Rotary Log: November 1, 2012 (Politics in NH)

After a cheerful smile from this week’s greeter, Betsy Scott, Rotarians lined up for a traditional meal of ham and beans.  And as Rotarians scanned the room, they could see many committees busy at work planning the remainder of this year’s good works.

We then all busily dug in to our meals (many taking advantage of this week’s wide variety of desserts) and the meeting began with Diane Foley leading us in song with “This Land is Your Land.”  Unfortunately many minds must have been cloudy from too much Halloween candy, as we only made it through one verse.  (Perhaps we need the words projected on the wall with a bouncing ball to follow; Dave Underhill, I expect it to happen in your Presidential term!!!)

Next came announcements, where reliable sources say that Basil Richardson said something, and some even suggest that it was that there would be a hands-on project this Saturday (Nov. 11^th), from 8:00am to Noon to help re-paint the Christmas Tree Trailer.  Interested helpers should meet at Butch Ricci’s shop (Ricci Construction) located at 225 Banfield Road, Portsmouth – no painting experience necessary and coffee will be served! (And Dave, next year I also expect all of Basil’s announcements to be projected on to the wall).

With Turkey Day around the corner, Aileen Dugan then reminded us all that we still need some home-baked pies and turkeys for this year’s community Thanksgiving dinner at the Greek Church – a great way to contribute on this day of thanks! 

Judy Ringer was next up to the mike, to also ask for volunteers for some good old-fashioned Salvation Army bell ringing needed during this holiday season.  Interested Rotarians should contact Judy for more information.

Next, Catherine Edison was happy to announce that, besides many great food donations, the annual Food Drive held at Philbrick’s Fresh Market collected $700 in cash donations, which will be generously matched by our Rotary Club.

And finally, Dave Underhill and Marie Brownell wanted to thank everyone on the great job they did signing up for their Christmas Tree sales shifts (and remind anyone that didn’t sign up that shifts would be assigned).

Next were a few Happy Bucks including ones for well-cut bangs, the benefits of Chinese Abdominal Massage, and the safety of those caught up in Hurricane Sandy (glad to hear your daughter is safe and sound, Marie).

Now for the program.  Stella Scamman took the stage to announce this week’s guest, who not only was prepared with a wealth of information, but also with some of the most complexly constructed marketing materials ever to appear on a Rotarian’s table.  This guest was Neil Levesque, the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.

Neil proceeded to give a very informative presentation on both the great deal of political activity that NH enjoys at the Institute, but also on NH’s important place in the Presidential primaries and general election.  (Did you know that if Gore would have carried NH in 2000, he would have won the election?)

Not only is the institute a great way for NH students and residents to learn more about our political process, but as the host for a tremendous amount of political debates and appearances every year, the Institute provides NH residents with a unique and powerful way to intimately know those who represent us in government. 

Furthermore, because of the Institute’s heavy involvement in the living political process, it has also become one of the nation’s best resourced museums and libraries related to our democratic process.

In conclusion, Neil wanted to leave us with a couple observations.  First, that although negative ads are prevalent due to their effectiveness, we shouldn’t carry that over into feeling bad about the people we elect and the service they provide for us all.  Secondly, Neil was very sincere in his belief that, for the most part, those seeking elected office are very hard working and care deeply about the communities they serve.  For more information, please visit: www.anselm.edu/Institutes-Centers-and-the-Arts/NHIOP.htm.

And with election results looming, just remember it’s not the end of the world if your candidate doesn’t win – you can always move to Canada.

Have a great week everyone!

Editor's note: Finemasters take a look at the following picture...

Mistletoe Missive

Portsmouth Rotary, Volume 1 Number 9

Hard to believe that in just three week’ s time, the first truck of Frasiers will be unloaded at the Philbricks’s lot – and just a month after that, the much awaited visit from Santa….

Cashier Training a Success!

Our customized cashier training held last week was a BIG success!  If you have signed up for a cashier shift, you must attend one of the following training sessions offered by our very own Shannon Aldrich:  November 8^th  (this Thursday) and the 15^th beginning at 11:15 at the Portsmouth Country Club. Wednesday, November 14^th at 5:30 and Saturday, November 17^th at 10:00 am - both at the Keller Williams training facility, second floor at 501 Islington Street (next to Dunkin Donuts).  Thank you Shannon!

Tree Shifts Covered (almost!):

Thanks to Marie Brownell, the tree selling shifts are nearly full with Rotarian volunteers.  Thank you to everyone for signing up early and allowing for the earliest posted schedule ever!  Please remember that if you can’t make a shift or if you need to change a shift, you are responsible for finding your replacement AND communicating this to Marie Brownell.

Non-Rotarian volunteers are Welcome and Needed!  Please encourage friends, family and co-workers to join us this year in selling Christmas trees.  The schedule will be posted on the web-site for all those ambitious Rotarians looking for extra shifts and for you to sign on any Non-Rotarian volunteers!

Hands-On Anyone?

Painters needed!  Please join us this coming Saturday, November 10^th at 8:00 am as we give our trailer a new look with a fresh coat of paint.  The project should be completed by noon giving you plenty of time to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping! 

Can’t paint?  How about joining the hands-on crew this Thursday, November 8^th at 2:00 as they wash and prep the trailer for Saturday.

Location for both projects:  Ricci Construction Co., 225 Banfield Road, Portsmouth.

New Lot Layout, New Trailer look, New Signs - Same Mission!

The feel is in the air – Christmas is on the horizon.  We even had our first snowflakes of the season yesterday.  How much will we raise this year?  How many charities, how many of our friends and neighbors will benefit from our work?  Each tree sold will tell a story, Each tree sold will leave a legacy…

Yours in Rotary,

Patricia Cummings, vice-president and tree committee chair understudy