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Posted by Jim Catone
on Sep 16, 2015
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Two Barre Rotarians Made Happy by Granite
After our usual rituals, we sat down to lunch on salad, chicken or turkey with gravy and biscuits, and cookies. All was quiet until Ted rose to give a Happy Dollar for the newly placed granite plaque (covering up 12:15 and replacing it with 12:00) on the service club marker at northern entrance to the city. Thanks to Bob Pope, anyone looking for the correct time of our meeting will not be fifteen minutes late. They just won’t know where to find us. Ted’s happiness must have been infectious—Karl threw in another dollar.
Three Guests Introduced
Dick introduced George Weaver from Connecticut who spends his summers in Barre. Karl introduced Scott Funk, HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) Loan Specialist: he has been approved for membership. This is the first announcement of the Board of Directors approval; in two weeks he will become a member of our club. Liane introduced Deborah Kelty, a co-worker, visiting our club as a potential member.
[Karl’s Korner]
Karl announced that he had received an invitation to attend the Montpelier Rotary Club meeting next week (Monday at the Capital Plaza at 12:15 p.m. to hear Captain Phillips speak.) He wondered if any of us had received the invitation: None of us had. Evidently when you use Club Runner, you can have members make reservations for lunch/dinner and he will explore that feature further so we could use it in the future.
Liane and Ted Detail Fund Raising Event
Below is the essential information:
Posted
on Sep 10, 2015
Pictured above: Bill & Carolyn Pedrick
Photo credit: GSR Studio
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, November 7th, Starts At 6 PM
Dancing with the Stars themed event at the Barre Elks Club, presented by the Barre Rotary Club!
Imagine: an evening out with a special someone or a group of friends at a semi-formal event. You won’t believe what’s included in the ticket price!
- Cocktail hour with live entertainment, a silent wine auction, Swing Dance lessons, Dinner(steak and lobster pie), and then a Dance Exhibition, showing Latin style of dance, and the main event: showing the Smooth Ballroom style (Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango) – a couple that competes internationally on the Ballroom Dance circuit, Bill and Carolyn Pedrick! Complete with a dance competition between two local business people, just like Dancing with the Stars – and YOU the people vote for the one who wins the Rotary Mirror Ball Trophy! Then, open dancing for the rest of the evening.
You won’t want to miss this! Couple: $75 Single: $40
Proceeds to benefit local Barre community.
Only 250 tickets available so RSVP now to Caroline at 279-7973
- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/1428#sthash.yd3YlnCO.dpuf
Rotarians Tom and Carolyn have agreed to compete. Ted said that they are looking for sponsors, six major ones. Someone suggested checking with the other service clubs and other Rotary Clubs in the area to see if they would want to enter a couple in the competition as a way of increasing attendance. And someone suggested Norwich cadets as the wait staff. If you have any ideas, pass them along to Liane or Ted.
New Rotary Signs at the Entrances to Barre.
Operation “New Signs” has been completed Karl announced two weeks ago. Here are the pictures of them at the various main entrances to Barre.
East Montpelier Road--Route 14
Jockey Hollow
East Barre Road
Dick Parnigoni Receives Honorary Membership
On September 2, 2015 Karl presented Dick Parnigoni with an Honorary Membership to the Barre Rotary Club. Dick was a member of Rotary for over 50 years and Chair of the Breakfast for some 30 years. Several Rotarians accompanied Karl for the presentation at Dick’s home.
 Karl Congratulates Dick While Several Rotarians Look On
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Posted by Liane Martinelli
on Sep 20, 2015
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Pictured above: Bill & Carolyn Pedrick
Photo credit: GSR Studio
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, November 7th, Starts At 6 PM
Dancing with the Stars themed event at the Barre Elks Club, presented by the Barre Rotary Club!
Imagine: an evening out with a special someone or a group of friends at a semi-formal event. You won’t believe what’s included in the ticket price!
