At the snowy November 13 meeting, a furry, but smiling under that, Ed Murphy receives a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club banner, on behalf of the crew from District Governor Larry Vars. (Banner originally awarded at the District Conference November 1, 2018 -- but ceremony kept on ice until this day.)

With 165 Paul Harris Fellows, including every active member of the Club, Burlington becomes one of the first in District 7850, and in all of Vermont to attain that level of historic commitment to the Rotary Foundation, of Rotary International.

Ben Bosley - Mediation and "Rotary Peace"

Posted by Ed Murphy Reporting on Nov 27, 2018

Ben Bosley - of Pinnacle Resolutions (Mediation in the work place)

Ben, in his disarmingly mellow sweater, was our guest to present his business. Which along with his introduction brought the news that he is affiliated with Mediators Beyond Boarders (MBBI). They have partnered with Rotary International connecting Rotary Peace Fellows, Rotarians, like us and perhaps our new Rotaractors in establishing mentoring , dispute resolution and the promotion of peace. OK, so now our ears perked up!

District Governor Bears Gifts, Message!!!

Posted on Nov 13, 2018

We finally got our schedule set and were visited by District 7850 Governor Larry Vars. The Burlington Club got in there as his 41st of the 41 clubs in the District to be honored by he, and his wife, Joan.

Along with the 2018-19 Banner, "BE THE INSPIRATION" neckties (what are those?) were handed out to President Joe and key officers who would dare to wear them. (Actually they're pretty sharp with Rotary Blue.)

Multi-Club Meet-up Presents Grant to the "Y"

Posted by Ed Murphy, reporting on Nov 01, 2018

Pres. Joe Gaida (r), District Gov. Vars (3r), with presidents and officers of the cooperating clubs, present the joint and matching grant check to beaming, and bow-tied Burlington YMCA Executive Dir. Kyle Dodson only hours before the "Ground Breaking" of the new facility on College Street.

(Below) Burlington Rotarians Sarah Sprayregan (UVM Foundation, c) and Ute Regan (3l ) chat with members of the Sunrise,South Burlington, Essex and Col-Milton Clubs prior to the joint meeting. (Which was great.)

"H2H" Grant Transferred Today!

Posted on Oct 31, 2018

Dave and Fran Mount dropped by the Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Club. And with CSH club President Eric Kolomaznik looking on, we presented our $4,000 check to our regional "Hands to Honduras" coordinator furthering Burlington's commitment to getting teams on site for continued construction and operations.

For more, see our September 25 posting!

Club Cooperation = IMPACT!

Posted by Ed Murphy, reporting on Oct 09, 2018

Chip in $1,000.00 of Burlington Rotary's Foundation money-- nice. Add $1,000.00 each from our fellow Clubs in Burlington, South Burlington, and other Rotary's in our Mini-District--Well, that's great! But when our good friends at the South Burlington Rotary Club get this matched with a District Grant...

NOW THAT'S $9,000.00+ OF IMPACT.

Members of our Club, and others, will join together at the South Burlington Club Thursday, November 1 at 7:30 AM for the presentation.

We're keeping our new "Y" in downtown Burlington!

Burlington Rotary Grants $4,000.00 to "Hands to Honduras"

Posted by Ed Murphy, reporting on Sep 25, 2018

That's Right - Once Again! Burlington Rotary has continued its multi-year commitment to materially fund the "Hands to Honduras" project, with February, 2019 funding, and person-power. As evidenced below, a recent team with many Rotarians, including Burlington Rotarian David Mount (Recent owner of Westaff Employment, top 3rd from r.) and his wife Fran, (top 7th from r.) put real people on-site in order to continue to improve lives in the Tela, Honduras region.

Restoring "Incremental" Control to Downtown Businesses

Posted by Ed Murphy on Oct 09, 2018

After introduction by President Joe Gaida (r), Burlington Rotarian Springer Harris (Teucrium Trading, LLC) presented a targeted appeal to review the current state of Burlington's Downtown Business District, and to consider the options for change, including the return of more control of incremental funding -- and decision-making -- to the actual businesses operating in the District.

