Anthony Hollingshead inspired us today with a poem by K Roberts - To Those Who Keep us Safe.  It was in honor of the service men and women who participated in and to those who lost their lives during the recent withdrawal of Americans from Afghanistan.

 

Thank you for the sacrifices you and/or family have made, so that I might have the time and freedom with my own.

 

President Holly Applegate updated us on our progress with our Legends for Literacy Gala to be held Oct 26th.  Art Norwalk has produced an amazing flyer for sponsorship which is currently being printed along with a press release announcing Arthur Robbins as our Honorary Chair.  A request and invitation with all necessary paperwork has been submitted to the office of RI Governor Dan McKee inviting him to address the attendees as he is a strong supporter of Literacy.

 

We received a new sponsorship from Markum LLP - Division Championship $1500.  This brings our total sponsorships to date to $29,000. Please consider being/finding a sponsor and/or buy a ticket! Sign up online or at upcoming meetings.

 

The Rotary Goodworks committee has delivered the collected supplies to Harry Kazarian School.  Thank you to all who have contributed.

 

Rotary After Dark for September is Thursday the 23rd fro 5:30-7:30pm at Waterfire Arts Center RoofTop.  Located at 475 Valley Street, Providence with plenty of parking.  View the art exhibit and join us RoofTop for a drink!  Wine, beer and soft drinks are available for purchase.  No reservations

 

President Holly brought our attention to a great article printed recently in the Providence Journal by Robin Call about book clubs where the Providence Rotary Book club was highlighted.   Despite the pandemic, the book club recently completed their 210th meeting via zoom.  

 

She also announced that next week’s meeting will be for Committee Recruitment, and will be reaching out to committee chairs to see what they need for help.

 

Richard Applebaum suggested we think about how we could help the victims of New Orleans.  Holly will address and bring ideas back to the group.

 

Margaret Kane -gave 5 happy bucks to continue her saga of recent mishaps. Last week she had a black eye, now she has a chipped tooth!

 

Mike Kelly - gave 13 Happy Bucks for 13 courageous men and women who gave their all and lost their lives in Afghanistan - our prayers to their families.

 

Art Norwalk - gave a happy buck to update us that the press release has gone out to the media about Arthur Robbins accepting appointment as Honorary Chair of the Gala and that he’s happy to announce that Dan McGowan, our speaker from two weeks ago, has agreed to be a legend at the Gala.

 

Cap Willey - gave 2 Happy bucks, one for niece who has survived the storm in New Orleans and the other for Mac Jones, starting quarterback for the NE Patriots.

 

Steve Hug reminded us to Share on Facebook to spread the word about Rotary.  

 

He introduced today’s speaker, Mark Binder as author, storyteller, a playwright, editor and nice guy!

 

Mark Binder is the Audie Audiobook Award nominated playwright and author of more than two dozen astonishing books and audio books. As a performer, he's delighted audiences around the world.  His play, The Race, was recently performed during the pandemic by local Providence theater company, The Wilbury Group.  Mark, using his pen name and alter ego, Izzy Abrahmson, is currently writing a series of 5 books that revolve around a small village with a lighthearted take on Jewish life.  Demonstrating his storytelling skills, he delighted us today by reading Chapter 1 from his book A Village Romance.