With rituals completed, fifteen Rotarians sat down to a lunch of Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, potato chips, macaroni salad and cake. The meeting began with a discussion of the proposed teen center and the storage closet to be housed in the Wheelock building. John reported that a public hearing has been held on the use of the building and there is support for a teen center. The basement would be used for storage of donations for the underprivileged, the back of the building for a teen center and the front of the building for the Barre Partnership. The cost of the teen center would be $100, 000 borne by Barre City. Nicole reminded us of the collaboration among the DCF, Green Mountain United Way and the Family Center in an effort to secure the storage closet. Others mentioned working with additional community organizations. There was a discussion about whether or not Rotarians should inspect the storage space before others. It was decided to invite stakeholders to join a group of Rotarians to meet at Wheelock House on July 29^th. Bruce will send out an email with the details.  Loren talked about the Aldrich Library’s role and Kristen described a model with which she was familiar for storage and distribution of clothing and other essential items. Eddie reported that he had a conversation with Tina about Delicate Decadence catering our lunches and she indicated that she was fine with that arrangement. We will continue to meet at the Legion.

 

 

Caroline was first on her feet and read an email from Alona Tate telling us that Bob Pope “has agreed to cover camp tuition for a little guy in DCF custody.” With this news, Caroline gave a Happy Dollar and noted that, like the Grinch, Bob’s heart increased two sizes. Loren rose to give three Bitter-Sweet Dollars having to do with teenagers: a girl friend of one of her daughters is moving to Washington state; her twenty-year-old daughter will be going to school in Washington state and; her eighteen-year-old daughter will be going to Paris in January to take a position as an au pair. Doug was up next with two Happy Dollars: one because his daughter is visiting and another for the joy of attending Unadilla’s production of the Pirates of Penzance. Joe sat instead of rising to offer two Happy Dollars: one for his cousin’s daughter bringing her fiancé from Germany to be married at Saint Monica’s and another for a joyous reception at Reynolds House and for the nice Sunday brunch at his home.

 

 

Assistant Governor Caroline reported that there had been a successful meeting of young professionals to explore forming a GenRotary club. It will be more flexible and more work related. She also announced that Richard Fox, District Governor, will be visiting our club on September 11^th. She then gave five Happy Dollars for not being treasurer and passing on the mantle to Ted. It was also noted that Joe is the new Sergeant-at-Arms. Caroline will be interviewed again as a potential candidate for district governor. The term would commence three years from now. A motion of support was approved unanimously. President Eddie gave a dollar for soliciting sales of raffle tickets for Home Health and Hospice and Kristen gave one for asking for suggestions of candidates for the president of the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce. President Eddie then requested the names of potential speakers. A final request came from Nicole who asked for some help serving on a committee in planning a New Year’s roaring twenties fund raiser for Family Center of Washington County at Moruzzi’s.