Dear Rotarians,
Our next Rotary meeting will be held on Thursday, June 19, at 7:15am at the Cathedral of the Pines.
This week, we’re looking forward to a roundtable discussion on several important topics, including updates on club activities, Gavel Night preparations, and ideas to make our club even more vibrant and active. We welcome all members to bring topics of interest to share—your voice matters!
Last week’s meeting was significant. We shared personal stories, engaged in thoughtful conversations over coffee, and experienced the joys of Happy Fines (where would we be without the hats of Sam Lafortune?!?). The meeting had begun with an invocation prayer led by Mark Hower, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a rousing "America the Beautiful."
We were also honored to welcome Rachel Hsu as our guest speaker, who provided excellent insights into the history of China—from its centuries-old origins to its presence in modern culture. Thank you, Rachel, for your time and impressive presentation!
We are also proud to highlight a moment of impactful giving. Our Charitable Giving committee, led by Gail Therriault, presented a donation to Christine Selmer, the retiring Administrator of the Jaffrey Monadnock Family Services (MFS) Adult Care Center. This support contributes to the implementation of SAIDO, an innovative, non-pharmacological program from Japan designed to improve cognitive function in individuals with dementia through mental exercises in reading, math, and writing. Christine mentioned during the meeting that the Jaffrey MFS location is currently the only adult care center in the country using this method, and the results with their six clients have been remarkable.
This has been an incredible year filled with teamwork, Service, and fellowship. I am sincerely grateful for the dedication, kindness, and Rotary spirit each of you brings to our club. Your commitment truly makes a difference, and it has been a privilege to serve alongside you.
Let’s keep this momentum going—see you Thursday! Remember that Gavel Night is NEXT Thursday, June 26th, at Peter and Jinnie Russell's home, 5pm to 7pm.
With heartfelt thanks and Rotary spirit,
Yours in Service,
Rudra
Photographs from the Mad Photographer!
Rachel Hsu and a Perspective on China
Rachel Hsu, daughter of incoming President Tom Hsu, spoke on her experiences living in Taipai, Taiwan, as well as during her Fellowship at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Her informative presentation on "Understanding China and Thoughts on Geopolitics" was well-received by Jaffrey-Rindge Rotarians, as Rachel took the Club from one of the original dynasties to present-day China, complemented by her own perspectives.
Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary Club Donates to Monadnock Family Services (MFS)
Christine Selmer, retiring Administrator for the Monadnock Family Services (MFS), received a Club donation from Rotarian Gail Therriault, Charitable Giving Committee Chairperson. Christine, who is retiring after many, many years of service to this vital service that supports many Monadnock communities, spoke briefly about some of the things MFS is doing, including an innovative program that originated in Japan that is designed to enhance cognitive function in older adults who are experiencing dementia - without the use of pharmaceuticals.
Happy Fines are Happier When Sam Wears Her Hats
Rumor has it that Sam Lafortune has 101 unique hats at home, each of which will be displayed when she hosts Happy Fines. Sam, thanks for your good sense of humor!