A Conversation with Ruth Barge Thumbtzen

700 West Main Road,Middletown RI 02842

27 February, 2023

Description

Ruth Barge Thumbtzen taught at Thompson Middle School in Newport, RI, for 30 years before going on to work as a Community Service Liaison for Salve Regina University. She has been involved in countless organizations in Newport County. Currently, Ruth is a Board Member of the Edward King Senior Center, volunteers with the Newport Preservation Society, and is an active member of AARP RI. She has been recognized statewide for her contributions including being named RI's Woman of the Year in 2001. She received the Newport Daily News Community Service Award in 2016 and an Honorary Doctorate from Salve Regina in 2021. “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” author unknown