A Rousing Celebration of the Season
and a Tall Trailer Tale
and a Tall Trailer Tale
A festive Dave Underhill greeted Rotarians and guests as we returned to our intimate winter digs-the Country Club bar. He followed up with a raucous leading of the Four-way Test. Michael Buble wannabe, Dan, hit the right notes to kick off a spirited God Bless America. And President-elect Ian offered the inspirational message.
Next up, Steve Wood read a very funny, original recounting of the Christmas Tree trailer purchase. There was an interesting backstory we didn’t know about, involving a negotiation with some shady characters.
According to one of the club’s agents, Attorney Hoefle, the Board had approved between 10 and 30k. The actual amount was inconsequential to the barrister. The purchase, somewhere between those amounts, was made off a backlot by Misters Hoefle and Alex. A great deal! However, when Steve attempted to register the trailer, he discovered that there was no Vehicle Registration Number. And the manufacturer was bankrupt.
The question, asked Steve, is the trailer hot? Turns out Steve was able to unravel the miasma, okay…honest mistake. It took hours of his time and cost the club $242 dollars. Steve asked yours truly to determine a fine. The verdict: $242, with all but $2.00 forgiven in the spirit of the season. Exceptional story, Steve. Really nice trailer too!
Two new members were introduced, an always special happening. President Midge herself introduced the first, Laurie Gosselin. Laurie is new to Midge’s neighborhood by way of Florida and New York City. The two were introduced by their dogs. Laurie looks forward to being a contributor to our club’s many activities.
Cleo introduced Patte Ardizonni, Development and Communications Director at Gather. Patte will be an Associate member through our new Group Membership category. Already involved in Rotary activity pending her Board approval, Patte said she wants to grow up to be like Nancy Notis. According to one Finemaster, a plaudit like that doesn’t come cheap, Nancy.
We moved on to the approval of the Club’s new leadership slate. Cleo asked for a vote and the motion was made to approve by casting one-vote. That motion passed, the one vote did so in the affirmative and we now have a new BOD in place — a fine example of democracy in action.
The Presenter: Peter Saliba, Executive Director Mayhew Program
The Mayhew Program, with roots back to 1893, began as an all-boys camp and wilderness program for boys 8-10, according to Executive Director Peter Saliba. These days the program focuses on boys referred by school counselors. They are youngsters who are more likely to be residing in shelters, kicked out of, or behind in school, or in trouble with the law.
According to their website, the aim is to help the boys apply the program’s ideals of respect, responsibility, community, and challenge to their lives at home, school and beyond. (www.mayhew.org).
There are three summer program components expanded to include boys aged 10 to 18. In the first two summers, there is an Island Challenge. This is a three-week camping experience where campers take on difficult physical, social, and emotional challenges. Summers three to six include week-long wilderness experiences. And in years seven and eight, the focus is on post-secondary planning. Each of the participants has individual monthly mentoring visits with professional staff. Twenty-three hundred boys have been served in this model, with 247 from the Seacoast.
The Songs of Christmas with Maestro John Rice
The packed meeting concluded with Christmas and other holiday songs. Each of the Rotations were arranged throughout the room to lead audience selections from a curated packet. It was a rousing celebration of the season, aided by the terrific accompaniment of keyboardist Kathy Fink. A fun time was had by all!
And so, our meetings ended for 2024 with a reminder that the next gathering would be on January 9, 2025. President Midge is half-way home to the conclusion of a great Rotary year.
The Raffle was won by somebody at the celebratory conclusion of a joyous meeting and was donated to the club. Happy New Year all!
Respectfully submitted, Neal Ouellett
Photos by Don Chick
