Stories

The Exeter Rotary Club is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships to help students of all ages further their education.  Proceeds from the annual apple sale fund the scholarships totaling $5000.00 that will be awarded as follows:

• Two Exeter High School students will each receive $1,000
• Two Seacoast School of Technology students will each receive $1,000
• Exeter Adult Education will receive $1,000 to help students defray education costs

The Exeter Rotary Club has been a non-profit member of our Exeter Area Community since 1959.   Rotary is one of the largest international humanitarian service organizations in the world, with more than 1.2 million Rotary members worldwide. Rotary promotes peace and international understanding through its educational and humanitarian programs.  In addition to providing thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students from local high school systems, the Exeter Rotary Club conducts many community projects and supports local non-profits who’s work benefits those that live and work in Exeter area.  

To make a donation for a Scholarship please remit to Exeter Rotary, PO Box 861, Exeter, NH 03833.

EXETER — Exeter Rotary is holding its 1st Annual Trivia Pursuit for a Cause on Saturday, May 16, 6-9 p.m. at Shooter’s Pub, 6 Columbus Ave.

Teams of 5- 8 participants are invited to “Get Their Trivia Geek On” and match wits against other teams from the area while raising money for a worthy cause. Tickets are $20 per person and community members may form their own team or can be placed on an established team. “It’s the kind of evening that will be filled with laughs and where everyone will feel included,” says event organizer and Exeter Rotarian, Jennifer Morse. “One person might be an authority on world history while another is a whiz at movies. It’s fun to be on a team plus a little healthy competition always adds to the experience!”

Exeter Rotary Club conducts many community projects and supports local non-profits whose work benefits those that live and work in Exeter area. Contributions to Exeter Rotary have helped support area food banks, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Community Assistance Center Dental Van, New Horizon Teen Center, Special Olympics, The Salvation Army, Seacoast Family Promise, The Chamber Children's Fund, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, scholarships and many more community focused initiatives, as well as international humanitarian projects that include helping to eradicate polio, clean water projects, education initiatives and food and shelter for children and families all over the world. “The proceeds from this evening will specifically go to support the new Exeter YMCA facility.” says Leigh Willett 2014-2015 Exeter Rotary President. “ Both the Rotary Club and the Y are institutions in the Exeter community and it is important for us to support each other.”

The Exeter Rotary Club has been a non-profit member of our Exeter Area Community since 1959. Rotary is one of the largest international humanitarian service organizations in the world, with more than 1.2 million Rotary members worldwide. Rotary joins leaders from all continents, cultures and occupations. Rotarians exchange ideas, bringing their expertise and diverse perspectives to help solve some the world’s toughest problems, like the eradication of polio. Rotarians take action to bring lasting change in their communities around the world. The Exeter Rotary Club conducts many community projects and supports local non-profits who’s work benefits those that live and work in Exeter area. The Exeter Rotary Club meets each Monday at the Exeter Inn. We are looking for established professionals wanting to make positive changes in the Exeter community and around the world. Meetings are open to the public; luncheon cost is $17.00. If you are interested in attending, please contact Exeter Rotary Club President, Leigh Willett at waletts@gmail.com .Space is limited.

To purchase tickets, visit www.exeterrotary.org or call Trivia Pursuit for a Cause Chair, Jennifer Morse, at 553-6603.

EXETER — The Exeter Rotary Club is proud to report that through the generosity of the Exeter and Stratham communities it collected 7,324.31 pounds of food for the food pantry at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Community Assistance Center during its third annual “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive which was held last month.

The Southern District YMCA Camp Lincoln and First Student Bus Company of Salem, donated two mini-buses and a full-size school bus that were placed in front of three area grocery stores for the day.

Customers of Market Basket and Shaw’s of Stratham and Hannaford of Exeter filled the buses with items specifically requested by the pantry. Each store put its own spin on the event from Dean Clevesy, Market Basket store manager, who kept his customers in the spirit by making fun and encouraging announcements on the store’s loudspeaker throughout the day; to Donna Smith of Hannaford placing colorful balloons throughout the store pointing out bags of donations; to the team at Shaw’s donating unsold bags of groceries from the event to the pantry.

