Gratitude and Guests
President Eddie started the meeting at Rotary Park with the Pledge of Allegiance and gratitude for our food. He then introduced our guests: Dan Coy, a Rotarian from Evanston, IL and Jim McWilliam, Marketing Agent for the Barre Civic Center (BOR and the Aud). 
Earle’s Pearls
Caroline was on her feet with an update on the Small-Sized Toiletries Project which will benefit the Rainbow Bridge Community Center and the Good Samaritan Haven. Donations have continued from the community and will be packaged at a service project meeting later this summer.
She also reminded us of the Changeover Dinner to be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Pearl Street Pizza. Cost is $46 per person. Please make a reservation with Jim Catone by June 21st. (jcatone@comcast.net).
Since Last We Met
Birthday: Brenda Waterhouse June 3
Anniversaries: Doug & Lenis Bullett June 4
Joe Shadroui & Larry Bowling June 4
Club Anniversary: Joe Preddy June 1, 2002 22 years
On this day in history: In 1947 in an address at Harvard University, U.S. Secretary of State
George C. Marshall advanced the idea of the
Marshall Plan, a European self-help program to be financed by the United States.
On this day in history: In 1984 Columbia Records released
Bruce Springsteen's 7th studio album "Born in the USA.”
Paving Project
The secretary introduced the following motion which was passed by the Board of Directors with a vote of 4 yes, 2 no and 1 abstention.
To authorize up to $16,500 for the paving of the parking lot at Rotary Park.
President Eddie asked for a mover and seconder. Bob Pope moved and Karl seconded the motion. A well-ordered discussion followed with pros and cons expressed. The following points were made: the project is too expensive; the city did not share in the cost; who would be responsible for maintenance; the money could be spent to increase the amount of the community grants; fill or recycled asphalt is available; paving would make the park more aesthetically pleasing; maintenance would be low; the city could plow the parking lot if necessary; and funds are available. Vote results: 2 yes and 14 no. The motion failed.
Dues are Due
Dues are due no later than June 28th. If paying by check, dues are $200.00.
Barre Auditorium and the BOR (Bureau of Outdoor Recreation)
President Eddie introduced Jim McWilliam, Marketing Agent for the Barre Civic Center.
Jim, as the Marketing Agent, is responsible for bringing programs to the buildings (Aud and BOR) and selling space to sponsors for banners. When he arrived seven years ago there were many empty banner spaces in both buildings, now there are eighty-seven sponsors and no spaces available. He told us of the fond memories that he has of the Aud where he played in the annual High School Boys Basketball Tournament (held in the Aud since 1941). He has brought some new events to the Aud including a high school wrestling tournament, pickleball and hopefully in the future a Norwich University annual basketball event. The BOR, of course, hosts hockey during the winter months, but with the installation of artificial turf it has been used for walking, soccer, lacrosse and softball.
Jim thanked Barre Rotary for operating the concession stand during hockey season (and for the Vermont Motorsports Expo). Having food available was greatly appreciated by the attendees.
And Rotarians were equally appreciative of the positive attitude toward his work and the great job that he is doing for Barre. A enthusiastic round of applause followed the conclusion of his talk.
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