Welcome-Eat-Hear Ye!
After Nicole, our field trip organizer, welcomed us to the Barre Social Club and we had begun enjoying our lunch, President Caroline took the floor to make some announcements and report on the actions of todayâs Board of Directors meeting.
President Caroline started off by announcing that beginning in March we will have a Zoom option available for our noon meetings as well as for board meetings. This option will have a trial period of three months.
Finus Interruptus: Bob rose to propose a fine of one-and-nine on Eddie for talking on the phone while President Caroline was making her announcements. With little
defense, Eddie paid the fine.

Resuming her announcements, President Caroline reminded us that the Milne Room was not available on the first Wednesday of each month and so she will try to arrange site visits. If you have any ideas on places to visit, please let her know.
Actions from the Board of Directors meeting:
Doug presented a request for a donation from a Peace Corp member in Guatemala for a community economic development project grant. The request was approved in the amount of $1000.

The announcement of a request for a donation to the Newbury Initiative by Karl provoked a brief, but lively discussion. It was pointed out that this initiative has sparked controversy in the community centering around spending money on buying a building for $1,000,000 rather than on roads, housing or infrastructure. Why has the City Council approved $400,000 for this effort? It was noted that answers to these questions are addressed in a publication issued by the BADC. The Board tabled a motion to approve $2500 until Karl can provide more details at our next meeting.
These announcements regarding donations provoked a response by Bob Pope questioning the Board practice of approving funds without the approval of the membership. What happened to the practice of a committee that met to decide the distribution of funds to charitable organizations. President Caroline pointed out that approval of time sensitive requests for donations has been a standard practice for some time. However, the Board will consider the continuation of this practice in the future.
Update

Nicole announced that Community Grant applications have begun coming in. A committee will decide the receipts of awards at a meeting at the Community Bank on Tuesday, March 4th at 5:30 pm. She is looking for members to serve on that committee. Awards will be given out at the annual Pie For Brunch on April 5th. She will be asking for donations of pies and items for the silent auction and volunteers for the event. She would like to award a Paul Harris again this year and needs members to donate points. Please let her know if you would like to contribute points.
Since Last We Met
No anniversaries or birthdays.
On this day in history: In 1934 American basketball player Bill Russell, one of the greatest defensive centers in NBA history and the first Black coach of a major professional American sports team (the Boston Celtics), was born.
On this day in history: 1809 British naturalist Charles Darwin, who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection, was born.

Nicole introduced our hosts, Nick and Cat Allen.
Cat started off by telling us that after living in ten states in eleven years, she and NIck were ready to settle down. They moved here a few years ago and fell in love with the city. Their love affair with Barre was enhanced when they began researching its history and discovered that it was a true âmelting pot.â Not only were they impressed with his rich ethnic heritage, but its buildings and their history. You can see the manifestation of their appreciation in the attention given to the period decor throughout the space.
When they decided to start this business, they were looking for something that would benefit Barre. They discovered that Barre does not have a space for co-working and felt there was a need. Shared work space combines the advantages of home-based work; better work-life balance, greater flexibility, less stress with the advantages of working in an office, such as networking, problem-solving help from others, and the opportunity to meet and socialize.
The 2,900-square-foot space includes two main work areas, several small work centers, a meeting room for up to 25 people and a kitchenette for members. There also is a
retail store that sells Vermont-made products, including pottery, art work, woolens, and more. The workspace has desks, tables, comfy chairs and sofas.

The Barre Social Club also provides space to the public to host private events, including book or brunch clubs, writing workshops, holiday parties, baby showers, board meetings and networking, bake sales, wine tastings or mocktail mixology events, game night and movie matinées.
For membership types and costs visit their website: ttps://www.barresocialclub.com/
The Barre Social Club is a welcome addition to the community and Rotarians appreciate Nick and Cat Allenâs enthusiasm for Barre and their desire to fulfill a need for the business community and for their commitment to enrich the social life of the residents of Barre. Thanks for your great work!
For some great photos of the The Barre Social Club click on the link below:
hhttps://barrevtrotary.org/stories/the-barre-social-clubUntil next time....that's all Rotarians.