11/18/16 Bits & Pieces
Posted by Ben Lowry
Last week, we had a robust crowd of 48 Portland Rotarians, five non-Rotarian guests, and three visiting Rotarians, including one from Augusta, Georgia who offered us a colorful banner, featuring, of course, a golf flag. Past District Governor Marty Helman also joined our group.
Dave Small offered an invocation to celebrate the coming Thanksgiving. Filling in for Queenie, Dave was able to find a wonderful poem entitled, “Be Thankful,” which set a fine tone for our luncheon meeting. John Marr led us in the pledge, and Russ Burleigh tickled the ivories while the club belted out a spirited version of “God Bless America.” While not quite as rousing, later in the meeting Janelle LoSciuto provided us an opportunity to sing a slow, slow version of “Bless this House,” with a video musical accompaniment to go along with the lyrics, which again focused on the upcoming day of thanks. Janelle was thankful that Roger Fagan kept her toddler busy while she spearheaded our efforts.
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Dave Small offered an invocation to celebrate the coming Thanksgiving. Filling in for Queenie, Dave was able to find a wonderful poem entitled, “Be Thankful,” which set a fine tone for our luncheon meeting. John Marr led us in the pledge, and Russ Burleigh tickled the ivories while the club belted out a spirited version of “God Bless America.” While not quite as rousing, later in the meeting Janelle LoSciuto provided us an opportunity to sing a slow, slow version of “Bless this House,” with a video musical accompaniment to go along with the lyrics, which again focused on the upcoming day of thanks. Janelle was thankful that Roger Fagan kept her toddler busy while she spearheaded our efforts.
Bill Green pulled visitor By West’s name for the raffle draw but the Queen of Hearts, which would have been worth $980, remained elusive.
Several Rotarians have been in the news of late: Max Chikuta was quoted in the Portland Press Herald, Danielle Conway was featured in Maine Biz, and President Laura was interviewed for the Channel 8 news coverage at our Veteran’s Appreciation luncheon.
Speaking of the luncheon, Charlie Frair gave us a quick rundown on how our second annual event fared. With the help of 53 Portland Rotarian volunteers, Paul Tully and Charlie had the support they needed to make this year’s event a rousing success. Last year, we had 53 veterans attend...this year, that number almost tripled to 143! The financial goal of raising $5000 was exceeded, with $6750 being raised from 15 donors. Add to that the door receipts, and over $8000 was raised.... leaving us, after costs, with a $2000+ donation to be made to a yet-to-be-determined veteran’s cause. This event has been a huge success with the goal of “honoring, appreciating, acknowledging and thanking” veterans being more than reached. Thanks go out to all in the club who helped make this a very special luncheon. A “de-briefing” will be held on December 2nd at 11:15, for any and all who want to offer input for next year’s event to be an even bigger success.
Ron Bennett offered a “Rotary Moment,” running briefly through his background as a child from Orono, where his father taught at the university....to his degree from Brown and his MBA from Dartmouth....to his work career as a partner in a local accounting firm. It was in 2000 when he was first introduced to Portland Rotary by a “competitor” in the biz, Naj Lotfey. After attending a meeting at The Portland Club, Ron was hooked. He joined in early 2001 and has served as our club treasurer, has prepared our tax returns for years, and is currently active at the district level, serving a three-year term on the finance committee. He has also volunteered at the Preble Street soup kitchen, served meals at St. Vincent DePaul, and has rung the Salvation Army bell at Monument Square. Ron has clearly enjoyed his 15 years in the club and he gave thanks to Naj for offering him this opportunity to serve..JPG)
Our newest member, Stephanie Joyce, was introduced to the club by Kris Rosado. Stephanie, who is a tax accountant at Baker, Newman and Noyes, grew up in upstate New York and attended Syracuse University. Not only an accountant, she also holds a law license in New York. She lives in Falmouth with her newlywed husband. Welcome to Portland Rotary, Stephanie!
(Photo: President Laura, Stephanie Joyce and Kris Rosado)
Erik Greven, Community Service Chair, reminded us of two upcoming opportunities to volunteer: on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd, we will once again be prepping and serving meals at St. Vincent DePaul’s Soup Kitchen....then beginning on December 5th and running through the 23rd, we will once again be monitoring the kettle and bell at Monument Square. Sign up at meetings or contact Erik at: egrev95@aol.com
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Rob Chatfield wants us to mark our calendars for the annual “Beverage Bazaar,” which will be held at "The Maine Craft Distillery" on December 14th. Watch for more info to follow soon.