Stories
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Don't forget about our annual Christmas Auction on December 13 with lots of good items to bid on just in time for gift giving. This year David Woolpert has donated a PRIUS!!!! to be auctioned by seal bids received prior to the auction.  |
We had a great 2017 with new members , Auctions, Christmas caroling, Hanging New Wreaths down Main St, Selling raffle tickets on Main St at Music on Main St, making our Highway Ort 114 Clean.  2017 Caroling was cold but we all mangaged to stay warm and sing our hearts out New members 2017 Welcome Nina, Another new member. We are on a roll Look out 2018 |
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Former President Peter Flynn congratulates new member Michele Thomas of the Bank of New Hampshire after administering the new member oath, while membership committee chair Lisa Hustis and sponsor Joyce Bosse welcome her to the club.  |
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Our guest speaker this morning was David Diezel of NEC. It is always nice to hear updates about the college and particularly about their students.  |
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Once again members of the club braved the cold weather to sing carols around town and to the residents of Rush Square
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.JPG) With another chili fest in the books, our coffers look a lot better. Because of the proceeds of this event, we're able to give scholarships to local students, grants to individuals and organization in local, regional and international communities, so we thank ALL of the participants in this process. Without slighting anyone, we especially thank the Chili Fest Committee and Pat's Peak for all they did to make this event a success. Over 1200 people attended and for a change, we didn't get rain. Please check out our Facebook pages for the wonderful pictures taken by member Evan Thompson. |
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Many of our chili makers attended the pre-chili meeting to hear about the rules, logistics and to possibly become a lucky raffle winner. Chips and salsa, cookies and water and soda were offered. Teams were then entered into a drawing so they could pick their favorite spot to present their chili and receive their official buckets.
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Once again our auctioneer Carolyn did a fabulous job of holding our annual Spring auction. In one hour we reached our goal and laughed a lot!! Thank you to everyone who participated.
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.JPG) Henniker resident Pattie Hayes recently spoke to the Club about her business, Care Compass Senior Services and is a Senior Care Specialist, facilitating options for people who are aging or who have family members who are aging. Most people don't know where or how to begin to navigate through the process of Senior Care and she provides one on one assistance. |
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An annual event for the Henniker Rotary Club is to hang wreathes in on lamp posts in the center of Henniker. Hopefully this helps get everyone in the holiday spirit, even if we don't have snow yet.
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) This morning was Catherine Constanzo's last day with the Henniker Rotary Club. Ruth presented her with a "Service Above Self" pin and we wished her good luck in her future endeavors. Catherine will be in the area for a few more weeks and promised to visit us when she returns to visit her parents. |
) We were pleased to have more guests than Rotarians at today's meeting. They were invited to hear Dr. Thomas Andrew, the State's Medical Examiner speak about the rise of opioid deaths in NH. |
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State of NH Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Andrew spoke to the club regarding the epidemic of deaths resulting from the use of opioids, especially fentanyl and heroin. So far in 2015 there have been 258 drug-related deaths, with 82% caused by opiates and 84% of those from heroin and fentanyl or a combination of those two drugs. While pharmaceutical grade fentanyl is expensive, mobile labs manufacturing fentanyl that can be 200 times more potent than heroin pump that powder in the drug pipeline. Dr Andrew's presentation was both eye-opening and frightening.
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 ​Hillsboro-Deering Principal Jim O'Rourke was our guest speaker to tell us about the high school and their programs. As a result of his attending, the club will be having a regular breakfast meeting at the Hillsboro-Deering High School and hosted by the DECA members on November 19th. Any guests wishing to join us should call Joyce Bosse at 464-3053. |
) Rep. Barbara French of Henniker came to speak to the club about the NH Legislature. |
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Lisa Hustis was the lucky winner of the Queen of Hearts drawing!!!!! |
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Lisa introduced Val Blachley, retired special ed. teacher, who, with several other educators, has founded a non-profit called Children Helping Children, which engages classroom teachers and other adults in mentoring kids in starting and completing philanthropic projects in their schools to benefit other children. .JPG) |
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Rep Jim McConnell (R-Swanzey) recently visited our club to talk about the Kinder Morgan pipeline and MBTE. As a NH Representative he has been working hard to try to get our Federal elected officials to see how the negatives far outweigh the positives in allowing the pipeline to be built, and has been trying to get the State to understand the consequences of the now overturned Federal mandate to add MTBE to gasoline. He is shown here with President Ruth Zax presenting him with a 2015-2016 Rotary International pin.