- Cocktail hour with live entertainment, a silent wine auction, Swing Dance lessons, Dinner(steak and lobster pie), and then a Dance Exhibition, showing Latin style of dance, and the main event: showing the Smooth Ballroom style (Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango) – a couple that competes internationally on the Ballroom Dance circuit, Bill and Carolyn Pedrick! Complete with a dance competition between two local business people, just like Dancing with the Stars – and YOU the people vote for the one who wins the Rotary Mirror Ball Trophy! Then, open dancing for the rest of the evening.
You won’t want to miss this! Couple: $75 Single: $40
Proceeds to benefit local Barre community.
Only 250 tickets available so RSVP now to Caroline at 279-7973
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You are encouraged to get a table of eight people. Bring your friends. Enjoy the first annual ballroom dancing event in Barre.
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Posted by Joseph Preddy
on Aug 26, 2015
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A video produced by Barre Rotarian, Ted Goulette, staring Barre Rotarian Joe Preddy with Barre Rotarian Guests: George Milne, & Sarah White with filming by Barre Rotarian Tony Campos.
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Club Video Featuring Barre Rotarians
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Granite Chips
After an off-key version of America the Beautiful, we pledged our allegiance, and gave thanks for, among the usual things, the weather on last Saturday, the day of Annual Barre Rotary Club Breakfast. Then we sat down to our usual, soup sandwiches, chips and a cookie. Bertil gave a “Happy Dollar” because he was sure that Joe’s inspiring grace last week resulted in the nice weather that we enjoyed on Saturday. Bob gave an “Admirable Dollar” in honor of Ron’s magnificent job of organizing the breakfast. Ron was then treated to a hearty round of applause. As the only item in the Secretary’s Report, Sue announced that everyone who worked the breakfast would receive a “make-up.” Before the beginning of the Club Assembly, we sang two songs in honor of New York City for no particular reason: The Sidewalks of New York and New York, New York. No competition for Frank Sinatra or Liza Minelli.
Karl opened the Club Assembly by reading a letter from Karen Lane, Rotarian and former director of the Aldrich Public Library, thanking us for the $11, 152.11 contribution to the library, proceeds raised from last year’s breakfast. He also read a thank you letter from Green Mountain United Way for the $783. 84 contribution to the heating fund raised by our Give-a-Gallon program which this year was run by Spaulding High School students.
Karl next talked about the plans for replacing aging Rotary signs on the major routes entering Barre. New signs have been ordered for: Route 14 at the corner of Merchant Street and Maple Avenue coming from East Montpelier; and Route 302 coming from East Barre. The Board of Directors voted to approve another for Route 14 coming from South Barre to be placed at Jockey Hollow. These three signs will have the rectangle addition to the rotary wheel attached at the bottom with the following information: barrevtrotary. org and Wednesday, Noon. Bob Pope announced that a plaque is being prepared to be placed over the 12:15 to read 12:00 to accompany the Wednesday on the granite marker near Jones Brothers at the northern entrance to Barre. No sign will be placed on Route 62 because of State regulations.
Karl announced that our district governor, Louisa Tripp with be attending the cookout at his home and will present a surprise Paul Harris award. There will be surprise entertainment as well. Starts at 5:00 with a social hour.
Ron gave a report on the breakfast. He said it was the smoothest ever. He then reviewed the sequence of events from the tent set-up on Thursday to clean-up on Saturday. Every phase went well. He expressed his appreciation for the help provided by all, and especially noted the work of Sara White and her children and the Boy Scouts. The only problems mentioned were: the Culinary Institute’s use of a grill, not cleaning it and using a substantial amount of gas: and people entering from non-secure entrances without a ticket. He reported that: 1360 tickets were collected at the gate; 355 tickets were sold at the door; Bob sold 1311, 730 of which were used. Amounts used included: 160 pounds of syrup (1250 + containers); 900 cartons of milk; 105 pounds of sausage; 120 pounds of ham; and 3000 eggs. Ron also reported that he found two watches and a pair of dentures in a pail of eggs. He expects that we will match or exceed last year’s contribution to the library.
