Portsmouth Rotary Log for January 26, 2017
By Lindsey Hery
Photos by Jim Rini
We were blessed with a glance into the future as President Elect Ben Wheeler led the meeting. That was because our fearless leader President James was off on an international service trip to India. The meeting began by honoring the memory of Jeff Marple with a moment of silence. Jeff passed away after spending more than 50 of his 75 years as a Portsmouth Rotarian. Greeter Betsy Scott next read the Four Way Test with a smile and enthusiasm. John Rice led a short, but sweet invocation.
Ben updated the club on James’ experience in India thus far. One highlight is that he recently gifted a special needs child with her first pair of eye glasses. James will continue his journey and share more upon his return.
Club announcements included a call for peanut butter. We have a goal of 150 jars that will go to needy local families. Basic Needs Committee Chair Ramona Dow is coordinating the effort. The Committee will be collecting the jars (or cash) at the February 2nd and 8th meetings.
The Communications Committee is making a call for help as we move to a new website. Interested parties should contact Susan Gold or Frank Firicano.
Happy dollars included thanks for the recovery of Larry Gray’s lost dog that was gone for more than two days. It was recovered near the Little Harbor Chapel. Larry believes the rescue was powered by the late Reverend Allen’s spirt. Gordon did serve at the chapel from time to time.
There was also, a bow to the women’s March on Washington from participant Marie Brownell.
Lastly, Neal Ouellett recognized Ted Alex’s international service and delivery of new chess sets to local communities.
Dave Holden, a former Portsmouth Planner, introduced guest speaker and Paul Harris Fellow, Cliff Sinnott. Cliff is head of the Rockingham Country Planning Commission (RPC). He was also former chair of Coastal Risks and Hazards Commission. The RPC was established by state law in the 1960’s. It serves as a resource to selected Rockingham County communities who do a lot of business together. The RPC advises them on, among other things, transportation, land use, climate change and cross city collaboration.
Sinnott discussed the RPC’s Master Plan, an advisory guide to the communities it serves. One key issue is the age demographic of these towns. With aging citizens and a decreasing population, we struggle to develop adequate resources. Affordable Housing for families and workers is a problem affecting our economic growth. Beyond housing, the RPC also evaluates the region’s water quality. To read the entire Plan, please visit www.rpc-nh.org.
Our own John Rice served as a member of the Coastal Risk and Hazards Commission. The Commission recently produced its final report and recommendations. It turned out to be a three-year project that aimed to assess our current risks and their impacts on coastal communities. The report produced guidelines to help towns plan and prepare for the next 100 years. Sinnott detailed the Commission’s findings about storm surge and sea level rise and how climate change will affect our coastline. Experts suggest that research be conducted and updated frequently. Other recommendations include early action, collaboration, and the importance of risk assessment during development projects.
Rotarians asked Sinnott important questions related to the rising cost of electrical power, water pollution and the future of Newington’s Schiller Station.
Join us next week as we welcome Jeffrey Hughes, Chief Strategy Officer from The Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.
Respectfully submitted, Lindsey Hery
