Posted by Neal Ouellett
Rotary Log June 7, 2018
By Neal Ouellett
Photos by Sara Treacy
 
Our Greeter today was Julia Gigliotti, who also led the Four-Way Test.
Songmeister Al Lantinen, a member of our own Rotations, kicked off the Patriotic Song.  And John Rice, once again, offered a very nice invocation. 
President Ben noted that yesterday was his last Board meeting as our fearless leader. And what a great year he has had!  Ben couldn’t resist telling a story about which we are all sworn to double- Rotary secrecy.  He drove the coastal route back to his office to reminisce about the meeting and his big year.  His phone rang.  It was Rye Elementary School notifying him that his daughter had contracted a common pest requiring a gallon of antidote, and a number of small combs.  He and his wife were up half the night delousing the house (and no doubt scratching).  Nice story, Ben!
Following that, lots of happy and unhappy Rotarians coughed up a few bucks in the effort to balance Ben’s operational budget.
 
 
Announcements.
Leo reminds us that June 24th is Portsmouth Rotary Day at the Fisher Cats afternoon game.  Thirty-six dollars per person gets you a ticket, a rally towel and a 90-minute all-you-can-eat buffet.  Sound like Justin Finn’s kind of event!
Colleen Westcott told us about the Taste of the Coast on June 14th at 530 at Abenaqui Country Club. Sponsored by the Hampton and Exeter Chambers, this event features dozens of tastings from the area’s finest restaurants, wineries and breweries.
Craig Taylor graciously accepted $1,000 toward the $4,800 he must raise for the Pan Mass Challenge.  The 192-mile cycling test of endurance is a major fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. A great many people we know have benefited from that wonderful organization.
A $1,000 grant to the Cape Town, South Africa Rotary Club was accepted by Yvonne Legge, a member of Voices from the Heart. The monies will help Yvonne accompany the singers on their upcoming trip.  The funds will also coincide with Voices’ concerts in Cape Town, and their support of music programs for underprivileged children.
Additionally, the Cash Committee supported this year’s Basic Needs Committee recipient Richie McFarland Children’s Center. The help came in the form of with a hands-on project led by Ted Alex, and a donation of more than $5,000.  Ramona Dow, the Basic Needs Chair, said that this project, with 15 Rotarian Volunteers, exceeded her wildest dreams.  It was great fun, too!
 
The raffle.
Fifty-nine dollars was taken home by Pete George.
 
Guest Speaker Nancy Euchner.
Deb Anthony introduced our presenter, Nancy Euchner. As principle of AgeQuest, Ms. Euchner is well-known for her work with the elderly and their families.  Nancy is involved in an exciting new venture, the Seacoast Village.  The “Village” concept originated in Beacon Hill, Boston, as a means of helping seniors to “age in place.” At its most basic level, a Village is a community of seniors supporting each other as they grow older in their own homes.
There are some core principles:
  • Seniors will help each other
  • Meaningful social connections will be made
  • Each member of the Village with have a credible plan
  • Outside resources and agencies will be enlisted for things volunteers cannot do.
 
The Seacoast Village remains in the research and development stage.  The Forming Group envisions a non-profit organization with a Director and Volunteer Coordinator supporting as many as 200 Seacoast New Hampshire residents.   The program will need upwards of 150 volunteers.  Transportation and social connections are two of the greatest identified needs.
Volunteer teams are in the development phase.  They include: Administration and Finance, Community Outreach, Fundraising and Development, Volunteer Recruitment, and Program/Events.
Nancy told us that, “You are all Village people.” To which many replied with a tepid “Y-M-C-A”…
Read more about this promising new concept at www.engagingaging.helpfulvillage.com
Respectfully submitted, Neal Ouellett
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