03/06/15 BITS & PIECES
Posted by Bob Martin
on Mar 15, 2015
Peggy Wescott led us in a brief invocation and Russ Burleigh drove the tune for "God Bless America."
President Kris invited everyone to sign a condolence card for Stella Patten, in honor of PDG, and Past-President, Bob Patten, who recently passed away. President Kris shared his conversation with Stella Patten, who expressed her appreciation for the expressions of support and remembrance of Bob. He reported that she was particularly hopeful that Bob’s favorite Rotary project of the annual clean up of Jewell Island would continue to be supported by the club, a wish that is being pursued by Bowen Depke, Harold Crabill, and Jim Willey in Bob’s honor.
President Kris welcomed 47 Rotarian members, 2 visiting Rotarians, and 8 guests.
Nan Heald presided over the raffle and gave Peggy Westcott a chance to take home $815, but she missed on her draw by pulling the Jack of Diamonds, so the pot remains intact to grow.(Photo: Nan Heald and Peggy "Queenie" Wescott. President Kris Rosado in background.)
President Kris reminded everyone of the Interviewing Workshop at Deering High School on Wednesday, April 1st, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact David Small to sign up at: dsmall@nelsonsmall.com.
George Crockett recommended his friend Nanuschka, who has recently arrived in Portland as an asylum seeker from Burundi. She has successfully received her work permits and is waiting for her asylum to be approved. She holds a college degree in international business, is extremely capable, and highly-recommended by George. Contact him at 828-9571 if you know of a potential job for her in Portland.
2nd VP Laura Young thanked everyone for completing their 'Childhood Hunger and Education' (CHE) surveys and reported that club members are enthused to work on these issues in Portland. Over half of the club members (62) are willing to help with CHE activities in the following ways:
- Preble Street Soup Kitchen—22 members
- Summer Food & Reading Program—20 members
- Reading to K-3 Elementary students—14 members
- Mentoring in High Schools—9 members
- Deering High School Interviewing workshop—20 members
- Job Shadowing for High School students—10 members
- Internships—3 members
- Externships—3 members
- Long Creek Youth Center—12 members
John Curran introduced two happy families from the Dominican Republic who accompanied their children, Jeremy (12) and Kristoff (4) for their successful heart surgery at Maine Medical Center. Sponsored by 'Gift of Life for Maine,' they stayed at the Ronald McDonald House and are scheduled to return home next week. Paul Emery, head of the Gift of Life for Maine, and a Rotarian from the Westbrook-Gorham Rotary Club, thanked the club for its support, and Sarah Taylor, who coordinated everything for the families.(Photo: Sarah Taylor, John Curran, Ingri Beltre, with her daughter Cristal, Valentina Berroa with her son Jeremy and Paul Emery, Westbrook-Gorham Rotary.)
Amy Chipman provided a quick update on the club’s Rotary Foundation goal: as of Friday, members have contributed $12,800 toward our $15,500 annual goal. “We’re going to make it this year for sure!” Amy also called Past President Bill Blount forward to receive his fourth Paul Harris Fellow award. She noted his generous contributions to the Foundation, and his work as the club’s Director of Athletics and Recreation, among other things.Bill Blount reminded everyone of the fundraising "tasting and tour" event at Allaghash Brewery, 50 Industrial Way, Portland, on March 19th from 6 to 9pm. RSVP’s to Elise Hodgkin or Dave Seddon. The ticket cost of $15 per person or $25 per couple is payable at the door.
Bowen Depke and Harold Crabill co-sponsored and introduced a new member, Adam Shepherd. Adam has a background in youth education, lives in South Portland with his wife and 15-month-old, and works at Rippleffect in fund-raising and other roles.
Mike Fortunato is celebrating another grandchild, a baby girl.....Grace Marie Rizzo.