Newsletter for the Meeting of March 18, 2015
Charlotte Shelburne Rotary Club
Weekly Meeting Newsletter for:
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Trinity Episcopal Church Community Room
President Richard Fox led the pledge and Kris Engstom gave the devotional.
Richard introduced the visitors, Rik Carlson and David Carlson (speaker)
Upcoming events:
March 25 Mike Smiles, Director, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
April 12 @ 4pm, Sugar-on-Snow Social, Palmer’s Sugar House, RSVP
April 1 Dawn Anderson, Public Educator for VT State 911 System
June 17 Anne Galloway, VT Digger
Announcements:
Ric Flood gave the date for the Sugar-on-Snow
Mike Clapp announced no new update on the Food Drive
Richard Fox reminded that the vote on the revised Charlotte-Shelburne Rotary Bylaws
will be at next meeting, March 25, 2015, 7:30am
Dave Rice (the esteemed runner of meetings) let us know that 9 persons had signed up to
take meeting minutes, but that there are more than 9 weeks in the year! More note takers
are requested!
Evan announced that there are more spots available at the screen printing workshop this
Saturday
Sergeant at Arms
Evan Webster announced a name badge fine
Rick Flood enjoyed the Turks & Caicos
Lara had a great weekend visit with Evan
Gary Marcotte happy to still have a dry basement
Denny’s niece was in Turks & Caicos
Fritz told a nice story about a St. Patrick’s celebration where they determined the sex of
the baby by cupcake!
Judy Christensen discovered that the cupcakes were made by Katy Candito
Mike Clapp will have his first boil of maple sap today
President Fox was up all night with kids and had Josephine’s birthday
Carol thinks “this winter owes us!”
Chris Davis - badge fine, and happy for spring
John Hammer – just happy
Roz let us know the Shelburne Farm’s Maple Open House will be 3/29/15
Howard Seaver likes cupcakes
Kris Engstrom – happy
Steve Dates remember the District Conference at the Stoweflake in Stowe, a great
speaker Ann Hussey, a polio survivor, will be there
Lucky draw: – _Judy Christensen won the draw but drew the ace of hearts for a rollover
of the $165 pot.
Guest speaker:
Lara Keenan introduced our guest speaker David Carlson, the Coordinator of Student
Veteran Services at UVM
David served for four years in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Assault
man from 2004 -2008. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom,
fighting in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005 and Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. In April of 2006, David
received a Certificate of Commendation for actions while under direct enemy fire and
earned a coveted spot in Marine Corps Squad Leader’s School at the Advanced Infantry
Training Center. Following two combat deployments David deployed with the 22nd
Marine Expeditionary Unit during 2007 - 2008 focusing on training junior Marines in
current combat tactics, techniques and procedures. After completing his contractual
requirements with the Marines, David made the transition to academia, using the Post
9/11 GI Bill to attend the University of Vermont. David served as the Vermont State
Director for Student Veterans of America and led veteran oriented community service
projects while maintaining Dean’s List grades and graduating in three years, earning a
B.A., Political Science in December 2011.
David related some of his experiences in the military and then what it was like to
transition back into civilian life and as a student at UVM. He related that he was able
to get Physical Education credits at UVM for boot camp in the marines! Now, as the
Coordinator of Student Veteran Services at UVM David is using his knowledge and
experience to support student veterans as they transition from the military to academia.
His office is in the Registrar’s office in the Waterman Building at UVM.
David expressed that he is proud to work towards making UVM one of the most veteran
friendly institutions in the country, and that he believes that recruiting, enrolling and
encouraging the success of more student veterans at UVM will make our community,
state and country stronger and more diverse. There are currently 84 veteran students at
UVM making use of VA benefits.
He explained that his role is helping students understand the admission process at the
University and how to access to VA education benefits. That involves assisting with
the application process and making sure that students understand their VA education
benefits. He works toward implementing an all-inclusive student veteran support system
which focuses on educating students about what is available to them on campus and in
the community. UVM is creating a system of support and encouragement for veterans
through the entire higher education process, from first contact with a prospective student
all the way through successful academics, to graduation and engagement with the Career
Center. That support includes academic, financial aid, social (i.e. peer support through
the Student Veteran Organization, a student run club and member of Student Veterans of
America), mentorship (e.g. faculty, staff, senior students), and personal wellness.
His talk was enthusiastic and inspirational and was enjoyed by all.
Photo caption:
President Fox presents David Carlson with a book on veterans to be presented to the
Hinesburg Public Library on his behalf.
Recorded by Trafton Crandall