Home Page | Rotary club of Portsmouth

We meet Thursdays at 12:15 PM
Portsmouth Country Club

80 Country Club Lane
2nd Floor
Greenland, NH 03840
United States

Venue Map

Help us reach our goal of $95,000 - Thank you!

For more on this mission CLICK HERE

Final Stages of Planning for October Rotaplast Mission to Bangladesh

Rotaplast---Saving smiles, changing lives!

The members of the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, are in the final stages of planning an October 14 to October 28, Rotaplast mission to Bangladesh. The trip honors the generous spirit of the late Jim Labrie and his life of service. Rotaplast International is committed to helping children and families worldwide, by eliminating the burden of cleft lip and/or palate and other deformities. Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary teams to provide free reconstructive surgery and care for these children.

Top of the Week September 20, 2018

Top of the Week!

Fundraiser for Richie McFarland Children's Center

RMCC is looking for volunteers for Touch A Truck on Saturday, September 22^nd.

Crutches for Africa

Past President Bill relates the following regarding C4A:

“The next outgoing shipment for Crutches 4 Africa will be on October 6, starting at 9 AM. It will be held at our storage site at 20 Gooch St., Biddeford, ME 04005.

As you may remember the funds necessary to make this happen totaling $6,000.00 have been provided by our very own William Cash Fund and we should feel justifiably proud of this fact.

I recently assisted in driving a load of mobility devices up to the site and believe me there has been such an outpouring of support for this project. I haven’t an exact figure as to how many volunteers are needed but ‘many hands make short work’. Last year there were 8 of us from Portsmouth and perhaps 30 or 40 people total.

The job consists of packaging, packing and stuffing a 10ft x 10ft x 40ft container as full as possible. There was a good showing from interact clubs in the region which is why I’ve added Joanie to this email believing that perhaps this is a wonderful opportunity for a Portsmouth Interact project. We start at nine and we’re out by 12 or 1 feeling good about all we’ve accomplished. If you would like to volunteer your presence would be appreciated.

This is the kind of project you bring your significant other, brother or sister or mature children too for a day out helping people we will never meet but will be grateful to you for making their lives just a little bit easier. “

Please let Bill Hurley know if you would like to participate.

Greater Seacoast Coalition to End Homelessness

And we received this from Paige Farmer, Director of The Greater Seacoast Coalition to End Homelessness.

“Among the many projects and strategies we are working on to prevent and eliminate homelessness in our area, we are hosting an event for rental property owners and managers on September 25th. I was hoping we could share our flyer with you, and that you in turn might share it with the members of your club. We are also happy to provide additional information regarding the Coalition's work and history in the area. Thank you so much for considering!

Paige Farmer, Director Greater Seacoast Coalition to End Homelessness c/o United Way of the Greater Seacoast 112 Corporate Ave. Portsmouth, NH 03801 (207) 698-0952

Click below for the GSCH Fact Sheet

https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000006644/en-ca/files/homepage/gsch-fact-sheet/GSCH-Fact-Sheet-August-2018.pdf

National Alliance on Mental Illness

And this from NAMI:

Every year, mental illness impacts the lives of one in five adults and children across the United States.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) New Hampshire is committed to improving the lives of all people affected by mental illness and suicide through support, education and advocacy. As a grassroots coalition of people living with mental illness and their families, NAMI NH has over 35 years of service to Granite State children, transition age youth, adults, and seniors, offering statewide activities which provide education/training and support to individuals, families and communities. The organization also promotes and provides advocacy and empowerment at the individual/family level as well as at the systems level by offering members, volunteers, and stakeholders training and graduated opportunities to build confidence in advocacy and leadership skills. Last year, NAMI NH provided support, education and advocacy to over 21,000 individuals.

At NAMI NH, we envision a future where people affected by mental illness have hope, help, and health, and are able to:

Access the supports and evidence-based treatment necessary for recovery;
Have a lifespan that is not cut short by suicide or co-occurring conditions; and
Reach their full potential, living in their communities free from discrimination.

On September 30, 2018, for the 16^th consecutive year, hundreds of Granite Staters will lace up their sneakers and do their part to support their loved ones, friends, co-workers, and neighbors affected by mental illness and suicide. Last year over 1,200 Walkers participated in NAMIWalks New Hampshire, the single largest mental health awareness raising event held in the state. The proceeds from the Walk help sustain life-changing programs at NAMI NH that raise awareness and decrease stigma, help end the isolation that families experiencing mental illness feel, and work to prevent suicide. We hope the Portsmouth Rotary Club will consider supporting the Walk this year.

