President George Weir welcomed all to the January 18th meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary Club held at the American Legion in Brattleboro. Dave Twombly offered a meaningful invocation about the need optimism.
“If 27 years ago, optimistic Rotarians had not thought it would be possible to eliminate polio from the planet, a thousand children PER DAY would still be stricken with polio. According to the CDC, as of October 24, 2017, which was World Polio Day, only 12 people were afflicted in 2017. Helen Keller said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done with hope and confidence.” We are proud to be part of an organization that has the help and confidence to change the world. Participating in Rotary projects at home and abroad is optimism in action. Let us be thankful for the optimism that fuels our actions.
This was followed by the pledge of allegiance. Birthday greetings were extended to Greg Worden and Milt Gilmore.
As a luncheon of roast beef, meatloaf, potatoes, spicy tofu, broccoli, salad, and cookies for dessert was being digested, the meeting continued.
Guests: District Governor Jonathan Springer and Regina Stefani (first posting)
TRIVIA QUESTION
When did the Windham County Reformer
(aka Brattleboro Reformer) publish its first issue?
(answer below)
JOKE OF THE WEEK
For our Rotary joke, Ron Stahley told a version of the following:
A Vermont senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he pushed it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. "Amazing, " he thought as he flew down I-91, pushing the pedal even more.
Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a Vermont State Trooper, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, "What am I doing? I'm too old for this!” and pulled over to await the trooper's arrival.
Pulling in behind him, the trooper got out of his vehicle and walked up to the Corvette. He looked at his watch, then said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a new reason for speeding--a reason I've never before heard -- I'll let you go."
The old gentleman then said: "Three years ago, my wife ran off with a Vermont State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back.
"Have a good day, Sir," replied the trooper.
ROTARY MINUTE
For our Rotary minute, Robin Sweetapple shared childhood memories about her encounter with President Jimmy Carter. NOTE: President Carter is the subject of a feature article in February’s issue of Rotarian Magazine.
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At our January 25th meeting, TBD will tell a joke or lead us in song, while Rob Szpila delivers a Rotary Minute.
NOTE: Weekly assignments are posted on club website.
NOTE: 2017-18 Weekly assignments (program, joke, and Rotary minute) are posted on club’s website.
FINES
Phil Steckler proposed a fine to Robin Sweetapple for not knowing if permits were needed to build birdhouses.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you note received from Vernon Green for senior gifts.
There will be a roadshow to Brattleboro Music Center on 2/22. Contact Bill McKim or Dave Twombly for more info.
American Legion will be closed for renovations on 3/1 and 3/8. Stay tuned for meeting locations.
If you want to help on birdhouse project, see Carl Lynde.
The club noted the passing of Tim O’Connor. To read obituary, click here.
Phil Steckler made a presentation on Pure Water for the World to Amherst, MA Rotary. Club banners were exchanged.
The Board voted to give each student Rotarian a Rotary tee shirt. If you would like to order, please send an email to Marty Cohn. NOTE: If 24 are ordered the unit cost is $15; 48 drops the unit cost to $12.
BRAGS
Dave Twombly– for Bill McKim’s efforts to secure roadshow to BMC on 2/22.
Jeremy Coleman – for the need for two birdhouses for blue jays.
Phil Steckler – for the memory of Tim O’Connor.
George Weir – for the memory of Tim O’Connor.
Ted Kramer – for the memory of Tim O’Connor.
Roger Miller – for the memory of Tim O’Connor.
Steve Gordon – for the memory of Tim O’Connor.
Andy Rome – for the memory of Tim O’Connor.
PROGRAM:
District Governor Jonathan Springer gave us an update on the 2018 District Conference that will take place in Burlington, VT from June 1-3. To sign up, click here.
He also talked about the need to not only increase membership but also retain membership.
ED NOTE: DG Jon is the featured guest on episode 4 of Rotary Cares. Stay tuned for details.
District Governor Jonathan Springer
REMINDERS
Bottles and cans can be brought to Putney Road redemption center to benefit Pure Water for the World.Please see Mara Williams.
If you like this newsletter, brag at next Club meeting. So far only FIVE members have acknowledged this rag.
To view the episode 3 of Rotary Cares, click here.
To listen to episode 3 of Rotary Cares podcast, click here.
This bulletin was respectfully submitted by Past President Martin Cohn who attempts to give a gist of the meeting. However, it is always better to attend. If you have any complaints about the contents of this bulletin....
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