WILMINGTON- Almost one year ago Tropical Storm Irene left the Deerfield Valley in shock and disrepair and the Deerfield Valley Rotary Club has been working tirelessly to rebuild and give assistance ever since.

Right after the storm the club was taking on so much that when the cry for help to rebuild the Trebbe Memorial Tennis Courts came in, the first response was, “How can we fit that on our plate?” Despite many projects, Rotarians were passionate about the Wilmington tennis courts and Jessica Kain volunteered to lead the efforts.

With a group effort from a number of sources, $5,699 has been raised to deal with the costs not covered by insurance or FEMA. The funds raised were used for court repairs, nets, posts, benches, a planter, and other items. The Deerfield Valley Rotary Club was able to raise $3,014, including $1,000 from a matching grant. News of the devastation spread across the country and Chris Adams, who vacations at a family home on Lake Raponda, rallied his home club, the Hillcrest, OH, Rotary Club to raise $1,500 for the cause. The final $1,185 donation came from an anonymous donor from Dover.

The tennis courts have reopened and shortly there will be a stone bench placed with the inscription “Service Above Self,” Rotary’s motto. Irene recovery is an example of Rotarians living by their motto.

Efforts are ongoing to enhance the area surrounding the tennis courts. For more information or to help contact Kain at (802) 464-5108 or jess@mountaininsurancevt.com.

The Deerfield Valley Rotary meets every Wednesday at the Matterhorn at 8 am. Those interested in becoming a member can contact a Deerfield Valley Rotarian or Alan Greenspan at (802) 464-8896.