This year’s event had a “green” side as well. Because the pantry will be transitioning away from paper and plastic bags on June 1, all store-packed donations were placed in reusable cloth bags which were also donated to the pantry after the event.

Over 50 volunteers including Rotary Club members and their families, Vincentians, Exeter High School Rotary Interact Club members, community members and the Youth Group from St. Michael’s Parish kept the St. Vincent de Paul van on the move all day, going from store to store shuttling donated items back to the Center.

“This is what being a Rotarian is all about. Exeter Rotarians that had yet to take part in this event made sure to volunteer this year,” said Leigh Willett, 2014-2015 Exeter Rotary president. “The generosity of our community is so uplifting.”

The Exeter Rotary Club has been a non-profit member of our Exeter Area Community since 1959. Rotary is one of the largest international humanitarian service organizations in the world, with more than 1.2 million Rotary members worldwide.

The Exeter Rotary Club conducts many community projects and supports local non-profits whose work benefits those that live and work in Exeter area. The Exeter Rotary Club meets each Monday at the Exeter Inn. Meetings are open to the public; luncheon cost is $17. If you are interested in attending, contact President Leigh Willett at waletts@gmail.com. Space is limited.

To be placed on a mailing list for information regarding next year’s Exeter Rotary “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive, contact Rachael MacDonnell, “Stuff the Bus” coordinator, at 828-8936 or rmacdonnell@optimabank.com.

EXETER — The Exeter Rotary Club is ready for its third encore of the successful “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive to benefit the food pantry at The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Community Assistance Center on Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Southern District YMCA Camp Lincoln and First Student Bus Company of Salem have donated two mini-buses and a full-size school bus that will be placed in front of three area grocery stores for the day.

Customers of Market Basket and Shaw’s of Stratham and Hannaford of Exeter are asked to help fill the buses with canned tuna, peanut butter, orange juice, granola bars, pasta sauce, laundry detergent and personal care items. The three stores have also put together pre-packed bags of donations requested by the pantry to make donating extra easy for their customers. This year’s event will also have a “green” side. Because the pantry will be transitioning away from paper and plastic bags on June 1, all store packed donations will be placed in reusable cloth bags which will also be donated to the pantry after the event.

“Believe it or not, we are already thinking about summer.” said Molly Zirillo, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Executive Director. “Children that normally depend on school breakfasts and lunches will be at home for the summer months and our clients will need to come to the pantry more often to meet their family’s increased needs.”

Volunteers including Rotary Club members and their families, Vincentians, Rotary Interact Club members from both Exeter High School and Phillips Exeter Academy and the Youth Group from St. Michael’s Parish will keep the St. Vincent de Paul van on the move all day as it drives from store to store shuttling donated items back to the Center.

“Our last two events combined raised the equivalent of over $25,000 in food donations. The community response was inspiring and we’re hoping to recreate that same success. Our neighbors are in need and the Rotary Club is so excited to have another opportunity to help,” said Rachael MacDonnell, Rotary “Stuff the Bus” Coordinator.

“We are extremely happy to be partnering with Hannaford, Market Basket and Shaw’s,” added 2014-2015 Exeter Rotary President, Leigh Willett, “The management and staff from these stores bring so much energy and excitement to the day. They really get into the cause!” The generosity of the local grocery stores extends past just this single event when it comes to working with St. Vincent de Paul. Market Basket is helpful on price when the pantry needs to supplement its donations with more supplies. Hannaford donates meats, pastries, breads and fresh produce Monday through Friday, every week. Since 2007 Shaw’s has helped store the dozens of turkeys the pantry receives for the holidays for its clients.

