Once again, we are back collecting styrofoam from the general public. We collected seven (7) large 1-yard bags of styrofoam material!
One of our Rotarians, Harry Reichlen, is leading the effort to recycle all styrofoam in the town of Meredith. Working with the Meredith Town Municipal Department, the Rotary Club collects from the town residents every three months at Meredith’s Solid Waste Facility recycling building.
Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)—Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is a #6 plastic often referred to by the trade name “Styrofoam.” EPS is 90% air and typically lightweight and bulky. It's valued for being sturdy, lightweight, and capable of preserving temperature, resisting water, and absorbing shocks. This makes it great for keeping perishable items fresh during transportation. It's widely used, especially in packaging (40%) and insulation.
Typically, Styrofoam is single-use packaging that becomes bulky volume in our trash streams, a challenge to municipal transfer stations.
Pictures from left: Harry Reichlan, John Columbus, and Julieanne Gilchrist.
The Next Collection event is: Saturday, January 10, 2026 9AM-1PM
The Meredith Rotary Club is thrilled to welcome two outstanding new members who bring with them a shared passion for service, connection, and community.
The Meredith Rotary Club had the honor of hosting our largest single-night induction yet — welcoming five incredible new members into our community of service!
From L-R in the photo: Sponsor Gary Dehnel, Alex Losada, Sponsor Jack Foster MD, Mary Albanese, Membership Chair Kevin Kelly, and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s three new members: Iain MacLeod, Brian Eaton, and Rachel Saliba. Also pictured is Club President Jim McFarlin. 🙌
We’re thrilled to have such dedicated individuals join our mission of “Service Above Self.”
🌟 Interested in making an impact in our local community and beyond? We’re actively seeking engaged, community-minded members to join our growing club. Come see what Rotary is all about!
The Meredith Rotary Club gathered to celebrate a fantastic year under the leadership of our 2024–2025 President, Fred Strader. Thank you, Fred, for your steady hand, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering commitment to Service Above Self. Your leadership made a lasting impact!
We are thrilled to welcome Jim McFarlin as our new club president for the 2025–2026 year! Jim brings passion, vision, and a true heart for service. We’re excited for what’s ahead under his leadership.
Here’s to a new year of fellowship, growth, and service!
The Meredith Rotary Club is proud to announce the induction of Quality Care Home Health & Hospice, based in Center Harbor, as its newest corporate member. This milestone reflects the club’s growing commitment to community engagement and professional service partnerships…
Once again, we are back collecting styrofoam from the general public. We collected seven (7) large 1-yard bags of styrofoam material!
One of our Rotarians, Harry Reichlen, is leading the effort to recycle all styrofoam in the town of Meredith. Working with the Meredith Town Municipal Department, the Rotary Club collects from the town residents every three months at Meredith’s Solid Waste Facility recycling building.
Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)—Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is a #6 plastic often referred to by the trade name “Styrofoam.” EPS is 90% air and typically lightweight and bulky. It's valued for being sturdy, lightweight, and capable of preserving temperature, resisting water, and absorbing shocks. This makes it great for keeping perishable items fresh during transportation. It's widely used, especially in packaging (40%) and insulation.
Typically, Styrofoam is single-use packaging that becomes bulky volume in our trash streams, a challenge to municipal transfer stations.
Pictures from left: Harry Reichlan, John Columbus, and Julieanne Gilchrist.
The Next Collection event is: Saturday, July 19, 2025
We had the privilege of presenting Paul Harris Fellowship Awards to the children of Arthur and Dell Clough—Arthur Clough III, Roland Clough, and Annette Bacon.
This recognition was given in tribute to the Clough family’s longstanding commitment to Rotary and their many contributions to the Meredith community. Arthur and Dell were dedicated and respected members of our club, and it was a meaningful moment to honor their legacy through their children.
The Paul Harris Fellowship is one of the highest honors in Rotary, acknowledging individuals who exemplify the spirit of service and giving. We are proud to recognize the Clough family for their continued impact and dedication.
Thank you to Arthur III, Roland, and Annette for carrying forward the values that Rotary represents.
The Meredith Rotary Club hosted its annual Four-Way Test Speech Contest at Hart’s Turkey Farm, featuring four talented students from Inter-Lakes Middle High School.
