04/29/16 Bits & Pieces

Posted by Bill Blount 
 
President Bowen welcomed 51 members and 1 guest to our meeting of April 29,2016 at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay. Bruce Jones presented us with the invocation. His message was to believe in yourself and rewards will follow. The example he stated was a possibly lazy professor in his aversion to grading papers  asked those in his class who would rather have a 'B' than take the final exam to sign a sheet of paper and leave for the summer. When most of the students signed and left, he closed the door. He told those who had remained behind and who believed they could do better by taking the exam, that they would be awarded an A for the class. Bill Blount led us in the Pledge, followed by “God Bless America,” well played by pianist Russ Burleigh.   
President Bowen reconvened the meeting after lunch, recognizing returning snow birds Don Lowry, Dick Giles and Harry Sawyer. 
Mike Fortunato presented us with the history moment of years 1982-83. Past District Governor Bob Patten was president of the club that year. Many current Rotarians were in the notes: Herb Carmichael was recognized by the club for meritorious service; Jim Willey joined that year; and Joe Gray spoke at a meeting as Director of Portland Planning and Urban development. It was a presidential election year and George Mitchell, Jock McKernan, and William Cohen addressed the members at separate meetings. Fines were imposed on "Scooters" who left the meeting early. In 1983 the meeting location moved from the Lafayette Hotel to the Portland Club, where a challenging parking lot tested the driving skills of our membership for some twenty-odd years. 
President Bowen encouraged all members to make a special effort to attend the club meeting on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Portland City Hall. In honor of  our 100th anniversary, a group photo of all members in attendance will be taken. 'Business Casual' is the suggested attire. The meal will be catered by SMCC culinary department, so we’re in for a treat. A question was asked if head shots could be Photoshopped, but another Rotarian reminded us of the first tenet of the '4-Way Test' exhorting all members to make that special effort to be there for the photo. Watch your emails for more details and how to register to attend.
Bill Blount led the singing, accompanied by Russ Burleigh on the keyboard for a Spring song, “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover” in a challenging baritone key. 
Raffle mania! The cash prize was $1466. John Curran drew Amy Chipman’s name, who then selected the Ace of Clubs from the 13 cards remaining in the deck. Come to the meeting and invest next week for an even bigger raffle prize and a dwindling deck of cards.
President Bowen read a thank you note from Barbara Lotfey. Former member Naj Lotfey, was a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation. When Naj passed away, Jon Young gave him an “In Memorium” Paul Harris Fellow. We presented Barbara with his pin a few years ago, but it was realized that a crystal recognition piece and pendant should have been received from RI in his honor. They were ordered and received. When his grandson, Nick, became a member, these awards were given to him to present to his grandmother, Barbara, who was now thanking the club.
David Lee was recognized for being a keynote speaker at the upcoming District 7780 Conference on June 10th at the Tarry-a-While Resort in Bridgton, ME.
Julie L’Heureux has stepped up to host a member of the cultural exchange team from Argentina. The District still needs help for one (or more) of the remaining three members to help provide lodging assistance June 6-7th, and possibly driving them around. Can you help? Call Assistant Governor Ann Schieber at  603-770-2744 or email annschieber@gmail.com. (See separate article in this newsletter.)
Travis Parker announced the special raffle tickets for you to buy and/or sell in support of our club's largest fundraiser...the Maine Outdoor Challenge (MOC). Call/email Travis for your books at 751-1894 or travisrparker@gmail.com
Laura Young introduced a new member, Vantiel (Tiel) Duncan. Tiel is from Bath and is a Major Gift Officer at the Red Cross. Look for Tiel’s red dot on her name badge and get to know her better at the next meeting. This was Laura’s second sponsorship of a new member this year and Bowen recognized her with a new-member blue sponsor backer for her Rotary pin.
President Bowen announced that Portland Rotary was the only club in our District 7780 to receive the Presidential Citation for the year 2015-16. Congratulations to all who contributed to our success! 
Rob Chatfield announced a new fundraising event - the 'BBQ Crawl and Poker Run Raffle,' to be held on Saturday, May 21st, 1:30-5:30 PM. If you buy a raffle ticket at each of five pre-set locations you will end up receiving a five-card poker hand. The best and worst hands (hi/lo) will win special prizes. (See separate article on this event in this newsletter.)
 
 
Our only "guest" at today's meeting was Luca Bates, infant son of member Janelle LoSciuto and Dillon Bates.