Rotary Log for December 11, 2014
Story by Mark Lorusso and photos by Leo Gagnon
Complete slideshow here:
http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Journals/JournalDetails.aspx?accountid=6644&jid=61721
As we head into the holiday season, Christmas tree sales are surging. The Puddle Dock ice rink is now operational, as well. All thanks in large part to generous donations of time and effort by several Rotarians. Not to forget the key donation made by our Club—more on that later. Ted Alex merits a special note of thanks for spearheading the project. Many thanks, Ted.
We began our meeting with a moment of silence for the Club’s recent losses of member Otto Grote and Dave Holden’s beloved wife, Rinda Hill. Otto may be remembered best as the Rotarian who set the record for the longest introductory speech. He began with his birth. Twenty minutes into his speech, then head of Rotary Information, John Hebert, stood up and paid a hefty fine. The levy covered Otto’s supposedly brief introduction. Just another one of those countless precious Rotary Club memories.
Guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced. They included Louise Richardson, Melanie Samson, Joan Rice and Eric Wells.
Janice Wood then proposed a list of officers and directors for the upcoming 2015-2016 club year. Following Mort Schmidt’s seconded motion to approve the proposal with a single voice vote, the motion and proposal carried unanimously. Congratulations to our incoming officers and board members!
Today, we welcomed our newest member, Albie Sampson, introduced by Joanie Dickinson. In his comments, Albie spoke about a very difficult time in his early life. Due to tragedies and difficulties experienced by his biological family, he lived in a foster home. A graduate of Boston College, Albie has triumphed over his early challenges. He currently works for Wells Fargo in Harbor Place. Welcome!
President Tricia informed us that Jim Clark is on seven-day notice. Stephanie Smith will be added to our roster next week. Our club continues its growth trend with these soon-to-be new members.
President Tricia next turned her attention to the Puddle Dock ice rink. She was pleased to announce Portsmouth Rotary will be listed on the founder’s plaque. Furthermore, a free skate between 3:15 and 4:15 pm each Saturday will be held in perpetuity and be known as the Portsmouth Rotary Free Public Skate. May this be the replacement of Rotary goodwill that our former chicken barbecue provided for so many years on that very same spot.
During fines and happy bucks, we finally understood what Basil was saying. Louise stood up and belted out his announcement for all to hear about his new grandson.
Next we were informed by President Tricia and V.P. James Petersen about time slots still open for Christmas tree sales. Anyone available to pick up additional shifts are asked to do so.
Bob Field introduced the speaker, Owen John, Co-Founder and Vice President for Sales and Marketing for Quest Navigation and Nova Star Cruises, Ltd. Mr. John gave us a very informative presentation about the new ferry service between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
The Nova Star runs between May 15 and October 15 with daily round trips. The ship was built in Singapore in 2012 for $165 million. It was constructed for a European company that intended to use the vessel to ferry vehicles and passengers across the English Channel. Due to unspecified contractual challenges, the European company never took delivery. That made the ship available for third party purchase: enter Quest Navigation.
She has many modern amenities, e.g., a spa, slot machines, live entertainment, duty-free market, multiple restaurants and bars. The Star also boasts a cultural exhibit space and 163 cabins. There are 254 business class seats and room for 700 passengers and 220 vehicles. She cruises at 21 knots, making the trip between Portland and Yarmouth in about seven hours in good weather. A one-way adult ticket (without a cabin) costs about $100 and about the same for a vehicle. Discount price packages are currently being planned for next season.
Jon Flagg won the raffle (no match) and no recount was requested.
Respectfully submitted Mark Lorusso
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