05/01/15 Bits & Pieces
Garvey MacLean gave the invocation, starting by quoting Mark Twain, who said, "the two most important days are the day you were born and the day you find out why." Garvey’s reading helped explain the latter.
Peter Ingram led us in the Pledge, followed by President Kris leading us in "My Country Tis of Thee."
President Kris welcomed 55 members and 3 visiting guests, then announced our May-member birthdays, to which we sang Happy Birthday.
Glenn Nerbak ran the weekly raffle that was up to $1033, with Mike Reed's name being drawn to try to find the Queen of Hearts.....but he pulled the six of hearts.
Jim Willey, reporting on the historical records of the club, told us that John Marr had all four years of World War II to research and report on during our prep for our
100th anniversary. Deciding that it was probably a better idea to spread the reporting wealth to other members, Jim asked for 3 volunteers to help out......Jerry Angier will report 1942, Bob Trail will report 1943 and Bruce Moore will report on 1944. John Marr gets to keep the last year of 1945 to report.
Alex St. Hilaire, coordinator of the Interact Clubs, introduced Quinton Libsack, President of the Baxter School Interact Club, and presented him with a check for winning second place in the Rotary District competition in their submission of a video production. Unfortunately, when they tried to play the video, the audio/visual quality of the equipment was not cooperating. To see the impressive video, go to youtube: www.youtube.com
Mike Reed, with help from Amy Chipman, Foundation Chair, presented a Paul Harris to Jim Willey.
(Photo: President Kris, Jim Willey, Mike Reed and Amy Chipman)
Mike told us the award is made in honor of Jim’s commitment to 'Service Above Self,' his work at Long Creek, and always being there when Portland Rotary had a need. Amy then presented Mike Reed with his fourth Paul Harris. Mike committed to the Paul Harris Society for five years, which means he committed to $1000 per year. Amy announced that Bill Blount has committed to the Paul Harris Society for the next three years.
President Kris stated that Mike Reed has been a Maine Outdoor Challenge sponsor each year and that Jim always volunteers, adding that both men are great people.
While the meeting continued, the silent auction was in progress around us. Bidding ended at 12:45, with winning bid sheets being passed out during the rest of the meeting. After the speaker, there was a live auction with spirited bidding for some nice items. Thank you to all donors. Results of the auction will be announced at next Friday's meeting.
(Photo: Emily McEntee and Ellen Niewoehner at silent auction tables.)