Club president Mike Griffin had greeter Ben Kiniry give the invocation. Ben expressed gratitude for the way his membership in Rotary has bolstered his personal goal of “being the change you want to see” – a quote he saw on a coffee mug. He appreciates being in a group of like-minded individuals.
Later, Ben announced that a total of 38 Rotarians were in attendance along with 2 guests and 1 speaker. Michelle Fortin announced that her daughter Andrea Fortin was the speaker and Bill McGonagle introduced his neighbor and library trustee Christine Carey who was here a week early for the check presentation. Donna Deos introduced her guest, the current president of CYPN. (sorry, the author didn't catch his name)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mike Griffin asked members to respect anyone who has the floor to speak by refraining from side conversations.
Karen Wadsworth announced that the Four Way Speech Contest was held and 5 contestants participated. She recounted the names of all five participants and said the 3 winners will speak at the 15 April club meeting.
Dean Cascadden announced that the 3rd event in <some large school program?> was the First Grader’s Books and that it was scheduled for Friday May 27th.
Harry Judd announced that Rotary Park Spring Cleanup will be on 16 April at 0800. A signup sheet(s) was circulated.
Gerry Carrier announced that the Car Show is still scheduled for 14 May. Major sponsors are being locked down and trophy sponsors and lottery entries are being confirmed. Interested parties should see Chris Parkinson or Jeannie Richards about continuing to be a Trophy Sponsor as it’s increasing to $75.00. Sharon Eng(sp?) has offered to provide her marvelous pulled pork again.
Mike Griffin announced that the club will present its $20,000 donation to trustees of the Baker Free Library Lower level Renovation Project on 1 April. This completes a pledge made 2 years ago. Mike also strongly endorsed Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). Judy Goodnow attended RLI recently in Maine. Mike Griffin, Gale Kenison and Donna Deos are all recent RLI graduates. Members should consider attending for an expanded understanding of the role and workings of Rotary as well as for improving their leadership skills.
Sgt at Arms, Bryant Stevener checked members for logo fines and late fees.
BIRTHDAYS
Chuck Reinhardt summed up another year with “Everything is looking up.”
Linda Lorden had a very busy but great year. Her family is doing really well. The kids and grandkids are all healthy and active. Her year’s highlight was “making an honest man” out of her partner by marrying him in January.
Steve Lauwers turned 60 and just returned from a wonderful family vacation in Florida.
Bryant Stevener presented new member Chris Nicolopoulos his Rotary book and fined Andrew Costen, Michelle Fortin, Peter Imse, Tom Ives, Bob Louf and Chuck Reinhardt for not greeting Chris signing his book. Additional fines weren’t collected from absent members.
HAPPY BUCKS
Mark Lavalle is happy to have been able to watch Michelle Fortin’s daughter Andrea Fortin play basketball over the years. He finds her tremendous intensity impressive.
Jon Ruggles is very happy his granddaughter turned 11 years old.
Rick Minard is happy to announce that the Concord Chorale concerts are about to sell out.
Steve DeStefano is happy that his youngest daughter was recently married and kids are all active and making him proud.
Peter Imse is happy that the Freese Brothers Big Band is coming to Concord as a FREE Walker Lecture Series performance at the City Auditorium in Concord on April 6. The featured trumpet player will be Chris Burbank, who grew up on Manchester. For more details about the band, see
www.freesebrothersbigband.com
Gale Kenison and Donna Deos are happy that they attended PETS training together – “a fun road trip” for them.
Nate Sanel is happy that his son went to Zanzibar and had a terrific experience. He’s also happy that his daughter’s homeschooling is a big success.
Bob Couch is happy to be included in a show at the League of NH Craftsmens Concord gallery (49 South Main St). The free public opening reception will be next Friday evening April 1 from 5 to 7. The exhibit will be on display until 17 June.
Ben Kiniry is happy to have completed his first year as a Selectman and appreciates the professionalism of his fellow selectmen, particularly when their opinions differ widely.
Dave Gazaway is happy for a great season of basketball with his two sons, both of whom played in championship games last weekend.
Andrew Costen is overjoyed to see his Texas A&M Aggies make it into the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and then cement their legacy by pulling off the greatest comeback in men’s basketball history: with 34 seconds left and down by 12 points, the Aggies went on a 14-2 streak to tie the game and then won it in double overtime.
Linda Lorden won the raffle but didn’t pull the joker.
GUEST SPEAKER
Michelle Fortin introduced her daughter, Andrea Fortin, as the guest speaker. Andrea spoke about her upcoming trip to Costa Rica with 14 other students to visit an orphanage that desperately needs some basic necessities. Diapers and (warm-weather) shoes are most needed but stuffed animals and toys are also requested. Donations can be made not later than Friday 1 April at any Bow school as well as to Michelle Fortin.
Club President Mike Griffin asked the members to end the meeting by repeating the 4-Way Test with him.
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrew Costen
