Bethel Rotary very busy

To the Editor:

The Bethel Rotary Club has thrived as an organization this past year, even amidst the pandemic, under the leadership of our 2020-21 President Lucy Abbott, who received the Rotarian of the year recognition at a recent social event. Our club membership has grown, small (and masked) community-oriented events have been held throughout the year, we awarded our annual scholarships to graduating seniors, we have supported after school and enrichment activities, continued to support the Telstar HS Student of the Month Program and we have met weekly on Zoom.

Despite many events being cancelled, we have two upcoming events to invite you to! Our incoming President, Alison Alosio, has great optimism about the year ahead as do our 37 members who all play important roles on committees and at events.

A long time favorite, the Annual Yard Sale will be held on the lawn next to the Gem Theater (same as last year) from Tuesday August 10 to Monday, August 16. It will be open initially at 9 a.m. the first day, and then from dawn to dusk the other days. Rotarians will be staffing the event most of the time but, in the absence of a cashier, there will be envelopes to send in purchase donations. Some higher-end items will be priced, but the majority of the items will be “sold” as a take what you need, give what you can format.

The club is still seeking donations of items, and they can either be dropped off at the site during the sale, or Rotarian Scott Hynek may be contacted for pick-up at 207-653-9297. We do not accept sleep sofas, old workout equipment or electronics, books or furniture in need of repair. This is our single largest fundraiser of the year and the net proceeds are earmarked for the annual scholarships we provide to local graduating high school senior.

Another upcoming event is the Bethel Rotary 5K run/walk and 1 mile run for youth 12 and under, presented by the Bethel Family Health Center. This year, two options for participation will be offered – a live event on Sunday, Sept 19 and an opportunity for those “from away” to support the event and participate virtually anytime from Friday Sept. 10 to Sunday Sept 19. Registration is encouraged online at www.runreg.com/bethel-rotary-5K.

The live event will start and finish at the Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Valentine Farm and Conservation Center, with the 1 mile beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m. Pre-registration check in begins at 7 a.m. The first 100 registrants will receive a commemorative drawstring backpack compliments of amenity sponsor Blair Industries. Pre-registration is encouraged! All those participants age 18 and under are free, and the fee for those older than 18 is $15 for pre-registration and $20 for day of registrations. Prizes and refreshments for the live event will be presented immediately after the event is completed.

If you have interest in Rotary, we encourage you to be in touch with any Rotarian, and “Like” our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep apprised of all we are doing to help in our communities, our Rotary District and also in our International Service.

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