Prologue
President Eddie opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a request for an expression of gratitude from Tom. He then reported on reading about the Barre Youth Open Mic Team which, according to Aldrich Director Kristin meets with Garrett, Assistant Director. The program offered to teens by Aldrich includes activities such as board games and arts and crafts and a place to “hang-out.” Let the Dollars Roll In
Tony started things rolling with a Happy Dollar for Kristin and the library staff. He then gave another because of the opportunity afforded him to talk about Rotary at a recent Toastmasters meeting.
Next--Nicole gave a Happy Dollar in proclaiming that her dental health has been reversed by practicing good dental care at home.
Caroline had a dollar for polio and a Happy Dollar for accomplishing a 165 pound deadlift at a Rehab Gym fundraising powerlifting meet. She was the single largest donor with all the money raised going to the Rainbow Bridge Community Center. Kristin had three Happy Dollars to offer: a successful Spring Fling; the forthcoming performance by the Rock City Chorus with its proceeds going to the children’s programs at the library; and for the clean up of the grounds of the library and the planting of flowers so that the lawn is ready for the Breakfast.
Hear ye! Hear ye!
Tony was first again with a report from the Lunch Committee. Tasty Bites could offer lunch at $12.50 which would include a sandwich, a side and a small dessert. A proposal will be considered by the Board of Directors at their next meeting. Nicole suggested an idea for a service project for us to consider for next year: grilling hot dogs and hamburgers for a teacher recognition lunch at the Berlin Elementary School.
Caroline announced that Changeover Dinner will take place on the evening of June 26 (no noon meeting that day) at Pearl Street Pizza. Invitations will be coming your way next week.
Up for the third time, Tony gave a Sad Dollar because he can’t be at the Changeover Dinner.
Patrick reported that all is progressing well for the Breakfast which will take place on July 27.
Nicole, evoking the Four Way Test, implored us to be up front about serving decaf coffee at the Breakfast. That request was met with a report from President Eddie that 802 Coffee will be providing both decaf and regular coffee at Breakfast. Details are being worked on. Karl announced that, starting in June, for every Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet sold at Hannafords, one dollar will be donated to the Barre Rotary Club. Everyone--bring a bouquet home in June!
George rose to dispense a few dollars: a Happy Dollar for the outstanding meal (salmon) today; a Sad Dollar for a friend who died recently, noting that he and his friend had two things in common; talking about financial matters and drinking; and a whopping $65 in celebration of his 65 years as a Rotarian. That was met with an enthusiastic round of applause. Congratulations George!
Zachary Lyle-Delong Inducted
Tony took center stage to conduct the induction of Zachary Lyle-Delong. Tony presented Zach with the Rotary member pin and a kit which included a membership certificate and a badge among other helpful Rotary items. Zach was welcomed with a warm round of applause. Congratulations Zach! Since Last We Met
Birthdays: Ted Goulette May 18
Carol Dawes May 21
Club Anniversary: George Milne May 19, 1995 65 years
On this day in history: In 1992 American comedian
Johnny Carson, considered by many to be the king of late-night television, made his final appearance as host of
The Tonight Show.
On this day in history: In 1972 Richard Nixon arrived in
Moscow, the first visit by a U.S. president to the
Soviet Union.
Classification Talk: Emily Stephens
Emily decided to focus on her personal life with an illustrated narrative for her classification talk. She took us back to her early career as a marine biologist with captivating photos of whales, bears (dancing), living accommodations (a truck and a cabin), and the breathtaking beauty of Alaska. Emily started as a wildlife volunteer after graduating from the University of Rhode Island and eventually secured a job with Fish and Wildlife. She met her future husband in Alaska, they were married on a glorious autumn day in Vermont, returned to Alaska and took up residence in Juneau. Emily became a mother, a bookkeeper, and a floral shop owner before moving back to Vermont while pregnant with a second daughter, Riley. Back home she took up the mantle of full time mom and engaged with her daughters in a myriad of activities often focusing on the outdoors. With the two of them eventually enrolling in the local Montessori School, Emily became bored and decided to obtain her real estate license. She studied, took the test and became licensed in May 2021. She is in her third year as an agent serving Washington Country. She specializes in relocation, something near and dear to her since she has moved across the country twice, between Vermont and Alaska.
Rotarians thoroughly enjoyed Emily’s talk filled with interesting anecdotes and engaging stores about her life before Rotary. Emily enjoyed a warm round of applause from appreciative Rotarians.