President Mark opened the meeting at the meeting site: Holiday Inn Express of Brattleboro, VT
. Mark welcomed all to the August 6, 2026 meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary Club,www.brattlebororotaryclub.org
Invocation:
Rudy provided the Invocation - Let’s bow our heads dear whoever is up there listening. Help us to live each day as though it were our last, grateful for each breath and heartbeat, mindful of each moment, generous in every encounter. May our words bring kindness, our hands bring help, and our eyes be open to see need. Let us strive to leave our community and world a little better than we found them. Amen
Mark led the club with the Pledge of Allegiance
Theresa led the club with the Rotary motto and Four Way Test.
Rotary Motto: Service Above Self
Four Way Test -
Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
25 Members, 0 Student Rotarians and 2 guest attended the meeting.
Guests:
Eli Rivera (Mark) and Lily Charkey (Ted)
JOKE OF THE WEEK - For our joke or song of the week:
EDITOR NOTE: 2025-26 weekly assignments are posted on the club website.
Rotarians for Rotarians:
Rudy advised that Cindy had a heart attack last week. She is receiving care at Dartmouth, but has a long recovery ahead.
Bill McKim has returned to our meetings.
New Members:
Two New Members
Sarah Weiler was inducted by President Mark. She lives in West Brattleboro and is the Operations Manager at BMAC
Mike Wagner recently moved to Chesterfield after living in Arizona for 30 years. Had a career in technology sales and then spent 5 fives teaching English globally
ROTARY MINUTE
Cathy provided the Minute for Rich. My thoughts for the Rotary minute are about how our club had discussions for several years about ending Christmas tree sales and how we would replace that income. Since we have ended the Christmas tree sales, the Disc Golf tournament has really taken off under Rob’s leadership, the food booth at the ski jump has done great under Betsy’s leadership, and the Welcome Center coffee and snack day has done well thanks largely to Greg’s hard work. Hopefully the time slots and food slots will get filled in because the Welcome Center is a chance to raise a good bit of money and get the Rotary name out there. All without lifting trees onto car roofs!
Years of Service in our Club
George Karabakakis was recognized for 4 years of membership.
On Behalf of our Club and all Rotarians, thank you for your Service Above Self
Student Rotarian updates:
Birthday greetings -
BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS Cindy-
None
Announcements
President Mark reminded the members to sign Sarah and Mike’s books.
Stan is organizing the next Groundworks meal and is looking for assistance.
The By-Laws Committee is meeting August 13th after the Club Meeting.
Betsy has indicated that she no longer will be able to serve as Chair for the Ski Jump and is seeking a replacement.
The New Generations presumed Avenue of Service is currently Youth Programming.
Greg provided an update on the Welcome Center and needs more food and time sign-ups.
Mike M. recognized Presidential Executive Order #2 and complimented Sheriff Mark on the upcoming program.
Happy Dollars and Brags and Fines
Rudy for all the support he and Cindy have received from the community.
Marcy for the great care he received 4 years ago at the BMH cardio program.
Cheri Ann for her son and for after all these years learning to say NO!
Bill M. discussed his latest illness causing him to cancel his piano program; however, on the scheduled day of the program, he was up and walking and rescheduled the whole thing.
Mara for the great care received at Boston Health for her 2 grand nephews.
Greg for Cindy’s recovery sending love and best wishes.
Mark for Cindy’s son Ben who is a fellow softball teammate and the resilience of the whole family.
ED NOTE: Weekly assignments for the invocation or motivational thought can be found on the club
website.>
