10/30/15 Bits & Pieces

Posted by Alan Nye 
 
On All Hallows Eve, our club met at a unique business location: Texas Instruments on Foden Road in South Portland. Unfazed in the slightest by the new location, President Bowen welcomed 48 members and 6 guests, then called the meeting to order just a few minutes late to give some members extra time to find the new site and make their way inside.
 
Tom Nickerson gave a heartfelt invocation dealing with friendship and fellowship and PP Kris Rosado led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. When asked to lead us in a patriotic song, Bill Blount immediately began “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and we all joined in.
 
Mike Fortunato then regaled us with a history lesson on what was happening in 1937-1938. Major events included:

FDR starting his 2nd term in office;
The Hindenburg tragedy;
The Golden Gate Bridge opening;
The Yankees winning the World Series (their 10th pennant);
Ted Williams signing with the Red Sox; and
Adolf Hitler being named as Time magazine’s 'Man of the Year.'
 
The Rotary club during these years had 162 members and met at the Falmouth Hotel. Mike was not impressed with some of the speaking topics, including: Christianity & Democracy, and Abraham Lincoln in terms of modern times.
 
President Bowen introduced the visiting guests, then called PP Kris Rosado to the podium. As the chair of this year's Nominating Committee, Kris asked the newly-selected members of that committee to stand and be recognized. It’s that time of the year for the club to be considering a new slate of officers for 2016-17.
 
PP Kris Rosado surprised the club by announcing that the Maine Outdoor Challenge continues to be a fundraiser long after the event has ended, as another $3,800.00 was received!
Dick Hall then gave a thorough presentation about "Rotary Foundation Basics." He included the history, guiding principles and 'Areas of Focus.' Dick’s review of the ways to donate, and the selection of funds helped explain how it all works. For more information, click on: The Rotary Foundation: Portland's International Partner
 
Dick also explained some Foundation terms, which are regularly used, such as: Paul Harris Fellow, Circle of Five, Sustaining Member, EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year), and Paul Harris Society. He encouraged Rotarians to check if their employers have a Employee Matching Gift program, to double the impact of their gift.
 
Dick pointed out that in recognition of Portland Rotary’s 100th year, the Portland Rotary Foundation committee is asking every Portland Rotarian to give $100 more than normal this year. This will make Portland Rotary a 100% Sustaining Member club, and be an excellent way to celebrate 100 years of service.
Gifts can be given several ways:
  • Give Elise a check made out to the Rotary Foundation;
  • Sign a pledge card; or
  • Donate online.

Additional Information Link: ROTARY FOUNDATION REFERENCE GUIDE

 
Jake Bourdeau had raffle duty with $711 at stake. Rachel Mestas (guest) came close with the King of Diamonds.
 
 
 
Jim Willey discussed a recent visit to Long Creek Youth Development Center where he and other volunteer Rotarians got caught up in a lock-down situation. President Bowen reminded the club that our meeting next week (Nov. 6th) will be at the Long Creek Youth Development Center.
 
 
Peter Goffin reminded the club that the special Veterans' Day program is still at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay, NOT on Friday, Nov. 13th, but WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11th....on Veterans' Day from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Take note, this morning meeting is in place of our regularly-scheduled Friday meeting. Please contact Elise, if you haven't yet registered to attend this meeting, sign up on a sign-up sheet this Friday or go online to register: portlandrotary.org
 
Help support our Veterans! Join us!