July 1, 2020
Charlotte Shelburne Hinesburg Rotary
Via Zoom
John Hammer, Rosalyn Graham, Keith Walsh, Chris Davis, France LeBlanc, Ric Flood, Richard Fox, Nancy Danforth, Linda Gilbert, Linda Barker, Carole Obuchowski, Charlie Kofman, Sam Feitelberg, John Pane, Margo Casco, Joan Lenes, Susan Grimes, Jim Donavon, Howard Seaver, Denis Barton, Bill Deming, Erik Kolomaznik, Jessica Brumsted, Diana Vachon, Adam Bartsch, Erika Webster, Carrie Fenn
Chris Davis rang the bell at 7:33
Just a reminder to please mute yourself during Zoom meetings unless you are speaking.
Devotional read to us by Susan Grimes Marisa Donnelly:
“I hope you live louder. I hope you laugh more. I hope you sing at the top of your lungs. I hope you drive with the windows down and let the wind rustle through your hair. I hope you hug. I hope you kiss. I hope your surround yourself with people who make you feel alive. I hope you become the type of person that brings good energy wherever you go, and the type of person people want to be around. I hope you speak what’s on your mind, that you raise your voice for injustice, that you tell others that you love them, instead of waiting until it’s too late. I hope you live louder, shine brighter. From this moment on.”
-Marisa Donnelly
New president Chris Davis recognized Richard Fox as our past District Governor. Richard did a fabulous job as District Governor, bringing a ton of energy and dedication to the role.
Chris shared the theme for his term is going to be innovation and inclusivity, as we relook at everything we do in Rotary and how we do it. Rotary Clubs all over the world need to take a look at how we work in the world. Fundraising abilities are constrained, our ability to get together is constrained.
New officers:
Chris Davis, president
Susan Grimes, president elect
Carrie Fenn, vice-president
Carole Obuchowski, member at large
Dan York, secretary
Margo Casco, treasurer
Denis Barton, club ambassador
Chris will be working with Dan to schedule a board meeting this week.
Bob Sanders is receiving a 6-plus Paul Harris award. Yay Bob!
As we go into the new Rotary year, we are asking members to respond to a couple of questions.
What is your favorite part of this club?
If you could change something what would it be?
Please direct answers to Denis and Chris.
A couple of service projects are in the works:
Joan Lenes is heading up the school lunch project. July 6-August 21 MWF. Shelburne needs 2 volunteers 10:30-11:30 and Charlotte needs 1 volunteer 10:30-11:30, both at the schools.
Nothing is covered for Charlotte, almost all of Shelburne dates are covered. Please send Joan the dates you are available. Be sure to wear your Rotary shirt. Schools will have masks and gloves available.
The CVU and Williston kitchens are producing the food, with the cafeteria employees delivering to Shelburne and Charlotte.
Be sure and take photos, but don’t include any food recipients.
Sometimes we forget the prevalence of food insecurity, but it’s everywhere, even in our affluent communities.
Joan also saw that Front Porch Forum in Shelburne put out a call for volunteers for the community garden.
Linda Gilbert shared information about the Charlotte Community Garden project, to pull weeds, water and harvest. Please get in touch with Linda to help out and schedule your time.
Chris will try to get into Trinity to get shirts. Keith will have vests that members can pick up if you don’t have a shirt.
The State will be running a deficit, and there’s no way to know what kind of revenue will be coming in. Legislators are expecting as much as a $130million deficit in the school budgets. Jessica will be our speaker next week to talk us through the legislation that was passed during this past session. Access to childcare and senior care is diminishing as centers can’t ride out the COVID storm.
Chris will put out an email to ask about speakers and if members have ideas about people they would like to hear from. Farmers, business owners, might attract some new members. Some businesses are so busy because of COVID, like Horsfords, Rise and Shine, Village Wine and Coffee. There is interest in having police chiefs, social workers, etc in an effort to focus speakers on the local situation and how our communities are responding, and other non-profits that may be good to partner with. Send ideas to Jessica. Reach out to other Rotary clubs- SYNERGY! Thanks to Diana for keeping it all organized. Our own Rotarians should offer to speak as well.
Chris asked if anyone knows how the Schiavones are doing. Our club members have provided meals for members in duress so perhaps someone could check in with them and see if we could help out in any way. Carole offered help to Linda but hasn’t heard back. She will reach out again.
The winter clothing drive should kick off soon. We’ll want to start collecting items so the PR community should develop a plan to advertise the drive. Looking for clothing for kids 5-18, boots, mittens, hats, jackets, snow pants. Diana will reach out to Erik to set up a plan. Posters may not be effective, but social media and Front Porch Forum are good venues. PR committee should put together a unified message that we could use across all fronts. We will need to ask the schools to query the school families in Charlotte and Hinesburg (we’re all set with Shelburne) to find out what sizes they will need.
For next week, please review the draft of the names and committees, be sure you are where you want to be. Starting now we will be leaning into the committees to do the good works we want to do. If you are on a reserve list please reach out to leadership to get yourself on a committee.
Ric Flood provided an update on membership.
Nancy Danforth provided some closing words by Bishop George Appleton
A Prayer for Peach
O God of many names
Lover of all nations
We pray for peace
In our hearts
In our homes
In our nations
In our world
The peace of your will
The peace of our need.
Amen
Respectfully submitted,
Carrie Fenn