President Heidi welcomed Rotarians and led them in the Pledge of Allegiance.

There were no guests.  Dan Whitney led us in prayer that we seek opportunities to do service mindful of the need to improve life and make the world a better place.

Heidi noted that what we have always known to be the Three Musketeer Bar was originally produced in three flavors.  Only one survived the test of time.

 

Announcement:  The next Rotary on March 29^th will honor all Paul Harris Fellows.  A turkey and pork sirloin buffet will be served.  There will be a Board of Directors meeting later tonight.

 

David O’Connell of the Laconia Veterans of Foreign Wars was introduced.  Dan is a 30 year army veteran.  He served tours of duty in Iraq.  He noted that the VFW is the oldest veteran organization founded in 1899 at the time of the Spanish American War.  The Laconia Post, charted in 1929, is now celebrating its 94^th year.  Sadly he noted all is not well with the post and others across the country.  It is a different time.  75 to 80% of all World War II and Korea vets have passed on and less than 1% of all living Americans have any service time at all.  Only 400 posts remain!  On the “up side” Dan explained membership in the VFW is no longer restricted to veterans of foreign wars.  It is open to everyone with or without service time.  There are several membership options and dues.  No matter your classification all post facilities and benefits are open to you.  Their assembly hall holds up to 220 persons and is available.  For information on joining see Dan Whitney or google the Laconia VFW.

 

Gary explained how your donations to the Rotary Foundation are now earning you POINTS!  Each of us now has an account.  To find out just how many POINTS you have, go to: my.rotary.org  You will need to sign in with your Rotary ID number. (If you don’t know it, Ted can provide it.)  You will then be able to access your history of giving.  Points are transferable.

 

Addressing another matter, Gary brought up the topic of Non-Major Projects.  The idea is not new to our club.  Gary led a brainstorming session to gather ideas from those present.

 

Those suggested included:  a road clean-up day; a lake clean-up day with other clubs in the Lakes Region; renting a porta-potty for the dock area; assisting with Laconia’s Hands Across the Table; providing American flags for display along town byways; repairs to the structure recently vandalized on Stonedam Island; cookouts for Vets; etc.

 

As an aside… Kevin suggested the club might consider an annual Unsung Hero Award.  This would require a committee selection.  Club POINTS, discussed earlier could be awarded to the recipient.  The club has over 200,000 POINTS!

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:10

 

Submitted by:  Ed Touhey