Greetings fellow Rotarians!  Several Rotarians and community members braved the elements to attend our annual Service Above Self Dinner. This was our Club’s opportunity to recognize the recipient of the annual Service Above Self Award as well four of our community’s first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.  Duncan Higgins, an advanced EMT was recognized for putting in over 15,000 hours of service to the community.  He has also served on the Essex Rescue Squad Board.  The Essex Fire Department recognized Daniel McCaig for the role he played in rescuing a local woman during a fire in April of 2015.  In addition to this heroic act, Daniel has served as a mentor and role model for new recruits.  The Essex Police Department honored Lt. Robert Kissinger for his years of exemplary service to the community. In addition to his role as the first-line supervisor for the patrol division, Lt. Kissinger serves in many other capacities including the department’s field training program supervisor and as a firearms instructor.  The Essex Town Fire Department recognized Larry Ransom for his 40 years of service in Essex.  Larry served in a variety of ways during his tenure including the rank of chief from 1993 through 1995.  Last, but not least, we recognized our own Greg Morgan as this year’s recipient of the Service Above Self Award.  Through his work with the Essex Economic Development Commission and Excelerate Essex, Greg has been tireless in his efforts at making our community a vibrant place to live and work.  In recognition of Greg’s dedication to the community, the Club donated a Paul Harris Fellowship in his name.  Congratulations to Greg and all of the first responders who were honored at this event!

 

 

            Just as a reminder, the Vermont Rotary All-Star Hockey Classic will be held on Saturday, March 25^th at the Essex Skating Facility. This is our Club’s second largest fundraiser, so we will need everyone to help in securing sponsors and to volunteer on game day. You may sign up to volunteer for shifts online at:

 

 

 

            The next opportunities to volunteer at the Heavenly Food Pantry will be on February 23^rd and March 23rd.  Please contact Sharon Dettenrieder if you would like to sign up for shifts.

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  February 22, 2017 – We will be holding our monthly committee meetings.

 

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