Club History Timeline

About Our Club
Club History Timeline
 
June 5, 1970: First meeting of Rotary Club of Bow.  Board members elected, and Past District Governor, Alex Rennie, presided.  Members also voted to meet at the Brick Tower Motel, Friday mornings at 7:30 am.  Initiation fee is $20 and annual dues are $25.
June 13, 1970: Second meeting: Nat Elkin, President of the Club, presided.
June 30, 1970: Rotary Club of Bow chartered by Rotary International.
  • September 25: “Charter Night” dinner, for members and wives.  130 members, wives and guests attended the event, held at the New Hampshire Highway Hotel.  The badge case was presented by the Franklin Rotary Club.  The lectern was presented by the Rutland, VT club.  The gavel and bell were presented by the Pittsfield Club.  The charter plaque was presented by the Wallingford, VT club.  Funds to purchase badges were given by the Laconia Club, and funds to purchase an American flag were given by the Manchester Club.
  • November 12: several Club members attended the Charter Night for the Derry, NH Rotary Club.
  • January 13: Grocery Marathon announced.  This was a raffle for a family trip to the supermarket (two parents, two children), with an opportunity to take home as much as they could get to the check-out in five minutes.  Tickets were $1 and available from any Bow Rotary Club member.  Drawing to be held at the Town Meeting, scheduled for March 9, 1970.
  • February 15: Friday night skating at the town pond; weekly supervision offered by the Bow Rotary Club.
  • March 12: Grocery Marathon brings in $1500, and was won by Ray Unger, a Concord Rotarian.  $700 went for groceries, and $800 for scholarships.
  • April 24: Spring Carnival included “lunch wagons”: hot dogs, coffee and soft drinks were offered.
  • May 19: Auction announced as a fall fund-raising activity for scholarships.  Other initiatives: Dental program at Bow Memorial School (grades K-3), Baseball program, and 2 girls attended Girl Scout Camp, paid for by Bow Rotary.
June 25, 1971: Richard Hanson installed as President.
  • July 20: Two road signs purchased to let travelers know where and when the Bow Rotary Club meets.
  • September 10: Ladies Night dinner.
  • October 16: Auction held at Dick Hanson’s barn, from 10 am to 5 pm.  Total take was $1350.
  • During the year, the Club initiated and continued funding for the Dental Program at Bow Memorial School, donated funds for baseball equipment, supplies and insurance, and paid for two Bow students to attend Girl Scout Camp.  Letters went out to all Bow seniors regarding scholarships to be offered by the Club.  A Mini-Auction was held (B.Y.O.G.  or “bring your own gifts”), with proceeds to go to the RI scholarship fund and the Bow scholarship fund.  School Bus Safety booklets were purchased by the Club and distributed, as well as “Stop-Thief” Theft Kits.
April 1972: Appreciation Day, honoring those from the community who helped with the skating season.
  • Spring Carnival - the Club, coordinating with the Bow Men’s Club and the Bow Se Dos, provided a chicken BBQ, hot dogs and hamburgers, a rope ride, a clown, and prizes, as well as running a derby, small parade, and a square dance.
  • June 3: “Ladies Night” was held at the Passaconaway Club.
June 30, 1972: Howard Bean was installed as President.
  • September 30: Members were directed to gather at Dick Hanson’s barn “to commence the pick-ups” for the Auction.
  • October 7: Auction held at Dick Hanson’s barn.  $1300 was raised for scholarships.
  • During the year, the Club also raised funds for Bow PeeWee, baseball jackets, Bow Girl Scouts, and helped with the Rotary International “Home Stay” program by hosting District Governors from Belgium and Denmark.  The Club rang bells for the Salvation Army, ran the Spring Carnival, and Rotary Anns gave rides to the polls for voters without transportation.
June 23, 1973: Red Wentworth installed as President.
  • July 8: The Club voted to “not have as speakers any active political candidate or political speakers representing any candidate.”
  • During the year, the Club raised funds for Bow children to attend camp, Bow Little League, and college scholarships.  The Club also hosted the District Assembly at Bow Memorial School, rang bells for the Salvation Army, ran the third Spring Carnival, and had a Youth Benefit Auction.  
