Rotary Club Marks 100th Anniversary Presenting $100,000 To Portsmouth

While the city of Portsmouth celebrates its 400 anniversary this year, the city’s Rotary Club organization marks its 100th. To celebrate that milestone, the service organization has presented the city with $100,000. As podcast producer Roger Wood finds out, the club has also partnered with many local organizations to provide funding and assistance. Ben Wheeler is past president of the club.

Ben Wheeler, a lifelong resident of Portsmouth, is past president of the city’s Rotary Club. He serves as Vice President of business development for Piscataqua Savings Bank in Portsmouth. Prior to this, he was Senior Vice President at Northway Bank and Vice President of commercial lending at Newburyport Bank. He has been on the Rotary Club’s Board of Directors for over 11 years. Ben holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in Portsmouth with wife Michelle and two daughters.

Roger Wood is an award winning radio, podcast, newspaper and television journalist, with over 40 years of experience in the media. Roger has spent his entire professional career in New Hampshire. Roger currently serves as associate publisher and podcast producer at InDepthNH.org. In 2021 and 2022, he was recognized by the New Hampshire Press Association for his work in news podcasts. Prior to that he was honored for his work in broadcast radio news and public affairs. He has produced news and special feature reports for InDepthNH, New Hampshire Public Radio, NPR, and other public and commercial radio stations. He also produced spot news for CBS Radio. He has produced and narrated some 50 audiobooks and has written three novels. Roger has also moderated political forums for Seacoast Area Chambers of Commerce in Senate, gubernatorial and congressional races. He has also facilitated public policy discussions locally and statewide. Roger and his wife Elaine, parents of three adult children, reside in Portsmouth with their cat Sebastian.