Rotary Log: October 25, 2012 (Congressional Candidate 2)

With Hurricane Sandy a few days away, Portsmouth Rotarians were greeted with sunny skies and the crisp fall air at the Portsmouth Country Club

Two Minute Tidbit. The question presented by Jon St. Pierre was what is the procedure for asking questions to the visiting politicians? Lucky ticket owner Ted Alex answered correctly by “shimmying?” your questions to a well-dressed Bill Hurley.

There were a few Happy Dollars given today which included new grandchildren to a big thanks to all who have signed up for Christmas Tree sales. Rick Page had a special happy dollar. We were honored to see his son home from serving as a medevac in Afghanistan.

Announcements

Dave Underhill let it be known that 15 club members have not signed up for Christmas Tree Sales.  Please sign up at the back of the meeting room at this week’s Rotary meeting. Also, cashier training starts next week so if you signed up for cashier duties, please make sure to attend this mandatory session.

As of this writing the harvest for Hunger food drive took place on Friday the 26^th. This initiative benefits all local food pantries. We look forward to hearing about the results.

Program

Representative Frank Guinta was the fourth candidate to pay the Portsmouth Rotary a visit in the past few weeks. Rep. Guinta is running for reelection against former representative Carol Shea-Porter for New Hampshire’s 1^st Congressional District. Rep. Guinta kept his remarks short to field numerous questions from Rotarians. Rep. Guinta let it be known that Thursday was his 15^th wedding anniversary! He currently resides in Manchester with his wife and two children, Colby and Jack. He made a pledge NOT to move to Washington D.C., rather opting to spend more time with his family and the people of New Hampshire. By doing this Rep. Guinta feels he can serve people and provide the best reflection of his constituents.

His main concerns include the federal deficits, federal debt, and the regulatory environment for small businesses and community banks. Rep. Guinta believes that his approach is a pro-business approach and feels the policies put in place are hurting economic growth.

He also spoke to the gridlock and partisanship that the American people see in Washington and he works hard to work with the Democrats. As a republican mayor of Manchester he worked well with the alderman that included eleven democrats, two republicans, and one independent. Two examples of working with democrats is the legislation he drafted with Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts to address the fishing industry issues for NH and Mass. fisherman and the Highway bill in which he helped secure $159 million for NH which passed with bi-partisan support.

Rep. Guinta highlighted the increase in the Dept. of education budget to $80 billion, but much of that funding stayed in Washington D.C. He believes that the state of NH, teachers, and parents should be in control of education decisions.

He sees housing reform legislation in 2013 which could include proposals addressing the mortgage interest deductions for middle class and high income earnings, although those two terms have yet to be defined in D.C.

He believes that government spending needs to be controlled and 18% of GDP spending versus the 25% currently is ideal.

Rep. Guinta mentioned that the reality is that congress members like each other, although it doesn’t appear so. His appearance on MSNBC a few times was concluded that he is a reasonable republican, and then he was never invited on again. He received a reaction from Rotarians when he mentioned political cables news is entertainment, not news!

Rep. Guinta made Justin Finn the lucky man as the 50/50 winner. Unfortunately, Justin missed out on the long waited $25 bonus.

Mistletoe Missive

Portsmouth Rotary, Volume 1 Number 8

I hope everyone came through the Frankenstorm without a hitch!  Not even a “perfect storm” could take our attention away from Christmas Tree Sales – our biggest fundraiser of the year!

Voluntary Sign Ups now Closed!

A BIG Thank You to all Portsmouth Rotarians who have signed up for the three required tree-selling shifts.  Nearly ALL of our members have demonstrated their commitment to the vision of Art Cole 40-years ago – and have signed on for Christmas Tree Sales!  With this kind of selling power, our 40^th year is sure to be our best yet. 

The final schedule will be posted to our web-site.

Calling All Cashiers!

Our customized cashier training will begin in earnest this week!  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 1^st (this Thursday), the 8^th 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).

Better Organization/Better Results:

It’s not a surprise that businesses that are proactive, organized and efficient with their resources yield better results.  Portsmouth Rotary is no exception.  What’s New?:  This year we will have enhanced procedures for the day captain, cash handling and overall operations on the tree lot.  What’s the Same?:  Portsmouth Rotary’s  signature, personal approach to tree sales, camaraderie, community support and most of all Fellowship and Fun!  Not to mention loads of money to our charitable budget!!

Pictures Please!

We’d love to see – and post – your favorite Portsmouth Rotary Christmas Tree!  Let’s see how far back we can go - I bet we have Rotarians with at least 39 years’ worth of Christmas memories to share!

Yours in Rotary,

Patricia Cummings, vice-president and tree committee chair understudy