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We were pleased to have District Governor Sandra McGonagle and "First Gentleman" John attend our weekly meeting. The Governor gave us a very personal and moving speech. The night before the Board held it's monthly meeting with a pot luck supper at the home of Mary Krotzer. In addition to guests Sandy and John, members Chris Trovato and Heather Alexonis joined the meeting. It was noted that President Ruth got an "A+" on her President's planning guide that was submitted to the District!! Yeah, Ruth, but no one was surprised at her thoroughness!
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.JPG) Another Chilifest has come and gone, with wonderful reviews!! Although the weather around us seemed to have kept the crowds down, more than 1000 people enjoyed good chili, good music, classic cars, the Kids Zone, vendors of all sorts, good food (bbq, ice cream, shortcake, ices, hamburgers and hot dogs) and most of all friendship!. Many people say that they come just to see people they only run into once a year. Many people commented on how much they loved the new logistics by having the event outside and being able to go inside to sit and chat (and have a beverage). As always, we couldn't do this event without everyone who has helped us, including but not limited to, our Sponsors, contributors, vendors, caterers, Rotarians and their families and friends, the many, many volunteers and of course the chili makers!!! Hope to see you all next year! |
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I've been remiss in updating this page, but last month we welcomed another new member. Chris Trovato returned to Henniker this Spring as the Town Administrator and joined us after visiting for several weeks. Welcome, Chris!!!!!
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And now there are 30!!! Ernie Caldwell, a Chiropractor, Nutritionist and teacher was recently inducted as our 30th member!
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.JPG) President Peter Flynn inducted new member Nancy Annis while her sponsor, Cathy Dias, looked on. |
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June's always a busy month for donations, and today was no exception. Student Jason Reid got his scholarship check for the 4-way test speech contest, Deb Dow received a grant for the weekend food program at the Henniker Community School, Ruth Zax accepted a check on behalf of Camp Spaulding, and Dennie and Bill Dyer accepted a check for 1/2 of a Shelter Box.
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The Henniker Rotary Club presented scholarships in the amount of $8000.00 to John Stark and Hillsboro-Deering High School Seniors during their respective awards ceremonies on June 2 and 4th. Catherine Costanzo and Carol Rosenbleeth Ericson presented at John Stark and Catherine and Joyce Bosse at Hillsboro-Deering. We've invited each recipient and family members to attend a breakfast meeting to pick up their checks. #greattimeofyear!
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Several Henniker Rotary Club members were on hand to help the Henniker Music Committee with their preview of the Henniker Summer Concert series. The evening was definitely a success and nearly 100 people enjoyed a concert by Will Ogmundson before partaking of coffee and sweets provided by the Rotar.
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The Annual Spring Auction not only finished in record time, it brought in over $1400.00 to help fund club expenses. As always, Carolyn did a great job at keeping things fun, lively, interesting and profitable!! Thanks to all who participated in this event!!!!!
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New England College President Michelle Perkins came to the club to update us on happenings at the college, particularly about the Capital Campaign. It's always exciting to hear about the most recent developments as the relationship between the town and the college is so important.
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Thirteen clubs sent contestants to participate in the District's annual 4-way test speech contest in Henniker. With the Charlestown club sponsoring (Albert St Pierre and Daryl Royce organizing) and their members and friends helping to judge and compile the results, and the Henniker club hosting (with Peter Flynn doing most of the heavy lifting to get the food and the hall), the event proceeded smoothly. The contestants and their families and friends enjoyed a beautiful lunch and a wonderful afternoon of inspiring speeches. Four finalists will go on to compete at the District Conference in Portland, Maine in May.
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With 181 dogs and cats vaccinated in two hours, the Henniker Rotary Club once again proved how a successful Rabies Clinic could be run. Many volunteers made the task easier, from traffic control of vehicles and animals outside, to greeters, cashiers, people who filled out registration forms or gave out free samples, to the Town Clerk, and especially Drs Brust and their staff. Our sponsors (A Precious Pet, TD Bank, Ayer & Goss, Henniker Farm & Country Store, Jean Lewis & Associates Real Estate, Ameriprise Financial, the Mutt Hut and media partner, Granite Quill) helped us raise money which was split between the Henniker Rotary Club and this year's partner, Farmsteads of New England. Our project chair, Ruth Zax, kept everything well organized with a before event meeting!
