With rituals complete, eleven Rotarians sat down to a lunch of linguine, meatballs, salad, rolls and cookies. Tony stood for several minutes while President Caroline was engaged with Kristin. Finally recognized, Tony asked that the gavel be passed and he proceeded to fine President Caroline for not being engaged with the protocol, namely not recognizing him in a timely manner. Her defense was her usual “being friendly and welcoming.” Somehow President-elect Liane got caught up in the fray and defended herself by pointing out that she was paying for her meal. Fine passed on all three, I think. We need the money. Tony offered three Happy Dollars: one for his sister becoming a grandmother; for a second time in three weeks that his son has been hired as a writer by Marvel Studios (either he likes to give us dollars or he is experiencing memory loss); and for either wearing a seatbelt when he rolled his tractor over or for successfully telling his wife about the incident without his tractor driving privileges being revoked. Eddie gave a Happy Dollar in rejoicing that he and Sandy are hosting an exchange student this weekend.

 

 

Guests were introduced: Ted introduced our Assistant Governor, Michael Swaider; Tony introduced Sarah’s unborn baby; Sarah introduced Lauren Polk, her summer replacement at the Aldrich; and Chandra introduced the exchange students—Joaquin Robaldo from Argentina and Clementine Vanoverschelde from Belgium. 

 

 

President Caroline announced that twenty-six trees have been planted in Central Vermont as part of Rotary International President Riseley’s initiative to plant a tree around the world for every member of Rotary. Kristin was at Crossett Brook Middle School when students from the school and members of the  Natural Resources and Sustainability Program at the Central Vermont Career Center planted trees on the hillside behind the school.

 

 

Tickets for the Barre Rotary Breakfast are available and will be distributed to members at the conclusion of the meeting. Each member is being asked to sell ten tickets again this year.

 

Liane proposed a fine of one-and-nine on Tony for being rude when he texted during the meeting. No good defense was offered and the fine passed.

 

Liane gave a Happy Dollar in a lamented memory of her spa treatment at the Mount Washington Summit Hotel.

 

Referencing a letter from Ted regarding the Rotary Foundation Annual Appeal, Tony announced that all donations this year will be matched. All members are urged to give, no matter the amount, so that we can achieve one hundred percent participation.

 

 

Chandra introduced our two guest speakers, Clem and Joaquin, exchange students from Belgium and Argentina, respectively. Chandra is the Central Vermont Coordinator for the International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) Program. Presently, there are six slots at Spaulding and five are filled. Other area schools have slots, but they are unfilled at this time.  In a question and answer format, Clem and Joaquin answered Barre Rotarians’ questions. Asked why they decided to participate in an exchange program, Joaquin said that he was comfortable speaking English and had always wanted to come to America. Clem said she wanted to improve her English which will help her become a Dutch/English teacher and that she was influenced by friends who had visited America. Clem also likes basketball and the NBA; she currently plays local AAU basketball.  In responding to a question about what was hardest to adjust to, Joaquin said just adjusting to a new place and Clem said, in good humor, pronouncing the “h.” Both of them expressed surprise at the variety in course selection and that their studies were relatively easy compared to their schools back home. They also pointed out that schools in their countries offer little choice and have neither sports nor clubs. They were somewhat familiar with Rotary, but now have a greater understanding of the organization. In answering a question about how the experience has changed their future plans, both responded that travel and their facility with languages would somehow be included in their careers. President Caroline presented them with banners and a Four Way Test coin and we provided a warm round of applause in appreciation for sharing their refreshing perspectives with us.