The Rotary Club of Portsmouth
REPORT FOR JULY-AUGUST
Our club closed out President Cleo’s term with a rousing Cleopatra-themed send off. It was replete with attentive slave girls, err, women and burly male slaves to tote in (and out) a remarkable wooden carrier. Emperor Leo took over as the Rotations sang “Queen C,” an original adaptation of Steve Martin’s SNL parody “King Tut.”
The following day, her last hurrah, Cleo was everywhere at the Breakfast Hill Country Club. Her yeoman’s effort was critical to the success of the annual golf tournament, one of our major fundraisers.
We are continuing our partnership with Cross Roads House and the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen this year. Volunteers prepare meals at both places…Some of our Rotarians will be going to Belize in September as part of Rotary’s “Eco-Challenge” there. Leonard Seagren donated 30-acres to Friends Forever in that country…New Rotarian Larry Harvey is coordinating an event for Veteran Families that happens on Veterans Day, November 10.
There was a slew of charitable donations. The BOD approved $1500 for My Breast Cancer Support and another $1,000 to Zebra Crossings. And $500 went to Wrap-A-Smile, an organization that provides hand-made post-surgical quilts. We also gave $500 to the Seacoast Science Center, supporting its marine mammal program.
A Jeremy Alex Fund Scholarship went to young Kai DiMuzio. The money allows Kai to take private lessons on the upright bass at PMAC. To thank us, Kai performed a duet with PMAC Director Russ Grazier.
Our annual Vocational Awards program recognized four deserving individuals in each of Rotary’s Four Avenues of Service. Receiving a plaque and $500 to the charity of his choice was Brian Sullivan, Director of Services at the Portsmouth Senior Center.
Other recipients were Kaitlyn Rowe, a Child Protective Services worker and Lori Parsons, long-time early childhood lead teacher at the Seacoast Community School. Also recognized was Gloria Fichter, founder of Seacoast Santa. Lexi Leddy and Kaitlin Hassett co-chaired this year’s Vocational Awards effort.
Pictured above on left: Former Massachusetts Governor William Weld. Pictured above on right: 14th Rector, Kathleen Giles of St. Paul's School
Former Massachusetts Governor William Weld spoke. Gov. Weld is the lone Republican challenger to President Trump this primary season. His remarks were well received. Another memorable program for the period was a visit from the 14th Rector at St. Paul’s School in Concord, Kathleen “Kathy” Giles. The Portland, Maine, native is that institution’s first female Rector (the school’s term for principal.)
District visitors included Kittery-native Andrew Glazier, new District Governor and Westbrook-Gorham Past President Bill Chadwick. Bill discussed his clean water initiative in Guatemala.
Friends Forever, a movement to bring Irish protestant and catholic kids together, has since expanded to other lands. The program’s late founder, Bob Raiche, was a Portsmouth Rotarian. Four Friends Forever alums spoke to us about how important the organization has been to them and others.
Ken Kunhardt, New Hampshire Community Loan Fund director, also gave an impressive presentation.
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Pictured above: Jeremy Alex Fund Scholarship recipient, Kai DiMuzio