What it means to be a Rotarian

Posted by Robert Nathan 
 

When asked what it means being a Rotarian,  Bob Nathan speaks from his heart.

 
Rotary has allowed me to see people at their very best.  Perhaps John Perino was the most inspiring Rotarian in my life.  Kind, honest, caring, a man with five children, went out, and devoted his whole existence, to saving the lives of children.  What do you call strangers who care so much about doing good, and helping others? You call them Rotarians.

I have had the incredible joy to see a young married attorney, with two children of her own, host a Gift of Life child, and balance her profession, with the awesome responsibilities of providing food, transportation, and above all love and emotional support to a mother a child from another country.  All this was provided to this family by Andrea Rubin DeCervens, during a time, when the family was going thru what might have been the most difficult time in their lives.  To be associated with a person like Andrea Rubin DeCervens is in itself, a great honor.
I could say identical things about a busy pastor of a local church (Father Rick Simpson) who did the same thing, or a very busy Doctor, named John Chinnici, or  Ritva Gottesman, and so many other of my fellow Rotarians.
 
The leadership of Russ Moran was also an honor to behold.  Russ and Lynda Moran have been shining examples of what a Rotarian should do. Russ's leadership, intelligence, generosity, and love has helped establish a bedrock for the entire Rotary Club of Islip.  Russ is a man to be admired.  I remember standing with Russ, on a cold afternoon, at a Pathmark in Islip, ringing the Salvation Army bell, while we stamped our feet to stay warm.  I remember his year as governor as being "outstanding", and how well he did as our District Governor.  Honesty, Integrity and Reliability of character are his trademarks forever.
 
I have witnessed the love of a mother towards her child, turn into a Legacy of literacy.  The mother is Cheryl Goveia, and she has been a pleasure and joy to behold, as she helps provide books to needy children.  If one asks me why Rotary?  It is the same answer always, "Because I enjoy being with the finest people on this planet".  Rotary is about actions to make our world a little better than it was before we got here.  Rotarians worldwide are making a huge difference, and their actions will eventually bring us world peace.
 
The respect and admiration I have for Karen Moss, Karen Sobel, Father Rick Simpson, Dr. John Chinnici, Fred Billings, and each and every Rotarian in our club is enormous.  To see Peter Bisulca and Merri Ciano, doing all they are doing now is a joy to behold.  I feel like the Islip Rotarians are my family.  Indeed, the "Family of Rotary".  I remember working at event after event, to do good in this world.
 
I will forever have these memories, and this all do to Rotary.
 
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
 
 
Bob Nathan