Thirty-three members of the three major service clubs (Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis) of Barre began the meeting reciting the Pledge ofAllegiance and singing My Country ‘Tis of Thee. The purpose of this joint meeting, held at the American Legion, was to get to know each other and to better understand the work of each of the clubs as well as to listen to a featured speaker.
President Eddie talked about Rotary, what it does internationally and locally. Efforts range from eradicating polio to raising funds for the Aldrich Public Library from the proceeds of the Annual Rotary Breakfast. Other projects include the Barre Art Splash, dictionaries and atlases for elementary school children and Pie for Brunch at which are awarded Community Grants.
Representatives of both the Barre Lions Club and Kawanis spoke briefly about the work of their clubs. Lions clubs focus on eyesight programs, hearing impairment and diabetes awareness. One of their best known programs is collecting eyeglasses to be used by those in need in developing countries. This is a yearly activity of the local club. The president of a branch of the Barre Lions Club, Bernadette Ibey, spoke of the service work of the Vermont Asian-American Club Branch in helping others wherever there is a need.
The Kiwanis Club of Barre has served the greater Barre area since 1949 with a major emphasis on children and youth. They sponsor the Key Club, a service club at Spaulding High School and honor senior scholars each year at a recognition dinner. Additionally, the Kiwanians sponsor an annual turkey drive and a children’s literacy program.
New Thing - Humanitarian Organization for the former USSR
President Eddie presented our speaker, Doug Brendel, and asked him to introduce himself.
He is a speaker, writer and actor, but whose heart beats for humanitarian work in the former Soviet Union. For more than twenty years, Doug and his wife have led New Thing, the largest continuous humanitarian-aid distribution operation in Belarus. Since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, with the people of Belarus caught in the middle between Russia and Ukraine, the dynamics of the work of New Thing have zigzagged dramatically. Doug shared his insights, stories and images from the former Soviet Union.
The needs of the people of Belarus are met, in part, by helping to provide: shelters for abused and abandoned children; orphanages and centers for disabled children; and soup kitchens for the homeless. Volunteers can be found in hospitals and clinics, juvenile detention centers, senior citizen’s homes and homes for the mentally ill. The Belarusian “Response of the Heart” team brings in tons of donated food, clothing, medical equipment, diapers and furniture.
Doug delivered an informative talk with both passion and compassion and all in attendance showed their appreciation with a warm round of applause. For further information visit: newthing.net.
Pie for Brunch
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, nearly one hundred attended the second annual Pie for Brunch held at the American Legion. Served by twenty volunteers-Rotarians and friends of Rotary- attendees were welcomed and served pie of all kinds-dessert, savory, pizza, shepherd’s, meat, quiche. While the main purpose of the event was awarding Community Grants, it was accented with a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Lively music provided by Art Zorn served as background for animated conversations and helped to create a festive mood. Twenty grants of five hundred dollars were given to deserving organizations providing myriad services to the greater Barre community. Added this year was the awarding of Paul Harris Fellows. Recipients, introduced by co-workers, were Tracie Lewis, Executive Director of the Barre Partnership, and Shawna Trader, Executive Director of Rainbow Bridge Community Center. Congratulations to Tracie and Shawna. And hats off to Rotarian Nicole DiDomenico for a superior job of organizing of what now is an annual event.
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
Representatives of both the Barre Lions Club and Kawanis spoke briefly about the work of their clubs. Lions clubs focus on eyesight programs, hearing impairment and diabetes awareness. One of their best known programs is collecting eyeglasses to be used by those in need in developing countries. This is a yearly activity of the local club. The president of a branch of the Barre Lions Club, Bernadette Ibey, spoke of the service work of the Vermont Asian-American Club Branch in helping others wherever there is a need. 
and youth. They sponsor the Key Club, a service club at Spaulding High School and honor senior scholars each year at a recognition dinner. Additionally, the Kiwanians sponsor an annual turkey drive and a children’s literacy program.
He is a speaker, writer and actor, but whose heart beats for humanitarian work in the former Soviet Union. For more than twenty years, Doug and his wife have led New Thing, the largest continuous humanitarian-aid distribution operation in Belarus. Since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, with the people of Belarus caught in the middle between Russia and Ukraine, the dynamics of the work of New Thing have zigzagged dramatically. Doug shared his insights, stories and images from the former Soviet Union. 
volunteers-Rotarians and friends of Rotary- attendees were welcomed and served pie of all kinds-dessert, savory, pizza, shepherd’s, meat, quiche. While the main purpose of the event was awarding Community Grants, it was accented with a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Lively music provided by Art Zorn served as background for animated conversations and helped to create a festive mood. Twenty grants of five hundred dollars were given to 
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