Rotary Log for June 16, 2016

Rotary Log for June 16, 2016

by Al Lantinen

Photos by Tube Loch

President Bill Hurley opened the meeting and welcomed our guests for the day. Portsmouth Rotary was awarded a District Governor's Citation for our increase in membership and exceeding our Foundation Goal. Kudos to all!

Justin Finn called out for volunteers for the Annual Road Race Aug 4.

Leo Gagnon announced a “save the date” of July 23 for an evening cruise on the Thomas Leighton in Portsmouth.

Andy Chase thanked his Golf Tournament team and listed the generous sponsors who make our work possible.

Linda Browning introduced our newest member, Ashley Bush, a local psychotherapist and talented singer. Ashley is Portsmouth Women’s Chorus alumna, which later morphed into Portsmouth Pro Musica. Both myself and John Rice belong to that group.

Luis Melchor introduced Jen Seabrooke whose first contact with Rotary was at our Christmas tree sale years ago. Jen is a full-time real estate broker. Welcome to both of you!

Mort Schmidt then gave us a brief history of the Rotary Foundation and Paul Harris Fellowship awards. Imagine starting with $26.50 and ending up now with millions! Our latest Paul Harris Fellowship award recipient was introduced by David Holden. A non-Rotarian, Cliff Sinnott has been the executive director of the Regional Planning Commission since 1985.

Sinnott’s tireless work with 26 communities and their attendant town managers, selectmen, and committees has furthered the progress in our area. One can imagine the complexity of this work when you consider the effort required for projects in a single community. He is also currently chair of the high-profile Coastal Risks and Hazards Commission. Cliff Sinnott truly represents the service we as Rotarians can admire.

Stella Scamman then introduced our speaker, John Doan, Chairman of the Stratham 300 year Centennial Celebration. Doan stepped in as speaker at the last minute when a special vote in Concord pulled away the politician that was scheduled to speak. He did just fine on a moment’s notice.

Stratham was incorporated as a town in 1716 and, interestingly, was the 6th town to be incorporated in New Hampshire. (Dover was the first) At that time the population was 40 families. He took us through the first jobs of the committee including a commissioning a history of Stratham from 1900 to present. In 1925 Captain Thomas Wiggin donated land to the town that now is call Stratham Hill park. It was specified that all citizens have free use of the park. The Stratham fair will be held there this week and the centennial celebration will be a prime focus. So join in the celebration and see you at Stratham Hill Park!

Respectfully submitted, Al Lantinen