First Place & $500 Prize: Delany Sleeper – Speech on the Youth Best Behaviors Survey Tied for Second: Ben Bousquet & Gus Marshall Runner-Up: Sumner Mills
Delany will advance to the District Semi-Finals on April 6th in Henniker, NH.
The contest challenges students to apply Rotary’s Four-Way Test to ethical decision-making:
-Is it the TRUTH?
-Is it FAIR to all concerned?
-Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
-Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Speeches covered important topics like school flexibility, artificial intelligence, youth mental health, and recycling. The Meredith Rotary Club is proud of these students for their insightful perspectives and commitment to ethical leadership.
Learn more about the Meredith Rotary Club at meredithrotary.org.
From left to right: Ben Bousquet, Gus Marshall, Delany Sleeper and Sumner Mills
From Left Jim McFarlin, Membership Chair, Monica Cashin, Brian Harris
We are thrilled to introduce Monica Cashin as the newest member of our Meredith Rotary Club family. A native and lifetime resident of New Hampshire, Monica and her partner, our esteemed Rotarian Brian Harris, have been part of the Meredith community for the past three years.
Monica serves as a special education administrator in a New Hampshire school district, pursuing her passion for making a difference in the lives of children and their families. Before her education career, Monica worked in corporate sales and marketing. She holds a BA in Art History from Mary Washington College and a Master's in Education from New England College.
Monica has two grown children: daughter Kylene, who lives in San Diego, and son Shayne, who lives in Bradford, New Hampshire. Monica enjoys all that New Hampshire has to offer: skiing, boating, and the outdoors. In her free time, she indulges in her love for dancing, sewing, and baking. Her diverse range of hobbies makes her a fascinating addition to our club.
Monica brings a wealth of experience and a shared passion for community service that aligns perfectly with our club's values and mission. Her dedication to making a difference in the lives of children and families resonates deeply with us, and we are excited to have her on board.
from Left, Jim McFarlin, Membership Chair, Jack Merrill
We are delighted to welcome Jack Merrill, our newest member, to the Meredith Rotary Club. Jack's unwavering commitment to community service and his fervent desire to make a difference are truly inspiring.
Jack graduated from UMass Amherst in 1984 and Northeastern University School of Law in 1993. He has been a practicing attorney since then, and though he now lives in New Hampton, he maintains a rigorous long-distance legal practice in Newton, MA.
Jack's family is an integral part of his life. He has been married to Ellen Fanning since 1993 and has two adult children: Max (30), who will graduate from St. John's Law School this spring, and Sam (24), a social worker in Salem, Mass.
Among his volunteer activities over the years are membership in the Framingham Rotary Club and a Harris Fellow, where he served as president from 2000-01 and was significantly involved for 15 years. Jack has also been president of the local basketball league in his former hometown of Southborough, MA, and president of Metrowest Legal Services, which assists needy families and elders.
We eagerly anticipate Jack's significant contributions to our initiatives and projects. His accomplished background in legal professional services and his dedication as a Rotarian will undoubtedly bring fresh insights and value to our club as we continue to serve Meredith and the surrounding areas.
The Meredith Rotary Club warmly welcomes JeffreyReilly, an original Meredith Native who, after high school, went on to college and a career in Financial Services. After 30 years, he has returned to his roots, continuing his Dad's legacy, who was a member of the Meredith Rotary in the 1980s.
Jeff's commitment to community service is evident in his past roles. He has been a member of the Meredith Planning Board, the Meredith Library Fund, and the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Board of the New Hampshire Boat Museum. His dedication to these organizations reflects his understanding of the importance of an engaged civil life and his drive to enhance our community.
He has two adult daughters - one is living in Meredith, and the other is in Boston; he looks forward to being an active member of the Meredith Rotary Club.
Pictured (L-R) Jim McFarlin (Membership Chair), Jeffery Reilly
After an incredible year of leadership as Chair of the Derby, we’d like to extend a huge thank you to Wendy Pelczar-Bagley for her dedication and hard work! Your commitment and passion truly made a difference in our community. 👏
The Derby would not be possible without the incredible efforts of the Derby Chair and their committee members, the members of the Meredith Rotary Club, NH Fish & Game, nonmember volunteers, the Meredith Police Department, and so many more. It takes exceptional organization to run a statewide event of this nature, and all of it is done to give back to the community we love.
