Lots of Gratitude
After twelve faithful Rotarians and one guest said the Pledge of Allegiance, President Nicole asked if anyone would like to express gratitude. She started off by being grateful that she was featured on Aired Out radio talk show Jamie Green where she promoted the work of Rotary. Joe was grateful that he was able to attend a City Council meeting where Sue Higby was recognized for her service of 20 years as executive director of Studio Place Arts. She was given the key to the city by Mayor Jack Hemmerick and presented with a proclamation and a legislative resolution. Loren expressed gratitude for the upcoming Offers and Needs Market event.
A Logical Fallacy
Loren presented us with a Logical Fallacy, Ad Hominem: Abusive---Mistakenly attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself, when the attack on the person is completely irrelevant to the argument the person is making. Example: “The average composition of the lunar surface by weight is roughly 43%, oxygen 20%, …” “You are a monster. The moon is obviously made of cheese.” She offered ways to “flip the script:” by remembering CRAAP: Current, Relevant, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose; reflect on shared beliefs: and remember that any attack on a person’s character or behavior says something about you too. Loren ended with three tenets of the Four-Way Test: Is it FAIR to all concerned? Is it the truth? Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?
Since Last We Met
No birthdays or anniversaries.
On this day in history: Mary, Queen of Scots, rival of Queen Elizabeth I of England, was beheaded on this day in 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle, her execution a chilling scene redeemed by the great personal dignity with which she met her fate.
On this day in 1915, the landmark film, The Birth of a Nation by D.W. Griffith, made its premiere at Clune's Auditorium in Los Angeles; while hailed for its technical and dramatic innovations, the epic was condemned for its overt racism and positive portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan.
Angelina Debeaupuis, a candidate for membership, was introduced for the first time and asked to say a few words about herself, why she wants to join Rotary and what skills she would bring to the Barre Rotary Club. She is from France, an attorney and likes outdoor activities. She and her fiance live in Northfield, but they are looking to buy a home in the Barre area. She plans to be active in Barre Rotary projects to make a better community and brings language skills to our Club.
Tony then presented Angelina with a Four Way Test coin and described how it can be used to promote Rotary.
Casting a Net for Dollars
Nicholas was up first with a Happy Dollar for the purchase of new nets for the hockey program at Spaulding. The partner in this effort was the Spaulding High School Foundation which prompted Eddie,
president of the foundation, to match with another Happy Dollar. Tony threw another in the basket for being asked by DG Caroline to present a coin to Angelina and was glad that she’s aboard. Bob added a dollar to the coffers for Eddie’s use of strong-armed tactics with him and his wife Nancy, when he was trying to solicit donations for the nets mentioned above. He noted that Nancy was not likely to donate to such a cause and told Eddie: “Get you next time.” Bob then gave five Happy Dollars for having a bathroom back now that the renovations at his home have been completed. Tom arose and proposed a fine of one-and-nine on Tony for being so happy. Tony retorted that he was medicated. Fine passed. Angelina gave her first Happy Dollar in declaring happiness for the wonderful “community we live in.” President Nicole added four more dollars: recognizing Angelina’s reason for a Happy Dollar; a HapSad Dollar (.50/.50) for Joe being in a play this weekend and those not attending because they are going to a hockey game. Joe gave a Happy Dollar because of his dancing usher routine and Eddie's attendance at a recent event at the Barre Opera House.
Five Avenues of Service
President Nicole reviewed the Five Avenues of Service and asked which programs and projects of the Barre Club would be represented in each category.
Club Service: Holding office; serving on the Board of Directors; having fun at meetings, such as fines to promote fellowship; serving on committees, etc.
Community Service: the Wheelock Closet Project; Meals on Wheels; the Annual Rotary Breakfast; the Dictionary/Atlas Project; maintaining Rotary Park; the mural; Barre Art Splash; Community Grants; and participation in the Window Dressers Project.
International Service: contributing to the Rotary Foundation and Polio Plus; supporting youth exchange, the Honduras Project (past) and the Tanzania Project.
Vocational: members practicing high ethical standards.
New Generations: RYLA; the Speech Contest and Interact.
Announcements
The Breakfast Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 15 at the Aldrich at 10:30 in the Conference Room. All are welcome to attend.
Volunteers are needed for Pie for Brunch which will be taking place on April 8 from 11 am -1 pm. Please contact President Nicole if you can help.
Until next time, that's all folks......
.png)
