By Mike McLean
The Second Meeting of 2002 was held at Yoken's
Conference Center in Portsmouth on March 23, 2002. It definitely did
not feel like a Spring day, with snow on the ground and near freezing temperature.
Nevertheless, 217 members and guests turned out for an excellent program.
This was our first visit back to Yoken's since 1991, and everyone enjoyed
themselves. The staff was friendly, and the service was very efficient!
In an attempt to feel spring-like, the tables were adorned with beautiful
daffodils. There also was enough space for everyone to have plenty
of elbowroom, considering the larger turnouts we have had at recent events.
We were pleased to have Tom Cocchiaro, Chairman of
The Ranger Foundation,
as our guest speaker. He spoke to us about the foundation's efforts
to build a full size replica of John Paul Jones' sloop
Ranger,
and showed a video of
Ranger's importance to the American Revolution.
If you would like to learn more about this important local project, visit
their website at
www.rangerfoundation.org.
Six first timers joined us at the luncheon: Robert and Bernice Gardella of
Rye, Royal Holmes of Langdon, George and Lois Miller of Stratham and Bob
Frese of Hampton.