Rotary Log: June 6, 2013 (Vocational Awards)

President Nancy (Oh-pah!  … pause) began the meeting with the pledge, patriotic song and 4-way test.  Following that was the invocation delivered to a large group of Rotarians and visitors gathered to celebrate the recipients of the annual Vocational Awards.  

While there were many guests in attendance for the Award recipients, the log listed only listed several:  Detective Dave Colby (Lou Ferland), Stephanie LeFlour (Tex Alex), Cynthia Bishop (Ted Alex), Helen Taft (Ted Alex), James Robinson (Stanford Cross), and Andrea Herold (Ben Wheeler).

General announcements were few and included Ben Wheeler’s reminder that the Golf Tournament (June 21^st) had already raised $20,000 in major sponsors; Tricia Cummings’ call of the initial meeting of the Tree Committee; Justin Finn’s reminder of the upcoming Thunder Chicken Race, and Catherine Edison’s call for supporting the Community Care Center’s Sunset over Portsmouth Auction scheduled for June 15^th.

President Nancy (Oh-pah … again and another of many that followed) had the following general announcements:  (1) Portsmouth Country Club requests that meeting following the lunch meeting be held in areas outside of the dining room so that the Club can clean and ready the room for the next event; (2) the Rotary Club will be bringing back a Yoken’s tradition and taking a club-wide photo at the meeting two-weeks from today – be there in your best duds.

Then President Nancy noted that the spirited Oh-pah efforts lead to her to remind the Club of the President’s power to assess fines… which was followed by fines levied against Jim Rini, Justin Finn and John Pappas for their colorful attire.   John stood tall and explained that his solid vibrant purple tie was in honor of the Marshwood play-offs to occur later in the day (and it paid off, Marshwood beat Thornton Academy 2-1).

The presentation of the Vocational Awards followed.   Lou Ferland, the Vocational Committee Chair, and its members (Mark Larouso, Dan Hoefle, John Pappas, Ted Alex and Priscilla McGuiness), proudly presented awards in the categories of:  General Service, Education, Health and Human Services and Public Service.

First Lou explained a brief history of the Rotary and how the vocational awards dovetail into the overall mission of Rotary – the concept of service above self. 

Rotarian James Petersen was the first to present an award, and it was the General Service Award winner presented to Chris Bistany.   Chris is the manager of the downtown Portsmouth Moe's Italian Sandwiches shop.   James recounted the numerous benefits of the local Moe's and explained how it was not only a place for great food, but also a community hub where its regulars share jokes (of all natures), news and friendship.  Chris’ $500 donation will be provided to St. Jude Walk for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital which will take place in Portsmouth (moving from Salem).

Next, Helen Taft, the Executive Director of Families First Health and Support Center, announced dental hygienist Cynthia Bishop as the recipient of the Education Award. “Miss Cindy” , as she is known by children throughout the city, has developed and expanded a program of oral health which she shares with children whenever and wherever she can.  She enjoys empowering children by meeting with them in schools and other gatherings and educating them about oral health.  Miss Cindy’s $500 donation will be presented to the Families First's early-childhood dental program.

Rotarian Dan Hoefle then presented the Public Service award to Nancy Beck.  Nancy, married for 54 years to Dr. Peter Beck (a Rotarian), has been the champion around Portsmouth for charitable fundraising and supporting efforts to preserve the history of Portsmouth.   Dan noted who Nancy’s efforts have quietly enriched thousands of persons throughout Portsmouth over decades of service.   Nancy is currently working with the Heritage House Program at the Strawbery Banke Museum, which is an effort to preserve the historic structures located at the Museum.   Nancy’s $500 donation will be presented to the Heritage House program to support its ongoing efforts.

Rotarian Tricia Cummings, who is the administrator at Edgewood Centre, then presented the Health and Human Services Award to Leona Lindsey.  Leona excels in caring for the 140 residents of the Centre by respecting their personal property and preserving their individuality.   Leona recognizes that it’s sometimes the smallest details that matter the most to people.  Leona has dedicated the past14 years in Centre’s laundry and housekeeping department, which followed her service in the armed forces.  Leona’s $500 donation will be presented to the Strafford County homeless shelter.

In addition to the donations made in the name of the recipients to the charity of their choice, each recipient also received a plaque and flowers.

The meeting closed with Dave Holden (representing a certain table of ticket holders) winning the $77.00 raffle, but failing to secure the match for a jackpot of $475.  

Rotarians and guests departed the meeting to an overcast sky and a cool June day.