Greetings Rotarians! Our speaker today was Gail Stevenson, Executive Director of the Vermont Council on World Affairs (VCWA).  The mission of this non-profit organization is to promote awareness and understanding of the world and its people, places and cultures through education and engagement.  Throughout the year, the VCWA hosts a variety of local events ranging from educational seminars to speeches from prominent figures in the international community.  They also host community dinners in an effort to encourage fellowship amongst individuals who have settled in our area from different parts of the globe. One of the more exciting opportunities that is offered by VCWA is its travel program.  This coming March, VCWA and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce will be coordinating a week-long trip to China.  Attendees will enjoy guided tours and stays at 5 star hotels in four different cities in China.  Dr. Stevenson concluded her talk by fielding questions about topics ranging from travel destinations to the local controversy involving Sneakers restaurant in Winooski.  For more information about this organization, please visit http://www.vermont.org/vcwa

 

 

            Are you missing a pin?  Is your badge broken?  Do you need a new pair of Rotary boxer shorts?  Does your Rotary brandy snifter have a crack in it? If the answers to any of these questions are yes, then have no fear! Betty Poulin is putting in an order for supplies this coming Friday.  Please let Betty know before then if you need to have any supplies or Rotary apparel included in her order.

 

 

            This month’s theme is “New Generations Month”. One of the keys to building Rotary and keeping it strong is to encourage our younger generations to get involved with our Clubs at an early age.  That is why Rotary promotes programs like the Rotary Exchange, RYLA and Rotaract.  Each of these programs serves as means of not only connecting young adults with Rotary, but with their communities in general.  As a Club, we strive to connect with the young adults in our community by sponsoring them as Rotary Exchange students and by sending them to RYLA conferences.  We also plant the Rotary seed by granting scholarships to local high school students each year.

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  Wednesday, September 17, 2014 – Our speaker will be John Pelletier from the Champlain College Center for Financial Literacy.

 

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