President George Weir welcomed all to the July 13th meeting of the Brattleboro Rotary Club held at the American Legion in Brattleboro. ED NOTE: President George still needs to work on his bell ringing skills.Rich Carroll offered a meaningful invocation. This was followed by the pledge of allegiance. Birthday greetings were extended to George Weir and Robin Sweetapple.
As a luncheon of chicken, pork, chick peas with carrots, pasta salad, salad, sticky rice, broccoli, rolls and strawberry shortcake for dessert was being digested, the meeting continued.
Guests: Lenny Peridono (sp? – new associate with Jerry Theberge)
TRIVIA QUESTION
What is Bastille Day and why is it a national holiday in France?
(answer below)
JOKE / SONG OF THE WEEK
For our Rotary joke, Marty Cohn told the following:
In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderly woman to the stand. He approached her and asked: "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?"
She responded: "Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a boy, and frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you’re a big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you'll never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you."
The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked: "Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?"
She again replied: "Why yes, I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can’t build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him".
The defense attorney nearly died.
The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench, and, in a very quiet voice, said:
"If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I'll send you both to the electric chair."
ROTARY MINUTE
For our Rotary minute, Carl Lynde reminded us that two years ago he had an idea for the club to build a train structure at Living Memorial Park. It became a reality and its enjoyed by children visiting LMP. Now, he is asking for new ideas for structures to be built (eg. two more trains, a pirate ship, etc.).
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At our July 20th meeting, Dana Lewis will tell a joke or lead us in song, while Rick Manson delivers a Rotary Minute.
NOTE: Weekly assignments are posted on club website.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
07/20 – Club Assembly – 2017-18 budget & what’s in store for Club and Community Service.
07/27 – Chris Wocell presents: Jim Verzino, Windham Grows
08/03 – Mara Williams presents: Drew Hazelton, Rescue Diving and Searching
08/10 – TBA
NOTE: 2017-18 Weekly assignments (program, joke, and Rotary minute) are posted on club’s website.
FINES
There were no fines today ;-(
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gateway Foundation Board and Rotarians for Rotarians Committee will be meeting today, following regular club meeting.
Thank you note received from former student Rotarian Rebecca Gringeri for her Gateway scholarship that she will use to Hampton College.
Gateway Scholarship recipients have been invited to July 13th club meeting.
American Legion servers, Maureen and Ginny, were acknowledged for wearing “Brattleboro on Wheels” tee shirts.
BRAGS
Al Jerard – for his physician assistant son Paul being appointed medical staff to Juneau Icefield Research Program
Al Jerard – for daughter Emily being appointed a support educator at Academy School.
Linda Dierks – for Roger Allbee asking her to present a workshop, “Health and Happiness”
Chris Hart – for being asked to be a tester for “Beggin Strips” as a result of her “begging” for golf bowls at tournament.
Dave Twombly – for the Youth Services Golf Tournament on July 26.
Steve Gordon – for Cathy Coonan’s leadership on the golf committee.
Steve Gordon – for his eight days of golfing in Scotland.
George Anthes – for the club’s ability to stand up for ideals and kindness as investigations continue in Washington, D.C.
Cheri Ann Brodhurst – in memory of Ray Brown and his leadership on the American Legion Band.
PROGRAM:
Bill Vermouth presented fellow Rotarian Milt Eaton who talked about the recent EIA Energy Conference. For more info, click here.
REMINDERS
Bottles and cans can be brought to Putney Road redemption center to benefit Pure Water for the World.Please see Mara Williams.
It's a new year... If you like this newsletter, brag at next Club meeting.
This bulletin was respectfully submitted by Past President Martin Cohn who attempts to give a gist of the meeting. However, it is always better to attend. If you have any complaints about the contents of this bulletin....
ANSWER TO TRIVIA QUESTION
France has a national holiday every year on 14 July to celebrate a mob breaking into a 18th century Parisian prison. Akin to the United State's 4th of July, the date marks the beginning of republican democracy and the end of tyrannical rule.
