March 18, 2026 Newsletter

Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary Meeting
3/18/26
President Elect Roger Cardinal filled in for President Debra Rosenzweig who is ill. He called the meeting to order and welcomed members and guest Desiree Stango who will be inducted at today’s meeting.
 
Thanks to this week’s server, Kristin; no server volunteer for 3/25. This week’s scribe was Nick per the agenda, but Melissa filled in. Next week’s scribe (3/25) is Diane Hashagen; Thank you to this week’s greeter Josh; Sargeant at Arms Chef Justin, Treasurer John Blake, Secretary Melissa.
 
Announcements:
  • Social (Sandy) – this Friday, March 21 at 5:30pm, Snow Republic Brewery. Roger, Josh, MJ and Diane will be attending Rotary PELS Friday-Saturday. Next scheduled happy hour is April 17 at the Marina (5:30pm).
  • Blood drive (Roger) – May 19th – Jim, Will, Evelyn, Dan, Debra have signed up to donate. Reminder: sign-up is circulating.
  • District Conference (Diane/Kristin) – May 30 in Keene.
  • Trivia (Sandy) – Low turnout. March is a tough month. Next trivia event: April 20, “Brattleboro Harmonia” (fka Brattleboro Women's Chorus) is the beneficiary
  • 30 for 30 - Josh: Handicap Ramp Construction - Club members KJ, Rob Szpila, and Josh volunteered to build an ADA-accessible ramp for a local teacher.
  • Anniversaries - Tristan Toleno 20 years, and 23-year wedding anniversary
  • Service Above Self/Brags –
    • Nick participated in the “High Fives” ski-a-thon for injured athletes: ~$50K total team fundraised. Jackson played up two age levels in regional soccer tournament; Caroline’s dance team finished top in age group.
    • Justin - March 27: Steak and Chicken Dinner fundraiser for Sons of the American Legion fundraiser at the Legion, $17/steak, $13/chicken. RSVP deadline: Tuesday, March 24; call the Legion or text Justin at 802-257-1872.
    • Mona going on vacation and will miss Rotary meetings for the next 2 weeks.
    • MJ - celebrates granddaughter Eliza, age two weeks.
    • Tristam - Health update: Echocardiogram with positive results.
  • Dinner Raffle Drawing – 4th place – our very own MJ!  3rd place Micah Ranquist ) former Rotarian) 2nd place Charlotte Morello and 1st place Patti Jensen a repeat winner and Nick’s mother in law. Nick called her to share the great news. Funds from dinner raffle and sales to be directed to club scholarships and grants.
  • Club Assembly – Investment, Scholarship and Social
    • Club Investment - Club is considering options to invest excess savings for long-term returns, mainly for scholarships/community grants.
      • The core alternatives:
        • Vermont Community Foundation (VCF): Professionally managed funds, but the assets change ownership to VCF; withdrawal & access subject to VCF policy and oversight; 1% fee.
        • Vanguard (or similar): Low-cost index funds; no external management fee, but would require internal oversight; officers would need to manage access and investment.
      • Key Concerns:
        • Accessibility: Can funds be withdrawn if urgently needed?
        • Oversight: Avoid conflicts of interest—officers in financial services don't want direct control or accountability for club investments.
        • Sustainability: Ensuring future boards have clear, manageable, and prudent options.
        • Purpose Flexibility: Designated for scholarships/grants, but allow future boards flexibility in the face of new needs.
        • Risk: Protect from ‘emotional’ responses to market dips; ensure continuity of purpose and prudent use regardless of market performance.
        • Administrative Burden: Professional oversight is attractive for continuity; Vanguard is cheaper but requires club-side investment decision process.
      • Action:
        • Will request detailed clarification from VCF on?
        • Withdrawal circumstances and accessibility.
        • What happens if entire principal needs to be accessed?
        • Minimum account thresholds and closure process.
        • Will review alternative scenarios and model reporting requirements for club-managed accounts.
        • Will solicit further member questions for VCF.
    • Scholarship Committee
      • Decision to continue using Google Forms for applications due to lack of Adobe tools.
      • Plan to review and possibly rewrite the essay question—members committed to submitting drafts prior to next committee meeting.
  • New Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary Member Induction: Desiree Stango
    • Background highlighted: Native of Brattleboro, former recipient of Sunrise Rotary scholarship. Professional experience: Fashion Institute of Technology graduate, work in NYC, now active realtor. Local community roles: Board member on Brattleboro Hockey Association, Girl Scout troop leader, Little League supporter, local artist. Commitment to “service above self”; and Rotary values formally acknowledged. Received certificate, badge, and pin (with a ritual explanation of the pin’s significance and enforcement).
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?
8:30 AM - Wrap-up Meeting
 
Follow-up
• Volunteer Needs and Signup Clarification for blood drive, backpack project.

• Scholarship Committee to schedule next working session and circulate revised essay question.

• Next Trivia Night: April 20 —communication and preparation required.
Notable Dates
• March 21, 2026 (Friday): Club Social @ Snow Republic, 5:30 PM