Self Incrimination, Maudlin Tony Ambushed and Donations Decided
With rituals complete, nineteen (sixteen local) Rotarians sat down to lunch on make-your-sandwiches, salad, and cookies. President Caroline was first to propose a fine and the target was herself for omitting the Aldrich Library and Sarah in her remarks on recent donations at the Third Annual Rotary Ball. Tony was next with a Happy Dollar for happiness for the Ball and the love of “this club and all of you.” Perceiving Tony as bordering on being maudlin, Tom seized the opportunity and rose to propose a fine of one-and-nine on him for not being his usual Grinch-like self. Fine passed. Karl gave a dollar for successful back surgery and then demonstrated how his cane worked. John gave a Happy Dollar for Jim Taffle and the announcement of his retirement and a Sad Dollar for all in the school system who will miss him. In Secretary Sue’s absence, President Caroline asked
members to introduce Rotarians from three different Rotary clubs: Doug Bullett from Bon Air, Virginia; Eddy Rousse from Montpelier; and Jamie Milne from St. Johnsbury. Brenda offered a Happy Dollar for the contribution made by the JROTC of Spaulding High School at the Ball. Everyone agreed that they added greatly to the event.
Scott reported that he had visited Billy Rossi recently and was shocked by his thick head of Italian hair. He loves to hear from members and so I am including an updated address so we can send him a card; The Residence at Shelburne Bay, Memory Care Unit, 185 Pine Haven Shores Road Shelburne, VT 05482. Scott also advanced the idea of formally setting up something that creates strategies for taking care of or assisting our members.
Paul Harris Fellows were awarded to Karl-Plus 8 and to his wife Charlene-Plus 5 and to me-Plus 2.
Elizabeth auctioned a gift certificate from Barre Electric as the final item from the silent auction which took place at the Annual Ball. Tony won with a bid of $35 and put us over $2500 mark.
Earle's Pearls
President Caroline reported via email that our Club held a productive donation meeting on Thursday evening with many members in attendance and others weighing in by email. A detailed list of recommendations will be provided to club members and voted on at our regular Club meeting on Wednesday, November 8th.
District Team Training at Lyndon State on Saturday, November 11th is free. You can register on the District 7850 website.
Secretary’s Report (in absentia) 
As Acting Secretary, volunteered by Karl, I reported on the following birthdays and anniversaries:
Birthdays: Sarah Costa on November 3rd; and Sarah White on November 15th.
Anniversaries: Caroline Earle-3 years; Ted Goulette-23 years.
Sam Markewich has applied for membership. This serves as the first announcement of his intent to become a member.
Advocating for a Kinder Garten (Children’s Garden)
President Caroline then introduced our speaker of the day, Kris Pavek, Garden Coordinator for the Barre City Elementary and Middle School Garden.
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Kris began by noting that in thirties and forties people bought food in specialty shops and then in the forties in supermarkets. She remembered that items neither had nutritional labels nor were ingredients listed. Like other mothers, she fed her children foods that were not particularly healthy. She thinks that the guilt generated by this practice is what motivated her to do volunteer work in the school garden which has been revived recently. She pointed out that “it is not just about seeds,” but about developing gardening skills, providing information that will help students make healthy choices and building community. Last year the garden produced 404 lbs. of vegetables for the school cafeteria. Because some have mobility challenges in navigating the garden terrain, Kris has initiated a project: “Pathways to Accessibility.” The project proposes modifications to provide smooth and stable footing in two of the most used areas of the garden. Any funds raised in excess of what is needed for the project would be used to extend the pathway to the greenhouse. The cost of the project is $16,000, $2,000 of which has been raised. She is in need of help to reach her goal and to make the necessary connections to do so. Tony volunteered to help make a list of possible donors. Bob stepped up to the plate, albeit granite, and offered to help with pavers and to work with the project landscape contractor, Justin Beyerle. With her goal of making connections and with the prospect of a lower cost of materials, Kris seemed very happy and appreciative. We showed our appreciation with a warm round of applause and a sample-size bottle of maple syrup.
Until next time, that's all folks....
