07/22/16 Bits & Pieces
Posted by Ben Lowry
Last Friday, July 22nd, 54 Portland Rotarians, 1 guest and 2 visiting Rotarians celebrated summer in Maine by attending a Portland Rotary Meeting at The Holiday Inn By-the-Bay.
Bruce Jones, as a last-minute replacement, filled in admirably with a meaningful invocation. Alex St. Hilaire led the pledge of allegiance, and Russ Burleigh tickled the ivories for our spirited rendition of “God Bless America.”
Leisa Collins ran the raffle and Chris Thomas’ name was called. Alas, the Queen of Hearts remained elusive, so the pot, at $510 last week, will continue to grow.
The Club offered its version of “Rotary My Rotary” for our weekly song. We may need some lessons from Kathy Grammer, if we are going to continue with our lyrical efforts.
.JPG)
First Vice-President Don Zillman took the podium to give his unique view of the political parties as the nominating conventions take place. Don wondered aloud whether the Republicans and Democrats could adhere to our “Four-Way Test,” with the obvious answer that they most likely could not. As the summer heats up and the eyes of the nation turn to Trump and Clinton, we should be proud to live our business and personal lives each day with these questions in mind:
1) Is it the truth?
2) Is it fair to all concerned?
3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Speaking of the conventions, our own Eric Lusk was a delegate from Maine at the recently completed Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
Mike Fortunato is spearheading our club’s efforts at Longcreek Youth Development Center, where we will have about eight Portland Rotarians volunteering on Tuesday for a summer party featuring banana splits, outdoor games and mentoring.
Both Don Lowry and Bill Blount are recovering from major surgeries....Don with a shoulder and Bill with both knees. Our Club’s heartfelt best wishes go out to both of these fellows. While Don was not able to make our meeting, Bill was sporting a very fashionable post-surgery beard at our Friday meeting.
President Laura, in thanking 1st quarter Program Chair Dave Putnam, as well as overall Program Chair Rusty Atwood, said, “the key to happiness is gratitude.” Thanks for all of your efforts!
Amy Chipman took the podium and asked Gus Karlsen to join her for his EIGHTH Paul Harris Fellow! Thanks for your support, Gus!
PP Kris Rosado will be hosting a de-briefing session for our recently completed 'Maine Outdoor Challenge' in the comfort of a luxury suite at Hadlock Field on Wednesday. The event, our major fundraiser for the year, continues to grow by leaps and bounds with the help of so many wonderful Rotary volunteers. We look forward to an even bigger and more successful event next spring. Thanks, Kris, for leading us!
Bruce Jones, as a last-minute replacement, filled in admirably with a meaningful invocation. Alex St. Hilaire led the pledge of allegiance, and Russ Burleigh tickled the ivories for our spirited rendition of “God Bless America.”
Leisa Collins ran the raffle and Chris Thomas’ name was called. Alas, the Queen of Hearts remained elusive, so the pot, at $510 last week, will continue to grow.
The Club offered its version of “Rotary My Rotary” for our weekly song. We may need some lessons from Kathy Grammer, if we are going to continue with our lyrical efforts.
First Vice-President Don Zillman took the podium to give his unique view of the political parties as the nominating conventions take place. Don wondered aloud whether the Republicans and Democrats could adhere to our “Four-Way Test,” with the obvious answer that they most likely could not. As the summer heats up and the eyes of the nation turn to Trump and Clinton, we should be proud to live our business and personal lives each day with these questions in mind:1) Is it the truth?
2) Is it fair to all concerned?
3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Speaking of the conventions, our own Eric Lusk was a delegate from Maine at the recently completed Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
Mike Fortunato is spearheading our club’s efforts at Longcreek Youth Development Center, where we will have about eight Portland Rotarians volunteering on Tuesday for a summer party featuring banana splits, outdoor games and mentoring.
Both Don Lowry and Bill Blount are recovering from major surgeries....Don with a shoulder and Bill with both knees. Our Club’s heartfelt best wishes go out to both of these fellows. While Don was not able to make our meeting, Bill was sporting a very fashionable post-surgery beard at our Friday meeting.
President Laura, in thanking 1st quarter Program Chair Dave Putnam, as well as overall Program Chair Rusty Atwood, said, “the key to happiness is gratitude.” Thanks for all of your efforts!
Amy Chipman took the podium and asked Gus Karlsen to join her for his EIGHTH Paul Harris Fellow! Thanks for your support, Gus!
PP Kris Rosado will be hosting a de-briefing session for our recently completed 'Maine Outdoor Challenge' in the comfort of a luxury suite at Hadlock Field on Wednesday. The event, our major fundraiser for the year, continues to grow by leaps and bounds with the help of so many wonderful Rotary volunteers. We look forward to an even bigger and more successful event next spring. Thanks, Kris, for leading us!