Rotary Log for June 25, 2020
It has been a Portsmouth Rotary year like no other. So why would the Changing of the Guard, a venerable rite of passage, not follow suit?
And so, we experienced an historic day as some Rotarians re-grouped at the Portsmouth Country Club. The first real-time luncheon in months. All because of the Governor’s Emergency Declaration and COVID-19.
Approximately 35 people gathered at PCC. Good thing incoming President Jon brought family and friends. Other meeting attendees were social distancing around the seacoast in smaller groups via Zoom. I was in the comfort of my sunroom watching the festivities. Like others, I was missing the greatness of the past “changing” celebrations. It was nice, but not Rotary as usual.
President Leo did his best to call the meeting to order in a timely way. He led the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s not easy running an in-person session and playing to a Zoom audience simultaneously. Fellow Rotarian John Rice offered the day’s thoughtful invocation.
To encourage mask wearing, there was a “best”” mask contest. A couple of the participants looked like they are in a witness protection program.
Ian Oneail’s Rotary Historical Moment reflected on how Rotarians around the world continue to do great things. In good times and bad. History shows nothing gets Rotarians down. Ian also won the best mask contest, by the way, with his customized Darth Vader helmet.
Leo, as one of his finest and last presidential acts, presented a Paul Harris Fellowship to a surprised PP Tricia Cummings. A thoroughly deserving recipient, she was recognized for her tireless efforts in caring for Edgewood Center residents during this horrific pandemic. Thank you, Tricia, for keeping our loved ones safe.
In his final moments, Leo reflected on the past year. It will go down in history for its drama. So many twists and turns. No one planned for this tough 2020. Yet, despite the bad, we have supported each other, he said. Many good things continued. Top of the list: supporting non-profits, student scholarships, weekly club Zoom meetings, etc. He offered Kudos to his BOD and everyone in the club for making it a great year.
Without skipping a beat, incoming President Jon kicked off his term in style, accompanied by the strains of Hail to the Chief.
Jon thanked PP Leo for his leadership, presenting traditional parting gifts. These included his new badge, gavel, and a signed picture from last fall’s Rotaplast trip to Bangladesh.
A special presidential portrait by photographer extraordinaire, Don Chick, was unveiled.
Finally, the award-winning video everyone was waiting for. A Zoom meeting satire created in Leo’s honor. Capturing painful moments as Zoom, became our new normal. The skit got it all: bad camera angles, muted speakers, side conversations, wardrobe embarrassments, sign into the meeting challenges, barking dogs, general confusion, Zoom boredom. It would be fair to all concerned to admit that the making of the video was probably more fun than the final product. Sorry, Leo.
Judy Ringer with special guest Neil Diamond presented an uplifting singing of Sweet Caroline. Truly, good times never seemed so good!
The reciting of the 4-Way Test, concluded our gathering. Until we meet again, stay well!
Respectfully submitted, Nancy Notis