The final item of the Club Assembly was an announcement by Karl that he is looking for an alternative place to store our grills.
On an unrelated matter, The Times Argus reported that Max Barrows, Director of Green Mountain Self-Advocates was honored at the White House on Monday as one of nine “Champions of Change” from around the country. You recall that Max was one of recent programs and was a very inspiring speaker. Congratulations to Max.
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Posted by James Catone
on Jul 22, 2015
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Granite Chips
A rambunctious crowd of 26 joined in singing America the Beautiful, pledging the flag, and bowing our heads to hear Joe’s inspiring words of thanks. After a few minutes munching on sandwiches and salad and engaging in scintillating conversation, President Karl called on Ron who made an announcement regarding the Rotary Breakfast: “Be there at 6:00 a.m. to set up. Also looking for help to set up tables and chairs on Friday. Be there at 10:00 a.m.” Bertil offered a Happy Dollar for the work Ron does and a Sad Dollar because he does it all alone. Liane offered three dollars for impeding split loyalties on Saturday morning’s obligations: Rotary, Jazzercise, and Noyle W. Johnson. (And later in the day, a wedding.). Bob proposed a fine of one-and-nine on Karl for letting Sue take his gavel. His defense insulted everyone in the room except Sue as he asserted that she was the most qualified to take command. Fine passed. Sue gave the Secretary’s Report which included the introduction of several guests: Kevin O’Hara, a former Barre Rotarian, introduced his friend Matt; Jeremy Grenier, another former Barre Rotarian was lunching with us prior to his attending a meeting of our Ballroom Dance Fund Raising Committee; Scott Funk was introduced as a potential member; Ron introduced his granddaughter, Alana, who will be helping with the breakfast on Saturday; Caroline proudly introduced us to Sarah Costa, the new Director of the Aldrich Public Library. After the introductions, Tom proposed a fine of one-and-four on Ron because he had not put placemats on their table. Tony rose to his defense detailing the actual course of events: Ron’s granddaughter had put the placemats on the tables, but that table had been placed behind her after she had taken her seat. She had no way of knowing that the occupants of that table were placemat-less. Needless to say, the fine did not pass.
Karl then introduced our program for the day- Songs from the Past with Happy Herb. Herb Heath, Jr. grew up in Cabot, VT with his mom, dad and two sisters. Herb started listening to country music in 1948 when he was about 6 years old. He would go to bed with a little white radio on his chest listening to WWVA in West Virginia. His mom would come up every night and turn off the radio after he went to sleep. Herb believes country music is part of his soul. His lovely wife Tina bought him a guitar and 12 lessons with Irene Drew when he was 60 years old. Everywhere he went Herb was always singing and Tina thought he would like to learn how to play guitar too. Once he learned to play the guitar, he starting singing in nursing homes and convalescent centers. Herb enjoyed it so much that he decided to record a CD. You can reach Herb at hbh@pshift.com.
HAPPY HERB AND FRIENDS
We were treated to an upbeat country/western music concert by Herb and musicians George Drew and Tom Wales adding a second guitar, a membranophone and tap shoes for clogging. Their selections included: Okie from Muskogee; Mama Tried; Folsom Prison Blues; Mary Lou; Blue Suede Shoes/Hound Dog Medley; and Johnny B. Goode. The medley inspired several Rotarians to take to the dance floor to show their fancy footwork. It was fun to watch, but it was more “dancing with the planets” rather than “dancing with the stars.” All-in-all, a good time was had by all. We can’t wait to see what entertainment Karl has in store for us at the cookout.
DANCING ROTARIANS
Jeremy won the raffle, but not the pot.
