Greetings Rotarians! Today we enjoyed an “off-site” meeting at the new Essex police station!

Chief LaRose graciously gave us a guided tour of the new facility.  We also announced the results of the election for the Board of Directors for the Club and for the Charities arm of the Club.  Our officers for the 2015-2016 Rotary Year will be Nancy Freeze as President; Heidi Brosseau as President-Elect; Sharon Dettenrieder as Vice-President; Jean Ashe as Secretary; Kristin Winer as Treasurer; Andy Love as Sergeant-at-Arms; Damon Clark, Mike LeBoeuf and Brad LaRose as Members-at-Large; and Phil Murdock as Immediate Past President.  Thank you very much to the aforementioned Rotarians for stepping up to lead our Club in the next Rotary year!  Our speaker today was Martha Maksym from the Burlington chapter of the United Way.  Martha spoke at length about her organization’s efforts to enhance educational opportunities for young students in Vermont.  She discussed some recent proposals that have been set forth by the Education Quality Task Force that was put together by the Vermont Department of Education.  These proposals focus on improving learning design, learning proficiencies and development of growth indicators in the public education system.  Using these guidelines, the United Way has developed a program that encourages parents to read to their children at an early age.  Following Mrs. Marksym’s talk, Literacy Committee Chair, Penny Pillsbury presented a check to the United Way for $3,000.00 to assist its reading program.

 

 

            For the past year, we have been cheerfully served by Katie at The Essex.  Her bright demeanor and ever-present smile have made our lunches at The Essex that much more enjoyable.  As a thank you for her hard work and great service, Dave Johnson is taking up a collection from members for the purpose of buying her a nice gift.  Please consider donating $5.00 to this cause so we can properly express our gratitude to Katie!

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  Wednesday, December 17, 2014 – We will be holding our annual holiday luncheon that day.  Once again, we will be treated to a performance by the Essex High School Choir.  You are encouraged to bring spouses and family members to this event but ask that you please RSVP with the number of additional guests you intend to bring so The Essex can adequately prepare for our crowd. Just as a reminder, this will be our LAST meeting of 2014!

 

For the complete list of upcoming speakers and general information about the Club, please go to our website at www.essexrotary.org   Be sure to also visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotary-Club-of-Essex-Vermont/102267529834020

 

       Yours in Rotary,

 

Jason Ruwet