Special prayer by Dan Whitney: “Dear Lord in heaven, we pray to quiet the storms within us, that we may hear the soft wisdom beneath all the noise. Where the world rushes toward rage, teach us the long breath of understanding, so our hearts may feel compassion and patience. Where hatred tempts the weary heart, plant instead the seeds of respect for humanity, as we are the stewards of each other’s hope. May the good work at Rotary rise from that deeper place, calm, courageous, and generous of spirit, so that what we build together outlasts the anger of the moment. Fill us with hope for a peaceful world. In God’s name we pray. Amen.”
Guests
Primarily, members and significant others present
Announcements
No Meeting Next Week (5/6): No meeting due to GMP Trivia Night fundraiser being held in the same location. Members are encouraged to participate
Styrofoam Recycling Initiative (Harry Reichlen): Productive meeting held; group expected to be placed on Board agenda mid-next month; planning underway to expand collection capacity
Scholarship Update (Heidi Barrett-Kitchen): Application deadline passed; packets to be distributed to committee members; meeting to be scheduled to select recipients
Presentations
Member Trivia
Jack Foster hosted
Presentation included humor, elaborations, AI-generated images, and educational facts (karaoke origins, Mount Washington conditions, lobster facts).
Ellen Dearborn: Motivated 100 people to attend 5:30 AM workouts three times per week. Former startup professional who later traveled across 47 states in a converted van with her dog. Grew up working in family-owned moose-themed restaurants (The Antler, Broken Antler, Bullwinkles).
Bonnie Ireland: Scottish heritage with ancestral ties to the Stuart monarchy. Participated in Highland Games and tug-of-war competitions. Humorously described as a “skunk whisperer.” Leadership style described as quiet but effective.
John King: Served as coxswain for Georgetown’s championship heavyweight crew team, leading coordination and strategy.
Bruce Reichlen: High school swimmer competing in breaststroke and butterfly; humorously compared to Olympic-level performance.
Kevin Kelly: Climbed the Seattle Space Needle (one of the first people to do so), the Empire State Building, and the Eiffel Tower. Logged over 7 million air miles. Watched the 1969 moon landing broadcast from Spain. Currently involved in developing skilled nursing facilities. Known for bulldogs and wine.
Peter Kador: Accomplished musician (violin, organ) and vocalist. Performed in a symphony orchestra and at a White House state dinner. Nicknamed “Tokyo Dean Martin” for karaoke performances. Known for encounters with notable figures.
Chuck Thorndike: Outdoorsman who rock climbed in Yosemite and endured a shoulder dislocation mid-climb. A bear stole cookies from underneath his pillow and only left the raisins. Known for resilience and adventurous experiences.
Dan Whitney: Combines ministry and hands-on skills. Climbed Mount Washington at age 14 in winter conditions. Owned and trained a retired racehorse as a teenager.
Rick Goodby: Attended a Michael Jackson concert with family and became a fan. Enjoys lobster and shared a memorable hot air balloon experience with his wife.
Happy Dollars
Doc Cascadden: Promoted upcoming concerts in Gilford, Moultonborough, and PSU; encouraged attendance. Shared updates, including support for Humane Society Golf event at Laconia Country Club, catching the first bass of the year, and completing his rock garden.
Pater Kador: Encouraged attendance at Moultonborough concert due to low turnout. The concert is on Friday, May 1st, at the academy.
Kevin Kelly: Appreciation of Jack Foster's new, amusing, and kind social event for members
Gary Dehnel: Upcoming speaking engagement with the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians
Chuck Thorndike: For members subscribed to the Rotary International magazine
Bruce Reichlen: Shared experience taking granddaughters on a bike tour and a deep-sea fishing trip in Seabrook
Jim McFarlin: Appreciation of Jack Foster's presentation
Winner: Jim McFarlin - prize donated to the food pantry
