It is the last week of October! Our Socktober drive has collected 368 pairs of socks so far, and there’s still time to help us grow that number. If shopping isn’t your thing, Gary will happily pick up socks on your behalf.
Bring a few pairs of socks to the next meeting, or give Gary $20 and he’ll shop for you.
Contact Gary Dehnel with questions.
CLUB BUSINESS
We were honored to welcome District Governor Ruth Clough for her official visit this week. Russ Lunt, Assistant District Governor and President of the Gilford Rotary Club, and June Hibbs, Gilford’s Vice President, joined her.
Thank you to everyone who reported club items they have in storage. The club is now looking at ways to use the parade float banner to promote the Derby.
A VISIT FROM OUR DISTRICT GOVERNOR
Ruth’s Rotary story began with a rejection. As a high school senior, she applied for a Rotary scholarship and was turned down for lacking a concrete plan; years later, she became a practicing attorney, joined Rotary, served as club president, and now leads District 7870.
Her biggest message for us was about growth: the district has gone from about 2,700 members in 2000 to about 1,650 today, and she encouraged clubs to welcome people in their 40s and 50s by staying open to fresh ideas while keeping the traditions that matter.
She also challenged every club in the district to hold a spring food drive the weekend of March 13, when food pantries tend to run low. For some friendly competition, she hopes to launch a district cornhole tournament that ends with the finals at the district conference, held May 21 to 23 at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont.
Delivered by Ruth Clough
THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND
Trunk or Treat: Friday, October 23, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, Interlakes Elementary School. 400+ children and family members are expected from Meredith and surrounding communities. Learn more
High Range Bluegrass Concert: Friday, October 23, 7:00 PM, Interlakes High School. This concert raises money for Interlakes student musicians heading to competition. Tickets are $20. Learn more
New Hampshire Day at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Sunday, November 1, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Holderness. New Hampshire residents enjoy discounted trail admission, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Learn more
Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra: Saturday, November 7. This is the first concert of the season. Learn more
DERBY TICKETS GO ON SALE NOVEMBER 1
Derby season is almost here. About three-quarters of our tickets now sell online, a big jump from a few years ago, and the rest come through our ten Lakes Region vendors and the mail-in form on the brochure. Brochures are on their way to mailboxes, and an email blast will reach about 1,500 supporters on opening day. We’ll hear the full marketing plan at an upcoming meeting.
CENTENNIAL: IDEAS WANTED
Our club’s centennial is on the horizon, and the committee wants as many voices as possible in shaping it. Members are invited to suggest one or two beneficiaries, along with ideas for how to celebrate and a volunteer activity to mark the milestone.
Email your beneficiary suggestions to Kevin Kelly.
HAPPY DOLLARS AND GOOD NEWS
One member thanked Bonnie and Ty for one of the season's last boat cruises, complete with a sunset.
One member is cruising around in a new Toyota Camry after the old car finally gave out.
One member just returned from 14 days in Europe and tackled nearly every excursion, cobblestones included, with a walker and cane.
Rachel: Happy to be back after a busy summer at the Science Center.
Richard: Shared a funny tale about a hunt for bird seed.
Gary: Grateful for his Trunk or Treat crew.
One member installed a ceiling bike lift in the garage, and another rebuilt a leaf blower with help from YouTube.
One sailor shared a sad dollar after his boat lost a rudder fitting.
