Meeting Date: December 1st, 2023
Presiding: President Matt Dodge
Greeter: Linda Bliss, then the official greeter, Tanya Frost
President Matt opened the meeting at 07:30 and Tanya shared some inspiration.
Attendance:
| 32 |
Live
|
|
4
|
Zoom
|
|
1
|
Visiting Rotarians
|
|
4
|
Guests
|
| 5 |
Guest Speakers
|
| 46 |
Total
|
Guests: Adam Valpey and Liam Miller (Interact), Marcy Kelly and Barb Griffin (prospective new members)
Announcements:
-
Matt Gatzke-The family which experienced a recent fire in Bow is doing okay. Deb Bourbeau also referred a family to us for a donated Christmas tree.
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President Matt-Last call for those attending the Men’s Club dinner on Thursday, December 7th; Steve DeStefano says “the more the merrier”, so don’t hesitate to let him know if you decide you want to come.
Bryant Stevener-Christmas trees are selling fast; only 57 are left as of today. Wreaths have been slow to exit, so we will be doing a package deal with the purchase of a tree.
President Matt-Club Skit is next week, so plan to attend. Chris says this is the 27th year! Dean Cascadden hopes to have a starring role; Donna Deos has been directed to attend.
Liam Miller-Interact reported that they have made pies and cookies: the pies went to the annual Thanksgiving hosted by the Windmill Restaurant, and the cookies were gobbled up at the tree lighting event. They are also signing holiday cards for veterans.
Sergeant at Arms: Tanya Frost
Birthdays: Bill Ames is 73 years young; it was a major travel year for him and his wife. They went to South America and Botswana. Disappointed in Victoria Falls due to the drought, but had a great time.
Fines:
New member Katie Minihan was introduced to the members who neglected to sign her book. Steve DeStefano, Tanya Frost, David Gazaway, and Tamar Roberts all paid a $1 to meet Katie in person.
Happy Bucks:
- Chris Parkinson is traveling to see his brother in NJ; glad to have sold trees with Vanessa Palange.
- Dean Cascadden is still transitioning to retirement; letting his hair grow, actually being paid to sing, and having fun skiing. Now an Ambassador at Cannon Mountain.
- Eric Anderson suggests that everyone stop at the Baker Free Library and pick up the 2024 calendar of Bow photos.
- Harry Judd was in attendance, and is sorry he will have to miss the skit next week.
- Vanessa Palange sold trees with Chris. She also was selected to attend a three week exclusive FEMA Master’s degree program.
- Robbie? enjoys coming to our Club meetings.
- Linda Bliss sold trees with Bob Couch and again with Marcy Kelley; happy that Marcy plans to become a member.
- Karen Wadsworth is happy that despite the need to go to physical therapy, ran into Jeanne Richards. Jeanne’s advice to all: “don’t skate with your grandkids”.
- Jon Ruggles was happy to receive a plaque honoring him for 27 years of service with the Boys and Girls Club.
Gerry Carrier sold trees with Tamar Roberts and re-issued his annual “ugly sweater” challenge for December 15. He will make a $5 donation to the Rotary Foundation for each qualified ugly sweater worn that day.
- Tamar Roberts was happy she sold trees with Carol Neigisch and again with Gerry Carrier; had a great Thanksgiving, and walked the Turkey Trot AND finished.
- Peter Imse sold trees with David Farr, who let him go home early.
Mike Gula had a great Thanksgiving and also did the Turkey Trot. Heard a coyote at 3 am near his house.
Program:
Introduced by Peter Imse: Charter Information Committee for the Town of Bow
Members of the Committee: Jack Crisp, Harry Judd, Stephen Buckley, Andrew Foote, Chris Lins, Angela Brennan, Susan Marcotte-Jenkins, Peter Imse, and Eleana Colby, Alternate.
The purpose of the Committee is to educate and inform the citizens of Bow regarding the different forms of town government available under NH law. The Committee is not making a recommendation, simply offering a summary of the possibilities.
A video was presented: Bow was established in 1727 and will be having a 300th birthday in 2027. Currently the governing body is the Select Board, which manages town affairs; the Town Manager reports to the Select Board as well as to town residents. The legislative body in Bow is town residents, both at the town meeting and by ballot. School and town management are separate.
The video reviewed the Source of Warrant Articles, the Authority to Adopt a Municipal Charter, and the Seven Forms of Government which are options for Bow.
Bow has what the Committee calls the “Traditional Town Meeting” form of government. The Committee presented charts of the various forms of government, classified by different factors such as whether there is a Town Manager, whether voting is done by ballot, whether there is a Budget Committee, whether there is a Town Meeting, etc.
The Committee will be making presentations to other community groups in the effort to educate residents. For more information about the Committee and the comparison of forms of government, go to: http://bownh.gov/822/Charter-Information-Committee
Feedback was that the charts are very helpful; a further one showing the contrast between what Bow has now vs how each form would change that was suggested.
Respectfully Submitted,
Judy Goodnow
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