Rotary Log of April 21, 2016
by Aileen Dugan
Photos by Tube Loch
We arrived for our Thursday meeting on a beautiful and sunny April day. The dining room was positively brimming with lots of busy Rotarians doing good work in our community.
There were many guests, too, notable among them Linda Underhill, wife of soon to be District Governor Elect Dave Underhill. Dave and Linda have been making the rounds and visiting every club in our District. They have also been attending other Rotary events, so their schedule is “Rotary-filled” every day.
Leo Gagnon introduced his guest Jennifer Wheeler, Director of Leadership Seacoast. Jennifer is known to many of us who have participated in that program. She has been at the helm for the past 15 years. Neal Ouellett’s guest was past club member Norm Olsen. Also visiting was Steve Kniaz, who recently retired and transferred from our club to the Durham Great Bay Rotary Club. He was back to join us for lunch and to tout a fundraiser that they are holding, Dinner by the Vineyard. The wine dinner, featuring Rebecca Rule, will take place Friday, May 29th at Flag Hill Winery in Durham. For more information, visit the Flag Hill website.
In other important news, Ben Wheeler announced there will be a Hands On Project at Point of Graves Cemetery in Portsmouth on April 30th from 1-3. It will be a joint project with our adjoining District, who will be in town for their District Conference. He asked all who are able to volunteer for this cleanup. Point of Graves is located next to Prescott Park. It is the oldest cemetery in the city.
Past President Tony Delyani revisited the attendance rules for us. A key take away point is that your overall attendance including makeups must be 60% or greater. If you attend an event and need “make-up” credit, you must inform our club secretary, Deb Grabowski. Let her know the event you are attending and the date of the meeting that you are making up. The event must have occurred within two weeks of the meeting you missed.
You have many choices for make-ups. There are Hands On projects, Christmas Tree sales, the Thanksgiving meal, evening social gatherings and other opportunities for fellowship. If you have a special circumstance affecting your attendance or know of a fellow Rotarian experiencing one, don’t be shy. Just please reach out to the Club President or the Attendance Committee.
Andy Chace spoke as Co-Chair of the Golf Tournament. Each year the money raised through generous sponsors and golfers alike is used to endow our Basic Needs Fund. As a result, the fund has grown tremendously. Ultimately, this makes us able to support our community’s need for food, shelter and warm clothing, among other things.
Next at the podium was President-Elect James. James presented a motion to increase our dues from $125 to $150. Dues have not been raised in more than 10 years. They are the only source of funds for our club’s day to day operations. Dues cover costs such as our web site, bank fees, printing costs, banners, insurance and other incidentals. Primarily, however, they cover our dues to Rotary International and to District 7780. This amounts to $110 per year per member. After some discussion the motion was passed by a ballot vote of 73 in favor and 1 opposed.
Past President Ted Alex introduced Jasmine, the 12-year-old recipient of the Jeremy Alex music scholarship to Portsmouth Music and Arts Center. This young lady impressed us all as she accompanied herself on guitar and sang Taylor Swift’s “White Horse.” The Jeremy Alex Fund supports interests and causes that Jeremy, Ted’s son, held dear. In addition to the ongoing chess sets for area grade school students, it provides music lessons for budding young artists. The funds gave Jasmine an opportunity that would otherwise would have been out of reach.
Program Committee Chair, Dave Holden, introduced our speaker, Janet Prescott, speaking on behalf of the Hospice Help Foundation. The Foundation assists terminally clients with emotional and financial needs. Items that are not covered under the auspices of Hospice care.
Janet shared with us the heartbreaking story of Gemma, an 18- month-old who was dying from a genetic disorder. Her parents had both quit their jobs to care for her. As a result, they were facing financial ruin and eviction. Hospice Help was able to cover two months of their daily living expenses. This aid allowed them to be with and focus on their daughter in her last days.
The Foundation has also helped terminally ill patients meet veterinary bills for cherished pets. It has provided funds to grant someone’s last wishes. The Fund has also covered transportation costs for loved ones to see a patient before they die.
The Foundation is currently sponsoring community outreach to try to normalize discussions about death and dying. They hosted a Death Café in the fall that was attended by 60 people. The next Death Café will be held at Portsmouth Library on June 4th. A nationally recognized expert is slated to speak.
The purpose of Janet’s visit to us was twofold. First, she wants us to help spread the message that these services are available. Second, she is asking for our support. To make a donation, visit www.hhelpfoundation.org or contact Janet Prescott, Executive Director, at 603-766-0444.
Respectfully submitted, Aileen Dugan
