Rotary Log for February 7, 2019
Drizzly, cold winter weather outside was no match for sunny Rotarian dispositions inside. Former President Ben gave the invocation. I couldn't really hear it because I was standing at the door next to Peg. She was, as always, happily yapping away! It's good to have her back!
The conversation in our table centered around exactly what the phrase "is it the truth"? means. With three lawyers at the table, it was certainly an interesting discussion. Peg wasn't the only one chatty today. President Cleo had to ring the bell twice just to get us to pipe down. Everybody wanted to talk. That's a good thing.
There were several announcements. Tiffany needs two cooks and one server at Crossroads House on Saturday the 16th. She needs three cooks and one server on March 6. It's easy. Even I can do it! The cooks need to be there from 3pm to 5pm and it is a lot of fun. The servers need to be there between five and about 630. No big commitment. No preparation time. A few laughs. And a real good feeling. Sign up now! Ten out of 10 Log writers highly recommend
If you have a make-up, please email it to Lindsey now… Speaking of makeups, your volunteer time at Crossroads House counts as a make up!
Please don't use the Rotary directory for business purposes. If you do, we will beat the hell out of you. In the alternative, you will have to have lunch with Dan Hoefle for six consecutive weeks. Take the beating!
Congratulations to Rick Riseman on getting married… Our club is getting actively involved in fighting the opioid crisis. We will be having a forum at Portsmouth high school, probably April 11. Stay tuned.
Cleo announced that several Rotarians have been actively involved in a rehab project at the John Paul Jones House. Unfortunately, there was a minor catastrophe. Former President Bill fell off a ladder while painting. It is unclear at this point whether there was negligence on anybody's part but Bill’s. It was reported that the three lawyers present immediately jumped into action to help him. Dan Hoefle sued the John Paul Jones house, Jon Flagg sued Rotary, and Mark Larusso sued the ladder manufacturer.
It was heartwarming to see that kind of rapid response as Bill laid there in great pain and suffering. Bill reported at the meeting that he was feeling fine. But, come to think of it, he was clearly delirious from his significant head injury and has no idea how bad off he really is.
There was a brilliant (as usual) Rotary History moment. Turns out that on February 6, 1958, the topic of our meeting was whether Portsmouth was a good candidate for creating a "colonial village." Dr. Howland of the "national trusts" from Washington, DC, was guest speaker. Fast forward to 1965 when Strawberry Bank opened its doors! And there you have it.
Marie won the raffle, but there was no match.
The program was all about the Global Aquaculture Alliance. What the heck is the GAA? Exactly what it sounds like. It's about fostering and promoting and assisting Fish farming. As the wild fish population continues to be strained, more fish farming is needed. Doing it responsibly is the trick. The GAA not only fosters that, but also takes an active social role. For example, it has eliminated employment abuses in Thailand’s shrimp industry. It helps to educate its members and the public. How many of us have gone into the grocery store and seen wild salmon and farm-raised salmon? Now we know how it's done! And we understand that an organization works with farmers to responsibly promote the industry.
Wallace Stevens was one of the original founders when the Alliance was formed in England. The entire organization, including their English executive director, has now moved to Pease. There they have grown from two employees to 48.
Lots of good questions followed, including whether farm raised fish is healthier than wild fish. For one thing, farm raised fish contain little or no mercury because the fish are consuming feed, rather than other fish. Other wild fish tends to be the source of mercury. Salmon and shrimp are the most farmed fish because of the way that their eggs are produced. If you want to know more, look on their website. I learned a lot, but I want to stay smarter than you so I'm not gonna tell you everything I know.
Respectfully submitted, Jon Flagg
Photos by Matt Randall