June 28, 1974: Edward Furber installed as President.
  • During the year, the Club raised funds to assist in formation of the Hopkinton Rotary Club, send a Bow student to summer camp, provide equipment funding to the Bow Athletic Club, awarded college scholarships, and ran a Ski/Skate exchange and the Spring Carnival as well as ringing bells for the Salvation Army.  The Club also began a redecoration project at the New Hampshire Hospital, painting the Occupational Therapy Hall.  The Club held the 4th Annual Youth Benefit Auction, and continued support of the Dental Program, Bow Youth Baseball, and the Bow Town House Scout Project.
June 1975: Tom Webster installed as President.  
  • During the year, the Club continued the Ski/Skate Exchange, the Spring Carnival, and the Auction.  Funds were given to the Bow Athletic Club for baseball equipment and medical insurance, and scholarships were awarded.
June 1976: Bill Roberts installed as President.
  • During the year, the Club continued the Sports Sale Exchange, the Auction, and the Spring Carnival.  The map project was introduced, as well as a “Deer Pool Raffle”, for guessing the largest take.  Scholarships were awarded, and funds were provided for the Girl Scouts to purchase tents.
June 1977: Charlie Coffin was installed as President.
  • During the year, the Club awarded pins for perfect attendance to: Joe Deoss, Dick Hanson, Alan Kanegsburg and Bill Roberts.  The map project continued to evolve, and the Auction was held.  Funds were provided to the Bow Athletic Club for equipment, and scholarships were awarded.
June 1978: John Lyford was installed as President.
  • During the year, the map project was continued (selling ad space), Winterfest was created (pancake breakfast, snowmobiling, snowshoeing) as a joint effort between Rotary and the Bow Men’s Club.  The Auction was held at Dick Hanson’s barn; scholarships were awarded, and funds were given to the Bow Rescue Squad, and to the Boy Scouts for tents.
June 1979: Al Ward was installed as President.
  • During the year, $1800 was given for a new flagpole at Bow School.  For the first time, the Auction had a professional auctioneer, and had to be held outside because it conflicted with the Firemen’s Ball.  Scholarships were awarded, and funds were given to the Bow Athletic Club for equipment.
June 1980: Phil Ryan was installed as President.
  • During the year, the Auction was held.  The Club made a pledge of $5,000 for the Concord Hospital Capital Fund Drive, and gave $500 to the Bow Athletic Club, and $100 to the Friends Program for back packs for Bow students.  The Club also provided funds for the purchase of a drum for the Concord Marching Band.
  • February 1981: re-decorating the Old Town Hall was proposed for a Rotary International 75th Anniversary project; the Bow Heritage Commission (then known as the Historical Commission) wanted to have the building become a museum.
  • The Club gave flags and stands to both the Hooksett and the Queen City Manchester Club.  The weekly breakfast price was increased to $3.50.
  • Members were admonished to change their seats periodically and sit with others rather than always having the same ones sit together.
June 1981: Frank Hirsch became President
  • The Club held the annual Auction, conducted the Sports Equipment Exchange and helped with the Bow Winterfest.  Scholarships were awarded.
  • Whether or not you owned a pickup truck was a factor for membership.  (For “liberating” Auction items!).
June 1982:  Mike Wagner became President.
  • The usual projects of Winterfest, Spring Carnival, funds to the Bow Athletic Club and the Auction continued.  This year, the Junior Police program was added, as well as sponsorship for the girls’ softball team.  In addition, the Club participated with the Women’s Club for “Bow Green-Up” Day.
  • Bow hosted Ian Austin, an International Exchange Student from England.
  • Bow students were accompanied by Rotarians in the effort to create an oral history of Bow residents.  The books were compiled, printed, and available for sale at the Spring Carnival.
  • Rotarians delivered Town Reports to all households in Bow.  Breakfast was increased to $4 per week.
  • The Old Town Hall was again considered as a project, this time as an historical site.