Has so much control passed to City government that its businesses haven't gotten their money's worth? Can more say in the spending improve what the downtown looks like? Many say - YES!

UVM Head Coach John Becker

Posted on Sep 25, 2018

The excitement begins...

Jeff Mongeon "DealerPolicy"

Posted on Sep 11, 2018

An innovative way to buy a car -

and insure it at the same time?

"Learning. Living. Giving. Engaging."

Posted on Aug 28, 2018

We welcome

Perry LaRoque, Ph.D.

Founder and President of Mansfield Hall, who spoke on its mission - "Empowering Students for Life." See the story!

We're Going to the Game Folks!

Posted on Jul 24, 2018

We're having FUN - AND Fighting Polio!

Jesse Beck - 2018 Burlington Rotarian of the Year

Posted on Jul 01, 2018

Jesse Beck of Freeman/French/Freeman

BREAKING NEWS! New Meeting Times - New Attitude

Posted on Jul 01, 2018

AFTER 95 Years (roughly), Burlington Rotary now meets every...

2ND and 4TH Tuesday Morning of Each Month

Call to Order: 7:30 A.M. / Adjourn: 8:30 A.M.

First Morning Meeting: Tuesday July 10, 2018

It is now the goal of the Club to gather twice for "classic" meetings and then add one service project (or fun fellowship) date each month. Our Club calendar will soon be updated for scheduled events.

--Worldwide 2018-2019 Theme--

Ute Regan in Toronto For Rotary International Convention

Posted on Jun 25, 2018

A picture of the opening moments of the AMAZING 2018 Rotary International Convention in Toronto Canada! Taken by our on-the-scene member/reporter Ute Regan. We await her full report when she gets back to Town!

Thanks President Peter!

Posted on Jun 18, 2018

At a well-attended meeting for 2018, our Strategic Director Tim Cope "retires the gavel" to outgoing President (and incoming Treasurer) Peter Jones, after a tumultuous and hard-fought term. His work is MUCH appreciated and we Burlington Rotarians all know the time Peter invested to keep the Club on an even keel, and advocating a new active service outlook as we now move into our new Rotary regimen for 2018-19!

2017 Bell Ringing

Posted on Dec 09, 2017

Jack Lindley (State Farm) and Ed Murphy (CPA A.M.Peisch) man one of the many Burlington Rotary shifts for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing project. The season was warm... and so was the giving attitude of our community!

VT SKI + RIDE EXPO GOES DOWNTOWN

Posted on Aug 10, 2017

Winter Starts on October 7. Expo Tickets on Sale Now!

Reserve your spot at Vermont’s biggest pre-season ski party, the VT SKI + RIDE Expo.

Tickets on sale here!

Burlington, VT — July 26, 2017: Vermont’s first winter sports show, the VT SKI + RIDE EXPO is coming back to Burlington this year, October 7-8, with a new location: the downtown Burlington Waterfront Hilton Hotel.

Vermont’s premiere winter sports show, VT SKI + RIDE Expo is being put on by the Rotary Club of Burlington for a second year. It benefits the Flyin’ Ryan Foundation and is presented by title sponsor, Vermont Ski + Ride Magazine. Additional sponsor support comes from University of Vermont College of Medicine, Farrell Distributing and Long Trail Brewing.

Last year, more than 1,000 people showed up for the inaugural EXPO, many coming from as far as Boston, Albany and Hartford just for the event. The EXPO welcomed more than 50 exhibitors—ranging from emerging Vermont brands such as WhiteRoom skis and Powe. Snowboards to ski resorts such as Stowe, Sugarbush and Smuggler’s Notch, apparel companies such as Ski the East, ski shops and more. Ski films showed round the clock and experts hosted talks on topics ranging from sports medicine to the latest trends in boot fitting.

“It was a huge coming together of everyone in the ski and board business,” says Rotary’s Jesse Beck. “Pretty much everyone will be there, bringing with them bargains and some never-seen new gear.”

This year, a whole new line-up of exhibitors is expected, along with the top returning brands. “We’re welcoming new apparel brand Orsden as well as shops such as the Alpine Shop and SlopeStyle Ski & Sport, Sugarbush Resort, organizations such as the Catamount Trail Association and more,” says Beck. “It’s going to be an even better event than last year.”

