Rotary eBulletin for September 23, 2014

Rotary Log for Meeting of September 18, 2014 by John W. Rice, Log co-editor

Photos by Bob Loch, full slide show here:

http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Journals/JournalDetails.aspx?accountid=6644&jid=61230

We got a taste of what life would be like in a Petersen administration. With all the other powers-that-be away, Vice-President James led our meeting at the Portsmouth Country Club. His presence was met with a standing-o even before the meeting got started. And he did very well, thank-you. Nice way to debut.

Yours truly led us in song, noting it was the 200^th Anniversary of the National Anthem.  

We enjoyed a scrumptious roast sirloin lunch. That prompted Father Allen to note that it was King James I of England who came up with the name “sirloin.” The king was so delighted after eating the same in Lancashire, he knighted the beef. Hence “Sir-loin.”  And Lancashire just happens to be where Gordon is from.

Eagle Scout Hayden Diemer, a PHS senior, gave the club a plaque. The award came in gratitude for supporting him as he attained the lofty rank.

Ted Alex discussed Rotary’s pending hands-on, high-profile work project at “Puddle Dock Pond.” Puddle Dock Pond, Strawbery Banke’s new ice skating rink, will combine volunteer efforts from many groups. 

We’ll be voting on a major portion of the proposed $30K Rotary contribution at the October 9 meeting. The vote is needed to permit the Club to take $20K from the Ray Jones Fund as part of the $30K. Ted said our hands-on involvement would likely be installing skate racks in the new ice-pavilion on November 22. There are also some temporary structures we could help to construct. If approved, this will be Rotary’s largest hands-on project ever. Signage will acknowledge our club’s efforts here.

Shari Donnermeyer offered a Happy Dollar to acknowledge jumping out of an airplane at 50,000 feet and surviving. No wonder she’s happy.

Our speaker was New Castle Photographer David Murray who discussed the use of drones. He began by showing striking images, taken by drones, of the Isles of Shoals, Market Square, the new bridge and more. Drones have been infamously used in military operations, but they have many peaceful uses as well. They have monitored whale movements and crop conditions. Google and Amazon are testing drones to deliver packages. Hollywood employs them to enhance film productions.

The future of drones is endless. Farmers could use drones to detect pests and where water is needed for their crops. Tourism and marketing—especially real estate—are actively using drones. Elephant movements and the detection of poaching activity is an area where drones could be a huge help. Drones can also fly into hurricanes, sparing hurricane hunters from doing so. They have already been used to confirm tornado damage. Drone coverage enhances television sports such as the Olympic Downhill racing events last winter.

Meanwhile the FAA has tried to block the commercial use of drones. However, a federal judge overturned the FAA’s mandate last March. The regulation of drones is kind of the “Wild West” right now, Murray says. The FCC does require that radio frequencies used to fly drones be licensed. And there is the matter of protecting public privacy. All in all, a fascinating talk. Several Rotarians joined Murray outside the PCC after our meeting for a demonstration on this sparkling fall afternoon.

And, for the record, the 50-50 yielded $60. There was no match.

On Thursday September 25, Representative Carol Shea-Porter and her GOP challenger Frank Guinta will appear in our first candidate forum.   The meeting starts earlier and ends later to accommodate questions and answers.

Respectfully submitted, John Rice, faithful Log co-editor.