  • Fitness Trails on school property were initiated; the plan was to create the trails and add signage.
June 1983:  Robert Gosling became President
  • John Lyford was instrumental in helping the Henniker-Hillsboro Club get started, and the Bow Club helped to support that Club.
  • The Map project was a continuing item for conversation.  Career Day at the Junior High, funds for the Concord Band’s trip to Washington, D.C., and the Fitness Trails were on the minds of Rotarians this year.  The Club provided funds to the Bow School shop class students to make picnic tables for the Town, and funds for Bow students to attend the National History Day contest at the University of Maryland were provided.  
  • Janis Plummer, from Bow, attended school in Sweden as part of the International Student Exchange.  
  • Along with the Athletic Club, Rotarians delivered Town Reports to Bow households, and this was the first year Christmas trees were sold.
June 1984: Tom Livsey became President
  • Renovation of the Old Town Hall began with removing items which had been in storage there for many, many years, and scraping the kitchen ceiling.
  • Career Day had its’ initiation, and scholarships were awarded from the proceeds of a successful Auction.
  • A bottle raffle netted $4,000, and the Christmas Tree sales did well, too.
  • The Map project was still a work in progress.
  • RI initiated the 4 Way Test speech contest; without a high school, the Club made a donation to the Concord Club toward the prizes.
  • As part of the Rotary International Foundation Worldwide Humanities program, the Club hosted a business group from India.
June 1985: George Hamilton became President
  • The Scooter policy was established; each scooter must apologize to the speaker and pay a fine.  There were also fines for failing to provide a program.
  • The Club became a little fussier about the quality of auction items!  The Map project continued, the Fitness Trails were maintained, and funds were given to help establish a medical center in Mexico and to the RI program for eradicating polio.
  • There was a Country Western Concert and Truck Show at the Truck Stop, and the Club had fun with a food wagon.  Members continued work on the Old Town Hall (continued scraping the kitchen ceilings, patching walls), distributed Town Reports, and awarded scholarships from Auction proceeds.
June 1986: William Johnson became President
  • The Auction solicitation letter was sent to all townspeople of Bow; it was suggested that if an item donation wasn’t possible, a money contribution was also acceptable.  The letter stressed the good done over the years with scholarships and community works.
  • The Map project was completed, and each Bow household received one along with the Bow Times.  Pens were established as the gift for speakers.  Santa appeared at the first day of the Christmas tree sales (coinciding with the tree lighting), and tree sales lasted two days only.
  • Career Day was established as a part of the school calendar.
  • Trinity Tavern was selected as the new meeting place.
  • Standards for the scholarship applicants were established.
June 1987: Dom D’Ambruso became President
  • The Club President’s Annual Report for the Town of Bow noted “the US Supreme Court decided Rotary is open to women who meet the Club’s criteria.  To date, there are no women members.”
  • The Policy on Giving was created and approved by the Board.  The Polio Plus program was on the front burner, with the Club raising considerable funds toward this goal.  Auction proceeds allowed for distribution of almost $7,000 in scholarships.  The Fourth Annual Career Day was held, as well as Winterfest, and Christmas tree sales. 
  • Eric Anderson’s pictures were a primary feature for the Town Reports beginning this year.
  • The Club rolled up its sleeves to continue renovation of the Old Town Hall, as well as renovations to the Friendly Kitchen in Concord.
  • The first Four Way Test Speech contest was held for Bow students.
June 1988: John Sheridan became President
  • Career Day continued, as well as Christmas tree sales, Winterfest (including a spaghetti dinner put on by the Men’s Club), bellringing for the Salvation Army, and work on the Old Town Hall.  The Historical Commission determined that the “Old Town Hall is needed in Bow for general meetings”.
  • The First Citizens Recognition Dinner was held, and the Four Way Test Speech Contest winner went on to a successful win at the District Contest.
June 1989: Gerry Carrier became President
  • The Club participated in a student exchange with the Philippines and also provided funds toward an emergency medical clinic in Istanbul, Turkey.
  • There was a very successful Lobster Feast Raffle, and the Club contributed to help build the fence around the town ballfield.
