Rotary Log for meeting of April 5, 2018
By Suzanne Rapoza
Photos by : Jim Rini
This week we were greeted by Al Lantinen, who also led us in the Four Way Test. It being Red Sox Opening Day, Nancy Clayburgh guided us through Take Me Out to the Ballgame. John Rice then gave a lovely invocation.
President Ben was kind enough to remind the club that since the old carpet has been replaced with new wood flooring, conversations are louder. It was his polite way of telling us all to quiet down and pay attention! There were many guests (they must have heard that this was by far the funniest meeting to attend!)
District Governor Dave Underhill explained the difference that we can make as a club by donating to the Rotary Foundation. Ten dollars a week turns into $520 dollars in a year! Our club then matches that amount. The money is invested for three years and then returned to the foundation. Half of those funds go to Rotary’s global effort to eradicate polio and provide clean drinking water. The other half goes to our club committees. We should consider the difference we can make by contributing to the Foundation.
Ben then presented James Petersen with his Paul Harris Fellow two-year pin.
Club Announcements.
Lindsey tells us that make-up notices should be sent to portsmouthrotary@yahoo.com and not the email previously mentioned….The United Way is hosting a community baby shower on 5/12 from 10am- 12:30pm at the Community Campus. Volunteers are needed for this fun filled event…Past President James asked us save the date on 4/26. Some 160 trees will be at the meeting for all members to take and plant. It’s part of Rotary’s Plant A Tree initiative…The clothing drive is set for May 10. James reminded everyone that road race shirts would not be accepted.
The Program.
Neal Ouellett kicked off the Annual Joke Show after Ben failed miserably at his attempt to be a stand-up comedian. (No offense, Ben.) The rules: no hogging the mike and keep it relatively clean. The floor was then open to anyone who wanted to wow us with their humor. Many brave people came forward. I believe the most memorable was James. He seemed to use the moment as a therapy session of sorts. We all anxiously awaited a punch line that never came.
When the amateurs were done, Neal introduced professional comic Paul D’Angelo. Paul is a stand-up comedian that has entertained people across the country. Well known in Vegas, he has appeared on Showtime’s Godfather’s of Comedy. Paul spent the next 20 minutes entertaining us. There were many laughs, a few groans, and overall a great feeling of comradery as the meeting came to a close.
Respectfully submitted, Suzanne Rapoza
