7:15 AM President Deb opened the meeting with the following:
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Welcome GUEST Lissa Weinman and Student Rotarians, Tayler, Riley and Gilbert.
- Thank you to this week’s servers: Desiree and Nick
- Thank you to this week’s scribe: Evelyn; Next scribe (6/10): Ben
- Thank you to this week’s greeters: Josh and Will
- Thank you to our Seriously spectacular Sergeant of Arms Chef Justin, Truly Terrific Treasurer John Blake and Melissa our Mighty Secretary!
Announcements:
- Mona gave a heartfelt recognition to our Student Rotarians and gave them each a gift for the end of the year. Each student gave a short talk about what they have been up to and what they plan to do. Gilbert, a BUHS sophomore, will be working at a Scout Camp for the summer. Riley, a junior, reported on the prank day, fake wedding, water balloon fight and other events for Hinsdale high school; Taylor, a senior, was active in sports and was named student of the month at her school. She said she was surprised and happy for the recognition. She also thanked the Rotarians who had purchased flowers from her. The fundraiser was a major success at the school. They also talked about the many Senior Class activities.
- The Garden Committee – attendance has been by a few committed volunteers but everyone is encouraged to come whenever possible throughout the long summer. Last weekend involved cutting back the tulips and now we are looking for black cedar mulch and annuals to be planted. The next tentative gathering is June 7 at 10 a.m. weather permitting.
- Social Event to be held at Will’s on Friday, June 12. At 6 p.m. There was an invitation at each seat with directions to his home. Food and beverages were outlined. We are invited to bring anything else we might want. A walk through their beautiful gardens was strongly encouraged. RSVPs are requested.
- District Conference – there were lots of accolades for all attendees. 165 Rotarians were in attendance. Our club had 2 tables, the most of any club. Positive vibes. Lots of updates on the many projects:
Bear Project: Presentation nby Donni eCory and her son Teton received accolades. The details distributed via flyers; National Committee discussing next steps this coming weekend.
Student Exchange segment: International students highlighted; power of youth exchanges noted, thanks to Mona and others for work on those programs
Four-Way Test Speech Contest: Three diverse high school student presentations—topics included multi-generational living, importance of sleep, and reflections on the four-way test itself. All speeches were impactful and well-received.
Social Event: Trivia Night (called “trippy thon”) at Frog Brewery, teams of 8, fun and engaging. Club considering replicating a trivia night locally; possibly with 10 local Rotary clubs, winner decides charity allocation. All club volunteers (15 total) handled organization.
Alumni and long-standing projects: Mention of “Amigos de Honduras” (started in 1998 after Hurricane Mitch), still ongoing, Rotary-originated.
Recommendations: Strong encouragement to attend future district conferences and especially the social events
- Book Project – All books have been distributed. Nick talked about MJ starts out the presentation and then how he pumps up the kids before they get their books and how grateful they are. The heart o meter goes way up.
- Welcome Center - June 20th, The signup genius was sent out to everyone. This is an “all hand on deck” activity. Everyone is encouraged to participate with food, time or funds.
- Scholarship committee – meeting tonight at 6 and the New England Youth Theatre. We have a lot of applications to go through. Pizza will be served at the meeting.
- International – Tristam talked about the Bear Project and what a tight schedule it was for the 2 attendees from south Dakota, Donni and Teton.
There was a short break for socializing with fellow and sister Rotarians
7:40 AM – Reconvened
There were no Birthdays:
One Anniversary for Sandy Shriver, 27 years in Rotary, 6/1/99 he was not present.
Service: 30 for 30, none presented
- Brags
Nick: 1st for Melissa for sending out the welcome center signup genius
2nd for Sandy for getting the Hampton Inn for the Board Meetings again.
Josh – for his daughter Ayla earning high honors this past year. She will be working at the creemie stand again for the summer.
Jon - for his daughter Elena. She just celebrated her 22nd birthday. He also told us of a near-historic experience firing a cannon at Camden Yards' opening day (eventually denied by Secret Service for security).
Londa - for her first-time participant’s nerves and neuroscientific self-coaching described humorously; despite fears, achieved victory and won $400 pro shop credit. (split among the team)
Mona - for the student Rotarians and all they’ve achieved
Ben - who read a heartwarming appreciation comment from someone who attended the performance of “Transfixed.”
Deb - to all Rotarions. She thanked them for all their hard work during the past month.
Then a brag/thank you to Tucker, Greg’s son, who delivered her turkey club from VIP during a busy time.
Diane - had a big thank you to all the district conference attendees. Our club had 2 full tables which was the most of any club. She also brought up the challenge from the noon club for golf to get more foundation points.
- Bowl of Life - none presented
8:05 AM – Lissa Weinman; Brattleboro Words Trail & Train Station Grand Opening hosted by Will Shakespeare. Lissa gave a short talk about her involvement in the community and then about the history of Brattleboro words trail. There was a flyer on our tables about the new display at Brattleboro Amtrak Station. The Grand opening is June 24 and will feature an all day celebration.
8:24 AM – Cards – no winner
8:25 AM – Rotary Four-Way Test
Of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Is it beneficial to all concerned?
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 AM