BRATTLEBORO-The Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary Club recently marked its 30th anniversary by completing 30 Acts of Kindness throughout the greater Brattleboro community, demonstrating the spirit of service that has defined the club since its founding in 1995.
Thirty years ago, Rotarian John Penfield envisioned creating a second Rotary club in Brattleboro. While the existing club provided “outstanding opportunities for service and fellowship,” he said, Penfield recognized that many community members would benefit from a morning meeting option.
His vision became reality when the Club was chartered, gathering at 7:15 a.m. on Wednesdays and beginning a tradition of community service that continues today.
Over the years, the club has met in several locations and currently gathers at Ramunto’s Pizza, thanks to the generosity of owner and fellow Rotarian Vito Adragna.
To commemorate this milestone anniversary, club members launched the 30 Acts of Kindness initiative. The effort, which has touched many corners of the community, focused on hands-on service rather than financial contributions. Each act required the participation of at least two Rotarians.
Rotarians assisted refugee students with driving lessons, helped maintain the West River Trail, delivered Thanksgiving pies to Groundworks, volunteered at the MiniBoro Festival, distributed winter hats to those in need, and participated in numerous other acts of kindness throughout the year.
The anniversary initiative concluded with a special project for young readers. Club members Mary Jane Penfield, Kevin Yager, and Nick DuBois delivered personalized books to first-grade students, with each book featuring the child’s own name and likeness woven into the story.
For 30 years, the Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary Club has embraced Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” said Club President Debra Rosenzweig in a news release. “The 30 Acts of Kindness project gave us an opportunity to celebrate our anniversary in a meaningful way by working together and making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors.”
The project reflects the club’s continuing commitment to strengthening the community through service, fellowship, and compassion. For more information about the Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary Club, visit brattleborosunriserotary.org or attend a meeting on Wednesday morning.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.