For more information about The Exeter Rotary “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive, or to learn how you can get involved, contact Rachael MacDonnell, “Stuff the Bus” Coordinator at 603-828-8936 or rmacdonnell@optimabank.com.

The Exeter Rotary Club led by our Vocational Service Chair, Dottie Milbury teamed up with Exeter Rotarian Senator Russell Prescott, the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce (lead by Exeter Rotarian Mike Schidlovsky) and the NH Department of Employment Security to put on a very successful Job and Resource Fair at Exeter Town Hall. There was a great turn out and we are confident many positive connections were made! Thanks to all the Rotarians who volunteered for set and breakdown and to usher job seekers around to the different employers!

Welcome to our newest members; Tressa Northrup and Scott Beattie who were inducted at the March 9th meeting. Tressa works at Unitil and Scott works for The Provident Bank.We're glad you're part of our Club!

EXETER- The Exeter Rotary Club is proud to welcome Commissioner George Copadis of New Hampshire Employment Security as a speaker at the Exeter Inn on Monday, March 9^th, 2015 at 12:15 p.m..  

Commissioner Copadis will discuss the services and resources available to New Hampshire jobseekers and employers through NHES and highlight the successes the department has seen in in the past year. Copadis will also preview plans for the upcoming Exeter Job and Resource Fair which will be held on Friday, March 13^th, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Exeter Town Hall.

Rotary meetings are open to the public; luncheon cost is $17.00. If you are interested in attending, please contact Exeter Rotary Club President, Leigh Willett at waletts@gmail.com .Space is limited. The Exeter Rotary Club has been a non-profit member of our Exeter Area Community since 1959.   Rotary is one of the largest international humanitarian service organizations in the world, with more than 1.2 million Rotary members worldwide. Rotary promotes peace and international understanding through its educational and humanitarian programs.  In addition to providing thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students from local high school systems, the Exeter Rotary Club conducts many community projects and supports local non-profits who’s work benefits those that live and work in Exeter area.

President-Elect Rachael MacDonnell was surprised and honored to be recognized as the Exeter Club's Most Outstanding New Member for 2014-2015 at the District World Understanding and Peace Dinner on February 23rd. President Leigh re-presented Rachael with the award at the March 2nd meeting so that the Club would have an opportunity to congratulate her.

District Governor Lawrence Furbish visited our March 2nd meeting to present President Leigh with a Paul Harris and welcomed her into the Paul Harris Society. Congratulations Leigh! Way to set an example of supporting the RI Foundation!

In celebration of World Understanding and Peace Day a group of Exeter Rotarians joined a large ballroom full of District 7780 Rotarians in Westbrook, Maine on February 23rd. It was an inspiring evening of which the highlight was a speech given by RI President 2001-2002 Rick King. 

The Exeter Rotary Club is very proud to have welcomed four fantastic new members to the Club during the first half of the 2014-2015 Rotary Year! Paul Sullivan, Bob Desrosiers, Rev. Mark Pendleton and Jennifer Morse made the decision to join us as we make "Service Above Self" a priority in our lives. Welcome to the Club; Paul, Bob, Mark and Jenn; 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide are glad to count you in!

Exeter Rotary lost a great longtime member and friend this past week when Art Richardson passed away.

President Leigh kicked off the first meeting of 2015 by asking the Club to look back and take pride in all that had been accomplished in the first half of this Rotary Year. Its been a pretty amazing year so far!

The twenty-some-odd year tradition of setting out luminaries for the community of Exeter to enjoy on Christmas Eve was washed out this December but the Exeter Rotarians were not going to let a year go by without lighting up the town. The 2014 event was moved to New Year's Eve, which was a brisk but clear winter night.

EXETER- For over 20 years the Exeter community has had a special glow on Christmas Eve when dozens of volunteers led by the Exeter Rotary Club take to the streets with hundreds of luminaries. Due to the weather this year the tradition will continue but will be shifted to New Year’s Eve but the community can count on the Rotarians and several collaborating neighborhood groups to be out with over 2,000 luminary bags.