  • The Club brought in the first female member, Jeanne Richards.
  • The Club left Trinity Tavern and began meeting at the Grist Mill.  Bow Garden Club provided table decorations for the Recognition Dinner.
June 1990: Al Lindquist became President
  • 1990 marked the 20th anniversary of the Club’s formation.  Over $7,000 was awarded in scholarships from Auction proceeds.  The Club continued work on the interior of the Old Town Hall.   Junior Police and uniforms for the Concord Band continued as supported programs, and an updated Map project was now at the printers.
  • The podium was designed, and an order placed with the NH State Prison for implementation.  
  • The Lobster Feast Raffle was again a success, and the possibility of a Bike Race was proposed by Jeanne Richards.
  • Club “Rules of Courtesy” were established:
  • Know your assignments and be on time.
  • Arrange for a replacement if you can’t fulfill your duty.
  • When someone is addressing the Club, please refrain from talking.
  • Scooters should excuse themselves from the speaker.
June 1991: William Hilton became President
  • Work sessions at the Old Town Hall continued.  Changes to the scholarship program were considered; possibly to an interest free loan for students.
  • The Auction went from 9 am to noon, with a chicken barbecue following.  A flea market of items not considered Auction worthy, began at 7 am.  Each Club member was required to bring in one new/unused item for the Auction.
  • Maps were delivered to all Bow households with the Bow Times.
June 1992: Peter Winship became President
  • As of this year, Bow Rotary had donated over $100,000 in financial aid to students.
  • The Old Town Hall received final face lifts and was pronounced “ready to be used by the community”.  
  • Wrapping gifts for Bow Welfare families, Christmas tree sales and Winterfest continued.
  • The First Central NH Bike Race was held with tremendous success, as well as a Lobster Feast Raffle.
  • Books were provided to Kenyan students, and hospital equipment to Turkey.  An outbound GSE with India was led by John Lyford.  
June 1993:  George Descoteau became President
  • At this time, the Club had 59 members, including one honorary member.  
  • Bow Rotary paid for the floor of the Old Town Hall to be finished, for a cost of $900, and in the Board of Directors’ minutes it was called “The Club House project”.
  • The Auction began at 10 am through 2 pm, offering “new and valuable items”.  There was a flea market from 7 am to 10 am, with items not deemed appropriate for the auction.  Both were very successful.
  • The Board established and passed significant audit procedures for Club finances.  
  • Christmas tree sales were re-considered and given one more year to prove their value.  
  • Recognition Night included music provided by the Concord Community Music School.
  • “Preserve Planet Earth” projects were suggested by R.I.: The Club chose Route 3 A to keep litter-free, promote recycling and beautify the area.
  • Dues increased from $75 to $104 to cover R.I.  increases and Club donations.
June 1994: Erle Pierce became President
  • The Political Candidate Policy was revisited; candidates were allowed to be speakers, but only if they were now general election candidates, and at the US President level, US Congress, or NH Governor level.  Other candidates were always welcome as guests.
  • Visitors were encouraged to stand to be recognized.
  • The Club hosted a GST Team from Brazil.
  • John Lyford volunteered to help the Hopkinton Club be formed.
  • Interact program was considered, and a “January Thaw” was held at the Old Town Hall, for members to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Bow Rotary.  In addition, a “Spring Thaw” was held at the OTH: a cocktail party with live music, and food and drink.
  • Operation Big Shot targeted children 1 – 5 for immunizations. 
  • Michelle Fortin has the Club’s first baby!
June 1995:  Ray Helgemoe becomes President
  • The Bike Race continued; the racecourse was totally within Bow town limits.  
  • Maps were distributed to all Bow households with the Bow Times.
  • Interact Club was formed, with an initial 21 members.  
  • A printer/scanner was presented to the Baker Free Library, along with a commitment on the part of the members to help barcode the Library’s books.
  • The Club contributed a sign for the new High School.
  • When a classification survey was completed, Bow’s membership was composed of 12.9% bankers, 11.3% attorneys, 5.7% insurance and retail, and 7.1% management and consultants.
