A Crooked Banner, the Last Rotarian Standing and a Reverse Fine
Starting off with a not so stellar America the Beautiful, a Pledge of Alliance with a visual of a banner being straightened and a heartfelt Gratitude, thirteen Rotarians and five guests sat down to a variety of pizza, salad and cookies. “Fining Tony” was first on his feet and after a long wait, he asked President Caroline to pass the gavel. After the gavel was firmly in Liane’s grasp, Tony proposed a fine of one-and-nine on President Caroline for not recognizing him although at the same time noting that she was engaged with our guest speaker. Karl noted that Tony just stood there and didn’t say “Madam President.” Tony retorted that with a profile like his, he didn’t need to say anything. Tom proposed a “fine reversal” and opined that Liane had the power to make an executive decision. Liane did just that and imposed a fine of one-and-nine on Tony for harassing President Caroline. Fine passed. Sarah gave a Happy Dollar and introduced Lauren Polk who will be filling in for her this summer while she gives birth and cares for her baby. Scott gave a Happy Dollar expressing happiness in the blooming of his first daffodil and that the ground hog and deer did not eat it. Tony, like the Phoenix, rose once again to propose a fine of one-and-nine, this time on Ted, for a back and forth exchange between him and Ted of two dollars leading to the conclusion that Ted was not a good steward of the cashbox. Ted admitted that he was trying to make money off of Tony. Don’t remember the result.
Tanzanians Warmly Welcomed
President Caroline asked Rotarians to introduce our guests. Tony introduced Vincent from Tanzania; he is part of the Upendo Mmoja Community Center Project.
Abigail Joyal of the Norwich University’s Rotaract Club introduced Maria, also with the project. Vincent and Maria both gave brief presentations of the project and expressed their thanks for the support of Barre Rotary. They both were warmly welcomed by all in attendance. President Caroline presented them with a check for four hundred dollars to sponsor a child for a year. The funds were raised as a result of a challenge to Barre Rotarians by Bob Pope.
Sustainability Alive and Well in Barre
President Caroline introduced Amanda Garland, an instructor in the Natural Resources and Sustainability Program. It is one of twelve programs at the Central Vermont Career Center housed at Spaulding High School. Students attend from six high schools in Central Vermont: Montpelier, Twinfield, Cabot, Harwood, U-32, and Spaulding. Among the areas included as part of the program are: urban trees, trail management, construction, horticulture, food systems, wilderness survival and forestry. Amanda talked about several projects under the umbrella of Community Engagement. For example, the program has partnerships with five organic farms and last year donated twenty-five hundred pounds of produce, harvested by the students, to the Vermont Food Bank. They also have planted raspberry bushes at Elmwood cemetery with the crop available to the citizens of Barre. A community garden at Elmwood is planned for this summer. The students in the program have cleared land, built compost bins and taught elementary school children. Currently CVCC and Barre Rotary are in a partnership which is aiming to plant thirty-five apple trees at five schools: Doty Elementary School- Worcester;
Crossett Brook Middle and Elementary School- Waterbury; Berlin Elementary School; East Montpelier Elementary School; Barre City Middle and Elementary School. After planning the trees, the program will take responsibility for the following: pest and disease management; soil nutrient management; pruning; annual mulching/weed control; grafting stock; and harvesting. Among the goals for the future of the partnership, Amanda included the following: increase the membership of the Barre Rotary Club; engage students through hands-on educational projects in our community; and create a more resilient and sustainable Barre. She also presented some future ideas as the partnership moves forward in the area of on-the-ground workers for sustainability initiatives: Barre City Trees; Barre Gardening Club; Rain Garden Initiatives; Green-up Spaces and; Management Assistance of Rotary Club Properties. Barre Rotarians thoroughly enjoyed her presentation which was delivered with excitement and passion. After a few questions, those assembled showed their appreciation with a warm round of applause.