Minutes for April 1, 2016 Meeting
Presiding Officer: President Mike Griffin
Greeter: Jeanne Gerulskis
Sargent-at-Arms: Bryant Stevener
According to Jeanne, we had 39 Bow Rotarians in attendance, visiting Rotarian Linda Bliss, Steve DeStefano’s guest, Mike Wright, and a crowd of library people who will be identified later. Jeanne said we had a total of 47 in the meeting, but I am not so sure about that total.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
President Mike announced that the next Board meeting will be at Bryant Stevener’s office on Monday, April 4, 2016, at 6:00 p.m.
Gerry Carrier reminded everyone who wishes to be a sponsor of the Car Show to let Chris Parkinson, Jean Richards, or himself, know. He also reminded all members that the Car Show will be on May 14, 2016.
President Mike reminded everyone of the upcoming District Assembly on April 9, 2016, in Keene, and noted that those who wish to carpool can meet at the Community Center at 7:00 a.m.
Michelle Fortin thanked all members who contributed gifts for her daughter, Andrea’s, trip to visit the orphans in Costa Rica.
PRESENTATION
President Mike welcomed the following people (who are all associated with the Baker Free Library or the Library Foundation) to come up to the front of the room: Tom Ives, Peter Blumfield, Gary Nylan, Lori Fisher, Susan Hatem, Mark Levan, Christine Carey, Binette Pizzimenti, and Paul Rizzi. President Mike described the history of the Club’s decision to make a $20,000 contribution to the Library Lower Level project as being the right thing to do, and just another way that Bow Rotarians are giving back to the community. President Mike followed his comments by presenting the Library representatives with a check in the amount of $20,000.
Following President Mike’s comments, Mark Levan addressed the Club and noted that the Library Committee could not have succeeded without Bow Rotary. The Rotary gift was the first major gift that the Library received, and it helped to jumpstart the gift giving elsewhere in Town. He thanked all members for supporting the Library through the Club’s gift, and he invited members to make personal gifts to help the Library raise the last $50,000 needed.
Sgt at Arms, Bryant Stevener collected logo fines and late fees from the usual suspects.
BIRTHDAYS
No birthdays
HAPPY BUCKS
Bryant Stevener also collected Happy Bucks from:
Bob Couch for a great New Hampshire Chronicle TV shoot, and the opening of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen exhibit with some of his work on display.
Rob Werner for the City Council vote to approve the new solar facility at the Hall Street wastewater treatment plant.
Ira Evans, who was happy to be back from Florida.
Rick Minard who thanked all Library representatives for their hard work.
Chris Parkinson for his recent dinner with Raffie down at SNHU.
Sandy Eldredge for a nice visit with Linda Kling.
Tamar Roberts who has used the Library regularly since she was a kid.
Matt Gatzke won the raffle but did not pull the joker.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Our speakers for the day, not surprisingly, were representatives of the Baker Free Library. Lori Fisher provided us with an informative and comprehensive summary of what it is like to run a library in today’s changing world. Notwithstanding the Library’s addition of e-books and DVD collections, their print circulation remains steady due to continuing demand for “real” books. The Library now has access to language learning software in 114 languages, and the influx of new families in Town has caused them to increase their children and youth reading programs. The Library also has a presence in BES, BMS, and BHS, and offers programs for adults, including the current rage, adult coloring. Mike Levan and Tom Ives followed Lori by thanking the Club again for its support and asked Club members to encourage their neighbors and friends to contribute to the Library Lower Level Campaign to help them close the fundraising gap.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter F. Imse
