Showing Support
After leading nine Rotarians and two guests in the Pledge of Allegiance, Acting President Tony passed the baton to Maestro Zorn. Although unfamiliar with the lyrics or the melody, the chorus managed to muddle through Ukraine’s National Anthem followed by a more self-assured rendition of America the Beautiful.
Happy Dollars
Eddie had a Happy Dollar in hand when he told of being in Washington, D.C. and then on to Jacksonville, FL for a golf tournament.
Art Zorn was next with an account of attending the Music Department Concert at Spaulding on Tuesday. It was the first time that a combined concert was held in several years. Participants included: Barre City Middle School Band and Chorus; Barre Town Middle School and Chorus; St. Monica-St. Michael Middle School Band and Chorus; and Spaulding HIgh School Band and Chorus. Art remembered starting his affiliation with the Barre schools many years ago at the Barre Graded School. He told of the support he received from the school district and the community for the music program. He expressed his gratitude to the then administration for the introduction of block scheduling which helped to make the teaching and performing of music much easier than in earlier years. He said that the enthusiasm and support for the music still exists today. He was humbled by the accolades he received from those in attendance. Art was so happy that he threw ten dollars into the Happy Basket.
Our guest speaker,Erica McLaughlin, rose to give a Happy Dollar because she was happy to be here along with her assistance dog, Cali.
Zach was up with a Happy Dollar announcing that he and his wife are expecting a baby.Keeping up with having a baby theme, Eddie gave a HD because his friend and his friend’s wife are expecting.
Tom chimed in with a Happy Dollar for a successful basketball tournament at the Barre Aud.
Your so Fined
Tom rose and asked Tony to pass the gavel. He then proposed a fine of one-and-nine on Tony for making it so difficult for George to attend the meeting via Zoom. No defense=pay up. Which he did.
Jan imposed a fine on herself for knocking over the “owl.” Not a wise ole thin’ to do.
Since Last We Met
No birthdays or anniversaries.
March is Women’s History Month
With no quizzable events on this day in history and in honor of Women’s History Month the secretary (that’s me) administered a ten item multiple-choice quiz on the accomplishments of women. With a group effort, all the questions were answered correctly, sometimes with a full-bodied choral response.
Not Just Sports
Acting President Tony introduced Erica McLauglin, today’s speaker. Erica is the Vermont Principals’ Association’s Assistant Executive Director for Elementary Schools She enjoys supporting principals across the state by providing high-quality professional learning opportunities, coaching and advocating for leaders and learners.
Ericia began by pointing out that the VPA has many other functions other than what is widely associated with--sports. She has been a teacher, a principal,(Randolph Elementary School) and a school board member. Part of her duties in her position at the VPA is teaching leadership to school administrators. She also is a strong advocate of connecting school leaders with training programs offered by the Center for Creative Leadership. Because of the VPA affiliation with the CCL, the cost to participants is greatly reduced.
When asked to comment on Governor Phil Scott’s educational proposal, she opined that it was not good for kids. One of the most controversial aspects of the proposal is the reduction of one hundred and nineteen school districts to five. Also, Ericia noted that costs are not addressed, a recurring 
vexing issue of legislative unfunded mandates. She did allow that the proposal was a good starting point for conversation.
Commenting on recent actions coming out of Washington, Ericia pointed out that many of the functions of the Department of Education will be assigned to other departments and agencies in the federal government. She also noted that funds and services are in jeopardy. Congressional action is needed to stem the tide of these drastic actions.
The Rotarians found her viewpoints interesting and informative. In appreciation she received a warm round of applause and a Rotary coin from Acting President Tony.
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