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The Rotary Club of Dover, family and friends joined together to celebrate 95 years of community service by the Dover Rotary Club.
The Club was founded in 1924 as has been evident and active not only in Dover, but internationally over the years. Rotary members are known for having done everything from personally shoveling mulch and painting fences while both beautifying and recreating playgrounds to creating a downtown centerpiece, the Rotary Pavilion at Henry Law Park. We have also have funded scholarships for students, refurbished the Dover Teen Center, and contributed $75,000 to the renovation of the Dover Children's Library. Our effect is far reaching, with plans to include members of Interact, their teen club, in a cultural and hands-on work project in Guatemala. On this particular evening, in addition to its 95th celebration, Dover Rotary paid homage to three local citizens for their commitment and volunteerism for their community. Dover City Recreation Director Gary Bannon; City Library Director Cathleen Beaudoin and local realtor, community activist and volunteer Elizabeth Fischer were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows which affirms their outstanding commitment to Dover. Bannon, Beaudoin and Fischer are well known throughout the community and each voiced surprise at the event. President Noreen Biehl introduced the new Paul Harris Fellows. Fischer, known for her work with the Joe Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens downtown as well as the Woodman Museum among many other things, was struck emotionally by the notification from Biehl. "They have such a storied past and have done so much," said Fischer. "It brought me to tears." Biehl referred to Fischer as "exemplifying the ideals of Rotary. Bannon has been involved with the Dover Recreation Department for 29 years, most as director. Known for his eloquence, his first reaction upon hearing of his nomination was "speechless, and thankful for the recognition of on organization like the Rotary." Biehl thanked Gary for "always being there."
Beaudoin, who was named the New Hampshire 2018 Librarian of the Year, is also an author and historian. A 43-year veteran of the library, for the last 19 its director, felt it was "important to give back to the community." Malcolm McNeill, a past president who has been a member for 37 years spoke, giving a historical perspective of the organization, from its beginning in 1924 and going decade by decade as the Dover Rotary grew. Tom Dunnington oversees the international activities of the Dover Rotary Club. He spoke proudly of a program next year that will send 10 Dover High School Rotary Interact students to Guatemala.
The organization surprised Biehl with a special presentation, recognizing her as a Paul Harris Fellow. Congratulations!