Hello and welcome to another installment of Granite Chips!

After reciting the pledge of allegiance and the Rotary Four Way Test those in attendance got right into some happy dollars. 

Happy Happy 

President Nicole started with sharing that she started a job at the Berlin Elementary School, the same school her daughter Ellie attends. She shared that in her new position that if there was anyone that would like to share a craft or their expertise with kids in grades K-6 to reach out to her. 

We were all reminded to check for Unclaimed Property, these are checks or other moneys that you may not realize you were missing. To check for unclaimed property head HERE. 

Tony shared that his daughter, her husband and grandson Miles moved in for a few months while they wait for their home to be finished. He shared that Miles is on the move and likes walking around the house with some help. 

Jan had some sad dollars that have since become happier. There were injuries in the family, one was a torn muscle in their arm, requiring surgery. The other was a rake through their foot, said rake was on the ground facing the wrong way. Everyone has since been bandaged and repaired and is in good health. 

Ted shared that his son's 2nd daughter has taken an early acceptance to Skidmore College where she will play lacrosse. 

Matt, our guest and prospective member, shared that he was happy to be joining us this week and for the lunch that was provided. 

Nicole shared that she was happy for the first day of school and that Ellie decided to wear her fancy clothes to school on Wednesday 

I, Emily, shared that I too was happy for the first day of school. Lena moved up to middle school as a 5th grader and Riley is in 2nd grade this year. I was also happy for the Summer Concert Series at the Lake Morey Resort where we attended several different free concerts this summer, the last one being Andy Grammer. The concerts have been held weekly throughout the summer and my family and I looked forward to attending these events each week. Nicole also attended the Andy Grammer concert with Ellie. 

 I missed something about hot air balloons in my notes, they were brought up and then Tom shared this: 

 For his 25th wedding anniversary, Tom and his wife went on a hot air balloon ride. He shared that he wanted to go higher and his wife, Linda wanted to go lower. They are coming up on their 55th wedding anniversary in Sept.

NEW BUSINESS

During Jim's secretary report he brought up a motion to be considered regarding the presentation of prospective members to the club. He proposed that with fewer monthly meeting that we now do one reading of the prospective members application in person and also have it presented to the membership twice via email, to then be approved at the next in person meeting. The motion was moved and seconded by Tony and Tom, no further discussion was had. When voted on all members in attendance voted in favor. 

All of this to say, at our next meeting on Tuesday September 8th at 5:30PM we will vote on the application that was read for Matt Denton. 

LIBRARY BREAKFAST UPDATE

Tony shared with us that we fed 837 guests at the breakfast during the Heritage Festival this year. We collected $7,100 for placemat ad placement. We only had $2,900 in expenses this year with much of the food being donated. The current net income is $12,500 with another $4 -5,000 outstanding. Great work to all involved!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Karl shared that they have 41 paid sponsors for the 2027 Barre Rotary Art Splash and are busy working on artists. 

This Saturday there is a event to benefit the Boston Children's Hospital, there will be an antique car and tractor show, food, face painting and other fun events. It starts at 10AM at the Washington Rec Field. 

Nicole gaged interest from the membership in attendance for a potential field trip to Khelcom Farm where we would tour their operation and learn about their business. All in attendance were in favor of this, we look forward to seeing this on the calendar soon!

Nicole also brought up the Tatum's Totes service project we've done the last several years. She won't be shopping for all the children with donated funds from Rotary this year, but brought up the idea of asking for 10 children's wish lists so individuals of the club could shop on their own. 

And last but not least. 

Nicole shared that dates have been set for the next trip to Tanzania! Mark your calendars for July 6 - 20, 2027 if you're interested in traveling to Tanzania next summer. The trip will be all inclusive (flights, hotels, transportation etc.) with a day tour of Zanzibar, a safari and several days on site at Upendo Mmoja in the small town of Pommerin. Final costs haven't been locked in but Nicole estimates it costing roughly $3,200 per person. If you think you might be interested in traveling next summer to Tanzania reach out to Nicole so she can get you more information as it becomes available. 

UP NEXT

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday September 8th at 5:30PM at the Aldrich Public Library. Karl shared that a recent graduate from Montpelier High School and Rotary Youth Exchange participant will be presenting to us on his time spent in Chile. 

Hope to see you all there!