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PDG Ken Grabeau came to speak to the Club about the Polio project and his first experience of inoculating a child. It's a moving story which touched many members. Once again we are very close to ridding the planet of polio. President Peter Flynn and Foundation Chair Steve Neuhoff gave Ken a check for $500.00 from the club.
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The Henniker Rotary Club held it's 4-way test speech contest on Saturday, April 4 with 4 students from John Stark and two from Hillboro-Deering. Aliyah Brown, a Senior at John Stark is our winner and will be competing on April 25 in the District 7870 semi-finals. We thank all of the participants and wish Aliyah the best of luck!
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Henniker Rotary Club president Peter Flynn thanks Deborah DeScenza from Farmsteads of New England who spoke to the Club about its history and purpose. Farmsteads has approximately 85 employees between their two locations, a residential facility Hillsborough for about 20 residents and a day program in Epping, serving a large population of clients with autism and developmental disabilities She showed a video of the daily activities at the farm and was able to reflect the true picture of the wonderful things that they do to make the clients productive and full of happiness while there. Farmsteads is our Rabies Clinic partner this year in that we are sharing the proceeds taken in at the event.
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Thomas Malafronte, Asst Director of the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport stopped by our club to tell us about some of the exciting things happening there, and the impact that the airport has on the region. Many of our members were surprised at some of the facts that Tom had to share. He also showed a video and spoke to us about the airports Wings for Autism program and how they help families with an autistic child to navigate and become familiar with the airport.
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Dr. Bill Brehm talked about his position as Ombudsman, a part of the Dept. of Health and Human Services of the State of NH. His talk was extremely interesting and he explained that in his role as Ombudsman he reviews complaints from the DHHS clients and providers and makes determinations as to the credibility of such complaints.
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PDG Tony Gilmore came back to the Club to talk about the project in Mongolia. About a year ago Tony came to us with this idea, and the Club contributed money to the project. After raising over $65,000 they were able to purchase used medical equipment that would have been valued over $750,000 if new and were delivered to 5 clinics, which will save many lives of pregnant women and their babies.
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Rotary Scholarships Available
Students at Hillsboro-Deering and John Stark High Schools or students living in Hillsboro, Deering, Windsor, Washington, Henniker or Weare are eligible to apply for scholarships offered by the Henniker Rotary Club. Scholarships are available for both academic and vocational programs and each is for at least $1000.00. Applications may be obtained through the high schools’ guidance department or through the club’s website and must be returned to the Rotary club by April 1.
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Daughter of Henniker Rotarian Steve Neuhoff, Abby is a graduate of John Stark Highway. Attributing her love of theater to teacher Nancy Brennan, Abby, a freelance scenery artist, now paints sets for productions around the country. In her power point presentation Abby showed us the depth of artistry required to give paintings a 3-D quality and showed us one set that was more than 70 feet high. We loved seeing Abby again as she "grew up" with the Club.
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This week's guest speaker, Jacki Fogarty, told the Club about OLLI--Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a membership organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning and social opportunities for adults over 50. With four locations within the State, over 300 classes are held annually and there are over 1000 members statewide. For more information to join or volunteer, go to their website at http://OLLI.granite.edu.
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Mark Pelletier, President of Anar Solar came to speak to the Club about his business. Anar Solar designs, manufactures, and installs residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and specializes in municipal landfill installations. An industry-leading approach uses a unique, patent-pending racking, ballast, and installation system to deliver the most efficient, economical, and eco-friendly process in the industry.
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Our own Scott Osgood recently spoke to the Club and highlighted areas regarding the Town of Henniker. It's good for our members to not only hear from "one of our own", but to hear what's happening in Town government.
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 After two weeks off during the holidays, we "got back to business" with a regular meeting and enjoyed listening to Judy Miller, a nurse from Henniker who teaches nursing, travels extensively and explains the benefits of holistic medicine, especially in the field of nursing. We hope Judy and come back again sometime. |
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For the third year, Henniker Rotary Club members and friends ventured out in the cold and dark to bring Christmas cheer to area residents. However, their first stop was to the community room at Rush Square, which was warm and bright, and appreciated by the residents.
