09/02/16 Bits & Pieces
Posted by Julie L'Heureux
President Laura Young opened the Rotary meeting on the Friday before the Labor Day weekend.
Paul Tully presented an invocation about the importance of Labor Day from Amy Freedman (AmyFreedman.net):
Labor Day weekend is not an ordinary time
as we do not rush headlong into our usual labors.
The sacred is found not only in houses of worship, but in time set apart.
Let us turn our attention to what is sacred in our daily living.
For the rewards of work and all those ancestors
who boldly advocated for safety, fair wages, and better working conditions,
we lift our hearts in gratitude.
May this time of recreation energize us to bring forth
an even more just and sustainable world.
as we do not rush headlong into our usual labors.
The sacred is found not only in houses of worship, but in time set apart.
Let us turn our attention to what is sacred in our daily living.
For the rewards of work and all those ancestors
who boldly advocated for safety, fair wages, and better working conditions,
we lift our hearts in gratitude.
May this time of recreation energize us to bring forth
an even more just and sustainable world.
We had two Rotarian guests: Richard Hyde from St. Helena, CA and Angie Bryan from Washington, DC.. Angie exchanged club banners with us from her Rotary Club of Dupont Circle, Washington, DC.
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A 'Rotary Moment' was presented by Bob Martin. His earliest experience with Rotary was through the dedication of his grandfather, Charles Robert Martin, who lived in Brunswick, Maryland, where he worked for 48 years for the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad and was a Rotary member who attended Thursday dinner meetings that "were not to be missed." He was a member in Brunswick, Maryland, where Rotary was a way to help people and to make a difference in his community. When Bob was serving in the military in Germany, his grandfather sent him a banner to exchange with clubs visited, because he could speak German, so he was often asked to be a guest speaker. Bob has been a member of several Rotary Clubs. "For me, Portland Rotary is not just about the 4-Way Test, but about the 4 corners of the world and connectedness. Rotary is about family and the values I learned from my grandfather and how I share these experiences with others," he said.
As stand-in for our newest member's sponsor (Bowen Depke), President Laura was pleased to introduce new member, Danielle M. Conway, Dean and Professor of the University of Southern Maine School of Law. She is also a military veteran, having served 20 years of active duty and reserve with the U.S. Army and is now a Lt. Colonel in the Maine Army National Guard. Please welcome our newest member, Danielle Conway.(Photo: President Laura, Danielle Conway and member/former Dean of the University of Southern Maine School of Law, Don Zillman.)
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(Photo: Matt Wolcott and Julie L'Heureux.)
Being given a chance to try and win the $688 raffle, Julie L'Heureux's name was picked out of the pot by our speaker, but the King of Spades was the card she drew. Better luck to the next person to win a chance at the growing jackpot. Matt Wolcott conducted the raffle.
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Paul Tully advised us that the Rotary Veterans Lunch is scheduled on Friday, November 10, 2016, 12 noon at the Italian Heritage Center. Charlie Frair is the co-chair of the committee putting this event together. A team is working on obtaining sponsorships for the lunch with several businesses having already dedicated their support, along with a private individual donor. Team leaders include: Kris Rosato, leading sponsorship; Larry Gross, leading Veterans' recruiting; Julie L'Heureux, Gracie Johnston and Tom Talbott working on the community relation communications. We are looking to host a successful luncheon and also create a wonderful annual sustainable event. This year's luncheon will be hosted on the day BEFORE our regular weekly meeting, which is canceled (11/11).