Holiday greetings to one and all! As the end of another enormously successful year draws to a close, we have two last events to look forward to. The Bow Lake Community Club along with the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Strafford, ushers in the holiday season on Sunday, November 30, at 5 p.m. with our traditional Christmas Tree Lighting, Carols, and an appearance by Ole St. Nick. Gather with family and friends for this heart-warming seasonal favorite! And then the Bow Lake Grange Hall will host guest artisans for Christmas in Strafford on December 6. As shoppers make their pilgrimage around town they will be greeted by the BLCC with an array of hot soups, chilis, chowders, beverages, and desserts. Enjoy the opportunity to refresh, refuel, and regroup in comfort with your shopping companions!      

The BLCC held its 2008 Annual Meeting on November 15 where plans for 2009 were already in the wind. Endings always beg for reflection on what has been; and as it draws to a close, 2008 has been nothing short of miraculous for the BLCC. Not only did we host a very full calendar of events, but we managed to accomplish significant renovations and improvements, making our ground level and one restroom fully handicapped accessible, with most of the labor volunteered by Board members. Special thanks to Board members Jim Cyr, Bob Lee, and Carol Thompson for the untold hours spent and their tireless devotion to a truly outstanding finished product! Electrical improvements were also made to the facility – our appreciation to local professional Bob Sawyer, for services provided above and beyond the call of duty!     

While we accomplished much this year, we had a lot of fun and experienced much satisfaction in doing so. Throughout the year many local contractors, businesses, community organizations, families and individuals stepped up, often without being asked and totally unsolicited, to contribute time and resources to the BLCC; each helping to push us closer to accomplishing all of our major goals this past year. We want to acknowledge all who participated in our fund raising events: Your Just Desserts, The Ham & Bean Dinner, Chili & Chowder Challenge, Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, and Christmas in Strafford. The BLCC recognizes Ed Gerhard for his legacy of musical enrichment and contribution, Strafford Garden Club, Strafford Women’s Club, and Swamp Stompers for being faithful annual supporters. Special thanks to the Lakeside Players, led by Nancy Hill, for tireless devotion to what has become our most reliable source of revenue, pride, and entertainment to our community. Our appreciation to all who joined in with their unique talents and contributions. While these groups and individuals made significant contribution, it is important to note that memberships remain an important source of income for the BLCC as part of our overall success. To the many who remain faithful year after year and those who became members for the first time this year, we thank you for your contribution, participation, and support. As we look ahead to 2009, we hope to inspire your continued support with our optimism, energy, and enthusiasm as we proceed with further improvements, a new calendar of lively events, and a renewed commitment to enriching our community “socially, educationally and artistically”. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from the community. Our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all - we accomplished much with the help of many!      

Finally, we pay homage to Nancy Hill’s many years of service as our Building Administrator—a time consuming and at times thankless job with little reward except the occasional kudos from an appreciative patron or fellow Board member and the knowledge of a job well done. For her tireless efforts and dedication, this Board is eternally grateful. While Nancy remains on the Board as First Vice President and at the helm of the Lakeside Players, she passes the mantle of responsibility for scheduling and managing the physical facility to the capable hands of Sherry Waldron. We welcome her energy and service to this Board and in exchange offer our support to her in this vital role.     

I look forward to another year as Corresponding Secretary of the BLCC, ever grateful to Bob Lee’s willingness to “ghost write” on occasion. For information about scheduling an event at the Bow Lake Grange Hall, contact Sherry Waldron, 664-2487. For general inquiry contact Lynn Lagasse 664-6852 or Bob Lee 664-9516