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Welcome to the Rotary Club of Williston-Richmond, VT!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person & Online

Thursdays at 7:15 a.m.

Via Zoom and in person

Williston Federated Church
44 North Williston Road
Williston, VT 05495
United States of America

Be our guest! Club meetings feature interesting speakers, club business, shared inspiration and social networking. For a Zoom link, email us at rotaryclubofwillistonvt@gmail.com. Or join us in person at the Williston Federated Church Fellowship Hall.

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NAMI Author Shares Life Experiences

On April 24th, Jodi Girouard, Presentation Coordinator for NAMI Vermont, shared some of her life experience with our club. Jodi Girouard has been writing since she learned to hold a pencil. She spends time writing for others to uplift spirits and bring more compassion to the world. She has written four books, and the latest one, "The Long Hall," is her experience at a psychiatric hospital where little treatment was provided. It was through writing about escaping into the framed Vermont Landscapes along the hallway that helped her begin her healing process. Her previous memoir, "Living with the Neighbors," is about living with severe mental health conditions and reaching out for help through faith, nature, and communities. Jodi's presentation was truly inspiring.

To learn more about NAMI Vermont, visit https://namivt.org/

To read some of Jodi's writing, visit: https://jodigirouard.wordpress.com/

To see and hear the Jodi's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/g5e19FyaiaY

A hoppin' good time!

What a tremendous turnout we had for the 25th annual Bill Mikell Easter Parade & Egg Hunt on the Saturday before Easter! At 7:30 a.m. thunder was rumbling and drops were falling, but by the time the fun was to get started the rain had let up and our crowd of families, Rotarians, and the Williston Fire and Police departments enjoyed favorable conditions to parade around the Town Green and for children to race to collect thousands of candy-stuffed eggs.

The Easter Bunny stayed dry while charming kids and posing for photos. Williston Observer photographer Al Frey captured fun moments from the day.

A visit from a Lion

We were happy to be joined on April 10 by Greg Paulman, president of the Williston Area Lions Club. The group has focused locally on earning durable outdoor benches from the Trex company, by collecting and recycling the plastic film used to make the bench material. They've been so successful in diverting this material from the landfill that they are able to help other groups earn benches, as well.

It was a pleasure to host Greg and to learn more about the history of this fellow service club. Known for their collection of eyeglasses to donate to people who would otherwise not have them, the Lions were urged to focus on vision and hearing by none other than Helen Keller when she addressed the Lions convention in 1925.

Like Rotary, the Lions were founded in the early part of the 20th century in the city of Chicago and soon spread around the world. We have so much in common, from our history to our missions of service. We hope to find a way to collaborate soon in supporting our community.

To see and hear the Greg's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/jhD5dTKu8NY

Governor's Institutes open worlds of possibility

On April 3 we learned about the tremendous experiences made available to Vermont high school students via the Governor's Institutes of Vermont (GIV) each summer. Development Director Tamira Martel, who is a member of the Rotary Club of St. Albans, spoke to us about this program founded in 1983 that offers immersive, residential week-long programs in a variety of areas, including the Arts, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Health and Medicine, and more. This summer, 608 students will take part in the programs taking place at UVM, Champlain College and other college campuses around the state. In 2024, 21 students from Williston, Richmond and St. George participated.

Designed to give students in-depth, experiential learning while building a community of peers and mentors, Vermont's GIV is part of a national-wide network of state programs. Vermont's is the 2nd largest in terms of number of students served. Ninety-eight percent of participants report lasting positive outcomes, including learning, personal growth, making new friends, professional networking, and seeing what their future could be like.

Funding for the Institutes comes from a mix of donations, tuition, and state funding. Students pay according to a sliding scale, so family means are not a barrier.

