Spoke 11/17/2016
Posted by Valerie Armstrong
Spoke 11/17/2016
Tables were beautifully set for our Thanksgiving celebration, and I had to inquire about the funky looking bowls of food, which I learned was crème brulee!
ROTARY, Oh Beautiful for Spacious skies
Invocation: Garlan gave a heartwarming invocation.
Song: Turkey in the Straw: Jennifer Grant
Secretary’s Report: Rich Wallace brought a Guest: Rob Taylor, Taylor Farms!
Steve Whitman drew a heart, but not the queen!
John Blodgett shared his good works: As president in his 1st year of Rotary, he raised concern about dental health (for all ages). That year, the club raised 10k for Red Logan dental clinic for the benefit of those who couldn’t afford care, then helped Nancy Dumont in schools with dental health.
Steve Christy: Rotary Minute; Poked fun at Turkey in the Straw and the many other silly songs we sing, siting effects of a potential opiod crisis… The room erupted in laughter! Steve brought up that every year, Rotary of Charlotte SC hosts business leaders luncheons, and how this gives busy professionals the opportunity to see club first hand. The club realizes a 15% increase in membership following these events.
The discussion for an honorary donation by the club in the name of Norman Wakefield was again presented: $1,000 Cardigan Mt. School, $500 to City Center Ballet… Jennifer discussed setting a standard for commemoration of deceased Rotarians. Evan suggested a formula associated with years of service. Ron suggested memorial to add names to. Donations were approved by majority vote.
Suellen spoke about Service Projects: Passed out a summary of community service ideas and financial suggestions. Suggestions included: support for domestic violence, elder care, mental health, scholarships/internship scholarship – Dismas House, Food Bank. We are looking at sharing service efforts with the Riverside Group. We are also doing Listen Holiday baskets for families. Paul will request wish lists for some families for the holiday baskets. 12/9 is cutoff and the committee will follow up. Listen Community Dinner will be held December 13th. More info to follow. The Riverside Park fall cleanup will be Thurs Dec 1, at 3pm. Bring pruning tools and gloves.
Ron bragged that he called the atty general about…?? He also went on about how awesome the golf auction gifts for Baker Hill, Green Mt. Nat’l , Lake Sunapee Country Club, Carter, Hanover. Jon pointed out that it is Foundation Month and gave a check! Phil said first donation in 1917 was for $26.50… Gifting $126.50 was recommended ($100 to commemorate 100 years, plus the original contribution of $26.50). Paul’s “brag” was to apologize for appearing “intellectually harsh and announced he is pursuing a character improvement process trying to speak out more rather than being so shy”.
Jennifer: Windsor Rotary hosting Harlem Ambassadors at Windsor High 11/17, and her daughter will be involved in the production of Pirates of Penzance –which will be held Friday and Saturday (11/18 & 11/19) at Chandler Music Hall in Randolph, VT
Bartolo: Clara’s Dream date reminder: Supports Lebanon Ballet, December 2nd. If you have interest in pre-show dinner and cocktails at Three Tomatoes, call Bartolo at 603-707-0437.
Steve: Mentioned there was Mascoma Bank robbery in Springfield VT. The perp grabbed the branch manager and another employee and held them at gunpoint. There is concern it may be connected with opioid issue and worries for future. Steve also commented on the good taste of the Chamber of Commerce , voting him Citizen of the Year! LOL! Good job, Steve!