Rotary Log for January 21, 2021

 

 

 

The stars were perfectly aligned for our weekly Zoom meeting.

 

 

President Jon called us to order, exactly on time. For once, there were no technical difficulties. This was fortunate since more than 50 people were online as he led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

Dr. Al directed the group in singing My Country, ’Tis of Thee.

 

 

John Rice offered an inspirational invocation, referencing bold individuals from our region that clearly made a difference. Much like the day’s speaker.

 

Guests introduced included: Marion Cheney, Dover Rotary/District Governor Elect 2023;

 

 

Pam Gray, Kittery Rotary;

 

 

Gregg Dowty, Dover Rotary;

 

 

Linda Underhill, wife of Dave Underhill;

 

 

Lena and Kate Wyand, neighbors of Dave Underhill; Priscilla Denham, niece of Priscilla MacInnis; Jeff Cassidy, son of Janice Cassidy and Peggy Cassidy, daughter-in-law of Janice Cassidy/astronaut Chris’s wife.

 

 

Past President Cleo announced the club’s annual meeting is Thursday, January 28. The session will be part of our weekly Zoom meeting. The purpose is to elect officers and directors for the upcoming Rotary year. Please plan to attend.

 

 

 

Rotarian Janice Cassidy proudly introduced her famous astronaut son, NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy. A York High School graduate, Chris was ultimately accepted by the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon graduation, he served as a Navy SEAL for 11-years before applying to be a NASA astronaut in 2000. Initially rejected, Chris went on to have a distinguished combat tour in Afghanistan, helping to destroy one of Osama Bin Laden’s sanctuaries. With his resume thus improved, Chris was finally accepted into the astronaut program in 2004.

 

 

 Chris detailed his work as an astronaut. His out of this world presentation showcased a video of the International Space Station and his routine there. The thrill of taking spacewalks and pride representing the United States fueled Chris’s passion. He has spent 54 hours doing spacewalks outside the International Space Station. These walks are scripted, quite dangerous, and not done easily.

 

With the pandemic raging down on Earth, Chris served aboard the Space Station from April to October 2020.

 

 

“It was a great time to be gone,” Chris said. “A great year to be in space.”

 

His extended down to earth Q & A shared insight into an Astronaut’s daily life. Sixty percent of time is devoted to science in their orbital laboratory. 

 

Space food, among other things, can be pouches of chicken, tuna, and granola. Powdered drinks, where water is added, are the rule. Anything chocolate is a huge treat in space. In fact, candy and junk food are hoarded.

 

 

Sleeping in space is easier than one might think. Each person gets a “refrigerator-sized” quarters. The sleeping bag is strapped to the wall. Awake, one exercises 1 1/2 hours a day, using a treadmill, self-attached attached with bungee cords and harnesses. There are no showers, just wipes.

 

Many members of our club, like myself for example, have enjoyed watching Chris’s life journey. From York High football star to Navy SEAL to astronaut.

 

 

 “It seems like he’s reached his pinnacle,” Janice told us. “But knowing my son, who can say what still lies ahead.”

 

Thank you, Chris, for making us proud! And thank you Priscilla MacInnis and her program committee for another great speaker.

 

 

The meeting was closed with the reciting of the 4-Way Test.