Jim Donovan (left) presents Bob Sanders, USN (right) with a donated book in his honor to the Pierson Library
There was a distinct energy in the room this Wednesday morning as the Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary Club gathered with a full house. Following the pledge and a spirited opening song, the morning moved quickly from fellowship to a poignant reflection on service, anchored by the recent observance of Veterans Day.
A Life at Sea: Bob Sanders In the spirit of Veterans Day, we were privileged to hear from one of our own, Bob Sanders, who took us on a journey through his distinguished naval career. Spanning from his time as a midshipman at Vanderbilt in 1968 to his retirement in 1992, Bob’s presentation offered a fascinating glimpse into life on the "small ships" of the U.S. Navy.
Bob moved beyond the statistics of his service to share the human stories that defined his time at sea. He recounted his experiences aboard vessels ranging from the USS Waccamaw to the USS Merrill, sharing details of deployments that took him from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf. A particularly moving highlight was the Merrill’s rescue of 62 refugees in the South China Sea, a testament to the humanitarian role of our armed forces. Bob also touched on the personal side of service—including meeting his wife during his time on the USS San Bernardino—and his unique shore duties at the German Naval Academy and the U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha. We extend our sincere thanks to Bob for his service and for sharing his history with the club.
Community Action & Updates While Bob took us around the world, the Club’s focus remained firmly rooted in our local community. The morning’s business highlighted our members' "get-it-done" attitude:
- Winter Readiness: The call for winter gear for the Hinesburg Fire Department has been met with typical generosity, with members already dropping off donations to ensure our neighbors stay warm this season.
- Toys for Kids: The holiday spirit is already in motion. The committee reported that the "Toys for Kids" initiative is moving full steam ahead, with ten volunteers already assigned and coordination with the Salvation Army well underway.
- Foundation Focus: We also took a moment to brush up on our Rotary history - recalling founder Arch Klumph - while encouraging ongoing support for the Rotary Foundation to continue our impact globally.
Fellowship and Happy Fines The "Happy Fines" session underscored the strong fellowship that defines our club, weaving together personal milestones and community news. The room celebrated new additions to families - including the adoption of a 1.5-year-old cat named Maisie - and cheered for professional achievements, such as a son’s promotion on the partner track.
Travels were recounted, from beautiful trips to Southern France to family weddings in India, reminding us of our global connections. Closer to home, members shared excitement for the first ski day of the year at Sugarbush. The session also served as a community notice board, with Brandon announcing his upcoming presentation on Artificial Intelligence at the Shelburne Library, inviting all to attend.
Looking Ahead As we wrapped up a morning of history and camaraderie, the energy in the room was a reminder of why we meet: to connect, to learn, and to serve. We look forward to seeing everyone next week as we continue our work for the season.