Good Morning MRV Rotarians, friends, community members and supporters. Changeover Dinner has come and gone; local Strawberries are almost gone too (that was way too quick!); many hardworking volunteers are busy with last minute prep for the ever-exciting Warren 4th of July parade, von Trapp Garden days begin this weekend and the summer heat is on the way! What a special time this is!
Speaking of the Changeover Dinner, it was a very special event! Knoll Farm hosts, Helen Whybrow. Peter Forbes and amazing staff served up delicious food, Susan Klein passed the ceremonial gavel with grace and Mike Leichliter is ready (right Mike?) to take over the President role.
Mike Leichliter and Jane Macan want to share news about behind the scenes work they have been spending time on. They recently learned that the national Rotary Magazine will feature our club in an upcoming issue and highlight our von Trapp Gardens project. The magazine has assigned a writer and we have confirmed that Sally and Tobi and the family approve. This is the 5th year of this project and we are thrilled! More to come . . .
The Warren 4th of July Parade is justdays away and I hear that the official T-shirts are selling like the collector's items they are. Hats are almost sold out. You can still order your advance sale right here https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mad-river-valley-rotary-shop. If you are lucky, there might be some available at the parade.
Thanks as well to Rob Perry, co-owner of Shirt Happens, for his work on these and a huge thank you to all others for your commitment to this special day!
Scholarship Update
Scholarships have been awarded and the recipients will be joining us for the July 22 breakfast meeting.
Upcoming Rotary meetings
7/8, 7 a.m. Wednesday breakfast meeting under the tent at Toast and Eggs.
7/16, 5 p.m. Evening dinner meeting at American Flatbread. THIS IS a THURSDAY as are the dinner meetings in August and September.
7/22, 7 a.m. Wednesday breakfast meeting under the tent at Toast and Eggs.
A reminder to please sign up for breakfast meetings whether or not you will be eating. In addition, if you choose to not eat breakfast, please consider contributing $5 to help cover the cost of the venue. If this request in any way, reduces your ability to attend meetings, please reach out to Mike L. as we have a small fund to offer financial assistance for club activities for any member who requests it.
Volunteer opportunities
Ben Olds is the lead on the 4th of July Parade. Please reach out to him for where you can lend a hand.
von Trapp Garden Days looks to be filling up. The gardens will be open beginning Friday, July 3 and scheduled for 6 weekends throughout the summer through Labor Day.
OUTPOUR 26 is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at Mt. Ellen from 3 - 7 p.m. Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity will be the proceeds recipient. SAVE THE DATE.
Community Pantry delivery folks are always needed. Thank you, Doug Stoehr, for organizing. Click the link below to help. I hear that new members find this volunteer opportunity a wonderful way to jump into Rotary and gain insight into how Rotary works its magic. In addition, you will meet wonderful folks.
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.
As I write my first newsletter column as president, I find myself reflecting on a truly memorable Changeover Dinner. We not only celebrated the successful completion of another Rotary year and recognized Susan Klein's outstanding leadership, but we also marked the 50th anniversary of the Mad River Valley Rotary Club. It was a wonderful evening filled with friendship, gratitude, and optimism for the future, and I want to thank everyone who joined us for such a special occasion.
I'm also writing this just a few days before the annual Warren Fourth of July Parade. A sincere thank you to Ben Olds and everyone on his team for the many hours they have devoted to preparing for one of the Valley's signature events. It is another great example of Rotarians working together behind the scenes to make our community stronger.
My wife, Wendy, and I moved from Sherborn Mass to the Valley in 2015. We started coming to the Valley in 2002 when our son moved to the Valley after college. Our two children, Mark and Meg, along with their spouses and six children live in the Mad River Valley. When not taking care of my grandchildren I enjoy playing bridge and golfing. Wendy and I also lived in England for a year when the children were young. Living there sparked our yen for travelling around the world.
The below article was submitted to the Valley Reporter to celebrate our District Grants to Harwood Unified School District:
At Wednesday’s meeting of the Mad River Valley Rotary (MRVR), Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) teachers presented two of the programs that will be receiving Education Grants from Rotary’s Education Grant program.
Meet Ed McDonough, your fellow Rotarian, ex President and Board Member and ex Membership chair. He's done a lot and now chairs Central VT Habitat for Humanity!
Carol Brock, Honorary Member of MRTC, whose home club is Coral Gables, FL, was recently awarded the distinction of "Member of the Year" in recognition of her work as chair of the International Committee and the big fundraiser piano concert she organized. You go Carol! Looking forward to seeing you and Jasper at our meetings here!
Susan doesn't look too happy about giving up the gavel but I would guess that she is.
Karl is enjoying the show. 😀
Recently I was "gifted" a Rotary binder from Roger Porter that had been gifted to him from Bob Holden. It includes some special history and photos from 1986 - 1988, a very special time as women were first permitted to join. Stay tuned as I share some tokens from the binder next month.
Just one more colorful Valley event...... Banners on Bridge Street is happening right now! I recommend getting yourself down there and enjoying the beauty!
