With rituals complete, fifteen Rotarians sat down to lunch on mostaccioli, salad and cookies. President Caroline began the meeting by asking Barre Rotarians to introduce our guests and fellow Rotarians: Doug Bullett from the Bon Air club and Eddy Rousse from the Montpelier club. Then she initiated a conversation about our Christmas event and suggested we might want to consider something other than the usual Christmas lunch.  She has been approached by Gary Hass who has invited our Club to join the Central Vermont Rotary Club and The World  in donating money to buy winter coats to be distributed by the Salvation Army, as part of World Santa Program, to those in need and wrapped by the clubs. She also mentioned involving the Young Professional Group of Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce which is looking for volunteer opportunities. She also would like to see children and grandchildren participate and provide appropriate activities for them. A potluck bunch or lunch was also suggested. The consensus of the group was to combine the coat wrapping and a potluck to include children. Saturday, December 9^th was suggested as a possible date. President Caroline will work out the details and get back to us.

 

 

Liane provided an update on the Third Annual Rotary Ball. So far we have sold about 138 tickets. She emphasized that the ball is formal which means men and women should dress appropriately, but within a wide range from ball gowns to pant suits for women to tuxes and blazers for men. JROTC and Interact Club members from Spaulding High School will be participating as ushers. Elizabeth Laperle and Margaret Fitts were recognized for providing the majority of the items for the silent auction. Liane will pick up trophies at a substantial saving in Colchester. Keep selling tickets was the final message.

 

Tom Babic reviewed the Statement of Financial Condition and Charity Funds Available Budget. There is about $19,000 available. The exact amount to be donated will be determined at the November 2 meeting using the Making Donations Guidelines.

 

 

Somewhere in the neighborhood of one hundred and fifty people gathered at the Elks Club for the Third Annual Rotary Ball, this year masquerade. During the cocktail hour, many creative masks were in evidence, including three Phantoms of the Opera.  The first hour also included the opening of a silent auction and swing dance lessons. After the buffet dinner, President Caroline was introduced and gave an inspirational welcome extolling the virtues of Rotary. Liane then introduced the dance competition between Louisa Tripp, a former district governor and a member of the Northfield Rotary Club, and Tony Campos, a member of the Barre Rotary Club. Louisa danced a quick step and Tony the Argentine tango. In the style of the popular Dancing with the Stars television show, three judges provided commentary. Following the competition, Bill and Carolyn Pedrick performed three ballroom dances to the delight of the crowd. During costume changes and table voting, Liane entertained the audience with a beautifully delivered set of songs. Separated by one point, she announced the winner, Tony Campos. Both participants accepted their trophies and recognized the performances of each other in a harmonious spirit of mutual respect and admiration. The silent auction closed and the open dancing began.