Yvonne opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Tiffany McKenna, a long-time Rotarian and active volunteer who passed away earlier this week. Some of us remember serving meals with Tiffany at Crossroads House.
Al led everyone in song and Francoise recited a Nancy Carmody gratitude poem “I am Thankful for.” The poignant work essentially expresses gratitude for the simple beauty of daily life.
There were numerous guests and visiting Rotarians including Laura Barker from Hero Pups, David Zippin, Anne Moody, Paul Berton, Brian Goode, Barry Nadeau, and Ed Quirk, among others, who came to this canine-centered meeting. At least two of our guests would like to join! Also, on hand was Visiting Rotarian Pete Johnston of the Andover, Mass., club.
Before formalities began, we were treated to weeks old Hero Pups being cuddled by caretakers and Rotarians alike. Indeed, today’s speaker, Det. Rochelle Jones from the Portsmouth PD, brought along her sidekick “Mason,” a Hero Pup alum and two-year-old(?) lab comfort dog. More on that later.
Hero Pups, by the way, is an all-volunteer non-profit that provides support dogs to eligible veterans and first responders. In short, they place dogs so they can help people. But moving on to announcements…
Priscilla provided a Thanksgiving Dinner wrap, noting that the bulk of our meals are still delivered in this post-pandemic world...Midge had a shout out for her Tree Committee, Yvonne, Dave, Joanie, and Nicole. They helped her find a new and more reliable vendor. She also mentioned Mark Lorusso’s five-hour solo effort setting up the trailer. When you need something done, just call on a “Loggie.”
Joe Cunningham volunteered to appear in Eric Weinrieb’s Santa suit at the tree sales lot this weekend. Interesting idea to liven things up…Donations are sought to help support the PHS Interact Club’s Stocking for Seniors effort.
Eric gave us an update on Charlie’s Rotoplast benefit moped ride from Kittery Point to Key West. As of last week, he’d reached Limerick, Pa., after stops in Sturbridge, Ma., and Yonkers. What a thrill it must be to have New York City in the rearview mirror.
Ian O’Neall introduced our newest member, Brandi McKay-Berry. You may see this remarkable young woman tooling into the PCC parking lot astride her motorcycle. She’s already pulled two Christmas Tree shifts and was one of the 2023 Vocational Service Award winners. A Digital Marketing Coordinator at Bangor Savings Bank, she lives with her husband in Barrington.
Chief Mark Newport introduced Detective Rochelle Jones, a woman who is no stranger to Portsmouth Rotary. She has served in various capacities with the Portsmouth PD and spoken to us about most of them.
Personable and energetic, the 20-year-police veteran is assigned to community relations. But her assignments also include everything from sweeping crime scenes to talking a despondent man off the Piscataqua River bridge. She is now also the official “Comfort Dog” handler at the department.
Rochelle’s dog “Mason” serves as a de-stressor to department personnel as well as traumatized crime victims, especially children.
“The dog’s power of healing is unbelievable,” Rochelle noted.
Just petting the Hero pups before lunch, most of us could feel morning tensions going away. Now in his second year on the job, Mason reflects his handler’s buoyant personality.
“He is his own person, but if I get stressed,” Rochelle said, “he gets stressed.”
Comfort Dogs are owned by agencies, in this case Hero Pups, Rochelle explained. People own their therapy dogs—a key difference. Further, you must be sensitive to the fact that some folks are afraid of dogs.
Mason, a 60-pounder, doesn’t do tracking or other police work. He’s there to strictly boost morale among police officers, families of officers and victims of crime. Still, Mason is a dog. Rochelle always carries a “Duty bag” that includes things like treats to reinforce good habits and, of course, poop bags.
Rochelle concluded her talk with a concise explanation for why she does what she does.
“We don’t function well if we’re not OK,“ she said. “That’s why the police department continues to look for new ways to help folks who are stressed.”
Bravo to Rochelle and the Portsmouth PD!
Frank Nappo won the $65-dollar 50-50 raffle. There was no match.
Respectfully submitted, Juan Arroz
Photos by Francoise Meissner
Greenland, NH 03840
United States of America