The tradition began with a family on Front Street that worked with their neighbors to decorate the neighborhood on Christmas Eve. When the family moved out of town over 20 years ago Dottie Milbury led the rest of the Exeter Rotarians in taking over the project that brings so much joy to the streets of Exeter. The Rotary Club covers Gill St, Gale Park, Front St, Water St., Lincoln St. and the steps of old Town Hall and the Congregational Church and typically lights 1,500 luminary bags. Neighborhood groups on Pine and High streets also join in the fun adding over 800 luminaries to the event.

“This year’s Rotary theme is ‘Light Up Rotary’ and in Exeter it could not be more true. As Rotarians we light up our community by giving back and the luminary project is just one very literal example of that,” says 2014-2015 Exeter Rotary President Leigh Willett. The Rotarians not only put the luminaries out Christmas Eve but there is also a crew that typically comes through to cleanup on Christmas morning. The same will be true this year, just a week later; weather permitting.

At 3:00 p.m. on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve 25+ volunteers will begin putting out the luminaries; which have already been folded, filled with sand and a candle by other Rotarians and volunteers. Once lit, the candles typically burn to about midnight, which will provide the perfect welcome to 2015.

When asked why she’s been leading this project for over 20 years Milbury smiles and says; “It’s such a nice feeling to give this gift to the town. The thanks we get is priceless.”

The Exeter Rotary Club has been a non-profit member of our Exeter Area Community since 1959.   Rotary is one of the largest international humanitarian service organizations in the world, with more than 1.2 million Rotary members worldwide. Rotary promotes peace and international understanding through its educational and humanitarian programs.  In addition to providing thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students from local high school systems, the Exeter Rotary Club conducts many community projects and supports local non-profits who’s work benefits those that live and work in Exeter area. Meetings are held on Mondays from 12:15-1:30 p.m. at the Exeter Inn and are open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please contact Exeter Rotary Club president, Leigh Willett at waletts@gmail.com .Space is limited.

Members show off their gifts after a spirited white elephant gift exchange at the last meeting before Christmas

Community Service Chair Bob Mitchell led many shifts of Rotarians cover not one but two stores over a December weekend ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Donations were made, smiles were exchanged, a few new friends were made and a couple of Interactors learned what a cassette tape is. Our hearts filled as our kettles did; nothing beats the experience of personally witnessing the holiday generosity of our community! 

Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Auction Co-Chairs ; Mae Bradshaw and Burt Dibble, Silent Auction Co-Chairs; Darlene and Jim McAllister, their committee and the entire membership's support the 5th Annual Exeter Rotary Holiday Auction was a SOLD OUT success! 

Mother Nature got the wish for precipitation right but she forgot to turn the temperature down! We wanted to sell Christmas trees in snow, not rain!All the same, Jim Rolston lead several shifts of soaked Exeter Rotarians as the Foundation's pre-sold trees were picked up by our supporters. Among the trees that were sold, 15 were purchased and donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Community Assistance Center who provided tree vouchers for families that would not have otherwise had Christmas trees. Proceeds from the sale went to the Exeter Rotary Foundation.

Exeter- Exeter Rotarians are pre-selling freshly cut New Hampshire balsam firs to benefit the Exeter Rotary Charitable Foundation. The trees will be  number 1 quality and 6 to 8 feet tall costing $40. Trees can be picked up on Saturday, December 6^th in the Stratham St 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Stratham Staples parking lot. A partnership has also been arranged with the Exeter St. Vincent de Paul Community Assistance Center so that people may also purchase vouchers that will be distributed to families in need giving them the opportunity to pick out their own tree for the Christmas season. Trees and vouchers may be reserved by contacting Exeter Charitable Foundation Chair, Jim Rolston at 603-682-6157.

