President Michelle opened the meeting at 07:30 and greeter Sherri Ferns welcomed members to Bow Rotary and recited a poem written by her great-grandfather about the “tracks” one makes as one passes through life.
Attendance:
28
Live
5
Zoom
1
Visiting Rotarians
1
Guests
0
Guest Speakers
35
Total
Eliot Berman was our guest today.
Announcements:
Michelle Fortin announced Eliot Berman’s name for the second time as a member candidate.
Eric Anderson has a list of potential acts to schedule during committee meeting after today’s club meeting.
Dick Swett updated club on the water ambulance launch but sadly the area was hit by Cyclone Freddy. He reported on the death toll and extensive damage in Malawi and reported on efforts by local district and list of needs to help in the recovery.
Dick Swett reported that Interact is doing well and preparing for their fundraiser to raise $1,000 during the Sleep Out in support of Waypoint.
Michelle Fortin acknowledged that Interact provided $500 toward the water ambulance project. She read the letter of thanks from our club to the Interact students.
Ben Kiniry had a team meeting last Friday on the Thrive grant. Tristan Johnson took part and he is reaching out to RI about the challenges in dealing with the partners in Africa. Trying to get District in Africa to manage the grant better.
Chris Parkinson updated club on relief efforts in Turkey and Syria. Three clubs there have put together a full complement of services including a mobile kindergarten, housing camps, etc. Our district has made commitments of dollars for relief. He asked those interested to make a personal donation which the district will include as part of a commitment by members toward a global grant.
Michelle Fortin announced that on Sat. April 22, the district rotary foundation committee will offer a grant management seminar here at the OTH. Someone from the club must attend on an annual basis in order for us to qualify to apply for grants. She is planning to attend, but let her know if you have interest in attending.
Gerry Carrier announced car show promos out to potential show participants. Two sponsors so far and seven car entrants have replied. Looking for more trophy sponsors which start at $150. He also reported that the building permit has been submitted to the town for the pavilion. He and Jerry Kingwill have begun the process of ordering materials. Work to start soon in early spring.
Rob Werner reminded the club that representatives from Common Man for the Ukraine will be our program on April 7.
Sergeant at Arms: Bryant Stevener
Birthdays: Tanya Frost had a birthday during the past week, but she dropped off Zoom before she could be recognized.
Fines: None
Happy Bucks:
Matt Gatzke was thankful for family who were in town for his 65th birthday dinner. He also give in honor of the many Rotarians who make things click here in town, including Peter Imse as moderator, those who served as assistant moderators and for Dean Cascadden’s service to our schools over the past 16 years. What would Bow be like without such volunteers?
Gerry Carrier also gave in recognition of all members who give back to the town with their time.
Bryant Stevener also gave in support of those who volunteered to renovate the OTH and how great it looks two years later.
Dave Farr gave for the how well town meeting works and for Peter’s service as moderator.
Dean Cascadden spoke about despite the fact that people at town meeting speak of “stop spending my money”, but they are missing the reality that we are all investing our money in the future of our children and our world. We need to focus on love, respect and pulling together. This is so important when we consider the plight of so many others around the globe dealing with war and natural disasters that we are fortunate enough to avoid.
Vanessa Palange also in honor of Peter Imse’s service. She included a $1 due to the fact that she was on WMUR and did not have per pin on, though it was stock footage and she was not then a Rotarian.
Mike Gula’s son led the flag ceremony at the school meeting, but he had a bit of stage fright and thankfully Dean stepped in to get the pledge started. Mike reminded all of the importance of ROI and the value of investing in our schools. Looking forward to next week when he will get to play the 17th hole at Sawgrass.
Rob Werner was happy it is St. Patrick’s Weekend. He and Maryanne are headed to the Stone Church in Newmarket to see Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki.
Linda Bliss gave as she continues to “thoroughly enjoy” being a member of this club.
Mike Griffin honored his dual-Irish roots by wearing what he called “the most obnoxious green shirt he could find.” (We have seen worse!)
Judy Goodnow is happy to have her grandson coming this weekend. He loves to shovel snow so he will be thrilled to be at their house. She also reminded all that the Pope Memorial SPCA will host its annual brunch on May 4 with Sy Montgomery.
Karen Wadsworth gave $100 to Dick Swett for the disaster relief in Malawi in honor of her father who passed away in Arizona this week at 102. She has so many memories to hold fast to. One of his biggest efforts in his years spent in the Poughkeepsie, NY area was to support woman in their efforts to move ahead. He left a legacy of such action.
Bob Couch was happy to have hernia surgery behind him this week but is dealing with some pesky recovery issues.
Peter Imse thankful for another great town meeting and especially pleased that he and the town were able to resolve things related to the snow emergency. Glad the new state statute was in place to allow us to pivot, make the needed changes and protect our citizens. All were reminded to vote on March 28th.
Gerry Carrier was please to cross paths with Sandy Eldredge last night at Intown Concord’s annual meeting Sandy says hello to all.
Program:
Gerry Carrier offered his annual Home Inspection Hall of Horrors which featured a pictorial showcase of some of the most questionable and nearly all hazardous home inspection finds. He reported that it was a tough year for home inspectors due to market conditions with business down 80%. Several of the scary DIY homeowner repairs or fixes prompted Eliot Berman to remind all why it is he has a job in emergency response services! Gerry reminded all of the importance of watching out for cracks and damage to any sort of venting devices for gas-fired equipment due to the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Hazardous electrical and plumbing combos came as a close second of things to avoid. Shoddy framing and under-built decking were also highlighted as things to watch out for, including their ability to support heavy loads. Many classic Darwin Award nominations among his slides!
Member: If you have Program responsibilities for an upcoming meeting and are in need of a speaker, the following people have acknowledged their interest in speaking to our club as of 2/3/18.
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