President Chris opened the meeting at the meeting site: Holiday Inn Express of Brattleboro, VT. Chris welcomed all to the September 25, 2025 meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary www.brattlebororotaryclub.org
Special Reminder - no noon meeting 10/2, weekly meeting will be 10/3 5:00 at Saxtons River Distillery
Invocation:
Phil George offered the invocation.
Chris lead the club with the Pledge of Allegiance
Stan led the club:
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?
33 Members, 0 Student Rotarians and 1 guests attended the meeting.
Guests:
JOKE OF THE WEEK - For our joke or song of the week:
Greg Worden, in honor of Brattleboro on Wheels, told some car jokes.
EDITOR NOTE: 2025-26 weekly assignments are posted on the club website.
Rotarians for Rotarians:
Regina in our thoughts.
New Members:
Andrew George read the names of the members who have not signed his book, of which there were many.
Remember to welcome Kurt White then sign his book.
ROTARY MINUTE
Jenifer Ambler spoke about how she first came to town and met Andy Bowen who was the skipper of the Belle of Brattleboro. She went for a ride on the Belle and got to talking with Andy who invited her to come to Rotary. She had her fireside chat with Tony Buracyznski and others, and the rest is history…she is still enjoying it 36 years later.
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 for March:
On Behalf of our Club and all Rotarians, thank you for your Service Above Self
Student Rotarian updates:
Birthday greetings -
BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM RUBEN -
Cheri Ann, 9/23 Bill Daley, 9/24
Cheri Ann said that she appreciates being in this group, primarily because it reflects the kind of things she believes in. Today’s prayer is just what she would have said. Her birthday wish is that we could all think, and hope and dream alike and that dream will be for love and peace. Bill Daley wishes peace for everyone.
Announcements
President Chris announced that we will need a new birthday person. Ruben is moving away, and we need an assistant for Rhonda. Ruben added that it is needed imminently, don’t think about it too long. Frank LaGrande offered to work with Rhonda. Cindy Jerome offered to take over the birthdays and anniversaries. Chris thanked them both.
Betsy Gentile announced that October 9th is the first Student Rotarian meeting and we are overwhelmed with students this year. We have 6 from BUHS, 3 from Leland & Gray and 2 from Hinsdale. She hopes that we can all be there on October 9th and get to know them. She would like to match them up with buddies. She needs someone to drive the students from BUHS. The group from Hinsdale bring their own cars. Roger Allbee will continue to bring them from Leland & Gray.
Bill Vermouth thanked everyone who supported him for his upcoming marathon. He passed the sheet around again. The proceeds will go to the Gateway Foundation.
Greg Worden announced that Saturday is the 11th Annual Brattleboro on Wheels Car Show which is being held on the Common. They could use more help directing traffic and selling hot dogs. The show is from 9-1. The crew will be there around 7:30 to 8:00 to set up. Help would be appreciated.
Stan said the next Groundworks meal is on Wednesday, 10/8. Cheri Ann is making chicken and pork for the main meal, Betsy is doing the veggie alternative, Cindy Jerome is bringing cupcakes and Bill McKim is bringing rolls.
Stan announced that there is a painting project at the Senior Center on Friday, 10/17 and Saturday, 10/18. Rob Szpila has been in contact with Joe Little and they have been doing the trim work. We will be doing the major painting as one of our major projects, Stan will get times and additional information for us. He also mentioned that we will need to shut down the garden downtown for the library, but no date has been set for that yet.
Rob Szpila announced that the Disc Golf tournament is on October 4th and 5th. Volunteers are needed on Saturday afternoon from 1-4 and on Sunday morning for a few hours and Sunday afternoon for a few hours. He reminded us that next week there is no Rotary meeting on Thursday. There is a party at the Saxtons River Distillery at 5:00 on Friday to thank all of the sponsors. Spouses are welcome.
George Weir announced that there will be an International Committee meeting right after today’s meeting for a few minutes.
Happy Dollars and Brags and Fines
Betsy bragged for the Humane Society. Her granddaughter wants a kitten for her birthday, and she found a very cute one. They are such a great organization.
Dave Twombly and his wife went to Canada for a week, Old Quebec City and Old Montreal. The Canadian people were very nice, and they have a lot of great memories.
Kurt White bragged for the Brattleboro Retreat Gala, which was held on Friday, September 19th. He thanked Rob Szpila for helping and for all the support from the community.
Bill Daley had a happy dollar for his birthday and his granddaughter’s birthday, both on September 24th. The theme was Harry Potter’s Magical Birthday.
Cheri Ann had a happy dollar for her birthday on Tuesday. She was feeling a sense of loss of hope until she came home, and her son’s car was in the driveway which made her day.
Roger Allbee bragged for the pie making for the Newfane Heritage Festival. They made 200 pies. Roger is a peeler.
Chris Hart bragged for her adorable 6-year-old grandson who just had a birthday. They had 20 little boys over for a party and the theme was little boy hockey.
Greg Worden bragged in advance for Daryl Pillsbury and Richard Davis for the work that they do, which we will hear about shortly. They do good work.
Bill Vermouth asked Andrew George how old his oldest child is and then bragged for him for having 4 children aged 11 and under.
ED NOTE: Weekly assignments for the invocation or motivational thought can be found on the club
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