Rotary Log for October 23, 2014
Rotary Log for Meeting of October 23 by Ben Babcock
President Tricia Cummings presided over the meeting on a rainy and blustery day. John Rice led the club in singing “Oh Canada.” It was a touching nod to our neighbors from the north in the wake of the terror attack in Ottawa earlier this week. Past President Dave Underhill led the group in the 4 Way Test and Reverend Allen provided the invocation.
The meeting began with a humorous anecdote from President Tricia on the importance of name badges. There were two visiting Rotarians in attendance; Col. Leslie Smith of Concord and Paul West of Knoxville, TN. There were many guests as well, and not an empty seat in the house. Several birthdays were announced and prospective member David Andreesen was put on seven day notice.
Past President Diane Foley introduced the club’s newest member, Miranda Butson. Miranda has recently returned to the seacoast area after a career in the United States Air Force and Department of Defense in Washington, DC. She currently works for Cornerstone Title in Portsmouth, NH and also has a small private law practice. She looks forward to contributing to the club.
General announcements followed. There was a reminder about the walk across Memorial Bridge on Saturday the 25th. A call was put out for additional Turkey Cookers, Pie Bakers, and volunteers for Thanksgiving. Volunteers were also requested for the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen on Wednesday October 29th and for the Christmas Tree sales in November and December.
Our program was to be a question and answer forum with Senator Jeanne Shaheen and her opponent, former Senator Scott Brown. Due to scheduling conflicts Senator Shaheen was not able to attend. Past President Tony Delyani once again served as moderator and was spared the task of managing the candidates allotted speaking times. Senator Brown offered to debate his wife, but noted that it would be a debate that he could not win.
The format featured a short opening statement from Senator Brown followed by questions from the membership. In his opening statement Senator Brown spoke about his family and his roots in seacoast New Hampshire. He addressed the attempts to paint him as an “outsider” and he noted that nine generations of his family have called New Hampshire home. He also reminisced fondly about his time spent here during his childhood. He then turned to his concerns with America’s perception around the globe, the challenges currently facing American families and his desire to restore America’s prowess in the eyes of the world.
Senator Brown fielded questions from Rotarians on a wide range of subjects. Topics included Health care, gun control, tax reform, immigration, failings of the political system, non-profits and charitable deductions, ISIS and US policy in the Middle East and the Export-Import Bank.
In his final statement Brown reiterated much of his opening remarks noting that he desired to make the United States feared Economically, Militarily, and respected around the world. He asked for votes in the upcoming election.
President Tricia asked Senator Brown to draw the winning raffle ticket, but he delegated to his wife Gail. The winner took home $108. There was no match.
Log writer: Ben Babcock
Photographer: Leo Gagnon
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