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Thank you to our Rotarians and family, Dover High School Interact and the Dover Dems for your time as you filled the many trash bags!
The Rotary Club of Dover, NH, offers opportunities for our members — and those interested in making a difference — to get involved. Through meetings, social events, and volunteer projects, our members learn about the issues facing our community and communities all over the world, partnering with local, national, and global experts to exchange ideas about potential solutions and to draw up action plans to respond. Along with these opportunities to serve, members also are able to regularly network, resulting in lifelong friendships and business connections.
Our club is a proud part of this community and of Rotary International. Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million members who believe that great things happen when dedicated minds come together. We are community and business leaders representing different professions, experiences, and perspectives but with a shared desire to connect with others to address the challenges affecting our community and communities around the world.
The Rotary Club of Dover recently gathered necessities for those who are in need during the Winter months. It's amazing how kind people are when they hear of the good you are doing in the local community for those who are homeless. Thank you to Kevin, Store Manager at Ocean City Job Lot for your help 🏡♥️
The Dover High School - Interact students recently helped with the Don’t Trash Dover clean-up. It was great to see them getting outside and earning Community Service hours while learning. Thank you from the Rotary Club of Dover!
DOVER — Seacoast Endowment for Education in Dover (SEED), a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting academic excellence in Dover schools, accepted a $4,159 donation from The Rotary Club of Dover to help fund two literacy grants in Dover public schools.
According to Rotary Club of Dover President Jim Munro, literacy is one of the club’s main areas of focus. “We are pleased to provide SEED funding for these targeted reading initiatives and applaud their efforts to support teachers and promote educational excellence for Dover students.”
The first literacy grant, awarded to Dover High School Language Arts Teacher Leslie Hocking, will be used to underwrite her Reading for Fun proposal valued at $2,500. A longitudinal study spearheaded by Dr. Mariah Evans of the University of Nevada, Reno, found the greater the number of books in a household, the greater the positive impact on the child.
The funding will provide every freshman at Dover High a book of their choice, free of charge as part of their high school orientation. In conjunction with a $5,000 sponsorship from Barnes and Nobles, the students will have a variety of current, high-interest books to select. “This grant reaches students in a way that no classroom does, filling an important gap in their education,” said Hocking.
The second grant award was bestowed to Kelly Cote to purchase literacy supplies and tools for the entire Woodman Park School first grade, which consists of approximately 120 students. The two-part grant will allow for Take Home Reading Bags—backpacks filled with reading level books for first grade students to transport to and from home—and provide socially distanced classroom tools such as individual seat pockets to keep student materials organized and easily accessible during learning times; clipboards for use during outside learning time; and classroom stools for flexible seating options.
In a 2019 article published in ScienceDirect, a study found that immersing children in book-orientated environments benefits their later educational achievement, attainment, and occupational standing. “Many of our students come from families of low economic status that may not have access to quality books appropriate for their reading skills,” said Cote “The Take Home Reading Bags provide students with access to quality books so they can read daily at home.”
To learn more about SEED and its mission to create a legacy for educational excellence in Dover public schools, visit doverseed.org.
The story can be read at Foster's Daily Democrat: Dover Rotary Honors Local Businesses and Individuals for Their Community Service.
The Rotary Club of Dover had the opportunity this week to partner with the Woodman Museum and offer an Open House to share with the community how the club has been a big part of the Dover community for the past 97 years. We were able to gather with friends for an evening of friendship & fellowship and recognized dedicated citizens and organizations for efforts that have done and will continue to do for others in need of assistance.
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With the screech of an air horn to end the evening Women’s League golf event, the outdoor celebration of Gregg Dowty’s year as President moved inside the club house. President, Gregg Dowty welcomed members and plus-ones in attendance. With our Bingo fundraiser back in play, Phil Rinaldi announced a 3-month net contribution from Bingo that we can use to give back to the community. With the annual golf tournament taking place on Monday, Gregg extended his thanks to Kathy Fink, the Golf Committee and all who participated in the brutally hot game. Upcoming meetings and events were announced, including the Rotary Open House to be held on July 7th at the Woodman Museum starting at 4:30pm. As we begin the new Rotary year, the motto will be Serve to Change Lives.
