I had the distinct pleasure this past weekend of attending the 150th Anniversary Gala for the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh. What does this have to do with our club, you might ask. Bear with me.
The keynote speaker at the event was Nyle DeMarco. You may recognize Nyle from America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars. He has several other television and film credits as well. I had the pleasure of a short chat with him at the event. Nyle, as he tells his story, skyrocketed from college grad, bumming around Europe, to fame and fortune in less than a year. Nyle is Deaf, coming from a family who are all Deaf, going back several generations.
Although he has certainly capitalized on his fame, carving out an impressive career, the first thing he did with his newfound notoriety was to establish a foundation to improve the plight of Deaf children through education and language enrichment. All the proceeds from his speaking engagements go into the foundation. The foundation has already been awarding grants and working with community groups to improve early education for Deaf and hard of hearing children.
This is service above self. Nyle could have easily parlayed his fame to his own advantage. Instead, he is giving back to his community. This is what we do at Rotary and what we will be celebrating on November 22 at the Service Above Self Luncheon. Get your tickets now, and help of celebrate ten years of recognizing Service Above Self.
Sumner & Toner Insurance has been serving clients in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode Island for over 67 years. We have offices located in Longmeadow and Needham Massachusetts. We represent our clients for their Personal, Business, and Professional Insurance needs.
Gina Kos has been the executive director of Sunshine Village, a CARF accredited nonprofit organization serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, since 1996. Under her transformative leadership, the organization grew from $6 million to $14 million, increased its footprint with the purchase and renovation of several properties, and is consistently recognized for its innovative best practices. As a local nonprofit leader, she is known for her extensive experience with governance, strategic planning, and community building.
Kos received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration from Western New England University. Her career began in the banking industry where she worked as a mortgage officer before becoming the director of marketing and development at Sunshine Village. Later, she was appointed by the board of directors to interim executive director at Sunshine Village. Since officially taking the helm of the organization in 1997, she has seen it grow to serving over 500 individuals with over 280 employees. She has served on many nonprofit boards, including as a current member of the executive committee for the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. She is a former board president at Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, board member of Rotary Club of Chicopee, and board member of Human Service Forum. In addition, she served as a trustee at both Elms College and Westfield State University where she led several presidential search committees.
Kos is a member of the inaugural class of “BusinessWest’s Women of Impact Awards” and the recipient of: “St. Joseph Medal – Distinguished Alumni Award”, Cathedral High School; Shining Star - Volunteer of the Year”, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce; and “Paul Harris Honoree”, Chicopee Rotary Club. She enjoys volunteering her time with Link to Libraries and Friends of the Homeless. She lives in Chicopee with her husband, Mayor Richard Kos.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FRIEND AND FELLOW ROTARIAN ELLEN FREYMAN FOR BEING SELECTED PART OF THE BUSINESS WEST'S WOMEN OF IMPACT 2019! READ THE ARTICLE HERE; https://businesswest.com/blog/ellen-freyman-2/
Do you have some news or information that might be of interest to fellow Rotarians?*
If so, please email Samalid Hogan at smhogan413@gmail.com by Monday of each week for inclusion in Friday's bulletin.
Our weekly Bulletin goes out to more than 70 local leaders every week and is a wonderful way to spread your message. *All submissions are subject to approval.
Please join us for the Rotary District 7890's Rotary Foundation Recognition Dinner!
Be inspired as you listen to the keynote speaker, Rotary Global Grant Scholar Emily Goldman. All Rotarians are invited and encouraged to attend. This is sure to be a motivational evening for all!
The Rotary Leadership Institute is a powerful tool to grow member leadership strengths and build member retention.
Attendees will learn:
-how to lead in a service organization
-how to create effective committees
-how to work with volunteers
AND come back to their clubs motivated, energized and inspired
AND they share that enthusiasm with other members.
SIGN UP NOW!
This fall, District 7890 will host an RLI session:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2019
7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
A light breakfast and lunch are included in the $100 registration fee.
La Quinta Inns & Suites 100 Congress St, Springfield, MA 01104
You accepted the invitation to become a Rotarian for a reason. You stay a Rotarian also for a reason. Spending a day at an RLI session will add many more reasons for you to be a Rotarian. Remember, “Those who serve the best profit the most.”
For more information and to register, visit www.rlinea.org
Registration $100 - Parts I, II, III and a Graduate Session
Feel free to call or e-mail RLI District Chair Frank Wargo at
Gina Kos, Executive Director - Sunshine Village.png)