Fourteen years ago, I found support and compassion at NAMI NH while struggling to understand a family member’s mental illness. Perhaps someone you know has an illness like this and you’ve seen it firsthand; it is impossible to describe the strain mental illness places on family members. Without NAMI support groups, my family might have collapsed under the stress. Most importantly, I learned that I was not alone. I am asking you to support funding for NAMI New Hampshire’s family and individual support and education programs. NAMI’s programs are offered free to those in need of help and hope. Your support of NAMIWalk will help make sure these programs and services are available to the next family who needs them.

An overview of the NAMIWalks NH Sponsorship Opportunities and Benefits is attached for your review. (click on link below) Our Tax ID number is 22-276073. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 603-913-5002 or robin.alvanos@faa.gov.

Thank you for your kind consideration of our request. Together, we can ensure thousands of Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide find help and find hope.

Sincerely,

Robin Alvanos

NAMI New Hampshire Volunteer

https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000006644/en-ca/files/homepage/nami-walks-nh/NAMIWalks-NH-Sponsor-Opportunities-2018.pdf

Serving Up Smiles at the Salvation Army

Caitlin Burke, Bill Hurley, Sara Treacy and Betsy Scott served up a delicious meal and lots of smiles.

If you think you might want to help out at the next Salvation Army service, contact Sara Treacy.

Sorry We Missed You

If you have a makeup for a missed meeting, please email it to the following link:

Makeups

Check Your Profile

The Communications Committee is asking that everyone log onto ClubRunner and check your profile to make sure it is up to date. Change is part of life and we hope to be able to reflect those changes in our website. Happy surfing.

Rotary Connections is back!!!

Rotary Connections let’s our members know that their Rotary club is thinking of them. Members facing a health issue, death in the family or a life celebration, we are here!

If you know of any of our members who may need a Rotary Connections, please reach out to the Cathy Nickerson or President Ben.

Let us Know What is Happening!

If you have an event or news that you would like to share with your fellow Rotarians, please forward the information to Dennis Moulton for inclusion in the weekly eBulletin. My contact information is d-moulton@comcast.net. And please send photos!

Rotary Log for September 6, 2018

Rotary Log for September 6 , 2018

President Cleo opened the meeting promptly at 12:15. Al Lantinen then led us in My Country Tis of Thee.

John St Pierre directed the Four- Way Test, while Senor Rice provided the Invocation.

At 12:27 Cleo brought the meeting back to order.

Guests and Visiting Rotarians

Portsmouth Police Chief Robert Merner (Moe Sullivan)

Heather Ingert (Tristan Shanley)

Catherine Wolf (Sue Wolf)

Scott Henry (Justin Finn)

Swedish Rotarian Langoiigen Helsingborg presented a banner. He hails from a city of 140,000. There are six clubs in that metro area comprised of 45-members each. Some 37% of those members are female. Well done!

Club Announcements

Kathy Nickerson of the Basic Needs Committee announced Cross Roads House is our new charitable partner this year. Cross Roads Executive Director Martha Stone will visit September 20. She’ll bring us up-to-date on current events there and volunteer opportunities.

Barb Miller said that the Cash Committee had donated $1000 to the Pan Mass Challenge and The Dana Farber Cancer Center.

Jon Flagg revisited the minutes of the September 2^nd, 1954 meeting. (Wasn't Mort Schmidt there in person??) Senator Upton was the guest speaker in front of 64 Rotarians, 14 visiting Rotarians, and two guests.

Cleo recognized the following Rotarians birthdays:

Dave Underhill 34 years

Bob Herold 38 years

Neal Ouellette 29 years

Basil Richardson 400 years (True story, he was on the Mayflower.)

Guest Speaker

Stella Scamman introduced New Hampshire’s 82d governor, John Sununu. Sununu, who lives in Newfields, is the youngest U.S. governor.

The Republican leader has been in office for 20 months and is proud of his administration’s accomplishments in the economy, deregulation and taxes. He is a strong believer that supporting business will create more tax revenue and organic job growth. The state currently has its largest workforce ever with 20,000 unfilled jobs and 2.7% unemployment. That is effectively full employment. Gov. Sununu is a firm believer that the job of Government is to provide opportunity.

New Hampshire is currently so cash rich that the state can now afford to invest money in roads, bridges and safe schools. We are also building the state’s cash reserves since, as Sununu says, “These are high times for New Hampshire and a recession is inevitable.”

The Governor is proud that he supports and funded full-time kindergarten, while also doubling money for Addiction programs. Still, he understands that the addiction crisis will be with us for decades to come and will take more than money to cure. Improved communication between all stakeholders is critical.

Sununu knows that our mental health support services are not well-funded and poorly functioning. He has had several meetings to discuss every element of health care. As a result, he has doubled funding for addiction and mental health to $45 Million. The Sununu administration has also created a decentralized delivery system with nine hubs throughout the state. Patients no longer need come only to Concord for their healthcare. This is incredibly important as New Hampshire now has some of the highest rates of alcoholism per capita in the country. Further, Veterans can now see doctors in private hospitals and not just the V.A.

