Rotary Log for October 3, 2019
Crisp Fall weather greeted Rotarians as they gathered for the weekly PCC luncheon. New member Josiah Babcock welcomed lunch guests. President Leo quieted the crowd with a sharp striking of the bell. He called the meeting to order, then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Al Lantinen directed the group in singing America. The beautiful rendition received strong vocal support from Judy Ringer. If only all Rotarians could sing like them. John Rice offered the Invocation.
Guests (and their Rotarian host if any)
Rotarian Jodi Scholes of Vienna, Va., who is relocating to this area joined us for lunch. Don Chick was the guest of Susan Gold, Elizabeth Burr (Jessica Parker,) Lisa Ford (Leo) and David Hindley (Jon Flagg.) Other guests included Charlie Ydoate (John Pappas,) Joann Neumann (Donna Lewallen) and Keith Wilson (Josiah Babcock.)
General announcements.
World Polio Day is October 24…Don’t forget the Friends Forever fundraiser “Pints for Peace” at Ri Ra Irish Pub this Saturday 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.…. The Communication Committee meets Thursday October 10 at 11 am…. Be aware that there is potential Rotary involvement in the Portsmouth Christmas parade Dec. 1st…. Thanks to everyone who supported the diaper drive for Crossroads House and My Breast Cancer campaign.
The Interact Club is booming at Portsmouth High according to Joanie. Some 60 students attended the last meeting and more support is needed from our club…. Past District Governor Mort Schmidt’s surgery has been delayed. Dr. Mort would love to hear from his two and four legged friends!
Don Chick and Keith Wilson are on 7-Day Notice.
The 50/50 drawing of $51 was claimed by Rotarian Bill Simpson. Happily, he picked a match, literally skipping away with the $325 bonus.
Fines, etc.
“Fine Master Extraordinaire” Neil relieved Rotarians of every dollar he could. Among the penalized were participants of the never-ending John Paul Jones project. Ted Alex was dinged for dozing off at a recent lunch meeting. John Lyons and a few others eared fines for killing Rotary phone etiquette rules. Nancy Notis had to pay for picking on poor PP Ben from the podium. Nice guy Bill Hurley’s table was fined, because he is so generous. A glowing Lindsey Hery earned s congratulations on her engagement. She was subsequently was fined in the name of love.
Basil was singled out for his great front-page Herald appearance. He then received a standing ovation honoring his 50-years of hands on projects. Yes, he really is a trained chemical engineer.
The program.
Ross Gittell, Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, was the featured speaker. He talked about the strides CCSNH has made with traditional and adult students. The key is providing affordable, quality and accessible education for all. Working closely with schools and industry, the system has a high graduation rate. It strives to give traditional students a running start while in high school. He talked about how society needs to get away from the “trade school” stigma that exists. They understand that not everyone will be a doctor or detective like on TV.
Joining Gittell was Great Bay Community College President Dr. Cathryn Addy and Marketing VP Sean Clancy. They voiced their desire for the college to be an on-going resource for the state’s business community. Both educators understand that learning never stops. Further, the state’s businesses are struggling to get and keep workers. Therefore, Great Bay will continue to align with the commercial sector to excite students about the great opportunities here.
Leo ended the meeting on time. Rotarians left the session reflecting on the light heartedness of the day. A good meeting and that’s the truth.
Respectfully submitted, Nancy E. Notis
