Greetings Rotarians!  Today we joined forces with the Knights of Columbus to put on the annual Senior Luncheon at the Champlain Valley Exposition.  Close to 220 seniors were on hand to enjoy some great food and an amazing musical performance by the Albert D. Lawton Middle School choir. Thank you to all of the Rotarians who assisted in putting together goodie bags and delivering them to the seniors and to all of the Rotarians who assisted in serving food and helping with the clean-up.  We’d also like to thank Tim Shea and his staff at the Champlain Valley Exposition for graciously hosting this event.  Last, but not least, thank you to Trish Porter for spearheading what is one of our largest and most successful service projects.

 

 

            The Rotary International theme for the month of December is Family Month. As we approach the holidays, we should not only remember the importance of our families in our daily lives, but we should think about those who may not be fortunate enough to be surrounded by their own families.  Through projects like the annual Senior Luncheon, we can help bring some cheer to individuals who may not be surrounded by family on a daily basis.  We should also give thought to families that may be enduring some difficult times this season. One of the best ways of supporting families in need is through our service to the community. By volunteering at the Food Pantry and by ringing bells for the Salvation Army this weekend, we are all doing our part to make things easier for many families in the area.

 

 

            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. We are pleased to report that we now have candidates for every open position! Members who are elected will begin their terms on July 1, 2017. 

 

 

 

            There are still open bell-ringing shifts on both Friday, December 9^th and Saturday, December 10^th. You may sign up for shifts online at: https://admin.clubrunner.ca/1437/Volunteer/ManageVolunteerContacts?VolunteerSignUpId=a677549a-1165-4d4d-ac42-4619f47588e1

 

 

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

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  December 14, 2016 – In addition to our annual meeting, the Essex High School Chamber Choir will be on hand to enthrall us with some sounds of the season.  This will also be the last meeting of 2016!

 

 

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