Portsmouth Rotary Log for April 26, 2018
By Al Lantinen
Photos By Chad Chadwick
President Ben opened the meeting in the time-honored manner. In honor of the day’s program, the first Rev. Gordon Allen Humanitarian Award, we had a special invocation. Rev Rob Stevens, the current rector of St John’s Episcopal Church, did the honors. Gordon was rector at St, John’s for more than 20 years back in the day. Visiting Rotarians and guests were announced and greeted.
Aileen Dugan then introduced our newest member, Midge Nelson, who was warmly welcomed back. During her time away from our club, she served as president of the Sunrise Club.
Announcements:
Lexi Leddy reminded all that her committee still seeks nominations for the Vocational Service awards. The deadline for submitting names is May 26. This always seems to be one of those things that comes together at the last minute. Yet the Vocational Awards program is one of the programs that seems to rank with the year’s best.
Cathy Nickerson offered thanks for the more than $700 in donations to buy books. The volumes are being donated to the Richie McFarland Center, our year-long charity partner. Interestingly, she purchased them from G. Willikers in Portsmouth at a discount. One of the owners was previously on the board at Richie McFarland…The Basic Needs Committee is seeking nominations/suggestions for next year’s partnership. Start thinking, please!
Mark your calendars for June 24. It’s Portsmouth/Seacoast Rotary day at the Fisher Cats. Enjoy baseball, Rotary friends and a buffet. It’ll be summer then, too!
As you spring-clean closets, don’t forget to bring your “gently used” clothes to our annual clothing drive at the May 10 meeting.
James “he’s a lumberjack and he’s OK” Petersen announced the placement of guards at the close of the meeting. This to ensure that all of us got at least one tree to try and grow. The pines and red maples dispensed are indigenous to our area. Let us know how yours are doing.
The 50/50 raffle was won by Bill Hurley, no match. But he did get personal service.
Rev. Gordon Allen Humanitarian Award.
James acted as host for the first annual Rev. Gordon R. Allen Humanitarian Award ceremony. Rev Allen’s dedication and service to our community represent a standard to which we all can aspire. Rev. Stevens recounted his own experiences with Gordon, reaffirming memories of Rev. Allen’s kindness and compassion. As Rob said, “he knew your name.” And your wife and kid’s names, too.
The Award is accompanied by a gift of $500 to be shared between St John’s Common Table and The Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. The Salvation Army was one of Gordon’s most beloved charities. He was a member of its Board of Directors for many years.
Members eagerly rose to their feet to applaud the recognition of Ellen Labrie as our first recipient. All agreed that she was a perfect choice for this honor. Mort Schmidt detailed her many accomplishments in Rotary International both solo and with her late husband, Jim. On a trip to Canada, she made Mort a star by teaching him a small speech entirely in French. The locals were thoroughly charmed.
Her Rotary work spanned the globe and, with her husband, brought Rotaplast to our club. She coordinated a clean water project in Central America and delivered babies in Africa. Leanne Spees recounted her early and continuing friendship and the qualities that make her worthy of this honor.
Michael Labrie’s tribute was mute testament as to how Ellen’s values and strength have been passed on to the next generation of Labrie’s.
Ellen’s acceptance was humble and modest, befitting the award’s name sake. She is thoroughly deserving and an impressive example of Rotary at its very best. The Rev. Allen Humanitarian Award launches in impressive fashion.
Respectfully submitted, Al Lantinen
