CSH Rotary Club Meeting Summary – October 29
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and brief opening words from Harriet, who talked about the practical benefits of tree planting and giving back to the community. After the Four-Way Test, the club recognized guests and moved straight into business.
Halloween Parade Recap
The club gave a round of thanks to Richard and everyone who made the Halloween Parade happen. Members were reminded to bring back parade signs - either at the next meeting or to the office - and to send Amanda any event photos or videos for the archive and social media. Feedback on the parade is welcome; positive comments from the police and public were noted, and planning is already underway for next year’s event.
Upcoming Club Visioning Session
Members were reminded about the club’s Visioning Session scheduled for Thursday at Shelburne Town Hall, 3–7 p.m. Participation is encouraged, even if you can only attend part of the time. Bring snacks if you want. The club is looking for more completed questionnaires to help guide future planning.
Service Projects and Updates
- Toy Collection: Nancy will have assignments ready soon. Anyone interested in helping with toy drop-offs should let her know.
- 5K Events: Chris thanked the team for a successful 5K season and mentioned the possibility of partnering on a future fundraiser run.
- Winter Gear Drive: The fire department is collecting coats, jackets, hats, and gloves through November 14. Bring items to the next meeting.
- Food Shelf Support: Demand and costs are up at local food shelves. Members are encouraged to donate both food and funds, especially with Thanksgiving approaching. Some food shelves may prefer turkey parts or smaller items over whole birds this year.
Happy Fines
Members marked the usual round of Happy Fines, with highlights including stories from the parade, personal milestones, family events, retirements, and travel updates. The spirit was upbeat, with several members noting how much they enjoyed both the parade and the recent community events.
Guest Speaker: Easterseals Vermont
The club welcomed Brie Gould - program coordinator from Easterseals Vermont in Middlebury. She outlined the organization’s core services, including child and family support, youth development, and restorative justice programs. The work is broad - ranging from coordinating family time for foster youth, to helping older teens transition to adulthood, to providing trauma-informed support for adopted children. Members learned how direct donations and in-kind support (like toys, furniture, or event sponsorship) make a difference in these programs. The club thanked Brie and will donate a book to the Hinesburg library in her honor.
Closing and Next Steps
Reminders went out for members to sign cards for Phil, return parade signs, and pitch in with kitchen cleanup. Harriet closed with a short reflection about practical solutions—sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is simply to get to work.
The next meeting will include follow-up on the Visioning Session and updates on holiday projects.