February 17, 2011: Rotary Log (Literacy in Pakistan)

Rotary Log

Meeting 2-17-11

Fellow Rotarians then welcomed their guests, including Sam Allen, one of our outbound Rotary Exchange Students from Portsmouth High School.

Midge Leiter-Nelson, President of Seacoast Rotary also joined us -- a good reminder for all of us to visit our neighboring club, whether for a make-up meeting or just to join them in some early morning Rotary cheer.

Sue Wolf was scheduled to give her vocation, but unfortunately was not in attendance.  Perhaps, she was busy with finishing touches on the renovations to downtown’s F.A. Gray store.

Happy Bucks followed which found Tricia Cummings cheerfully announcing a trip to Disney World, Judy Ringer celebrating the gift of song, and Jamie DeStefano happy to announce one of her children as the recipient of a University of Massachusetts Scholarship for Computer Science.

There were a few notable Rotary announcements, including the raising of $500 from crushed cans.  ‘Lou’ Ferland, along with deputy Kay Jarvis, also announced the upcoming Citizen Police Academy.  Anyone wanting more insight into this program can talk to past graduate Peg Millar – although I wouldn’t sneak up on her on a dark night to do it, if you know what’s good for you. 

Mort Schmidt had an announcement regarding twins and apparently the oil cartel table spent much time discussing soft, high-thread-count bed sheets – (where has Rotary gone???). There was also some sort of announcement by Walter Liff about a new public speaking program led by Basil and him – but to be honest, it was too difficult to understand what he was trying to say. 

Karen Pierce also received George's Rotary Badge in memory of her husband, George. We miss him.

Up at the podium, Tony Delyani had a few words about Rotary’s Visioning Committee – our chance to have a say in the future of Rotary in our club and beyond,

and Rick Page also spoke to Rotary’s Senior Youth Exchange Program.  Joanie Dickinson reminded everyone about the Annual Rotary Auction on April 7^th, at the Downtown Marriott Residence Inn – volunteers still needed to help with rounding up auction items via phone or email. 

President Diane Foley also welcomed us to join in the kick-off to Polio Awareness Week this past Monday in Portland – featuring a cocktail party at the Eastland Hotel, followed with a talk by International Rotary President, Ray Klinginsmith, a grand illumination of the Portland Museum of Art and Ringing of the Bells.  There is also an upcoming Poetry Hoot on March 10^th, and Rotary University held last Thursday – a great way to learn more about Rotary.

Lyn-Del then welcomed our guest speaker Rachel Williams,

who gave a rousing and educational talk on the cause of Literacy in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Through slides and an account of her experiences in helping raise education standards and literacy in this region, Rachel helped us to understand the role this cause has in aiding democracy and personal empowerment.  Programs like Adopt-A-School and matching donations that allow the purchase of buses, generators, and supplies can make an enormous and lasting difference to the future of these communities.

People who wish to learn more about this cause are encouraged to read the New York Times Bestseller, Greg Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea, an account of his journey to promote peace in this part of the world through literacy and education.  Our meeting concluded with the inspirational words of Nelson Mandela that “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”