10/21/16 Bits & Pieces

Posted by Alan Nye

President Laura Young welcomed 64 members, 1 visiting Roarian and 5 guests to the meeting at the Clarion Hotel. Tom Nickerson gave a thought-provoking invocation.

Bob Traill then had us pledge our allegiance to the flag and President Laura led us in singing the Star Spangled Banner. She thanked all those that volunteered at the Deering High School Financial Literacy Fair (check out the photo on Facebook or in last week's WJ issue.)

The weekly raffle was conducted by Chris Thomas with Past President Bowen doing the honors – and graciously picking the wrong card.

Past President Bowen announced an opportunity for us to purchase the Centennial picture we had taken on the City Hall steps in June. The photo is nicely mounted on a plaque and you can have your own copy for $30. (See separate article in this issue.)

Andreea Paine provided us with a Rotary Moment and skillfully blended Adam Smith’s invisible hand theory of supply and demand in a free market to what she has learned in Rotary by using the 4-Way Test. Her message could be interpreted to mean that she likes our way of volunteering and doing good in the community.

Dave Putnam gave an update about the volunteers who mentor troubled youth at Long Creek Youth Center on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. He discussed a recent pumpkin decorating visit where – as usual – volunteering for a couple of hours seems to provide him with more than what he gives.

Roger and Liz Fagan regaled us with their volunteer work during their latest trip to the Dominican Republic and their narrow escape of recent hurricane Matthew. Although it was predicted to go well west of them, it changed course and made an impact on their scheduled training of nurses. Quoting Paul Gore, Roger noted that “no good deed goes unpunished.” There is another trip scheduled in May for anyone interested. Please contact Roger at: drrogerfagan@gmail.com or 885-1545.

Julie L'Heureux and Paul Tully urged everyone to attend the Veterans' Appreciation Lunch on November 10th at the Italian Heritage Center - where our keynote speaker will be Senator Susan Collins. All Veterans are invited guests of our club and their meals are complimentary. The lunch counts as a Rotary meeting, but pre-registration is required. Excellent flyers announcing the luncheon were on the tables (thanks to Tom Talbott). Register online at: portlandrotary.org PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY (11:30-11:45) TO GET PROPERLY CHECKED IN.....THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN AT NOON SHARP.

Gracie Johnston led us in singing Edelweiss from the Sound of Music. She reminded us that the song was the last one in the movie and was sung by the Captain to honor Austria. Gracie confided that she sings it to honor her mother Ellie and we readily joined in with her.