  • The Club received the "Presidential Citation for Integrity, Love and Peace" for the 1995-96 Rotary year.
June 1996:  Leo Begin becomes President
  • Fund raisers were scheduled: August: Bike Race, September: Lobster Feast Raffle, October: Scholarship Auction, December: Christmas tree sales.
  • Members were also encouraged to sell the Town of Bow maps at $2 each.
  • Operation Big Shot continued.
  • Hopkinton Club is awarded their Charter in March of 1996, thanks to John Lyford’s efforts.
June 1997:  Jeannie Richards becomes President
  • The Central NH Bike Race continued with proceeds “invested in our town’s young and older citizens.”
  • Winterfest included sliding, skiing, snow sculptures, games, and a spaghetti dinner (hosted by the Men’s Club) and a bonfire.
  • Beautification of the Logging Hill/Knox Road was considered.  Roadside Pickup, Lobster Feast Raffle, Junior Police Officer Badges and Community Recognition Night continued.
June 1998: Eric Anderson becomes President
  • Takayoshi “Taka” Horibe from Japan is the Club’s first foreign exchange student at Bow High School.
  • The “beautification project” takes shape, at the corner of Logging Hill and Knox Road, with help from the Interact Club, local businesses, the Bow Garden Club, and support of the town’s officials.  It is designed by Richard Sheridan, a local landscape architect, to be developed and planted in stages.  The person most responsible for the physical site work and for arranging the use of two excavators, the 10-wheel dump trucks, etc., was Rotarian Donald Bowne.  In addition, both Donald Bowne and Rotarian Bob Dawkins operated the excavators loading truckloads of dirt and positioning the boulders into place.      
  • Personalized story books for the Bow first graders are distributed, and the Club offered free smoke detector battery replacement/installation for seniors.
June 1999: Ken Moulton becomes President
  • For a second year, the Club sponsors a foreign exchange student: Ezequiel “Ese” Carlos Fumo.
  • The second phase of the “Beautification Project” is completed; trees, shrubs and perennials are planted.
  • Roadside pickup, Christmas tree sales, the Auction and the Bike Race continue, as well as several international projects.
  • The Veteran’s Monument is dedicated in front of the Old Town Hall
June 2000: Chris Parkinson becomes President
  • The Auction, Funfest at Merrimack County Nursing Home, Roadside pickup, Christmas tree sales and Winterfest continue.
  • The foreign exchange student this year is from El Tigre, Venezuela: Maria Figuera.
  • The Club hosted an “Up With People” concert, with proceeds going toward clean water efforts.
  • Involvement with Camp Spaulding began, along with significant international projects.
  • At the Town’s meeting in March, townspeople voted to designation the beautification project as “Rotary Park”.
June 2001: Peter Imse becomes President
  • Along with the Men’s Club, the Club members participated in construction of a new town bandstand.
  • Winterfest was held, as well as the Scholarship Auction.  Books were given to first graders, and funds were provided for fencing at Gosling Field.
  • International work, particularly providing an ambulance, clean water systems, construction of a school and hospital renovations happened in Honduras, and funds were provided for an eye clinic and eyeglasses to the people of Tobago.
June 2002: Harold Keyes becomes President
  • The Scholarship Auction was a success, as well as Funfest, Winterfest, and Roadside pickup.
  • Due to the economic situation in northern New Hampshire, (paper mills closing), scholarships were given also to Berlin and Gorham students.
  • Chris Parkinson was the moving force behind initiating a series of summer concerts at the bandstand.
  • The Club was also involved in development of hiking trails and ball fields at Nottingcook Forest.
  • Bow student Alison Boyd (to Australia) and Naty Molina, from Chile, were foreign exchange students sponsored by Bow Rotary.
  • The Town of Bow celebrated its’ 275th Anniversary.  
June 2003: Richard Manburg becomes President
  • “Out of the Attic” was an antique appraisal day, initiated by Bow Rotary and held in conjunction with the Historical Commission.
  • Dictionaries were given to each 3rd grader in Bow.
  • A new school in Honduras was built and dedicated in honor of John Sheridan, former president of the Club and District Governor.   A teacher scholarship was given to a Honduras resident.
  • Maintenance of Rotary Park along with the Garden Club continued, as well as summer concerts at the bandstand and the Auction.
  • Katie Couch, a Bow student, went to Chile and Poorna Doshi (from India) came to Bow High School.
June 2004: Robert Couch becomes President
  • Bow Rotary celebrates 35 years! And at the same time, Rotary International celebrated 100 years.  
  • In honor of the Anniversary, a time capsule is buried at Rotary Park.
  • The connection with Honduras continued, as well as the Club’s humanitarian efforts there.
June 2005: Steve DeStefano becomes President
  • Winterfest, Funfest, summer concerts and the Auction all continue, as well as annual cleanup at Camp Spaulding, and Christmas tree sales.
June 2006: Gary Light became President.
  • Gary accepts a job in another state, and Steve DeStefano takes over; he is the only Bow Rotarian to serve two terms as President.
  • Rotarians helped repair and restore the old Bow Center Schoolhouse “with care and expertise”, according to the Heritage Commission.
  • Over fifty flowering shrubs and native specimen trees were funded and planted by Rotarians and Garden Club members at Rotary Park.
June 2007: Karen Wadsworth becomes President
  • The Auction was a continued success, as were Christmas tree sales.  Our tree sale was held across the street from S & W Sports on South Main Street this year for improved exposure.
  • The Audubon’s building on Silk Farm Road was the scene for our annual Recognition night.  The Old Town Hall’s small front lawn is loamed and seeded.
June 2008: Jonathan Hanson becomes President
  • The Club begins donating books in the name of the speaker to either the Bow Elementary School or the children’s section of the Baker Free Library.
  • Dictionaries are given to Third graders.  The Auction, tree sales and scholarships continue.
June 2009: Jeanne Gerulskis becomes President
  • Our international work included sending medical and dental teams to Honduras, as well as constructing a 5th school, dedicated to our Rotary District, # 7870.
June 2010: Ron Bessette becomes President
  • Bob Couch leads another team to Honduras.
  • The Auction was held at Grappone Toyota due to uncertainty about the use of the Community Center.
June 2011: Steve Lauwers becomes President
  • Rotary signs are installed on the roads leading into Bow.
  • There is incredible snow for Winterfest, and it is a great success.
  • Three Russian officials visit Bow under the “Open World Program” and are hosted by the Club.
  • Polio Eradication Concert is held, with funds raised matched by the Gates Fund Polio Challenge.  Spearheaded by Chris Parkinson.
  • The tree is planted in front of the Old Town Hall.
  • First Annual Car Show is held; a tremendous turnout for our first attempt, and a tribute to Dave Gazaway’s love of antique cars.
  • Nick Normandin, a Bow High School graduate, is nominated by the Bow Club to become an Ambassadorial Scholar.  He wins the District appointment and goes to the University of Edinburgh.
June 2012: Sandy Eldredge becomes President
  • Maintenance of Rotary Park continues with a spring and fall day working alongside (and often at the direction of) Garden Club members.
  • Chris Parkinson is honored with the award of “District Treasure”.
  • The Club obtains a grant from Rotary International to work with Troop 75 Boy Scouts to cut new walking and snow shoeing trails.
  • Christmas tree sales continue at Irving Gas station.
June 2013: Rick Minard Becomes President
  • Baker Free Library needed $20,000 toward the Lower-Level renovation and the Club pledged those funds toward the meeting space.
  • Bow High School’s VEX Robotics team received funds toward their trip to the Chicago event.
  • Simone Herzog was our exchange student from Switzerland.
June 2014: Donna Deos (second legacy President, after Jon Hanson)
  • Bob Couch is named “District Treasure”.
  • Winterfest is in its’ 30th year.
June 2015: Mike Griffin becomes President
  • Mike established a quarterly meeting for all of the service organizations in Bow: Men’s Club, Pioneers, Garden Club, Bow Athletic Club, etc., as well as Parks and Rec Department and Town Manager’s office, for the purpose of coordinating calendars and finding ways to collaborate.
