We’ve Only Just Begun…
We started off today’s meeting with thirteen Rotarians and three guests reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing My Country ‘Tis of Thee.
Then Kristen, Director of Aldrich, rose to explain the Hersey kisses in front of each of us and the thank you that she had been planning featuring the Barre-Tones. However, we were off site the day of the event. She thanked the Barre Rotary for the donation to Aldrich, proceeds from the Rotary Breakfast, and “showered us with kisses.” Speaking of the breakfast, the issue of the tents came up and was briefly discussed. President Eddie assured us there will be a tent. Patrick quipped: we’ll all be “in tents,” And on that note,,,,
Let’s Move On
Tom asked for a potential substitute for his stint at Meals On Wheels, someone he can call if necessary. Tony and Nicole stepped to the plate.
Nicole reminded us that the Visioning Committee will be presenting an action plan based on the results of the Health of the Club Survey at the Club Assembly next week. She urged everyone to attend for this important discussion. Input is vital for the success of the plan.April 6th is Pie for Brunch when twenty Community Grants will be awarded. Pies are still needed. Let Nicole know what kind of pies that you are bringing.
Volunteer slots are still open for the Drop ‘N Swap occurring on April 20 and 21. Your help is needed. Check with Nicole.
She also asked us to keep Bob Blow and his wife in our thoughts as they have been going through some difficult times recently.
Guests: Amber Terway, Kristen Baumann, Riley Stephens
Happiness Comes in Dollar Bills
As Tom looked out the window, the avid skier gave a Happy Dollar for “another powder day tomorrow.” 
As he searched for his money, Bertil gave a dollar for his birthday and a second for his vacation in Jamaica. He stepped up with five dollars for his conflict on Wednesdays of playing bridge at the time of our meeting.
Tony gave a “Brag Dollar” in reporting that his son Alex is now working for Lucus Films and working on a Star Wars project of some kind.
Going along with the In film theme, Joe offered a Happy Dollar in recognizing the Green Mountain Film Festival. He tagged on…and “cleaning chairs at the Barre Opera House.”
Since Last We Met (In honor of Women’s History Month, we have substituted a “Jeopardy” type quiz featuring “Women’s Firsts.” Hope you enjoy it.)
Club Anniversaries: Bob Blow March 20, 1966 58 years
Women’s Firsts
The first woman to cross the Atlantic in an airplane, 1928. Amelia Earhart
The first female member of a Presidential cabinet, 1933. Frances Perkins
The first woman to be CEO of a Fortune 500 Company, The Washington Company which included The Washington Post, 1972. Katharine Graham
The first woman on the Supreme Court, 1981. Sandra Day O’Connor
On her fifth attempt at the age of 64 she became the first person confirmed to swim from Cuba to
Florida without the protection of a
shark cage, 2013.
Diana Nyad She was the first American woman and the third woman to fly in space, 1983. Sally Ride
As a member of the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, she became the first female Rotary club president, 1987. Sylvia Whitlock
The first female U.S. Secretary of State, 1997. Madeleine Albright,
Aging Well in Central Vermont
President Eddie welcomed our guest speaker, John Mandeville, Executive Director, Central Vermont Council on Aging, who introduced himself.
John began by describing his business and economic development experience including working as an Area Business Advisor for the Vermont Small Business Development Center, President of Northern Community Management Corporation and as the Executive Director of the Lamoille Economic Development Corporation. Before moving to Vermont in 2000 John had spent the previous seven years as the Managing Director of a European subsidiary of an American company and he spent twelve years in New York including seven running his own consulting firm. He has been married for fifty-four years and has two adult children and two grandchildren.
John provided us with a snapshot of the services offered by CVCOA starting with the Nutrition Program. It supports “menu development, training and technical assistance for home-delivered meals, grab and go and congregate meals at 12 sites.” He described an innovative program for which the council has received a federal grant. Family recipes are being collected and modified to meet nutritional standards and then used by such programs as Meals On Wheels for developing meal plans .The council is working with chefs and a nutritionist to ensure a successful high quality program. Several Barre Rotary Club members volunteer at Meals On Wheels and our club has developed a strong relationship with the director of the program. Nutrition is the largest line item in the council’s budget.
Another service John spoke of was providing case managers who “work with clients in their homes to assess needs and develop, implement
and coordinate individualized long-term care plans.” As they age, many clients want to “remain in place.” He emphasized that the council is client centered and so that means that it must provide services that the client wants. One of the most important services provided by the council is helping clients make sense of health insurance including Medicare and Medicaid. SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) provides personalized Medicare counseling, workshops and enrollment assistance for Medicare Part D plans. He cautioned about the “advantage” plans; they may not provide the benefits that they claim.
Time did not permit a presentation of all the services which additionally include Exercise/Wellness Programs, Community Programs that help alleviate isolation and loneliness, Family Caregiver Support and a Helpline.
Asked how we can help, John mentioned advocating for and supporting the work of the council, volunteering and becoming a board member.
John provided an informative and engaging presentation and Rotarians showed their appreciation with a warm round of applause.
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