Happy May Day, MRV Rotarians! I hope you have been basking in the beauty of the past three lovely, spring days. We can just forget about the 4th day and it's cold, snowy, rainy reminder of winter. Karl Klein and the gang of helpers who completed the fence at Neck of the Woods will probably not forget it, though, as they worked through the day with the reward of the photo above. Thank you to Kim Olds, Mike Bridgewater, Rob Ciapanelli, Kira Bacon, Mike Curtin, Dave Koepele, Charlie Kahle, Sean Sullivan, Howard Levin and Dave Ellison.
Speaking of May Day, not to be confused with MayDay, MayDay, MayDay, in case any of you would like a refresher on it's roots, click on the following link. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day
I found it fascinating to learn that there were a few interpretations of why May 1 is celebrated. My favorite is the beginning of spring time!
Moving on, our President, Mike Curtin, is probably celebrating as he has been thinking about his plans for the Changeover Dinner, the date when he gets to hand over the gavel to Susan Klein. By the way, SAVE THE DATE, Wednesday, June 18, for this annual dinner event. It will be held this year at the Pitcher Inn. Thank you, Jane Macan, for arranging this.
Grants Approved
A request for Central Vermont Adult Education for $1000 for their “access to education” fund, was approved. It will help cover the increase in GED examination costs.
Thank you, Roger Porter, Doug Stoehr and Shawn Sullivan for your work on grants.
Meet your Fellow Rotarians
Please welcome Rob Ciappanelli as our newest member. A bit about Rob.
He was born and raised outside of Boston. Graduated from UMASS Amherst and Harvard Business School. Poked around with carpentry while at school. Managed the daily school newspaper while at UMASS and built theater sets. When did he have time to study??!! Has worked at Arthur Anderson then transitioned to biotech consulting. He is fortunate to be married to Liz (I know her. He is fortunate! 😉) and they have 2 grown boys. Rob spent 20 years at Shire Pharmaceuticals in the rare diseases area and is now fortunate to be retired. Rob loves to ski, loves the Valley, is on the Board of Neck of the Woods and spends the summers on the Cape where he also helps to care for his parents. We are so lucky to have him a part of our Community! See photo below.
Upcoming Rotary meetings:
5/14, 7 a.m. Wednesday breakfast meeting at the Village Meeting House at the Waitsfield UCC.
5/21, 11:15 a.m., Lunch meeting at Lawson’s Finest Liquids taproom.
5/28, 7:30 a.m., Wednesday breakfast meeting at the Pitcher Inn. PLEASE NOTE THE SLIGHTLY LATER TIME.
A reminder to please sign up for breakfast meetings whether or not you will be eating.
Volunteer opportunities
In addition, you can always sign up to help with Community Pantry deliveries, thank you Doug Stoehr, or if you would like to be a Greeter, click on the following link https://mrvrotary.org/1451/Page/Show?ClassCode=Page&Slug=members-only. 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!
Dear Fellow MRV Rotarians, Dave Koepele and his merry band of member volunteers have removed the ice rink at Camp-Ta-Kum-Ta — so it must be spring!!! As we welcome the energy of May here in the Valley, I find myself filled with gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together this year. Our club continues to be a shining example of "Service Above Self," and each of you plays a vital role in that.
Meet Rob Ciappanelli. At last week's breakfast meeting, Rob shared a bit about himself. Story above.
A very merry band of MRV Rotarians offered their day to install cubbies for summer campers at Camp Te Kum Tah. They also took down the ice rink. Thank you to: Al Barillaro, Gary Plewak, Dave Ellison, Dave Mackie, Tom Emory, Karl Klein, Rob Ciappanelli, Howard Levin, Dave Koepele, Shawn Sullivan, Norm Rainville, Mike Bridgewater, Rob Grant, Damon Reed.
Fence work at Neck of the Woods done by Dave Koepele, Karl Klein and Howard Levin on the sunny Friday.
Kim Olds and Kira Bacon have some fun while working on fencing at Neck of the Woods on the sunny Friday while Rob C. and Mike B. look on.
Purple Trilliums are one of my favorite May 1 celebrations!
Thank you again for each and every effort you all make - no effort is too small - to make this beloved Valley the sweet place it is to call home.
