President Justin called the meeting to order and led the Pledge. Al Lantinen started us off in singing “God Bless America.” Having been promoted from Past President to Greeter, Jon Flagg lustily guided us in the 4-Way Test. In his invocation John Rice thanked the Creator for human creators involved in the arts.
GUESTS
The sole guest was Katie Fleischer, daughter, and business associate of Andy Fleischer.
HAPPY DOLLARS
People were feeling happy. Judy Ringer extolled the beauty of the day outside. Marie Brownell was thankful for the imminent start of this year’s Golf Tournament. Several Rotarians chipped in, thanking Marie for her hard work in organizing the event. Justin reminded Kevin Schultz that Kevin’s upcoming wedding this weekend should be cause for Happy Dollars! Kevin agreed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Marie publically thanked each Tournament sponsor. Looking down the road, Ann Bliss explained that volunteer sign-ups are now online for Thanksgiving Day meal deliveries. And October is an important Rotary month, Justin proclaimed. Mainly because Polio Plus Day falls on the 24th.
GUEST SPEAKERS
The meeting program topic was “The Art of Appledore Island.” Appledore is the largest island of the Isles of Shoals. John Rice introduced our two guest speakers, Dr. Jennifer Seavey, and Doug Nelson. He noted personal ties to the Shoals as his grandmother was born out there 136 years ago. The family was directly involved with the Shoals artistic community back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
Dr. Seavey is the executive Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) on Appledore Island. In her talk she focused on the current SML initiatives that seek to integrate science and art in a synergistic fashion.
One important program is the “Artist in Residence” series. Each summer six artists are invited to live on the island. The intent is for them to derive inspiration from the natural surroundings. Resident artists also commit to teaching several courses during their stay. The deep observation qualities employed by the artists are then hopefully transmitted to the young scientists at work in their own research specialties.
Doug Nelson has served on the Advisory Board of the Shoals Marine Laboratory since 2004. By day Doug is a family wealth manager in Portsmouth. He is a past Rotarian of 14 years. Doug discussed the pictorial art that has been inspired by and produced at Appledore Island since the late 1800’s.
An early proponent of this art community was Celia Thaxter. Aside from maintaining her world-famous garden, Celia (d. 1894) maintained an art salon at her Appledore home. Here paintings were discussed, appreciated, and displayed. This Appledore art scene was instrumental in the genesis and growth of American Impressionism.
A fast-paced slide show pictured the more famous pieces associated with Appledore. Throughout, Doug interwove numerous anecdotes regarding the artists and their benefactors.
Tidbit: Spectacular western-facing sunsets can be viewed from Appledore Island.
RAFFLE
John Sullivan won the $25 raffle and promptly donated it right back via the Happy Dollar bucket. No match ensued.
Respectfully submitted, Richard Greulich
