Spring Has Sprung (Sort of…)!
President Midge kicked off the meeting with a warm welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a full dose of Rotary spirit. Jess led the Four-Way Test like a pro, and Al got us all singing. Whether we were in tune is another story.
Guests
Nancy Clayburgh brought Sherry Donnermeyer. Jamie McCarthy and Edward Denney came from Port City Air. Cleo hosted a returning guest, Alexia Montesano. Charlie Bourdages’ guest was his brother Jim (all the way from Silverado, California).
Speaking of Charlie, thank you for a beautiful inspirational moment. I’m reciting it here for everyone to enjoy again:
Today is the first day of Spring, although it may not feel that way for another month or two. Soon we will all pretend to like baseball for a couple of weeks. Soon it will be time to dig out the band aids to patch up the blisters earned from a full day of gardening. Soon it will be time to pull on your lawnmower’s starting cord until it breaks off in your hands. Very soon it will be time to hear the peepers scream, “I’m awake and I would like to reproduce.” When, FINALLY, that first warm glorious spring day comes, it will be time to bask in the sun. And be thankful that Spring is the change for everyone and everything to start over.
Club News & Announcements
- With Sympathy: Our hearts go out to Steve Wood and his family on the passing of his mother, Marjorie “Marty” Wood. A memorial service will be held on March 30th at 2pm at the Congregational Church in Exeter (see link above).
- District Assembly – April 5th: Want to learn more about Rotary grants, the legendary Polio Plus program and how we make a difference? This is your chance! Registration is $30 (reimbursable, so basically free.)
- Trivia Night Results: The Rocking Rotarians finished respectably in 8th place out of 16 teams. If you’ve got the brains (or just like beer and company) join the next round this Wednesday at Otto’s, 7pm. RSVP required (see information above).
- Get Ready to Laugh: Next week’s meeting is Rotary Joke Day! Bring your best (clean!) joke to share. Yes, Dad Jokes are welcome.
Happy Dollars = Happy Hearts
Rotarians shared their reasons to celebrate, from upcoming Florida escapes to birthdays and major life milestones, including one member celebrating 10 years of sobriety! Cheers to that (with a Shirley Temple of course).
Guest Speaker: Susan Kittle, Allegiant Airlines
Susan took us on a high-flying adventure through Allegiant Airlines’ history, strategy and what’s next for the airline. Key takeaways:
- Allegiant’s secret sauce? Leisure travel + strategic partnerships.
- Sarasota is now an Allegiant hot spot.
- Boeing’s production woes = challenges for new aircraft orders.
- Allegiant thrives in underserved markets, proving that sometimes off the beaten path is the best route.
Susan also tackled burning questions about flight cancellations, baggage policies and whether we’ll see new routes soon. (Spoiler: Maybe!) Did you know that veterans can check a bag free of charge with Allegiant?
 | Raffle Results — Did You Win? The prize pot was $33 dollars with a $375-dollar bonus up for grabs. Our speaker both won and graciously donated it back to our Club.  |
Closing & A Good Deed
In honor of Susan Kittle’s visit, a donation was made to Families First, supporting healthcare for low-income families. Because that’s what we do — give back!
See You Next Week! Same time, same place. Don’t forget your joke and RSVP for upcoming events!
Respectfully submitted, Yvonne Legge
Photos by Don Chick
Photos by Don Chick
.png)
Greenland, NH 03840
United States of America