Rotary Club Meeting Notes – April 15

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a welcome to members and guests.

Debra: Welcome everyone. Let’s welcome our guest, Gilbert from UHS.

Gilbert, a student from UHS, was introduced. He later shared updates including that the UHS mock trial team won the state championship and that he is participating in track and field (throwing events). He also noted upcoming performances, including a jazz band event and a school production of Alice in Wonderland.

Thanks were extended to Londa for serving and Josh and Diane acting as scribe. Greeters were mentioned and thanked, Josh and Will. Additional appreciation was given to Chef Justin, John Blake, and Melissa for their contributions.

The club has several important upcoming events:

 

Sandy: The next social gathering will take place Friday, April 17 at 5:30 PM at the Marina. Members are encouraged to attend and bring partners or guests.

 

Sanday: Trivia Night is scheduled for April 20, with Brattleboro Harmonia as the partner organization.

 

Will: A trail workday is planned for Saturday at 9:00 AM, meeting at the train station. Members were asked to bring gloves and tools (clippers, saws) to help clear and connect sections of trail along the Connecticut River. We have a trail workday at 9:00 AM Saturday. Meet at the train station and bring tools.

 

Debra: The garden clean-up will take place Sunday at 9:00 AM. Four yards of mulch will be delivered at 6:30 AM by D & E Tree. This is an all-hands-on-deck effort.

 

Diane: The District Conference is scheduled for May 30. The club is aiming to fill a table of ten attendees. Register: https://rotary7870.org/events/district-7870-conference-2026/

 

Diane: The District Changeover will be June 27 at the Little Red Schoolhouse and will include multiple leadership inductions from the club.

 

Debra: A blood drive is scheduled for May 19. A sign-up form will be distributed.

Pine Ridge Backpack supplies can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/35JI90519MXBI

 

First Fridays volunteer sign-up: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/851831526016/false#/invitation

 

Kristin: The newbie group project is still in progress. We are considering a community art project, possibly an electrical box mural, but coordination is ongoing.

Tristam and John: The club has received one scholarship application so far, with more expected before the deadline. A translated letter from scholarship recipient Nydia Michelle in Honduras was read aloud. She wrote: “I want to express my sincere appreciation… this represents a terrific possibility to continue my studies with security and confidence.” She described living at school during the week, returning home on weekends, and enjoying classes including business and agricultural work. She emphasized her commitment to maintaining strong grades and making the most of the opportunity.

Members broke into groups focused on International, Scholarship, Social, and New Member engagement. Discussions centered on planning upcoming initiatives, continuing scholarship work, strengthening social engagement, and advancing the new member project.

This portion of the meeting included a wide range of personal and service updates:

 

Josh shared highlights from a trip to the Netherlands and Belgium and brought chocolates back to share with members.

 

John Seacrest described a trip to the Dominican Republic that included a challenging multi-day hike up Pico Duarte followed by kite surfing lessons.

 

Kevin shared a significant health experience involving a 95-year-old father-in-law who underwent successful surgery at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, highlighting the quality of local care.

 

Roger: Personal milestone was shared: reported losing 50 pounds over six months.

 

Londa: A golf achievement was celebrated with a first birdie after less than a year of playing. Kristen shared a heartfelt note recognizing her child Alice’s upcoming 10th birthday.