What can you look for at this year’s EXPO?

THE LATEST GEAR. Major ski shops will be there showcasing what’s new for 2017/18. Plus, see what brands such as Volkl, Marker, Powe. Snowboards and others have on tap for this year and check out great bargains on last year’s equipment.

RESORT NEWS & DEALS: Vermont’s major resorts will be present and ready to showcase what’s new for 2018 and the latest deals on lift tickets and passes.

MOVIES, TALKS & CLINICS: See the latest releases from Matchstick Productions, Ski the East, TGR and others. Learn backcountry tips, bootfitting techniques and more at top clinics that will be going on all day.

BEER & MUSIC: Long Trail Brewing is just one of our many sponsors. Drink up and listen to rockin’ blues of The Dog Catchers and other live music acts.

All proceeds from this event support the charitable works of the Burlington Rotary and the Flying Ryan Foundation. “We want this show to celebrate the passion for freeskiing and principles that my son Ryan lived by,” says Peter Hawks, referring to freeskiing legend Ryan Hawk’s Principles of Living, which the Flyin’ Ryan Foundation promotes. “And we hope to get more people excited about what skiing and riding here in Vermont can offer.

This is the first consumer ski show of the season not just in Vermont, but anywhere on the East Coast“ says VT SKI + RIDE editor Lisa Lynn. “So if you want to get the inside scoop on gear and what’s going to be happening on snow in 2017/18, it’s the place to be.”

All proceeds from this event support the charitable works of the Burlington Rotary and the Flyin’ Ryan Foundation. “We want this show to celebrate the passion for freeskiing and principles that my son Ryan lived by,” says Peter Hawks, referring to freeskiing legend Ryan Hawk’s Principles of Living, which the Flyin’ Ryan Foundation promotes. “And we hope to get more people excited about what skiing and riding here in Vermont can offer.

“You’re going to see some very cool new things at this show “ says VT SKI + RIDE editor Lisa Lynn. “Some of the most innovative products in the winter sports market have come from Vermont brands.” She adds: “With 18 alpine, 30 Nordic resorts and with more than 3 million skier and rider visits annually, Vermont is one of the top three states in the country for skiing and riding.”

“We are modeling this after the Boston Ski Show expect about 5,000 in our first year,” says Beck. “The show is happening at a time when there are more than 40,000 students in Vermont and it’s prime foliage season,” he notes.

For more information: lisa.lynn@vtsports.com. For booth and event set up, contact Delaney Management at delaneymeeting.com

ABOUT US:

The Rotary Club of Burlington is a part of an international charitable organization comprised of professional and business leaders whose goals are humanitarian service, high ethical standards and the promotion of international goodwill and peace. Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self.” www.burlingtonvtrotary.org.

The Flyin Ryan Foundation’s mission is to EXPOSE adventurers to Ryan Hawk’s Principles for Living, INSPIRE adventurers to craft their own set of core principles for living and to ACT on their core principles as the means through which they shape their attitude and engage in life. It does so through working with schools, individuals and organizations and awarding scholarships. To date, the foundation has awarded 84 adventure scholarships which are designed to encourage the pursuit of passion in the face of financial need.

VT SKI + RIDE Magazine has been covering the Vermont ski and ride scene for more than 12 years. Locally-owned, it is now a glossy, quarterly magazine with more than 100,000 copies distributed annually in Vermont and around New England. www.vtskiandride.com

Happy Birthday Rotary!

VT Ski + Ride Expo Oct 1 & 2

Burlington, VT — August 18, 2016: It’s official, no matter what the forecasters say, winter starts on October 1. “That’s when we inaugurate the ski season here in Vermont with one big weekend-long party,” says Rotarian Peter Hawks, “and it’s called the Vermont SKI + RIDE Expo.” Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, Aug. 23 via the Flynn box office and information on show hours, ticket pricing and schedules is here.

