Happy New Year---1989!
As soon as the rituals concluded, Bob was on his feet proposing a fine of one-and-nine on Eddie for ruining history by referring to a 1989 calendar because it is the same as the 2023 calendar. Tom noted that Bob didn’t ask Eddie to pass the gavel which he then did immediately. Joe came to Eddie’s defense by characterizing the fine as mean spirited and restrictive. Fine did not pass.
The Closet
A return to the discussion about the “closet” introduced a new player. Sarah White, former Barre Rotarian, is a strong advocate for foster children. She and her foster parents’ support group would like to take over the closet operation. It was proposed that she be invited to the January Club Assembly to present a proposal for doing so. Tony spoke in strong support of her coming in January and tasked me to include President Nicole in the loop and invite Sarah to our next Club Assembly. (President Nicole: Consider yourself in the loop.)
Since Last We Met
Birthday: Stacie Boltin December 30
On this day in history: 2007--U.S. politician Nancy Pelosi was elected speaker of the House of Representatives becoming the first woman to hold the office.
1954--Elvis Presley records his 1st demo for Sun Records at a recording studio in Memphis, "It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You" and "I'll Never Stand In Your Way,"
Singing and DancingBob rose again (like the phoenix from the ashes) to fine Karl A. one-and-nine for playing a scratchy recording of Elvis on his phone. Fine passed.
George threw two Sad Dollars in the basket announcing that he was unable to dance anymore. Heartfelt comments followed from several Rotarians praising the dancing acumen that they had seen demonstrated by George and Linda over the years.
Meals on Wheels - What We Do and Who We Serve
Eddie introduced our speaker, Bob Woodard, Program Director, Meals on Wheels Central Vermont. Bob has been the Director for the past eight years. He started as head cook/kitchen manager two years previous to that. He came here after a thirty-five year career in various restaurants, the last twenty at the Hilltop Restaurant. Bob was born and raised in Barre.
Meals on Wheels has been operating out of the basement of Washington Apartments since 1993. It serves clients in Barre City, Barre Town, Berlin, Orange, Washington and Williamstown with meals on a daily basis. Various members of Rotary volunteer their time weekly to package the meals for delivery by the drivers. One of the main goals of MOWCVT is to help people live independently in their homes for as long as possible. 
The meals meet the nutritional guidelines set forth in the Older Americans Act. The Older Americans Act provides that all meals come with one-third of the daily nutrients of protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Calcium, and whole grains. Just as important, our meals come with a daily safety check and a friendly face.
Meals on Wheels currently serves 173 individual clients, 162 who are over 60. From January to December 2002, 48,678 meals were served. Partial funding for meals comes from the federal government's Older Americans Nutrition Program Act of 1965 through the Central Vermont Council on Aging. The reimbursement rate for these meals is currently $6.50 per meal. Clients are not charged for meals, but a donation is asked for. No has been denied service because of their inability to donate. To help cover costs of meals, mileage cost reimbursement for drivers and other overhead expenses, fundraising and grants are used to generate additional revenue.
How can you help? Meals on Wheels Central Vermont is in constant need of volunteers as drivers, kitchen help and dining room help. There is also a need for volunteers with marketing experience to help with fundraising. If you are unable to volunteer, but would like to make a donation to the program, adequate funding is also much needed. If you are interested in volunteering to deliver the meals, help in the kitchen or the dining room, you can email Bob
bob@mealsonwheelscentralvt.org or call (802) 479-9175.
Rotarian at Work
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