We have collected 1003 pounds of plastic film towards our goal of 1000 pounds. Therefore, the 15th bench will be ordered and given to Union Street School. We will begin collecting another 1000 pounds of plastic towards our 16th bench which will be donated to the Springfield Lions Club Dog Park. To date, 13,151 pounds of plastic film (over 6-1/2 tons!) have been removed from the waste stream since we started this project in February of 2023, delivered to Shaw’s Supermarket, and heading to Trex Company for recycling. Please continue to bring your plastic film to the Springfield Town Library. NOTE: We need volunteers to help sort the plastic at the Library. For more info, contact Alan.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
January 20, 2026
Mike Martin
Springfield Lions Club Dog Park
January 27, 2026
NO CLUB MEETING
NOTE: Programs are updated on the club website.
The next board meeting will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at Springfield Area Parent Child Training Center. Minutes of the board meetings can be found on the club website. All members are welcome to all board meetings, your input is valued, please come!
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
Club President Sue welcomed all to the Jan. 13, 2026 club meeting held at the Springfield Area Parent Child Training Center. For the thought of the day, she offered this quote attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, "Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least."
BOWL OF LIFE: (members put three things about themselves on paper and place into a bowl and then we try to identify the member)
This member's clue was: "I fell from a 50-foot ladder and am still here to talk about it" — No one fessed up.
Ashley: Co-worker is recovering from an emergency appendectomy
Ashley: Neighbor's out of the hospital so she doesn't have to care for orchids anymore
Deb: Payroll has been turned over to her accountant
Alan: The progress of Deb's brother
Alan: VRmont Studios arrival on Main Street
RAFFLE
The weekly prize of $4 was won by Ed M who gave it back to the club. The big raffle grows to $162.
PROGRAM:
Josie Michaud, Operations Manager for VRmont Studios at the Black River Innovation Center (BRIC) shared an inside look at Vermont’s growing media and innovation ecosystem.
Michaud spoke about VRmont Studios, a program of the Black River Innovation Center in Springfield, which provides professional video, audio, and digital media services while also serving as a training and workforce development initiative. Through hands-on learning and real-world projects, VRmont Studios helps participants develop technical skills, confidence, and pathways to employment in the creative and digital economy.
During her presentation, Michaud outlined the wide range of projects VRmont Studios undertakes, including video production, livestreaming, podcasts, promotional content, and event coverage for nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations across the region. She emphasized that the studio’s mission extends beyond production work to focus on mentorship, accessibility, and expanding opportunities for individuals who may face barriers to traditional employment.
Michaud also highlighted the broader role of the Black River Innovation Center as a community hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development. By combining professional-grade media production with education and support, VRmont Studios contributes to both individual career growth and the economic vitality of the region.
This bulletin 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...
