CSH Rotary Club Meeting Summary – July 10, 2025
Wednesday’s meeting had a smaller-than-usual turnout, but energy stayed high thanks to a memorable guest speaker, clear project updates, and a wide-ranging round of Happy Fines.
Karen Medsker opened with a brief reflection on coffee as both ritual and fuel - fitting, given the morning’s topic - and then the group moved efficiently through club business.
Speaker: Frank Gambatese – Founder of Grover’s Mill Coffee
Frank Gambatese delivered a detailed, often humorous talk tracing his path from Home Depot manager to founder of a top-rated New Jersey coffeehouse. What started as a side project - part creative outlet, part backup plan - became Grover’s Mill Coffee Company, a full-scale roastery and community hub named after the site of Orson Welles’ infamous War of the Worlds broadcast.
Frank covered a surprising amount of ground: how coffee is grown and picked, why roasting profiles matter, why most commercial decaf should be avoided, and what sets high-quality Arabica beans apart. He brought samples of green and roasted beans and shared stories from his fifteen years running the business - touching on climate stress in the coffee supply chain, customer quirks, and the science behind a good cup. Members asked sharp questions, and Frank handled them with both technical knowledge and dry charm.
Project and Club Updates
Membership Dues: Most members are up to date. For those who aren’t - last call. The list will be finalized at Thursday’s Board Meeting (7:30 a.m., Shelburne Town Offices).
Dragon Boat Festival (August 3): Dan reported that we have a partial team and some strong interest, but we still need more paddlers. Members were encouraged to recruit friends, family, or other Rotarians. Donations are also welcome, and efforts are underway to promote via Facebook and Front Porch Forum.
Shelburne Day: Food planning is in motion. Grill logistics are mostly handled. The current corn count is set at 400–500 servings to be safe. A volunteer sign-up is expected soon.
Howard Center Raised Beds: Materials have been finalized. Wes Carroll, a former club member, is going to work with Jim for procurement and delivery.
Name Badges: A new sign-up will go out soon for anyone needing a replacement.
Youth Programs: A suggestion was made to invite students from the RYLA and Calgary trips back for short presentations on their experience.
Food Shelf Donations: Harriet is still collecting - standard non-perishables or hygiene items appreciated.
Happy Fines
As usual, Happy Fines offered a mix of updates, humor, and dry commentary:
Multiple members celebrated wedding anniversaries
One member reflected on a mini-staycation at Burlington Harbor.
Another logged their 50th round of golf for the year.
Many members expressed their appreciation for the touching and powerful Celebration of Life for Rotarian Linda Gilbert's husband, Al Gilbert.
Others gave thanks for fresh berries, good air conditioning, and summer adventures with kids and grandkids.
Wrap-Up
The raffle ended with a Jack of Hearts - no jackpot yet. Next week’s meeting will include another guest speaker, and ongoing prep for August events continues.
Karen's closing words, fittingly:
“Life is like coffee. It’s all about how you make it.”