Rotary Log for September 16, 2021
President Justin called the meeting to order before a sparse luncheon gathering. (In the interest of full disclosure: this writer did not attend and is working from a recording. The talk among many of the club’s leaders is that we can do better with attendance. If you are staying away because of health concerns and business pressures- understood. If, however, you are taking the path of least resistance, please make the effort to attend!)
Justin led with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Richard Lyons and the Four-Way Test. America the Beautiful followed, with Judy Ringer once again leading beautifully. Next was John Rice who offered an inspirational invocation in praise of our spirit of volunteerism. He offered gratitude for the successful Air Show and wished more of the same for the upcoming Golf Tournament. The Senor gave fitting recognition of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism.
Announcements
- Sara updated the serving of food for the Salvation Army.There is an ongoing need for volunteers.Meals are not being served at tables as in the past.Please let Sara know if you are available to help with box meals for takeout.This much-needed service takes place at 272 Rockland Street.Contact Sara at for all of the details.
- A wonderful slide show of volunteer service at the Air Show was shared by Yvonne. If you want to see all the photos from the Air Show, click on the link at the bottom of the newsletter.
- Occasionally, an announcement is made with a certain zeal and sense of urgency.Marie delivered a very spirited appeal to those in attendance to step up in support of the October 8th’ Golf Tournament.Sponsors and golfers, as well as swag for the gift bags, are needed to make the fundraiser successful. “Come on people,” enthused Marie.“This is our second largest fundraiser!”The stirring message was very well-received indeed.
The Speaker: Sam Reid-Wood Island Life Saving Station
In his second appearance in as many weeks, Past-President Butch introduced Sam Reid. Sam has had a successful career in politics, sometimes in Washington DC, according to Butch. But his passion and love, as a third-generation resident, is for his hometown – Kittery, Maine.
Today’s talk was centered on the rescue and restoration of a dilapidated old building at the mouth of the Piscataqua- the Wood Island Life Saving Station. Sam is President of the Wood Island Life Saving Association (WILSSA) and one of its most visible and effective advocates.
In some ways the presentation began at the end, with two glorious photos of the restored 1948 Station Portsmouth Harbor. Reid offered the One Big Message: brave men rowing out in small boats to save others! Service above Self, if you will...
That simple message was brought heartily to life in a fast-paced “Ken Burnsian” pictorial and narrative by the speaker. He marched us through the history of life-saving at the Station, to its closing during WW II. Kittery took ownership in 1973 and began a period of decay and disrepair. In 2009 the town decided to demolish the building. Seven dedicated townspeople and others in the Seacoast protested, resulting in a 2013 agreement to save the exterior only. The rest is history in the making.
In the years since, the island has been cleaned up, and its walls rebuilt by the Maine National Guard. Volunteers and contract laborers by the hundreds have brought the Station to its former glory in just over five years. By 2022, at a projected cost of $5.3M, the completed project will be one of the remaining nine Life Saving Stations to be saved. It will also have a museum open to the public.
So much was shared in the brisk, highly entertaining presentation that it would be impossible to cover in this Log. If you missed the meeting the recording is well worth a watch. The WILSS website chronicles the vision and determination of a group of citizens to save a National Historic Landmark. And it wonderfully captures the history of the brave men who risked their lives to serve others from a small island at the mouth of the Piscataqua River.
Visit the website to learn how to visit this special place and support the incredible project going on there.
In recognition of his tireless work, the club awarded Sam Reid with a Paul Harris Fellow. In Butch’s words, “If one gives of one’s money that is good. If one gives of one’s time, one truly gives”.
Raffle
Priscilla, our terrific Program Chair, walked away with the $40 50/50 raffle drawing.
Respectfully submitted, Neal Ouellett
Photos by Don Chick
