The Rotary Club of Shelburne-Charlotte-Hinesburg
The Rotary association is an altruistic global organization, touching people and events around the world. A lot of information can be found on the internet describing this large and impressive organization, including the local website, what it does and why, so I’ll take some time to provide you with my impressions, and highlight some major local achievements that directly benefit our citizens. This article is about the Rotary Club here in Hinesburg, specifically the 65-member (and growing) chapter covering Charlotte, Shelburne and Hinesburg.
My first introduction to the Rotary as a guest was being afforded the opportunity to attend their annual “Changing of The Guard” ceremony in Hinesburg. Although the ceremony itself was short and to the point, and witnessed by many active Rotary members in attendance, in my mind the meaning behind the ceremony went much further. The ceremony signified the formal change of leadership, as the gavel was passed, from the past president, Dan York, to the new co-presidents, Amanda Vincent and John Pane. The ceremony itself is traditional for Rotary and also part of the complex formal leadership structure of the organization and its extensive bylaws.
But for me, it brought back powerful heartfelt memories of my own change of command when I took over my first combat company with the 3rd Armored Division. It’s far more than just passing of the flag, or gavel, it’s about a teamwork of leadership and responsibility for the people and goals for those you serve and hope to find respect. For anybody who has held a leadership position, the weight of responsibility makes you appreciate those in whom you share trust and loyalty. I really appreciated the fact these men and women were freely giving of their time and energy for a great cause.
The Rotary Club was founded by a Chicago lawyer in 1905, Paul Harris, who very much saw an urgent need for leadership and service to the community, and believed comradery and setting common goals could be used to help society, also building lifelong friendships. He, and the first club members, created a system of values and ideals that they hoped would be passed along to other clubs that would, over time, serve to protect, enhance and help others. His quote “This is a changing world, we must be prepared to change with it,” started the train rolling. Globally, there are now over 1.4 million members and 46,000 clubs, with 520 districts all around the United States and beyond. Rotary District 7850 covers most of Vermont, northern New Hampshire and some of Canada. Currently, Vermont has 25 clubs.
Active Rotary Club members, referred to as Rotarians, serve within their seven pillars of responsibility: promoting peace (being peacemakers), fighting hunger and disease, the clean availability of water, saving children and others, supporting education (fighting illiteracy), enhancing local economies, and protecting the environment.
The Rotary motto, “Service above Self,” perhaps best describes the principal idealism of its members.
It’s in no question a tall order, but I think the club tries to do its best to live up to those challenges. These values certainly seem to live within the hearts of its members.
I was invited to attend a regular weekly morning meeting of the Rotary in Shelburne and was impressed by the sense of purpose and Rotary values, as the meeting started with the reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and a light breakfast, followed by a rundown of the status of current projects and donations. The guest speaker for this meeting discussed the many great things currently being done by Age Well on behalf of seniors. I was told that every meeting included a guest speaker. The Rotary is always seeking new members and becoming a member is a great way to get involved in worthwhile community events. The sentiment expressed by many was, “I’m giving of myself because I want to help my community.” And the club does provide a lot of help in many forms.
I was fortunate to meet one older Rotarian who has been an active member for 67 years. He told me that over the years the Rotary has changed to mirror society, and always for the better. He obviously is a proud member and has stuck with it because, no doubt, he believes in the mission and results.
In our community, the Rotary organizes and finances many events including: farmer’s market events, 4th of July parade floats, the Halloween parade, sponsors spelling bees, annual Christmas party, pie day, annual golf ball drop, raffles, food drives, student scholarships, book donations, and sponsorship of Dragon Boat teams. In total, the Rotary donates thousands of dollars every year to area organizations in need. It’s estimated that Rotary International has raised $454 million dollars which it donates to worthwhile causes.
Given the immense magnitude of the struggles facing the world today, it truly is heartwarming to see a dedicated group of involved citizens making a difference. From the community – thank you.
For more information, including how to attend a meeting as a guest, or to join, please go to
rotaryclubofcsh.org.