0n February 4th, Fritz Weatherbee, Newspaper and television reporter of great renown in the state, and a ninth generation New Hampsherite, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, growing up in New Hampshire. Fritz was born at SNHMC when it was known as Memorial Hospital.  After being born in 1936, he grew up in Milford and his first memories were of World War II starting at Pearl Harbor.  He finds it hard to believe he is the age he is and does not feel his age.

On December 10th, Jared Barbosa, founder and CEO of the International Soccer Club, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, the International Soccer Club. Jared is a graduate of Salem State University, and received his Masters from Rivier, where he’s currently enrolled in a certificate program for education administration. He currently works as a guidance counselor at Fairgrounds Middle School.

On December 10th, our own Larry Hersh and Adrian Levesque, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, the progress of recent International Projects. Larry Hersh updated all of us on two Mexican projects.  An update for the Guatemalan Nursing/MidWife training project was given by Adrian Levesque. 

On November 26th, Amy Joy Teas and our own Frank Teas, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, their personal journey learning their infant son has Sotos syndrome. Soon after young Frankie’s birth, they felt something wasn’t right, it took many doctor appointments to get an accurate diagnosis, most physicians haven’t seen a case of the syndrome, it is reported to occur in 1 in 10,000 to 14,000 births and some experts feel it may be closer to 1 in 5,000.  The disorder is characterized by the individual’s distinctive facial appearance, typically a long, narrow face, a high forehead and a small pointed chin, some have a narrow mouth palate.  Affected children tend to grow quickly and are much larger than their peers, but their growth levels off and they are in the normal range as an adult.

Bill Barry introduced our first speaker, Democratic candidate for Governor former state senator Molly Kelly. Ms. Kelly discussed her plans for expanded state funding for all levels of education, expanded health care and a New Hampshire that works for everyone, not just a few.  Ms. Kelly grew up in a family of 11 children and was focused on, “if one of us was going to succeed, we all had to succeed”.  She was critical of the Sununu administration’s stance on school “vouchers” and how the Trump administration agenda has crept into New Hampshire.

 

Frank Teas introduced Governor Chris Sununu.  He noted how his administration has cut the “red tape” to allow for more opportunity for all New Hampshire residents.  He touted how he does not have a school “voucher” program but has created educational choices for low income families.  He talked about how unemployment in New Hampshire is at an all-time low and the lowest in the United States.  He also noted that full-day kindergarten was approved under his administration.

On October 15th, Kelly Ayotte, former US Senator from NH, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, the commission on preparedness to biological attack and defense. Senator Ayotte is a former Attorney General for NH.  Her topic today is on a commission on preparedness to biological attack and defense.  She earned her law degree from Villanova.  As Senator, she championed the fight against the opioid epidemic.

On September 24th, James Donchess the Mayor of Nashua, since 2015, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, the State of the City. A former Eli from Yale, lawyer and fellow Rotarian, Mayor Donchess is enjoying his second time as Mayor of Nashua. Tim Cummings was also introduced as Nashua’s Economic Director to support the discussion. Mayor Donchess listed a number of actions and improvements, planned and underway, to continue to make Nashua a better place to live.

On August 27th, John Burkitt, from Gate City Bike Co-op, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, “Let’s Put People on Bikes” and the “Gate City Bike Co-op”. While working for Hewlett-Packard, he travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, South America and Africa before his retirement in 2005. John returned to cycling in 2000, mostly utilitarian biking such as commuting, grocery shopping and cycle touring. In 2009, he attended the United Bicycle Institute in Oregon to become a certified bicycle technician and in 2010, working out a friend’s basement, he began rescuing and repairing discarded and unwanted bicycles and giving them away through groups like the Nashua Soup Kitchen and the Boys and Girls Club. Between 2010 and 2017, his organization Let’s Put People on Bikes delivered about 600 bikes throughout the Nashua area. In 2017, John teamed up with Donald Pare to start Gate City Bike Co-op.

On August 6th, Liz Barbour addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, cooking and gardening. Liz lives in Hollis NH. She is a cooking instructor, author, gardener, and working chef. Liz has developed a variety of programs on cooking and gardening. Incorporating healthy ingredients with easy techniques and practical cooking skills focusing on fresh foods. She speaks to a variety of wellness groups, assisted living facilities and libraries to share her knowledge.  

On July 23^rd, Thom Walters addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, “how to live a calmer, more satisfying life”.  Thom is a published author, speaker and coach whose goal is to teach at least 1 million people how to begin and maintain a daily meditation habit. As he explains it, the surest way to global peace, is for each of us to truly understand who we are and why we do what we do, and meditation is the perfect tool for that purpose.

Our speakers today are presenting on behalf of the Ella House.  There are tours of this historic Nashua residence operating from August 2^nd-31^st, 6 days a week.  Tickets can be found online at HHHC.org and proceeds will go to benefit the Community Hospice House.  This summer, celebrated interior designers will transform the stunning and historic Beaux Arts Classical Style Frank E. Anderson House, built in 1906, into an elegant exhibition of fine furnishings, art and creativity.

There were a total of 32 grant applications with requests for $120,000 in total. 11 organizations received a total of $24,500. Jebb C. thanked the 15-member committee who made their task a lot easier. Great work everyone!

On May 21st, Rick Manganello addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, “10 Lessons for 10 Years of Rotary”.  Lessons learned since starting his District involvement since 2006.  Rick spoke about the 549 existing active and past District Governors (Maroon jackets) as being “cheerleaders” for the 35,600 Rotary clubs worldwide.  From his perspective - Members are the ones that really make things happen.