Weekly Club Newsletter - 4/10/2013

Meeting Recap

Greetings fellow Rotarians!  Today’s speaker was Governor Peter Shumlin.  Governor Shumlin gave us an overview of the state of the economy in Vermont.  He reported that our state currently boasts the third lowest unemployment rate in the nation and that we were the only state in 2011 to witness an increase in average income per household.   Governor Shumlin indicated that much of his focus during this next term will be on education.  He emphasized the need to make post-secondary education more affordable for Vermonters and he expressed a willingness to work with the state universities in maintaining affordable in-state tuition prices.  Governor Shumlin also stressed that more resources need to be poured into early education and that we need to make sure that every high school student in Vermont is being equipped with basic foundations in algebra and geometry. He pointed out that these measures can be implemented without raising taxes but by spending the existing revenue with a greater degree of efficiency.   Governor Shumlin finished his talk by fielding questions on topics ranging from the new healthcare system to unemployment taxes.

Golf Tournament

The Golf Tournament will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at the Links at Lang Farm Golf Course in Essex.  This event is our biggest fundraiser, so it is important that all members pitch in to help out.  Every Rotarian is asked to bring at least one sponsor for the tournament and we would ask that all Rotarians participate on the day of the event by either playing in the tournament or by filling one of the many volunteer spots available.  Brochures for sponsors and players are now available on our website, however, you can also pick some up at our weekly meetings.

Committee Updates

Two of our charitable committees had announcements about their recent activities.  First, Edith Klimoski reported on behalf of the International Committee that our Club’s donation to an orphanage and school in Nepal was well-received. The money was used to purchase school supplies, books and other items for the children residing there.  Peter Lyon then indicated that the National Committee had completed the second of three deliveries of furniture to schools across the state.  Due to the generous donations of office furniture by IBM and financial support from our Club, several schools in Vermont will benefit from upgraded furniture for their classrooms. Both of these projects really demonstrate how much good our Club does and why it is important to raise as many funds as possible for our charities account.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  April 17, 2013 –  Dave Johnson will be discussing the Rotary Foundation. We will also be treated to a play performed by the Essex Rotary Players.  It should be entertaining!

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 check out our Club’s Facebook page!

Yours in Rotary,

Jason Ruwet