Greeter/Invocation: Paul Mercier – Paul reminded us that ‘tolerance’ is the word of the day.
Attendance: 37 Rotarians. 2 Guests – Taylor, Matt Dodge’s fiancée and Len Sandler, guest of Michael Fortier
Total of 39.
Announcements:
- Jon Ruggles – Today is the golf tournament! Two teams from Bow Rotary participating…if the rain holds off. As I’m typing this (an hour before the tournament) it is pouring out!
- Jeff Kipperman – Gave an update on the Auction Sponsorships that are in place. Very big thank you’s to Tamar Roberts representing Roberts & Greene and Linda Lorden representing Merrimack County Savings Bank for their commitment to the top ‘Admiral’ level of sponsorship, as well as another 6 companies at various levels.
- Noreen Christensen – Encouraged club to start soliciting donations, perhaps from the list of suggestions Dick Bean offered up. Refer to the email sent to all members. Live Auction Items are also needed. She encouraged people to get things in, in a timely manner. The week of the auction is too difficult….getting it recorded and in the program.
Sergeant At Arms - Gerry Carrier
Fines:
Monies were collected for no pins or badges, logo or late fines. The following fines were collected from those that did not sign Dick Bean’s book: Paul Mercier, Chris Parkinson, Bryant Stevener, and Rob Werner. Ken Moulton and Paul Rizzi are still outstanding.
Happy Dollars:
- Dick Bean is working on getting a Team together from the Club for the Breast Cancer Walk, a disease that has affected all too many people. The Walk is October 15. A speaker will be coming to our Club shortly.
- Mark Lavalle – Also would like to encourage Bow Rotary to form a team for this worthy cause.
- Rick Minard – Enjoyed his MC duty at the last Rotary Concert of the summer with help from the two Jeannie’s.
- Tom Wilson – Sister’s 62nd birthday. AND his 45th wedding anniversary - congratulations Tom!
Raffle: Dave Stack….but no joker.
Program:
Speaker was Leonard (Len) Sandler, from Westford, MA, author of 5 books, formerly an adjunct professor at Boston University’s School of Mgmt. Mr. Sandler holds a B.S. in Psychology, an MBA and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior.
Mr. Sandler presented a very sobering, unimaginable account of two WWII heroes, George and Simone (de Cruzel ) Stalnaker from Des Moines, IA. Simone was originally from France…the French Riviera. Born into an upper-class, privileged life-style, Simone became a spy for the British as a member of the French Resistance. She was captured and imprisoned, forced to survive on bugs and worms, and an occasional cup of broth, often filled with lice. Having survived this, she went back for a second assignment.
George Stalnamker, and West Point Grad. who became a Lt. Colonel, was assigned to
destroy the last remaining reinforcement bridge for the Germans at Normandy. George’s B-26 (known as The Widow Maker) was hit by enemy fire and he and his crew were forced to bail out. Fortunately he landed near a farmhouse with a nice family that took him in, gave him civilian clothes.
George and Simone’s full WWII historical account is told in Len Sandler’s book, “Because of You, We Live!”
The WWII generation was truly part of the Greatest Generation.
President Judy closed the meeting with “A Toast to Rotary the World Over.”
Respectfully Submitted,
Noreen Christensen
