Changing of the Guard

Rotary celebrates members' service

and installs new President Judy Christensen

Last Friday evening Charlotte Shelburne Rotary held its annual Changing of the Guard, an occasion for sociability, good food, presentation of awards and transfer of responsibility for club leadership from last year's executive to the new team. As is a tradition, the event was held at the home out-going President Trafton Crandall on Orchard Road in Charlotte.

Crandall was pleased to announce that during the current year, Charlotte Shelburne Rotary, which also serves Hinesburg, had welcomed 11 new members, Michael Abrams, Alan Bates. Barb Comeau, Ron Keen, Charles Kofman, Jonathan Lowell, Carolyn Siccama, Susan Grimes, Jane McKnight, Erica Webster and Erik Kolomazink. 

The Changing of the Guard event is always an opportunity to recognize extraordinary service and commitment to the club, and Paul Harris Awards, named in honor of the Vermont-born founder of Rotary, were presented to Richard Fox, Ric Flood and Lara Keenan. Also Past District Governor Steve Dates and Current District Governor Louisa Tripp from Northfield Rotary Club presented Richard Fox with a certificate honoring him as a member of the Paul Harris Society.

Highlight of the Changing of the Guard program is the "investiture" of the new president, complete with a sceptre, ermine-trimmed robe and tiara. Judy Christensen of Shelburne is the new President of Charlotte Shelburne Rotary and she accepted the honor and the challenge with an inspiring speech about the impact of Rotary membership on her life, the work that Charlotte Shelburne Rotary does in its communities and around the world, and her goals for the club in 2016-17 including continuing the grow the membership with more members and more young members, as well as increasing the number of visible and impactful community projects to be tackled. 

Charlotte Shelburne Rotary meets every Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at the Trinity Episcopal Church Community Room for breakfast, time for planning its community projects, and excellent informative guest speakers. All are welcome to attend.