Greetings Rotarians!  Today’s speaker was Imam Islam Hassan from the Islamic Society of Vermont (ISV).  The ISV was formed in 1999 as a community center for local Muslims to congregate and worship. The ISV has grown significantly and has since expanded its mission to include educating people about the Islamic faith.  While the Imam indicated that he faces many challenges in running an organization that caters to people from many different parts of the world who have different interpretations of the Koran, he has been pleased with how welcoming and accepting Vermonters have been to Muslims. Following the Imam’s talk, he opened the forum up to questions about the Society and Islam itself.  The theme that was touched upon by both the Imam and the members in attendance was that of tolerance and taking the opportunity to learn more about each other’s cultures and faiths can lead to stronger relationships between people from different backgrounds.  To learn more about the ISV, please visit its website at http://www.isvt.org/

 

 

            Thank you to all of the Rotarians who have signed up for shifts at the Corn Booth. There are, however, still 16 shifts that need to be filled. Family members and friends of Rotarians are also welcome to sign up for shifts.  You may sign up for shifts at meetings or online at: http://rotaryclubofessex.org/event/corn-booth-at-champlain-valley-fair/ Please contact Holly Lemieux or Ray Allaire with any questions you may have about this event.

 

 

            Bill Parmelee would like to organize a bicycle outing on Saturday, August 20^th.  He proposes that interested parties meet at Lost Nation Brewery off Old Creamery Road in Morrisville at 9 AM for lunch before embarking on a 15 mile round trip ride to Johnson and back.  The trip would be followed by an 11:30am lunch at the brewery.  Please let Bill know by August 14^th if you are interested in joining him for this trip.  Bill can be reached at wparmelee@gmail.com or at (603) 726-1242.

 

 

            The next opportunities to volunteer at the Heavenly Food Pantry will be on August 25^th and September 22^nd.  Please contact Sharon Dettenrieder if you would like to sign up for shifts.

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  August 10, 2016 – Our speakers will be Bryan Smith and Terri Sabens from Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

 

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