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Posted by Jim Catone
on Jul 01, 2015
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Granite Chips
July 1, 2015
We opened the meeting at the usual “on-the-dot” time with “American the Beautiful” accompanied this week with the sound of organ music; the pledge followed and then an eloquent grace was delivered by Caroline. Dick offered a Happy Dollar for the excellent performance of the Rotabarrians at the
Changeover Dinner. After the unusual soup and the usual sandwiches and cookies, we sang “Home on the Range” with gusto and, in honor of the 3rd rainiest June on record, “Singing in the Rain,” not so gusto or good. Carl then read some announcements, including many thanks to those who made the Changeover Dinner a success: Sue for running the meeting and the prep work involved; Dick and the Rotabarrians (Caroline, Liane Carol, Bertil, Jack, Ron and Tom); Bertil, Sue and Jim for helping with the invitations and programs; Carol for Chips; Joe for the prayers; and district officers Marilyn Bedell and Jay Polimeno. He also announced that we were 3rd in the district for Foundation giving for 2014-2015 and thanked Ted for doing a great job as Foundation Chair. Ted asked Ron to come forward to receive a Paul Harris plus seven. Here Ron is receiving his award.
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Sue gave the Secretary’s Report which consisted of her intent to defer announcing birthdays and anniversaries until next week because of the small crowd. No objections were voiced and so her intentions became reality. Caroline offered two Happy Dollars; one for the U.S. soccer team victory over Germany; and the other for her twin boys turning 12.
The next order of business was the induction of Rebecca Duranleau. Karl,her sponsor, presented her to Jim who conducted the induction ceremony. Karl presented the Rotary member pin and Jim presented a kit which included a membership certificate and a badge. Rebecca was welcomed warmly by those assembled.
Caroline introduced our speaker for the day, Rick Stevens. He was born in Burlington, grew up in Shelburne and attended Champlain Valley Union High School. He has held several jobs including paper delivery, shipping and receiving, gas attendant, automobile service manager and salesman, and Sales Manager for Applied Graphics. In 2004 he started Pure Water Technology: A company dedicated to the reduction of carbon footprint, providing healthier drinking water and reducing costs in the workplace. He spoke of various aspects of water filtration. One type of filtration is the municipal water plant whose mission is to purify water safe enough to drink. He talked about dissolved solids (aluminum, mercury, iron, etc.) and their effects on the body. The EPA sets the acceptable levels of these solids for drinking water. He also spoke of various filters, carbon being the most common. He talked about the problems with bottled water, including the fact that as a petroleum product, the bottle does not reduce the carbon footprint. After a brief discussion of water softeners, he gave Karl “kudos” for the way he installed his water softener system, by-passing the kitchen sink. His company focuses on under the counter systems and he emphasized that the mission of his company is to reduce the carbon footprint and to bring healthy drinking water to the workplace.
 Rick Stevens
Dick had the winning raffle ticket. $5, but no white ball.
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Posted
on Jun 24, 2015
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Rotarians, friends and family began gathering and drinking around 6:00 PM. Acting President Sue rang the bell early at 6:45 PM, as she had promised via email yesterday. She demanded that we take a seat, and then promptly ordered us to rise for the salute to the flag. After a couple false starts and unsolicited asides from our pianist Dick, we sang “America the Beautiful” in a VERY high pitch, and then Joe Preddy, our resident orator, offered his usual graceful grace.
We were ordered to resume our seats and wait for dinner to be served. As we were digging into our salads, Sue offered perfect attendance records to the following:
- Ted Goulette – 1 year
- Jack Barnes – 2 years
- Ron Parnigoni – 45 years
Salad plates were cleared away and the entrees were served - a choice of salmon or chicken. There were many compliments on the meal, prepared by the Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen. The conversation at your scribe’s table ranged across North America from Canada to Indiana, in both French & English, and there was one very funny - though perhaps a bit sacrilegious – joke told by PDG Bill.
