Joseph Bubriski, a graduate of West Point, and a Vietnam veteran was one of our speakers this week.  Joseph recently visited the VA hospital in Bedford.  While there, he saw a sign that said "It takes a warrior to ask for help."  Meaning, most veterans don't want to ask for help.  Those that do have to approach support/help groups, it doesn't happen the other way around. 

 

Fort Beverly has a group established for families of active duty personnel.  It was started by State Rep. Jarald Parisella's wife.  Beverly has many families of servicemen here.  The Beverly Rotary club has donated $5K to the group to help with costs.    They also support "Operation Care" in Danvers, and "Care Dimensions" (Hospice of the North Shore).  This is program helps veterans in the last days of their lives.  Unfortunately, the number of veterans in Rotary is declining, because many are not joining.

 

The Vittori Rocci Post in Beverly requested a bench to put in front of the building for the "VA Bus Stop".  $10K was donated to the bench which is used quite frequently.

 

Thankfully, our area is running a first class VA program.  There are many ways to help our veterans.  Please take time to visit the shelters, invite a veteran to dinner, or simply ask how you can help!

 

 

Our second speaker was Dave Cohen.  He is a professional speaker, and host of the TV show, "Well Spoken."  He is also the owner of a jewelry store.  Dave has written a book. Reinventing Your Life.  The premise of the book is "how old is too old to have a new dream, or to reinvent yourself?"

 

When Dave was younger, he was hosting a TV show and it was discovered that he had Tourette Syndrome.  He became depressed and unhappy about the way his life was going.  He was told there was no cure for his disease, but it could be managed through medications. 

 

Dave was also in Toastmasters.  In spite of his diagnosis, he then decided to become a professional speaker, and that was the first stage in reinventing his life.  He wanted to become a member of the Professional Speakers Association.  In order to achieve this he had to give 20 paid speeches in one year.  He accomplished this in 6 months by giving speeches to Rotary clubs.

 

At one of his first engagements, he entered the room of strangers and had no idea what to expect.  It was at the Sheraton Tara Hotel in Framingham.  The men were handsome, and the women were drop dead gorgeous.  He discovered that he was the 2nd heaviest person in the room, and he wanted to disappear.  After that, he devised a plan to lose weight.  His doctor, a nutritionist, and a friend told him his plan would never work.  He went to Giblee's, where he purchased a $785 suit, and shirt and tie for $221.  He wore a size 46, but purchased the items 4 sizes smaller.  His plan was to diet until he could fit in the $1,000 suit.  Today, the suit is a perfect fit, and he is now the host of "Well Spoken," a public speaker and author, and a public speaking coach.  Like Frank Sinatra, Dave did it "his way."

 

Dave then asked our group for volunteers to discuss the quality of their lives.

 

Bruce Whear talked about ending his first marriage and marrying the woman of his dreams!

 

Jake Segal said he has never reinvented himself.  He has been fortunate to have been married for 53 years, his career has been reasonably successful, he enjoys activities and involvement at Salem State University. 

 

Dick Lutts has been married for 66 years.  His secret to a happy life is to take charge of your life, and to never let things upset you!

 

Trip Mason first said that he appreciated the recognition of our veterans today, unlike when he returned from Vietnam. 

 

When John Fisher was a sophomore in college, he ran for President of his class.  His now wife of 46 years was the person that helped him win the office!  John said he decided to say "Great!" when people asked him how he was.   Why so great?  Because we live in a great country, and he is so fortunate in his life.  Dick Lutts has been a great inspiration to John!

 

Brenda Smith said she was diagnosed 3 years ago with a serious disorder.  The doctors complimented her on her determination for wellness.

 

Chris Casey is working on organization and law office management.  He is working with a coach 2 hours a month (the coach is in Oklahoma) to better organize and run his office and business life.

 

After the club members spoke, Dave said he hopes he has inspired and encouraged everyone to live their dreams today!