President Chris opened the meeting at the meeting site: Holiday Inn Express of Brattleboro, VT. Chris welcomed all to the August 28, 2025 meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary www.brattlebororotaryclub.org
Invocation:
Mara W. presented for Tom Franks: As we come together at this special time, let us pause a moment to appreciate the opportunity for good company and to thank all those past and present whose efforts have made our club possible. We reap the fruits of our society, our country, and our civilization, and take joy in the bounties of nature on this happy occasion. Let us also wish that, some day, all people on Earth may enjoy the same good fortune that we share.
Chris lead the club with the Pledge of Allegiance
Rob Szpila 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?
30 Members, 0 Student Rotarians and 5 guests attended the meeting.
Guests:
Katja Matthews from Sunrise
Diane McCormick (Asst. Governor)
Donna Deos (Governor)
Speaker Chris Dougherty
Andrew George was inducted into the club
JOKE OF THE WEEK - For our joke or song of the week:
George Weir shared a joke about golfers, who bragged about their golf game and the title of being “riders.”
ED NOTE: 2025-26 weekly assignments are posted on the club website.
Rotarians for Rotarians:
Regina in our thoughts.
New Members:
Andrew George was inducted - remember welcome Andrew and to sign his book.
ROTARY MINUTE
Nina Willson spoke about the impact Rotary has on her knowing that Rotarians care about the community and each other, especially as her family navigates a difficult and troubling issue
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 -
John Meyer
Frank Rucker
Announcements
Bill V. Running a marathon at the end of the month as a fundraiser to support Gateway
Rob S. Disc Golf tournament Oct 4 & 5 – 10th Anniversary. Sending out emails for sponsor opportunities & volunteers
Betsy G. Recognized Brattleboro Subaru for something with money
Mark A. Regional Policing Initiative @ Newfane Court House 9/22 at 5:00PM or online (Zoom)
Diane M., Asst. District Governor District Golf Tournament @ Fox Run on 9/29/25 go to district website www.rotary7870.org to register
Family of Bill Bedard extended their thanks for the club’s donation to the Rotary Foundation in Bill’s honor
Mike M: Brattleboro On Wheels 9/27 needs more helpers, shifts 8-10 and 10-noon
Rob S: Disc Golf Tournament 10/4 & 10/5 looking for sponsors, who will be thanked at Saxtons River Distillery the evening of 10/3
Happy Dollars and Brags and Fines
Chris fined the whole club
Mara bragged for President Chris’ staff
Rick M. bragged for Bill V’s delicious and colorful eggs
Liz H. happy dollar for Katja who has been like a daughter to her
SR bragged for Rotary and her return to Europe
Rob S bragged for his daughter who’ll be coaching lacrosse in NY
Diane bragged for Katja
Chris H. gave two not-so-Happy Dollars for her brother, as well as for Bishop Tom Ely. Both of whom were wonderful people who have passed away. Keep their families in your thoughts.
ED NOTE: Weekly assignments for the invocation or motivational thought can be found on the club
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