February 17, 2011: Rotary Log (Literacy in Pakistan)
The first signs of warm weather and spring were upon us as Portsmouth Rotarians came together in good numbers last Thursday. Members who missed the previous meeting bought 50-50 tickets in quantity, unaware that their hope for a profitable ‘match’ were dashed by Cathy Edison winning the big pot last week.
After guest speaker Rachel Williams led us in the 4-Way Test, Rev. Allen brought us together us with a blessing, and then oddly, no opening song (perhaps not to overshadow the somewhat lackluster performances from the Grammy Awards the previous Sunday).
(Log by Steve Mailhot and photos by Dave Underhill, click here for slide show )
Rotary Log
Meeting 2-17-11
Fellow Rotarians then welcomed their guests, including Sam Allen, one of our outbound Rotary Exchange Students from
Midge Leiter-Nelson, President of Seacoast Rotary also joined us -- a good reminder for all of us to visit our neighboring club, whether for a make-up meeting or just to join them in some early morning Rotary cheer.
Sue Wolf was scheduled to give her vocation, but unfortunately was not in attendance. Perhaps, she was busy with finishing touches on the renovations to downtown’s F.A. Gray store.
Happy Bucks followed which found Tricia Cummings cheerfully announcing a trip to Disney World, Judy Ringer celebrating the gift of song, and Jamie DeStefano happy to announce one of her children as the recipient of a
There were a few notable Rotary announcements, including the raising of $500 from crushed cans. ‘Lou’ Ferland, along with deputy Kay Jarvis, also announced the upcoming
Mort Schmidt had an announcement regarding twins and apparently the oil cartel table spent much time discussing soft, high-thread-count bed sheets – (where has Rotary gone???). There was also some sort of announcement by Walter Liff about a new public speaking program led by Basil and him – but to be honest, it was too difficult to understand what he was trying to say.
Karen Pierce also received George's Rotary Badge in memory of her husband, George. We miss him.
Up at the podium, Tony Delyani had a few words about Rotary’s Visioning Committee – our chance to have a say in the future of Rotary in our club and beyond,
and Rick Page also spoke to Rotary’s Senior Youth Exchange Program. Joanie Dickinson reminded everyone about the Annual Rotary Auction on April 7th, at the Downtown Marriott Residence Inn – volunteers still needed to help with rounding up auction items via phone or email.
President Diane Foley also welcomed us to join in the kick-off to Polio Awareness Week this past Monday in
Lyn-Del then welcomed our guest speaker Rachel Williams,
who gave a rousing and educational talk on the cause of Literacy in
People who wish to learn more about this cause are encouraged to read the New York Times Bestseller, Greg Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea, an account of his journey to promote peace in this part of the world through literacy and education. Our meeting concluded with the inspirational words of Nelson Mandela that “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
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