NASHUA – Monday evening brought new changes for the Rotary Club of Nashua with a Changing of the Guard meeting celebrating Ian Bowker’s past year as president. Michael Aquino, who has been with the club for 12 years, was recognized as the new president, after being sworn in by Bowker and getting the official club gavel.

During the celebration, Bowker reflected on his year as president. He spoke to the success of the club during the past year. As accomplishments, he cited:

• Seeing 12 new members join the club;

• Giving away money and scholarships to deserving agencies and students; and

• Being involved in various community events.

He thanked his committees for their “fantastic” work, along with his family for their support. And finally, he thanked his fellow Rotarians.

“Without you, our club would be nothing,” Bowker said.

Aquino said he hopes to stand in front of the club in a year and say half the things that Bowker did.

“I think the club has set itself up for success,” Aquino said.

He said that for him, it’s all about keeping this past year’s momentum going.

“It’s certainly an honor and privilege to be standing here,” Aquino said. “This can be a daunting task, but the support is unreal and the people we have make it what it is. We have an exciting year.”

For the next year, Aquino said he will focus on membership and engagement, making sure that members are involved in their communities and that the community is aware of what the club does.

In thanking Bowker for his service during the last year, Aquino presented Bowker with gifts on behalf of the club including a glass gavel and a “past president” badge.

Also Monday evening, long-time member Kevin Halloran, who was Rotary Club of Nashua president from 2007-08 was recognized as the 2019 Rotarian of the Year.

Each year, a committee picks a Rotarian who has gone above and beyond to help the community.

Former Rotarian of the Year Tony Martinez said through the years, he has noticed Halloran’s growth within the club.

“He’s an extremely worthy recipient of this recognition,” Martinez said of Halloran. “(He) is my friend, but more than that, he’s an excellent Rotarian and an exceptional rotarian of the year and I’m proud to call him that.”

Rotary Club of Nashua Vice President Bill Barry spoke on behalf of Halloran. Barry, who has known Halloran for about 25 years, spoke highly of Halloran as a family man, a business partner, a fellow director and a respected Rotarian.

“He’s an intelligent partner. He’s smart, he’s analytical… most importantly he always has your back,” Barry said.

Barry also spoke of Halloran as a president, telling him he did a tremendous job.

“What I think makes him so deserving of this award is what he’s done since he’s been president,” Barry said. “He is always available to the club president, he has chaired many committees and events without personal accolade, or wanting credit. He did it for Rotary.”

He added, “Kevin was invaluable in the assistance he has given going forward.”

Barry said Halloran lives by the old Rotary Club of Nashua motto.

“When asked to do something, his response is, ‘Yes I can, yes I will.’ (He) is very deserving of this honor of being Rotarian of the year for all he has done and all he will continue to do.”

Halloran said it was an honor to be part of the Rotary Club of Nashua.

“I just love Rotary, and what Rotary does,” Halloran said. “Rotary is a lot, but it means a lot to me.”

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.