With rituals completed, seventeen Rotarians helped themselves to a buffet of salad, lasagna, rolls and bread pudding. Tony was first on his feet and waiting in silence before proposing a fine of one-and-nine on “this guy,” pointing to Ray, for using the wrong rhythm when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Before Ray could defend himself, Tom proposed an amendment of a fine on Tony for referring to Ray as “this guy.”  Both passed. Scott gave two Happy Dollars in celebration of getting his fall clothes out and for being in Vermont where we don’t have violent storms. John proposed a fine of one-and-nine on Tony for letting outside forces influence the pace of his recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. An amendment was made to fine John for not respecting President Liane (standing and making a proposal before being recognized). In his defense, Tony said that he wanted to bathe in the words of the Pledge of Allegiance and he did not want to rush. Both fines passed. Eddie gave a Happy Dollar for a successful RFGT (Rousse Family Golf Tournament). He also pointed out that it has been suggested the Preamble to the Constitution replace the Pledge of Allegiance. That brought a quick response from Ray who addressed Lady Madam President: “We should never get rid of the Pledge of Allegiance.” Bertil offered a Happy Dollar as he extolled the virtues of his homeland, Sweden, from which he had recently returned. Karl threw a Happy Dollar into the basket in praise of Kristin’s great job on last week’s Granite Chips. Liane gave a Sad Dollar in observance of the anniversary of 9/11 and a Happy Dollar in thanks for Eddie running last week’s meeting. Tony then addressed Madam President to propose a fine on Eddie for wearing his wife’s badge. Eddie offered no defense except to say that he wanted to see if anyone noticed. Karl is going through “stuff”  that he received from Claire and brought a metal file box to the meeting and offered it to those assembled. Scott took it off his hands. Tony proposed a fine of one-and-nine on John for not following protocol (not offering a raffle ticket to President Liane).  President Liane defended John by recounting that she was in a hurry and threw a check at John and left the money-taking scene. Ted rose to point out that John was in training and that he should not be held accountable at this point in that training. Tony opined that it wasn’t John’s first rodeo. Fine did not pass. Scott presided over one of his Membership Moments and pointed out that the M&Ms on the tables were not chocolate, but he had plenty more in his bag and he asked someone to step up to take over for him next year. Tony and Caroline expressed thanks for the cards that Scott had distributed last week inviting potential members to a meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a brief discussion, Scott moved and Kristin seconded that the Annual Ball this year be an exhibition instead of a competition. Motion passed unanimously.

Eddie proposed a fine on Karl for not wearing a badge. Tom quickly proposed an amendment of one-and-nineteen on Karl for a mistake in the directory that he had just passed out: instead of Karl, his first name is Char. No defense for either fine was provided and it passed easily.

Caroline gave two Happy Dollars: one for receiving a check from Bob Pope for $6200.00 from the Barre Rotary Breakfast ticket sales and another for Dunkin’ Doughnuts Athletic Support Coupons which can be purchased from Eddie as a fundraiser.