04/24/15 BITS & PIECES

Dave Small gave us our invocation:

"Life is always unfinished business" (Richard Gilbert)
In the midst of the whirling day...in the hectic rush to be doing;
In the frantic pace of life, pause here for a moment.
Catch your breath...relax your body...loosen your grip on life.
Consider that our lives are always unfinished business;
Imagine that the picture of our being is never complete;
Allow your life to be a work in progress.
Do not hurry to mold the masterpiece;
Do not rush to finish the picture;
Do not be impatient to complete the drawing.
From beckoning birth to dawning death, we are in process,
And always there is more to be done.
Do not let the incompleteness weigh on your spirit;
Do not despair that imperfection marks your every day;
Do not fear that we are still in the making.
Let us instead be grateful that the world is still to be created;
Let us give thanks that we can be more than we are;
Let us celebrate the power of the incomplete;
For life is always unfinished business.

Peggy Wescott led us in the pledge of allegiance. 

Kathy Grammer played the piano and led us in the national anthem.

President Kris welcomed 40 members and 1 visiting Rotarian, Mike Dickel from Germany.

Glenn Nerbak conducted the raffle with the pot up to $1009. President Kris won the draw, but drew the ace of diamonds. And the beat goes on.....

Happy Dollars: 

• President Kris offered "Happy Dollars" in honor of his son’s acceptance to a summer cyber security program with a full scholarship.  
• Peggy Wescott was happy that the daffodils and forsythias are in bloom.
• Dave Small’s oldest of 5 grandchildren (with 1 more on the way) turns 5 tomorrow.
• Charlie Frair was thankful that his sister is able to help with providing care for his dad.

Proceeds from today's 'happy dollars' are donated in Charlie Frair's name to the Rotary Foundation.

Dave Small shared a note of thanks from Deering High School for the help that Rotarians provided with mock interviews and coaching of high school students.

President Kris shared a note of thanks and appreciation from Stella Patten (Bob Patten's wife) for everyone's kind thoughts, prayers and assistance during the last few months of Bob's life and to those Rotarians who were able to attend his memorial service.

President-elect Bowen Depke reminded everyone that the new Rotary year officially starts on the meeting of July 3rd, which has been canceled in recognition of the July 4th holiday. To kick off the new Rotary year, a Casco Bay Lines cruise is planned to Jewell Island on July 9th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. In addition to fun, socializing, and relaxation, this will be a tribute to Bob Patten, who spearheaded a cleanup effort of Jewell Island when he was the District Governor in 1992. So mark your calendars, more info to come.

Ellen Niewoehner reminded everyone that Rotary’s 'May Madness' auction is scheduled to take place at next week’s meeting...May 1st. Auction items should be delivered on Friday by 11:30 AM. Cash or checks will be accepted from successful bidders with the proceeds benefiting the operating fund.

Mike Fortunato and Cy Hagge announced that the Maine Outdoor Challenge is only 6 weeks away. Silent and live auction items are still needed. A solicitation letter and flyer was shared with Rotarians in attendance and Mike said the same info would be going out to all member through email. Everyone is encouraged to solicit gift certificates for merchandise or services to help make this event a continued success. Larger ticket items are also needed, such as: an afternoon sail or cruise, dinner party, or the use of a vacation home. Contact Mike or Cy for further information.