The Springfield Rotary Club recently presented its 15th recycled bench to Union Street Elementary School. Next in line for the program was the Springfield Lions Club Dog Park, Springfield VFW, and Elm Hill Elementary School.
We have learned that Trex has changed the incentives for program participation. Instead of earning a bench after collecting 1,000 pounds of plastic bags and films, organizations that collect 250 pounds in a three‑month period will be entered, along with 24 other groups, into a prize drawing. The program details are at www.nextrex.com/view/programs.
What this means for our community: after collecting the 1,000 pounds we expected would produce a bench, we received only four raffle entries for this quarter’s drawing. There is now no guarantee that the next organization in line – the Springfield Lions Club Dog Park – will get a recycled bench.
Although this change is disappointing, the motivation behind the effort remains environmental stewardship. Over the past three years, our program has removed more than 14,498 pounds (over 7 tons) of plastic film from the waste stream, and that positive impact should not be overlooked.
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
April 14, 2026
Matthew Garcia
Windsor County Mentors
April 21, 2026
Governor's Luncheon
Stay tuned for details
May 12, 2026
Kayla Bapp
SAPCC Diaper Bank
NOTE: Programs are updated on the club website.
The next board meeting will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 5, 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 Sue welcomed all to the Apr. 7, 2026 club meeting held at the Springfield Area Parent Child Training Center. For the thought of the day, she offered this quote attributed to Mark Twain:“In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours."
BOWL OF LIFE: (members put three things about themselves on paper and place into a bowl and then we try to identify the member).
"My first concert was a KISS concert without make up" - No one fessed up.
Sue: The community support at her brother Jason's fundraising
Sue: Jason moved his shoulder!
Sue: Senior Solutions was named one of the best places to work in VT - 11/41.
Sue: Dad is recovering in a rehab facility in AZ
Sue: Didn't have to cook Easter dinner
Bob: Ally is recovering at DHMC
Jeff: Roadtrip with Uncle Dave
Alan: Jason's progress and success of fundraiser
Ashley: Story about her daughter is still generating donations to Springfield Humane Society
Ashley: Many traveling basketball games with daughter
Ashley: Experiencing fast food restaurants with Marion
Deb: Son-in-law was able to celebrate Easter with family
Ed G: All good reports from his grandkids parent/teacher conferences
Carol: success of Jason's fundraiser
RAFFLE
The weekly prize of $4 was won by Jeff who gave it back to club. The big raffle grows to $204 and only 15 cards left.
PROGRAM:
Bob Flint, Executive Director of the Springfield Regional Development Corporation (SRDC), delivered a comprehensive update on current and upcoming economic development initiatives.
Flint outlined SRDC’s ongoing efforts to support business growth, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements in Springfield and the surrounding region.
Flint highlighted several key projects, including initiatives aimed at revitalizing underutilized properties, attracting new employers, and supporting existing local businesses. He emphasized SRDC’s role in facilitating partnerships between public and private sectors to strengthen the regional economy.
“Our focus is on creating sustainable economic opportunities that benefit the entire community,” said Flint. “We’re seeing positive momentum across multiple fronts, from small business expansion to larger-scale development projects.”
The presentation also touched on challenges facing the region, including workforce shortages and housing availability, while underscoring SRDC’s commitment to addressing these issues through strategic planning and collaboration.
The Springfield Rotary Club is part of a global network of Rotary clubs dedicated to community service and civic leadership. The Springfield Rotary Club meets every Tuesday, at 12 p.m., at the SAPCC Workforce Development & Training Center. For more information, click here.
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...
