The Annual Meeting
December 13, 2023
Allegiance and Gratitude
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Caroline expressed gratitude for Rotary International's providing help to children who are the most vulnerable of the population. Children are of utmost importance to our club as seen in such projects as the World Santa Project and the Community Grants Program.
The Guests
Nick Marinelli (Caroline)
Jason Decoteau (Eddie)
Jessica Zonarich (Speaker)
Listen Up and Help Out
Date: Dec. 25th
Time for Business
It was noted that the Barre Rotary Club Bylaws require that there be 30 days notice for the election of officers, and further the election should be held at the annual meeting which must be conducted in December. Since the 30 day rule was not met, Tony moved and Joe seconded that the rule be suspended. Motion was approved with a unanimous vote. The slate of officers was then presented by Caroline:
President: Caroline Earle
Vice President: Nicole DiDomenico
Treasurer: Patrick Gardner
Secretary: Jim Catone
Club Administrator: Karl Rinker
Sergeant-at-Arms: Dan Barlow
Rotary Foundation: Tony Campos and Angelina Debeaupuis
Immediate Past President: Edmond Rousse
Membership: Tony Campos
Tony moved and Patrick seconded that the individuals listed as part of slate of officers for 2024-25 be accepted. Motion was approved with a unanimous vote.
Jim presented the revised Barre Rotary Club Bylaws with the rationale for the revisions and highlighting the major changes. The revised bylaws reflect changes in officer duties and responsibilities, achieve compliance with Rotary International’s bylaws model and clarify terminology. After a couple of questions, Nicole moved and Tom seconded that the revised bylaws be adopted. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Some Happy (“Holiday”) Dollars
Jim with 1$ for Keith’s inspiring words heard during his appearance on local television after a gold coin worth $2,000 was found in one of the Salvation Army’s “bell ringer’s” buckets.
Tony another 1$ for the send off party for Nicole at O’Maddi’s Deli in Northfield after 20 years of service at Norwich University. Friends, colleagues, Rotarians, community members, students and administrators heaped well wishes and accolades on an emotional Nicole who talked about “growing up” during her 20 years at Norwich and how much she learned with a supportive community. Congratulations Nicole!
Nicole had two bucks for the coffers: happy that six Barre Rotarians attended her retirement party and that her co-worker was the featured speaker today.
Keith: paid the fine for being on TV; gave a Happy Dollar in announcing a matching gift of $ 5,000 with a one day collection of funds; and a dollar as he announced that is leaving Barre for a post in Portland, Maine. Our great loss.
Joe offered congratulations to Nicole on her retirement from Norwich, to Keith for receiving the gold coin and for our club-sponsored tree and wreath that he designed and decorated as part of the Light Up the Library.
Since Last We Met
Club Anniversary: Lynn Addiego December 10
On this day in history: In 1989 American country singer singer-songwriter Taylor Swift whose pop-infused tales of young heartache achieved widespread crossover success in the early 21st century was born.
On this day in history: In 2003 Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces during the Iraq War: three years later he was found guilty of crimes against humanity and was executed.
Good Beginnings
Nicole introduced our speaker for the day, Jessica Zonarich, Program Director of Good Beginnings of Central Vermont. Jessica is a trained birth and postpartum doula and has experience working in many capacities in educational and social nonprofits, as well as in the outdoor industry.
Jessica began her talk with a few things about herself. The former Califorian loves to ski, garden and chase her growing kids around. Jessica lives in Montpelier with her two daughters, husband, dog, two cats, and goldfish.
Jessica presented the mission of Good Beginnings: "To bring community to families and their babies” and then the vision: “A society where the transition to parenthood is supported and communities come together to ensure all infants thrive.”
To achieve the mission and vision several programs have been designed to provide service to families and babies. Among them are a postpartum program, the Nest, babywearing support/access to infant carriers, the childhood education fund and postpartum support. Jessica provided anecdotes and illustrations of many of these programs throughout her presentation. She explained that the Nest is a place where parents can drop in and unwind with the little one, meet up with friends or try on a baby carrier.
Jessica provided statistics regarding the beneficiaries Good Beginnings services in various areas such as: families representing 31 towns visited the Nest, and the postpartum angels gave support to over 78 families in Central Vermont, 47 of which are located in Barre. Additionally, families received financial help for classes and basic needs, they also received babywearing consultations and 14 received free infant carriers. The impact of these services were reflected in quotes of appreciation and accolades from the participants.
Jessica ended her presentation with ways we can help including volunteering, sponsoring a program and supporting Barre Families.
Rotarians found Jessica’s talk both interesting and informative and showed their appreciation with a warm round of applause.
Until next time, that's all Rotarians.....
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