According to Joe’s iPhone, Sue called us back to order at 7:26 PM and invited the “entertainment” portion of the evening. After much maneuvering of the keyboard and rearranging of the singers, the Rotabarrians valiantly sang their way through three songs adapted by our beloved maestro Dick:
- With a Little Help From Our Friends – with thanks to The Beatles
- Soon It’s Gonna Rain – from “The Fantastiks”
- Our Presidents Song
With the entertainment portion mercifully over, Ted, our foundation chair, invited district foundation chair and PDG Marilyn Bedell to say a few words about the Rotary Foundation. Marilyn said the RF is her charity of choice, and she is impressed by the number of gifts from Barre Rotarians. The Foundation supports projects locally and internationally, including Polio Plus.
Marilyn then spoke of Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, and the history and importance of Paul Harris Fellowships (each one representing donations of $1,000 to the Foundation), Sustaining Members ($100 annual gifts towards a PH Fellowship), and the Paul Harris Society (membership representing annual donations of $1,000 to the Foundation). She joined Ted in presenting PH Fellowships, multi-fellowship pins and sustaining member pins to the following:
- Diane Rossi – presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship, and Plus 1 and Plus 2 pins
- Susan Poczobut – presented with a Plus 1 pin
- Charlene Rinker – presented with a Plus 3 pin
- Bill Rossi – presented with a Plus 4 pin
- Karl Rinker – presented with a Plus 6 pin
- Ron Parnigoni – presented with a Plus 7 pin
- Sustaining members:
- Bertil Agell
- Kathleen Barnes
- Jack Barnes
- Carol Dawes
- Claire Duke
- Caroline Earle
- Dick Shadroui
- Ted Goulette
Claire then made a special presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship to Barre City Mayor Thom Lauzon in honor of his tireless dedication to improving the community. In a highly unusual turn of events, Thom was at a loss for words after the presentation.
Sue had the privilege of naming the Rotarian of the Year, and I’m sure everybody agreed it was aptly bestowed upon Karl Rinker, who has dedicated the past many months to breathing new life into the club, and has stepped forward to once again serve as president. The presentation was greeted with an enthusiastic round of applause and a standing ovation.
We then introduced and welcomed all our guests:
- Gladys Agell, wife of Bertil
- Linda Babic, wife of Tom
- Kathleen (with a K) Barnes, wife of Jack
- David Duke, long suffering husband of Claire (her words, not mine)
- Barbara Goulette, wife of Ted
- Skip Poczobut, husband of Sue
- Charlene Rinker, wife of Karl
- Diane Rossi, wife of Bill
- Peter Gonyea, friend of Ron in lieu of wife Mary Anne
- PDG Sonny Holt
- Assistant DG Michael Swainder
- DG nominee Jay Polimeno
- PDG Bill Thompson & his wife (and fellow Rotarian) Fran
- PDG Marilyn Bedell & her husband (and PDG) Ron Bedell
- Barre City Mayor Thom Lauzon & his wife Karen
- Rusty Valsangiamo – friend of Karl
- Rebecca Duranleau – friend of Karl and brand new Barre Rotarian
- Central VT Rotarian Senator Bill Doyle
- DG Bruce Pacht & his partner Lori (sorry, I didn’t catch her last name)
DG Bruce spoke of the Barre Club’s struggles over the past year, and how Karl has helped breathe new life and energy into the club. DG nominee Jay Polimeno, representing incoming DG Louisa Tripp, presented Karl with his president’s badge. He said he had one additional presentation directly from incoming DG Louisa – a big hug.
President Karl said 39 years ago on this same night, in this same room he became the 59th president of the Barre Rotary Club, and tonight he becomes the 95th president. His paramount goal for the club is to add 10 new members, and he challenged each of us to ask, and ask, and ask.
As a parting gift, we all received 10% discount coupons from the Cornerstone – something I’m sure we all look forward to using!
Joe finished our evening with a benediction and we went our separate ways into the beautiful June evening.
