Catherine Moller (L) and Leanne (R) of Vermont Teddy Bear
CSH Rotary Club Meeting – January 29, 2026
The Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary Club gathered for its weekly meeting with a warm welcome and plenty of community updates despite the winter chill.
Club Business & Updates
The meeting opened with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, opening words, and the Four-Way Test. Catherine welcomed everyone and noted that Roger Hill has submitted an application to join the club—members were encouraged to share any feedback with the membership committee.
Budget Discussion: A significant topic at the recent board meeting centered on breakfast finances. The club is seeing a deficit between what members contribute and the actual costs of providing breakfast—roughly $922 coming in versus $1,752 going out at the half-year mark. The board is considering establishing a flat fee rather than the current self-determined contribution model. Members acknowledged that costs run approximately $5-6 per person to break even.
Pie for Breakfast Update
Amanda and the committee reported exciting progress—$3,500 already raised in sponsorships with a goal to double that by the February 4 meeting. The total fundraising target is $17,000 (up from approximately $10,000 net last year).
Members were encouraged to think creatively about sponsors—even Burlington businesses are fair game since the Burlington Rotary Club isn't actively pursuing them. Banks, hotels, and non-food businesses often have charitable giving budgets. Window clings for sponsors have arrived, and posters are available for distribution.
Each member is asked to pledge two pies for the event. Extra pies will be sold by the school afterward, so nothing goes to waste. Catherine mentioned potentially engaging her Girl Scout troop to bake pies on their Friday meeting night.
Shelburne Winter Carnival: Happening January 31 at Shelburne Community School, 1-3 PM. Club members will be there to engage with families and promote Pie for Breakfast. No special skills required—just show up and be friendly.
Speech Contest: Coming up February 18 during the regular meeting. Students who have participated before are welcome to compete again.
Peace Poles Initiative
Amanda introduced a new project—installing peace poles in each of the club's three towns. These 6-8 foot poles display "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages and cost approximately $300 each. The organization even provides $50 per pole toward costs. Members were asked to suggest meaningful languages and potential locations such as schools, churches, or public green spaces.
Featured Presentation: Vermont Teddy Bear
Joan introduced Leanne, Manager of Retail and Visitor Operations at Vermont Teddy Bear, who shared the company's 45-year history and deep community roots.
The Origin Story: Founder John Sortino created the first bear by hand in the likeness of Groucho Marx for his son. The second bear, "Buddy," featured articulating limbs made possible using Ben & Jerry's pint containers. After selling 100 handmade bears on Church Street in a single day, Sortino opened a factory. In 1985, Chester—the iconic 15-inch honey-colored jointed bear—was born.
The "Bear-Gram" concept of shipping bears in boxes with air holes catapulted the company to national attention. In 1995, they moved to a former dairy farm in Shelburne (complete with painted silos).
Recent Evolution: Vermont Teddy Bear is now owned by USA Brands, which also owns Vermont Flannel. The partnership began in 2024 with flannel-pawed bears and expanded when USA Brands recognized an opportunity to strengthen the company. A joint Vermont Teddy Bear/Vermont Flannel store now operates on Church Street in Burlington.
Community Engagement: Leanne highlighted numerous community initiatives:
- Workshops where families can hand-stuff bears together
- "Beary Magical Lights" event (500+ attendees at $10 per person)
- Partnerships with Make-A-Wish and Cardiac Kids
- The "Little Hero Bear" program donating bears to first responders
- The Bernie Mittens collaboration with Jen Ellis benefiting Outright Vermont
- Approximately $25,000 in annual donations plus countless bears to organizations
The hospital program still offers lifetime guarantees on bears, maintaining donor parts and fur for repairs.
Business Snapshot: Approximately 70% of sales come from out-of-state customers via online orders. The company recently added plush (non-jointed) bears at lower price points to appeal to younger generations who prefer "squishy" toys.
In appreciation, the club presented Leanne with a book donation to the Charlotte Library on behalf of Vermont Teddy Bear—appropriately tied to the company's origins.
Happy Fines Highlights
- Roz returned after recovering from a fall in early December
- One member's daughter-in-law is navigating green card paperwork amid changing immigration policies
- Aurora Borealis sightings have been spectacular
- Members celebrated skiing with family and looking forward to dinner with in-laws
- John shared an update on Phil, who is in assisted care but still his usual self
- New member Roger is already contributing to the positive energy
The meeting closed with a reminder of what makes Rotary special: fellowship, service, and community connection.
Looking Ahead
- January 31: Shelburne Winter Carnival (1-3 PM at Shelburne Community School)
- February 18: Speech Contest during regular meeting
- March 14: Pie for Breakfast
The CSH Rotary Club meets Wednesdays. Members are encouraged to continue pursuing sponsorships for Pie for Breakfast and consider locations for the peace pole initiative.
The Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary Club gathered for its weekly meeting with a warm welcome and plenty of community updates despite the winter chill.
Club Business & Updates
The meeting opened with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, opening words, and the Four-Way Test. Catherine welcomed everyone and noted that Roger Hill has submitted an application to join the club—members were encouraged to share any feedback with the membership committee.
Budget Discussion: A significant topic at the recent board meeting centered on breakfast finances. The club is seeing a deficit between what members contribute and the actual costs of providing breakfast—roughly $922 coming in versus $1,752 going out at the half-year mark. The board is considering establishing a flat fee rather than the current self-determined contribution model. Members acknowledged that costs run approximately $5-6 per person to break even.
Pie for Breakfast Update
Amanda and the committee reported exciting progress—$3,500 already raised in sponsorships with a goal to double that by the February 4 meeting. The total fundraising target is $17,000 (up from approximately $10,000 net last year).
Members were encouraged to think creatively about sponsors—even Burlington businesses are fair game since the Burlington Rotary Club isn't actively pursuing them. Banks, hotels, and non-food businesses often have charitable giving budgets. Window clings for sponsors have arrived, and posters are available for distribution.
Each member is asked to pledge two pies for the event. Extra pies will be sold by the school afterward, so nothing goes to waste. Catherine mentioned potentially engaging her Girl Scout troop to bake pies on their Friday meeting night.
Shelburne Winter Carnival: Happening January 31 at Shelburne Community School, 1-3 PM. Club members will be there to engage with families and promote Pie for Breakfast. No special skills required—just show up and be friendly.
Speech Contest: Coming up February 18 during the regular meeting. Students who have participated before are welcome to compete again.
Peace Poles Initiative
Amanda introduced a new project—installing peace poles in each of the club's three towns. These 6-8 foot poles display "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages and cost approximately $300 each. The organization even provides $50 per pole toward costs. Members were asked to suggest meaningful languages and potential locations such as schools, churches, or public green spaces.
Featured Presentation: Vermont Teddy Bear
Joan introduced Leanne, Manager of Retail and Visitor Operations at Vermont Teddy Bear, who shared the company's 45-year history and deep community roots.
The Origin Story: Founder John Sortino created the first bear by hand in the likeness of Groucho Marx for his son. The second bear, "Buddy," featured articulating limbs made possible using Ben & Jerry's pint containers. After selling 100 handmade bears on Church Street in a single day, Sortino opened a factory. In 1985, Chester—the iconic 15-inch honey-colored jointed bear—was born.
The "Bear-Gram" concept of shipping bears in boxes with air holes catapulted the company to national attention. In 1995, they moved to a former dairy farm in Shelburne (complete with painted silos).
Recent Evolution: Vermont Teddy Bear is now owned by USA Brands, which also owns Vermont Flannel. The partnership began in 2024 with flannel-pawed bears and expanded when USA Brands recognized an opportunity to strengthen the company. A joint Vermont Teddy Bear/Vermont Flannel store now operates on Church Street in Burlington.
Community Engagement: Leanne highlighted numerous community initiatives:
- Workshops where families can hand-stuff bears together
- "Beary Magical Lights" event (500+ attendees at $10 per person)
- Partnerships with Make-A-Wish and Cardiac Kids
- The "Little Hero Bear" program donating bears to first responders
- The Bernie Mittens collaboration with Jen Ellis benefiting Outright Vermont
- Approximately $25,000 in annual donations plus countless bears to organizations
The hospital program still offers lifetime guarantees on bears, maintaining donor parts and fur for repairs.
Business Snapshot: Approximately 70% of sales come from out-of-state customers via online orders. The company recently added plush (non-jointed) bears at lower price points to appeal to younger generations who prefer "squishy" toys.
In appreciation, the club presented Leanne with a book donation to the Charlotte Library on behalf of Vermont Teddy Bear—appropriately tied to the company's origins.
Happy Fines Highlights
- Roz returned after recovering from a fall in early December
- One member's daughter-in-law is navigating green card paperwork amid changing immigration policies
- Aurora Borealis sightings have been spectacular
- Members celebrated skiing with family and looking forward to dinner with in-laws
- John shared an update on Phil, who is in assisted care but still his usual self
- New member Roger is already contributing to the positive energy
The meeting closed with a reminder of what makes Rotary special: fellowship, service, and community connection.
Looking Ahead
- January 31: Shelburne Winter Carnival (1-3 PM at Shelburne Community School)
- February 18: Speech Contest during regular meeting
- March 14: Pie for Breakfast
The CSH Rotary Club meets Wednesdays. Members are encouraged to continue pursuing sponsorships for Pie for Breakfast and consider locations for the peace pole initiative.