June 2016: Gale Kenison becomes President
  • Dunbarton students and families are welcomed to be part of our scholarship and campership opportunities.
  • EarlyAct Club at the Middle School is initiated.
  • Wildcat Habitat, a natural playground for Bow Middle School is initiated, and Bow Rotary takes the funding over the top for the site work.
June 2017: Judy Goodnow becomes President
  • The Bow town map is updated and distributed to Bow households through the Bow Times.  Copies are also available from the Library or the Town Clerk’s office.
  • Old Town Hall takes first steps toward accessibility: a new “punch” front door replaces the double doors for entry, the Men’s Club designs and installs an entry ramp, and thanks to R & T Electric and Cobb Hill Builders, the bathrooms are updated.
  • Winterfest is not held; no snow, and little community interest.
June 2018: Bryant Stevener becomes President
  • This year marked the passing of John Lyford, a founding member and the Club’s first Secretary.  He served as President in 1978, and District Governor in 1989.  He was a longtime educator; the teaching stage at Wildcat Habitat is named for him.
  • With the help and direction of Chris Andrews, Town of Bow Facilities Manager, Club members cleaned out closets and reorganized the kitchen at the Old Town Hall, and then painted it.  Chris painted the entryway.
June 2019: David Scanlan becomes President
  • The Auction was held in the fall with a different format: clipboard sheets for silent bidding instead of “bidslips”, with some live items.
  • Christmas tree sales were good, and members enjoyed a shortened selling period.
  • No car show was held, no summer concerts were planned and no spring roadside pickup; the corona virus hit (COVID-19) and all activity ceased.  The last in-person Club meeting was in March; in early April, we had our first Zoom meeting, requiring members to update their technology awareness.
  • Because the town buildings are not in use, and in recognition of the work done almost thirty years ago, the Club tackles renovation of the Old Town Hall as part of the 50th Anniversary.  Wallpaper is removed, broken plaster is discovered (and repaired by a professional plasterer), the ceiling is painted, walls are primed, new paper is applied (the textured paper is designed to disguise wall imperfections and to be painted), painted, windows and storms are cleaned and painted, woodwork is cleaned and re-stained.  The Town refinishes the floor, and new curtains are added.  The Men’s Club pays for the picture rails and hooks, with the help of Bob Couch.  Rotarians playing a significant role in the project were Judy Goodnow, Bob Couch, Bryant Stevener, Matt Gatzke, and Linda Bliss, with help from Joya Dennehy and Michael Bujnowki.
June 2020: Matt Gatzke becomes President (using a Zoom meeting to pass the gavel)
  • Celebrating our 50th year (chartered since 1970), was a challenge; the virus continued, with over 800,000 Americans dying.
  • No Auction was held; letters to major donors, past donors, and Bow and Dunbarton households were sent instead, which raised a respectable amount so that scholarships could continue to be awarded.  
  • Christmas tree sales went well, repeating the short sales timeframe.
  • A vaccine is available beginning in early 2021; questions arise about vaccination status and masks.  
  • Our Club’s 4-Way Test Speech Contest was held online, and the Winner, Michelle Ewaka, goes on to win the District Speech Competition as well.
  • Hybrid meetings (in-person; some on Zoom) begin in the late spring of 2021, with conditions established for vaccine status and mask-wearing.
June 2021: Ben Kiniry becomes President
  • During a hybrid meeting, the gavel is passed from Matt Gatzke.
  • Summer concerts are held, as is a delayed Car Show (held in August, instead of May).  
  • Because of continuing infections and deaths with the virus in the fall, and serious new variants (Delta, Omicron) sweeping the country, the Annual Auction goes online only, for the first time, and is very successful.  Christmas trees sell out very quickly.
  • The Club begins using the “owl” to help with hybrid meetings; some members participate in person, while others continued on Zoom.  
  • A celebration of the Club’s 50th anniversary is scheduled for April at the Baker Free Library, as new infections and deaths are gradually decreasing.
June 2022: