The meeting opened at Hart’s shortly after 6 PM.  President Heidi shared a reflection followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  A moment of silence was observed in memory of life long Rotarian Dell Clough who passed away this week.  Dell had an attendance record that no one will ever surpass!  Guests included Jim Gregorie, Magho Acusroz, Rotary Exchange Student, Chuck Clark, Presenter, Regina Gokey, Ann Glover and perspective member, Jordan Murray.

 

In recognition of approaching Veterans Day Gary presented a short video entitled:  “Ragged Old Flag”.  The video traced the many armed conflicts fought by our brave soldiers beginning with the Revolution through to the war in Afghanistan.  Our Flag, often ragged and worn, survived every threat to our country and allies abroad.  Our flag and the soldiers, airmen and sailors who have carried it have championed our values and preserved our democracy.  Our Rotarian veterans present were recognized for their sacrifices as were all those veterans living and deceased… true Americans!

 

John Columbus is looking for a family that might use a donated cord of firewood available for local pick-up.  Several ideas were offered.  Gary thanked Rotarians for a successful Interact Socktober.  Rotarians donated over 700 pairs!  Tiffany announced the start of the annual Special Olympics Auction.  Heidi urged the purchase of gift cards (Range $5 to $7) for the gift bags to be distributed at the upcoming Senior Dinner.  Richard Gerken reminded us that November is Rotary Foundation Month.  Special Note:  All donations to the Foundation earmarked for Polio eradication through the end of 2022 will be tripled!  Accordingly, a vote was taken to donate $5,000 in memory of Dell.

 

The evening program was introduced by Rotarian Bill Kaik.  Chuck Clark representing the Castle Preservation Society (Castle in the Clouds) traced the history of how the original estate (6300 acres) was built in 1913-14 by retired shoe manufacturer Thomas Plant in the Ossipee Mountains.  After his financial ruin and ultimate death in 1941, a few family ownerships resulted in bankruptcies and foreclosures. It gradually fell into almost total disrepair. 

 

By good fortune the buildings and acreage was acquired by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust in 2002 for $5.9M of donated funds.  While the vast estate was saved from development, the buildings needed a great amount of work to authentically restore them to their former grandeur… a labor that continues to this day.  Much of the restoration is due to the effort and fundraising of the Castle Preservation Society that assumed management of 135 acres and most importantly the historic buildings on the site.  Eight years later title was acquired and all energy went into restoration. 

 

Today, the castle itself is almost completely restored!  Other buildings will follow.  Under careful management the site is now financially self-sustaining with income from an average of 40,000 castle tours annually.  In addition to tours, the Castle site hosts many cultural events and private parties. Restoration is funded through grants and fundraising.  Tens of thousands of visitors are also thought to trek the many miles of trails on the remaining acreage of the original site protected in perpetuity by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust.  

 

The Castle Preservation Society’s Mission Statement notes its commitment to the values of integrity, collaboration, community, improvement and sustainability.   Educational opportunities have begun reaching into local elementary schools.

 

Happy Dollars:  Bonnie Ireland for the record breaking turn-out at the mid-term election; Bob Kennelly for his successful trip to his 45 high school reunion in NY and anticipated venture to Foxwoods; Dean in appreciation for all the help he had moving household furniture to his new home in VT; Fitz in recognition of Tiffany’s first day working for NH Special Olympics; Jim McFarlin for his first and favorite grandchild 8 ½ lb. Sophia and for all who worked at the polls until 10 PM; Chuck in recognition of all veterans; Kevin in prayerful thanksgiving for his seven grandchildren; and Jim and Gary in memory of Dell.