Many new South Burlington Rotary members had never met their fellow Rotarians before the clubâs 35th annual picnic last month. They had grown to know each other through a computer screen every week, but when youâre one in a mess of bobbing heads, it can be hard to casually chat, ask about the grandkids, the office, the garden.
While Rotary made technology work through the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing weekly meetings and organizing a series of virtual and cautiously in-person community events, they felt whole again when they gathered in person to celebrate 35 years and a new president.
Andrew Swift, who took over the presidency from Sandra Walsh, met many new members in person when the crew gathered for Green Up Day in May, handing out trash bags, recording the number of volunteers and helping dispose of trash.