Mary Brewster led us with inspirational words from Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Write it on your Heart, that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely. With too high a spirit to be weighed down with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear. With its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.
A great reminder for all of us. Thank you, Mary!
Guest
John Adams, Tracy Boothman
On Zoom
Pete Brock, Richard Applebaum, Emily Bernstein, Don Saracen, Clara DeCerbo, and Kris David
President’s Report: Bill Applegate
- Thank you notes from Kizirian School are on the tables.
- Please remember to contribute to the Gold Bowls for the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation.
- The Coat Drive will conclude next week. Kindly bring in your items.
- The Holiday Party will be held at Mike Kelly’s home on December 6.
- Our club received an award at the District Foundation Luncheon for our contributions to the End Polio Now campaign.
Happy Bucks
- Pete Brock is happy because he chooses to be.
- Lew Hassell is happy to be in person and see everyone versus being on zoom.
- Anthony H is happy his brother made it through open heart surgery well.
- Bill is happy Jenny Miller is pinch hitting for Pete and, enthusiastically, doing Happy Bucks.
- Bill Applegate is happy about a recent field trip with the San Miguel students to Plymouth Rock.
Guest Speaker
Liz Messier introduced our speaker Phil Haydon, who is an internationally recognized neuroscientist, a short-handed sailor, and the founder of Sail For Epilepsy.
Phil has lived with medically controlled epilepsy for most of his life and has turned his personal journey into a mission to empower others. Combining his passion for sailing with advocacy, he sails offshore while raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging people with epilepsy and their families to live full and adventurous lives.
In 2024, he won the double-handed division of the Newport Bermuda Race. Through Sail For Epilepsy, Phil shares stories of resilience, promotes epilepsy education, and inspires others to take “One More Step” toward achieving their own goals. His mission is clear: to demonstrate that a diagnosis does not define a life, and that challenges can be faced with courage, determination, and hope. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Phil’s remarkable story and learn how Sail For Epilepsy is making waves around the world.
Phil provided an insightful presentation on the various forms of epilepsy and the widespread impact of the condition. He revealed a striking statistic: one in 26 people will experience epilepsy at some point in their lives. During his talk, Phil offered essential First Aid tips and explained how to respond if we encounter someone having a seizure. It was an informative and engaging discussion, and we are grateful for the time and knowledge Phil shared with our Club.
Warm Clothing/Coat Drive
Don't forget to bring warm clothing and coats for our drive to this Tuesday's November 25th lunch meeting. We are partnering with Amos House to supply clothing to those in need. Ocean State Job Lot is augmenting our effort with a pallet of new coats.
