Greetings Monadnock Rotarians!
 
The first coating of snow greeted us this morning. Tom Warren read a passage provided by Wendy White to begin our meeting. Tom reported that Wendy is feeling better and hopes to return to our meetings in the near future. Tom also had “The Hat” and spoke about how a friendship with a junior high school classmate led to his interest in the natural world.
 
Following announcements, we had the pleasure of presenting Jim Fearnside with a Paul Harris Fellowship. The honor is in recognition of his many years of service as a Rotarian and for his outstanding leadership in organizing our Wellness Festival this year.
Adam Hamilton introduced our speaker Danya Landis. Ms. Landis and Rebecca Hamilton formed Machina Arts to encourage and organize art events in the Keene area. Their company is based at Hannah Grimes. Danya has a background in metal sculpturing and interior or spatial design.  They currently host a Friday afternoon social gathering at the “Hive” at Hannah Grimes which is open to the public and gives local artists a venue to share their work.
Their goals include:
  • Retaining young professionals in the area by offering cultural events.
  • Organize healthy and interesting events that attract the post-college crowd, as well as older residents.
  • Provide affordable space for emerging artists to share and sell their works.
Machina Arts longer term goals include the development of a gallery/venue space with bar and bistro. The company website is www.machinaarts.org.
 
There is no meeting scheduled for next week in observance of Thanksgiving.
 
For November 28, Bob Vecchiotti has Opening Words and Chuck Simpson has “The Hat.” Tom Warren will also conclude a presentation begun at the meeting yesterday. Speaker Seekers for November 28, December 5 and December 12 are Rob H., Rick M. and Kevin M. Jim Guy has a possible speaker – Nancy Jackson, a Dublin resident and professional facilitator. Please see Jim if you are responsible for that date. Jerry will talk about options to purchase clothing and hats with our Monadnock Rotary logo…just in time for the holidays!
 
Our annual holiday dinner is scheduled for December 19 and will be held at the Dublin Community Center. Guests, friends, former club members are welcome to join us for this event. There will not be a morning meeting on that date. More information will be forthcoming next week.
 
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
 
Bill