Greetings fellow Rotarians! Today’s speaker was Pam McCarthy, who is the CEO of the Vermont Family Network (VFN).  VFN is an organization that provides support and services to children with special needs and their families.  These services range from guiding families through the diagnosis stage between the ages of birth and three years old to helping those with special needs transition into adulthood.  While much of the focus is on supporting families in our state, VFN has also developed Puppets in Education, which is a program designed to teach the values of empathy and inclusivity amongst school children.  This is accomplished by performing shows with life-sized puppets at schools. The Puppets in Education program has traveled as far as South Carolina to perform shows. VFN is a non-profit organization and relies heavily upon the generous donations from supporters across the state.  For more information about VFN, please visit its website at: https://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/

            If you haven’t done so already, please sign up for our annual “Changeover” Picnic which is scheduled for 5:30pm on June 26^th at Maple Street Park in Essex Junction. In addition to thanking President Andy Love and his team, the club will welcome incoming President Heidi Brosseau and her team of directors. and we will recognize the Rotarian of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Unsung Hero and President’s Award recipient. Delicious food will once again be provided by Rick’s Catering, a long-time friend of the club who also caters the Golf Tournament Dinner. The cost is $20 per person. Please note that once you sign up to come to the picnic, you will be billed through ClubRunner, regardless of whether you attend.

            We are looking for volunteers to help staff the Heavenly Pantry Food Shelf on the following dates: Thursday, June 27^th (3:30pm); Monday, July 8th (5:15pm); Thursday, July 25^th (3:30pm); Monday, August 12^th (5:15pm); Thursday, August 22^nd (3:30pm); Monday, September 9^th (5:15pm); and Thursday, September 26^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, June 26, 2019 – We will be holding our annual Changeover BBQ at 5:30pm at Maple Street Park. This event will be held in lieu of our regularly scheduled meeting that day.

 

For the complete list of upcoming speakers and information about the Club, please go to our website at rotaryclubofessex.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