The Exeter Rotary Club has been a non-profit member of our Exeter Area Community since 1959.   Rotary is one of the largest international humanitarian service organizations in the world, with more than 1.2 million Rotary members worldwide. Rotary promotes peace and international understanding through its educational and humanitarian programs.  In addition to providing thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students from local high school systems, the Exeter Rotary Club conducts many community projects and supports local non-profits who’s work benefits those that live and work in Exeter area. Meetings are held on Mondays from 12:15-1:30 p.m. at the Exeter Inn and are open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please contact Exeter Rotary Club president, Leigh Willett at waletts@gmail.com .Space is limited.

Exeter Rotarians are pre-selling freshly cut New Hampshire balsam firs to benefit the Exeter Rotary Charitable Foundation. The trees will be  number 1 quality and 6 to 8 feet tall costing $40. Trees can be picked up on Saturday, December 6^th in the Stratham St 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Stratham Staples parking lot. A partnership has also been arranged with the Exeter St. Vincent de Paul Community Assistance Center so that people may also purchase vouchers that will be distributed to families in need giving them the opportunity to pick out their own tree for the Christmas season. Trees and vouchers may be reserved by contacting Exeter Charitable Foundation Chair, Jim Rolston at 603-682-6157.

Learn more about ad space available in the auction program here!

View sponsorship opportunities here

The Exeter Rotary Club’s Annual Scholarship Fundraiser will be held on Friday, September 26th 2014 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.  This one day only event will be held rain or shine at the bandstand in the center of Exeter.

The fundraiser is an apple sale that has been a staple of Exeter Rotary’s commitment to the community for decades. In the 20+ years the sale has taken place over $60,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students of Exeter High School, the Seacoast School of Technology and Exeter Adult Education. Over the years, the dollar amount of the scholarships has increased in consideration of the rising costs of education.

This year’s bill of fare will include fresh picked bagged apples, crisp apple cider by the bottle or cup, freshly baked apple crisp, apple strudel and an all-time seasonal favorite, cider donuts. All proceeds from the sales go directly to fund the scholarships. “We’re hoping for a beautiful fall day,” says President Leigh Willett. “Keeping with our 2014-2015 Rotary Year Theme of Light Up Rotary, this is another way we as Exeter Rotarians let our light shine in our local community by helping students of all ages further their education. We are excited to continue our partnership with local businesses; all apple products and cider donuts are brought to us by our local grower, Applecrest Orchards of Hampton Falls and other baked goods are being baked fresh by St Anthony’s Bakery of Exeter.”

The Exeter Rotary Club has been a non-profit member of our Exeter Area Community since 1959.   Rotary is one of the largest international humanitarian service organizations in the world, with more than 1.2 million Rotary members worldwide. Rotary promotes peace and international understanding through its educational and humanitarian programs.  In addition to providing thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students from local high school systems, the Exeter Rotary Club conducts many community projects and supports local non-profits who’s work benefits those that live and work in Exeter area. 

For more information about our Annual Scholarship Fundraiser or to place an apple pre-order request, visit our website at www.exeterrotary.org.

Pictured in front of The Farm Bistro which is scheduled to open late this Fall are; Exeter Rotary Club Vocational Service Chair Dottie Milbury, Applecrest Orchards Director of Retail Operations Brian Parrott, Exeter Rotary Club President-Elect Rachael MacDonnell, Apple Sale Committee Members and Exeter Rotarian Dick Parker and Exeter Rotary Club President 2014-2015 Leigh Willett.   

Photo courtesy of Phil Chura, Chura’s Photography

After receiving a gift from The Hampton Rotary Club, President Leigh turned right around and donated the funds directly to one of our favorite community partners- The Exeter St. Vincent de Paul Community Assistance Center. Pictured with Cleo Castonguay, President of SVdP are many of the Club members who's work at the Seafood Festival made this donation possible. The funds will help support services provided by the new dental van.

Hampton Rotary Club President Larry Marsolais attended last Monday's meeting and presented President Leigh with a check in recognition of the Exeter Rotarians' efforts at the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival.

