With America the Beautiful sans a piano, Liane waving a mini-flag and words of heartfelt gratitude, seventeen Rotarians sat down in the American Legion Hall to a lunch of chicken, potatoes, asparagus, salad and strawberry shortcake. President Caroline was first on her feet with a Happy Dollar in celebration of a fabulous lunch and space. She then announced that breakfast tickets are now being distributed and each member is expected to sell a minimum of ten. It was also reported that we are in need of corporate sponsors. President Caroline has tickets for the Mural Wall raffle which are available for selling or purchasing from her. The cost of a ticket is $50.00 and if all 200 tickets are sold, the winner would receive $2500. Liane was up next to fine Tony for not fining anyone yet. After Tony paid up, he asked President Caroline to pass the gavel. He then chided her for costing the club money by announcing the suspension of fines and Happy Dollars so that she could enjoy the delicious lunch. In her defense she reminded everyone that she hardly ever gets to eat a complete meal with all the interruptions and was reminded (by me) that particular ordeal was a rite of passage of all presidents and came with the territory. Fine passed. Sarah stood and proposed a fine of one-and-nine on Tony for his Grinch-like comments while President Caroline was speaking. Tony said that he was biting at the bit to fine and was grousing around the Heritage Festival noting that it wasn’t the same as the original. Fine passed. Karl proposed a fine on Tony for advising his business and Tony’s defense was more detail about his business. Karl then proposed a fine of one-and-nine on anyone who hasn’t fined anyone yet.

 

 

Liane took the floor to lead a discussion on moving from the Quarry to the American Legion. She said that it took three months to find the new space and Tony drew a laugh when he drolly said that it’s been here quite awhile. It has no television (found later behind the bar), no piano and no closet for storage. After a brief discussion, Sue moved and Scott seconded that we make the move by mid-June. Scott went on to point out that the Quarry has an accessibility problem and a limited capacity of space to grow. Eddie added that there may be space upstairs for storage. Bertil proposed an amendment to table the motion and Tom seconded. It was noted that we have built in time to make adjustments to solve the problems mentioned above. A vote on the amendment failed. The main motion to move was approved by voice vote with one abstention.

 

 

 

Liane reported on present committee and chair assignments and asked for volunteers for a least second person for each assignment. Please contact her to volunteer.

Sue asked President Caroline to pass the gavel. Since she had asked me to introduce our guest, Gabe Lajeunesse, Sue asserted: “she took my role; you took my job.” The fine on President Caroline passed.                                     

Tom rose to propose of fine on Sue for a phone that had been buzzing. Tony admitted that it was his phone. Then Sue’s phone starting buzzing and Scott interjected that it was his phone. With all the confusion, the fine did not pass. Sarah offer $5 for five big time life events: her family is moving from Barre; they are buying a house in Chittenden County; she is leaving her job as Director of the Aldrich; her husband is going to medical school full time; and she is having a baby. She will miss Barre and we all will miss her greatly.

Liane engaged with a person from People’s United Bank about becoming a corporate member.                                                                                                  Tony reminded us that Rotary International has a seat at the United Nations. This year for every dollar pledged by members to the Rotary Foundation, Barre Rotary will match it. The goal is to have 100% participation.

Eddie reported that a cleanup of Rotary Park is in the planning stages and that Rotary Day is being scheduled at one of the future ball games at the rejuvenated baseball field.

George reported on his recent visit to Omaha Beach in France and the sadness he felt in viewing the 10,000 grave markings.