Barre Lions Legacy Project dedicated
In 2017 Lions International in celebrated their Centennial: 100 years of service across the World. There are 46,00 clubs worldwide and over 1.5 million members. We are the largest service club in the world. Each club was asked to select and develop a Legacy Project in their area to celebrate The Centennial.
Members of The Barre Lions Club explored a number of options. Many of the members attend the summer concerts in Currier Park and have witnessed the performers playing the National Anthem, even though there was no flag in the park. We decided a lighted flag pole in Currier Park would be our project.
We consulted with Jeff Bergeron of Parks and Recreation for approval and guidance while researching flag pole options. Late last fall we were underway. In addition to the pole we wanted a granite marker to commemorate our work. We turned to Buttura and Gherardi for help and they designed a beautiful marker and donated their work. The flagpole we selected from Montpelier Stove and Flag Works has a chrome light and Bob Norway, a Barre Lion, volunteered Norway and Sons to do the wiring. Montpelier Stove and Flag Works donated the American and Vermont State flags that adorn the pole. Now it is spring and time to bring it all together.
Harry Hinrichsen, another Barre Lion, provided guidance on a location. Scott Norway of Norway and Sons volunteered to oversee the project. He contacted Kyle Bellevance of K. Bellevance Land Works and Hauling to do the excavation and related clean-up work, which he did at no cost to the club. Next we needed concrete for the base and flag assembly. Scott contacted EF Wall, founded by deceased Barre Lion Bob Lord Sr., who was happy to donate time and materials. They completed their work in early June. The final step was to set the marker and this task was completed on June 20th with donated time and equipment from Calcagni and Sons, founded by Joseph B. Calcagni, another Barre Lion.
The Flag Pole stands in a place of honor in Currier Park as a symbol of freedom and will be there for many years to come when the National Anthem is performed. This Legacy Project involved teamwork and community. The Barre Lions Club will be forever grateful to all those who made this project possible. There was an official dedication of the Flagpole on Wednesday, July 11th followed by a free public concert at 7 PM.