New Generations Chair Joe Pearce attended the Interact Club meeting on Tuesday morning along with Sandy Martin. These students are already off to a great start and are ready to support our Club's initiatives.We can look forward to having 7-10 students join us for each of the after school shifts of the Apple Sale. Joe also has two students; Interact Club President Ethan McLure and Club Vice-President Megan Berry signed up to attend the United Nations trip later this fall. The Club has also started gathering names in preparation for playing important rolls in the upcoming Holiday Auction.

EXETER– The Exeter Rotary Club’s Annual Scholarship Fundraiser will be held on Friday, September 26th 2014 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.  This one day only event will be held rain or shine at the bandstand in the center of Exeter.

The fundraiser is an apple sale that has been a staple of Exeter Rotary’s commitment to the community for decades. In the 20+ years the sale has taken place over $60,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students of Exeter High School, the Seacoast School of Technology and Exeter Adult Education. Over the years, the dollar amount of the scholarships has increased in consideration of the rising costs of education.

This year’s bill of fare will include fresh picked bagged apples, crisp apple cider by the bottle or cup, freshly baked apple crisp, apple strudel and an all-time seasonal favorite, cider donuts. All proceeds from the sales go directly to fund the scholarships. “We’re hoping for a beautiful fall day,” says President Leigh Willett. “Keeping with our 2014-2015 Rotary Year Theme of Light Up Rotary, this is another way we as Exeter Rotarians let our light shine in our local community by helping students of all ages further their education. We are excited to continue our partnership with local businesses; all apple products and cider donuts are brought to us by our local grower, Applecrest Orchards of Hampton Falls and other baked goods are being baked fresh by St Anthony’s Bakery of Exeter.”

The Exeter Rotary Club has been a non-profit member of our Exeter Area Community since 1959.   Rotary is one of the largest international humanitarian service organizations in the world, with more than 1.2 million Rotary members worldwide. Rotary promotes peace and international understanding through its educational and humanitarian programs.  In addition to providing thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students from local high school systems, the Exeter Rotary Club conducts many community projects and supports local non-profits who’s work benefits those that live and work in Exeter area. 

For more information about our Annual Scholarship Fundraiser or to place an apple pre-order request, visit our website at www.exeterrotary.org.

The Exeter Rotary was proud to induct its newest member, Paul Sullivan during the District Governor's visits on August 4th. Congratulations and welcome, Paul!

Exeter Rotary welcomes District Governor Lawrence Furbish. The meeting began at St Vincent DePaul one of the charities Exeter Rotary actively supports. The tour also includes the Dental Bus which rotary hopes to support with funding. The meeting moved to Exeter Inn with the indoctrination of new member Paul Sullivan.  DG Lawrence Furbish's wife Barbara gave a great presentation on the needs of the poor in third world countries.

Mary Morales is a 23 year old teacher from Guatemala here on exchange from the Salud Y Paz school, spending the summer in various host homes on the Seacoast and working as a camp counselor at the Southern District YMCA's Camp Lincoln. Exeter Rotarian and YMCA Executive Director, Rob McGregor arranged for Mary, Jeff Gleason of Camp Lincoln, Judy George a host from Stratham and Patti Marsden of Eliot Congregational Church, to come and speak about their experience this summer.

Mary lives with her husband, mother and siblings in Guatemala and teaches 1st grade. Her father has been living away from the family for the last ten years so that he can work at a better paying job in order to support the family and his children's educations. Her mother makes very intricate traditional Guatemalan clothing (Mary was wearing an example) which takes her a month at a time to complete and is paid about $40 for each completed garment. Mary spoke about the importance of the work that Salud Y Paz does in making education, health and dental care more accessible to the community. She is thankful for our support in those efforts and for Phil's participation in a recent trip down to the facility. Coming to work at Camp Lincoln for the summer has been a tremendous opportunity for Mary. She works with 7 and 8 year old campers and has been able to gather new teaching ideas, improve her English and build her savings towards she and her husband's goal of building their own home next year.

