An Attorney’s “Brief” Opening
President Caroline, Esq. opened the meeting with the usual Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test. She then introduced Megan Hand, Eddie’s guest and Brian Kravitz, our guest speaker.
$$$ The Score: Happy--Many Sad--A Few $$$
The subdued conversations were interpreted by Tony with a Happy Dollar as he presented an update on “thee Breakfast:” tent permit application has been submitted; tickets and posters have been ordered at L.Brown & Sons, coming with a full donation; and waiting to hear from McKenzie, hoping to receive a donation from them. He also reported that four hundred “swappers” came through the doors of the Drop ‘n Swap on Sunday, double last year’s number. He added that he
was happy to see Angelina. Back with another Happy Dollar for the joy associated with his first upcoming babysitting gig for his grandson, Miles.
Jan had a Happy Dollar to commemorate: picking up the last art item at Cody’s for the Barre Art Splash; seeing her granddaughter, Cloie, take the Engineering Oath (Civil) at Norwich over the weekend.
Eddie offered a Sad Dollar at the passing of Mark Beaudet, father of Taylor of Campo di Vino; a Happy Dollar for the distribution of $3000 to organizations that volunteered at the BOR Concession Stand; a Happy-Sad Dollar because he lost the race for city councilman.
Next up was President Caroline with a Happy Dollar honoring her father’s fierce commitment to working at the polls which gave her the inspiration to volunteer at the polls at last Tuesday’s election; another one for connecting with Carol Dawes who was also volunteering. She related to Caroline that Bob Pope wooed her to Barre to take the position of Executive Director of the Opera House some forty years ago. Caroline noted that through her experience that “this was democracy in action.” One more HP, proud that her daughter was pinned at Tufts University signifying she had completed her doctoral coursework. On to the dissertation!
Continuing in the name of Carol Dawes, Ted, the overseer of the Club’s coffers, added a dollar to the positive side of the ledger, happy that Carol has agreed to serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. He also announced that Tom has
agreed to serve as well.
George rose up to announce, with several dollars in his hand, that next week that he will be celebrating sixty-six years as a Barre Rotarian. He designated one of those dollars to be recorded as Sad because Eddie lost his race for councilman.
Since Last We Met
Birthday: Zachary Lyle-Delong May 2
Club Anniversaries: Jan Spargo May 8, 2024 1 year; Zachary Lyle-Delong May 11, 2024 1 year
On this day in history: In 1607 the first permanent British settlement in North America was founded at Jamestown, Virginia.
On this day in history: In 1998 The last episode of the television situation comedy Seinfeld aired; ostensibly a show about nothing, it was a landmark of American popular culture.
Business
President Caroline presented the following items:
a. The nomination of the District's District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND),Amanda Vincent (to be DG 27-28 Rotary year), will be on the agenda of the District Conference Business Meeting and our Club needs to vote to accept or reject Amanda's nomination. Caroline sent all members a copy of her bio’. After a brief discussion Tony moved and Ted seconded that we accept Amanda Vincent's nomination as DGND. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
b. At the District Conference Business Meeting an Elector from our club must be present to vote on behalf of our Club on District business. Tony moved and Eddie seconded that Caroline be the Elector. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Central Vermont Adult Education (CVAE)
President Caroline introduced today’s speaker. Brian Kravitz
Brian is the Director of Outreach and Workforce Development at Central Vermont Adult Education (CVAE) and has been in this role for over a decade. His greatest professional pleasure is sharing the work and successes of the organization. When the entire community knows what CVAE does, student numbers increase and pipelines to local business and industry are forged and strengthened. We all know at least someone who would benefit from CVAE services, and as businesses are seeking qualified candidates, CVAE can help to fill those positions. Please welcome Brian Kravitz.
Brian began his presentation with the CVAE mission statement: …” to provide free adult education and literacy instruction to adults in Central Vermont, and to engage the entire community in the pursuit of our students’ efforts.”
He continued with an answer to the question: “Who do we serve?” In the CVAE’s service area there are over 5,600 out-of-school adults without a high school credential and 4,500 of them over age 25. Service is provided to residents seeking better literacy skills, a high school credential or to those in need of English language learning and/or citizenship skills. He went on to provide us with some interesting statistics: almost half of the adults in Vermont do not have the literacy necessary to achieve their goals and realize their potential; 38% of Vermont’s high school students are below proficient in mathematics and 24% are below proficient in reading; Vermont has 91.4% high school graduation; and in 2020, the poverty rate for those without a high school diploma was 24.7%. A profile of CVAE’s students includes: 100% have a barrier to employment; 30% are BIPOC/non-white; 51% are female; 47% report having a disability; and 69% do not have a high school credential. 
Brian covered many other topics: tangible (academic skills, high school credential, career readiness,e.g.) and intangible (self confidence, time management, e.g.) assets; indicators of success (better and more stable employment, moving out of poverty, food and housing security,e.g.); achieving high school proficiency levels in reading, writing, math and financial literacy and computer literacy; English language learning for citizenship, acquiring conversational English proficiency and readiness for job and further education (preparation for college placement exam, skill development for specific needs, e.g.). He also provided us with statistics on earnings and employment rates by educational attainment and outcomes of student achievement for enrollees (receiving a high school credential,gaining citizenship skills and entering a post secondary or career training program, e.g.).
Interspersed throughout the presentation were accounts of individual success stories and anecdotes illustrating various aspects of the services provided by CVAE. His talk was informative and interesting, delivered with passion and enthusiasm. Rotarians showed their appreciation with a hearty round of applause. President Caroline presented him with a Four Way Test Coin.
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