Eclipse Chatter
After fourteen Rotarians and four guests recited the Pledge of Allegiance, President Eddie asked George to express gratitude. He was grateful for “being alive,” being here, in Barre, in the U.S. and in the world.
President Eddie then led off with an eclipse story and other members followed suit. Although it fell short of a full house, the few stories that were told helped us to recall the splendor and glory of the alignment of the celestial bodies which will be forever etched in our memories.
Eclipsed by the Eclipse
Temporarily eclipsed by the eclipse, Happy Dollars regained their prominence as Joe led off with a buck for Pie for Brunch with all of its
diversity and for good people doing good work and another for the decision not to drive to the Northeast Kingdom to view the eclipse.
Tom gave a Sad Dollar citing his five and three quarter hour drive home after the eclipse as the reason for his sadness.
Tony offered an Absentee Dollar for not attending the Pie for Brunch event because he drove Paula Poundstone to Lebanon.
Caroline was next with two dollars for polio and a dollar to plug her fundraising endeavor for Rainbow Bridge. She will be entering the deadlift competition of a weightlifting meet at the Rehab Gym. For every dollar donated, she will match it. Rotarians ante up! She threw in a final dollar for all the support she continues to receive from our club.President Eddie came up with a Happy Dollar for running into Tom Lauzon while checking on the concession stand at the BOR. For his support of Tom for mayor, Eddie agreed to run for city council. Go Eddie!
Dan anted up with a self fine of two dollars for having his and Garrett’s picture in two newspapers.
Ted added two Happy Dollars to the coffers in noting the help provided by three young ladies at Pie for Brunch--Lena and Riley (Emily Stephens’ daughters and Ellie Jorgenson (Nicole DiDomenico’s daughter).
Save the Date
Casino Night at the Capital Plaza on May 17th sponsored by the Montpelier Rotary Club.
Changeover Dinner on Wednesday, June 26th at Pearl Street Pizza.
Since Last We Met
Birthdays: John Steinman April 9
Butch Churchill April 10
Club Anniversaries: Carol Dawes April 8, 1997 27 years
On this day in history: In 1947
Jackie Robinson became the first Black person to play major league baseball as he took the field for the
Brooklyn Dodgers.
On this day in history: In 1957 the courtroom classic 12 Angry Men was released in the United States; it starred
Henry Fonda as a juror who tries to convince the others that the accused murderer may be innocent.
Meet Nick Marinelli
Tony introduced Nick Marinelli, a candidate for membership. Nick is a financial advisor with BayState Financial. He is joining Rotary because he wants to help the Barre Community grow and thrive. He believes it takes a village and he is part of that village. He comes to Barre Rotary with a consistent positive attitude, a knowledge of social media and with leadership skills.
Easterseals Vermont
Tom introduced Cami Greenwood, Senior Program Coordinator and Devyn Nelson, Development and Communications Coordinator for Easterseals Vermont, our speakers for today.
The mission of Easterseals Vermont is to “provide plans of care comprised of thoughtfully integrated services that help those with varied abilities live, learn, work and play throughout their lifetimes.”
Cami began the presentation with a view of the statewide presence of Easterseals Vermont which encompasses eleven locations throughout the state. The programs served over two thousand families last year by a staff of one hundred and fifteen. Not all programs in a community are sponsored by Easterseals, some are contracted to other agencies. The Barre Community is served by Child & Family Support Programs, Post Permanency, Substance Use Testing and Transportation Services. Easterseals works collaboratively with the Department of Children and Families and parents who are striving to establish safety for their children. Programs offered at other locations include restorative justice, youth transition, crisis management and youth development. Easterseals Vermont also has a lending library which has several titles which focus on adoption.
Devyn spoke of program development and fundraising. Major funding sources include event sponsors, grant foundations and donors. She provided several examples of the impact of funds on the lives of families and especially children. She also spoke of ways to get involved with Easterseals Vermont: donate, volunteer or sponsor an event among them.
The presentation by Cami and Devyn was interesting and informative and Rotarians and guests showed their appreciation with a warm round of applause at its conclusion.
Until next time....that's all Rotarians.
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