President Chris opened the meeting at the meeting site: Saxton River Distillery in Brattleboro, VT
. Chris welcomed all to the May 14, 2026 meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary Club, www.brattlebororotaryclub.org
Invocation:
Mark A. offered an extended golf metaphor, which missed the rough but took more than a few strokes to get to the green.
President Chris the club with the Pledge of Allegiance
Cindy 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?
23 Members, 6 Student Rotarians and guest attended the meeting.
Guests:
JOKE OF THE WEEK - For our joke or song of the week:
The Mark A. show continued with a joke he offered on behalf of Frank R. extending the golf theme: “What’s the difference between a golfer and a fisherman? When a golfer lies, he doesn’t have to bring anything home to prove it.”
EDITOR NOTE: 2025-26 weekly assignments are posted on the club website.
Rotarians for Rotarians:
New Members:
ROTARY MINUTE
Mark A. continued with the Rotary minute on behalf of Ron S. This was golf-free. The first Rotary Club in 1905 had no dues, expenses paid from 50-cent fines (just over $13 in today dollars). By 1915 Rotary International was on the verge of bankruptcy when President Frank Mulholland suggested $1 per year due (today equivalent $14). RI has not suffered financially since.
But wait there’s more. A fine was proposed against Frank and Ron for shirking their duties and unanimously passed. I missed the actual amount but it might have been in double digits.
Note for future presenters; The Rotary Minute could also have the speaker talk about their personal involvement in Rotary or personal background.
Years of Service in our Club
Cheri Ann has been a member for 12 years as of 5/15
On Behalf of our Club and all Rotarians, thank you for your Service Above Self
Student Rotarian updates:
L&G
Lucy –sports going well varsity baseball #1 seed, softball #2. She played first base and outfield. Disc team has potential
Atero – Prom Saturday, member of disc team
Dakota – Theater production “Hats Off” coming up in the first week of June
Dylan – “Dingers for Dylan” fund raising event, home run derby on May 9.
BUHS
Levi – Prom at the Retreat, directing class, and student-directed one act plays
Zafroni – 12th graders finish one week early
Birthday greetings -
BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS Cindy-
Bill V has his actual birthday today and we sang again. For his moment of fame he requested that the club “practice” this song.
Announcements
5/21 – George W will grace us with song
5/28 – None as yet
6/4 – Golf tourney – mandatory club fun
6/11 – Interfaith Youth Group
6/18 – Changeover dinner
6/25 – Brattleboro Town Manager John Potter
Happy Dollars and Brags and Fines
Rob showed up with 2 BUHS students he forgot to pick up and argued against a fine because they forgot as well. He did not prevail
Cheri Ann – bragged for teenagers, in particular female, noting she now has two in her life.
Tom – for son acquiring a scholarship to pursue a MSW
Betsy – for the club, which she missed during her 5 weeks away
Stan – for grandson Eric, who finished off with a double and a walk-off triple (Something not golf-related, I think)
Chris – to the club for its flexibility and grace during the meeting place chaos. Also noted that Saffron will be at former Royal Diner location.
ED NOTE: Weekly assignments for the invocation or motivational thought can be found on the club
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