Rotary Log for January 19,2023
Joanie opened the meeting with our Pledge of Allegiance. Greeter Frank Firicano led the 4-Way Test, performing admirably. But the rest of us initially voiced a ragged response. In our new digs the 4-Way Test banner is positioned low on the speaker podium. Perhaps some members missed having the “cheat sheet” provided by its prior elevated prominence? Anyway, Joanie re-started us and we finished fine.
Sara Treacy delivered a thoughtful invocation, evoking the memory of MLK. Al Lantinen roused us with “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”
GUEST SPEAKER
To accommodate our speaker, Joanie reversed the usual order of events. Priscilla MacInnis introduced Greg Squire, a Special Agent in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Working out of the Boston office, he has investigated crimes against children since 2007.
Greg explained that DHS was formed after 9/11 out of the merger of Immigration Services and Customs Services. His job title, “Special Agent,” is similar to that employed by the DEA and FBI.
Greg and the other Special Agents investigating crimes against children view themselves as serving a defenseless group of individuals. In recent years the cases have become increasingly complex, prompting agents to be more “pro-active” in hunting down these criminals. With the widespread use of the internet, cyber-crimes have become more significant. Greg’s focus now is on uncovering criminal dark web activities.
Greg gave us a quick tutorial of the three levels of the internet. The first two levels are familiar to us. They include the domain names that we all use. The third level is the “Dark Web,” so-called because its use of multiple random network nodes renders each user totally anonymous.
The network device that accomplishes this is “The Onion Router, ”or its acronym “TOR.” The name refers to its ability to wrap each message in an encrypted and anonymized covering. Greg underscored that the Dark Web is often legally used by perfectly legitimate entities. However, its network characteristics are highly desired by nefarious actors.
Somewhat surprisingly, what Greg investigates usually does not involve the exchange of money. Rather, the “currency” is simply the exploitation of children. Another arresting fact is that most of these exploiters are males under the age of 30 years, not the “dirty old men” stereotype.
Accompanying Greg was Larry, his K-9 dog. Larry has developed an acute sense of detecting various electronic storage devices, such as hard disk drives. This skill is particularly useful when searching for such devices on a suspect’s property. A service companion as well, Larry has completed 250 hours of intensive training towards being certified. He needs just 50 more hours to complete training.
A large and concerning problem is the corrosive psychological toll on the Special Agents engaged in this work. This toll has resulted in high turnover of personnel.
A lengthy Q+A session followed. Many Rotarians expressed their appreciation for Greg and his peers’ important work.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Joanie announced that 54 Rotarians were attending the meeting. Good news! The bad news: only 32 had actually signed up. As a result, we ran out of food. To prevent this inconvenience from reoccurring, going forward the club will be using Sign-Up Genius to register our intended attendance. Encouraging all to attend but please be considerate and use it!
Cleo corrected info regarding our club’s 100th Anniversary Gala. The ticket price is $75 per person. Because the venue has a 150-person capacity, Cleo suggests early sign-ups to guarantee your spot.
NEW MEMBER INDUCTIONS
Barb Miller introduced Tim Sanborn. Besides attending more Rotary meetings during the last six months than many members (!), Tim is a successful businessperson and a highly active Seacoast volunteer. He served ten years on the Rye Beach Commission. “Skeeter” is currently head of Rye’s Mosquito Control Commission. Welcome aboard, Tim!
James Peterson introduced Russ Grazier, co-founder and head of the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center. This is the second Rotary induction for Russ, or as James ironically queried, “Russ, how many times have you joined?” During his earlier membership, Russ had to resign for a couple years due to increasing PMAC commitments. A hearty welcome back, Russ!
RAFFLE
Ben Wheeler was the “Man of the Hour” following his eloquent presentation of a $100, 000 check to the Portsmouth City Council. The gift recognized Portsmouth’s 400th and our club’s 100th anniversaries--both happening in 2023.
So, it was only fitting that Ben won the 50/50 raffle. But eloquence was not sufficient to allow Ben to grasp that brass ring of the $625 match. Rumor has it that next week’s match will be for $2.4 million, give or take…….
Respectfully Submitted, Richard Greulich
Photos by Sara Treacy and Don Chick
