09/04/15 BITS & PIECES
Posted by Dick Hall
on Sep 07, 2015
Peggy Wescott provided the invocation and talked about Labor Day, and what work means. Work: employment.....Work: to earn money.....Work: to get things working well.....Work: effort to be proud of.....Work-out: For health or for vanity. Portland Rotary work is focused on good works. Peggy ended by reminding us that there is no limit to what can be accomplished, if we do not need to get credit.
President Bowen welcomed 49 members, 3 Honorary members, 3 visiting Rotarians and 2 guests.
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History moment presented by Alex St. Hilaire. Late 1920s: Herbert Hoover was the President. The Great Depression occurred. Hoover increased the top income tax from 25 to 53%. The Iron lung made its appearance for polio patients. (Fun fact: in 2015 there are still 25 iron lungs in use.) In Nov. 1928, the Boston Garden opened. In 1929, the San Francisco toll bridge was opened, which was eventually replaced in the 60s. 1929 - There was a meeting of the National Crime Syndicate in Atlanta. This was commonly known as the mob or Murder Inc. They were at the height of power. Portland Rotary's meeting Sep. 1928 had Jason Westerfield, a Wall Streeter, and four new members brought into the club Oct 28. (Remember that last week Bowen told us it was the first time four members were inducted on the same day.) Speakers that year included the Past President of Rotary International and two speakers from aviation talking about the Portland airport. International Service was inaugurated by Portland Rotary. A representative from Worcester, MA talked about their Boys Club. This was one on the triggers to form a club in Portland.President Bowen recognized eight of our members with birthdays in September.
Weekly raffle was conducted by Loretta and our speaker picked Meredith Small to try and find the Queen and try to win a whopping pot of $497. As she picked the card, she said, "I picked the wrong queen." Bill Blount got a huge laugh when he responded, "That's the story of my life."
Portland Rotary's Centennial Gala celebration is coming up on 9/12/15. Last chance for sign up to join +250 already registered was Monday, 9/7/15.
President Bowen announced that Portland Rotary was selected as the "Not-For-Profit of the month" by the Portland Chamber.
John Curran reported on the Dominican Republic benefit concert held last Friday in Brunswick. Several Portland Rotarians attended.....it was a great event and great success. He does not have the final tally yet.
Don Lowry told us about the "Walk for Alzheimers," to be held on Sat. 9/26, Payson Park, 9:00 A.M. There will be a "Team Harry" (Sawyer). If you join, you get a "Team Harry" t-shirt and have your picture taken. Call Sally Trussell 883-3840 to join the team.
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Jack Carr offered an all-expense cruise out of Biddeford pool tomorrow. By the time you read this is will be too late to call Jack.
George Crockett told us to remember to collect those free toiletries from hotels when you travel. This week he will deliver the 6000th toiletry. George said, “Borrowing these really add up.” Bowen responded by saying "It's good to know we have 'borrowed' 6000 toiletries."
President Bowen introduced Bill Hurley, President of the Portsmouth Rotary Club. Bill congratulated the club on 100 years, and accepted the challenge to see which club signs up the most new members this year. Bill said that with his acceptance – his real hope is that Rotary is the real winner and both clubs are stronger at the end of the year. FYI: the score is Portland 4, Portsmouth 7. Bowen responded with “Bill, that was swell," and told us all that we need to use the Roaring 20s slang more.