Rotary Meeting of November 1, 2017
Location: Trinity Church Community Room, Shelburne, Vermont
7:30 President Erik Kolomaznik called meeting to order and led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance
Kris Engstrom offered a moment of reflection.
President Erik Kolomaznik introduced our Guest Speaker Katie Mobley from Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Barbara Ann Komons-Montroll who is also presenting some information about the new Champlain Valley School District. Other guests were Margo Casco, a potential member, and Doris Sage, a former member.
Upcoming Events:
11/8 Michael Metz, Board Member, Generator Makerspace
11/15 Classification Talk
11/21 Board Meeting
11/22 No Meeting – Thanksgiving
11/29 Lara Keenan, Lara’s Astonishing New Adventure
12/6 Carrie Fenn, Renewable Energy 101
12/13 Heather Lynch Classification Talk
12/20 Club Christmas Meeting – bring Hands to Honduras donations
12/27 NO MEETING! CHRISTMAS BREAK
NEW MEMBER PROPOSAL: Linda Barker proposed Margo Casco as a new member.
Current Business:
Halloween Parade: Richard Fox reported that the parade was a great success. The rain held off. Floats did pull out, but the contribution of the Fire Department and others made up for it. Richard is looking for more feedback on how to make this event even more successful especially as a Rotary event. Next year’s Halloween Parade is October 28, 2018. The BIG need is PR so let Richard know if you can help!
Thanksgiving Turkeys: Tod Whitaker reported that all 3 towns will have the number of turkeys needed for all families in need of help.
World Series Pool: Gaming Commissioner Alan announced that George Schiavone, Jr. won the $190 prize so far, Game 7 is tonight. 2nd place is still up in the air.
Shelburne Players: Linda Gilbert announced that “I Hate Hamlet” will be presented starting on Nov. 11. Our club is a sponsor. Please buy tickets to this wonderful show!
District 7850 Training: Richard Fox reminded members of the upcoming District Training on Nov. 11 from 8:30 to 2 at Lyndon State College. Not only will there be recertification workshops for grants, but President-Elects can get training. Linda Gilbert will attend the grant training to ensure that our club will qualify for Hands to Honduras.
Meals on Wheels: Judith Christensen reported that the current situation may be changing so that the current provider of the meals for Burlington, South Burlington and other communities including Shelburne and Charlotte cannot be served. There seems to be a push to consolidate meal preparation resources. The current provider cannot expand. Joan Lenes has been our leader on this important community service project.
President Erik introduced Barbara Ann Komons-Montroll from the Champlain Valley School District. She stated that she asked for time on our agenda to introduce the new consolidated school board for Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Williston, St. George and CVY High School. She announced a Community Budget Forum from 6 to 7:30 at CVU High School. Child care is available. The new consolidated board is encouraging community involvement in the new school district.
Sergeant-At-Arms: Ric Flood filled the room with much laughter and good will. The pot was $465. Judy had the winning number, but did not draw the joker. Rollover!
Happy Fines:
Tod Whitaker: Summer seems to be over…transitioning to fall!
Alan Hathaway: Just happy!
John Dupee: Swimming with granddaughters
Joan Lenes: Beautiful sunrise!
Barbara Comeau: Great Halloween Parade
Susan Grimes: Beautiful sunrise
Sally Wadhams: Halloween Parade was a success
Erik Kolomaznik: 11th wedding anniversary and trick or treating
Alan Bates: Beautiful sunrise over Camel’s Hump
George Schiavone: Happy with pool winnings
Richard Fox: Great Halloween Parade and loved his 2 daughters trick or Treat costumes: Nancy Drew and Snoopy
John Hammer: Fantastic trip to San Francisco. Fun time riding with Barb Comeau’s daughter and her friend in the Halloween Parade
Linda Barker: Terrific food team at the parade
Margo Casco: Loved the evening handing out candy with my dad
Kris Engstrom: 2 new kittens at the shop
Keith Walsh: Thanks to Richard for a great parade
Ric Flood: Happy to be back and have Megan home for a few days
Sam Feitelberg: Debbie is great
Jon Lowell: Had 12 trick or treaters for Halloween. Used to have over 300 in Malone!
Judy Christensen: Glad to be back after a few weeks away
Bob Manchester: Celebrating 73 year birthday today!
GUEST SPEAKER Katie Mobley from Community College of Vermont
I’m here to reveal the best kept secret in higher education in Vermont – CCV.
Part of Vermont State College System
12 locations: ENROLLMENTS: LARGEST is Winooski at 2,000. SMALLEST is Middlebury at 250. St. Albans has about 500.
TOTAL # OF COURSES PER SEMESTER: 2,000
A third of all classes are online
15 Associate Degrees, several Certificates and many Bachelors Degree opportunities
Lots of individual attention – largest class has 20 students
6.000 students statewide ranging in age from 15 to 72
83% are part-time students (2 to 3 courses)
63% are first generation
Vermont has the highest High School graduation rate BUT 40% do NOT go on to college
Winooski Center: 20% are students of color – the highest percentage in Vermont
95% of all students statewide are Vermonters
High School Dual Enrollment Program: can get college credit while in high school in up to 2 courses. 16% of Vermont high school students enrolled in this program.
Career Certifications: A response to the needs of the business community. Example: Bookkeeping.
Katie handed out a nice summary of CCV accomplishments. Clearly this is an important post- secondary education program in Vermont.
Meeting adjourned: 8:30 AM
Respectfully submitted, Judith Christensen