03/04/16 Bits & Pieces
Posted by Ben Lowry
The Portland Rotary Club met in the rehearsal hall at Merrill Auditorium, with 51 Rotarians, 7 guests and 2 visiting Rotarians, including Christine Johnson, President of the Gorham-Westbrook Rotary Club, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary on March 8th. Of course, that club was sponsored by our own club, when we were just 10 years new at the time.
Paul Tully offered a moving invocation and President Bowen led us in the pledge, holding up a 6-inch American flag.
Under the capable hands of Megan Devlin conducting the raffle, which was up to $1,222, Emily McIntee’s name was drawn, but, alas, she drew a nine of diamonds. The pot thickens.
While at the podium, Emily again thanked all of the club members for their participation in last’s week auction, which raised over $1000 for our operating fund.
March birthdays were announced by President Bowen and the club members and guests sang an enthusiastic version of “Happy Birthday,” the most sung song on earth.
While at the podium, Emily again thanked all of the club members for their participation in last’s week auction, which raised over $1000 for our operating fund.
March birthdays were announced by President Bowen and the club members and guests sang an enthusiastic version of “Happy Birthday,” the most sung song on earth.
Bruce Moore provided an entertaining look at the world, the nation and Portland Rotary from 1965 thru 1968, touching on music (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones), politics (the race riots and Vietnam) and the spirit of Portland Rotary, which was alive and well in our large, 220 member club. Current members like Mark Stimson and Don Lowry joined during this span and the speakers included Margaret Chase Smith and Edmund Muskie.
Peter Ingram encouraged us all to mark our calendars for Tuesday, March 29th, from 5:30 to 7:30, for our annual fund raiser/fellowship event at Allagash Brewery on Industrial Way in Portland. Peter and his committee hope that we can all help celebrate Rob Tod’s (owner of Allagash) recognition of a Paul Harris Fellow, as Rob will be honored with the recognition for his service to the community and continued support of Rotary. Join us to honor Rob, share in fellowship, and enjoy Allagash’s award-winning premium Belgium inspired beverages. To compliment the fine beer, fine cheeses, cured meat plates and assorted appetizers will be served. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 or can be purchased at the door for $20. The event recipient will be our Childhood Hunger and Education (CHE) initiative and allow us to purchase books to distribute and read to young children at food sites this summer.