Your scribe,
Carol Dawes
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Posted by Jim Catone
on Jun 10, 2015
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Granite Chips
June 10, 2015
After our usual rituals, singing, pledging and giving thanks, we sat down to a lunch of ground beef over penne and a salad. Our first break from this noontime repast came when Tony commanded Presiding President Zack’s attention to give a Happy Dollar because “we were filled to the brim (not our stomachs); every seat was taken.” Karl followed up with three announcements: 1) because of Bob Pope’s generosity, we are giving a granite flag holder to the new Rotary Sunrise Club in Randolph; 2) a thanks to Zack for including a notice of our meetings in the Times Argus; and 3) invitations for the Changeover Dinner are on the tables. After a brief interlude, the Secretary’s Report was given by Sue; she asked Karl to introduce Rebecca Durnaleau, Executive Director of OUR House, which he did. (Since the meeting, her application has been approved by the Board of Directors and is now a candidate for membership.) Next on the unofficial agenda was the murder of Mack the Knife; actually the singing of it, but definitely “scarlet billows started to spread.” (Translation: it was bloody awful. Sue even threatened to join the Rotabarrians.)
Our program for today was a presentation by Max Barrows of Green Mountain Self-Advocates; an organization of people with developmental disabilities who advocate for themselves. Their stated purpose is: “…to take control over their own lives, make decisions, solve problems and speak for themselves. We educate and make the public aware of the strengths, rights, wants and needs of people with developmental disabilities.” We began with an activity which involved reading statements from people with developmental disabilities tied around a rock and kept in a backpack. Rotarians then shared their perceptions of the experience: “they were real; you sensed frustration; there is something to be learned from each other; this was a powerful to increase understanding.” Max explained that the statements tied to the rocks in a backpack represented what people with developmental disabilities carry around with them each day. He then talked about challenges, outcomes and activities of the group. Among the major activities are: training of trainers; assessing safety; voter education training; leadership training; conducting workshops for schools and community groups; peer-run employment support groups; and sexuality education. The presentation was well-received and many expressed that their understanding of people with developmental disabilities was greatly increased.
Lianne, once again, drew the winning raffle ticket, but, once again, failed to take home the whole enchilada. Better luck next time, Lianne.
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Posted by Zach Nelson
on May 27, 2015
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Barre Rotary Granite CHIPS
5/27/15
Suncommon
Tony opens up our meeting in an non traditional form – with a joke. The joke was far too long, (as a result I could not jot the whole thing down) but needless to say it left many in the crowd with a blank stare. Tony followed the failed attempt with a sad dollar. Karl gave two happy dollars. One for each successful eye surgery to both of his eyes. Unfortunately, one of the surgeries left Karl looking as if he had just completed a few rounds of sparring, but the doctor told him he would be good as new in a few weeks. Dick gave a happy dollar for the return of Rotarian Ron Parnigoni. Ron came back from his winter stay in Venice, Florida a few days earlier. Joe, after being challenged by Tony, did what Tony could not – tell a successful joke. Feeling spurned, Tony gave another crack at stand-up comedy, and again only managed to hear crickets. Since it was comedy hour at The Quarry restaurant our guest, Louisa Tripp, gave it a shot and was able to deliver a good punchline. Although Tony was not able to provide any humor himself, he did manage to inspire fellow Rotarian’s to do so. Begrudgingly, I will give him credit.
In his first meeting back Ron made the club aware that the annual Rotary Breakfast will take place on Saturday, July 25, and that he had tickets for us to sell. Each member is asked to sell ten tickets at seven dollars a piece. Tony then proposed a fine of one and nine on Ron for not wearing the matching suit jacket that went along with, what Joe called “rusty salmon color,” shorts. (They were flashy to say the least) Ron had no defense and the fine passed.
Our musical leader Dick Shadroui led us in the singing of “When You're Smiling.” The rendition started off slow, but the club managed to pull it together and finish strong.
