Where does the time go??!! Stick season is almost upon us, some Rotarians have flown south or are planning to very soon, and some, like Howard and me are getting away for a bit before the beginning of "get yourself ready for ski season" season. I really enjoy this time of year when the days are shorter, wood stove is cranking and I feel I have permission to slow it all down. We will miss those of you who will be finding some warmth in the lower latitudes but look to hearing from you. Send a photo or two please so that we can vicariously feel the warmth! 😉
Many thanks to those MRV Rotarians who hosted our International Friendship Exchange which was a huge success. Dave Ellison organized it all and he and Janet were hosts as were the Kleins, Colgan's, Rob Perry and Karen Winchell. New Zealand visitors enjoyed the beauty of our little slice of heaven as they toured the Rock of Ages Quarry, rode the single chair at Mad River Glen, observed how Rob Perry's operation, Shirt Happens does all that it does and took advantage of artist Open Studios. A few delicious dinners were also served and thank you, Emily Shea, for hosting a Rotary pot luck at her space above Valley Meade.
Here is a shout out and Welcome to our newest Rotarian, Brooks Bradbury. Brooks is the new manager of the Pitcher Inn and the Warren Store. You all will be hearing from him soon as Karen Winchell will be scheduling his intro speech.
I also want to send a shout out to Ryan at the Deco Restaurant for hosting recent dinners and our recent end of summer barbecue. We know how difficult the restaurant business can be here and we are grateful for your offer to host.
Upcoming Rotary meetings:
10/23, 7 a.m., Wednesday breakfast meeting at the Village Meeting House at the Waitsfield UCC.
11/13, 7 a.m. Wednesday breakfast meeting at the Village Meeting House at the Waitsfield UCC.
There will be no dinner meetings for the months of October and November.
12/11, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Holiday gathering at the space above Valley Meade (thank you, Emily Shea).
Grants Approved
At the recent breakfast meeting, membership voted to approve a $5,000 grant to the Moretown School PTO. The grant will assist in the cost of winter gear for sports programs in five local elementary schools.
In addition, the Rotary Board, the Foundation Board and the Membership voted to approve a $10,000 grant to the Interfaith Council. This grant will assist the Interfaith Council with food outreach efforts.
The Board also approved a grant for $2,500 to Central Vermont Medical Center. This grant will be used to enhance the hospital loop trail.
The Board also approved a grant of $2,000 to Prevent Child Abuse Vermont. This grant will assist in supporting the Adult Training Programs.
Thank you, Roger Porter, for your work on these grants. You have a very important role and we appreciate all you do!
Volunteer opportunities
The annual Rise Against Hunger food packaging event is scheduled for Saturday, November 16 at Harwood Union High school. Please consider helping with this very important and so much fun event. Thank you Pete Colgan for once again taking a lead on this.
In addition on the same link, you can sign up to help with Community Pantry deliveries, thank you Doug Stoehr, and if you would like to be a Greeter, use that same link. Being a greeter is a fabulous way to say hello to folks you have not seen in a while and if you are new to MRV Rotary, a wonderful way to get acquainted. So many ways to get involved!
Dave Koepele is organizing the cubby build for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta to be held this Saturday, Oct. 19 at Karl Klein's work shop. No experience with wood working necessary. All are welcome. Work will be done indoors between 9 and 3 so weather is not a factor. Please contact Dave if you can help.
