BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Rotary Club bestowed the ninth annual “Norm Kuebler Four-Way Test Award” upon Dr. Lise Sparrow at the club's weekly meeting on Jan. 30 at the American Legion in Brattleboro.
The award honors the late Norm Kuebler, who was a past president of the club, a local businessman and a longtime community volunteer.
Kuebler, who died unexpectedly at the age of 63 in April 2010, was a strong proponent of Rotary International's code of ethics, called the “Four-Way Test,” which asks, “Of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"
In this spirit, the Brattleboro Rotary Club recognizes a local business or person who best exemplifies these values.
“Lise Sparrow was nominated by three club members, Cheri Ann Brodhurst, Jim Haine, and Rob Szpila, who all cited three reasons for her nomination,” said Past President Mara Williams, as she presented the award.
Williams continued, “The three reasons are her positive influence in all levels of our community, her responsiveness to the needs of adults and youth, and her ability as a great collaborator and negotiator.”
“Lise has led six mission trips to Kenya, some with local youth and others with church members, led a mission to St. Croix to help with the Lutheran Orphanage, led missions to New Orleans and Texas for hurricane relief, and led three missions to Native American reservations with the Brattleboro Inter-faith youth group,” Williams added.
Williams said, “In addition to her demonstrable leadership, Lise works with the Brattleboro Police on racial matters, does pastoral counseling with community members and, for the past 20-plus years, serves as pastor of Guilford Community Church, UCC.
The Brattleboro Rotary Club, founded in 1950, is an active community service club of 60-plus members who engage in community and human service projects both locally and internationally.