Greetings fellow Rotarians!  Today we welcomed Lindsay Going-Swaim, Sue Minter, Adam Minter and Josh Langevin who were on hand to discuss “Partners in Adventure”.  This program was designed to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to partake in exciting activities at a summer camp setting.  In the past year, this organization provided camp experiences to over 800 individuals.  Since its inception, the program has expanded its mission to help provide meaningful job opportunities for its participants once they are able to enter the work force.  Lindsay explained that one of the ways they help finance this program is through the production and sale of homemade granola through their “Adventures in Granola” initiative.  In addition to raising money for their camps, this effort also gives adults with disabilities meaningful work. Lindsay closed her talk with questions and some heart-warming stories about individuals like Adam Minter who have benefitted from Partners in Adventure.  For more information about this organization, please visit its website at: http://www.partnersinadventure.org/

 

 

            We are just a few months away from the big event, but there is still a lot of work to be done!  We are asking all Rotarians to find at least one cart sponsor for this event.  If you are having trouble identifying potential sponsors, please contact Dave Johnson and he will provide you with names of potential sponsors.  Nancy Freeze will also be circulating a sign-up sheet for volunteers for this event in the next few weeks.  Remember, this is our Club’s biggest fundraiser and we need every Rotarian to pitch in on making it a success!

 

 

            Our Changeover Barbeque has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 28^th.  During that event, we will be handing out awards for Rookie of the Year; Rotarian of the Year; Unsung Hero of the Year; and the President’s Award.  The Club is currently seeking nominations for the first three awards.  Please get your nominations in to Sharon Dettenrieder by May 2^nd.

 

 

            Thank you to the 12 Rotarians who volunteered at the Essex High School Community Service Dinner last week.  This was a great opportunity to recognize several Essex High School seniors who have exemplified the motto of “Service Above Self” throughout their high school careers. A special thank you goes out to Amy Jackman for spearheading our Club’s involvement with this great event.

 

            Thank you to everyone who signed up to volunteer at the Heavenly Pantry Food Shelf on April 27^th. The next opportunities to volunteer will be May 25^th and June 22nd.  Please contact Sharon Dettenrieder if you would like to sign up for shifts.

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  April 19, 2017 – Our speaker will be Governor Phil Scott. We are expecting a large crowd for this event, so if you haven’t done so already, please let Sharon Dettenrieder know asap if you plan on attending so we can give The Essex a relatively accurate headcount ahead of time.

 

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 follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EssexVermontRotary , on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/essexvermontrotary/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/essex_rotary

 

 

       Yours in Rotary,

 

Jason Ruwet