Rotary Log for Meting of July 19, 2018
President Cleo opened the meeting by welcoming fellow Rotarians and friends. Al Lantinen led us in song. Greeter Joe Cunningham steered us through the four-way test. John Flagg directed an evoking “lawyer prayer” reminding us to never ask a lawyer to lead prayer.
Guests and announcements.
Stan Cross brought his guest Shane Brewer…There were lots of Happy Dollars. Yvonne Legge showed us the Portsmouth Rotary flag she will bring to a club in South Africa. Tube gave a dollar because his daughter just got into college. Rick added his son got married to a wonderful girl.
Dave Underhill then marched up to the podium to give a very special award to Marie Brownell. After giving every week for multiple years, Marie is now a major donor to the Rotary Foundation.
The program.
Stella introduced Chief Pat Sullivan, executive director, N.H. Chiefs of Police. The chief spoke about the current ownership status of pistols and revolvers in New Hampshire. A former president of Goffstown Rotary, Pat was well versed in our commitment and responsibility to public safety.
Currently, in New Hampshire you do not need a permit to carry a firearm. Anyone at any age can carry a gun except into court. Last year, NH RSA 159 was repealed meaning residents no longer need a permit to carry concealed. A license to carry a pistol or revolver concealed is now voluntary. Minors still cannot buy a gun, but they can have one exposed or concealed. Also, there is no minimum age for hunting.
Pat showed Rotarians a picture of a local school safety guide. Glaringly missing were rules around carrying guns in schools. Pat argued that we need more rules around gun control in schools and for minors to keep children safe.
If a resident buys a gun from a registered dealer, a background check is initiated. However, it is legal to sell guns between peers if the buyer is not a certain type of felon. This means there are many ways for guns to fall into the wrong hands. There are about two to three shootings in Manchester each night. Gangs walk up and down Elm street carrying assault weapons, according to Pat.
Pat shared with us that he has guns because he likes to shoot for sport. Talk about lax gun laws, Pat said he won his gun in a raffle!
After a much-heated Q & A we ended the meeting by drawing the raffle. Nancy won but it was not a match.
Respectfully submitted, Madeline Warren
Photos by Tube Loch
