Happy September, Rotarians!  Even though it feels like mid July at least for another day or two, we can all celebrate the incredible success of our annual Duck Race!  Wow!  So many folks to thank for raising over $20,000 for our Valley, but I can start with Kim and Ben Olds, Emily Shea, Mike Curtin, Dara Torre. Everyone who sold tickets, schlepped tables in and out of storage, input data, helped with day-of events, those who collected ducks at the finish line THANK YOU! I suspect that at least half of our membership would be included in the effort. And it was so much fun! And the weather Gods blessed us. In addition, Kolleen and Bobby Kintz, photographed the festivities with camera and drone footage which was posted on Facebook and Instagram with the help of Samantha Ciccone. Winners are listed on our web site home page along with other local media. 

 

A big thank you also goes to Jane Macan for her efforts with the 2nd annual vonTrapp Garden tours fundraising. With the assistance of everyone who managed the entrance table for a shift or two, we raised just over $6,000 which will of course support our Valley. 

 

Now onto our work for the Restaurant Raffle since there is no rest for weary Rotarians. Watch for more info on this very soon.

 

At a recent  general membership meeting, those in attendance voted onto the Board Emily Shea and Dara Torre. We are thrilled to have them and look forward to their contributions and perspective.  Please remember that Board meetings are open to all members to attend. They are on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month and are a wonderful way for members to stay connected to all that is going on. A link to the Zoom should be on the calendar but if for some reason it is not, just reach out to a Board member who will send it to you. 

 

Thank you to Jane Macan and Emily Shea for their work on a last minute Back to School Backpack opportunity. Jane ordered 16 (?) completely filled with supplies packs and distributed them to needy families through the Community Pantry. The Board voted to plan to do this important effort again next year. 

 

New Rotary T-shirts and hats are in production as we speak as promised thanks to Rob Perry and Amy who now operate Shirt Happens. For those of you who ordered items from me, stay tuned as I will have them soon at a meeting.

 

 

Volunteer opportunities abound right now. Being a Greeter at a meeting is always a great way to meet people. Delivering food for the Community Pantry takes very little time and is so appreciated. . You can sign up for either of those by copying and pasting this link in your browser. https://www.mrvrotary.org/page/members-only.  Thanks as always to Doug Stoehr for leading this effort.

 

Below are some thank you notes from a few grateful grant recipients. There were too many to include so I apologize. 

I am truly enjoying writing these Newsletters so I thank you for the opportunity! Enjoy the seasons late corn and tomatoes and all the rest of the bounty!

 

Linda