In the absence of President Betsy, Craig opened the meeting welcoming guests John Eaton, Exchange student Marek and Grade 11 Internet Club Director Maya Weil-Cooley.
The Pledge was recited and Richard led us in prayer.
Maya introduced two Interact initiatives: SOXTOBER and their Moulton Farm Corn Maze (October 27th). Well prepared and speaking with articulate poise, Maya explained that socks of all sizes, weights and uses would be gratefully received as the need is ever present. All proceeds from the Corn Maze will go directly to “Make A Wish”. They are seeking event sponsors. Several Rotarians signed on. Donations of any amount will be appreciated. As Gary said: “Let’s Change a Life!”.
Ed announced that the newly formed Knights of Columbus Council at St. Charles is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Friday, October 12 from 12:30 until 6 PM. Call: 1-800-REDCROSS to set-up an appointment. Give the “Gift of Life”!
Craig offered a ‘joke’ that even KK couldn’t beat! (It was kind of messy yet clean. It had something to do with a good day of golf (husband) spoiled by a ball in the anal sphincter of a cow that “looked like his wife’s”. Having so declared, he sustained multiple injuries and not from the cow!
Happy $$$ were donated by Carl thanking those who supported his son Tim’s fundraiser. (Kevin noted that Tim sang “like and angel”.) He also thanked Farmer John for introducing his 2 year old grandson to farming and especially tractors! Did you know that in 1974 a Rotary meal cost $3.75; dues were $25; we were all males. In the latter case we have changed for the better! Chuck wants help measuring the height of a steeple. (Later, Ron came to his aid.) Craig was proud of his daughter who gave blood for the first time (Type “O” RH factor: negative! Jim McFarlin, Bob Davis, Wendy and others thanked Tim for the wonderful “Pig Roast” he sponsors annually. It was said to be more than ‘edible’ whatever than means. A side comment was interjected: “Mike Pelczar was observed around town in a shirt, tie and jacket (maybe suit???). It seems it was his daughter’s wedding weekend!
It was suggested that both Mike and Betsy are still recovering! Fred enjoyed a visit with his son and had breakfast with the Laconia club. Dean, Gary and their wives had a great weekend bike trip in Vermont. Bob K. celebrated his father’s birthday and took him to Foxwoods. Art Ellis won four tickets to the 2019 NCAA Final Four! Kevin participated in the Central NH VNA’s Hospice Memorial Observance. Richard G. enjoyed his granddaughter’s campaign for treasurer slogan: “Vote Addison… It just ‘adds up’. Jim McFarlin (for all of us) thanked John Moulton for donating many colorful fall items that adorned the four newly install “Welcome to Meredith” signs.
Craig announced that 150 hand written invitations have been sent to perspective corporate Rotary members in anticipation of our open-house/cocktail party on November 7th at Hart’s. This is a big club membership effort initiated by Fred last spring. There will not be formal program that night other than a power-point presentation on what Rotary is all about.
Dean reported that our Youth Exchange is the envy of the District. He praised his committee of eight. Currently we have three in-bound students representing the nations of Slovakia, Sweden and Bolivia. One is attending Moultonborough Academy, the first there in many years. Each student will be presenting a program on their homeland later this fall. There are currently sixteen in-bound students in our District. They all will be hosted this weekend in Meredith.
Other committee reports: Fishing Derby preparation is on schedule. The Rotary Foundation is accepting our individual donations. Special Projects reported receipt of the necessary shoreline permit from DES.
The Social Committee is considering bowling and/or night skiing for future events. The Environment Committee will be cleaning off the ice after the Derby and is planning their bi-annual Meredith Bay clean-up next spring. Scholarship Committee will be awarding traditional and non-traditional scholarships in the spring. They hope to encourage more applicants for the non-traditional awards.
