Rotary Log for January 10th, 2019
Happy New Year everyone! It is so good to be back at Rotary! I’ve witnessed and received many hugs and realized that we have an amazing fellowship here in Portsmouth.
Our greeter today was David Holden who screamed out with joy, “Is it the Truth?” in the 4 Way Test. Al Lantinen led us in America the Beautiful. We had a moment of silence for Bob Field, a faithful Rotarian who passed away December 26. A lovely invocation by John Rice followed.
Our meal this week was delicious Mexican enchiladas. The luncheon entrée went very well with a meeting theme of Gap Year world travel. A Gap Year happens after high school graduation when a student decides not to go directly to college but instead takes a “Gap Year.”
Guests.
Molly Flagg and Jaimee Ruccolo – Jon Flagg’s daughter and goddaughter – our key note speakers.
Charlie Fobate came with Larry Gray, Denise Foss attended with John St. Pierre
and Jenn Madden was a guest of James Peterson. Ken Murphy was President Cleo’s invitee
and Joanie Dickinson brought her daughter Georgia. Ann Bliss was a guest of yours truly.
Announcements.
Our Crossroads Dinner duty is this Saturday the 19.th They need help serving food from 5-7pm.
Sara Treacy announced that Salvation Army dinner is coming up but the date has not been set just yet.
Ramona says that Basic Needs has given $3000 to Womanaid and $2500 to Seacoast Media Group.
Gene Doherty won two UNH – BC hockey tickets with a winning raffle bid of $55.
Neil Ouellett announced the nominees for 2019-2020 officers and board members. Ben Wheeler was very “sad” that his name didn’t make the cut for the first time in five years. Dan Hoefle moved that we cast one vote to unanimously approve the slate. The motion was seconded and approved.
Jon rushed back from the Supreme Court in Concord in order to present this historical moment dated 12/16/1943. The presenter that day was Mildred Flagg (not related to Jon) speaking about World Travel. Clever coincidence indeed!
Happy Dollars.
There were a lot of Happy Dollars, starting with $100 from Dr Barry McArdle who married the woman of his dreams on 12/22/18. Congrats! Jessica Parker from Crossroads gave five dollars to celebrate her promotion to Development Director. Andy Fleisher contributed cash for having had successful knee surgery. Dr Larry Gray gave a buck because Neil Ouellett didn’t fine anyone. Lindsey Hery has a new niece (five pounds of joy.) Sara Treacy is excited about a new home for Seacoast Pathways due to an anonymous donor! Way to go! Past president Ben is proud of his daughter Emma for learning how to ski.
The Raffle winner was Steve Bennett: $56, no match.
The Program.
Jamie Ruccolo and Molly Flagg (shown above with dad Jon Flagg) spoke about their incredible experiences while taking a Gap Year and traveling around the World. Jaimee started her adventure by flying to Madrid and almost getting denied entry at Customs. That’s because she did not have the contact information of the friend she was staying with. But she talked her way in, however, a skill that must run in the family. Maybe she will become a lawyer just like Jon…
Jaimee missed a flight because she didn’t understand military time. It all worked out fine because she ended up going to Scotland, which turned out to be the favorite part of her trip. The whole experience taught her how to deal with stress, be self-reliant and enjoy meeting new people. Jaimee ended her travels early because she ran out of money. (By the way, both women worked and saved to provide all the financing they needed.)
Molly’s Gap year was spent in South America and Europe. She taught English in a Costa Rican classroom of 18 kids with ages ranging from 6 to 13. She hiked the Inca Trail with three strangers, sharing a tent with a 30-year-old Mexican guy. (Dad don’t listen!) The hike was very challenging and grueling but beautiful.
President Cleo closed the meeting by saying that she needs a do-over. I agree, let’s all take a Gap year from our lives!
Yours Truly, Yvonne Legge
Photos by Sara Treacy
