Member Stories
Member Stories
Jane Sumner
Past President (2022-23) Lise Veronneau meets with Honorary Burlington Rotary member Jane Sumner at Shanty on the Shore for lunch July 2023.
I met Jane for lunch and asked her, as a budding writer, to write a few words to go with the photo we took at our lovely lunch on the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain recently. Rotary becomes a family tradition. "Rotary is also a great way not only to network in business, but to make new friends." you can quote me! ~ Lise
"Friendships form through Rotary, demonstrated by my friendships with Lise Veroneau and Sarah Sprayregan. Yes Rotary is about Service above Self but it can be far more: meeting new interesting people, companionship, fun, making connections, as well being involved in volunteer activitieies. As a Rotarian since the mid 1980's when I was invited to join the King of Prussia, PA, club having talked to them about my visiting hospice work, I have wanted to participate.
I met delightful people there as I did in New Orleans LA to which we had moved in 1988, and I made friends in both clubs. I took my student nurses dressed in their white uniforms to one club meeting in New Orleans and they were made welcome after people got over being startled. Now I have the great fortune to be a member of the Baltimore MD club, and also the Burlington Club [yes I know one can be a member of only one club, but this is a rule I happily flout].
Dismas house is a regular on my summer calendar in Burlington and this year I took my youngest granddaughter. She thoroughly enjoyed it as did her eldest sister.
My father in New Zealand was a lifelong member of Rotary and his Paul Harris award was in recognition of his contributions [I have purchased my two!]. He was a founder member and president of a new club, as well as his membrship in his first club. On his 80th birthday I was in New Zealand and was able to toast his birthday, as well as give a talk to the club. At his funeral the church was standing room only because Rotarian came from far and wide to recognize him. As I gave the eulogy I couldn't believe the number of people present."
My father in New Zealand was a lifelong member of Rotary and his Paul Harris award was in recognition of his contributions [I have purchased my two!]. He was a founder member and president of a new club, as well as his membrship in his first club. On his 80th birthday I was in New Zealand and was able to toast his birthday, as well as give a talk to the club. At his funeral the church was standing room only because Rotarian came from far and wide to recognize him. As I gave the eulogy I couldn't believe the number of people present."
~ Jane
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