Jim Donovan (left) presents Maggie Joseph, Executive Director of New Village Farm (right) with Pig Years, a book that will be donated to the Shelburne Library in her honor.
We opened the morning with a brief reflection on the simple things that steady us—good coffee, quick laughter, and the quiet company of people we care about - before welcoming guests and reciting the Four-Way Test. With the room settled, the club turned to business, still riding the momentum of a successful Shelburne Day.
Shelburne Day earned us sunshine, steady foot traffic, and a lot of teamwork. Thanks to Shelburne Market, Hannaford, and Lantman’s for the corn, and to John Hammer and Greg for hauling grills. A special nod to Maggie, who anchored the grill line for hours. John’s son loaned - and ultimately donated - a grill to the club; Sophie also lent hers. Please sign the thank-you cards circulating so we can acknowledge each donor properly. We tallied ~$500 from corn alone. While the fundraiser was primarily about presence and outreach, the dollars were a welcome bonus - and we proved the model, which should make next time smoother. As our inventory of gear grows, we’ll explore a better long-term storage plan so we’re not overrunning the barn.
Looking ahead, Wood for Good has two volunteer days this fall (one Saturday soon and a Sunday in October). If you’d like to stack, split, or deliver, let Nancy know so we can firm up headcounts. At the Howard Center's Lakeview House, the garden work wrapped Tuesday and new plantings are in; if you’re dividing perennials at home, consider donating. Volunteers are also needed for a second try at assembling the raised bed - see Jim after the meeting to coordinate a date. Foundation training will be in our area in December; it’s a convenient chance to get certified without travel. For the Halloween Parade (last Sunday in October), Richard is seeking entertainment leads - send musical acts his way so he can follow up.
Membership and Public Image met jointly to sharpen how we welcome and retain people. You’ll see a guest sign-in form on the front table so we can follow through with visitors. If you know “quiet” members who pay dues but haven’t joined us in a while, extend a personal invitation for breakfast before they head south. Photos from recent projects help tell our story - please share your shots with Public Image so we can post them promptly.
We also heard important town business from Shelburne Town Manager Matt Lawless. A special bond revote will be held Monday, September 9 (early/absentee voting has begun). Due to procedural missteps years back, the Vermont Bond Bank cannot release already approved funds without a new vote. The revote reauthorizes roughly $5.8 million covering several multi-year projects (think beach house, bridges, sidewalks) and allows the town to draw in February, refill reserves, and avoid short-term borrowing. The Bond Bank’s pooled AA rating benefits towns like ours, but it requires clean paperwork; this revote aligns us and stabilizes cash balances. Matt encouraged informed participation and fielded questions about reserves and timing.
“Happy fines” brought the personal side of the morning: gratitude for the Shelburne Day problem-solving on the fly, a milestone birthday or two (happy birthday, Jessica), a new Hyundai Santa Cruz replacing that familiar blue Frontier, and a moving remembrance of a mother-in-law who lived independently to 99 - good stories all around that reminded us why fellowship matters.
Our guest program shifted on short notice when the original speaker was injured, and we were fortunate to welcome the founder of New Village Farm, Maggie Joseph. She shared how the farm’s micro-dairy, livestock care, gardens, and self-serve farm stand give children hands-on responsibility and a sense of belonging - skills and confidence many don’t find in classroom settings. Summer programs host about fifty kids a day across age-appropriate tracks (including a crew path for older youth), supported by a small staff and scholarships. Partnerships with local schools are expanding to reach truant and anxious students who benefit from real-world chores, animals, and fresh air. Members were invited to stop by outside drop-off/pick-up windows to see the program in action. In appreciation, the club will donate Pig Years to the Shelburne Library in her honor.
Before we adjourned, quick reminders: Leadership Team meets tomorrow at Shelburne Town Hall (2nd floor); August 22 features the Common Man concert—let Amanda W. know if you’re going; food-shelf items can be left in the back; school-supply donations (or cash) are still welcome.
We closed as we began - on the practical joys of showing up. See you next week; program details will be in the newsletter.