Rotary Log for April 30, 2020
President-Elect Jon Flagg started the meeting sharply at 12:15pm. He wore a tie because he wanted us to know he is presidential. John Rice led us in prayer and Judy Ringer sang the “My Country, ‘Tis of
Thee.”
Jon proceeded to outline how much planning he and President Leo do to produce our virtual meeting.
But pictorial evidence reveals they were enjoying cigars, Clorox and adult beverages--at a social distance of course!
Leo is in discussions with the Portsmouth country Club about reopening. More to come on this, as the state and business are looking at a new normal.
One of our favorite clever quarantine moments so far is that of our amazing secretary, Lindsey Hery. Lindsey and her fiancé Jeremy were to be married last Saturday. Due to the virus, however, they had to postpone their dream wedding. Lindsey told us that on what was supposed to have been the Big Day, she and Jeremy went on a hike. When she returned, her family surprised them with the meal they would have had from the Cliff House.
There was more. Lindsey’s adorable niece, Eloise, was there, dressed as a flower girl. Her brother in-law sang a song and toasted the happy couple! The next day, Tristan, Lexi, Cleo, Julia and Caitlin arrived to do a driveway with balloons, donuts and mimosas. And, yes, social distance was strictly observed.
Such a beautiful story.
On a funnier note, a 93-year- old Portsmouth resident posted a sign on her window indicating that she needed more beer.
Leo and Jon took the opportunity to spread some cheer and build community goodwill by delivering cases of Coors Light.
New Club Historian Ian O’Neail continues to do a fine job. The history moment today reminded us of the club’s strong ties to the sea. Club officers back in the day had much more of a naval flair to their titles! These monikers changed over time, of course, but let’s take a trip down memory lane…
Leo would have been known as Skipper in the 1950’s and Captain in the 1960’s. Our Vice President would have been the First Mate in the 50’s and Executive officer is the 60’s.
President-Elect was the Quartermaster and later called the Yeoman. The Treasurer was the Purser. Our Secretary would have been Boss ’n in the 60’s. My favorite is the Board of Directors were Pilots in the 50’s only to be renamed Command Staff in the 60’s. Should we go back to those titles?
As we all learn a new way to do life, our club has also had to adapt. While we don’t meet in person, that did not stop fine master Neal Ouellett from sending out virtual fines. A funky backdrop on a Zoom video will earn a fine. Anyone watching basketball re-runs gets fined. And, since hygiene has not been a top priority to many of us, that is also a fine.
The list went on, but the best part was the virtual fellowship and paying fines through Venmo.
For those of you that want to send fines or happy dollars, please do so via Venmo @Portsmouth-Rotary. Please indicate what the money is for to help Steve Wood and Joe Bove with accounting.
Today’s Speaker was Scott Linscott. Some of you may know Scott, as he is a member of the Westbrook-Gorham Rotary Club. Scott is a very active Rotarian with a passion for helping others. His life was saved (and changed forever) in 2012. It was then he received a gift of half his son’s liver through rare liver transplant surgery in Burlington, Massachusetts. He is now a frequent presenter for Donate Life New England, encouraging people to register as organ donors.
Scott’s story begins in 2011 when doctors diagnosed that his liver was useless. He needed a transplant to save his life. Most people think alcohol is the prime cause of liver disease. But actually, the leading causes are acetaminophen overdose, prescription medications abuse, herbal supplements. Other causes include hepatitis, other viruses, toxins, autoimmune disease, cancer, diseases of the veins in the liver and metabolic disease, NASH.
Scott had been obese for years. As a result, his body created fatty liver tissue that led to a failing liver. Many people in this country die every day waiting for a transplant. Scott knew undergoing a transplant was not a guarantee, but a miracle happened. One of his sons was a suitable donor. The young man decided to save his father’s life, donating 60% of his liver in 2012. That year, there were only 246 living liver donations in the U.S
Hospitalized for 186 days, Scott felt like he had been given a second chance and wanted to push himself physically. He registered for a 10-mile bike ride race. As he reached the last mile, his legs became heavy and the road seemed never ending. With the last steep hill approaching, he thought of giving up. That’s when Scott felt a nudge from behind. His son in-law had jumped off his bike and was pushing Scott up to the finish line.
Scott’s story is just one of many. His real message today was to encourage everyone to have conversations with family about registering as an organ donor. He emphasized that your help can save lives. Today in the United States there are currently 124,000 men, women and children waiting for a lifesaving transplant. If you wish to learn more about registering and have questions, please visit www.organdonor.gov or www.registerME.org.
Frank Firicano closed the meeting with the Four Way Test.
Respectfully submitted, Cleo Villaflores
Photos by Don Chick
