Welcome to Rotary

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

The Rotary Club of Bellows Falls is one of 35,000+ clubs that make up Rotary International. We are in Rotary District 7870 which is made up of approximately 60 clubs in southern New Hampshire and Vermont. Use the links below to learn more about Rotary.
 
Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;

FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

 
The Four-Way Test

The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings:
Of the things we think, say or do

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
 
Avenues of Service

We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity.

  • Club Service focuses on making clubs strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and an active membership development plan.
  • Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society.
  • Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest.
  • International Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this service avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners abroad, and more.
  • Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs such as Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Exchange.
 
Bellows Falls Rotary History

The Rotary Club of Bellows Falls was sponsored and chartered on November 9, 1923 by the Claremont Rotary Club, as the sixth Rotary club in District 7870 with 23 members. It wasn't until 1950, some 27 years later, that the Brattleboro Rotary club was chartered and sponsored by the Bellows Falls Rotary Club. John Fletcher was the President at the time.

Two Rotarians from the Bellows Falls Rotary Club, Paul Vogal (1959-1960) and Hugh Haggerty (2005-2006) have served as District Governors of District 7870.

Rotary was all male until 1990, when Pat Gould and Mary Grippo became members as Rotary worldwide welcomed women. They quickly became officers, with Pat Gould becoming president in 1993.

It is impossible to live in the Rockingham area and not in some way have benefited from activities of the Bellows Falls Rotary Club. In addition, members have gone overseas to participate in medical eyeglass projects and water purification projects, all in the interest of giving service above self.

 
Your Financial Obligation
Initiation Fee $25.00
Annual Dues $160.00
Breakfast (paid weekly) $7.00
Brags and Boasts (optional) $1.00+
Rotary Social Events (if attending) $20.00 - $100.00
 
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
President Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Immediate Past President
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
 
Club Activities Committees

Community Service

Keith Clark - chair
Ed Dinanny
Rick Gordon
Rick Govotsky
Steve Harrison
Dick Miller 
Tom MacPhee
Matt Guild

Membership

Bill Stevens - chair
Kate Aldrich
Marty Gallagher
Tom Miller
Mario Hernandez
Raynie Laware
 

Fund Raising

Doreen Aldrich - chair
Kate Aldrich
Rick Govotsky
Raynie Laware
Krystal Hernandez
Kathleen Govotsky

Public Relations

Marty Gallagher - chair
Matt Guild
Ellen Lawrence
Dick Doyle
Rick Govotsky

Finance

Steve Harrison - chair
Doreen Aldrich
Keith Clark 
Ed Dinanny
Kathleen Govotsky
Tom MacPhee
 
 
 
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