Judy, Patti and Jeff spoke about Mary's positivity, smile and willingness to dive right into her surroundings. It is very clear that everyone involved in this experience has been changed for the better. Thank you all for sharing your experience!

Dr. Deb Walters, a PDG from Rotary District 7790 and former scientist and retired President of Unity College, departed July 11th for her year-long paddle to Guatemala. On Friday, July 25th, she arrived at Hampton Harbor and made the short paddle to 213 Island Path Hampton. The trip is meant to raise awareness to Safe Passage in Guatemala in an extraordinary way. To learn more about our fellow Rotarian's cause and to track her progress please checking theses links:

https://share.delorme.com/DebWalters  link to GPS tracker

http://www.safepassage.org/kayak website and check out her daily blog

Exeter Foundation Chair Jim Rolston recently directed the Club's attention to a declaration made on the cover of The Rotarian, "Southeast Asia Is Now Polio Free!"

Remember, by supporting the RI Foundation, you are supporting our work towards eradicating Polio worldwide. To read the full article please follow this link http://therotarianmagazine.com/polios-retreat/

Passion, dedication, tenacity, teamwork, collaboration and ROI (Return on Investment). John Nyhan, member and Past President of the Hampton Club spoke to our members on 7/14 and asked the group to focus on those five words and phrase as he told the story of the Hampton Beach Revitalization project. The project is a stunning example of what can be accomplished when a group of people truly believe in "Service Above Self" and make a commitment to their community and a project that will improve that community. The project was completed after winning $14.5 million in state funding, even after an initial denial- this is where tenacity, teamwork and ROI came into play in a big way. By convincing legislators from around the state that an investment in Hampton Beach would translate into a return for the overall wellbeing of the citizen's of New Hampshire, John and his team won support for the project. After seeing the investment made on behalf of the government, local businesses have been inspired to contribute to the improvements as well. In 2 1/2 years, over $100 million has been invested by the business community.

John's success in making major contributions to his community stems from many things, including a once in a lifetime encounter with Mother Teresa when she asked him how he could give back to his community.

As Rotarians we consistently make a difference in our community- how can we do more? John suggests to not only to get more engaged and involved in our own clubs but to also wear our pins. Drum up curiosity, start those conversations, find more Rotarians and get the word out about our good work. We can Inspire Others & Light Up Rotary! Thanks for a wonderful presentation John!

July 25, 2014 2:00 AM

EXETER — The Exeter Rotary Club recently welcomed Leigh W. Willett as the new club president for the 2014- 2015 Rotary year.

Willett has served on the board of directors for the Exeter Rotary Club since she joined in 2005. Willett has been employed by Unitil Service Corp for 25 years and is the manager of operations services for Maine and New Hampshire electric and gas operations.

She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in child/family services and an associate's degree in retailing. She is a N.H. justice of the peace and enjoys officiating wedding ceremonies.

Willett lives in Newfields with her husband Scott. Her daughter, Angela and son-in-law, J.D. live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Willett enjoys travelling, skiing, gardening, walking and sitting on the beach.

The board of directors for the new year were installed at President Willett's first meeting. Officers and directors include; Rachael MacDonnell, president-elect; Ken Bailey, treasurer; Darlene McAllister, secretary; Burt Dibble, immediate past president; Phil Chura, club service chair; Dorothy Milbury, vocational chair; Bob Mitchell, community service chair; Rob McGregor, international service chair; Joe Pearce, new generations chair; James Rolston, foundation chair; Fred Emanuel, membership chair; Robert Fellows, club protection officer and David Yanofsky, fund-raising chair.

The new president of Rotary International, Gary C.K. Huang chose the theme "Light Up Rotary" for the new year. He is asking all Rotary clubs in the coming year to "Share our service, strengthen our clubs and let our light shine in our community." Willett sees this theme as another year for Exeter Rotarians to do their good work in the community and to let their light shine locally.

