granite chips
 

After the rituals, thirteen of us sat down to dine on linguine marinara, salad, rolls and cookies. Bob was first to capture the attention of President Tom and proposed a fine of one-and-nine on Caroline for pushing her agenda, namely the Rotary ball over the library breakfast. Bob said he was shocked and appalled. He claimed that the newsletter aka Granite Chips had an “ad” for the “dance” at the top of the page. Caroline defended by noting that “our” event has nothing to do with Chips or the website. Elizabeth got on her phone and went to the website and reported that Bob was incorrect, but the fine passed anyway.

Brenda announced that the members of the fledgling Interact Club are volunteering at Lincoln House and are conducting an indoor lawn sale. There are five members and she has tasked each one of them with bringing one potential member to the next meeting.

Caroline presented an idea for discussion concerning the possibility of the library taking over major responsibility for the library breakfast. She has made a presentation to the library board and it is now under consideration. Bob made an impassioned plea against the idea noting that the annual breakfast is a hallmark of the Barre Rotary Club. Others agreed. Ideas for replacing retiring Ron Parnigoni as the Chair included a team approach with perhaps the President Elect acting as team leader. There will further discussion at a future Club Assembly.

The club administrative budget was presented for consideration. Caroline explained that it reflected proposed changes regarding meetings. She is proposing: 1) meetings at noon on the first and third Wednesdays of the month; 2) a Rotary after Dark on the last Wednesday of the month; and 3) a “hands-on” community service project every two months. With these changes, she said that she hopes we will appeal to a different demographic. Someone suggested a quarterly project. It was also suggested that we conduct a survey to include the entire membership. This proposal will also be discussed more in-depth at a future meeting. Tony moved and John seconded that the budget be approved. Motion passed unanimously.

Tom presented Brenda with one of the baseballs that he found on Green up Day in recognition of her first time participation in that event as a member of Barre Rotary Club team.

Tony proposed a fine of one-and-nine on all those not wearing a badge. It passed, but Bob reminded us that infraction comes with an automatic fine.

Caroline reminded us of the fundraiser for the Summer Street mural at Simply Delicious on June 7, featuring Lula Roe fashions, begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. and includes Rotary after Dark. Admission is $2.00. NO NOON MEETING on JUNE 7.

Elizabeth announced that as of May 31, 39% of the club membership has contributed to the Rotary Foundation. The goal is to have 100%. A suggested minimum is $26.50, the amount of the initial gift to the would-be Rotary Foundation.  

President Tom reminded us that we have agreed to help raise money for a statue honoring the Boy Scouts by acting as organizers on June 23 and 24 at a giant sidewalk sale/flea market. More details to follow. Also, the Changeover Dinner will take place the Quarry on June 28. Details forthcoming.

A proposal was made that if members don’t eat lunch, they should pay two dollars to defray club expenses. An amendment was made that it be a three dollar option which would include a cookie. Claire moved and Tony seconded that the proposal be passed with both options. Motion passed unanimously.

Karl proposed that one thousand points from the club be awarded to the Rotarian of the Year and be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Tony seconded. Motion passed unanimously.