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Once again "auctioneer" Carolyn Damour surpassed all expectations with a super Christmas auction. In addition to raising a record amount of money, the day was filled with fun and laughter and over 40 people had a great time! Helpers Lisa, Elin and Ruth keep things moving smoothly. Please enjoy the Photo Album of this fun activity.
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Seven members were on hand to hang the Christmas wreathes on the lamp posts in downtown Henniker. Mary, John, Frank, Marc, Joe and Heather were directed by Dan on an unusally mild day after the Thanksgiving storm. It certainly makes the downtown more festive! Pictured are Charter member Joe Clement with the club's newest member Heather Aleksonis and project chair Dan DaCosta.
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Our former newest member, Susan Daniel, is now the sponsor of our newest member, Heather Alexsonis. Shown here are membership chair Lisa Hustis, President Peter Flynn, Heather and Susan. Heather is the owner of Hollyhock Flowers in Henniker and we welcome her to the Club!
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President Peter Flynn (r) thanks Jay Burgess for his years of service to the Club. Jay has accepted a new job in Concord and will be joining the Concord club. While we're sorry to see him leave as a member, we're happy for him and his new opportunities. He has promised that he won't forget us and will be helping us with some of our projects such as the wreath hanging and (hopefully)
Chilifest. Good luck, Jay. |
.JPG) Our own President Peter Flynn was recognized as a Spirit of NH Volunteer of the Year by Volunteer NH. Many fellow Rotarians and friends were on hand to see to see him receive his award and congratulate him and his wife Kathi. |
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As part of this year's motto "Light Up Rotary" the
.jpg) Henniker Rotary Club sponsored "Fred Marple" at the Henniker Community Center to a near-capacity crowd. In addition to the free performance, there was complimentary cider and donuts. Our own "Big Dog" from "Big Dog Security Systems" was on-hand to lend a voice to one of "Fred's" commercial interruptions (pictured here). Based on the sound of laughter, and audience participation in "Yoga for Yankees", the event was well received. Thank you Ken Sheldon for bringing us "Fred Marple". |
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Dr. Mark Watman, VP for Academic Affairs at NEC spoke to the club about recent and future changes in the college. It was interesting to hear about the various programs, both on and off campus, and the exciting prospects for the future.
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Recently Granite Quill publisher Leigh Bosse and his wife and editor, Rotarian Joyce Bosse came to speak to the club about the history of the Messenger, the various publications that Granite Quill puts out, and what the Messenger does for Rotary and other civic organizations. (Leigh is a member of the Hillsboro Lions Club). |
.JPG) PDG and District Foundation chair Rick Manganello came to Henniker with a presentation about Rotary and it's connection to polio. It's good to know how much we have impacted the fight against this dreaded disease, although we know that there's much more to do. He also touched on the Rotary Foundation and how our club has supported it. |
.JPG) Ryan Haley of Iberdola Renewables recently spoke about the wind farms in Groton and Lempster, NH. He had an interesting presentation and he handled the many questions by the members of the Club. |
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The Henniker Rotary Club participated in Music on Mainstreet organized by SHOT...in addition to sponsoring music in the gazebo, members were on hand to answer questions, distribute Outdoor Guides and sell raffle tickets. Shown here are Peter Flynn, Dan DaCosta, and Mary Krotzer.
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Henniker resident and commercial artist Jerry Lofaro wowed the members of the Club with his power point presentation of his career and his art. After transitioning from oils and other forms to digital he found that his career really took off. You can see his work at http://www.jerrylofarodesigns.com
 . Henniker club President Peter Flynn thanked him for his presentation, but Jerry stayed after the meeting to answer many questions from the curious club members. |
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President Peter has sent an email to all members letting them know that the Congregational Church is being paved and cars won't be allowed on it for our meeting on September 25. You can park on Gould St and walk on the new pavement to our meeting.
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Henniker Fire Chief Steve Burritt recently spoke to the Henniker club about fire safety and prevention. With Fire Safety week quickly approaching, it was a good reminder to change the batteries in our smoke alarms and to be vigilant about our wood and pellet stoves. |
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It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Vito Capuco, father of Rotarian John Capuco. For more information, go to the website of the John M Taylor Funeral Home in Annapolis, MD.