President Gregg’s “Wizardly” Year End Comments:
- President, Gregg described 2020-21 as “an amazing year”- we set a goal of completing eight service projects and ended up with 28 projects!
- The club exemplified Service Above Self during a challenging year, stayed connected and commited.
- Gregg concluded his remarks and his year as President of the Rotary Club of Dover, NH, with a familiar tale about the Wizard of Oz that proved you don’t have to look for a wizard or follow a yellow-brick road to find people with brains, hearts and courage.
- Rotarians are a collection of wise people who care about each other and want to make a difference.
You truly made a difference Gregg Dowty - thank you for an incredible year and incredible leadership!
The Rotary Club of Dover NH, President Elect, Jim Munro presented Paul Harris Fellow Awards to our fellow Rotarians, Doug Locy, Kathy Fink, Frank Biehl, Ram Ramdev, Gregg Dowty, Naila Aslam, Ed Hokinski, Megan Keil, Doug Glennon, and Ken McCann. He also presented a Paul Harris Fellow +1 award to Donna Rinaldi and Malcolm McNeill, and a Paul Harris +6 award to Dick Clark.
Our club thanks all of you for your generosity and commitment to the ideals of Rotary.
The first of many deliveries to the Senior Communities in Dover from the Rotary Club of Dover. We miss our visits with the Seniors due to COVID and we look to be back on our Senior Visits real soon. Until we visit again, we hope you enjoy!
Thank you to The Flower Room for the beautiful planting.
Look what we have started!
The Rotary Club of Dover’s Victory Community Garden at Garrison Hill Park and Tower is growing. With the help of our club and others in the community, we have planted berms and squash to grow to help support those with food needs in our community.
Last year, the Rotary Club of Dover NH applied for and met all the criteria to be awarded a District Grant to have the City of Dover NH install bike racks in multiple locations throughout the City of Dover, including Henry Law Rotary Park Amphitheater & Gardens, Dover Public Library, City Hall, Dover Transportation Center, and other places in the Downtown Retail District.
In a post COVID 19 world, fewer People will be anxious to use public transportation. In addition many people have found that working from home is a more attractive alternative to the daily commute. at the same time, the city of Dover is experiencing a large influx of new residents who are young and active. These factors have and will contribute to an increase use of bicycles as a primary method of local transportation.
There will be some rocks described as “wave racks” intended for up to five bicycles. Additionally some racks are intended to use for one or two bikes that are designated to fit in with the downtown historic district design motif.
We estimate 25 to 50 people per day will use the bike racks at any given time which will mean up to almost 100 uses daily.
These racks are designed to be removed during the winter to ensure the investment will last a long time.
As you can see the racks through this grant show through the Rotary symbol that our Rotarians care about those in our community.
1. How long have you been in Rotary? – 2 Years in May.
2. My favorite Rotary moments: - Becoming the Rotary Historian (Portsmouth Club).
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up: Currently live in Raymond NH but I grew up in Seabrook NH.
4. My Hobbies: Spending time with my new son!
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment: Currently the Branch Manager of First Seacoast Bank, I just left my own Financial Planning Practice to get back into banking.
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me: I have been a drummer for multiple Punk Bands in the Seacoast area!
7. Final words: With the new baby, my time is more limited, but I am excited to become an active member of the Dover Rotary!
Thank you Ian for sharing and we look forward to having you part of the greatest Rotary Club in the Universe.
On April 24, Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Dover joined in with others of Don’t Trash Dover as a group of volunteers who departed from Garrison Elementary School that picked up litter from the surrounding area. They spent a number of hours collecting litter and returned with many bags of bagged litter. Thank you to the volunteers during this event!
Join the Rotary Club of Dover NH, Community Action Partnership of Strafford County and Gather to keep local food pantries stocked by dropping off non-perishable food items.
This food drive will take place from 9:00am-12:00pm on May 1st in the parking lot of Tucker's located at 238 Indian Brook Drive in Dover.
Help us help those those in need!
So many cheers from the Bingo players tonight as the Rotary Club of Dover NH is back to our Thursday nights at Dover Bingo.
It was great to see so many familiar faces and happy smiles (under our masks).
We were straight out in selling tickets from the beginning to the end of the night.
We are back!