"There are so many things to be done in this world, it is so fulfilling to be part of such a great organization such as Rotary. Exeter Rotary is a great group of compassionate people working together to help strengthen our community. I am honored to serve as president for the year with this group of people I consider friends," Willett said.

The first meeting of the year was held at the Exeter Inn, where the club is returning to after several years away.

"We are excited to be back at the Exeter Inn. The Rotary Club and the Inn are such institutions in the Exeter community, its a natural partnership that I think will be successful one," Willett said.

Meetings are held on Mondays from 12:15-1:30 p.m. at the Exeter Inn and are open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please contact Exeter Rotary Club president, Leigh Willett at waletts@gmail.com. Space is limited.

Exeter Rotary Club Annual Dues and Rotary Foundation forms have been emailed to all members by Club Treasurer Ken Bailey. If you did not receive your notice or have questions please touch base with Ken. Thank you!

John A. Bell, Father of our fellow Rotarian, John Bell passed away on Thursday, July 3rd. 

 On Friday, May 30th a group of 13 very enthusiastic Rotarians and family members served over 1200 Special Olympians at the Whittemore Center. The Exeter Rotary Club has proudly taken part in this event for over 20 years led by Dottie Milbury. Thanks to all the folks that capped their week off supporting these athletes!

Wednesday, May 28th at 8 p.m. the Ogunquit Playhouse will present a special benefit presentation of Grease. A portion of each ticket sold will go to Polio Plus. For more infromation please visit http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/2014/grease

Thanks to Peter & Heather Smith who lead the charge in beautifying the Powder House. Pictured below are Peter, Dick Parker and Heather. Looking forwarding to seeing everything in full bloom! Thank you to all the volunteers who got their hands dirty for a great cause.

Exeter Adult Education Graduation and Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Exeter High School Auditorium: 315 Epping Road (1 Blue Hawk Drive) Exeter, NH 03833

Exeter Rotary lost a 40-plus- year member  and past president on Monday, May 19th, when Wes Nickerson passed away.

Leslie Hanslam from Exeter Adult Education receives check from President Burt.

Walt Havenstein announces run for NH govenor this fall.

Mark your calendars for Friday, May 30th at 5p.m.. Dottie Milbury will lead a team of Exeter Rotarians in helping serve dinner at the Whittemore Center in Durham, New Hampshire. Leigh Willett will circulate a sign-up sheet at the meeting on 5/19 for volunteers. 

On March 20th Phil Chura and 19 other residents from the Stratham and  Exeter area went to Guatemala as part of the One Heart Mission. Phil was a part of the medical and construction crew  who has been going to  Guatemala for the last four years. Phil's job was to document the progress of the mission and to bring awareness to the needs of the people. Needs of the people can be broken into 3 major areas, medical, dental, and education. The folowing video is photographs of the mission's work.
 

The People of Guatemala facinated Phil. The following video is dedicated to it's people,

Jen Kennedy of the Blue Ocean Society was  guest speaker May 12th Meeting. She talked about the problems facing todays oceans and the environment. Great presetation Jen!

To contact Jen or the Blue Ocean Society call 603-431-0250 or www.blueoceansociety.org

Monday, April 21st at 1:30 p.m.

We will be collecting items on Saturday October 26th for 9am-2pm at

Market Basket- Stratham

On the Vine- Exeter

Shaw's- Stratham

Please help us fill our buses with the following suggested donations:

The Exeter Rotary Club’s Annual Scholarship Fundraiser is TODAY Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. This one day only event will be held rain or shine at the bandstand in the center of Exeter.

Our Vocational Chair Marianne Gearin handed out Apple Sale Pre-Order forms at this past Monday's meeting, but for those of us who have so many orders that we need another copy to fill...please look for an email from Rachael with an order form attached. Pre-sales are a huge part of the Annual Scholarship Fundraiser so please mention these delicious options to your friends and family who may not have the opportunity to stop by the bandstand this Saturday.

Forms are due back to Marianne this Friday, September 20th.