The first winter sports show in Vermont, VT SKI + RIDE Expo is being put on by the Rotary Club of Burlington as a benefit for Hawks’ Flyin Ryan Foundation and presented by title sponsor,Vermont Ski + Ride Magazine. Additional sponsor support comes from University of Vermont College of Medicine, Farrell Distributing and Long Trail Brewing.

For the weekend of October 1-2, the Sheraton of South Burlington will be the scene of ski films, the latest ski and ride gear, demos, a beer tent, bands and lots of new gear. More than 50 exhibitors will occupy the space, bringing with them bargains and some never-seen 2017 gear.

Burlington Rotary President Springer Harris outlines the reasons you can’t miss this:

TOP GEAR. All the major ski shops —Outdoor Gear Exchange, Pinnacle Sports, Ski Rack and others will be there showcasing what’s new for 2017. Plus, see what brands such as Volkl, Marker, Renoun, J Skis, Powe and others have on tap for this year and check out great bargains on last year’s equipment.

RESORT NEWS & DEALS: Nearly all of Vermont’s major resorts will be present and ready to showcase what’s new for 2017 and the latest deals on lift tickets and passes.

MOVIES, SLACK LINES & CLINICS: See the latest releases from Matchstick Productions, Ski the East, TGR and others. Learn backcountry tips, bootfitting techniques and more at top clinics that will be going on all day.

BEER & MUSIC: Long Trail Brewing’s beer tent will be pouring limited release Flyin’ Ryan and a host of other brews. Drink up and listen to The Dog Catchers and other live music acts.

And there’s a fourth reason: All proceeds from this event support the charitable works of the Burlington Rotary and the Flyin’ Ryan Foundation. “We want this show to celebrate the passion for freeskiing and principles that my son Ryan lived by,” says Peter Hawks, referring to freeskiing legend Ryan Hawk’s Principles of Living, which the Flyin’ Ryan Foundation promotes. “And we hope to get more people excited about what skiing and riding here in Vermont can offer.

“We are modeling this after the Boston Ski Show expect about 5,000 in our first year,” says Harris. “The show is happening at a time when there are more than 40,000 students in Vermont and it’s prime foliage season,” he notes.

Trout Club

We decided to get out of town and head into the mountains for our weekly meeting. Couldn't have asked for a better night. Highlight was Dan and Scott earning $500 for the Rotary Foundation by jumping into the cold lake.

Hosting the 20th Annual BTV Police Awards Luncheon

Presented by Springer Harris, President of the Burlington Rotary Club, On May 23, 2016 at the Queen City Police Foundation Awards Luncheon.

On behalf of the Burlington Rotary Club, I am honored to host the fine men and women of the Burlington Police Department. Hosting the annual awards ceremony has been a tradition of our club for over 20 years; when I became president just under a year ago, I immediately started looking forward to this event.

When I started thinking about what I wanted to say today, I knew I wanted to learn more about what it was like to be a police officer. Someone on NPR told me to read “The Job” by retired NYPD officer Steve Osborne so, I did, and I learned a lot, but it wasn’t nearly enough. I decided to ask the Chief for permission to do a ride along, to which he obliged. Before I knew it, I found myself sitting in the bullpen on a dreary Saturday evening waiting to be picked up by my officer for the night. I had no idea what to expect; I was nervous and excited to say the least.

The five hours that I was able to spend with Officer Darren Kennedy were the most interesting and thought-provoking five hours I have ever had in this city. We raced up Pearl St. with the lights and sirens blaring. We transported a prisoner to the jail. We arrested an individual on an outstanding warrant. We patrolled the city and we talked A LOT! But, the most important thing I did was get a glimpse of what being an officer was like at a very personal level. I already knew Burlington was one of best cities in America but what I didn’t know was that we were protected by what must be one of the finest police forces in the United States. We are truly blessed.

This is not an easy time in our country’s history to be a police officer. Cameras are everywhere and the court of public opinion carries more weight than it should. Our own community has criticized the fact that we have an overwhelming young police force. I on the other hand think that is an amazing statistic that should be celebrated. I am the youngest ever president of a 93 year old organization.I know there are many more men and women my age who plan to join me in leading this city into the future and our young officers are key components of this. We, as young men and women, are no longer the future of Burlington- in fact, we are Burlington.

