Ok fellow Rotarians, so the weather isn’t great, but the calendar does say it’s officially SPRING! Our weekly lunches have moved back into the big room. Golfers are now outside! Life is good. President Yvonne called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Greeter Kerry Folkins administered the 4-Way Test. Barbara Miller offered the Invocation. Past President Joanie directed singing of Take Me Out to The Ball Game. Thinking rehearsals may be needed. Special guests included President Yvonne’s BFF, Tasha Khrouchtchera. Thank you’s from the Prez: to Ann Bliss for orchestrating the Shalimar India night fundraiser for the upcoming Rotoplast trip. And thank you Nicole Clark and Katie Fleisher for co-chairing the upcoming golf tournament. The tournament will honor the memory of Marie Brownell, who left us too soon. Sponsors and volunteers are still needed for the June event. Past President James announced that during the next two lunch meetings, items will be collected for Friends in Action. So…clean out your closets! Donate your gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry and even nicknacks. No appliances please. Dr. Mort delivered the annual champagne toast honoring the late Andrew Jarvis. He spoke about Jarvis being the epitome of what America is all about. He came to this country, the land of opportunity, with nothing. He worked hard and made something of himself. He once remarked, “The streets of America are lined with gold.” Andy was a successful businessperson, loyal Rotarian and even Mayor of Portsmouth. He never forgot his Greek heritage and the importance of giving back. Mr. Jarvis left significant money to the club and every year around his April birthday, the special toast is offered. Welcome back to Rotary Burt Cohen! A pleasure to have you rejoin our club. The retired state senator, husband, and father of two is looking forward to joining us and giving back to the community. I have known Burt for more than 40 years, from the days of local news, WBBX Radio and Curt Gowdy. Fun fact…What other current Rotarian was an on-air BBX personality? Answer at the end. Norm Olsen introduced guest speaker Chuck Morse. Chuck is one of the key gubernatorial candidates and we will be hearing more from him as the N.H. Governor’s race heats up. A former N.H. State Senate President, Morse feels he is well positioned to take over the Corner Office. A small business owner from Salem, he feels strongly that it is time for Republicans and Democrats to work together. As for his agenda, more needs to be done, he says, to care for those with mental illness. He is ready to address gun safety, protect our borders, women’s representative rights, etc. He feels that all the states in our nation should be more like our New Hampshire. Stella Scamman won the $22-dollar 50/50 raffle prize. There was no match. The raffle bonus of $125 dollars will roll over to next week. And that other Rotarian BBX personality? Log Editor Juan Arroz. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Notis Photos by Don Chick |