Business as Unusual

Raising Hands, Muting and No Delicate Decadence Lunch 

Fourteen Rotarians, without a Delicate Decadence lunch, “assembled online/phone” for their usual (un?) weekly Wednesday meeting.  The opening was the same only different in that a solo of American the Beautiful was song by one of the Joes (not sure which one) and the Pledge of Allegiance was a cacophony due to the confusion of “to mute or not to mute.”  Joe Preddy, as usual, delivered an eloquent opening “gratitude” reflecting the times in which we find ourselves. The meeting proceeded with a series of joins, mutings, raising of hands and general technical difficulties as we adjusted to our new “modus operandi.”  President Eddie took command by invoking a tradition when he was president of the Montpelier Rotary Club: sports announcements. With the lack of any sports action, he offered information about Jack Nicklaus, Tom Brady and the Co-Champions Fair Haven and Harwood Union girls basketball teams. He also announced that the District Conference has been cancelled. Additionally, he told us that Marilyn Bedell had sent him an email informing him that we could use the District 7850 corporate Zoom account for our meetings. 

Another Potpourri (Reports, Motions, Suggestions, Advice, and More)

Nicole asked about the progress of the Wheelock Project. President Eddie reported that he is working with Calvin Wilson and that they would be installing a table extension and shelves this weekend. Space should be available this Monday and Nicole will inform the nonprofits involved. Bruce will take care of digital lock codes so that parties can gain access as needed. 

Caroline wondered what role Barre Rotary could play during the current crisis. In Italy, for example, at 8:00 p.m. residents come onto their balconies and to their windows to cheer and sing to show their appreciation for the efforts of healthcare workers. Those in cars honk their horns. Bruce reported that the U-32 food service is delivering breakfast and lunch via school bus to those in need. Barre schools are doing the same. The distribution of atlases and dictionaries to Saint Monica-Saint Michael’s School has been postponed. Karl made a motion that the club pay the monthly fee for Zoom. President Eddie declined, citing the fact that he might use it as part of his business during the coming days. Bruce suggested a contribution from each member of five dollars per month to go into an emergency fund. Paypal could be a possible vehicle for making the contribution. Ted will look into it. It was suggested that Rotarians consider purchasing the weekly family meal from Delicate Decadence on Wednesday as a way of supporting them during this crisis.  Karl invited those assembled to do a search for lower priced cats and dogs for his proposed downtown project since he can’t find any other vendors. Tony reported that he has not sold any ads for the breakfast placemats and will not do so before we know more about the trajectory of the virus. He emphasized the need for options if we can’t have the breakfast. The 

The idea of numbering the tickets and having a raffle if the breakfast must be cancelled was discussed as was partnering with restaurants to deliver breakfast and holding an online auction. Nicole suggested being proactive for 2020-21. Louisa urged us to continue to associate the breakfast fundraiser with the Aldrich Public Library. Joe reminded us that our efforts should focus on supporting families affected by the virus. More discussions will ensue in the coming weeks as we try to arrive at some resolutions.

Since Last We Met

Lest We Forget: From The Bulletin March 16th, 1925:

I BELIEVE

The today is the best day since yesterday, and tomorrow will be better.I believe in life, love and laughter. I believe that there is joy in life if we will but live. I believe that there is no more precious treasure today, nor higher heritage for the future than a friend.

On this day in history:

1766 Parliament repeals the Stamp Act.

1911 Irving Berlin copyrights the biggest pop song of the early 20th century...Alexander’s Rag Time Band

Until next time...that’s all folks.