President Elect Mark opened the meeting at the meeting site: Holiday Inn Express of Brattleboro, VT
. Mark welcomed all to the May 28, 2026 meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary Club,www.brattlebororotaryclub.org
Mark, who had not found his meeting schedule, started the session with the Pledge of Allegiance. Shortly thereafter, it was noted that ordinarily the invocation precedes the Pledge. He was quickly fined, but gave a defense that he had already said he didn’t know what he was doing.
Invocation:
President-elect Mark - previously led club with the Pledge of Allegiance
Phil George 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:
Mara brought Sarah from the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center. Mark brought Aaron Howe.
JOKE OF THE WEEK - For our joke or song of the week:
Jokes were shared by
Ron Stahley offered a joke about “Pinwheel Smith.”
EDITOR NOTE: 2025-26 weekly assignments are posted on the club website.
Rotarians for Rotarians:
President-elect Mark noted that Rich Carroll’s wife’s father has passed away and that the Carrolls and Gina Pattison had driven to Rutland for the funeral today.
New Members:
ROTARY MINUTE
Gerry Theberge offered a story from the May 2026 Rotarian magazine about the Custer, SD, Rotary Club’s ongoing work with the Lakota tribe. Among other things, the club built a 700-plus foot staircase in the 1940s to help with the carving of a gigantic sculpture of Crazy Horse. The sculpture was similar in scope to the work that had been done at nearby Mt. Rushmore.
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
10 for Gina Pattison
On Behalf of our Club and all Rotarians, thank you for your Service Above Self
Student Rotarian updates:
Birthday greetings -
BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS Cindy-
Announcements
Ted Kramer invited those interested to a membership committee session after today’s meeting.
John Mabie noted that 10 students had applied for scholarships this year and that six will be awarded to students from BUHS, Hinsdale and Leland & Gray. Ron Stahley will present the BUHS awards. There have been no applicants from CCV students for the $2,500 early education award in Jesse Corum’s honor. CCV has not responded.
Bill Vermouth gave an update on the Golf Tournament set for June 4 and said he would brag for anyone who bid the total value of silent auction offerings.
President-elect Mark noted that the Golf Committee is set to meet at the country club tonight at 5:15 or 5:30 with happy hour at 5:15.
Happy Dollars and Brags and Fines
Gerry Theberge bragged that he had played golf this morning and had shot 45 on the front nine and 38 on the back nine. Gerry, who brought Roger Miller to the meeting, said he did well on the back nine so Roger wouldn’t have to listen to Gerry’s complaints.
Rhonda bragged $50 for Ted Kramer’s law office and Ted who helped her solve a problem.
Bill McKim bragged $3 for three concerts he played recently – one at Pine Heights, one at Bradley House and one at his house.
Mara bragged $3 for Bill’s playing and noted that her friend Barbara Gentry, a resident at Bradley House, had commented on Bill’s playing.
Carla Lineback bragged for the University of Maine. Carla’s 12-year-old daughter had found a plant that she was uncertain about and sent a photo and request for help to the University. She received a formal response identifying the plant. Carla was impressed that someone took the time to answer a 12-year-old’s question.
George Weir bragged about the town of Newfane for setting up a speed bump near George’s house. Now, George said, the sheriff needs to patrol more closely to catch speeders. President-elect and Sheriff Mark Anderson noted that if a driver goes over a speed bump at 60 miles per hour, he doesn’t feel anything….
President-elect Mark noted that Reformer reporter Bob Audette is retiring this week. He said Bob was one of the better reporters around and would be missed. Mark also bragged $10 for the regional policing bill that was recently signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott. Mark has worked on this project for some time and expects it to yield good results for Windham County.
ED NOTE: Weekly assignments for the invocation or motivational thought can be found on the club
website.>