In March, the Rotary Club of Dover NH partnered with Woodman Park, Garrison Elementary and Horne Street School as we wore our Dr. Seuss hats and read to the students through the “Read Across America” Literacy program. 
It was a little different this year than in past years as we used to read in-person at the elementary schools in Dover. Reading to the students virtually allowed us to still participate and I let them choose their favorite Dr. Seuss book.
Both the kindergarten students Woodman Park and the 3rd graders at Horne Street picked my favorite, “Green Eggs & Ham”. They loved when I asked them to join with me when I read “Sam I Am”.
We look forward to more reading as it allows our Rotarians take time and spend time with the kids in our community.
1. How long have you been in Rotary?
I’m just now coming up on my one year anniversary of being a Rotarian! It’s been quite a year!
2. My favorite Rotary moments:
So much of the year we haven’t been able to get together and do things in person, but my favorite memories have been when we’ve been able to still do some socially-distant get-togethers or events. I think our club has been really great with modifying activities or events to continue offering some in-person opportunities.
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up:
I was born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, then went to college in Findlay, Ohio. I then spent some time doing internships and working in Makawao, Hawaii and then Salt Lake City, Utah before joining the Peace Corps and living in Matembwe, Tanzania for two years and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for one year. I’ve been living in Dover for a little over a year now!
4. My Hobbies:
I enjoy doing art and grew up taking art classes. In a different life I might have tried to become a Disney animator. I also really enjoy cooking and baking. I’ve even dabbled a bit in baking and decorating royal-icing cookies, although usually about half-way through the process I always end up cursing myself for trying it again. The end result usually looks good, though! I’m also a lover of playing any sort of game, and with the current state of the pandemic, I’ve been able to play some video games online with some friends from all around the country! I can’t say I’m necessarily great at any of the games, but I do enjoy them.
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment:
I am a Regional Recruiter for the Peace Corps! I spend my days talking to students and people in the community about what Peace Corps is, answering questions that they may have, and helping out with the application process. My territory covers the entire state of Maine, 99% of New Hampshire, and the northeastern part of Massachusetts. Pre-COVID I was actually able to visit all of the colleges and universities in person, but since mid-March it’s been all-virtual recruitment. I’m looking forward to the day when I get to travel again!
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me:
Before I was a teacher with the Peace Corps, I was a zookeeper! I worked mainly with birds and I would tell people that I worked with birds because it’s the closest I could come to working with dinosaurs in real life. If Jurassic Park was a real place, I would most definitely be working as an animal keeper there.
7. Final words:
I just wanted to say how grateful I am for how warmly I was welcomed into the club! I came to New Hampshire not knowing anyone, and now I feel like I have a group of friends and I can’t wait to be able to see everyone in person again soon!
Thank you Megan for sharing about you and your involvement with the Rotary Club of Dover.
1. How long have you been in Rotary?
Almost 18 years.
2. My favorite Rotary moments:
My top 2 are Guatemala Service Trip with Dover Interact Rotary United Nations Day.
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up:
I currently live in York, Maine and have for the last 34 years. I grew up in Norton, MA and have always lived in New England.
4. My Hobbies:
Hiking & walks on the beach and photography. My favorite is spending time with family
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment:
Commercial Loan Officer with Cambridge Trust
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me:
When in high school I held the school record for discus.
7. Final words:
My service background likely comes from growing up with very little. Even though we didn't have much we shared what was available. I'm very proud of both my daughters who also are service oriented. Both served as Presidents of their Interact Clubs and continue to volunteer.
Thank you Joe for the opportunity to learn a little more about you and sharing with other Rotarians and our community.
1. How long have you been in Rotary? 31 years
2. My favorite Rotary moments: Christmas Tree Sales, Santa Calling, Senior visits with the late, “great” Seymour Osman, Bingo with Bibber, Sid’s WWII stories
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up: I’ve been growing up in Dover since my birth at WDH in 1967. I’ve moved 4 times within a 5 mile radius of my childhood home and have lived in our current home on Dean Drive for the past 26 years.
4. My Hobbies: Sports of all kind! I enjoy watching, occasionally participating in and now, thanks to Governor Sununu , gambling on them! I also like puttering around my home and family house at Wells Beach.
