Sunrise Rotary Club Minutes
Meeting Summary – May 27, 2026
Meeting Summary – May 27, 2026
Next week server: Londa.
Next week’s scribe: Evelyn.
Next week’s greeter: Will
Guests: Emma (Winston Prouty), Sarah (Northern Borders Regional Commission), both present as representatives of the Brattleboro Littles Alliance.
Student Rotarian Update: Gilbert. State House visit: For being on the winning BUHS Mock Court team. was honored at the State House on Friday, May 22, following their win. Gilbert shared his experience (first time at the State House), though did not meet the governor.
Farewell: This is Gilbert's last routine visit for the year, except for a final meeting next week. He expressed intent to return next year.
2. Community Garden Updates Successful small garden cleanup on May 23. Planted several items; more work and planting needed in the big garden. Flower donation request: Members asked to contribute any flowering annuals or plants to bridge the gap between tulip and perennial blooms. Upcoming work party: Scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at 10:00 am, led by Londa. Event is primarily a work period, not a social party. Watering rotation: Volunteers needed for a regular watering schedule as new annuals require consistent care. Hoses now available.
• Will’s June social events: Gardens are blooming, with an invitation for members to join an informal get-together on June 12, 6:00 pm. Potluck style preferred. Supplies for gathering: Host to provide beer, wine, hard seltzers; guests can bring additional beverages.
3. Welcome Center Volunteering & Setup … Sign-up logistics: Coordinated via SignUpGenius; list currently only circulated among the board. Will be expanded to the full club for better participation. Volunteer reminders: Members encouraged to sign up quickly once the main list is distributed; Nick to receive finalized suggestions on May 28.
2. Community Garden Updates Successful small garden cleanup on May 23. Planted several items; more work and planting needed in the big garden. Flower donation request: Members asked to contribute any flowering annuals or plants to bridge the gap between tulip and perennial blooms. Upcoming work party: Scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at 10:00 am, led by Londa. Event is primarily a work period, not a social party. Watering rotation: Volunteers needed for a regular watering schedule as new annuals require consistent care. Hoses now available.
• Will’s June social events: Gardens are blooming, with an invitation for members to join an informal get-together on June 12, 6:00 pm. Potluck style preferred. Supplies for gathering: Host to provide beer, wine, hard seltzers; guests can bring additional beverages.
3. Welcome Center Volunteering & Setup … Sign-up logistics: Coordinated via SignUpGenius; list currently only circulated among the board. Will be expanded to the full club for better participation. Volunteer reminders: Members encouraged to sign up quickly once the main list is distributed; Nick to receive finalized suggestions on May 28.
Club Apparel Orders: T-shirts & Polos: Roster circulating again for members to confirm quantity and sizing; orders to be handled by Diane. Payment: Members pay John upon delivery.
Changeover Event…. Date/Location: Tuesday, June 23 at the Legion. Social hour at 5:30 pm (cash bar), dinner at 6:00 pm. Cost: $25 per person covers meal, tip, and a small club contribution.
Changeover Event…. Date/Location: Tuesday, June 23 at the Legion. Social hour at 5:30 pm (cash bar), dinner at 6:00 pm. Cost: $25 per person covers meal, tip, and a small club contribution.
No club meeting the day following the changeover. Wed. June 24.
District Conference: May 30. Robust attendance expected, including several local and neighboring club dignitaries. Predicted 165 participants for the district conference; 95 for the social hour—potential club or district record.
Scholarship Committee Review process: Application review set for Wednesday, June 3 at 6:00 pm. At NEYT. There are 26 applications; each assigned three readers. Call for members: Committee seeks more volunteers to reduce workload (currently 9–10 applications per reader; could drop to 6–7).
Book Distribution Project… Status: 100+ books ready for distribution to schools.
• Volunteer request: Looking to schedule deliveries for Friday, May 29 (11 am–2 pm) and Monday, June 1 (flexible except around disc golf times). Members urged to participate in what has been described as a rewarding experience. Contact MJ if interested.
Student Rotarians – Member Engagement… Signature responsibility: Club members are expected to interact with student Rotarians (e.g., Gilbert) and sign their sheets. Failing to do so results in a nominal fine/donation ($1 per unsigned student sheet). Last opportunity: Members reminded to sign Gilbert’s sheet before his last appearance to avoid the “fine” at the farewell event next week.
• Volunteer request: Looking to schedule deliveries for Friday, May 29 (11 am–2 pm) and Monday, June 1 (flexible except around disc golf times). Members urged to participate in what has been described as a rewarding experience. Contact MJ if interested.
Student Rotarians – Member Engagement… Signature responsibility: Club members are expected to interact with student Rotarians (e.g., Gilbert) and sign their sheets. Failing to do so results in a nominal fine/donation ($1 per unsigned student sheet). Last opportunity: Members reminded to sign Gilbert’s sheet before his last appearance to avoid the “fine” at the farewell event next week.
Break…
Brags:
Mona: Keith… turned 60 on Sunday; despite rain, a successful last-minute party move from camp to home. House remains festively decorated. After a two-year hiatus, a member has finally replanted their vegetable garden.
Tristam: For Wendy. Girls on the Run Marathon, her relay team raised $4,000+.
Londa: Golf Tournament: A member recounted their experience at their first members-only tournament, joining a supportive team (including Rob Pattinson) and surprising themselves by making meaningful contributions. Despite nerves and self-doubt, the team won first place.
