Heidi convened the meeting at 6:05 pm. She led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests were introduced, including spouses of certain of the members. Fred Strader introduced potential new members: Clara and Jeff Parker and Jim “Whitey” Whitehouse and Joia Brown. After the introduction of guests, Heidi led the prayer focusing on fellowship, freedom and generosity.

 

Under Did You Know, Heidi spoke about the genesis of the phrase OK. The phrase, once known as Oral Korrect, grew out of the OK Club supporting Martin Van Buren in the 1830s, known as Old Tinderbox. The OK Club became OK. Heidi also spoke concerning the upcoming 100^th Anniversary of the Club and a big gala in celebration. Chuck Thorndike spoke about the Memorial Day Parade in Meredith. Ron Maher spoke about his trip next week. The clean up on May 13^th went well. Jim McFarlin demonstrated an opoid rescue kit, supported by state funding, to be stationed at the library. Unfortunately, there is use of drugs there, and elsewhere, including wedding receptions. These drugs, unknown to the user, are laced with fentanyl and become deadly, leading to overdoses. The kit contains narcan which is a treatment against, or antidote to, the fentanyl laced drugs. The committee sign-up sheet was circulated. There was a report on a Major Project Update concerning the cleaning, widening and grading of a path leading to the pond platform (to be built). Tim mentioned that the necessary permits have been obtained. Peter Kador spoke about his program on the 31^st.

 

After dinner, Rick Goodby, who acted as Nacho Alvarez’s counselor, introduced the presentation of Nacho’s experience living with two families and at Interlakes as part of the Rotary Exchange Program. Nacho, with the support of Gary Dehnel, wants to become a commercial pilot. Dean Gulezian operated the slide show as Nacho recounted his experience over the last year, including his master of the English language. Nacho thanked his host families. He recounted his experience in athletics, especially soccer, although he picked up many yellow cards. He spoke about his Fall and Spring experiences, including skiing, basketball, a trip to D.C. with visits to the Smithsonian and Lincoln Memorial. At school he learned to play tennis, becoming a member of the tennis team. He was asked to the prom (how cool is that?) He took trips to Boston and New York, visiting the 9/11 Memorial. He attended a Celtics’ game on the day that Argentina won the World Cup. His favorite food is Pizza. Gary said that what Nacho did not expect was that here people play by the rules. Rick presented Nacho with several gifts from the club, including a hiking monopoly game and a book on skiing.

 

Happy Dollars were offered by the members. They included Jim McFarlin for the LED spotlight for the Meredith welcome sign, Fred for the potential new members, Bruce Reichlen for the exchange program, Peter Kador for his trip to Germany and Italy, Dean for the exchange program director and Nacho, Kevin to thank Nacho and for his trip to Alaska, Dick Gerken for his trip with Carol, and Heidi for Nacho. Ron Maher won the raffle.

 

Heidi recited and led the 4-way test. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

John King