Karl then brought to our attention that the Vermont Granite Museum emailed him and asked if we would like to continue cleaning brush and small trees. As some of you may remember many Rotarian's volunteered time last year to help with the effort. Karl is looking again this year for help. There is no set time just yet, but if you would like to help please make him aware.
Elizabeth was pleased to announce that her and Jim selected this year's RYLA student. His name is Parker Nolan and he attends Spaulding High School. Unfortunately, she also noted that the Interact club for this year will not take place. Elizabeth hopes to revive the program next year. Ted gave a happy dollar for an update on Rotarian Bill Rossi. He has not been present for the past few weeks, but he stated in a brief phone call with Ted that he hopes to be back for next week's meeting.
For our program we welcomed Taylor Ralph and Joel Roach from Suncommon. Some of you may remember we hosted Taylor last year as a speaker for Suncommon. This year she brings Joel who will be replacing her position as she transitions into another spot in the company. The Waterbury Center based company helps Vermonters go solar. Their goal is to raise awareness about solar powered energy and also help people survey their land and install the actual panels. In 2014 Suncommon was able to help approximately 1,500 Vermonters obtain solar energy. Joel was there to introduce their latest project, “Barre Summer of Solar.” They will be hosting events throughout the summer in Barre to meet their goal, which is to transfer ten Barre Town/City residents from traditional power over to solar. One specifically will take place at The Quarry restaurant on Tuesday, June 9th. They will be open to any questions a prospective solar client may have about the process. If you would like to check out more information on the company, or are even considering making the switch please visit their website www.suncommon.com
See you next week!
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Posted by Jim Catone
on May 23, 2015
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The late Claire Duke was at The Quarry on time this week, an hour ahead for a Board of Directors meeting; she just rang the bell late, two minutes after twelve. For the second week in row we were off to a false start in singing “American the Beautiful;” pledge and grace went smoothly. Claire gave two Happy Dollars; one for the passing of the funding for the library by Barre Town voters and one for trash reduction on Main Street. Caroline also gave two Happy Dollars; another for the library funding and one for her Zen state of mind attributed by her to listening to spa music. (But could it be the wearing of the “Stay Calm” Rotary tee shirt?) Bob couldn’t “bring home the bacon” because he found none in his 7 BLT sandwich quarters. Claire called on Sue for a Secretary’s Report and although Sue said it was a little early for her report, she gave it anyway. (Perhaps Claire was angling for a new moniker, the early Claire Duke.) Sue invited Ed Rousse to introduce himself. He is a member and president-elect of Montpelier Rotary and related by marriage to Barre Rotary member Sandy Rousse. Dick announced that the Rotabarrians are rehearsing on Thursdays at five and said that they could use additional male voices. Ted announced that five members have contributed to the Foundation and that he would be accepting checks until the end of June.
Our program was Club Assembly. Jim as Chair of the Nominating Committee announced that Tom has agreed to be added to the slate of officers for 2015-16 as president-elect. Bob moved and Joe seconded that Tom be elected by acclamation. Motion passed by majority vote with Bertil and Tom voting no. Karl made a presentation about our website, highlighting recent changes and improvements, including a picture of The Quarry. He showed the directory with profiles and pictures and invited members to make changes to their information or picture if they wished. Karl also explained about the policy of local businesses advertising on our homepage and in the Granite Chips. He will firm up details and report back to the Club at a future date. He also passed out the Committee Assignments Chart for our review. Members should contact him if they want any changes made in their assignments. Elizabeth reported that the Board of Directors has voted to support one Spaulding High School sophomore to attend RYLA this year. If anyone is interested in making a personal donation to send someone to Conservation Camp, they may do so. Bertil gave a Happy Dollar in praise of President-Elect Karl’s superior preparation for his upcoming year as president. Ed Rousse had the winning raffle ticket.
See you next week.
Jim
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