Mike Griffin had greeter Rob Werner gave the invocation, which was based on a humorous bumper sticker that moved him: “Common Sense is a flower that doesn’t grow in everyone’s garden.”
Later, Rob Werner announced that a total of 40 Rotarians were in attendance.
He also had Michelle Fortin announce her guests: Jacob Scott (Interact Club President) and Ian Gillespie (Interact Club VP).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dean Cascadden announced that the Four Way Speech Contest has been postponed a week to 22 March. He also solicited support from anyone willing to make savory baked goods. Interested cooks should talk to Karen Wadsworth.
He also reported that Career Day included briefings by 18 presenters from a broad variety of occupational backgrounds.
Gerry Carrier announced that the Car Show is still scheduled for 14 May. His committee met this morning and discussed sponsors, including the new “Gold Level” sponsorship that’s available. Interested parties should see Chris Parkinson or Jeannie Richards about continuing to be a Trophy Sponsor as it’s increasing to $75.00. Many major sponsors are already locked in.
Mike Griffin announced that District Assembly will be held 9 April at Keene High School from 0800-1200. A carpool is available from the Community Center. He emphasized how interesting the side sessions typically are at this event.
HAPPY BUCKS
Mark Lavalle collected fines and coordinated Happy Bucks as acting Sergeant at Arms (in Bryant Stevener’s absence).
Sandy Eldredge is so happy to have celebrated her birthday this week that she covered Mark Lavalle’s $5.00 fine (levied in jest) for not checking if any members had birthdays! Her celebration included fondue from a terrific old recipe. Her children’s recent accomplishments are keeping her a very proud mother. She also said her decision to opt out of chemotherapy in favor of holistic treatments (after cancerous tissue was removed from her lungs) paid off with a recent prognosis that she’s completely cancer-free and no longer needs checkups.
Peter Imse is happy that Town Meeting Week has concluded. He expressed thanks to the many Rotarians who helped as well as gratitude for serving as the Town Moderator.
Matt Gatzke celebrated his birthday in which his age is the same as the year he was born (’58). He feels his new membership in “a nefarious local organization” (Rotary) is the highlight of his year. Matt’s learning about retirement and enjoying his kids.
Alan Kanegsberg’s birthday is on the same day as Sandy Eldredge’s. He made his usual, yearly $100 donation to the Rotary Foundation and is celebrating his 45th year in Rotary - with perfect attendance! His kids have productive, professional careers and are doing very well. He credits the laughter of Bow Rotary meetings with changing his life.
Robert Louf is grateful for the Bow School District and called it “a joy”.
Bob Couch happily announced that the Old Home & Barn Show is tomorrow, 12 Mar, and that the Woodworkers Guild will be there.
Dick Swett was happy to announce that Chase Hagaman, New England regional director of The Concord Coalition, will discuss how to reduce the national debt at the 18 March meeting. Dick also described the many things he heard and witnessed while spending ten days in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are apparently very popular topics there.
Karen Wadsworth is happy that Bow is going to have a new public safety building.
Chuck Reinhardt is happy for his grandson’s tournament success and for his daughter-in-law’s good health.
Judy Goodnow was singled out as needing to be fined $5.00 for not getting re-elected (in jest).
Chris Parkinson happily saw Blue Man Group perform.
Eric Anderson expressed his happiness at being in public service for 50(!) years.
Michelle Fortin won the raffle but didn’t pull the joker.
CLUB ASSEMBLY
President Mike Griffin announced that $20K was earmarked for scholarships at the board meeting this week. The board also awarded two grants for campers and completed the club’s commitment of $20K to the Baker Free Library Lower Level Renovation Project. Paul Rizzi agreed to provide a large ceremonial check for use in a presentation ceremony to publicize this significant contribution to the town.
Club Secretary Eric Anderson reported on the increased need for members to make up missed meetings. He provided handouts listing all the ways that missed meetings can be made up. Club attendance was at 90.46% in Jan but dropped to 88.5% in Feb. The Club has 52 active members and 5 honorary members.
Club Treasurer Paul Mercier reported that the club currently has $55K in the Foundation. With $20K earmarked for the library and another $20K going to camperships, the club is on track to finish with a net of $5K for the end of the fiscal year.
February was a quiet month for Interact according to
Michelle Fortin. Five Interact members are going to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) this year.
Gerry Carrier reported that the Community Service committee has the Rotary Park Cleanup event scheduled for 20 April. The next Roadside Pickup date is TBD.
Dave Gazaway is working to line up groups for the Summer Concert Series.
Judy Goodnow had nothing significant to report for the International Committee.
Chris Parkinson saw the John Sheridan School while in British Honduras. Its desperate need for a new roof could be our next international project.
Mark Lavalle reported for Administration that all’s well. He thanked Robert Louf for joining the morning setup crew and thanked president Mike Griffin his insightful assignment of members to tasks.
Gale Kenison and Donna Deos were absent as they are both at PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) for their leadership positions.
Donna is in charge of Community Recognition Night, which is scheduled for 9 June. There will be no club meeting on 10 June.
The Club Awards Night and Changing of the Gavel ceremony is set for 24 June. Friends and spouses are encouraged to join us.
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrew Costen
