Jim Donovan (left) presents donated books to Michael Hibben, Shelburne Library Director (middle left), Jill Anderson, Carpenter-Carse Library Director (middle right), and Margaret Woodruff, Charlotte Library Director (right).
It was a full house for our weekly breakfast meeting, which opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a reflection on curiosity and care inspired by CVU Superintendent Adam Bunting’s line, “Look closely enough, and you’ll see the kindergartner in every graduate.” That energy carried into the morning as we welcomed guests, recited the Four-Way Test, and settled into a busy agenda.
Our centerpiece was a joint program with three of our community libraries. Margaret from the Charlotte Library, Jill from Hinesburg’s Carpenter–Carse, and Michael from Shelburne’s Pierson Library described how modern libraries have grown into true community hubs. Beyond books, they’re fielding technology questions, hosting seniors and teens who need safe places to gather, and helping residents navigate everything from e-books to job interviews. Space and transportation are persistent constraints, and the cost of digital materials is rising sharply—licenses can expire after limited checkouts, forcing tough choices between replacing old titles and buying new releases. They also flagged wider trends Rotary can help with: access to cooling during heat waves, the quiet but real presence of housing insecurity in our towns, and practical training and resources (including Narcan) that meet people where they are. The message was clear: libraries remain the front door to trustworthy information and community connection, and there are concrete ways for us to support that work.
From there we moved into club business. Members were reminded to check email for links to Rotary fellowships and convention content. The room then shifted into high gear for Shelburne Day. Volunteer slots are largely filled; setup begins at 7:15 a.m., with the early crew coordinating tents, tables, and grill logistics. Please park to unload and then move vehicles so the green stays open for the public. A local farm has donated a large share of corn, so help us spread the word—share the club’s Facebook post and bring friends. Pricing is simple: one ear for $3, two for $5. A few final tasks were claimed on the spot (compost pickup, folding chairs), and the butter question has a plan—safe, simple, and ready by opening. If you signed up on SignUpGenius, watch for reminders.
We also set dates for fall Wood for Good charity wood-splitting: Saturday, September 6, 8:00–12:00, and Sunday, October 5, 8:00–12:00. Address details will circulate; the work is manageable and social, with splitters on site and jobs for all. On infrastructure, the new bike rack is installed and already in use, with plaques to be added and fastened more securely. Members noted a music event supporting Ukraine on Friday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m. in Burlington, tomorrow’s Membership Committee meeting (4:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center), and next Thursday morning’s leadership team session. We read a gracious thank-you note from Phil for his recent recognition - an appreciated reminder of decades of service in action.
The personal heartbeat of the morning came through in Happy Fines: thanks to our visiting librarians; a 98th-birthday celebration in St. John, Canada; full rooms at recent programs; art exhibits at the Pierson Library worth a special trip; family reunions; tomatoes finally ripening; a member just back from client visits in New England and New York. We also put out a call for people interested in participating during the annual Shelburne Halloween Parade. A quick branding reminder: when you’re volunteering in public, wear Rotary gear if you have it, snap a photo, and send it to the Public Image Committee; aprons are available on site.
We closed where we began, with community at the center: “I learned that a friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face,” from Maya Angelou. See you at Shelburne Day this Saturday—bring your hat, your apron, and your best corn-shucking smile - and circle Sunday, October 26 for the Halloween Parade, our biggest visibility event of the year.