Opening and Discussion
After leading eleven Rotarians in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test, President Caroline invited us to enjoy fifteen minutes of stimulating conversation,tete-a-tete, while consuming our vittles. However, a question regarding being alone with a student as part of a project and the need for background checks sparked wider conversation of the assembled group. The overwhelming conclusion was that no Rotarian should be alone with a student. President Caroline will send an email with instructions and a link for completing a background check. The documentation will be sent to the Club secretary and the cost will be paid by the Club.
Correction
Last week I incorrectly stated that Arthur Zorn “expressed his gratitude to the then administration for the introduction of block scheduling.” I misunderstood and so I am sharing Art’s correction, quote: “Funny thing Block scheduling was a disaster for the SHS music department.”
Announcements
Eddie announced that our Club has made a donation of $200 to the Barre City and Barre Town Recreation Departments’ Annual Egg Hunt. It will take place on astroturf at the BOR from 9-11 on Saturday, April 19th. The concession stand will be open and items will be half price. This is a great opportunity to increase our visibility in the community by sponsoring an activity at the event. It was decided to conduct an egg-spoon-balancing-obstacle course contest. Nicole has the necessary equipment and will come up with some prizes. Anyone interested in volunteering to help should contact President Caroline.
President Caroline reported that there weren’t any area clubs who held a speech contest, but that our winner still must give her speech at Round 2. Northfield Rotary has agreed to host the event which will be held during the second or third week of April. Details to follow.
She also reminded us that Zoom is now available for Board of Directors’ meetings and regular meetings (except offsite visits). The Zoom link has been sent to all members.
Nicole announced that the Pie for Brunch on Saturday, April 5th has been publicized through posters and social media. Silent auction items are still being sought; please check your household belongings to see if you have any items that could help the cause. Contact Nicole. Margo Austin and her husband will be attending as Margo is to receive a Paul Harris Fellow Award. Nicole explained that volunteers are needed on a three-shift basis. She will figure out how to facilitate volunteer sign up and let us know.Vote for a District Grant
Doug asked President Caroline if she had received an application for a District Matching Grant for 143 North Main Street Initiative. She responded that she had not. Karl received the email, found it and sent it to Caroline. After a brief discussion, Karl moved and Tony moved that the Barre Rotary Club endorse the application. The result of the vote was unanimous in the affirmative. The district committee will meet in April to decide the grant recipients and Doug will attend. If approved, our Club would be contributing $9000 to the Initiative.
Happy Days Are Here Again
George via Zoom offered two Happy Dollars for the two pieces of music that he composed and were recently performed and well received at the Flynn Place along with eight
other selected local composers. Grandpa Tony gave a Happy Dollar as he announced the birth of a baby boy to his daughter, Alayna Martel.
Since Last We Met
Birthdays: Charlene Rinker March 23
Club Anniversaries: Bob Blow March 20, 1966 59 years; Brenda Waterhouse March 23, 2016 9 years
On this day in history: In 2011 American
Democratic politician
Geraldine Ferraro, who was the first woman to be nominated (1984) for
vice president by a major political party in the United States, died at age 75.
Election of Officers 2025-26
Emily presented the Slate of Officers for 2025-26. A nomination from the floor of Doug Bullet for Vice President was declined by Doug. Karl moved and Doug seconded the following slate of officers for 2025-26 be approved:
Presidents: Tony Campos, Emily Stephens and Zach Lyle-DeLong
President-Elect: Nicole DiDomenico
Vice President:
Immediate Past President: Caroline Earle
Secretary: Jim Catone
Foundation: Co-chairs; Tony Campos and Angelina Debeaupuis
Membership Chair: Caroline Earle
Club Administrator: Karl Rinker
Sergeant at Arms: Jan Spargo
Treasurer: Eddie Rousse
Assistant Treasurer: Ted Goulette
The result of the vote was unanimous in the affirmative.
Updates
Tony reminded us the Club’s goal of making a contribution to the Rotary Foundation is 100%. President Caroline reported that fifteen of twenty-nine members have made a
contribution of $26.50 (the initial donation to the Foundation from the Rotary Club of Kansas) or more. Members have until June 30, 2025 to make their donation. Karl reported that all but five art items have been turned in and are being readied for display for the Barre Art Splash. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 12 to bolt ten new stands to granite blocks. Contact Karl if you can help. Hand wrenches only!
Membership Discussion Continued
President Caroline passed out the notes on membership taken at the Club Assembly on 2/26/25 under three headings:1) How is Your Membership Going? 2) How Can We Enhance Membership? and; 3) Action Steps for Enhancing Membership.
From the discussions on membership at both a Board meeting and at the Club Assembly the following have surfaced as action steps to increase membership: 1)For every organized event, the chair should create a volunteer sign-up sheet to be circulated by members during the event, which encourages attendees to sign up to volunteer for the event the following year. This can also be complemented by a poster bearing a QR Code to sign up to volunteer or get to know Rotary better (e.g. Breakfast, Pie for Brunch, Concession Stand, Coat Wrap, etc…). Hopefully this can be implemented at Pie for Brunch: 2) participate in a community event to increase visibility (being done at the Annual Egg Hunt); 3) commit to inviting a friend, prospective member or colleague to a meeting or a Rotary event that is fun and may be of interest to them; and; 4) explore the idea of a Companion Club (President Caroline is pursuing the possibility with three or four potential members).
President Caroline urged us to get behind these initiatives for the sustainability of our Club, especially #3. We need commitment from every member of the club.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at the Salvation Army, 25 Keith Avenue.
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