Rotary Log for February 10,2022
President Justin promptly started the meeting with the Pledge. Ken Reilly queried us with the 4-Way Test. Ann Bliss led a sweet rendition of “My Country Tis of Thee.” John Rice delivered a message of love presaging Valentine’s Day.
Guests, Announcements, Happy Dollars, Historical Moment.
Ann Bliss and Kate Hoke
David McMahon
Ann Bliss introduced her guest Kate Hoke as did Nicolle Hart for repeat-guest David McMahon.
Yvonne reminded us of the upcoming three-day hands-on project at the Women’s City Club. First day of work is on February 19. Sign up now!
Justin relayed a thank you note from Portsmouth High School’s Celebration Graduation for our club’s $2,500 contribution.
John Sullivan was happy to be “out and about!”
PP Jon Flagg highlighted two Rotarians who starred in swim events in Olympics circa 1920.
Guest Speaker.
Craig Musselman is a civil and environmental engineer for the past 48 years. In recent years he has focused in part on engineering design to accommodate sea level rise.
Craig explained that the ocean sea level has been rising over the last century. Originally about two inches in a 40-year period, the rise has been rising! The most recent two-inch increase took only 14 years to manifest. The causes of ocean sea level rise are warming atmosphere (which makes oceans expand) and melting ice continents in Antarctica, Greenland, and Arctic.
Craig detailed several local projects designed to mitigate current water issues resulting from rain and tidal events. In Craig’s opinion Portsmouth is relatively easy to protect but the fix will be costly. One strong option is the establishment of tidal gates at North Mill Pond and South Mill Pond.
What do we need to do? Craig advocated global action to limit sea level rise. Locally we should adapt by either resilience (such as the tidal gates) or retreat inland. Either way, it’s a coastal infrastructure need that will be expensive to meet.
Raffle
Ann DeBonis won the 50/50 raffle, netting her $24. She then drew the match and pocketed an additional $50.
Respectfully submitted, Richard Greulich
Photos by Dennis Moulton
