Greetings Rotarians!  We started today’s meeting by inducting Kevin Decausemacker as our newest member. If you haven’t done so already, please introduce yourself to Kevin and make him feel welcome.   We then heard from Liam Kenney, a junior at Essex High School who spoke to us about his experience at the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA). He discussed how the experience gave him new perspective on leadership and the different ways of becoming a more effective leader.  Amy Jackman presented a RYLA certificate to Liam at the end of his talk.  Our speaker today was Tom Leavitt, President of Northfield Savings Bank. Tom discussed how the banking industry is changing and how his bank has remained a community bank with Vermont roots. Northfield Savings Bank is looking to add one more facility in Chittenden County which will give it a total of 14 locations in Vermont.

 

 

            Our Club’s Annual Meeting will be held on December 14^th. At that time we will be holding our annual election for board of director positions.  The 2017-2018 spots for President Elect and Treasurer are currently open, so members are encouraged to run for either of those offices. Members who are elected will begin their terms on July 1, 2017. 

 

 

 

            The annual Senior Holiday Luncheon is scheduled for December 7^th.  We are looking for items to be donated for the goodie bags that we will be delivering to the seniors at this event. Please contact Trish Porter if you are interested in assisting with this project or if you have any goodie bag items you are able to donate. 

 

 

            Our Club has committed to fill bell ringing slots for the Salvation Army on Friday, December 9^th and Saturday, December 10^th. A sign- up sheet will be available at future meetings, but you can also sign up online at:

 

 

            The next opportunities to volunteer at the Heavenly Food Pantry will be on Thursday, November 17^th and on Thursday, December 15^th.  Please contact Sharon Dettenrieder if you would like to sign up for shifts.

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  November 9, 2016 – In addition to being the post-election hangover meeting, Peter Lyon and Michelle LeBlanc will be on hand to conduct a graduation ceremony honoring the most recent candidate from the Vermont Paws service dog program.

 

For the complete list of upcoming speakers and 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/EssexVermontRotary

 

       Yours in Rotary,

 

Jason Ruwet