Rotary Log for Thursday April 29th, 2021 via Zoom meeting
Another fun virtual Zoom meeting today led by our Head Viking President Jon Flagg. We had 36 members present. Only one more Zoom meeting and then we go live and in person!!!!!
Judy Ringer belted out Let There Be Peace on Earth. Wow!
John Rice gave a touching invocation, as usual. We are all praying for the people of India, struggling with overwhelming Corona Virus cases.
Announcements.
Neal Ouellette has started a scholarship fund by donating $50,000 dollars. He is also matching the next $100,000 dollars. If we each contribute $100 dollars, that will raise a quarter million dollars. (Not sure how Jon’s math works here but just go along...) We’ve already raised $38,000 dollars.
Steve Wood, our treasurer gave us an update on our financial health.
June 4th to 5th is the District Virtual Conference. They are looking for items to auction off. Do you have anything cool or valuable?
My Rotary Job
It was Dennis Moulton’s turn to share. He is the publisher of the Club Bulletin. This job entails compiling stories, which have been previously edited by John Rice. He also inserts images taken by Don Chick and then posts the Bulletin online and via email on a weekly basis.
In real life Dennis is a Civil engineer and works for Eric Weinrieb. Dennis is a winner of the best Zoom background. I am so glad it’s National Zipper Day--I am looking forward to National button fly day. JK.
Happy dollars:
Ann Bliss – going to Texas to see Grandkids.
Jon – going to the camp to open it and drop the dock.
John Sullivan- got his second shot.
Priscilla – getting her second shot in a couple hours.
Yvonne – got an electric guitar.
History Moment:
From the archives of Rotary logs: on April 18th, 1968 – Father Francis Warren spoke of social conscience about drug use
Main Program:
John Rice introduced our speaker Ty Gagne, who is an author of two books: The Last Traverse and Here is Where You will Find Me.
The Last Traverse recounts a hiking accident that happened in the winter of 2008. We know that Mount Washington is home to the world’s worst weather, but near-by Franconia Notch is not immune from this. In fact, because its west of Mt. Washington, incoming weather fronts can actually be worse on Franconia Ridge.
Ty’s book tells the tale of two friends and coworkers Fred and James—Fred an experienced hiker. James not so much. In fact, it was James’ first winter climb.
The pair planned a Sunday hike up Falling Waters Trail in Franconia Notch. They would across Franconia Ridge from the south over Mounts Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette and out via the Greenleaf Trail and Old Bridal Path. Fred and James knew that a ferocious cold front was on its way from the west. But the hikers planned to beat the maelstrom and be down, long before the front crossed the ridge.
Instead, they were caught in “full conditions”—white out, winds exceeding 60 miles an hour and temperatures well below zero. After spending a harrowing night just off the summit of Little Haystack, Fred collapsed and perished.
James was hypothermic and barely alive when ultimately found Monday night. He miraculously survived after being evacuated by Blackhawk helicopter and spending three months in Dartmouth Hitchcock hospital. His core temperature was the coldest ever recorded by someone who has survived such an episode.
Some of the lessons of the book: when hiking in the winter it is very important to have a realistic plan and be familiar with the area. Don’t be intimidated by an expert and allow that person to make decisions for you. Know yourself and speak up if you think that conditions are unsafe.
Judging from questions afterwards, this was another great program. Thank you, Ty Gagne!
We closed with the Four Way Test.
Respectfully submitted, Yvonne Legge
Photo captures by Don Chick
