President Kelly opened the meeting via Zoom at 7 P.M. followed by the Pledge
Prayer by Dick Gerken honoring the commitment and sacrifice of our Veterans.
Joke by President Kevin … a clean one followed by the story of his parents’ meeting during the war.
Veterans and their family’s stories followed.
- Gary told of his “Toys for Boys” career.
- Bob Kennelly told of his father’s career.
- Tim spent six years in the Reserves and his family covered most all of the Services
- Fred Strader – parents met during the Korean War then he spent years in a career in the defense industry.
- Jim McFarlin’s father spent time flying over China. He went on to explaini the “short snorter”, the equivalent of the international monetary exchange(?) or the extension thereof.
- John King’s dad was a Marine in Okinawa and happily returned
- Will Williams 1961-1965 US Navy observed the “blockade”.
- Dean – dad and father-in-law served during WWII.
- Dick Gerken – his dad was in service in the Pacific on the Augusta, flagship for WWI, WWII and the ship Truman sailed to the Potsdam Conference, and Dick honored his brothers.
Board of Directors announcements:
- InterLakes Christmas Fund [Toys for Tots Program] – will continue
- Betsey and Mike made platforms for wreaths that were placed for veterans.
- Christmas Dinner:
- Teresa reported that cash and gift cards are being delivered.
- She is glad to go shopping for you if you don’t have something to deliver. Still looking for anything and everything!
- Phone lines have been flooded with reservations for our Christmas Dinner Sign-up sheet will go out in another week or two.
- Yes, Mr. & Mrs. Claus will attend.
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- IT Team is working well for fishing derby
- Tim reported on a request for projects for Meredith Historical society.
- More to follow
- Bonnie Ireland, Ms. Social Director, will return to our future.
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- Rob has reserved a room for Casino Night October 2021
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- Raffle tomorrow night – a Foundation Celebration. $341,000 in COVID Grants have been given to our District! Wowzer!
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- Friday, we will meet with three or four of the Fire Chiefs who have been the recipients of these funds and will provide a photo op.
- Kevin hopes that some members can attend.
REMAX Bayside is accepting TOYS FOR TOTS. You can drop off toys anytime.
Program: District Governor Steve Puderbaugh was introduced by Gary Dehnel.
Steve grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He is a veterinarian with his practice in Raymond, NH.
His history in Rotary is long with an emphasis on Polio eradication.
- Expressed his appreciation to Gary for all the work and assistance to the District.
- Art and Del are being recognized tomorrow night at the Foundation celebration – more below.
Theme: “Rotary Opens Opportunities”
- We need to change and to keep evolving. This is the “prep” year for Rotary.
- Rotarians are nothin’ compared to his “patient” Wolfgang .– who reappeared during the presentation
- Climbing Everest for Polio [by PDG] is a fabulous Rotary story.
- Good for us for adapting to the new normal, kudos to Rotaract going gangbusters and to us for our upcoming Christmas Dinner. He acknowledged our mask project.
- Rotary Foundation Team – applied for a Disaster Foundation Grant that was received and turned over to Food Banks [$56,000 to NH Food Bank]
- Next came a Global Grant for medical facilities, nursing home and First Responders – the results reported above.
- Foundation has distributed $29 million in an extremely short period of time.
- Tomorrow Night – Rotary District Foundation Celebration -
- Membership types are being established by Bedford Club. (We’re already on in it.)
- District-wide membership contest open until April 1st. Point system … with women earning double. (That’s a first!) Highest per capita growth = special prizes – #1 cookout by Governor Steve, #2 pizza party and #3 breakfast or lunch for the Club.
Rotary doesn’t have a membership problem; we have an imagine problem. [PDG Ken Grabeau]
- Group Study Exchange is deferred until next fall.
- We now have a Speaker’s Bureau. Sounds great!
- Diversity Committee is being formed.
- Seventh area of focus will be on the environment which will hopefully attract new members
- District Conference will be HERE in Meredith!! April 30 – May 2, 2020
Kevin noted that Art and Del have not only donated an extraordinary amount of funds over the years, but also their time, talent, energy, home and hearts. [Editor added some of that.]
Final word from Gary: 2500 socks donated for Soxtober!! Interact Club is alive and well!
Special Thanks to our District Governor!
Four Way Test … and we’re out. Meeting adjourned at 8:12
