Rotary Log for March 9, 2023
President Joanie was away, but in her absence, we had a special guest host.
Past President and Past District Governor Mort Schmidt filled in, running the meeting without skipping a beat. And, yes, he was greeted by the usual chorus of barks and meows.
The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by our 4 Way Test under greeter Bob Smith’s direction. Al Lantinen led us in My Country ‘Tis of Thee and Stan Cross said the blessing.
After a great lunch from The Works, Mort brought the meeting back to order. Our President-elect Yvonne Legge handled the mike as guests were introduced. Ian Oneail announced Ryan Coburn. Skip Chase from the Seacoast Rotary club, also a PE, attended.
Our club does so many wonderful things. Among them is supporting Portsmouth Middle School’s summer program. VP Midge Nelson presented the school with a check for $1000 dollars. Accepting it was Portsmouth Police Officer “TJ” Potter and School Social Worker Lisa Jacobus with the middle school therapy dog, Gracie!
Our 100th Birthday.
Cleo reminded 100th Birthday Celebration registrants to pay now as vendors need to be paid. The gala is slated for April 20 at the Elks Lodge with doors opening at 5:30. Great food, entertainment and a walk down memory lane awaits!
Cleo reminded us that our official 100th anniversary is March 28. To celebrate that, there will be a special toast at the Library Restaurant from 4:30 pm- 6pm.
Cleo had once last reminder about a group photo to be taken at Service Credit Union on Thursday March 23. We would love to have as many members as possible be present!
The Program.
Neal Ouellett introduced our speaker, Jim Schachter, New Hampshire Public Radio’s president and chief executive officer. Jim guides NHPR’s vision and strategy, leading a team of more than 60 staff members..
New Hampshire Public Radio is a nonprofit and independent entity. Many Granite Staters rely on the station for daily news.
Jim came to NHPR in October 2019, after decades as a journalist and newsroom executive for some of the nation’s leading media organizations. Most recently, he spent seven years as vice president for news at WNYC in New York City, the nation’s largest public radio station.
After graduating from Columbia University, Jim’s journalism career began at the Jacksonville Journal. He moved on to the Los Angeles Times, where he reported and edited for 10 years -primarily on the business beat. He later covered labor issues at The Kansas City Star.
Jim capped his newspaper career with 17 years at The New York Times, first as a senior editor in the business and culture departments, then The New York Times Magazine. He rose to become the paper’s associate managing editor.
Jim and his wife Pam, a special educator, have four adult children. The Schachter’s are enjoying their explorations of New Hampshire, meeting listeners, NHPR members and community leaders across the Granite State.
Jim gave a wonderful speech, imparting a wealth of knowledge about the industry and leaving plenty of room for questions.
For his time, Mort presented Jim with the club’s special stemless wine glass.
The 50/50 raffle today was for $75 dollars and won by PP Tony Delyani. The bonus, also $75 dollars, is still on the table for next week’s pot of gold.
Mort thanked Midge, Peter Muccia and Nicole Clark for the set-up today and Mark Perkins, Steve Wood, and Tim Sanborn for the clean-up.
Special thanks to Cleo for stepping up and filling in for Aileen as this week’s Log writer. Gracias, senora!!!
Photos by Francoise Meissner and Dennis Moulton
