Cap Wiley gave an Inspiration based on September 30^th, pointing out historical events happening on this day and concluding with an inspiring poet.  In 1938, The Munich Agreement was signed allowing Hitler to annex Czechoslovakia - a lesson in appeasement that should never be forgotten.  In 1939, NBC broadcast the first televised football game with Fordham beating Waynesburg 34 - 7.  In 1947, the first World Series game was televised with The New York Yankees beating the Brooklyn Dodgers 5-3.  At that time there were only 100,000 TVs in the US.  In 1917, the great drummer Buddy Rich was born.  In 1924, the author Truman Capote was born.  September 30th is Blasphemy Day promoting freedom of expression.  It is also National Pet Trick Day, so teach your pet a new trick today.  This day is also National Love People Day, which is related to the birth in 1207 of the Persian poet Rumi - “The Global Mystic” who promoted love of people.  Among his quotes - “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere - they are in each other all along; “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.  Today I am wise so I am changing myself;” “Don’t grieve - anything you lose comes round in another form;” “Do not feel lonely - the entire universe is in you;” “the art of knowing is knowing what to ignore;” “what you are seeking is seeking you;” and “Respond to every call that excites you.”

Emily Bernstein, Sam New, Barbara Harris, Lew Hassell

Elaine Fain and Yani Hernandez

President Bill advised that the October 7 meeting will be devoted to preparation for the Gala.  There is much to be done so a large attendance would be appreciated.

 

Liz Messier reminded members who have not done so to advise of information on the identity of who will be occupying seats they have purchased.

 

Don Saracen announced that the sponsorship total is now $62,000 with the recent addition of two Game Sponsor donations from Mike and Kathy Kelly and RI Center For OBYGN.

The following gave Happy Bucks

The Speaker of the day was Dana Borrelli Murray CEO of Southeastern New England Girl Scouts of America and daughter of Club member Paul Borelli.  The Girl Scouts of America was founded in 1910 based on the concept of promoting sisterhood and “finding joy”.  The first group was organized among girls working in factories in Georgia.  The Rhode Island Scouts were founded in 1919.

 

The late 19th century was an era of great accumulation of wealth and a lack of civic involvement.  In reaction to this the early 20th Century saw an explosion in the formation of many community involvement groups and organizations including Rotary,  The Boy Scouts and many others leading to the designation of the US as a “ Nation Of Joiners”.  In these current times there has been a decline in participation in these groups resulting in societal "fragmentation" causing division and stress.  Young girls have a large number afflicted with sadness, poverty and abuse with many spending time on their electronic devices as opposed to live human interaction.

 

This is a “call to action” for The Girl Scouts to get young girls involved in scouting programs – which help them build courage, confidence and character.  These programs result in girls forming friendships and spark their imaginations by involving them in adventures and new interests.  The good news is that the applications to the Scouts are increasing to the point that there is a waiting list.  The not so good news is obtaining more volunteers which may allow membership to double.