Chartered 1927
Weekly Club Bulletin

MEETING ATTENDEES

Members (11): Alan, Ashley, Deb, Ed G., Emma, Jeff, John, Michelle, Sue B, Sue P, Tom
Guests:  Waterbury Rotarian Jeff Smith, Logan Garrow, and Master Sgt. Travis Dennison (speaker)
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS 
 
• Penny Sale: Thank you Jeff Smith for his help. Raffle tickets and posters for the 2026 Penny Sale are available. Also, we are looking for folks to sponsor a stuffie for a prize. Check your email from Jeff for help that is needed. For more info, contact Jeff.
 
•We will be having a joint social meeting with the Charlestown Club in the evening on Thursday, October 1 at Fort #4 in Charlestown.  For more info, contact Jeff.
 
TREX PLASTIC CHALLENGE UPDATE
 
In the first two weeks of September, the Springfield Vermont Rotary Club collected 74 pounds of plastic film from the Springfield Town Library, 25 pounds of plastic film from Magee OfficeSolutions, 25 pounds of plastic film from  Springfield Food Coop, and 11 pounds of plastic film from Bibens Ace Hardware, for a total of 144 pounds of plastic film.
 
To date, 16,204 pounds of plastic film (over 8 tons or the equivalent of 12 dairy cows) have been removed from the waste stream since this project started 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
 
September 22
Emily Hallock
The Moover!
September 29
No regular club meeting
 
October 1
Evening Social with Charlestown Club
Fort #4
 
October 6
 Jon Megas-Russell
Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA)
 
October 13
TBD
 
NOTE: Programs are updated on the club website.
 
The next board meeting will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 6, 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

President Jeff welcomed all to the September 15, 2026 club meeting held at the Springfield Area Parent Child Training Center. For the thought of the day, he offered this quote attributed to Charles Chappell 

"Civilian in Peace, Soldier in War...of security and honor for three centuries I have been the custodian...I am the Guard!
 
At Concord's bridge, I fired the fateful shot heard 'round the world. I bled on Bunker Hill. My footprints marked the snows at Valley Forge. With Washington on the heights of Yorktown, I saw the sword surrendered... I am the Guard. These things I know - I was there! I saw both sides of the War Between the States - I was there! The hill at San Juan felt the fury of my charge; the far plains and mountains of the Philippines echoed to my shout. In France the dark forests of the Argonne blazed with my barrage; Chateau-Thierry crumbled to my cannonade. I am the Guard.
 
I bowed briefly on the grim road at Bataan. Through the jungles and on the beaches I fought the enemy... beat, battered, and broke him. I scrambled over Normandy's beaches - I was there! I flew MiG Alley to the Yalu - I am the Guard! I fought in the skies above Vietnam - I was there! In the skies and on the ground, I made the Arabian desert feel the fury of the storm. I am the Guard!
 
Civilian in peace, soldier in war... the stricken have known the comfort of my skill. I have faced forward to the tornado, the typhoon, and the horror of the hurricane and the flood. I saw the tall towers fall - I was there!
I am the Guard. For three centuries the custodian of security and honor, now and forever... I am the Guard."
 
HAPPY EVENTS: 

 

  • Jeff S: 23 years of marriage
  • Alan: today's speaker
  • Alan: upcoming Penny Sale
  • Emma: her children
  • Emma: attended Red Sox game and they won!
  • Tom: Trip to Poughkeepsie to see grandsons
  • Deb: Youngest grandchild baptized
  • Deb: Celebration of life for Robin
  • Deb: HB Energy installed switch
  • Ashley: Getting through a busy month
  • Ashley: Daughter's good start to 7th grade
  • Ashley: Turning 45
  • Ashley: Getting engaged
  • Sue P: DMV changed requirements so that her Mustang convertible passed inspection
  • Sue P: Daughter went to Build Fest
  • John S.: Having son in Air Force
  • John S: Today's speaker
  • John S: Sgt Dennison's help with his dog
  • Jeff M: Spent time with Lisa at beach
  • Jeff M: Saw a great play
  • Jeff M: Saw old college friend in NH
RAFFLE

 

The weekly prize of $23, as well as the big raffle prize of $358 was won by Tom who donated 1/2 back to the club and 1/2 to a scholarship.  We begin a new prize next week.

PROGRAM:

 
 
Master Sgt. Travis Dennison of the Vermont National Guard recently spoke to members of the Springfield Rotary Club, providing an inside look at the Guard’s mission, responsibilities and role in communities across Vermont and beyond.
 
During his presentation, Dennison discussed the dual mission of the Vermont National Guard: serving the state during emergencies while also supporting national defense. He explained how Guard members balance military service with their civilian careers and responsibilities in their local communities.
 
Dennison also highlighted the Guard’s role in responding to emergencies and natural disasters in Vermont. Guard members can be called upon to assist communities during floods, severe storms, and other emergencies, working alongside local, state and federal agencies.
 
The presentation also provided Rotarians with a better understanding of the training and preparation required of Guard members, as well as the opportunities available to Vermonters interested in military service.
 
The Springfield Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at noon at the SAPCC Workforce Development & Training Center. Guests are welcome to attend meetings and learn more about Rotary’s local and international service projects. For more information, visit https://springfieldvtrotary.org/
 
THANK YOU
 
 
Ed Grossman for taking notes from today's meeting. 
 
 
 

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...

 
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