01/06/17 Bits & Pieces

Posted by Dick Hall

President Laura Young opened our first meeting of the 2017 year by welcoming 59 Rotarians and 6 guests to the Clarion Hotel.

Juliana L’Heureux gave us a wonderful invocation, sourced from Rise Above website and adapted to Rotary. Back to visit us, former Portland Rotarian Harold Crabill led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Showing her real true grit, President Laura led us, a cappella, singing the 'Star-Spangled Banner."

Erik Greven was able to retrieve his “very soft scarf” left behind at a previous meeting. Laura announced the anniversaries of members who joined Rotary during the month of January over the years. (The list was published in last week's Windjammer.)

Dave Putnam gave a great Rotary Moment, telling us how he was required to join Rotary by his boss at Anthem back in 1990. The reasons he stays are uplifting service, great fellowship, meeting new people, and great speakers. Dave told us that Paul Harris’s idea for starting Rotary was “brilliant and simple.” Rotary exists through shared community service, camaraderie, and friendship. He also admitted that Rotary tennis has been a blast. “Joining Rotary is one of the best things that has happened to me,” said Dave.

Ron Bennett won the chance to try for our raffle pot ($1,105), as his name was drawn by our speaker, but his luck did not hold. He didn't find the Queen of Hearts, much to the dismay/delight of the wanna-be-winners in our audience.

Steve Stromsky is recovering from heart surgery, and expected to be back next month. Heal well and quickly, Steve! We look forward to seeing you again.

Andreea Paine and Russ Burleigh led us in the song, "Que Sera Sera." Russ told us that The song was introduced in the Alfred Hitchcock film, "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1956), starring Doris Day and James Stewart.

John Curran told us about the "Gift of Life" program, where a child is brought to the US for life-saving surgery. Two children from Panama are coming, one 2 years old and another 12 years old. The 12-year old boy needs size medium boys clothing...so if you can donate clothing in his size, please contact John, transportation assistance to appointments is needed for both boys. If you can help, contact John Curran at curraj1@mmc.org or call 232-5478.

John Lock, Salvation Army and club member, thanked the club for their holiday bell ringing efforts, where $1,572.14 was raised for the Army. With the cold and snowy weather this year, John said to all “May God Bless You.”

Mike Fortunato told about a program where the Long Creek Youth Center rresidents wrote letters to veterans, thanking them for their service. Mike read a thank you from one of those vets. Mike spoke about the Long Creek event last month, where they played Bingo with microwavable food being the prizes. Every kid was in! Events at Long Creek happen on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:15 or 6:30 p.m., and the time commitment is 90 minutes. They are always looking for ideas, and can always use more volunteers. For more information, contact Mike (michael.k.fortunato@gmail.com) or Jim Willey (jimandbarbarawilley@gmail.com).

(Photo: Mike Reed, Amy Chipman and Past President Cyrus Hagge.)

Amy Chipman reminded everyone to complete their 'Circle of Five' pledge. Reminder letters went out in December. Amy told the club that Cyrus Hagge and Mike Reed are members of the Paul Harris Society, by their commitment to donate $1,000 per year. She invited them up to the podium to receive their pins, Cy 6 + 1, and Mike 5 + 1. Thank you Mike and Cy!

(Photo: Rusty Atwood, Liz Jerome and Kate Codaire.)

Rusty Atwood introduced Kate Codaire, the college counselor at Chevrus High School, who introduced our newest Youth Service Award recipient, Elizabeth "Liz" Jerome. Liz has been involved in many activities and her special one is a benefit for the social justice group, doing great work at Chevrus. Liz told us the award was “pretty awesome” and an “amazing honor.” She looks forward to a life of much more service. Congratulations, Liz!

(Photo: Prez. Laura, Justin Lamontagne and Ben Millick.)

Justin Lamontagne introduced new member Ben Millick. He works at Clark Insurance as a Commercial Insurance Agent. Ben is the epitome of what being a Rotarian is all about....by participating on a committee and becoming involved in other events (see below) before he became a member. Ben is a delight to know....be sure to welcome him when you see him. Congratulations, Ben!

Bill Blount, in place for tennis commissioner Erik Jorgensen, announced the Fall tennis champions: Ben Lowry, Norm Pullin, Howie Herodes, and Chase Bowker. Bill also mentioned that the league had a first, where new member Ben Millick was playing in the league before joining Rotary.

Ellen Niewoehner announced the first Portland Rotary ski day, Thursday Feb 9th. The plan is to meet at the Gray 'Park n Ride' at 7:30 a.m. and carpool from there. Call Ellen (329-1465) or Bill Blount (774-2584)for any details.

President Laura announced that Rusty Atwood is ahead after the first half of our Rotary year for bringing the most guests to our meetings. He brought 6, with Justin Lamontagne, Linda Varrell and Laura all tied for second place at 4 each. She said there was an eight-way tie for the most new members brought into our club, all at one each.