Today’s Greeter: Michael Fortier welcomed members to Bow Rotary.

Attendance: 

• 34​ Bow Rotarians
• 0 ​Visiting Rotarians
• 1​ Guest:  John McAuley (sp? Sorry John)
• 1 Guest speaker- Christine Pederson

Total of 36

Announcements:

• Dave Stack announced that Sunday’s concert went well, Judy Goodnow was the MC and had “two of the best assistance.”  The last concert series will be next Sunday with the band, “Honest Millie”. 
• Michelle Olivier – Announced that the Auction Committee is considering having the auction catered and stated that it is time to start seeking out items.  Matt Gatzke handed out contact forms for donors and announced that the sponsorship and donor letters are being sent out.  Matt also stated that there is the need to form a committee for take down after the auction, citing that over the last couple of years those who stayed to clean up were there late into the night.
• Dave Scanlan announced that there is a board meeting on Monday and that next week is club assembly.  

Sergeant at Arms: Matt Dodge

Logo Fines: Michelle Olivier for Merrimack County Savings Bank. 
Happy Bucks:

• Donna Deos reported that this was her 5th Rotary meeting this week.  Perhaps an intervention is needed
• Dave Stack announced that his son, John, is getting married next month.  Apparently, John, Dave and 25 friends “Invaded” Fenway Park as part of the celebration of the pending marriage. 
• Michelle Olivier’s daughter celebrated a birthday.  Michelle, her daughter and friend spent that day at the beach on Block Island (i.e got out of throwing a party!).  Michelle also went to visit her parents (such a good daughter). 
• Dean Cascadden reported he was happy to be on vacation in Nova Scotia (or was he happy to be back?), were he happened upon a Gay Pride Parade.  He also went Kayaking in the Fundy Bay and was happy to pass on some obscure knowledge to our members on high and low tides and the massive quantities of water therein.
• Tamar Roberts was happy to report that her youngest son will be home for three weeks and they will be attending a family reunion soon.
• Matt Dodge enjoyed Sunday’s summer concert.  He also reported that his wife, Taylor, and him did some house sitting and were happy to be back in their condo were there is a lack of chickens and cats,apparently.

Raffle Winner: Chuck Rheinhardt won the raffle. But did not pull the Joker.

Program: 
Jon Preston introduced the guest speaker, Christine Pederson, Director of Events, Easter Seals of New Hampshire.  Christine has been with the organization for 25 years.  

Christine informed our club that it was a group of Rotarians that were the founders of Easter Seals.  They raised funds and built a hospital for crippled children in 1916, which, in part, changed how society viewed such special needs children.  In 1934 on Easter Sunday, the group sent out mailings with stamps depicting children in wheelchairs in an effort to raise money to support their efforts.  This is how the name “Easter Seals” came into being.  The stamps are stilled mailed out today to raise funds as well as awareness.

She stated the Mission of Easter Seals can best be summed up by asking the question: What hole needs to be filled in our community.  She then went on to inform the club of the many services they provide.

Easter Seals has over 90 programs which fall into 12 program headings, in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.  They have over 1400 employees and volunteers who provide services to over 26,000 people.

Easter Seals provides support services for children with disabilities/special needs such as those who are developmentally delayed or have been diagnosed with Autism.  They provide services such as vocational, rehabilitation, physical, speech and other programs at highly specialized schools that are there to assist in the most difficult cases.

Christine informed the club they also have group homes for both children and adults in which they teach life skills, such as food preparation and how to complete a job application with the goal of providing skills for adult life?

Easter Seals also serves Veterans through the “Veteran’s Count” program.  Christine reported that over 15,000 soldiers and their families have received services in regards to employment, substance abuse, mental health, transportation, and being provided with a place to live (to name a few).

They also have programs specific to seniors with their adult day care program and assisting those stricken with Alzheimer’s disease.

Easter Seals of New Hampshire also provides dental care (they have a mobile unit so they can go where they are needed most).

Christine assured us that money raised in the State of New Hampshire is utilized to assist people living in our State and that not all services are free, and in some cases, recipients pay for services based on their ability to pay and their need.

Respectfully Summited:
Benjamin J. Kiniry