The CSH Rotary Club with a cupcake cake for Bill Deming!
CSH Rotary sorts various holiday paraphernalia into boxes for donation to the Charlotte, Shelburne, and Hinesburg Food Shelves.
A Morning of Planning and Action
It was a bustling morning for the CSH Rotary Club, opening with a reflection on the game of golf. The message - that life, like the game, requires us to "swing with heart and courage" regardless of the hazards - set a fitting tone for a meeting focused on navigating future projects and executing immediate service.
Strategic Planning: Grants and Foundation The centerpiece of the morning’s discussion was a look at our club's capacity for impact. We received news that our previous district grant has been fully reconciled, clearing the deck for new initiatives. The club is now actively brainstorming for our next major community project. With the ability to leverage District Designated Funds, we have the potential to turn a club contribution into an $8,000 project. Members were reminded of past successes made possible by this funding, including the installation of bike repair stations and AEDs in our towns. The deadline for the next grant cycle is late April, so now is the time to think big.
Carol also issued a final call for The Rotary Foundation contributions for the year, reminding the club that our local grant capability is directly tied to our support of the Foundation globally.
Club Business & Upcoming Events The conversation turned to the pragmatic work of keeping the club running and visible.
- Pie for Breakfast: Mark your calendars for "Pi Day," Saturday, March 14. Jessica and Amanda Vincent have taken the lead on organizing this signature event, and the search for sponsors begins now.
- Hinesburg & Winter Parades: The club is looking for volunteers to help maintain our visibility at the upcoming Hinesburg Santa Parade and the Winter Carnival in late January.
- Breakfast Logistics: The white donation box at the check-in table was highlighted. Members are encouraged to contribute to help offset the rising catering costs and ensure our breakfast tradition remains sustainable.
Happy Fines & Fellowship The Happy Fines session provided a mix of travelogue and humor. John shared a vivid report from his recent trip to Morocco, describing the "sensory overload" and "Arabian Nights" atmosphere of the country. Others expressed gratitude for successful Thanksgiving gatherings - ranging from intimate dinners to a chaotic house of 14 guests. We also celebrated local excellence, with a shout-out to the CVU Girls Cross Country team as they head to Nationals in Oregon.
Service in Action Following the business meeting, the tables were cleared for action. Members broke into teams to sort and wrap holiday items for our tri-town communities. From organizing gingerbread houses to untangling lights and prepping gift boxes for Shelburne, Hinesburg, and Charlotte, the room transformed into a workshop of holiday cheer.
Looking Ahead Next week, we shift from logistics to celebration. We will be joined by the CVU Madrigal Singers for our annual holiday music performance. Please arrive ready for some festive spirit.