Rotary Log for March 16, 2023
Sunshine and a brisk winter’s day greeted Rotarians at Service Credit Union. A far cry from the week’s crazy Nor’easter with its rain, sleet and snow. Smiling Greeter Frank Nappo welcomed Rotarians and guests, many wearing bright shades of green in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day. Nice to see a glowing Ann Bliss return, after her life changing two months in India. More from that country later.
President Joanie called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Al Lantinen impressed the crowd as he directed singing of When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. John (O) Sullivan offered a traditional Irish Prayer. Returning Rotarian Frank Nappo guided us through the 4-Way Test.
Guests impressively included: Rotarians via Zoom from India, Tom Morgan’s wife Ann, Jonathan Day (Priscilla MacInnis) and Monte Bohanan (Karen Conard.) Also on hand were Ukrainian student Vol Lysianskyi (Yvonne Legge) and Joe Sunderland (President Joanie).
Portsmouth’s Little Tokyo and Saigon prepared the delicious luncheon. Thank you to the volunteers doing valuable set up and clean up.
Announcements.
Special kudos and gratitude to Barb Miller for her leadership as William Cash Committee chairperson. And thank you to Steve Bennett for agreeing to take over that position.
Important dates to note begin with Thursday’s meeting as we will snap a group picture. Tuesday, March 28th from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. is an impromptu gathering at the Library Restaurant for the “official” 100th Anniversary toast. Next Thursday, March 30, is the Annual Joke Show. The big 100th Anniversary Party at the Elks is April 20 at 5:30 p.m. and Changing of the Guard is June 22.
Paul Harris Awards.
Foundation Committee co-chair Aileen Dugan, eloquently talked about the high honor of being named a Paul Harris Fellow.
From there Karen Conard and Priscilla MacInnis welcomed our newest Paul Harris Fellows, Monte Bohanan and Jonathan Day. Monte is well known locally for his work at the Music Hall and grassroots efforts with the Halloween Parade. He is Portsmouth’s newly named Director of Communications and Community Engagement.
Jonathan Day was a 2017 Ten-to-Watch Winner. He is an Air National Guardsman, marketeer, Halloween parade lead dancer and extraordinary volunteer. Those efforts include work with Seacoast Rep and Big Brothers. He is the managing partner of Centrus Digital. Congratulations to both winners!
Our program.
We moved from local Rotary pride to reaching around the world and making a difference. Speaker Bob Herold, International Service/Foundation Committee co/chair, introduced us to the Rotary Dialysis Centre project in Narnaul, India. This life changing initiative was funded through the efforts of our club, the Naurnal Rotary Club, district funds, a Rotary Global Grant, and the power of Rotary International.
Speaking to us via Zoom from the northwest corner of India, an amazing Narnaul Rotarian named Gaurav gave us a tour. We saw a local hospital stocked with the necessary equipment to allow for kidney dialysis.
Though 7600 miles away, the facility stands as a huge credit to the power of Rotarians working together. Free of charge, this center offers hope to people with end stage renal failure. Thanks to Bob Herold and his team for representing our support. At this point about 1200 patients have been enrolled.
Hats off to our tech committee for working hard to maintain the Zoom connection with our friends in India. The huge video screens provided by Service Credit Union made the experience even more impactful.
The weekly raffle prize was $44 dollars with a $100-dollar bonus. Chris Oberg won it all. His lucky 7 was a match.
All in all, the meeting is a good lead into this week’s feel good Paul Harris Award Day.
Respectfully submitted, Nancy Notis
Photos by Don Chick and Francoise Meissner
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Portsmouth, NH 03801
United States of America