Greetings fellow Rotarians! Today we hosted the second round of the District 7850 Speech Contest.  The contestants were Stella Murdock from Colchester; Caleb Smith from Cambridge; and Fatima Khan from Essex.  Each contestant delivered a speech that discussed the ways service above self can inspire others.  All three of these young adults did an amazing job, but Fatima Khan emerged as the winner.  In addition to winning $150.00, Fatima will become the first Essex student to participate in the third round of the contest. That round will be held at the District Assembly in Lyndonville on April 13^th.  We also heard an introductory talk from Ted Seissen, who is one of our newer members. Prior to moving to Vermont, Ted worked as a special educator in the Atlanta school district for 30 years.  In addition to being a Rotarian, Ted has been actively involved with the Boy Scouts for over 30 years.  Ted told us that he is also a proud “Dead Head” who has attended 54 Grateful Dead shows. Thank you, Ted for giving our Club the opportunity to learn more about you!

 

            Our Club will be putting on the annual Rotary All-Star Hockey Classic at the Essex Skating Facility on Saturday, March 23^rd.  The event features a women’s game and a men’s game, both of which feature the best high school seniors in Vermont.  There are still opportunities to volunteer at this event and to donate baked goods that will be sold at the concession stand.  Please contact Jeff Cabanaw at Tarrisonus@comcast.net if you would like to help!

 

            If you are a newer member who is looking to join a charitable committee, or if you are an established member who is looking to join a new committee, then you should consider joining the International Committee.  This committee is looking to add some new members who are interested in finding ways to support charitable projects across the globe.  Please contact Committee Chair, Tim Shea at TShea@cvexpo.org if you would like to be a part of this committee!

 

            The Public Relations committee is looking for a shutterbug who would be willing to assist with taking pictures at our meetings and events.  If you are good with a camera and would like to help out with this job, please contact Pat Spielman at pspielman5465@gmail.com

 

            We are looking for volunteers to help staff the Heavenly Pantry Food Shelf on the following dates: Thursday, March 28^th (3:30pm); Monday, April 8^th (5:00pm); and Thursday, April 25^th (3:30pm). Please contact Sharon Dettenrieder at sharon.dettenrieder@gmail.com if you are able to fill any of these shifts.

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  Wednesday, March 20, 2019 – Our speaker will be Alyssa Black, who is an advocate for a mandatory waiting period for the purchase of firearms.

 

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