Rotary Log for April 18, 2019
President Cleo opened a well-attended meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Greeter Kevin Schultz 4-Way Tested us. Our own acapella group, The Rotations, led us in a stirring rendition of the Coast Guard Anthem. We were puzzled at this song choice until informed that Walter Liff had served in the Coast Guard (more on Walter later.) John Lyons delivered a profound invocation.
Guests and Rotarian hosts
Doug Scamman (Stella Scamman)
Linda Underhill (Dave Underhill)
Larry Murphy (Joanie Dickinson)
Ian O’Neal (Susan Gold)
Daniel Lyons (father of Richard Lyons)
Nicole Scamio (Susan Gold)
Josiah Babcock (Marcie Bergen)
Walter Liff (a guest, we wondered?)
An entire table of Alex family relations, including mother Frances, wife Cindy, daughter Kelly and grandchildren Hayden and Kamryn.
Announcements, Historical Moment, Raffle
The annual Golf Outing is scheduled for June 28. Contact a committee member to help out.
Jon Flagg found a past Rotary Log that highlighted Reverend Allen’s memorized recitation of the poem “The Owl and The Pussycat.”
The $68-dollar raffle was won but no bonus.
Paul Harris Fellow Award to Walter Liff
After 30 years of Rotarian membership and with his 80th birthday looming, Walter Liff tendered his resignation in March. Fortunately he was not allowed to leave quietly! Cleo announced that he was to be honored. His “gamblers table” friends shared stories of the Walter they and we have appreciated over the years.
Many of us are familiar with the Walter who worked tirelessly with Club activities. But who knew that Walter was the genesis of the raffle bonus pot! Or that Walter Liff metal art and sculptures are nationally renowned! And that, among other posts, Walter served as New Castle Deputy Town Moderator for more than 20 years. For all his accomplishments and contributions, Cleo bestowed a well-deserved Paul Harris Fellow Award on Walter.
Ted Alex is given the 2d Annual Rev. Gordon Allen Humanitarian Award
Past President James Petersen hosted the award presentation. He explained that the purpose of the Humanitarian Foundation is to honor and perpetuate the legacy and memory of Rev. Allen. The annual award recognizes a person who demonstrates the many personal qualities embodied by Rev. Allen. Chief among these are outstanding character, wisdom and commitment to the community and the well-being of others.
To give the award context Sara Treacy remembered Rev. Allen. Before entering the clergy he served in the British Army in Malaysia. He earned three degrees from St. John’s College and was conversant in several languages. During Rev. Allen’s 39 years as a Rotarian, he served our community in many ways. He was Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church for 25 years. He was a director of the Mark Wentworth Home and the Salvation Army. Through all that, Rev. (or “Father”) Allen’s personal charm and congeniality endeared him to all.
Before Ted could accept the award, three fellow Rotarians and Ted’s wife, Cindy, shared stories, observations, anecdotes and accolades. Together they illustrated the life of a person well deserving of this award.
John Pappas noted that service is a passion of Ted’s Rotarian life. He is a galvanizing force behind many of our club’s service and hands-on projects. Ted makes sure that fellowship is a big part of these projects. The missions are accomplished in a manner that enhances our personal relationships with fellow Rotarians. John noted that in the aftermath of his son’s tragic disappearance, Ted initiated the Jeremy Alex Fund. Since its inception thousands of school children have benefited from its guidance and activities.
Neal Ouellett highlighted salient aspects of Ted’s character. Ted’s hopeful nature turns adversity into goodness. His disposition is that of a giver, a doer, a leader. Throughout, Ted exhibits humility.
Ben Wheeler lauded Ted’s participation in more than 13 Rotaplast trips, underscoring that Ted “doesn’t dip his toe into life, he dives in.” Ben joined John and Neal in thanking Ted for the caring personal relationships he has developed with them.
Cindy Alex observed that Ted is driven to give everyone and anyone the opportunity to experience an improved life. She added that none of Ted’s efforts are self-serving.
In graciously accepting the award Ted was true to form. He first congratulated Walter Liff for his earlier award. He noted his admiration for Rev. Allen. Then he thanked his fellow Rotarians.
It was a heart-felt celebration of one of our finest. A meeting that will live long in our memories.
In a business aside, James notes that the Humanitarian Foundation funds currently total $21,000-dollars. To fund an annual Rev. Gordon Allen award endowed funds must be at $30,000-dollars. James encouraged us to make the contributions necessary to reach that level.
Respectfully submitted, Richard Greulich
Photos by Tube Loch
