President Ian opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and asked David MacMahon to lead us in the 4-Way Test. Next, John Rice challenged our singing abilities. Finally, Stanford Cross uplifted the multitude with inspirational words.
Guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced.
Announcements.
Ian had four announcements. He plugged the Every Rotarian, Every Year campaign and encouraged all to participate at any level, but at least $25 dollars.
Ian next highlighted the Interact group’s project, a Sleepout to support homeless students. Eileen is accepting donations.
A club social is scheduled for March 26, 5-7 PM, at Black Rock Social Club on West Road behind Lafayette Market Basket.
Materials for the president’s project, Little Free Libraries, are on order and a time for construction will be announced. To stock the shelves, a May book drive is planned. Keep the book drive in mind as you do your spring cleaning.
The Program.
Norm Olsen introduced our speaker, Robert Gibson, managing director of the NH Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (NHVDL).
The lab was established in 1969 by the NH commissioner of Agriculture and the State Veterinarian. It monitors and controls important animal diseases. The extent and volume of work this lab does is truly remarkable.
From household pets, farm animals, wildlife, aquatic and zoo animals, vets from throughout New England use their services to diagnose animal diseases.
The extent of their services is broad. More than 6,000 necropsies per year are performed and some 30,000 microscopic slides are examined. Four certified veterinary pathologists work to assist local veterinarians in caring for their patients.
Another part of the lab analyzes serum to protect food safety and monitor emerging health risks. More than 60 percent of human pathogens originate in and around the animal population.
Advanced technology allows monitoring of genetic changes in viral illnesses such as Avian flu and its potential future impact on human populations. The scope and volume of what NHVDL does is remarkable. To think I knew nothing about it before today. The lab is truly a vital service New Hampshire and UNH can be proud of.
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Chris won the $13-dollar 50/50 pot but there was no match. |
Respectfully submitted, Al Lantinen
Photos were not available at the time of publication
