08/19/16 Bits & Pieces

Posted by Alan Nye
 
President Laura Young welcomed everyone to the meeting and Alan Nye gave the invocation. We pledged our allegiance to the flag and Russ Burleigh (arriving just in time) led us in a patriotic song. President Laura introduced visiting Rotarians and guests, and provided thanks to many members of the club for all their hard work and dedication to Rotary.
Tiel Duncan gave us our Rotary Moment, describing when she decided to join Portland Rotary. She says that she was invited by (soon-to-be) President Laura and at the very first meeting she noticed the banner detailing the Rotary 4-Way Test. That message spoke to her and she decided that this was a club for her – and we’re so pleased that she did!

A "Get Well" card was passed around to sign for Loretta Rowe encouraging her to recover quickly from her hand/wrist surgery. Get Well Soon, Loretta!

The raffle ($617) was conducted by Tiel Duncan, with Jim Willey trying his luck – with disappointing results. Better luck next time, Jim!
Don Zillman introduced our newest Rotarian, Michael Greer. Mike is familiar to many of us as he spoke to the club about running a business in China and his work at the Portland Ballet. Welcome Michael!
 
 
Gus Carlson thanked us for sponsoring a boat for the M.S. Regatta and encouraged everyone to turn out for the MS Harborfest weekend events.
 
 
President Laura encouraged everyone to come out for the cruise to Fort Gorges in Casco Bay given by the Executive Director. We are leaving Chandler’s Wharf at 4:00 pm this Thursday (8/25) and returning by 7:00 pm. The cost is $30 per person and fair warning – Only those steady on their feet should attend.
 
Liz Fagan brought us up to date with all the wonderful accomplishments that have been made in the Dominican Republic:  work by John Curran with 3D printed hands and Liz & Roger Fagan's work in changing people’s lives with hearing aids. There is another trip planned in October to fit prosthetic hands and training nurses to treat hearing-impaired people. There is also an effort to get another vocational school bus to provide additional transportation to needy students. A second trip is planned for May of next year and participants are participating from Alaska, Oregon, Georgia, Florida and Maine. Liz thanked George Crockett for his contribution of Luci Lights.
 
 
Moises Sifren, the visiting director of the Good Samaritan Hospital in La Romana, spoke to us pointing out that it was his 6th visit to our club. He thanked us for our support and noted that we’ve changed many lives for those living in the Dominican Republic. He made special note not to tell Roger Fagan that there are now about 150 patients waiting for hearing aids.
 
 
Charlie Frair spoke to us about the upcoming Veterans Breakfast planned in November. He thanked Mike Fortunato for all his work on last year’s event. Charlie is making some changes to this now-to-be annual event by holding it the day before Veterans Day and making it a luncheon instead of a breakfast. This year it’s going to be held at the Italian Heritage Center. Look for more details in the coming weeks or for more details or to volunteer, contact Charlie directly at: cfrair47@yahoo.com