05/08/15 Bits & Pieces
President Kris welcomed 45 members, 1 Visiting Rotarian and 1 guest at Friday's meeting and presented our invocation in absence of our scheduled invocator, Julie L'Heureux, who was held up in jury duty selection. President Kris also asked us to remember former member, Al Milliken, who passed away last week.
Bruce Jones led the group in a rousing rendition of "Home on the Range," with Russ Burleigh on the keyboard.
Bob Martin announced that our 'Maine Outdoor Challenge,'.....our club's largest fund-raiser for all the programs our club supports ....... NEEDS EVERYONE in the club on board in some capacity to help....getting a donation for the auction or volunteering on the day of the events. With everyone participating in SOME ACTIVITY, we can surely make the event a success! Right after the meeting, Erik Greven donated a sailboat cruise for 6 to the MOC auction...way to go, Erik. That's the type of activity we need!
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 Thursday, July 9th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. In addition to fun, socializing, and relaxation, this will be a tribute to the late, Bob Patten, who spearheaded a cleanup effort of Jewell Island when he was the District Governor in 1992. Tickets are $40 and include the cruise, program and heavy hors d'oeuvres. A cash bar will be available. Payment and reservations must be made in advance. Contact Loretta Rowe at lrowe@maine.rr.com to make your reservations. Please send check payable to Portland Rotary, P.O. Box 1755, Portland, ME 04104 and mark it clearly for "Jewell Island Cruise." Start your Rotary year off on Casco Bay and celebrate a fantastic project. Guests are welcome.
Bowen then presented President Kris with the Governor's Award that was presented to the Portland Rotary Club for 2014-15 at the District Conference in April.
The weekly raffle was handled by Jake Bourdeau, who tried to convince us that the raffle wasn't fixed when his name just happened to be pulled out of the bucket for a chance to find the Queen of Hearts and win the $1065....but he didn't find her in the dwindling stack of cards.
Russ Burleigh presented President Kris with a banner from the West Austin Rotary Club, where he attended while visiting Texas.
Harold Crabill read a "Thank You" note from Deering High School for his attendance at the focus group on hunger issues in Portland.