President Chris opened the meeting at the meeting site: Holiday Inn Express of Brattleboro, VT. Chris welcomed all to the November 6, 2025 meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary www.brattlebororotaryclub.org
Invocation:
Cheri Ann offered the invocation, reminding to us to think of peace, hope and strength and to use our energy as Rotarians to do good things and be helpful to at least one other person
Chris lead the club with the Pledge of Allegiance
Frank R 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?
29 Members, 8 Student Rotarians and 2 guests attended the meeting.
Guests:
Guests were welcomed
Stephen Stearns
Nbras Elrebati
JOKE OF THE WEEK - For our joke or song of the week:
Stephen Stearns shared a joke about Mother Theresa’s early days in Heaven. At the Pearly Gates, she is welcomed by God. After some small talk, she is asked if she is hungry. She says she is. God proceeds to open two cans of tuna, and give one to Mother Theresa. It is the most marvelous tuna she has ever had. After she is satisfied, she asks God if she can peer into hell. “Of course” is the answer. She sees a riotous banquet, with more dishes than she can count, people drinking, dancing and laughing uproariously. She enjoys her time in the Elysian fields, surrounded by peace and beauty, When she gets hungry, she finds God who opens two more cans of tuna. So it goes for a few more cycles. Finally, Mother Theresa asks God, why they are only having tuna when there’s a banquet in Hell. God answers “It’s hardly worth cooking for only two.”
EDITOR NOTE: 2025-26 weekly assignments are posted on the club website.
Rotarians for Rotarians:
Regina Stefanelli in our thoughts. Roger Allbee sent his best to the club, his knee operation recovery is progressing but he longs for getting to sleep in a bed again. He says to tell the club he is doing well.
New Members:
Kurt White last week to sign his book.
ROTARY MINUTE
Dart spoke about the Rotary Foundation describing its growth from $26.50 in 1917 to over $4.4 billion today, its accomplishment in building peace through improving quality of life and its leading role in Polio vaccination efforts. He encouraged all members to contribute.
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
Roger Miller 60 YEARS!
On Behalf of our Club and all Rotarians, thank you for your Service Above Self
Student Rotarian updates:
Betsy introduced the Student Rotarians present:
Hinsdale
Caleb shared that Hinsdale’s Boy Soccer made it to the second round playoffs
Leland and Gray
Dakota spoke about the “Panorama Survey,” Equity Teams, and a 11/25th wroks for Project Feed the Thousands
Spencer spoke about the theater program, performances 11/13 – 11/15, the Girls Soccer team accomplishmens
Antero spoke about the West River Valley Thrives effort, PBL (when queried by members the acronym was explained as “Project Based Learning”) and that he is at the Career Center studying business.
BUHS
Zafrani thanked the Rotary for its support during the four year since arrival in this country
Wahidullah mentioned that Boys Soccer lost in the 1st playoff round.
Levi told us that the music department is preparing for concerts on 11/18 and 11/19.
Birthday greetings -
BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS from Cindy-
Carl Lynde’s is on the ninth
Bill McKim’s is on the 12th. Bill, who will be donating $90 in honor of his 90th birthday, challenges all of us to donate $10 next week.
Mike M has 28 years in Rotary next week
Announcements
Stan announced volunteer(s) were still needed for the Groundworks meal on 11/12. A turkey was volunteered. Discussion ensued when Greg informed us that Groundworks said they were serving 70 or more. Stan noted our capacity is stretched to serve 45.
Bowl of Life:
We attempted a test run of the Bowl of Life process cribbed from the Sunrise Club. For some reason I missed, it was not completed. In any event we found out that our guest Stephen danced the houra with Laurence Olivier on one side and Joan Plowright on the other.
Happy Dollars and Brags and Fines
Cindy – for Betsy’s work with the students, for Zafrani’s poise during her presentation, and for selling her house at 11am today.
Rudy – for rodenticide
Nina – for being momentarily down to one sport in her household
Greg – for Stan’s efforts
Mark proposed a fine on Kurt for a piece published in VT Digger. The club voted to fine Mark since there was no picture published.
Jenifer – for an upcoming visit to El Salvador, if she can get there.
Rick – for Bill V’s technical expertise
Bill McKim – For NECCA’s renown in the field
Mark – reminder of the Gateway Foundation
ED NOTE: Weekly assignments for the invocation or motivational thought can be found on the club
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