Granite Chips

 

A rambunctious crowd of 26 joined in singing America the Beautiful, pledging the flag, and bowing our heads to hear Joe’s inspiring words of thanks. After a few minutes munching on sandwiches and salad and engaging in scintillating conversation, President Karl called on Ron who made an announcement regarding the Rotary Breakfast: “Be there at 6:00 a.m. to set up. Also looking for help to set up tables and chairs on Friday. Be there at 10:00 a.m.” Bertil offered a Happy Dollar for the work Ron does and a Sad Dollar because he does it all alone. Liane offered three dollars for impeding split loyalties on Saturday morning’s obligations: Rotary, Jazzercise, and Noyle W. Johnson. (And later in the day, a wedding.). Bob proposed a fine of one-and-nine on Karl for letting Sue take his gavel. His defense insulted everyone in the room except Sue as he asserted that she was the most qualified to take command. Fine passed. Sue gave the Secretary’s Report which included the introduction of several guests: Kevin O’Hara, a former Barre Rotarian, introduced his friend Matt; Jeremy Grenier, another former Barre Rotarian was lunching with us prior to his attending a meeting of our Ballroom Dance Fund Raising Committee; Scott Funk was introduced as a potential member; Ron introduced his granddaughter, Alana, who will be helping with the breakfast on Saturday; Caroline proudly introduced us to Sarah Costa, the new Director of the Aldrich Public Library. After the introductions, Tom proposed a fine of one-and-four on Ron because he had not put placemats on their table. Tony rose to his defense detailing the actual course of events: Ron’s granddaughter had put the placemats on the tables, but that table had been placed behind her after she had taken her seat. She had no way of knowing that the occupants of that table were placemat-less.  Needless to say, the fine did not pass.

 

Karl then introduced our program for the day-Songs from the Past with Happy Herb. Herb Heath, Jr. grew up in Cabot, VT with his mom, dad and two sisters. Herb started listening to country music in 1948 when he was about 6 years old. He would go to bed with a little white radio on his chest listening to WWVA in West Virginia. His mom would come up every night and turn off the radio after he went to sleep. Herb believes country music is part of his soul. His lovely wife Tina bought him a guitar and 12 lessons with Irene Drew when he was 60 years old. Everywhere he went Herb was always singing and Tina thought he would like to learn how to play guitar too. Once he learned to play the guitar, he starting singing in nursing homes and convalescent centers. Herb enjoyed it so much that he decided to record a CD. You can reach Herb at hbh@pshift.com.  

 

                                                  HAPPY HERB AND FRIENDS

 

We were treated to an upbeat country/western music concert by Herb and musicians George Drew and Tom Wales adding a second guitar, a membranophone and tap shoes for clogging.  Their selections included: Okie from Muskogee; Mama Tried; Folsom Prison Blues; Mary Lou; Blue Suede Shoes/Hound Dog Medley; and Johnny B. Goode. The medley inspired several Rotarians to take to the dance floor to show their fancy footwork. It was fun to watch, but it was more “dancing with the planets” rather than “dancing with the stars.”  All-in-all, a good time was had by all. We can’t wait to see what entertainment Karl has in store for us at the cookout.

 

                             DANCING ROTARIANS

 

Jeremy won the raffle, but not the pot.