With great excitement, we are passing the fish to Bill Kaik, who, alongside his Derby Committee, will take on the role of Chair for the upcoming Derby. We are confident Bill’s vision and leadership will continue to drive the success of this beloved event. Let’s show Bill and his committee some support as they take on this new chapter for the Meredith Rotary Club! 🎉
Rotarians Enjoy a Festive Evening at Lights on Squam
A group of Meredith Bay Rotarians recently braved the cold for a magical evening at the Lights on Squam event in Holderness. The scenic walk through the snowy forest was illuminated by stunning light displays, making for a breathtaking experience. Fortunately, a large firepit provided a cozy spot to warm up, and the event offered delicious hot chocolate with fancy toppings.
After taking in the lights, the group continued the fun with a lively dinner at The Mug in Center Harbor. It was a fantastic night of fellowship, laughter, and great company!
Attendees included Rotarians and their spouses: Dean and Jan Gulezian, Dick and Carol Gerken, Jim McFarlan, Brian and Monica Harris, Bonnie and Bob Hunt, Bonnie Ireland, Heidi Bartlett-Kitchen, and Julieanne and Bill Gilchrist.
The Meredith Rotary Club recently completed a project to support The Loon Center in Moultonborough. Through a $13,000 investment, the Rotary Club funded the preparation, materials, and construction of a storage shed next to The Loon Preservation Committee's staff housing building.
Typically, significant projects start as an idea, which Carl Johnson, in this instance, introduced to the Rotary Board and then presented at a Meredith Rotary Club Meeting.
One of the significant challenges is the Loon Center's storage issue. The current building has lodging upstairs, and all on-site storage is below. Meredith Rotary needs to construct a new storage building (in a small area due to wetlands and brooks). Carl Johnson and John Columbus, our Major Projects Director, visited the site and answered the questions of the Loon Center board.
A sturdy 10x16 building would help with their storage needs and be a beautiful piece of art. This shed will be maintenance-free using premium quality building supplies.
Pictured here is Ron Maher, who utilized his lifelong career in construction and led the shed's construction process.
Since 1991, the Meredith Rotary Club has provided a full-course turkey dinner, raffle prizes, music, entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus for this much-anticipated celebration. Hart's Turkey Farm Restaurant prepares the dinner, which members of the Meredith Rotary Club serve to each table. Each attendee will also receive a holiday gift bag.
Over 300 senior residents over 55 from Meredith, Moultonborough, Sandwich, and Center Harbor can attend for free.
The Meredith Rotary Club is delighted to welcome Jim and Carol Kidd as our newest service club members.
Jim Kidd brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for leadership development. His 30 years of senior executive roles in business and IT, coupled with his dedication to leveraging technology and fostering business leader partnerships, is truly inspiring.
Carol Kidd willingly shares her diverse background with others. Before raising three children with Jim, she made a mark in the world of collegiate sports as a volleyball player, swimmer, and personal trainer, even being featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Face in the Crowd.' Later, she transitioned into the corporate world as a policy and procedure manager for a health insurance company, which will bring a unique blend of athleticism and corporate experience to our club.
Together, this dynamic duo is active in various nonprofit and youth sports organizations. Jim has served in several roles on nonprofit boards and remains engaged in numerous charity events. Carol coaches and develops youth athletes and their involved parents, enhancing their understanding of the "why' in sports. You will also find Carol delivering meals to senior citizens all around Moultonborough.
We are confident that Jim and Carol's expertise, honed over decades of service to the community, will be a valuable asset to our team in the spirit of "Service Above Self."
Pictured (L-R) Jim McFarlin (Membership Chair), Carol Kidd, Jim Kidd, Kevin Kelly (Member Sponsor)
The Meredith Rotary is delighted to welcome Jack Foster to our team of dedicated Rotarians who believe in service above self. Jack, who recently retired after 35 years of dedicated patient care and community service, brings a wealth of expertise in Interventional Radiology. His specialization in advanced endovascular and interventional oncology procedures is a testament to his skills and dedication. We are confident that his expertise will be a valuable asset to our team and will reassure the community of our commitment to service.
