by Bill Efthimiades:
The theme of Bill’s talk was around the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” What does this really mean? This motto is more than just three words. The motto carries a powerful message about how we choose to live our lives to make a difference in the lives of others.
Service is often about something more personal. Recently, Bill offered a sailboat cruse as an auction item at last year’s Rotary Gala. The sailboat cruse was a great success, replete with fun and outdoor enjoyment. The idea is that the true value of giving isn’t measure by what we give, but by the utility created for someone else.
Don’t underestimate acts of simple kindness. Isn’t that what Rotary being all about? Each of us has something to offer, whether talents, experiences, or other resourced. Sometimes, simply showing up adds value.
The ask is that Providence Rotarians each bring what they have to offer in service of others. When we set out to make someone’s day better, we can enrich their lives.
The next time you think about “Service Above Self,” consider the lives we touch and the spirit in which we give.
We don’t all have a sailboat to share, but we do each have much to offer. At the end of the day, the greatest think we can do is share what we do have with others.
Installation
Four new Rotarians are hereby inducted:
Corporate Membership - Hope Health
Diane Taveira
Marsha Ireland
Deanna Upchurch
Individual Membership
Justin Sprague
Announcements
Thanks to everyone who came to the district potluck meeting!
When you come into meetings, please let the table know whether you are eating.
WE ARE BEHIND IN DUES COLLECTION! Please pay your membership dues.
Don’t forget to kick in some cash to the gold bowls.
Rotary after dark this month…THE GALA! Thanks to everyone for making your commitment. The Gala is October 29th, right here at the Providence Marriott!
If you sponsored a table, please let Emily Bernstein know who your guests are.
Wine Pull looks like 100 bottles in total. 76 have been committed to date. Donations are still being accepted.
There are lots of exciting auction items.
Friday October 23 is shower on the move and Wednesday October 28 is the bodega. We need volunteers. Talk to Liz Messier.
Happy Bucks
Pete Brock decided to be happy. Also, Pete learned on Saturday that the Patriots foundation is donating a fan experience to the auction. Pete is also celebrating the recent Patriots win against Buffalo.
Liz Messier offered $5 for the new Rotarians and as a thanks for people who have volunteered.
Rob Black was $20 happy for a recent trip to DC to see the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
Mike Kelly gave $5 to see Raymond happy.
Mary Brewster was happy for her recent trip to Germany and Austria.
Bill E. was happy to give his last inspiration speech for 13 months.
Speaker
Deb Burton – Rhode Island Elder Info
RI Elder Info is a Rhode Island nonprofit that helps older adults, caregivers, and professionals find the information and services they need. Its website connects people with resources for health care, housing, transportation, legal and financial matters, and caregiver support. It also offers educational events, resource fairs, guides, and professional training—all aimed at helping people make informed decisions and maintain independence as they age.
Deb Burton is Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit RI Elder Info. RI Elder Info (rielderinfo.com) maintains comprehensive multilingual information on Federal, State and Local resources for Seniors, Caregivers and Professionals. RI Elder Info’s mission is to empower people throughout the aging journey by providing easy one-stop access to comprehensive information and resources.
Following the organizations core belief that Information is power and no one should struggle to live a healthy, safe, dignified and happy life from a lack of it, Deb hosts RI Elder Info’s variety of educational livestream programming such as the weekly “Friday Friends” podcast, “Voting Rights in Long Term Care”, “How to Secure Your Credit Report in the Wake of a Data Breach!”, the monthly “Community Collaborations for Older Adults” professional networking group as well as coordinates multiple community-based resource events for Seniors, Caregivers and Veterans.
