Granite Chips

April 29 Meeting

Presiding President Jack rang the bell with gusto at the appointed hour followed by a rousing version of “America the Beautiful” with Dick tickling the ivories. The pledge and grace said and we were off to a very quiet 15 minutes punctuated with only hushed tones of polite conversation. Liane broke the silence with a Happy Dollar for having a bigger Rotary label pin than Montpelier Rotarians. So there!

Jack proposed a fine on Sue for “sneaking” food before the bell. Tom seconded. Sue claimed that she needed a crust of bread to prevent her vertigo “kicking in.” The dizzy dame had no chance with that defense. As a retort, she gave a Happy Dollar because she drove for the first time in seven weeks since her ankle gave way. Luckily, her ankle held all the way from Granite Hills to The Quarry. What a feet! Get it?

Jack took the floor again to announce that the prominent hematoma on his forehead was not caused by Kathleen’s trusty frying pan, but that he had hit his head on the wood stove. We were all greatly relieved. It explained a lot.

Tom announced Green Up Day was on Saturday and we would again clean up Quarry Hill. The throngs with tongs will meet at the Hilltop at 8:00 a.m.  (Thongs optional.) No breakfast this year.

Karl proposed a fine of 1 and 4 on Bob for failing to fine Karl for a parking free again. Bob said in a weak defense that the fine should be automatic. Motion passed.

Claire gave a Happy Dollar with the accompanying announcement that she has already completed 1/3 of the East Montpelier Road as part of her Green Up Day ritual. She will finish on Saturday. She also urged Barre Town residents to vote “yes” for the Aldrich Library funding article on May 12^th.

Claire reported that the Lions have one meeting per month in the evening and suggested that we consider the same. She will check to see if spouses and significant others are invited.

Sue announced again birthdays and anniversaries and noted that Tom’s birthday is 2 days after tax day. Tom said that his mother planned it that way. With no funds available, Tom was extended credit from Ted to pay the obligatory dollar for being born. The group warmed up for its upcoming noontime performance with an upbeat “Happy Birthday” to Tom.

The warm up did nothing to help the pitiful performance of the assembly’s rendition of “The Whiffenpoof Song.” It was rumored that it sent Yale alumni in Central Vermont careening out of their second story windows.  It was only topped by a sad follow-up of “When You’re Smiling” sending Sue into tears.

And so this all led up to the major event of the meeting, The Club Assembly. Karl called on Ted to explain this year’s Foundation Giving Campaign. An anonymous donor this year will match each $50.00 donation and George Milne will give points that he has available. For example, if someone gave $50.00, then it would be matched with $50.00 and the $100.00 donation would receive 150 points toward a Harris Fellow. All donations must be received by May 31^st. Karl repeated everything that Ted had said and then pointed out that the club could apply for grants for 2016-17. Jim reminded members that our club would need a member to attend a seminar on Foundation and District grants and be certified before grants can be applied for.

Liane reported on the planning of a possible fund raiser, a dance competition. Tentatively, it would be held on the third floor of the Blanchard Block and either have a local celebrity-professional ball room dance option or an open competition. Caroline and Ted are working on this as well.

In the Club Assembly Finale, Karl presented a live hook up training session on our website. With rapt attention, we gave our all to the end when I (Jim) won $5.00, the winning number drawn by Liane sitting next to me. No collusion suspected except by Bob Pope.

See you next week.

Jim Catone.