MARKING THE HISTORIC MOMENT
BURLINGTON BREAKFAST ROTARY CLUB (BBRC) INSTALLS INTERNATIONAL SATELLITE MEMBERS WITH A POTENTIAL TO ESTABLISH IT’S SATELLITE CLUB IN INDIA
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary, a “small but mighty” Club, once again is shining brighter.  BBRC is expanding and thriving.  Its ‘People of Action’ honor Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self.’  As Rotarians, in our quest to make a difference in society, Rotary indeed opened opportunities by installing its “first” International Satellite member in India.  This showcase project may present a template/model for other clubs as well in Rotary District 7930 and beyond.
BBRC appreciates the combined efforts of President Rita Shah, Assistant Governor Peter Majane, District Governor Nominee Alexander Falk, and Past President Pooja Singla in materializing this project.  An introductory, brainstorming Zoom meeting was held on August 19, 2020 with Shalini Aggarwal from New Delhi, India.  The outcome marked the ‘historic moment’ for BBRC.  This small Rotary Club of Burlington Breakfast took a mighty step towards establishing an International Satellite Club in India
Thanks to AG Peter and DGN Alex for sponsoring its first, two satellite members.   Two members, Shalini Aggarwal and Kavita Bansal, pioneered this effort and undertook the responsibility of expanding the concept of Rotary in their own community in India.
Soon after becoming a BBRC Rotarian, Ms. Shalini recruited a couple of local volunteers and completed their first Service project of ‘Serving the Hungry and Elderly’ at one of the homes for elderly, destitute women in New Delhi.  They provided and served freshly cooked food at the facility and served those elderly residents, while mindfully observing social distancing.
“It’s a life changing moment for me”, stated Shalini.   “Rotary provided a genuine platform for my passion of helping the needy in the community; bringing smiles to peoples’ faces and uplifting their spirits”.  Shalini expressed her intense feelings about giving back to the community.  Shalini and Kavita agreed, “We have been doing such things on a personal level, but Rotary has opened opportunities that enable us to do so on a much larger scale” with greater satisfaction and gratification.
After the first successful service project, the satellite members are planning to develop more service projects in line with Rotary International’s areas of focus such as education and health.

 
Satellite members prepare lunch plates for residents              
Elderly women enjoying delicious lunch
 
L-R: Volunteer member, Rtn. Kavita Bansal, Rtn. Shalini Aggarwal with Shanti Bhawan’s Executive Director.
 
Thursday, 09/17/2020 The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club Weekly meeting.  Celebrating its expansion in India – The two satellite members, Shalini Aggarwal and Kavita Bansal from India joined the meeting on Zoom on September 17, 2020.  DGE Terry Curran was a guest speaker and AG Peter Majane keeps the club members motivated.  Meeting was led by President Rita Shah.  Other attendees are Past President Pooja Singla, Treasurer and Past President Kevin McKelvey, VP Diana Halsey, Board of Director Gerry Salois, PP Ray Graber, Secretary and Past President Michael Fazio & Mrs. Fran Fazio (Honorary Member) and PP Douglas Place.
 
 
 
 
 
  
Initial meeting on 8/21/2020 marking the historic moment for BBRC! The First International Satellite member was installed.  Top L-R: BBRC President Rita Shah, PP Pooja Singla, Shalini Aggarwal (new Rotarian), Volunteer Sangeeta, AG Peter Majane, DGN Alexander Falk
 
Rtn. Shalini and Rtn. Kavita in front of Shanti Bhawan
 
Elderly women enjoying delicious lunch