Past President, Eddie Rousse sprays water on the spruced up flower bed in the city parking lot at 106 South Main street.

The garden plots at 106 S. Main St. are getting a much-needed make-over and the bees and butterflies couldn’t be happier!  Starting in mid-July, members Eddie Rousse, Joe Shadroi, John Steinman, Karl Rinker and

Nicole DiDomenico – as well as  friends and four Rotary Club members - began by assessing the plots by first seeking assistance from the Granite City Garden Club for direction.   For example, since the goal of the plots, originally, was to serve as a pollinator’s garden, it was requested that we leave some of the somewhat unsightly milkweed as it is a host plant for (and provides all the nourishment necessary for) a Monarch caterpillar to transform into the adult butterfly!  It also made sense to leave some of the existing perennials that are still healthy, and request the help the Reynold’s House owners for access to watering neighboring plots.

Pictured from left to right, Terry Matthews, Sid Jenkins, Dawn Matthews, Andrea Blanchard, Jean Lawson, Paul Szalkucki and Rotary Club member, Tony Campos.

The group feels very lucky to have the volunteers that show up to set tables, play the piano, carve turkeys and hams, make mashed potatoes and stuffing, deliver or serve meals, cut and serve pies, wash dishes and so much more. They also feel that they are lucky to have received donations of pies, potatoes, turkeys, hams, rolls, cider and milk to serve to the guests, as well as financial donations which help offset the cost of purchasing some of the meal.

No one leaves hungry and most are happy to have had a good meal and good company on such a special day.

A visit from DCF representative Alona Tate to the Barre Rotary Club this past June spurred President Ed Rousse, Bruce Fisher and President Elect John Steinman to take action.  Ms. Tate noted that children who are taken into emergency custody in the nights or on weekends often leave their homes with only the clothes on their backs.  As Ms. Tate explained, DCF, The Family Center of Washington County and the United Way could all benefit from a 24 hour/7 day per week accessible clothing closet where they could outfit these kids quickly on an emergent basis.   Bruce, Ed and John saw an opportunity to assist.