PORTSMOUTH ROTARY LOG for February 16, 2017
By Dick Seery
Photos by Tube Loch
Imagine everyone’s day pretty much starting the same. Another dusting of snow to remove, … all of three inches. Then lunch at Portsmouth CC overlooking a snowy, dormant course. Out the window, against a splendorous white backdrop, a red and white range flag stood alone, fluttering in the breeze. What a perfect setting to be entertained with a wonderful music mix. And that we got from -- classical to pop – by professional acoustical-classic guitarist Matthew Lister of Dover.
Rotarian Cuzin Richard introduced Matt, noting his many engagements. Those include weddings, private venues and special occasions. He’s also played Sunday brunch entertainment gigs at area hotels like the Sheraton-Portsmouth and Wentworth By The Sea.
Matt’s musical genres span centuries from Bach to Led Zeppelin. Many attendees could relax listening to Ragtime, Latin, Flamenco, Pop, Rock and Celtic music. A summa cum laude graduate of UNH in Musical Performance, he teaches beginning and intermediate students in Dover. Testimonials identify his creative skills working with clients to create memorable experiences.
Birthdays: Several Rotarians celebrated more than 10 membership years:
John Lyons (11), Stanford Cross (21), Tony Delyani (27), Bobby Field (28) and Tom Decker (39)!
Announcements:
Justin Finn asked for volunteers to organize August’s Cross-Country fund raiser.
President James Peterson recognized Rotarian Tom Decker for his generous $5,000 donation for hospital equipment in Tanzania. Rotarian Taylor Forbes shared her family’s excitement at the Westminster Dog Show. Their Italian bred Spinone won both Best-In-Breed and Award of Merit-Sporting Group from the Kennel Club.
At the latest Board Meeting, donations and scholarship funds were budgeted. The Basic Needs Committee approved $500 to each of six local charities who also benefit from recent peanut butter jar donations. The William Cash Committee arranged $1,000 for the purchase of library books for teaching English as a second language in Kolkata, India. Plus, a total of more than $56,000 funded four scholarship programs. There was also a $600 discretionary gift to the Portsmouth Girls Softball Association. What a great feeling to be part of a super-dynamic Rotary Club.
New Member:
Karen Kindle sponsored by Stella Scamman.
Happy Bucks & Fines: Happy Bucks voluntarily flowed from around the room.
Fine Master, Neil Ouellett, followed up the Happy $ collection. Calling up favorite Valentine’s Day remembrances, Neil trapped many attendees (Neil previously promised to fervently bolster the President’s Fund revenues.)
Guests / Hosts:
Karen Kindle / Stella Scamman
Dorothy Powers / Husband Bill
Madeline Warren / Cleo Villaflores
Jessica Tabor / Aileen Dugan
Chris Dunn / Julie Cosgrove
Raffle:
$52 won by new member Caitlyn Hassett. No match for $225 Bonus!
Respectfully submitted, Dick Seery