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Henniker Rotarian David Woolpert introduced our guest speaker, Mark Mitch, Associate Professor at NEC to the club to speak about the lakes/ponds in Henniker and their water quality. Henniker Rotary Club President Peter Flynn thanked him for his interesting presentation. |
Henniker Rotarian Elin Leonard won the Queen of Hearts drawing...for the 2nd time in a row!!! Congratulations, Elin.
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Members of the Club and their families enjoyed an afternoon of relaxation at Amey Brook Park last Sunday. We once again proved what good "cooks" we are with a variety of meats, vegetables, salads and desserts to share. Thanks to Mary for organizing us and thankfully we were again blessed by perfect sunny weather. While we were there another family was also enjoying the Park. What a wonderful job the park committee has done with the mowing, weeding and care. Special thanks to Joe and Pat Clement!!! |
President Peter Flynn presents a check to Rotarian and White Birch Directory Marc McMurphy for White Birch's monthly luncheon in October. Last year we both donated funds and some of our time to help serve at the lunch. |
Following a lively meeting with the Henniker Rotary Club's Board of Directors on Wednesday evening, DG Rich attended the breakfast meeting of the Henniker Club. It was good to hear from the District, the plans for this year's District Conference (at Sable Oaks in Portland, Me) and especially to see "First Lady" Connie. We shall "Light up Rotary" for the rest of the year!!!!!! |
Three members of the H-D FBLA (Andriana Collemacine, Daniella Shedenhelm and Hillary Madore) came to a meeting to thank us for donating money toward their trip to the International conference in Nashville. They had a great time and were very appreciative of our support. |
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Each month someone wins $100.00 as part of our raffle. (By the way, the tickets are reentered into the pool) April-Patrick Brust; May-Mike Jones; Jun-Guy Pelletier; July-Lindsay Patterson; August-Linda McGuire |
Faith Murrey of Hillsboro joined us for breakfast and thanked us for her award. Despite all the activities that she had participated in during Middle School, she was still surprised and pleased to be so honored. We wished Faith good luck in her High School career. |
Susan Daniel of Seaglass Yoga in Henniker was inducted as the Henniker Rotary Club's newest member (just in time for Chilifest!!!). Lisa Hustis is Susan's sponsor and pinned her with a Rotary pin as Club President Peter Flynn read the induction. |
Henniker Rotary club member Marc McMurphy, who is also the Director of White Birch Community Center, gave us an enlightening update on the activities and financing of the center. The number of programs and number of participants is truly amazing! Also speaking to the club was Sandra Bandieri of Banner Tours & Travel, a tour operator who puts together group tours to such places at New York, Boston, and even to the Rose Parade in California (is that on your bucket list?) White Birch Program Director Beth Ann Paul was also in attendance at the meeting. |
More scholarship checks were handed out as Carson Dunn and his parents, and Dawn Richard and her daughters were in attendance at our breakfast meeting. We were also fortunate to have Carolyn Damour agree to do a "classification" speech about herself and her road to her career...as Simon and Garfunkel sang, "a long and winding road"...but we're so glad that it brought her to the Henniker Rotary Club!! |
It was an eventful meeting with scholarship checks given to Rebecca Kuzma (Brooks Burtt) and Ian Robie (Vocational) and Rebecca presenting her speech from the 4-way test speech contest, remember she wasn't only our winner, but District winner as well! Perhaps one of the best comments she made was that she felt truly supported by this Rotary Club and hopes to one day become a Rotarian...that and an Orthopedic Surgeon. We certainly wish these two young people all the best in their very bright futures. And thanks to former member Patty Jensen for visiting the Club and helping Joe add to the club's coffers (think pink!!). |
The Annual changing of the gavel celebration was held at Makris Lobster & Steak House in Concord for the second time. One of the highlights of the evening was Pat Clements receiving a Paul Harris award. Also, Marti Capuco, King Lion of the Henniker Lion's club came in with husband John after her induction. Please see more photos in the Photo Album section of the website! |
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The first quarter winners of the Annual raffle are: January, Brian Coneeny; February, Beth Patenaude; March, Linda McGuire.
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Recently author Judith Sanders, who wrote "In His Stead" and other history-based novels, visited the club and spoke about her work. |
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