President Rob opened the meeting at our lunch meeting site: Holiday Inn Express of Brattleboro, VT. Rob welcomed all to the January 2, 2025 meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary www.brattlebororotaryclub.org
Invocation:
Liz presented (Read by George K) an article in the most recent edition of the Rotary magazine about a Rotarian who has developed a virtual “Playground Circle for seniors “ that addresses the challenges of loneliness and isolation that have been only compounded by the recent COVID pandemic. His efforts have made a positive difference in the lives of so many.
Rob lead the club with the Pledge of Allegiance
Frank led us in reciting the Rotary motto:
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?
19 Members, 0 Student Rotarians and 2 guests attended the meeting.
Guests:
Ian Hefele and Gabi Martin of ECDC (Ethiopian Community Development Council)
JOKE OF THE WEEK - For our joke or song of the week:
Dart shared a joke that was enjoyed by all.
ED NOTE: 2023-24 weekly assignments are posted on the club website.
Rotarians for Rotarians:
New Members:
ROTARY MINUTE
Stay tuned.
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 August:
On Behalf of our Club and all Rotarians, thank you for your Service Above Self
Nina made an announcement about the good work of the Sugar on Snow committee and the need for volunteers to support the event on February 15th
Stan, next Groundworks meal Wed, Jan 8th.
Happy Dollars - Brags - Fines
Bill bragged about the Reformer’s having mentioned his upcoming performance as a
“Renowned organist”
Bill also bragged about his daughter having been promoted from an investigative reporter to a manager of investigative reporters at WGBH in Boston.
Rob- bragged about Brattleboro’s last night events from Disc Golf to contra dance and other fun family events.
Mara bragged about Bill and Cheryl Wilfong’s support of our community and activities “a year in the life of Bill and Cheryl is like a decade for the average person”
Rhonda bragged about joining the successful cataract surgery club
and also fined Mark for having found his picture on FB.
ED NOTE: Weekly assignments for the invocation or motivational thought can be found on the club website.>
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Jim Haine announced:
Jim Haines indicated that an upcoming program would include Mark Boutwell from Senior Solutions.
Jim Haine said the Rotary website is not up to date on the assignments. Jim sends out reminders ahead of time. Hopefully the website will be updated soon. You can email Jim if you have any questions about when your assignment is.
REMINDERS
Please bring your bottles and cans to the Putney Road redemption center to benefit APPN. Pure Water for the World is no longer operating in the USA; it continues in Honduras as APPN.
Maria Inestroza, the PWW country director for Honduras is continuing the work in that country under the name APPM, acronym for Agua Pura para El Mundo, or Pure Water for the World in Spanish Pure Water for the World. Please remember to inform the staff that the bottles and cans should be credited to the club.
Speaker: Ian Hefele and Gabi Martin of ECDC (Ethiopian Community Development Council)
Introduced by: President Rob Szpila
Program: Gabi and Ian presented a PowerPoint and discussion on the important work of empowering refugees in our community, the work of ECDC and the many dedicated volunteers in our community.
They highlighted the work of the multicultural center, Reception and Placement services along with cultural orientation. The important work of co-sponsorship teams who commit to 6 months of support, welcoming and mentoring, some financial support and work with teams to support refugees and their families with transportation, healthcare, education and employment and other areas that are needed to become active members of our community.
The goal is to support families and individuals to become self-sufficient.
Brattleboro’s efforts were highlighted at a national conference as an outstanding example of community engagement. Over 500 refugees and family members have come to our southern Vermont region in the last 5 years currently with a median age of 39.
Scribe - George K
DISCLAIMER
Weekly changing scribes and questionable IT may have resulted in oversights and errors. We regret any mistakes.
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