A huge shout-out to all the volunteers who wrapped 220coats on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Granite Museum of Vermont for the Salvation Army to be distributed to local children who are in need.
The Rotary Club of Barre stepped outside its comfort zone for a short field trip on October 15, 2025, an experience designed to demonstrate the safety concerns of those who are visually impaired or blind. Led by VABVI ED Dan Norris and volunteers, Rotarians, Lyons Club members, and guests experience first-hand what it feels like to walk our streets without sight. We urge our members to help the Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired raise awareness in our community on this issue. We had a quick lunch and then took to the streets for this compelling experience.
White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States, observed annually on October 15 since 1964. The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.
Hello fellow Rotarians!
I want to take a moment to say “Thank you” to Jim Cantone for spearheading the Granite Chips emails for the last 10(!) years. His efforts on this to keep everyone up to speed on what's been happening at our regular club meetings has not gone unnoticed. Thank you Jim.
As I, Emily Stephens, step into this role, I’ll do my best to keep our weekly recaps both informative and true to my own style, within the time my schedule allows. So without further ado, let’s catch up on what’s been happening at Barre Rotary.
2 Weeks ago
At our meeting on October 15th, we welcomed SO many guests interested in learning about White Cane Awareness Day. Our presenter was Daniel Norris the ED of the Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired.
We welcomed guests from VABVI, the Deputy Commissioner on Aging and Independent Living, the Able Library, the Barre Lions Club and volunteer drivers for those with Vision Impairments.
It was a wonderfully informational presentation about the different types of vision impairments and how to help someone that is visually impaired.
After Daniel's presentation Rotarians and guests were invited to participate in a walk outside to experience what it's like getting around with limited vision. Each person that experineced a vision impairment was helped by a guide to make sure they didn't hurt themselves when out walking around on the sidewalks around the library.
President tony being led outside
Rotarians in attendance last week carved 6 pumpkins to be donated to the 2nd Annual Carving for Kay event. Pumpkins will be on display at 21 Rudd Farm Road from October 28-30th. They are anticipating 200 carved pumpkins to be on display.
Our Next meeting is on January 14th. This week we'll be hearing from Christina “Stina” Morris. Christina owns two small businesses in Barre, Breath & Bone Reiki and Rooted Yoga. She'll be sharing about reiki and it's benefits as well as 5NP Auricular (ear point) acupuncture which she was recently certified in. She will highlight the benefits of 5NP and the options for taking advantage of this even if you're not a fan of needles. Hope to see you there!
Caroline provided an update and thank you to the new, sturdy, highly visible World Polio Day banner donated by L. Brown & Sons.
Caroline and others will be out on Main Street on Friday October 24th from noon to 1PM spreading awareness for this disease. They will have the banner on display at the Youth Triumphant Statue, they will also be walking downtown collecting donations and painting pinkies purple.
Next up we will be hearing from Zachariah Watson the ED of Central VT Habitat for Humanity on October 29. Hope to see you there!
Club Information
KEEP CALM, JOIN ROTARY
Service above self!
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.
The Aldrich Public Library
6 Washington Street
Barre, VT 05641 United States of America
Rotarians in attendance last week carved 6 pumpkins to be donated to the 2nd Annual Carving for Kay event. Pumpkins will be on display at 21 Rudd Farm Road from October 28-30th. They are anticipating 200 carved pumpkins to be on display. 
Next up we will be hearing from Zachariah Watson the ED of Central VT Habitat for Humanity on October 29. Hope to see you there!
