Scrivener: Caroline Earle

A Moment in History

Our meeting this week reflected a unique moment in our country and world history. A superpower’s invasion of a neighboring country has shocked our world community and made us all realize how small our world really is.

Pianist Arthur Zorn started us off with a heartfelt version of “Our Country Tis of Thee,” to remind us of the ideals to which this country aspires. Joe Shadroui led us in “You Got To Accentuate the Positive,” reminding us that Americans remain eternally optimistic.

Our songs were followed by an emotional reflection offered by Caroline, one which brought some of our members and guests to tears.

Ukraine Celebrated

We were fortunate to have two guests present who represented Ukraine – Igor and Yana. Igor (a guest of Eddie) and Yana (a guest of Nicole) shared their own understanding and knowledge of the situation in Ukraine. It was heart wrenching to hear about the lack of food and other resources facing the citizens of Ukraine as they struggle to stay alive and free.

How Central Vermont Helps

We welcomed Rachel Cogbill and Mary Braun from the Central Vermont Refugee Action Network (CVRAN), who shared their organization’s mission to serve refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers in our area. This organization shares resources and offers support – from medical assistance to language instruction – to these individuals and places a priority on welcoming and supporting this population. 

Caroline offered a sobering reminder that in 1977, Rotary International attempted to use the First Amendment of our Constitution to justify excluding women from Rotary. Fortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected that argument and, as they say, the rest is history…as Rotary welcomes the first female Rotary International President Jennifer Jones in 22-23.

Since Last We Met

Bruce announced Bertil’s 90th birthday on March 11th and a belated celebration of Eddie and George’s birthdays on March 2nd.And our very own Scrivener, Jim Catone celebrated 12 years with Barre Rotary on March 3rd!

Odds and Ends

Eddie offered $4 for SHS’s great sports season this year. Mary from CVRAN offered $2 happy dollars for our Ukrainian guests. Bertil offered $3 happy dollars for his birthday, cake and upcoming trip.

Tom Babic reminded members that John Mark Harrison is speaking to us next week to share the benefits of choral singing in the community.

Finally, Loren won the raffle but did not pick the white marble. 

Our Voice Will Be Heard

After a robust discussion of Ukraine and how we as a club can show solidarity and support, Bruce moved that Tony write a letter to our Congressional Representatives asking them to act to ensure that the United States immediately opens its borders and offer a warm welcome to Ukrainians seeking to unite with family members already here in the United States. Caroline will draft a letter and forward it for his review.

Peace

As we closed out this meeting, this scrivener left our gathering with a sense of gratitude for how much Rotary does to support good in our world and an abiding optimism that where love and hope co-exist, peace will prevail.