7:15 am, Wednesday, September 19

at

 

Tiffany Sargent

Center for Community Engagement

 

 

 

 

Judson Hescock

 

GUESTS:      

 

Helena Van Voorst

Trish Lafayette

Jesse Brooks

Steve Heidel

 

 

Neil Mackey is celebrating his 48th wedding anniversary, and he has been in Rotary either 10 years or 40--he was president in 1989-90.  Go figure.  Cari Burkard has an anniversary around now, as well.

 

 

Board Meeting--Next Tuesday at 5:15, in the Rotary meeting room in the Town Offices.  All members are welcome to attend.

 

Friendship Exchange--Nancy Foster thanked the families who are hosting our visitors from England.  She still needs a couple of members willing to provide transportation on Sunday and Monday, October 14 and 15, to show our visitors sights around Addison County.  Let Nancy know if you can be a driver.

 

Ilsley Focus Group Meetings--David Clark is organizing focus group discussions on the future of the Ilsley Library exclusively for Rotary members.  He has decided to cancel the one on Thursday the 13th.  Rotarians interested in participating can come to a group which will be held at Rosie's directly after our next meeting (September 19th).

 

Dementia Training Sessions--Cari Burkard reminded members of the dementia training session to be held at EastView on Friday, September 14.  It's all day, but you are welcome to come any time for whatever sessions interest you.  This event was supported by Rotary.

 

 

Geoff announced that the Board and Finance Committee had approved a donation of $500 to ACORN in support of its Tour de Farms, based in Vergennes this year.

 

 

Jason Schnoor talked about the experiences he had on two foreign service trips--one to India, the other to Ghana.  Both were mainly focused on improving water access for local people.  It is the kind of experience that can change your life.  He said a typical cost is around $3,000.  Spence Putnam described a trip he made to help Tom Plumb build school and water facilities in Honduras.  Both encouraged other Rotarians to consider undertaking such trips.

 

 

Max--enjoyed a visit from his great grandchild.  And welcome to Ron, who has moved to EastView.

Bill Brooks--impressed by Bill Cunningham's donation of stem cells to his brother.  Also to an "only in Vermont" story about help from a locksmith, the people who helped Nancy when she could not attend her own party, Warren's loan of a sculpture to the Museum, and the Rotary crew which set up the tent there.

Spence--encouraged others to donate blood.  Proud to see Rotary listed as a sponsor.

Liz --remembering Maggie Quinn, and welcome to Helena Van Voorst.

Dick--opening a shop on Exchange Street for his sharpening business.

David--Middlebury Opera Company is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Nancy--thanks to Eric and Janice for helping her with their pickup.

Ron--thanks to Max for transporting him to Rotary.

Steven--welcome to his colleagues, presenting here today.  Announced that there would be a memorial service for Tracy Corbett all afternoon on Monday, September 17 at Kingsland Bay State Park.

 

 

Logan, a United Way board member, introduced Helena Van Voorst, the new executive director.  She said the mission is "to improve the lives of the people they serve."  This is the 50th anniversary of United Way in Addison County.  Last year their volunteers provided $75,000 worth of hours to the community.  The fundraising goal this year is $660,000 and will be directed to providing solutions in the areas of Health, Education, and Financial Stability.  Jesse Brooks and Trish Lafayette then talked about the HELP program, which is aimed at reducing substance abuse.  Helena announced that the campaign kickoff will be on the 21st at the Opera House in Vergennes.  On the 27th there will be a memorial barbecue for Tracey Corbett on the Middlebury Green, 4-6 pm.

 

Minutes Submitted by Spence Putnam