Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2020
Mike and Betsey’s Barn
 
President Craig opened the meeting at 6:10 welcoming all to an outdoor setting including masks for some and social-distancing for all.  He thanked Mike and Betsey for their hospitality.  The weather cooperated too.  A moment of silence was held in memory of Rotarian Jim Wallace.  A longtime contributor in so many ways, Jim will greatly missed by all.  Thank you, Ann, for being with us as so many had the opportunity to share their thoughts of Jim with you.
 
Mike took the podium (a rock wall!) and honored our 2020 Paul Harris awardees.  They included Teresa (a bouquet of flowers was presented) who everyone applauded for her tireless contributions of e-mails; phone calls; endless volunteerism; newsletters; non-stop energy; and the list went on.  She said she was humbled!  No one could imagine why!  The other Paul Harris Award winners included John Sherman, our longest standing member; Jim McFarlin, fundraiser extraordinaire; Tim, noted for many efforts including his work in behalf of New Hampshire’s veterans; and Heidi, recognized for her work as chair of the scholarship committee and the most anxiety producing task of the year, Chair of the Derby! President Craig gave special thanks to Donna who for 15 plus years has been the club’s PR go-to person.  Whether it be answering phone calls, sending e-mails, updating out Facebook page, Donna has been their for all of us.  Her shoes will be hard to fill but Tiffany with much courage has volunteered to try!
 
Fred inducted our newest member… Steve Capachietti sponsored by Betsey.  He received a resounding cheer.  Gary is still waiting for the Global Grant money expected from District.  He noted the success of the Food Bank Distribution.  The virtual “Gala” was a success especially as our club had the highest percentage of donations per member.  That total amount will come back to the club in the form of gift cards to local establishments.
 
Change of the Guard…  President Craig thanked his Board of Directors, Chairpersons and all Meredith Rotarians for making his year at the helm so successful.  He was particularly pleased with the Global Grant we received which benefited our volunteer first responders in Meredith, Moultonborough and Sandwich.  Craig then presented the ‘ships wheel’ to incoming President Kevin Kelly. (Steady there boy!)  Much applause was heard for both outgoing and incoming leaders… both most worthy of the title!
 
President Kelly mounted the ‘stone wall’ to acknowledge those already named chairpersons for 2020-21.  He noted what they accomplished in 2019-20 while wondering what might remain for the President to do in 2020-21.  Thank you for joining us Lucy!
President Kevin closed the meeting speaking with pride of the “True Sense of Brotherhood” that membership in the Meredith Rotary Club represents.