To learn more and to donate to GIV, visit: https://giv.org/

To see and hear the Tamira's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/9Cc99Y7SBb0

Welcoming two new members

We were thrilled to celebrate two new members this month. Jonathan Leighton (2nd from left) and Matthew Casey (2nd from right) were joined by their sponsors, Erin Pond and Ellie Beckett, respectively, as Club President Elizabeth Davidson inducted them into our membership. Jonathan Leighton serves as branch manager of Community Bank in Williston. Matthew Casey is an HR professional at the University of Vermont. We have enjoyed getting to know Jonathan and Matthew and look forward to their contributions to our club!

Dragon boat racing is fierce!

Liisa Reiman from the Malia Paddling & Rowing Club joined us on March 27 to tell us about this unique sport that has been growing in popularity around the world. Dragon boats are 40 feet long and hold 20 rowers who must learn to operate in complete coordination with each other. Liisa shared her personal story of getting involved in this exciting sport, which she found greatly improved her mental health.

In 2021 Liisa was a member of the US team that won the world championship in Hong Kong. She has brought her enthusiasm and coaching skills to the Malia club, which operates out of the Community Sailing Center in Burlington. The club's members range in age from 26 to 82. This July Liisa will be taking a team of 50 and 60-year-olds to the Pan American Championships in Montreal.

Learn more about the Malia Paddling & Rowing Club at their website: http://www.maliaracing.com/

To see and hear the Liisa's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/ics7MwJCKdk

Here comes the Easter Bunny!

The Williston-Richmond Rotary club will hold its 25th annual Bill Mikell Easter Parade and Egg Hunt at Williston Central School on Saturday, April 19 for children 12 years old and younger. The parade begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. so please arrive early (and meet the Easter Bunny)! The event will take place regardless of the weather so children should dress appropriately.

Easter baskets with prizes will be awarded to children who find specially marked Easter eggs. Other prizes will be awarded to children wearing full Easter costumes. Children are encouraged to bring their own Easter baskets but if you forget yours, we've got you covered. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss this fun event. For more information contact Andy Mikell @ 343.2704 or AndrewDMikell@gmail.com.

Need help paying for college or trade school this fall?

The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club is now accepting applications from high school seniors who plan to continue their education. These scholarships are NOT in the school's list of scholarships. Here are the details:

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist local students with their post-high school educational advancement. Scholarship decisions will be based on overall achievements and financial need.

The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club will award up to two $2,000 (one-time only) scholarships to be paid directly to the student. Payment to the student allows them to maximize financial aid they receive from the school / program.

ELIGIBILITY
*Applicant must be a resident of Williston, Richmond, or St. George
*Applicant must be accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate accredited vocational, college, or university program

REQUIRED APPLICATION COMPONENTS
*Copy of your high school or college transcripts or GED (General Education Degree) and any related experience
*Two (2) letters of recommendation from school personnel (e.g. principal, counselor, teacher, etc.)
*Completed scholarship application form.

DEADLINE
*This form and all accompanying files must be received by Friday, April 25, 2025.

Welcome to our newest member!

On March 20 we welcomed new member Faith Leach (center). Though she is new to our club, Faith is no stranger to Rotary, having been an 18-year member of the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, NY. Faith recently retired as Director of Development at SUNY Plattsburgh and we are delighted to have her bring her interests and talents to our Williston-Richmond group. Pictured with Faith are Club Treasurer Andy Mikell and Club Secretary Sherry Pidgeon.

Rotary International Convention in Calgary

This year's International Convention is our "back yard" - Calgary Alberta Canada June 21st - June 25th. Attending a Rotary Convention offers a chance to connect with Rotarians globally, learn about Rotary initiatives, and give inspiration for service and leadership, while also fostering personal and professional growth.

To learn more about the Calgary Convention, go to: https://rotarycalgary2025.org

CVU Students Making A Difference

On March 20th, 6 CVU students from the CVU Amnesty International Chapter joined our club meeting to discuss the work they are doing to change the world. Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who are committed to creating a future where human rights are enjoyed by everyone. United by shared humanity, they know that the power to create positive change is within all of us.

The presentation was led by our own Rotary-CVU Ambassador Madelyn Morris, and these extraordinary women (Lauren Morris, Maya Girard, Annalise Wood, Maggie Connors, and Senja Erickson) highlighted the work they do and the causes they fight for. It is a refreshing reminder of the role youth takes to change the world for the better, and we can see the potential of these women as future Community Leaders and Rotarians.

To learn more about Amnesty International, visit https://www.amnesty.org/en/

To see and hear the Maddie's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/Zc9miBVGcf8

The Flynn is so much more than we knew

Flynn Center - Equity & Diversity Progress

On March 13th, Allie Schachter, Director of Development for The Flynn Center, was our guest speaker. Most of us know of, see events, and support The Flynn Center, but The Flynn is so much more - as we were about to learn.

Allie works on the Community Program side of the business (as differing from the Events side), which provides free programs to the community. So interesting to hear how much The Flynn gives back to the community. They bring art into different spaces and communities so that they can increase access, connect with new audiences, build partnerships, and offer everyone the opportunity participate in unforgettable artistic experiences. Such a pleasure to hear her talk and learn about all the great community service work at The Flynn.

To learn more about the The Flynn Center's Community Programs, visit https://www.flynnvt.org/

To see and hear Allie's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/HdRkCUBoDYY

Addressing Homelessness in Chittenden County

Sarah Russell, Special Assistant to End Homelessness for the City of Burlington, works on developing and managing initiatives and policies with the aim to make homelessness rare and brief in Chittenden County. She spoke to us on March 6 about her role, which includes coordination among various support organizations, direct service, and advocacy in Montpelier.

One of the challenges currently facing efforts to reduce homelessness is the reduction of federal Section 8 grants, which help people get into subsidized housing. Additionally, the federal government has abruptly defunded fair housing programs that help prevent discrimination.

Russell explained that the state's contentious motel program, which she cited as costing $80 per room per night regardless of the number of people staying in the room, is cheaper than direct services programs. The latter cost about $140 per bed per night.

To see and hear Sarah's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/PY7t9uZEFVU

The Janet S. Munt Family Room

On Feb 27th, Laurie Keve, Development and Communications Director for the Janet S. Munt Family Room, enlightened our club on the unique parent child center providing programs to support connection for parents and families, provide education, promote physical, social, emotional, and linguistic development in children, and nurture a vibrant and diverse community.

Their programs serve 1,600 individuals each year through 29+ free drop-in and enrolled programs for caregivers and children, home visiting and family support, and concrete supports in times of need. Their mission centers on making sure families feel safe, have their basic needs met, and feel supported. With a multi-generational approach, they focus on the health of the whole family, not just the children.

To learn more about the The Janet S. Munt Family Room, visit https://www.thefamilyroomvt.org/who-we-are

To see and hear Laurie's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/H4KdUBtiz4k

Exploring the benefits of Transcendental Meditation

We welcomed Janet Smith of the non-profit Vermont Transcendental Meditation Center as our guest speaker on February 20. We learned about this practice that aims to help people address their problems, achieve greater focus, and increase their capacity to be inventive. Interestingly, Janet shared, some studies have shown that once 1% or more of the population of a place has been trained in TM techniques, there is a positive "field effect" whereby crime and other societal ills are broadly reduced.

To learn more about TM, visit https://www.tm.org/centers/vermont.

To see and hear Janet's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/5mUX4l8Loew

Random Act of Kindness Week and Day

Random Acts of Kindness Week is an annual celebration that takes place in February. In 2025, it extends from Feb 9th to Feb 15th. It's a time to spread positivity and make a difference by performing kind gestures for others.

Random Acts of Kindness Day will be celebrated this year on February 17, 2025. Random Acts of Kindness Day is a beautiful day that inspires people to spread love, compassion, and positivity through small, unanticipated acts of kindness.

Writer Anne Herbert inspired the Random Acts of Kindness movement with her 1982 article, "Practice Random Acts of Kindness and Acts of Senseless Beauty." These events embody everything that Rotary stands for. Look for ways to do a random act of kindness in our community.

Those interested in ideas from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, can use these links:

https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/rak-week

Story Slam was a slam dunk!

Bill Torrey spins his winning tale on the theme of magic.

Our 2nd annual Bill Skiff Story Slam, an open-mic storytelling event on the theme of “Magic,” was attended by about 120 community members and raised more than $3000 for home heating fuel assistance.

A dozen storytellers took the stage in the Williston Central School auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 8 to relate their personal tales, competing for bragging rights and prizes provided by Williston Hot Yoga and Chef’s Corner. Judging the competition were local magician Billy Jamez, Vermont author Bill Schubart and Williston Community Theatre founder Helen Weston.

Top prize went to Bill Torrey for his story about confronting a raging bull and the magic of learning how to face his fear and stand his ground. Tied for second place were Ellie Beckett, who spoke about the power of “trail magic” while hiking the Appalachian Trail, and Lucas Short, who humorously related a frightening youthful encounter with a UFO in Maine.

Club President Elizabeth Davidson emceed and shared a couple of stories of her own. The event also featured some close-up magic from Billy Jamez, music provided by Marty LeWinter and Elena Wells, and delicious sweet and savory treats homemade by club members and volunteers.

Matt Cota of the non-profit Split the Ticket Fund spoke of the longtime collaboration between the club and the charity, which arranges home heating fuel deliveries for neighbors in need throughout Vermont by combining charitable donation dollars with donations from local fuel dealers.

The event honors Bill Skiff, a consummate storyteller who was our club’s founder and first president. Bill passed away last year. Though his daughter Nan was unable to attend due to weather, Helen Weston, Bill's friend and neighbor, shared what Nan wrote about the magic that her dad brought into his community and into his family's lives. He is dearly missed, and continues to inspire us all.

We're grateful to all who attended and contributed to make our fun fundraiser a big success! Please enjoy our photo album.

American Red Cross Deliver Vital Services

The American Red Cross of Northern New England serves the 3.2 million residents of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. We all know about American Red Cross Blood Drives, but the ARC provides so many more vital services.

On Feb 13th, Sarah joined our club meeting to enlighten us on the many ways the American red Cross enriches our lives. From disaster relief, military family support and international vaccinations to home smoke alarm installation and business training on CPR & first aid, the American Red Cross touches all our lives is so many ways.

To learn more about the work of the American Red Cross of Northern NE, visit https://www.redcross.org/local/me-nh-vt.html

To see and hear Sarah's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/9kWl8FLYSCA

Supporting Cancer Patients with Emergency Financial Needs

Cancer Patient Support Foundation provides hope and emergency financial assistance to help Vermont cancer patients pay for basic living needs like housing, home heat and electricity, groceries, out-of-pocket medical expenses and gas for transportation to treatment. They serve more than 500 patients every year throughout Vermont, partnering with medical providers and social workers who refer patients to us for support.

On Feb 13th, Sarah Wallace-Brodeur, Executive Director of the Cancer Patient Support Foundation spoke to our club about the financial toxicity that goes along with a diagnosis has devastating consequences to patients and their families. Paying for meds, fuel, food or utilities, every bit relieves the on-going financial stress, and allows cancer patients to focus on self and treatment. An additional innovative service is the Maggie Card that cancer patients in Vermont receive discounts on products and services from participating local businesses.

To learn more about the work of the Cancer Patient Support Foundation, visit https://www.cpsfvt.org/

To see and hear Sarah's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/TakT6NEs2TM

Feeding Our Neighbors in Richmond

On Jan 30th, MaryJoy (MJ) Patchett joined our club meeting to tell us more about the Richmond Food Shelf and Thrift Store model, and update us on the 2024 $1000 Grant given by Williston-Richmond Rotary for their "Got Milk" program. They serve 200 individuals (68 families) each month, and turn away no one, from any town.

Got Milk Program - Richmond Food Shelf spends $45,000 yearly on food, paid for by financial donations and sales from clothes at the Thrift Store, and the food spend is up 10% from 2023. $4,800 of the total is milk and cheese vouchers used at the Richmond Market, which is 20% higher than 2023. The Richmond Food Shelf GOT MILK Project is an on-going need and not a one-time project or buying situation.

During the meeting, our club provided the Richmond Food Shelf an additional $1000 for the Got Milk Program through a grant from our Rotary District. Grant and Donation Chair Vince Conte is shown above with MaryJoy.

To learn more about the work of the Richmond Food Shelf and Thrift Shop, visit https://www.richmondfoodshelfvt.org/

To see and hear MaryJoy's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/bPLM9VDaQ1A

Get ready for some storytelling MAGIC!

Announcing the 2025 Bill Skiff Story Slam!

Our 2nd annual storytelling competition will be taking place on Saturday, February 8. This year's story theme is MAGIC.

Come prepared to share your true, original story--or come to listen and cheer on our storytellers! Everyone who joins will help us deliver the 'Magic of Rotary' in the form of home heating assistance for our neighbors.

Storytellers prepare a true 5-minute tale about themselves around the theme of magic: Have you experienced a magical moment? Ever been enchanted by your surroundings? Witnessed a supernatural event that you can’t explain? Do you wish for a magic wand? Do you enjoy performing magic tricks? Funny, sad, moving, life-changing--share your best take on magic in your life.

Our panel of judges will award the top three storytellers some terrific prizes. There may even be a surprise magic act!

JOIN US: Williston Central School Auditorium, Sat. February 8 - Doors open at 2:30 p.m. - Storytelling begins at 3:00 p.m.

TICKETS: $20 ticket includes refreshments. The Bill Skiff Story Slam is a fundraising event for the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club charities. Profits will support home heating fuel assistance for neighbors in need. To purchase advance tickets visit: https://sevendaystickets.com/events/bill-skiff-story-slam-2-8-2025

TELL YOUR STORY: For details on how to prepare to deliver a story click here.

Williston's Little Free Pantry on Day Lane

On Jan 23rd, Lisa Bilowith, Director of The Jean Garvin School, and Matt Conforti, Educational Director of the Garvin Delta Program, updated our club on the Grant given last Spring and opened our eyes to the wonderful alternative high school approach they employ.

The Jean Garvin School, operated by the Howard Center, provides a therapeutic, education program offering unique learning opportunities to inspire personal change and well-being for adolescents, age 12-18 years, grades 7-12. The goal of the program is to provide a safe educational and therapeutic environment that helps students achieve success in school, in the community, and at home. The school now has 2 program paths - Odyssey (27 students) and Delta (22 students). Class sizes are 5-8 instead of the 25-35 seen is many high schools, so students get the extra attention needed that they were not receiving elsewhere. One student graduated with their high school diploma this month, and two more will graduate in June. What a life changing environment!!!

Little Free Pantry Project - The Jean Garvin School built a free standing “Little Free Pantry” two years ago. The “Little Free Pantry” is located on Day Lane adjacent to the school, was built by a student with help from Matt Conforti, and is a free standing, self-serve pantry. Students and staff keep it running and stocked with donations, but was running dry quite often before the grant. The pantry is registered with Vermont 211. In addition to maintaining the pantry, students also created a Community Garden to help stock the pantry with fresh vegetable. It is so great to see students want to give back and engage with the community they live in.

To learn more about the work of the Jean Garvin School, visit https://howardcenter.org/jean-garvin-school/

To see and hear Lisa's and Matt's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/T0CFo3j8XY0

Dare to Dream

Celebrating the legacy and considering the challenge of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Arnold Thomas, Pastor Paul Eyer of Williston Federated Church and event organizer Chris Burns-DiBiasio listen as CVU students Malashie Tonoki, Allyson Gutierrez and Lydia Eshete recite the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance on Sunday, Jan. 19 at Williston Central School. About 150 people attended the event.

Community organizations came together at Williston Central School on Jan. 19 in an observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The event included a dramatic reading of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech by CVU students Malashie Tonoki, Allyson Gutierrez and Lydia Eshete under the direction of Angela Pollock. It also included musical selections by WCS’s Varietones, led by Emy Berger.

The theme of the event was Dare to Dream: Dream of Equity, Dream of Justice, Dream of Hope, Dream of Inclusion.

Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Arnold Thomas spoke of America’s history of broken promises of fairness and equality to various groups. He noted today’s “widening chasm between rich and poor and the increasing callousness that brings with it.” He recalled Dr. King’s message exhorting the nation to become “a community where the love and care for one another promotes and prioritizes the common good.”

Thomas asked: “To what extent are you willing to change the recipe of the status quo, to risk the required qualitative and quantitative changes in your life and in your soul for the life of and soul of our nation and world?”

The observance concluded with all those gathered singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Written originally as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson, with music composed later by his brother John, the song became a rallying cry for the Civil Rights movement and has been referred to as the Black National Anthem.

The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club, Williston Federated Church, Williston Racial Equity Partners, Richmond Racial Equity, Williston Central School and Champlain Valley Union High School collaborated in putting on the event.

Feeding Our Neighbors in Williston

On January 9th, Ginger Morton, President of the Williston Community Food shelf, spoke at our club about feeding our neighbors in need, and provided a progress update for the 3 Rotary Grants given to the WCFS last Spring. The 3 Grants were for a Pet Care project, a Hygiene project, and a Walk to Shop project.

The Williston Community Food Shelf is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the elimination of hunger in the towns of Williston, St George, Richmond and Essex / Essex Junction, Vermont Their mission is to provide high quality food and connections to essential support services to those in need in our community. Their clients are the elderly on fixed incomes, neighbors with disabilities and working families whose paycheck isn’t enough to cover the necessities. They serve over 1000 individuals (330 families) each month.

Pet Care Project - The grant given allowed the WCFS to purchase wet canned cat food this year. While dry pet food is donated by community members regularly, wet canned food has to be purchased. Pet food is thought of as a secondary basic need, but many clients (across the US) sometimes feed their pets before they feed themselves. https://petsmartcharities.org/press-releases/fido-comes-first-new-survey-reveals-pet-parents-would-go-hungry-to-make-sure-pets-don-t

Hygiene Care Project - Good hygiene is another basic human need the WCFS focuses on. The Food Shelf rarely receive physical donations for hygiene products, which can be quite expensive. Hygiene products are bought from local stores out of financial donations given and are not products that they can purchase at a discount at the central Food Bank.

Walk-To-Shop Project - While our grant did not start this project, it did allow the WCFS to give out 20 more rolling trolley carts than before. Many of the WCFS clients have to walk to get food, including those who ride the bus and walk from the bus stop to get to their location. These carts enable people to get gallons of milk and other heavy items that they would otherwise either have to carry or couldn't get at all.

To learn more about the work of the Williston Community Food Shelf, visit https://www.willistonfoodshelf.com/

To see and hear Ginger's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/52I5nAzWwmQ

Toys for Kids in the bag

We had the joy of helping with Toys for Kids collections again this year, placing and monitoring 14 barrels before the holidays in Williston and Richmond. Rick McGuire reports the team gathered about 47 big bags of donated toys for area children.

Club Business Meeting - No outside speaker

May 01, 2025 7:30 AM

Matt Boulanger & Emily Heymann

May 08, 2025 7:30 AM

Presenting the 2025-2033 Williston Town Plan Draft

Christina Erickson, PhD - Local Motion

May 15, 2025 7:30 AM

Economic and Community Benefits of Walking & Biking in Vermont

Clay Nicholson

May 29, 2025 7:30 AM

A local student's journey with STEM

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Are you interested in a way to give back to your community? We're welcoming volunteers to join our many local service projects. Whether you have just a few hours or time for a weekly commitment, Williston-Richmond Rotary invites you to join us in activities to help others and support our community.

Do you know of a need in our community? We want to hear from you about how we can help.

Contact us! To find out about volunteer opportunities and to share your ideas for how we can serve, email us at RotaryClubofWillistonVT@gmail.com.