President George Weir welcomed all to the August 3rd meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary Club held at the American Legion in Brattleboro. (ED NOTE: President George appeared rested because his bell ringing skills greatly improved. Now onto the use of the microphone).Chris Hart offered a meaningful invocation in honor of Cheri Ann Brodhurst (ED NOTE: Cheri Ann was not in attendance today but should brag after reading about the honor in this bulletin.)
I was blessed with a wonderful Doctor for my first baby’s birth. When I think of our Doctor’s calming presence, her faith in my strength, her support of both my husband and me throughout the long day and night, I’m reminded of how God’s love carries us through the dark and painful moments to the bright burst of joy at labor’s end.
When I came across these this psalm again, I was reminded of the power and presence of thinking of God as birthing Doctor, especially when we are in the midst of the overwhelming work and pain of labor.
This is God’s Mothering Spirit: watching us, tending us, keeping us safe, never leaving our side, whispering words of comfort and strength and hope that this, too, shall pass.
“Yet it was you who took me from the womb; you kept me safe on my mother’s breast. On you I was cast from my birth, and since my mother bore me you have been my God.”
As a luncheon of baked chicken, ham, green beans, pasta salad, corn, tofu/corn medley, salad, bread and cake topped with whipped cream and blueberries for dessert was being digested, the meeting continued.
Guests: Visiting Sunrise Rotarians Drew Hazelton and Chris Johnson.
TRIVIA QUESTION
When did the first hospital-based ambulance service begin in the United States?
(answer below)
JOKE OF THE WEEK
For our Rotary joke, Joe Little told a version of the following:
A woman goes into Bass Pro Shop to buy a rod and reel for her grandson's birthday. She doesn't know which one to get so she just grabs one and goes over to the counter. A Bass Pro Shop associate is standing there wearing dark shades. She says, 'Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me anything about this rod and reel?' He says, 'Ma'am, I'm completely blind; but if you'll drop it on the counter, I can tell you everything from the sound it makes.' She doesn't believe him but drops it on the counter anyway. He says, 'That's a six-foot Shakespeare graphite rod with a Zebco 404 reel and 10-LB test line. It's a good all around combination and it's on sale this week for only $20.00." She says, 'It's amazing that you can tell all that just by the sound of it dropping on the counter. I'll take it!' As she opens her purse, her credit card drops on the floor. 'Oh, that sounds like a Master Card,' he says. She bends down to pick it up and accidentally farts. At first she is really embarrassed, but then realizes there is no way the blind clerk could tell it was she who tooted. Being blind, he wouldn't know that she was the only person around. The man rings up the sale and says, 'That'll be $34.50 please.' The woman is totally confused by this and asks, 'Didn't you tell me the rod and reel were on sale for $20.00? How did you get $34.50?' He replies, 'Yes, Ma'am. The rod and reel is $20.00, but the Duck Call is $11.00 and the Bear Repellent is $3.50'
ROTARY MINUTE
For our Rotary minute, Mike Mandracchia researched quotes from past Rotary International presidents (i.e. 30-50 years) and discovered relevancy for today.
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At our August 10th meeting, Carl Lynde will tell a joke or lead us in song, while Joe Little delivers a Rotary Minute.
NOTE: Weekly assignments are posted on club website.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
08/10 – Wendy Harrison presents: Buzz Schmidt, Retreat Farm
08/17 - Club Assembly
NOTE: 2017-18 Weekly assignments (program, joke, and Rotary minute) are posted on club’s website.
FINES
There were no fines today ;-(
ANNOUNCEMENTS
International Committee is gathering quilting material and notions for Pine Ridge. Click here for more information.
Brattleboro on Wheels is taking place on 8/26. If you can volunteer, distribute postcards or share FACEBOOK posts, contact Mike Mandracchia.
Mara Williams streaked.
BRAGS
Tom French– for his two granddaughters; one who is competing in a soccer tournament in Germany and the other who is competing in a rugby tournament in Dubai.
Rob Szpila – for the Brattleboro Retreat golf tournament that raised $43,000 for children’s services.
Carl Lynde – for Rob Szpila and the (11-hole) Brattleboro Retreat golf tournament.
Carl Lynde – for the Brattleboro Retreat Farm.
Mike Mandracchia – for winning group lessons after completing 11 holes at the Brattleboro Retreat golf tournament.
Mike Mandracchia – for Sunrise Rotary serving lunch at Brattleboro on Wheels.
George Weir – for Bill Vermouth’s stellar job in his absence.
George Weir – for his Maine vacation.
Cindy Jerome – for Chris Hart taking care of the resident of Melrose Terrace following Tropical Storm Irene.
Cindy Jerome – for the building progress at Bradley House.
Steve Gordon – for Drew Hazelton and the crew at Rescue, Inc.
Dave Twombly – for the work of Rescue, Inc.
PROGRAM:
Drew Hazelton and Chris Johnson provided a fascinating presentation on the work of the Southern Vermont Technical Rescue. For more info, click here.
REMINDERS
Bottles and cans can be brought to Putney Road redemption center to benefit Pure Water for the World.Please see Mara Williams.
It's a new year... If you like this newsletter, brag at next Club meeting.
This bulletin was respectfully submitted by Past President Martin Cohn who attempts to give a gist of the meeting. However, it is always better to attend. If you have any complaints about the contents of this bulletin....