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment I’ve been in the insurance sales business the past 32 years. The first 27 years working for my sister at her State Farm Agency and the past 5 years as owner of the Lynch Insurance Agency.
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me:
I did play by play of high school basketball and football games on WWNH radio about 10 years ago. I loved every minute of it!
7. Final words:
I feel fortunate Phil Rinaldi invited me to join Rotary when I was just a snot-nosed 21 year old kid! I remember being in awe of the crowd at my first meeting with the like of Dr. Bob Wilson, Seymour Osman, Kerry Forbes, Tom Dunnington, Chief Bibber, Malcom MacNeill, Frank Cassidy, Captain DeColfmacker, Bob Richard, Noreen Biehl, Gerry Daley, Ray Jobin and many more! The best thing about our Club then, and still today, is the Members.
Thank you Joe for the opportunity to learn a little more about you and sharing with other Rotarians and our community.
1. How long have you been in Rotary?
Almost 2 years. Maybe check with Phil.
2. My favorite Rotary moments:
Getting together for projects, learning about everyone, sharing fellowship, driving with Melissa Lesniak to the Rotary event in Portland!
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up:
I live in Dover since 2013 and before that in Newton, Mass and I grew up in Cincinnati, OH and was born in Moscow, Russia.
4. My Hobbies:
Reading, movies, theater, art, making stuff, building community, sharing, learning new things and used to be travel.
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment:
Currently I work at UNH Cooperative Extension, before that at the Sustainability Institute and before that worked as a Proposal Manager for several different companies, before transitioning to non-profit. Outside of paid work I am part of a number of local groups focused on art, building community, focused on local regenerative ecological practices and environmental sustainability. And did I mention art?
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me:
I am an open book! I was recently a part of a book, Finding Home by Becky Field
7. Final words: Thank you for being so welcoming and for providing such great support to the community. It is truly lovely to feel a part of this great group.
Thank you Gary for sharing and allowing us to learn more about you as a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Dover.
1. How long have you been in Rotary?
I joined Rotary in 2011. I reached out to the club for information about Rotary, spoke with Marion and was invited to attend a meeting.
2. My favorite Rotary moments:
There are so many things, but have to say I enjoy the Back to School program and sitting on the Scholarship Committee the most.
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up:
I grew up in Newburyport MA and currently live in Rochester NH
4. My Hobbies:
Golf and going to the beach
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment:
Business Development & Care Transition Coordinator for Wentworth Homecare & Hospice, a Joint Venture with Wentworth Douglass Hospital
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me:
I love Blues Music and cannot swim.
7. Final words:
Rotary is such a wonderful organization and I am so happy to belong!
Thank you Tracy for sharing and allowing us to learn more about you as a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Dover.
1. How long have you been in Rotary?
Noreen Biehl invited me to become a Rotarian 23 years ago (I think). I remember we met and had lunch on Central Ave where the car wash is now in front of Dover Bowl. Malcolm was president either when I joined or within the first couple of year and I still remember the weekly lawyer jokes.
2. My favorite Rotary moments:
I have two. The first is the year I was in charge of the hands-on project and we were rehabbing all the public benches in downtown. The day we were scheduled to do the work was the day Sabrina was due to have Grant. I helped do all the pre-work and planning but had wonderful support from other in the club as I might not be able to be there on the day. Sabrina was still pregnant that day and when I showed up there was not much for me to do because others had taken over managing the project. I think Grant was born 4 days later. The second was the honor to be the club president and how much I learned about running the club and being involved in the district.
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up:
I was born in Morristown NJ. My family moved to Gilford, NH when I entered in the fifth grade and lived there until I went to college. I currently live in Lee NH on a 28 acers horse farm for the past 25 years.
4. My Hobbies:
Skiing, golf, hiking, working on the farm, traveling, soccer in the past, woodworking. Note: Grant who is now 20 has been home for more months than a college student should in 2020 decided my woodshop was not up to his standards so he rebuilt it for me (also for himself) together we have work on many projects, and he is getting very good at making furniture and he will consider order.
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment.
My profession has always involved working with physician. I started as a financial analyst in a large multispecialty medical group in MA. Then came to Dover to be the administrator of Garrison Women’s Health. Then I went on to become the Director for Wentworth Douglass Corporation. When I started I had 35 primary care providers. 15 years later I am working with 257 providers in 25 different specialties.
