Paul Szmal: It is 8.39 on FLX Morning on Finger Lakes News Radio. Sunny skies, temperatures still on the chilly side at 39. Like to welcome in my guest at this time, Santa Abraham is a new member of Geneva Rotary and she joins us in studio this morning. Santa, good morning. How are you this morning?
Saunt Abreham: Good, thank you. Thank you for having me.
Paul Szmal: Yeah, great to have you here. So tell me a little bit about yourself and what led you down the path to become a part of Rotary.
Saunt Abreham: Yeah, I've always believed in giving back to the community where I live and work. I've served on local boards over the years. I've seen the impact that dedicated volunteers make. When I learned more about Rotary and especially what the Geneva Club hands on projects, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I've been asked multiple times throughout the years to join, but it was just never the right time. I was too committed to other organizations, whatnot. But since things have slowed down for me, I thought this was a really good time for me to join. I actually just joined in March. I thought Rotary would be a great opportunity to continue volunteering. What I like best about Rotary is that it doesn't give time to just one specific organization. Multiple organizations benefit from what Rotary does. It gives me a way to connect with others who share the same spirit of service and make a real difference right here in Geneva.
Paul Szmal: Now, not everybody that's listening may be familiar with the concept of what Rotary is about. What can you tell us about Geneva Rotary?
Saunt Abreham: Yeah, so Rotary is a global organization of people who come together to make a positive change in their communities and around the world. The motto is Service Above Self. Locally, our Geneva Rotary Club focuses on projects that support youth, education, community well-being, things that make Geneva a stronger and more connected place to live. And I know they do a lot, especially for youth education with the scholarship programs and a lot of the other things that they do.
Paul Szmal: What kind of other projects does the Geneva Rotary Club get involved with?
Saunt Abreham: Oh my gosh, we have so much going on. Through Geneva 2030, our members read to the children at the Geneva schools. I'm actually reading on Friday to the Head Start class. I'm really looking forward to that. The third Saturday of every month is dedicated to toddler time at the Boys and Girls Club. Although I do not have a green thumb, we also maintain the Rotary Garden at the Visitor Center along the lakefront. It's a small way to add beauty to the community. We'll also be part of Trunk or Treat at the Geneva Public Library on Saturday with the Interact Club. The Interact Club is the club at the high school level that students can join. And then this fall and winter, we're going to help with the community lunch program. Like you mentioned, we also provide interest-free student loans and grants for local nonprofits so we can support education and community programs in a lasting way. And I can't forget about the Santa Train. So this year, we're actually doing a Santa Train Express Cinema on December 6 at the school. I'm sure you're going to learn more about that with other speakers from Rotary.
Paul Szmal: Yeah, actually, we talked about that last month, how this year, unfortunately, the trains aren't available. So we're doing the Santa Train Express Cinema with a movie that I can't mention by name. But if you're a fan of Tom Hanks, you know the holiday-themed movie that we're talking about.
Saunt Abreham: Exactly. And that'll be at the North Street School in Geneva.
Paul Szmal: Yes. Yep.
Paul Szmal: Now, what kind of experiences have you had so far as being a new member of the Rotary organization?
Saunt Abreham: It has been wonderful. Everyone has been welcoming. There's a strong sense of teamwork. I really like that it's not just meetings. It's action. We do stuff. Every week, there's a new opportunity to learn about different organizations and people in the community. I didn't know this before I joined Rotary, but every week, we have a special guest come in, either a business owner or someone running for office or a nonprofit organization. They come in during our lunch times and talk about their organization or about themselves. So it's nice to be able to network with new people in the community and learn what they do.
Paul Szmal: Yeah. And this is a great way to kind of get your foot in the door with Rotary, is to go to one of these lunch meetings.
Saunt Abreham: Absolutely. We meet for lunch every Wednesday at Dana's Time Out from 12 to 1. And on the third Wednesday of the month, we have a dinner meeting from 6 to 7. It's casual, friendly. So anyone curious about Rotary is welcome to stop by, meet members, and see what it's all about.
Paul Szmal: Yeah. You're going to learn a lot if you go to one of these lunch meetings. And you go to one, and chances are you're going to develop the habit of wanting to go every month.
Saunt Abreham: Exactly. That's what happened to me.
Paul Szmal: Yeah. Exactly. I wanted to ask you what that motto, Service Above Self, what does that mean to you personally?
Saunt Abreham: Yep. To me, it's about leading with kindness and generosity. It means stepping outside your routine to do something that makes life better for others. That could be mentoring a student, pulling weeds in the Rotary garden, or simply showing up for community events. It's about being present and engaged, doing my part to make the community thrive.
Paul Szmal: How can listeners get involved and learn more about Geneva Rotary?
Saunt Abreham: You mentioned it. Easiest way is to come to a meeting at Dana's Time Out. We'd love to meet you. You can find us on Geneva Rotary Club on social media, our website, to see upcoming volunteer opportunities. We're always looking for new members who want to make a difference, meet great people, and be a part of something positive.
Paul Szmal: And it sounds like it's been a really positive experience for you.
Saunt Abreham: I really have enjoyed it. I'm proud to be part of Geneva Rotary Club. It's amazing what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose to serve, to connect, and make our community stronger. If you've ever thought about getting more involved or meeting like-minded people, come join us for lunch or dinner at Dana's Time Out. We'll welcome you with open arms.
Paul Szmal: Yeah, and the thing about Rotary is you can be involved as little or as much as you want. You can go to the monthly lunch meetings, you can learn about businesses, maybe get your feet wet volunteering for an event or two. Or you can get all in and really do a lot of different things and work with a lot of people, a lot of different organizations. The option is really up to you.
Saunt Abreham: It is. It's how much you want to put into it. There's people that cannot go to the lunch meetings, so what's nice is that there's an opportunity for that dinner meeting to go to as well. So it's really whatever, how much effort and time and energy you want to put into it. We'll take anyone.
Paul Szmal: So if you were, if I was going to ask you, would you recommend joining Rotary to somebody who wants to be connected to the community, I think the answer would be a resounding yes.
Saunt Abreham: Absolutely. Absolutely. Because like I said, it's not just helping one organization. I've been on boards, the library board, FLCC boards and whatnot, and their focus is on just that organization. With Rotary, what's nice is that you help multiple organizations right here in Geneva.
Paul Szmal: All right. Wanda, thank you so much for joining us and sharing your story this morning. And I know you're looking forward probably to the holiday season coming up, that Santa Train Express cinema and some of the other activities that'll be going on.
Saunt Abreham: Yes. Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate it.
Paul Szmal: All right. It is 847 on FLX Morning.