So back to my mission of learning what it was like to be a police officer. What did I learn? What I really learned was that I have no idea what it is like to be “on the job” and I never will. I have no idea what it is like to pack on 25 pounds of gear of and hit the street on foot for eight to ten hours. I have no idea what it feels like to kiss my family goodbye after only seeing them for 15 minutes, not knowing if it is going to be the last time. I have no idea what it is like to wrestle with someone on the street. I have no idea what it is like to run into a building while everyone else is running out. I have no idea what it is like to bring someone back to life using Narcan. I have no idea what it is like to see the tragedies that you see every day and night just to start over again tomorrow. I have no idea what it is like to make split second, life and death decisions, that will ultimately be judged by our entire community. And I have no idea how you courageous men and women do it every day.

What I do know is I am so thankful that you do it. I am so thankful that when you were young kids and you said you wanted to be police officers that you actually did it. I am so thankful that you continue to come to work every day and night to protect us at your own sacrifice. Today is your day to celebrate your fellow officers and for us to give you thanks. On behalf of the Burlington Rotary Club, and from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU! Thank you so very much. Please enjoy the ceremony and stay safe out there.

Mark Redmond, Executive of Spectrum, Receives Paul Harris Fellow.

The service above self-award is a new tradition for our club and is based on our club motto but also what the fine men and women of the Burlington Police Force do every day. Putting service above self. To commemorate this award the Burlington Rotary club has secured the highest honor a Rotarian can receive – The Paul Harris Fellow Award. It is named for our founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.

The award is secured by donating $1,000 to the rotary foundation in the recipient's honor. The Rotary Foundation is the number 3 nonprofit in the world made up of a global network of Rotarians who invest their time and money into priorities such as promoting peace, fighting disease, supporting education, providing clean water and growing local economies. The funds we contribute to the foundation support the global efforts of Rotarians for three years and then are reinvested back into our local Burlington community

The first Paul Harris Fellow was given in 1957 and there are now over a million worldwide. Rotarians often designate a Paul Harris Fellow as a tribute to a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives of the Rotary Foundation and in this case the Burlington Police Department. That mission is to stop crime before it happens and make Burlington a safer and more prosperous city. Today we have the honor and pleasure of recognizing Mark Redmond, Executive Director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services, as he becomes the world’s newest Paul Harris Fellow.

Mark, thank you for all you have done for this city since you arrived in 2003. Our desire is to give the Service above Self award to a community members who indirectly makes the lives of the men and women of the Burlington police force better and there is no doubt in our mind that you accomplish this mission every day.

It gives me great pleasure to present to you the two emblems of appreciation given to a Paul Harris Fellow - - certificate and pin. Please accept our congratulations and sincere thanks, for your commitment to our common goals of world peace and a safe and prosperous Burlington Vermont.

Salute Military Golf Association

Our speaker was Jerry Shanahan of the Salute Military Golf Association of Boston. Take a look at the below websites. Amazing story and even more amazing photographs and videos of our nations wounded veterans playing golf and others raising funds to support them.

http://www.golfsalute.org/

http://smgaboston.org/

The Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) Boston is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide rehabilitative golf experiences and family-inclusive golf opportunities for post 9/11 wounded war veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes. SMGA Boston also offers our programs to veterans from all wars.

SMGA’s Support for Post-9/11 Wounded Veterans: The SMGA believes the rehabilitative benefits of golf can improve the mental and physical condition of each and every post-9/11 wounded warrior. The SMGA provides golf instruction, equipment, and playing opportunities for post-9/11 wounded veterans.

SMGA’s History and Inspiration: The SMGA was founded after Jim Estes, Director of Instruction at Olney Golf Park in Olney, MD, saw first-hand the positive effects the game of golf could have on combat-wounded soldiers. The following articles from ESPN.com tell how several trips from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to Olney Golf Park eventually evolved into a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation aimed at supporting injured veterans.

Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation (VCTF)

Our program was by Michelle Asch, board member of the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation (VCTF). She explained the projects, the grant process, and the impact the foundation has throughout the state. Each child and each story demonstrates what a difference the projects make.