President Jeff Hagstrom welcomed all to the January 5th meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary Club, the first one in 2017, held at the American Legion in Brattleboro. Ana Saavedra offered a meaningful invocation on the start of a new year. This was followed by the pledge of allegiance.Birthday greetings were extended to: Fred Moriarty, Marcy Jones, Greg Worden, and Phil Steckler (again!).
Today’s lunch benefitted “Feed the Thousands.” Two soups were offered: Veggie Ham Soup and Curried Butternut Squash Soup. Additionally, Bill Daley auctioned off ten sandwiches from Vermont Country Deli and announced that his shop would match any donation. Between the lunch fee and auction, over $1000 was raised.
Guests: Erin Rich, George Barr, Marion Abel, and Rev. Lise Sparrow (speaker).
TRIVIA QUESTION
When did Rotary founder Paul Harris pass away?
(answer below)
JOKE / SONG OF THE WEEK
For our Rotary joke, George Weir told a version of the following:
Two drunk Russians stop to pee in front of the Kremlin. The first says, “Comrade, why when I pee I do so with such force the noise is overpowering yet you are so quiet?” His friend responds, “Because Comrade, I am peeing in your shoe.”
ROTARY MINUTE
For our Rotary Minute, Bill Daley presented some interesting facts about Rotary. To learn more, click here.
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At our January 12th meeting, Cheri Ann Brodhurst will tell a joke or lead us in song, while Linda Dierks delivers a Rotary Minute.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
01/12 -- Presented by John Meyer, Alex Beck will talk about job creation
01/19 – Presented by Roger Miller, John Hagen, Meeting Waters YMCA.
01/26 – Presented by Fred Moriarty, a panel discussion on how the Holstein addition came to be
02/02 – Presented by Bill McKim, Jim Anderson with sing show tunes
02/09 – Club Assembly, TBA
NOTE: Weekly assignments (program, joke, and Rotary minute) are posted on club’s website.
FINES
Jeff Hagstrom was fined for not informing a potential member about canceling last week’s meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chris Wocell was inducted as club’s newest member. Remember to introduce yourself and sign Chris’ book.
Student Rotarians gave reports from Boys & Girls Club, Leland & Gray, and Hinsdale.
2016 Christmas Tree sale raised about $5,000 for Gateway Foundation.
There will be an organizational meeting for the Banner Display Project after next week’s club meeting.
Next International Committee meeting will take place on 1/13 at 7:30am at The Works.
The Rotary Book Club is getting organized. The book is “Neither Wolf Nor Dog.” See Rob Szpila for more info.
BRAGS
Jeff Hagstrom – for Newton Business becoming part of the WB Mason family.
Dane Rank– for the Senior Gifts committee providing meaningful gifts to Thompson House residents.
Jeff Hagstrom – for Sandy Rouse and the work of the Senior Gifts Committee.
Betsy Gentile – for the Club’s donation to “Last Night.”
Cheri Ann Brodhurst – for the first baby born in 2017 in Brattleboro.
Ana Saavedra – for Bill Gates’ video on Facebook about PolioPlus. Click here to view.
PROGRAM:
Katja Matthews presented Rev. Lise Sparrow who told us about the current refugee situation in Vermont.
To watch the video, “Here's What the Refugee Screening Process Looks Like,” 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.
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....
