Barre Rotary Club Service Closet Close to Completion!

Posted by Caroline Earle on Nov 07, 2019
 
 

A visit from DCF representative Alona Tate to the Barre Rotary Club this past June spurred President Ed Rousse, Bruce Fisher and President Elect John Steinman to take action.  Ms. Tate noted that children who are taken into emergency custody in the nights or on weekends often leave their homes with only the clothes on their backs.  As Ms. Tate explained, DCF, The Family Center of Washington County and the United Way could all benefit from a 24 hour/7 day per week accessible clothing closet where they could outfit these kids quickly on an emergent basis.   Bruce, Ed and John saw an opportunity to assist.

 

John was able to locate and negotiate a very affordable space ($1 a year lease from the City of Barre) at the Wheelock Building in the center of downtown Barre for this purpose.  The space was in serious need of some repairs.  Cue Ed and Bruce who, with the amazing assistance of Barre Rotarian Nicole DiDomenico, were able to marshal resources from the community to tackle the repairs. 

Ed and Bruce making plans.

Looking toward main Street.

Bruce obtained a donation of 15 gallons of paint from the Barre Sherwin Williams store.  Ed was able to procure a donation of time, materials and expertise from Calvin Wilson with Wilson Woodworks in Barre, for shelving for the clothes.  Nicole was able to activate the Roteract group at Norwich University along with cadet volunteers to provide much needed labor.

Calvin Wilson checks out one of four new cabinets before they get painted.

On Saturday, November 2nd, the first stage of the renovations began.  Excellent progress was made.  The walls were patched, repaired and painted with the incredible efforts of the Norwich students and the Rotary team! 

On the week of November 3rd Rotarians painted the cabinets inside & out white, at Wilson Woodworks.

 

 

 

The installation of shelving for the clothes should occur soon, with some final touch ups to be done in the next week or two.  The Barre Club hopes to be able to hand over the key of the Barre Rotary Service Closet to the agencies by December.  

The installation of shelving for the clothes has now been done, with some final touch ups to be done in the next week or two. 

 

The Barre Club hopes to be able to hand over the key of the Barre Rotary Service Closet to the agencies by December.  
 
An effective collaboration that will result in immediate good in our community.  Way to get ‘er done, team!
 
We would like to thank the following for helping;
 
Bob Lord, EF Wall, contracting consultation
Bob Belville, replaced glass in broken window
Aubuchon Hardware, Bob cut and donated the glass for the broker window. 
Sherwin Williams, Montpelier store, 15 gallons of paint and supplies
Bob Nelson, Nelson ACE Hardware, 2 LED lights, dustpan and brush, foam insulation, Pine Sol cleaner
Norwich University, Center for Civic Engagement, student volunteers
Calvin Wilson, Wilson Woodwerkes, Ltd. Co. built the cabinet shelving units
Bob Breitinger, volunteer painter, expert taping and joint compound application
Tim Boltin, Delicate Decadence, lunch for the volunteers on Saturday November 2nd
Jim Boudreau, Norway & Sons Electricians, installed power to closet, fixed switch