11/04/16 Bits & Pieces
Posted by Tom Talbott
President Laura brought David Small to the podium to kick things off with a series of witty reflections on upcoming election day, along with our invocation. Tom Talbott led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Kathy Grammer led us (marvelous voice as ever) in the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.A well-attended meeting, reflected the presence of our Maine Governor, included 64 members, 18 guests, and 1 visiting Rotarian all the way from Serbia, Belgrade.
We did a good job singing the "Star Spangled Banner," nailed "Happy Birthday," but with our busy agenda, any additional singing was deferred.
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Raffle man Bill Blount called upon Governor LePage to draw our raffle name....which turned out to be Lionel Nima. (Photo at right) Alas, he was unable to conjure up the magic touch required, leaving the elusive Queen of Hearts in the shuffle for another week.President Laura took a moment to touch on what makes Rotary, and particularly our club, a special place. We are a “fiercely non-partisan” club. Our members represent “red, blue, green, rainbow.” So while we may vote differently and feel differently about certain issues, our litmus test as an organization is "Service Above Self," and the "Four-Way Test." Laura shared her thoughts upon receiving a request from Governor LePage to speak at our club on short notice, which would require the cancellation of our planned speaker. She took note that when we have a political speaker representing one party, that we balance it at another time with the alternative viewpoint. In this case, the Governor had reached out to Portland Rotary, specifically because we are comprised of business and community leaders, and the focus of his talk would be solely on Maine’s five referendum items. Laura was less concerned about providing equal time given that referendum issues are not purely partisan issues. She encouraged attendees to consult multiple sources to research the issues. While there were members opposed to the visit and Laura wanted to assure these members that their concerns were heard, she, the program chairs and the board, ultimately concluded that when the sitting Governor of the State reaches out to our club to speak, we honor that request.
November Birthdays! 13 parties planned for the month (posted in last week's WJ). In lieu of gifts, we sang.
Shout-out of thanks from President Laura to the day’s Meeting crew!
If you ever had any doubt about how a new member can inject energy and enthusiasm into a club, then you missed hearing Max Chikuta’s Rotary Moment. Noting that English is like his 9th language, he lobbied for extra speaking time right out of the box. His story was so fascinating, we never looked at our watches. Growing up in the Civil War-torn Congo, he recalls looking up in the sky and seeing planes dropping supplies for survivors. He lost his father and lived in the streets for over a year. He was taken in and remembers people of different skin colors helping. It inspired Max, and eventually he would find his way to Portland, Maine. Speaking no English, and without money, shelter and food were provided at the Oxford Street facility. Determined, Max took Adult Education classes to learn English, and earned enrollment at SMCC. First an Associate Degree HVAC, then a B.S, Industrial Technology Management from USM. In 2011, he earned a Masters Degree from USM in Public Policy and Management & Public Finance. So, why join Rotary? Inspired as he was seeing parachutes of supplies, he emphasized his commitment to give back to his community. Recalling a Kennedy-ian phrase, “ask not what your community can do for you, but what you can do for your community.” Overcoming huge hurdles, Max’s “integrity of the heart” defined how being one who lives by the creed of "Service Above Self" is the richest one of all.
Paul Tully, leading the way to the Veterans' Appreciation Lunch next Thursday, November 10th announced that 241 registrations have been taken! (At the end of the day Friday, Nov. 4th, registration would be closed.) Help is needed, so please reach out to Paul right away. Volunteers need to arrive at 10:45 a.m. and all other attendees at 11:30 a.m. Proceedings will start at 12 noon! This is going to be a great event!
PLEASE NOTE: The Veterans' Lunch on Thursday IS our meeting for the week! There is NO meeting on Friday!