(L-R) Jack Foster and Jim McFarlin - Membership Chair
Thanks to the Meredith Rotary crew's efforts, a rundown fence with peeling paint and loose pickets a few months ago became a beautiful new cemetery enclosure. This is a long fence, so the work was broken up into several sessions: first, scraping, then priming, and finally, finish coat painting. This honors the lives of our predecessors who built the town of Center Harbor and also enhances curb appeal to passers-by.
Once again, we are back collecting styrofoam from the general public. We collected seven (7) large 1-yard bags of styrofoam material!
One of our Rotarians, Harry Reichlen, is leading the effort to recycle all styrofoam in the town of Meredith. Working with the Meredith Town Municipal Department, the Rotary Club collects from the town residents every three months at Meredith’s Solid Waste Facility recycling building.
Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)—Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is a #6 plastic often referred to by the trade name “Styrofoam.” EPS is 90% air and typically lightweight and bulky. It's valued for being sturdy, lightweight, and capable of preserving temperature, resisting water, and absorbing shocks. This makes it great for keeping perishable items fresh during transportation. It's widely used, especially in packaging (40%) and insulation.
Typically, Styrofoam is single-use packaging that becomes bulky volume in our trash streams, a challenge to municipal transfer stations.
Pictures from left: Harry Reichlan, John Columbus, and Julieanne Gilchrist.
Thanks to everyone participating in our 3rd Styrofoam Collect Event of the year!
The Next Collection event is: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Annually, 8,000 students from more than 80 countries participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program worldwide, which offers two distinct opportunities: Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.Short-term exchanges last six weeks and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays when school is not in session.
The primary goal of Rotary Youth Exchange is to provide young people with opportunities to experience a cultural exchange and develop as leaders who promote peace and justice worldwide.
This event is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Veterans services, and the Special Forces Association (SFA), which serves as the voice for the Special Forces Community, perpetuates Special Forces traditions and brotherhood, advances the public image of Special Forces and promotes the general welfare of the Special Forces community. The proceeds of the event will support the SFA and the Patriot Resilient Leader Institute, also a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which runs outdoor therapeutic Camp Resilience retreats for military personnel, veterans, and First Responders.”
Our Mission Team is called the "Snapping Turtles," and they are pictured here (L-R). They Marched about 4 miles through the woods and participated in 12 obstacles or challenges, ending up with a great sense of camaraderie and accomplishment.
Altogether, the entire event of 20 teams raised over $100,000!
Planting Day at the Meredith Veterans Memorial - June 2024
One of the final major steps to completing the Meredith Veterans Memorial was to place 285 plants, which Tim Bergquist imaginatively laid out. Four teams of 4 people each took a planting section and dug in the earth, carefully placing each plant in keeping with a beautiful, symmetrical design.
Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)—Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is a #6 plastic often referred to by the trade name “Styrofoam.” EPS is 90% air and typically lightweight and bulky. It's valued for being sturdy, lightweight, and capable of preserving temperature, resisting water, and absorbing shocks. This makes it great for keeping perishable items fresh during transportation. It's widely used, especially in packaging (40%) and insulation.
Typically, Styrofoam is single-use packaging that becomes bulky volume in our trash streams, a challenge to municipal transfer stations.
What has started as the right thing to do, reasoned by one of our own Rotarians, Harry Reichlen, has gained momentum at the Rotary Club to recycle all styrofoam in the town of Meredith. Working with the Meredith Town Municipal Department, the Rotary Club collects EPS from the town residents every three months at Meredith’s Solid Waste Facility recycling building.
What started as an idea in the creative mind of one of our member Rotarians, Tim Bergquist, this idea gathered momentum and became a dream of the entire Meredith Rotary Club.
This platform is for Page Pond Trail hikers and is handicap accessible by using one of two ramps. One can enjoy minutes or hours of observing nature's surroundings.
The Rotary Club financed this sturdy platform, hand-built by its members from the ground up.
On Wednesday, July 26, 2019, the Meredith Rotary Club formally turned over the new timber frame pavilion in Hesky Park to the Town of Meredith.
This was a "hands on" project wherein members of the club and several volunteers from local businesses removed the old pavilion, poured a new foundation and then constructed the new pavilion. With new picnic tables in place, including a table designed for handicap access, the pavilion is ready to be used by local residents and visitors to Meredith.
te Bacon.
