Reports and Announcements
While eleven Rotarians and one guest were enjoying chicken and biscuits, President Tony rose to report that he attended the Barre City Council meeting on Tuesday and told them what Rotary has done for Barre in an effort to bolster the contents of a letter sent to them requesting that we not be assessed for rent utilities for the Wheelock House closet. As a result of his efforts, a new lease will be issued for one dollar. Good job, Tony!
Doug announced that he and his wife will be relocating to Vermont permanently. They will put their house in Bon Air, Virginia on the market in the spring and move here shortly
after it has sold. He will also transfer his Rotary membership to our Club. Glad to have you, Doug! In celebration of Doug’s announcement, Ted threw five Happy Dollars in the basket.
Joe reported that he had made contact with Margo Austin regarding the Speech Contest. She would like to review the information which outlines the details of the competition.
Nicole urged us to attend Club Assembly on January 26th when she will present a preliminary vision of her Presidency. She will have a more detailed framework by April.
A Constitutional Moment
Caroline took to the floor to provide us with a Constitutional Moment. Her question: Are there term limits for the Office of Vice President? The answer turns out to be no. Vice presidents, like members of the U.S. Congress, face no such restrictions on how long they can serve. Another interesting tidbit about the Constitution. Thanks, Caroline.
A Few Dollars
Karl rose and proposed a fine of one-and-nine on Eddie for wandering around at night on a mountain top at Sugarbush. Eddie said that he was taking pictures and waiting for Tom and Karl getting ready to ski down the mountain. Ted suggested fining Tom and Eddie. Fine passed.
George told of the Rotary Group Study experience and how it has lasted for over fifty years. It included several trips to Australia and two generations of an Australian family. He then added three dollars to the coffers.
Since Last We MetBirthdays: Jim Catone Jan. 13th
Club Anniversaries: Karl Rinker 52 years Jan. 14th
On this day in history: 1915 the first air raid on Britain
1966 Indira Gandhi becomes prime minister of India
1809 Edgar Allen Poe is born
Issues Facing Our School in the Current Environment
President Tony introduced our speaker, Chris Hennessey.
Chris has been a teacher and school leader in Barre for sixteen years. He started his career as a social studies teacher and then went on to run alternative programs. He moved on to serving as a building leader at the elementary, middle and high school levels in both Montpelier and Barre. We are fortunate to have him as the Superintendent of the Barre Unified Union School District.
Chris has been in education for thirty-three years, sixteen of those in Barre. He was hired in 1995 by former Rotarian and superintendent, Lyman Amsden. His mother was from
Vermont and he loves Vermont. He told us that he felt that he needed to be an ambassador during the pandemic and reach out to those who never before had contact with schools. He wanted his leadership team to know what was going on and how the team could support the community. He spoke of staffing challenges and reported that, nationwide, one third of education professionals are leaving or retiring in the next few years. Hiring has become a twelve month, 24/7 proposition and there are fewer applicants to select from. There is a great need to draw young teachers to the profession. He also pointed out that the budget tells the story and reflects values which are important. He and his staff are working hard to increase the cost per pupil and the pay for teachers. Last August three videos were produced to welcome the new school year. The Welcome Back one was shot at four school building locations. Near the end of the video, Chris emphasized two principles which would guide decision making throughout the year: safety and well being of all members of the school community and to keep the schools open. He urges viewers to rally and help each other in the upcoming challenging year. The videos are intended to communicate what is going on in the schools and to encourage input from the community. After a brief Q&A, Rotarians gave Chris a warm round of applause in appreciation for his remarks and for the enthusiasm that he brings to the position of superintendent.
Until next time, that's all folks,,,,
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