02/12/16 Bits & Pieces

Posted by Alan Nye

President Bowen welcomed 53 members and 9 visitors to the meeting of February 12 at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay, where the room was nicely decorated to remind us that Valentine's Day was only two days away.

(Photo: Elise Hodgkin)

Alan Nye gave a thought-provoking invocation about perseverance, citing the many setbacks suffered by Abraham Lincoln before he became President. Russ Burleigh led us in a rousing “God Bless America.”

President Bowen introduced the many visiting guests, but alas no visiting Rotarians.

Tom Nickerson gave us our Rotary Moment in History, focusing on the years 1953-57. This was still the time of post-war boom. A monumental decision in civil rights was decided by the Supreme Court in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. (This landmark decision ended segregation in public schools.) The first polio vaccine was developed and came into use during this time. Our club during these years often had meetings about the construction of the Maine Turnpike. The club also featured Governor Ed Muskie and Senator Margaret Chase Smith as speakers.

Eric Lusk was singled out as wearing a bright orange sweater suitable for walking in the woods during hunting season or in support of the Denver Broncos' winning the Super Bowl!

Russ Burleigh and Gracie Johnston led us in singing “Happy Birthday” to the February-baby Rotarians. Gracie then gamely led us in a chorus of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

The raffle ($1023) was conducted by Linda Varrell with Jim Willey doing the honors – and drawing the Ace of Spades.

President Bowen urged us to help out at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen on the 24th, by signing sheets that were (supposed to be) on the tables. Another sign-up was mentioned for the meeting on March 4th at Merrill Auditorium – featuring a tour after the meeting of the newly-renovated Kotzschmar Organ. (See separate article on this special meeting. To register to attend, please contact Loretta BY 2/26: lrowe@maine.rr.com)

John Curran discussed all the wonderful things that Portland Rotary is doing through the International Service Committee, including the upcoming trip in March to the Dominican Republic, introducing the new 3D prosthetic hands, water filters, solar lights and more. For more information, contact John at: curraj1@mmc.org

President Bowen informed the club that the recent PROPEL networking event at the Rising Tide Brewery netted $570 for our club. Russell Voss, President of PROPEL, and Stephanie Pennell, PROPEL's Marketing Chair, (photo at right) presented a check to the club. Thanks to all who worked on the event and all those who attended!

President Bowen reminded members that there is another networking event coming up on March 29th at the Allagash Brewery. More details to come.

Emily McEntee announced that we are still accepting donations for the upcoming Rotary auction to be held on February 26th. She said that new and lightly-used items are still needed. Contact Emily, Ellen Niewoehner, or Loretta Rowe to donate your items ASAP. Please let one of these ladies know of your donated item(s) BEFORE the day of the auction, so the proper paperwork can be ready. (See separate article in this issue for more details.)

Jan Chapman made a plea for the donation of mobility devices for the "Crutches4Africa" project. In addition to crutches, canes, wheelchairs, etc., Jan is looking for a volunteer to temporarily store the donated items until a full container is ready to be shipped. To find out more information, please contact Jan at: chapmoore@myfairpoint.net