attending the December 15 party might bring some food items which would be given to RI Food Bank.
President Steve advised that our Legends For Literacy Gala has been very successful but needs work on better Data Management, which Suzanne Cannon and Anthony Landi are working on.
In regard to the Gala, Don Saracen advised that Barry Fain will replace him as head of the Sponsorships Committee.
Happy Bucks
- Pete Brock looking forward to bird hunting trip with Jaeger.
- Jim Gilcreast happy that his message to North Pole resulted in Santa coming to Holiday Part.
- Art Norwalk for inspiring visit to Kizarian School where he observed literacy materials supplied by our Club being used in instruction.
- Sam New for an upcoming trip to see his mother in Arkansas.
- Steve Hug for an upcoming visit of his son, wife and grandson coming to Rhode Island.
- Kris David for attending a great wedding at Boston Harbor Hotel last weekend.
- Sharon Garland for the excellent weekly newsletter produced by Bill Applegate and for reporters assisting him - Liz Messier, Don Saracen ,Bob Murphy, Art Norwalk, Holly Applegate, and Barbara Harris.
- Bob Murphy for the support of Club members to help make the Holiday Party a success.
Speaker
Liza Sutton, the Volunteer Coordinator for "Beautiful Day Rhode Island", spoke about this RI non-profit founded in 2008 and located on Benefit St. in Providence.
The organization produces gourmet Granola bars and cereals which are sold on line, at Farmer’s markets, and at several stores, including East Side Marketplace and Dave’s.
The unique mission of Beautiful Day is to assist refugees to earn money by producing the bars and to develop skills to assist them in future employment.
The profits made from selling the product are used to pay the employees and help fund refugee assistance projects. The employees are mainly youths who are also enrolled in schools and are from over 20 countries. In addition to the work of making and selling the bars, Beautiful Day has a mentor program where adults are paired with youths to develop ideas that further assist the youth in adapting to the culture of our country.
At the conclusion of her talk Ms. Sutton advised she had brought a supply of the products for purchase by any interested Club members.
