Rotary Log for April 20, 2017

Rotary Log for April 20, 2017

By Suzanne Rapoza

Photos by: Tube Loch

President James brought the meeting to order as Al Lantinen led us in song. Greeter, Gene Doherty, then directed the Four Way test. Sara Treacy gave a lovely invocation.

Guests to this week’s meeting included Kevin Schultz’s two daughters Courtney and Elizabeth. Also Matt Randall, who has applied for membership.

Club announcements. James thanked Craig Taylor for assisting the club with iCloud picture storage and Tiffany McKenna for helping Peg get to Braintree. Bob Sheesley spoke on behalf of Golf Tournament Chair Peter Grace. He reminded us that a quarter page ad in the program is just $150 dollars. Please speak with Peter upon his return from “riding on his hog” with any questions or interest.

James said that Nancy Clayburgh has a few events coming up in the near future. May 6^th is the Kent LePage Greenhouse effort--details are to come. May 11^th will see a clothing drive…

Marie Brownell’s scholarship committee has begun interviewing area senior high school students. Out of 10 kids they met with on one day, seven mentioned the chess program!

Speaking of which, Ted says the chess program is hosting a tournament May 4^th at the Portsmouth Middle School.

Joanie Dickinson invited us to participate in the Wallis Sands beach clean-up day with the Interact Club May 11^th. May will be a busy month!

A new member. Chad Chadwick, sponsored by Ed Mallon, was introduced as our newest member. Chad spent 28 years in the Army. He finds that throughout his life he lives by “Duty, Honor, Country.” While Rotary uses different words, the meaning is similar, Chad finds. He looks forward to being a faithful Rotarian.

Paul Harris Award presentation. Jay Gibson and his merry group approached the podium to present Walter Liff with Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Jay said some very kind things about Walter. We learned about his extraordinary fellowship, artistic talents and community service. It was incredible to hear about and see the many metal sculptures and custom weather vanes that Walter has crafted. What an amazing talent! His work has been recognized nationally and some of his art is permanently on display at the White House. His devotion to community service in a very quiet and unassuming way is inspirational.

By the way, it was Walter’s idea to create the “bonus match,” which has increased ticket sales. We also got the inside scoop on how the “Gambler’s Anonymous” table pool their tickets. What a great way to combine fellowship and fun! Thank you, Walter, for your many contributions and service!

Guest speakers. Our guest speakers this week were Tom Gauthier who works for community relations at CHaD and Nick Vailas, CEO BASC/NASC. Tom showed the club a great video which showcased the East/West N.H. All-Star football game, a huge fundraising event for CHaD. Since its inception, the East/West game has raised $1.3 million dollars. Some 2500 fans gather for the love of football and the love of children. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to Kristen’s Gift Endowment Fund for children, fighting cancer at CHaD.

Nick Vailas, a former football coach and father of a former talented UNH QB, explained his inspiration for creating the game. Two close friends lost children to cancer, losing everything financially caring for them in the process. Since then, the East/West game is providing money that helps families meet these expenses. This year’s goal is $300,000.

The game does not just raise money for this important cause. It also teaches student athletes about philanthropy. Last year, the players alone raised $70,000. This year’s contest is June 30 at St. Anselm College football field. All are welcome to attend!

Happy Dollars did not make an appearance during this week’s action packed meeting. However, Walter (who else!?) won the raffle. The table walked away with $55 but did not match the number for the $75 bonus. Better luck next week!

Respectfully submitted, Suzanne Rapoza