Greeter: Peter Imse was there to greet all with a smile and a firm handshake.
Our President, Michael Griffin, opened the meeting by leading the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Peter Imse asked that we all take a moment to pray and give thanks to the God of our choosing for the blessings in our lives.
Attendance: Peter Imse gave the club attendance numbers
Bow Rotarians - 39
Guests - 0
Speaker -1
Total = 40 (or another number of Peter’s choosing, it is a lawyer thing)
Announcements:
Michael Griffin – attended the Foundation Dinner where he learned how every dollar contributed is spent: 60 cents to Polio Eradication (almost there), 2 cents Peace Scholarships, and 38 cents goes back to the district (which adds up to 100, so Michael did the math and it was accurate).
Michael Griffin and Rick Minard were interviewed by the Baker Free Library Foundation’s President Susan Hatem regarding the Bow Rotary Club’s funds to be donated to aid in the completion of lower level library renovations. The interview will appear in the Bow Times, to include a picture, so we can count on some additional fines.
Judy Goodnow proclaimed her status as a Proud Rotarian in regards to how well the club came together to put on such a wonderful auction. Total value raised is still to be calculated (but apparently we are not, as a group, quick at adding numbers). Judy thanked all members for their roles and specifically to those who were on the Auction Committee.
Judy requested Gerry Carrier to auction off the items remaining after the auction. Additional funds were raised and a few laughs had (so the total count will take even longer now). Then Gale Kenison said “but wait, there is more, and for 3 easy payments of just $19.99…” Okay, I may have taken some creative liberties, but there may be more items to auction off, so bring cash to next week’s meeting.
Michelle Fortin was happy to inform us the Raffle raised the sum of $3,795 (starting to think this is a math club).
Bryant Stevener relayed, with great anticipation in his voice, that 200 Christmas Trees (yep, more math: 200 trees X $Y results in the sum of $Z?) will be delivered to the community building on Saturday the 28th and asked for volunteers to see the trees.
Fines: Perhaps Paul Rizzi (two fines today) and Jon Ruggles (not present, saving his dollar) should consider an annual fine payment, perhaps we could discount it. Of course, we would have to form a math committee to consider the pros and cons of the proposed annual fine payment program.
Birthdays: Gerry Carrier was celebrating his birthday. Gerry proclaimed “I’m still around and that makes it a good year” and is hopeful about the future as his mother will be 99 in 5 weeks. Congratulations to both!
Happy Bucks:
Donna Deos is happy about the auction’s success and is also thankful that Dick Swett is good at carrying beer.
Kate Putnam is happy about the auction’s success and is considering a career at the TSA.
Rick Minard recognized Judy’s good work, as well did all members of the club.
Bob Couch thanked those who helped with setup and cleanup at the auction.
Michael Griffin thanked everyone for the success of the auction.
Dick Swett told us to vote early and vote often, every day in fact and that he would spam us into doing so (is he running for office again?). Actually, Dick requested our support in voting for Carl Flatley, who was nominated for the NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.
Michael Fortier is happy, and how could he not be, as he is taking his wife to Marco Island.
Harry Judd took the opportunity to remind us that the boy scouts will be collecting food on Saturday morning for those who are in need.
Sandy Eldredge is very pleased to have been asked by UNH to speak on her “journey after lung cancer” as part of lung cancer awareness month. Sandy, congratulations in regards to both!
Dave Gazaway is happy he is still allowed in our public school buildings and proud that his son’s teacher continues to wonder how Dave’s son can be “the kindest student [she] has ever had.” Something to do with apples falling from the tree and distance involved (I know, sounds like a mathematical word problem).
Guest Speaker: Alan Kanegsberg introduced Nathan Sanel, owner of National Powersports as our guest speaker. “Nate” was not here to sell us motorcycles, but rather to tell us how his search for his primary aim in life, led to his business and life success. It all started with a core philosophy based on “telling the truth.” The business started out with a budget of $500 and today he has over 45 employees and is the largest seller of motorcycles on eBay.
The concept of telling the truth is only one of the ethical considerations that the modern consumers and investors are looking for in a company. Mr. Sanel cited some other considerations such as aiding in the reduction of poverty and hunger, environment al considerations as well as human rights issues.
Raffle: The winning ticket was held by Donna Deos, she was still not successful at pulling the joker.
Respectfully submitted,
Ben Kiniry