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me:
I coached both my son and daughters youth soccer team to three state championships and 10 tournament victories.
7. Final words:
I joined Rotary as a way to get acquainted with business colleagues, as an administrator of a medical practice I had no peers. I have stay in Rotary because of the way Rotary gives me the structure to continuously do volunteer work in a very busy work and home life.
Thank you Norm for sharing and allowing us to learn more about you as a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Dover.
1. How long have you been in Rotary?
I have been in Rotary for 14 years first joining Easton , PA Rotary Club in 2006. Upon my retirement and return to New England I found the Rotary Club of Dover and felt right at home.
2. My favorite Rotary moments:
My favorite Rotary moments have been this past year when I witnessed our club;s response to the Covid pandemic and how everyone stepped forward to help others in our community!
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up:
We recently built our retirement home in South Berwick, ME after a couple of years in Dover. My childhood was spent in Southeastern Massachusetts in the small town of Somerset.
4. My Hobbies:
My hobbies include golf, bicycling, kayaking and fine wines. In the past I have dabbled in oil painting, sketching, and I enjoy reading historical fiction/non-fiction.
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment:
After 20 years in public education as a teacher, principal and elementary supervisor I became a childcare executive working with at-risk youth in Maine and Pennsylvania.
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me:
My family roots go back to Fall River, Massachusetts where my Great Grandfather, Will Dowty, was the Desk Sergeant who sent his patrolmen to a domestic disturbance call on Second Street in Fall River. There they discovered the bodies of Lizzie Bordan's parents. He later worked the investigation along with a detective as they interviewed other suspects. We later discovered that there is a family connection to the Bordans through a line of cousins.
7. Final words:
Rotary has done so much for the benefit of others. "Service Above Self" is so much more than a motto. It is a way to live one's life!
Thank you Gregg for the opportunity to learn more about you as a Rotarian and President with the Rotary Club of Dover.
1. How long have you been in Rotary?
I joined Rotary in The Great Marion Cheney year ( I’ll need your help with that).
2. My favorite Rotary moments:
My favorite Moments: to be honored with a PH from the club
The finalization of the Rotary Gardens ‘Forbes Memorial renovation Project. ( We came in $49.00 under budget!! Phew, --what a great committee!)
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up:
I was born and raised in Dover and reside in Somersworth for the last 40 years.
4. My Hobbies:
My hobbies, are classic trucks and cars and antiques in general
I have always enjoyed History from the 40’s & 50’s on.
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment:
They pretty much know me. However, I did spend 20+ years in the heavy truck towing and air cushion recovery business,
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me:
Being second in the state to be credentialed as an Operator and trainer.
7. Final words:
Final Words: Very proud of the work of Rotarians here and around the world.
Thank you Ron for the opportunity to learn more about you as a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Dover.
1. How long have you been in Rotary? I believe since 1991 or 1992.
2. My favorite Rotary moments:
The Rotoplast trip to Venezuela in 2002. Phil Rinaldi and Ann Lee Hussey were also on that trip.
3. Where I currently live and where I grew up:
Currently live in Dover and it has always been my legal address. I did spend 6 years in Boston going to nursing school and establishing my independence and professional career after graduating from N. E. Baptist Hospital School of Nursing.
Then worked at the Lahey Clinic Neurosurgical Dept. Came home to marry my Dover husband, Johnny Boyle.
Spent two years in Alabama and Kentucky while Johnny was in the US Army. Back to Dover in October 1958
4. My Hobbies:
Reading, knitting, traveling, volunteering.
5. My Business Profession or Current Working or Non-Working Environment:
Now retired but worked for the Dover District Nursing Association for 36 years before retiring as Executive Director.
6. Something my fellow Rotarians don’t know about me:
I still knit and read AND can do both at the same time.
7. Final words:
Ed Hoginski convinced me to become a Dover Rotarian. He was right, it has been a wonderful experience and part of my life.
Thank you, Ed. So, there it is 88 fantastic years in a nutshell!!
So, Ron Richard, is that short enough?
Thank you Nancy for the opportunity to learn more about you and your family as a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Dover.
