Rotary Log for July 11, 2019
It was the year 2019 C.E when the reign of King Leo I began. All hail the king! This is the first chronicle entry of his reign since his investiture a fortnight ago. Leo I held court over his loyal subjects with a steady hand and a stout heart. He led them with a personal pledge of allegiance to his country (kingdom in his mind.) Not to be undone by prior royals, Leo I forged his own path. He delayed our collective proclamation of the 4-Way Test until the penultimate minute of our gathering. The Court’s business followed.
Courtier Al Lantinen led us in song with God Bless America. Lord Josiah Babcock gave the invocation. Visiting dignitaries and invited guests followed. Lady Barb Miller introduced her guest, Greg Carroll. Baroness Ann Bliss introduced visiting family members, Gabriela Rodriguez, Aayon Bliss and Amaya Bliss. The Countess Joan Nichell joined our gathering and hails from the Seacoast Morning Club (a much smaller kingdom in Leo I’s mind). Welcome and what a true privilege it is for all of you to appear before the king.
Many were heralded for having birthdays this month and for years of service to the crown. May you have and serve many more.
Court Jester and self-proclaimed historian Jon Flagg recounted the roots of Friends Forever International. It was the year 1986 C.E. when members of the court, Sir Bob Raiche and Earl Bill Holt, with the support of Viscount James Labrie, launched the new endeavor. They brought together a group of Catholic and Protestant children from Northern Ireland to begin the process of peace in that distant land. That ripple in time has become a tidal wave of goodwill. All around the world, peace and understanding continues to be promoted and advanced by everyone who followed that first group.
The good king next read a letter of thanks for our $500 donation to the Seacoast Science Center, supporting the marine mammal rescue program. Humble apologies your Highness, credit for that gift belongs to your predecessor, the now seldom seen Cleopatra.
Court announcements followed. The Duchess Joanie Dickinson gave thanks for the donation of aluminum ingots to be melted down and sold for coin of the realm. Dame Jessica Parker, Director of Development at Cross Roads House and member of the court, beseeched us to volunteer and serve those in most need. Two cooks and two servers are needed for July 20. Two cooks and three servers are needed for July 27. And one cook is needed for August 14. In the past year, volunteers have donated 161 hours of service. Many thanks to those who have volunteered.
The Countess Nancy Clayburgh thanked the William Cash Committee for a donation to One-Sky Community Services. A regatta was slated for last weekend at the UNH Pavilion at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in New Castle. A feast was on tap to follow promptly at 2 pm.
Joe Bove, Duke of Portsmouth, requested volunteers to act as Rotary Club representatives for the little league baseball team and girls’ softball team our club sponsors. Responsibilities include attending opening and closing ceremonies for the season as well as appearances at games throughout the season.
Advisor to the king, Justin Finn, informed us of wayward garments collected at prior gatherings including a black raincoat. For those mourning the loss of valuable vestments, see Justin.
On the sunny side of the meeting’s events, Courtier Al Lantinen gave $20 in recognition of his daughter’s nuptials. He proceeded to retract the offering upon further contemplation of the betrothal of yet another daughter. Baroness Bliss rejoiced in the joinder of family members from distant lands. Court Bard John Rice announced a 4-day leave of absence to improve his music skills. Sir Semprini regaled us with tales of family and boats in the land of Newington. Lastly, Marchioness Sandy Tucker rejoiced in her attendance at court.
Court Solicitor Dan Hoefle vanquished all who sought the 50/50 treasure. He claimed his $39 prize and swiftly donated the spoils to the Joe Shanley Fund. The king was quite pleased by such a magnanimous gesture.
On a serious note, peripatetic journeyman, Leonard Seagren, introduced four wonderful and worthy alumni of the Friends Forever International brotherhood and sisterhood. The four have not left the cause, but now teach new members the ways of peace and understanding and are passing on the legacy. Before letting them speak, Leonard informed us a new chapter will be opening on the island of Cypress. Greek and Turkish children will be brought together for the first time under the FFI umbrella.
Up first was young man who hales from Belfast and informed us about his initial experience with FFI in 2016. At the prompting, nay insistence, of his high school teacher, he signed up and made his way to the US. He stayed at Leonard’s house for two weeks and was instructed to “fill the house with happiness and positivity.” He returned to the US in 2018 and created workshops to meet his personal challenge of “what to do next to benefit the world.”
During his time in New Hampshire, he has volunteered all over the state including stints at homes for the elderly and soup kitchens. His biggest surprise is his comfort level speaking in front of large crowds here in the US. At home, he is loath to speak out as he feels he is always being judged.
Next up, Alohe, from Northern Ireland, is 18 and explained her first experiences with FFI. After meeting FFI alumni, she decided to give it a go. She was part of a group of five Catholics and five Protestant students that met once a week for 50 weeks at the local YMCA. They next traveled to the U.S. and worked on community building skills, which they brought back to their native land. Among her many accomplishments, Alohe created a workshop to address drug abuse issues. She explained that group development is not possible without local help such that given by our Club. Our Club holds a special place in her heart and she thanked all of us for all that we do to support FFI.
Our third speaker, Yob, is from Israel. He started his FFI journey the summer of 2017. His group is called the wall-breakers for breaking down the walls of ignorance that lead to all the turmoil in his homeland. With the skills acquired through the program, Yob has taken these skills back to Israel to improve relations between the groups. Among his many accomplishments, he has worked with a group of deaf and blind children and has organized team-building seminars.
Our last speaker, Anna, is 18 and from Northern Ireland. She joined FFI in 2017. She has been involved in everything from skill building seminars to random acts of kindness prompted by what she has learned through FFI. Her dream is to be an actress. Despite multiple audition rejections, a chance meeting at the Grand Opry House led to an audition for a short film, which she landed. The film was shot last September. Congratulations Anna!
And with that, King Leo bade us farewell after reciting the 4-Way Test and with the admonition to practice what we last preached.
Until next time (and hopefully not next week) . . ..
Respectfully submitted, Mark Larusso