Ben: New England Youth Theater’s 'Transfixed': Announcement of a school-year-ending production (opens this weekend and runs for two weekends at NYT), a devised play featuring time travel, magical worlds, and political satire, involving 20 students and guided by writer-directors Kalinda Bay and Shannon (fiancé of member).
Jon: Dining Experience: Anecdote about an unexpectedly high-end, affordable dining experience at The Legion with visiting chefs; notable prices (e.g., $20 steak of $60+ quality).
Josh: Amy’s Bakery Closure: Noted that Amy’s Bakery, a local staple for 20–30 years, is closing by Monday, June 1. Members encouraged to visit and support during its final days.
Diana: Travel Adventures – “Pink Hat Tour”: Stories from a member’s four-week Amtrak journey with partner Roger through New York, Philadelphia, Camden, Baltimore, Vermont, and Boston, anchored by baseball games (Citizens Park, Camden Yards, Fenway, Yankee Stadium). Descriptions focused on ballpark experiences, unique giveaways (e.g., Tupac bobblehead, blackout Yankees hats), traditions (collecting pink hats), and clever ticketing.
Brattleboro Littles Alliance Presentation: Sarah Lang (Northern Borders Regional Commission, BDCC alum) and Emma Schneider (nurse at Winston Prouty, community organizer).
• Purpose: To address the lack of support and infrastructure for families with children aged 0–5 (“littles”) in Brattleboro.
• Originated from personal frustrations with inadequate community facilities: lack of changing tables, step stools, and child-friendly public spaces.
Assessing Community Needs: Parent Baby Group (0–2+ years): Weekly gatherings supporting 6–12 families at a time, facilitating community and sharing challenges.
Common difficulties: Stroller-accessible walking routes (especially in winter and after snow). Absence of child-friendly infrastructure: changing tables, safe indoor play spaces, accessible public bathrooms, and welcoming third spaces for families. Loss of community for parents after returning to work (lack of after-hours/weekend programs).
Community Survey… Conducted a “snowball” survey resulting in 44 parent responses (focus on Brattleboro and surrounding towns).Ranked existing and desired resources/programming for littles.
Mona: Keith… turned 60 on Sunday; despite rain, a successful last-minute party move from camp to home. House remains festively decorated. After a two-year hiatus, a member has finally replanted their vegetable garden.
Tristam: For Wendy. Girls on the Run Marathon, her relay team raised $4,000+.
Londa: Golf Tournament: A member recounted their experience at their first members-only tournament, joining a supportive team (including Rob Pattinson) and surprising themselves by making meaningful contributions. Despite nerves and self-doubt, the team won first place.
Ben: New England Youth Theater’s 'Transfixed': Announcement of a school-year-ending production (opens this weekend and runs for two weekends at NYT), a devised play featuring time travel, magical worlds, and political satire, involving 20 students and guided by writer-directors Kalinda Bay and Shannon (fiancé of member).
Jon: Dining Experience: Anecdote about an unexpectedly high-end, affordable dining experience at The Legion with visiting chefs; notable prices (e.g., $20 steak of $60+ quality).
Josh: Amy’s Bakery Closure: Noted that Amy’s Bakery, a local staple for 20–30 years, is closing by Monday, June 1. Members encouraged to visit and support during its final days.
Diana: Travel Adventures – “Pink Hat Tour”: Stories from a member’s four-week Amtrak journey with partner Roger through New York, Philadelphia, Camden, Baltimore, Vermont, and Boston, anchored by baseball games (Citizens Park, Camden Yards, Fenway, Yankee Stadium). Descriptions focused on ballpark experiences, unique giveaways (e.g., Tupac bobblehead, blackout Yankees hats), traditions (collecting pink hats), and clever ticketing.
Brattleboro Littles Alliance Presentation: Sarah Lang (Northern Borders Regional Commission, BDCC alum) and Emma Schneider (nurse at Winston Prouty, community organizer).
• Purpose: To address the lack of support and infrastructure for families with children aged 0–5 (“littles”) in Brattleboro.
• Originated from personal frustrations with inadequate community facilities: lack of changing tables, step stools, and child-friendly public spaces.
Assessing Community Needs: Parent Baby Group (0–2+ years): Weekly gatherings supporting 6–12 families at a time, facilitating community and sharing challenges.
Common difficulties: Stroller-accessible walking routes (especially in winter and after snow). Absence of child-friendly infrastructure: changing tables, safe indoor play spaces, accessible public bathrooms, and welcoming third spaces for families. Loss of community for parents after returning to work (lack of after-hours/weekend programs).
Community Survey… Conducted a “snowball” survey resulting in 44 parent responses (focus on Brattleboro and surrounding towns).Ranked existing and desired resources/programming for littles.
Top Requests: Expanded programming and dedicated, accessible play spaces (especially outside the standard 9–5, M–F schedule).
Future Goals & Needs Indoor Play Space: Recognizing the loss of “Kids Place,” aiming to pilot a non-drop-off, winter-friendly indoor play environment, ideally open after school and on weekends.
Future Goals & Needs Indoor Play Space: Recognizing the loss of “Kids Place,” aiming to pilot a non-drop-off, winter-friendly indoor play environment, ideally open after school and on weekends.
Exploring potential locations (Rose’s, Sam’s, old Home Depot, Parks & Recreation’s gym, etc.).
For further information or to support the Brattleboro Littles Alliance, visit brattleborolittles.com or contact Sarah Lang/Emma Schneider directly.
For further information or to support the Brattleboro Littles Alliance, visit brattleborolittles.com or contact Sarah Lang/Emma Schneider directly.
Cards: Diane won. Wahooo.