04/15/16 Bits & Pieces
Posted by Ben Lowry
President Bowen Depke opened the meeting by welcoming 55 members, 2 Honorary and 3 guests.
David Small gave a humorous invocation, sharing a look into the dreams and potential nightmares as our new US president settles into the White House next winter. Visited by ghosts of presidents past, the new POTUS receives helpful and sage advice from the luminaries, but is taken aback when the ghost of Abe Lincoln suggests he (or she) “go see a play” while in office!
Mark Stimson led us in the pledge and Kathy Grammer led us in a rousing version of “America the Beautiful.”
Our “History Moments” have now entered the 1970’s, with Dick Hall recalling the country and world in 1971 and 1972. Tensions were high between India and the USSR; the "troubles” in Northern Ireland continued to blaze; The Democratic Republic of Congo became Zaire; at home, Richard Nixon won the 1972 election and traveled to China; the Academy Award for best picture went to “Patton” and “All the Family” debuted on TV. In our own club, the major fundraiser, the Sidewalk Art Show, led by Bob Patten, raised over $20,000 for Junior Achievement and we showed a rebel bent by canceling the meetings on December 24 and 31 in direct violation of Rotary International Bylaws.
The weekly raffle was conducted by Lester Evans, who called up Mike Fortunato to draw the card and try to find the Queen of Hearts for $1388. Alas, Mike pulled the ten of clubs. The pot thickens!
While at the podium, Mike pointed out a group photo shot of the 1916 Portland Rotary Club and reminded us that our chance at posterity will come on June 3rd, when we will try to gather on the steps of City Hall before our meeting there to capture our humble group, so that we can be feted a century from now.
Tom Nickerson introduced our newest member, Leisa Collins, who has worked for the Maine Community College programs for many years. Now posted at SMCC and working with CMCC, Leisa, who hails from Aroostook County and received her Masters at UMaine, looks forward to joining our ranks as well as adding to the tension in our competition with the Portsmouth Club for new members. Welcome to Portland Rotary, Leisa!
Mark your calendar for the first annual 'BBQ Crawl,' which will be a social event held on May 21st, as reported by Rob Chatfield. This should be a great time to taste our way around Portland, with the added twist of a “poker run,” with the participants receiving a new card at each venue with the winner “playing his (or her) hand” at Binga’s Wingas at the end of our fun evening.
News heard around the room:
Julie L’Heureux has co-authored a new book sharing insights from her career in the nursing field, proceeds to benefit the American Nursing Foundation. Both Rusty Atwood and Paul Gore are expecting grandchildren within the next few months.
Julie L’Heureux has co-authored a new book sharing insights from her career in the nursing field, proceeds to benefit the American Nursing Foundation. Both Rusty Atwood and Paul Gore are expecting grandchildren within the next few months.
Our efforts at Long Creek Youth Center continue, as Dave Putnam reminded us. Each month, we have a group head over to the Cedar Unit to play games, feed and chat with the incarcerated young men at the facility. We also offer opportunities to mentor these young men, with just one hour per week needed to make a huge difference. E-mail Jim Willey (jimandbarbarawilley@gmail.com) or Mike Fortunato (michael.k.fortunato@gmail.com) for details.
The 'Maine Outdoor Challenge' is just six weeks from now and the club needs 100% participation in our largest fundraiser of the year. We needs teams, raffle prizes, donations and for members to get involved. Please look for an e-mail from Kris Rosado asking for your help. Along this vein, Travis Parker requested volunteers to join teams to canvas the Greater Portland businesses in search of donors for raffle prizes to be used at the MOC lobster bake on Wednesday, June 8th. For more information or to volunteer, contact Travis at: travisrparker@gmail.com