01/27/17 Bits & Pieces
Posted by Alan Nye
President Laura Young welcomed 53 members, 2 visiting Rotarians and 3 guests to the meeting on Friday.
Dave Small gave a thought-provoking invocation that requested everyone to pray for Donald Trump – regardless of how you voted. (See separate article for full invocation contents - "Words of Wisdom.")
Mike Reed led us in our Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Kathy Grammer led us in singing "America" (My Country Tis of Thee).
President Laura then introduced us to visiting Rotarians and guests, plus thanked all those that assisted with today’s meeting. She also thanked those members who participated in the Lyseth Reading Project to 3rd graders (photo).
Russ Burleigh and Kathy Grammer led us in singing 'Vive La Rotary' – all three stanzas. We sounded great!
Michael Greer then shared a 'Rotary Moment' and thanked Don Zillman for introducing him to Portland Rotary. Michael confessed that he initially joined to increase his networking and to get out of the office (and his home). Now he believes that Rotary represents what communities can be and how we help them. Every Friday he looks forward to discussing our shared experiences and working to try to solve some of the local and world’s most pressing problems. He looks forward to hearing 'Rotary Moments' from members who have been in the club for 20-30 years and predicts that he’ll still be in the club that many years from now, so he can share his thoughts again.
Jake Bourdeau conducted the raffle for $1,275.00, but Russ Burleigh (whose name was drawn) picked the wrong card – much to the delight of all those Rotarians still hoping for their chance at the Rotary jackpot winnings! (Sorry Russ.)
Amy Chipman discussed the Rotary Foundation and made Matt Tassey a surprise Paul Harris Fellow for the second time. He received a well-deserved standing ovation for the award. Congratulations, Matt!
Past President Bowen Depke thanked all those who volunteered at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen, where our club has an opportunity to volunteer to help on the 4th Wednesday of each month. He noted that there was a good turnout recently that even included 4 students from the Portland High School Interact Club. The volunteers helped feed a couple hundred meals to those in need.
Ellen Niewoehner reminded us of the Rotary Ski social on February 8th at Sunday River Resort. She says that Rotarians should plan to meet at the South Ridge Lodge at 9:00 a.m. Grab your boots and skis and get ready for a good time with fellow Rotarians.