After fielding questions on marijuana legalization (he doesn’t support) and Rooms and Meals Tax redistribution (he supports) the meeting was adjourned at 1:15.

Respectfully submitted, Dutiful Scribe du Jour, Everett Eaton

Photos by Jim Rini

Rotary Log for September 13, 2018

Rotary Log for Thursday, September 13^th, 2018

I arrived at 11.45am - starving. Steak tips today – yes!! I was greeted by Chad Chadwick. Before I even got my badge, I was given a lapel pin with this year’s Rotary slogan: “Be the Inspiration”

Polish phrase of the day - bądź inspiracją- “be the inspiration.” As a proof that anyone reads this, please see me next week to practice the pronunciation.

Al Lantinen led us in song-America the Beautiful

Invocation was given by John Rice who invited us to eat as friends. Did I mention steak tips?

John Lobosco (our new District Governor) continued to hand out the new Rotary pins. (Hooray for new Rotary jewelry! Will anyone be able to ever outdo Marie Brownell with her pins?)

Guests:

Leo Gagnon brought his mother Sandra.

Lindsay Hery hosted Linda Vaderdale.

Tristan Shanley’s guest was Heather Inyard, who was put on Seven Day Notice.

Yours truly invited Ann Bliss to our meeting and Ex District Governor Dave Underhill brought his lovely wife Linda. For an impromptu charade, Dave introduced my guest (since he knows her) and I introduced his.

Pat Novello was again the guest of Nancy Clayburgh. Pat is considering joining our Club. Everyone later sang happy birthday to Nancy who, of course, directed us.

Our guest speaker, new District Governor John Lobosco (Cape Elizabeth club) was accompanied by his wife Sue.

Also in attendance was our Assistant District Governor Larry Marsolais from the Hampton club.

Lindsay Graham made an announcement about volunteers needed for upcoming 5k race on 10/7 benefiting Seacoast Community School. More info here: https://www.prescottpark.org/event/roadrace

Dave Holden reminded us that primary elections are over and thanked Stella for arranging many of our political guest speakers. Eddie Edwards (R) and Chris Pappas (D) who both spoke last month, were winners. Molly Kelly won the Democratic primary without ever coming to the Portsmouth Country Club. Amazing! She will square off against incumbent Chris Sununu, our guest at the annual barbecue.

John Flagg read the Rotary Log from August 31, 1967. It contained useful tips on piloting a plane, such as landing it in a straight line and not stepping or riding on wings. I promise to remember that on my next business trip.

Next, Cleo introduced Dave Underhill, gently suggesting that he keep it short. He did. He advised that he no longer is a District Governor. Dave then presented our new Governor with a club flag (with a personal secret message hand written on it.)

DG Lobosco presented Cleo with her Presidential Pin. (The Queen has been officially crowned and is perfecting her royal hand wave.) Then John revealed how he first got involved with Rotary. His first meeting was The Lobster Bake. He also won the raffle that day. No wonder he is hooked for life! Have I mentioned steak tips yet?

John spoke about goals for our district, which include increasing membership from 1600 to 2000 in five years. He also wants collaborate with other service clubs (such as the Lions club.) Other goals include maintaining one free library in each community and supporting Leadership Awards. He was proud that the Rotary is about to ship the seventh container of crutches and walkers for Crutches for Africa!

John invited us all (bring your mother, kids, goldfish) to a District Rotary Picnic on 6/22/19

More info here https://www.capeelizabeth.com/news/2018/fw_rotary_event.html

We are all also cordially invited to Joint Foundation and Membership seminar with Julia Phelps (Amesbury, Mass. club and TRF Trustee) https://rotary7780.org/event/joint-foundation---membership-seminar/

John also mentioned that Rotary is committed to solving the world’s water and sanitation problem by 2030. If we can eradicate Polio we can certainly accomplish this as well.

Yours truly, Polish first time note scriber, Yvonne Legge

New Members Photos

To see photos of our new members click on the following link:

http://portsmouthrotary.org/PhotoAlbums/new-member-photos-welcome

Cash Committee Meeting
Eastern Bank

Sep 26, 2018
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Board Meeting
Service Credit Union Corporate Office

Oct 03, 2018
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Basic Needs Committee Meeting
Infinite Imaging

Oct 10, 2018
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Communications Committee Meeting
Portsmouth Country Club

Oct 11, 2018
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Salvation Army Soup Kitchen
Salvation Army

Oct 29, 2018
4:00 PM – 6:15 PM
Cash Committee Meeting
Eastern Bank

Oct 31, 2018
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM