President Yvonne opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Sara presented a touching invocation in honor of recently departed Joan Rice. Known to many of us,
Joan had been a Rotarian recognized with a Paul Harris Award back in the day. She will be sorely missed.
Guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced. Jon Flagg presented an unapproved flurry of fines, primarily on those who had enjoyed sunnier weather or injured themselves. I think that dogs should be excluded from fines.
Yvonne presented a single flower to all female Rotarians in honor of International Women’s Day.
Past president James also earned one though he wasn't in his leopard skin dress.
Ted Alex then introduced Elsy Cipriani of New Generations, here to thank the club for our hands-on project there. New Gen provides safe and secure shelter for women and children facing homelessness.
Through our grant and volunteer hours we renovated a bathroom and shower sorely in need of help. With gratitude, Elsy showed a self-produced video of Rotary volunteers at work as well as the before and after of this project. We have never been treated to such a well thought out thank you. Makes it all worthwhile.
Neal Ouellett then introduced our speaker, Ted Alex. Ted, after 16 Rotoplast trips, gave us a taste of the remarkable work done on these expeditions. The setting, difficulties, joys, and even high jinks were clear from his slide show. It is humbling to understand the commitment made by all these volunteers.
All of which serves as a reminder that the club’s Rotoplast trip to India fast approaches and we need to support it. Fundraising kicks off March 26 at the Atlantic Grill with a 5PM gathering there. We are nearly halfway to our goal of $100,000. Don’t forget.
Ben Wheeler rose to relate the myriad ways Ted has enriched our community. From leading many hands-on projects to providing chess instruction and sets to more than 5000 students, he has been a shining example of service before self.
A surprise visitor, Angela Tetreault of WMUR-TV, then came on our screen. She announced that Ted will be included in their The Hero Among Us project. A more suitable candidate could not have been chosen.
Don’t forget the hands-on at Connections March 15 and 16.
Rebecca won the $42-dollar 50/50 pot and a match for $400 dollars!
Respectfully submitted, Al Lantinen
Photos by Sara Treacy
Greenland, NH 03840
United States of America