On February 10th, Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Senator and Democratic candidate for President of the United States, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding her qualifications for President of the United States. Senator Klobuchar is now serving her third term in the United States Senate and sits on the Judiciary, Rules, Commerce, Agriculture and the Joint Economic Committees. She is a graduate of Yale University and the Chicago School of Law. The Senator noted that like New Hampshire, both Minnesota Senators are women. She worked 14 years in the private sector as an attorney. Sen Klobuchar was voted the most effective Senator by Vanderbilt University.

On January 13th, Drs. Jerilynn Sullivan and Ernie Marino addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding goals for a healthy new year – particularly eating and nutritional supplements. Having no symptoms does not equal healthy.  Cardiac disease, cancer and diabetes are leading health issues.  90 million live with chronic disease.  In less than 1 generation, almost 90 % of the population now has some chronic disease.  Average healthcare spent per person is $11,000, which amounts to 3.65 trillion dollars annually.  The US is 35th on the healthiest country list.

On November 18th, Steve Donahue & Bobby Boisvert, addressed the Rotary club of Nashua regarding, being foster parents. Kevin introduced Steve, wife Regis, Bobby, and wife Becky. Steve and Regis became foster parents a few years ago to two 7-month old twin girls.  Steve described the foster parenting process – each case is unique due to certain situations.  They had only 2 days to prepare for the arrival of their children.  Now they are thriving 2 year olds requiring a lot of energy & work. It has been a tremendous joy.

On October 28th, Madeline DeSantis, Philanthropy Officer at Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, addressed the Rotary club of Nashua regarding, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. Maddie has been with Planned Parenthood for the past year and previously worked with Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter.

On September 30^th, Kathy Hersh and Jim Larson, addressed the Rotary club of Nashua regarding, the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium (NISS). Kathy has a long and distinguished career as Nashua’s former Planning and Development Director, an Alderman and working with City Arts Nashua. Kathy is now Vice-Chair of the board for the NISS. Jim is the current Artistic Director of the NISS and has recently succeeded John Weidman in this role. Jim is a graduate of Hamilton College where he obtained his degree. He has had many public showing of his sculptures and is providing an artistic direction for the NISS that will delight. Some of Jim’s works include 3D wall hangings and various industrial themed sculptures. His goal is to create a cultural dialogue between artists and the community.

On August 26th, Jackie Cowell, Executive Director of Early Learning NH, addressed the Rotary club of Nashua regarding, the conditions effecting the development of a child’s brain during the first years of life. Jackie is Executive Director of Early Learning NH. She also serves as Executive Director for the NH Coalition of Business and Education and sits on the governor-appointed early childhood advisory council Spark NH. Jackie graduated from Univ. of Virginia, served in the Peace Corps, and worked for Save the Children in Sudan. 

37 requests received for a total of $129,000 – and over 500 pages of reading.  The Committee finalized on 10 awards totaling $25,250.00.  

On May 20th, Mike Shalin and Steve Babnineau, addressed the Rotary club of Nashua regarding, their long and illustrious careers in sports journalism, Mike as a writer and Steve as a photographer. They have collaborated on a new book called “The Home Team” which centers on the Boston athletic scene… I’m told there are several teams of note here in the area? They also shared their personal stories,…

On April 29nd, Nashua Fire Chief Brian Rhodes, addressed the Rotary club of Nashua, regarding the Nashua Fire Department. Born and brought up in Connecticut, Brian joined the Nashua FD in 1986, became a lieutenant in 200, a captain in 2004, Deputy Chief in 2011, Assistant Chief in 2016, and Chief in 2018. Brian started with a little trivia of his own: there are 6 fire houses in Nashua (plus the communications center), the NFD employees 180 people, and there are 38 people in the Fire Suppression Division covering our city 24 / 7 / 365.

On April 15th, Kevin Flynn and Jeannie Gonyer from the St. Joseph Mobile Health Clinic, addressed a joint meeting of the Rotary club of Nashua and the Rotary Club of Nashua West, regarding the St. Joseph Mobile Health Clinic (MHC). Kevin Flynn is an employee of St. Joseph’s Hospital and in charge of the MHC.  Jean Gonyer is the program manager with a nursing background. Starting with a bit of Nashua trivia, Kevin informed us that the founder of St. Joseph hospital was the pastor at St. Aloysius Parish.  His funeral service was the only time the city of Nashua had closed in history, 1917.