Newsletter for Meeting of July 16, 2014

Charlotte Shelburne Rotary Club

Wednesday, July 16, 2014, 7:30 a.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church Community Room

President Richard Fox led the members in the Pledge and Kris Engstrom gave the devotional.

Announcements:

7/17 – Rotary Board Meeting

7/27 – 7/31 – week of community service clearing frog bit from shoreline in Charlotte. We need to donate 72-person hours during the week. Contact Michael Clapp to volunteer.

7/29 – Camp Ta Kum Ta – make and serve breakfast – need a few more volunteers – call Terrell Titus.

8/22 – Serving dinner for Charlotte Senior Center.

9/17 – District Governor official visit to our meeting bringing gifts and wisdom. 

Projects:

-- Michael Clapp reported that the Hinesburg Garden Shed Project is proceeding and they have asked us to help on Saturday, August 9. Let Michael know if you can help.

-- Saturday, Aug. 16 is Shelburne Day on the Parade Ground in Shelburne. Sign up to come, wear an apron, grill hot dogs, represent Rotary in the community.

Farewell to a long-time member

Ric Flood announced that Bob Maynes, a member of Charlotte Shelburne Rotary for 28 years, has resigned, explaining that since he works in Burlington and lives in South Burlington he is not able to be so involved in CSR projects and isn’t “living up to his potential.” He says he will continue to support our charitable projects and (hooray) will continue to help with the Car Raffle.

Congratulations to Kris

Ric presented a Paul Harris +1 to Kris Engstrom in recognition for her long-time and on-going support for the Rotary Foundation.

Sergeant at Arms

Evan Webster announced that there is $105.50 in the pot and challenged everyone to pitch into the Happy Fine Basket based on their adventures on the lake during this lovely week.

-Linda Gilbert – in the water on both sides of the lake with her grandchildren.

-Kris Engstrom – in her kayak on the lake

-Mark Lund – working in his garden – and planning for his Aug. 30 wedding

-Carole Obuchowski – not in the water yet.

-Richard Fox – a week on Cape Cod – kids swimming and fishing (it was Josephine’s first time in the ocean)

-Fritz Horton – the IRS wants to talk to him – so he’s talking to Russ

-Dennis Webster – not in or on the water

-Alan Hathaway – he was on the water – took the ferry across the lake and ate at the Old Dock Restaurant

-John Beal – how was the restaurant – he was sailing

-Russ Blodgett – visiting in Houston

-Lara Keenan – her high school reunion brought lots of old friends back to town

-Dave Rice – his sons came to visit

-Michael Clapp – great raspberry crop

-Terrill Titus – took the ferry for lunch at the Old Dock – great kids golf tournament

-Ric Flood – Monday on the lake with his grandchildren – and his other daughter is coming to visit.

-Evan Webster – he’ll be in the weather when the weather gets nice. 

Lucky Draw:

Paul Harris Award winner Kris drew the winning ticket – Terrell’s – but Terrell chose the wrong card and missed out on the great jackpot.

Club Assembly

President Richard Fox announced that he does not yet have a President Elect. Anyone interested in discussed the duties of the position and its future possibilities, should talk to Richard. Carole Obuchowski volunteered to succeed Pat Sokolowski as Foundation Liaison.

Richard gave a “State of the Rotary” report – i.e. the finances are in good shape.

He also reported on the results of the members’ survey he circulated a couple of months ago.

Rotarians reported that their main reasons for belonging to Rotary are:

• fellowship
• camaraderie
• getting things done

 Richard encouraged club members to bring the other interests and community projects to the attention of Rotary and encourage the club to support them. “We’re more than a check-writing club,” he said. “We can also provide boots on the ground.”

 We should all be working to develop more recognition for Rotary so people know the important things that Rotary does. Our goal is to be “vital, vibrant and visible.”

Ways to accomplish this:

Invite people to visit a club meeting – offer them a chance to positively impact our communities – make a point of inviting people to come for breakfast.

Toot your own horn – wear your t-shirt and your pin – explain what it’s all about – be proud of the club.

Linda Gilbert pointed out that Shelburne Day and the Halloween Parade are two good opportunities to be visible to our communities.

Carole Obuchowski suggested writing a My Turn column for the Free Press listing all the things Charlotte Shelburne Rotary does.

Linda said we need “Rotary at Work” signs to post around work sites when we do projects.

George Schiavone suggested we should have more regular Classification Talks, and Richard said that Program Chair Lara Keenan is planning to schedule them on a more frequent basis – a good way to learn more about our fellow Rotarians.

 Reported by Rosalyn Graham

Ric Flood Presents Kris Engstrom with her Paul Harris pin with sapphire