Larry moved to Starksboro for retirement, but had traveled many times to Vermont for wilderness trips and camping trips. Larry worked for many camps, as did his wife, and they spent time around the world in Michigan, Hawaii, England, etc. Larry has been a camp counselor (20 yrs), History Teacher (27 yrs), Minister (40 yrs) and chaplain….there was a lot of overlap! Prior to his time with Middlebury Rotary, Larry had previous experiences with Rotary. During Larry’s time as a minister, he was at Marquette Rotary in Michigan and was President of the Club for a year, Paul Harris Fellow, and he also had Polio in the 50’s. Luckily, he is well and just has issues with his left shoulder. Through his previous experience and encounters in Middlebury, this club was a natural fit and is happy to be here!
Announcement:
Maureen - CACO Grant
The review team will meet on April 19th at 1 p.m. at ACHHH to make funding recommendations
Spence - Survey Review
A deeper dive will happen on May 1st
Some key points: (37 responses)
Cost of dues are important to members
Morning meetings seem to work best for folks
Members want full or light meals
Location should be consistent
There were mixed feelings about zoom meetings
Members like having a social
Jason L - District Grant
Unfortunately, the MALT board is revisiting committees and there will be no trail related projects at this time for the DG. Therefore, we will move forward with Window Dressers as the District Grant for this year. (There will still be a project with the Al Stiles bridge)
Geoff indicated we will collect a little more money from folks getting the window inserts to help with the cost.
Window Dressers will take place in Oct-Nov 2024
John B - District Conference at Lake Morey (April 19-21st)
Denis - Golf Tournament
The group has planned 2 - 18 hole games and will be looking for a lot of volunteers (sign up will go out soon)
Nancy - Flags
Reminder the first flag day will be for Memorial Day weekend
John - Important Dates
Recognition Dinner
Kirk Center - June 13th
Change Over Dinner
June 26th at Eric and Janice’s
Happy:
T was happy to see Tom Plumb (50 years ago Tom walked into T’s office to see where he could help and it has been great to see what has happened since)
Liz S - happy to see Tom and Chris
Nancy - happy for Heather and Larry who are new grandparents to James in Charleston, SC.
Chris took a week off and decided to come visit the Middlebury Club (still a member at Vergennes Rotary, and goes to St. Albans)
Eric is happy to see Tom, Chris, and Denis. He was also happy to report that the RYLA interviews went very well and 6 students will be going this year
Neil was happy to have Paul, his guest who did a great job painting houses if anyone needs services.
Denis - happy to be part of the golf tournament committee and part of such a great club
Fran was happy there was no snow in Lincoln
Guest Speaker: Tom Plumb
Tom was previously the Director of Community Action in 1994 and went to Honduras in 1998 thinking he was going with the Governor of VT, but it was with the Rotary Governor to help rebuild after the hurricane with “Hands for Honduras”. Needless to say, he then went back year after year! Since then, Tom has helped build water systems, electrical systems, low cost shelters,, bring ambulances, and build school classrooms (including the Maggie Quinn classroom). Tom showed a series of pictures about various projects in different areas. He highlighted the kindergartens that were built with the support of a donor Tom had gone to kindergarten with and wanted to help. Sometimes they build new classrooms, update old classrooms, repair ceilings, expand and add classrooms, etc. However, with all of the projects - the group receiving the classroom needs to raise funds for the labor. It helps set a precedent that the group won’t just come in and build. With the support from the Middlebury Rotary Club - the Maggie Quinn Classroom was built.
If there is enough interest from the group, Tom can help put together a work project. It would be 2 days travel, 6 days work, and 1 day play. (No skills are necessary - email tomplumb315@yahoo.com)
.png)
