03/03/17 Bits & Pieces

Posted by Jake Bourdeau
 
President Laura Young asked Charlie Frair to give the invocation, where he read a short note from John Lennon’s life about maintaining happiness in life. Peggy Wescott led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Kathy Grammer led us in the song America.     
President Laura also thanked those responsible for setting up and helping run the meeting smoothly, including: the Meeting Day Committee, Sergeant-at-Arms, and also Loretta Rowe, in particular, for editing and producing the "Windjammer," which is quite a weekly effort. 
Janet Butland led the raffle, with Russ Burleigh’s name being picked from the ticket vessel. He could not find the Queen of Hearts, so the queen lingers in the remaining 14 cards for the next lucky contestant to try and find.
President Laura listed off the Rotarians celebrating birthdays in March (as published in last week's Windjammer). Happy Birthday to all!
 
Friends of Fort Gorges wrote a note to Rotary thanking us for our donation. They had a pivotal year and our donation is helping fund their primary objectives, which include hiring a team of architects and engineers, and in planning a more clear vision for donors. The donation also helped with community outreach and art projects, including a ground-breaking effort with Bowdoin College.
 
The Telling Room thanked us for our donation that will be put towards making a positive impact on over 3,000 Portland area youths with their creative writing ambitions and projects.
 
Bill Blount put a happy $5 in the can announcing that this very Friday was his last day of 35-years in working with Amica Insurance. Congratulations on your retirement Bill! 
 
 
Bill Ross also had a happy-dollars donation and wished his daughter (Kristin - in photo) well in the upcoming basketball tournament at UNE. UMaine was also in the tournament, so the moment was not as happy for others attending.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bruce Moore and several other Rotarians spoke about and celebrated Mark Stimson’s 50 years with Rotary. What they appreciated most is his business leadership and him using the Four-way test through life. Mark was club president in 1979-80 and is an active member. Bruce spoke of how Mark set an example with his generosity and community involvement projects, including helping with charity housing funds and providing donations from every real estate transaction to a cause. His staff was also involved in yearly donations to nonprofit housing and the United Way campaign rallies. Other members honoring Mark included Tom Ranello and Meredith Small (through a note), both who worked for Mark at one time. Mark then received his fifth Paul Harris Fellow. Congratulations, Mark!
 
(Photo: Paul Tully, Bob Trail and Charlie Frair.)
 
Paul Tully, Charlie Frair, and Kris Rosado discussed the fundraising efforts for the Veterans Appreciation Lunch. Paul was chair of the event, and had three main goals for this veterans program:
  1. Build on the foundation Mike Fortunato started the previous year (2015),
  2. Increase attendance by more than 50%,
  3. Honor and celebrate veterans in the area.
Over 150 veterans attended lunch as our guests. Charlie indicated that over $2,000 donation was provided to the Southern Maine Vet-to-Vet program.  

Bob Trail Introduced Jeremy Kendall, who is the Director of Veterans Services for the Easter Seals. Jeremy discussed the Eastern Seals and how he is indebted to Adria Horn, Director Bureau of Veterans' Services. Mr. Kendall also talked about the wonderful work Easter Seals does for Veterans, saying the donations will be put to good use, to include providing veterans with door-to-door assistance and/or to provide simple things that some of us take for granted. The sponsors of the luncheon were primarily from local banks, so consider asking your local bank or other companies to help sponsor the event next year.
 
Kris Rosado shared that over $110,000 was donated to the Rotary Foundation in charitable giving this year, including, stocks, cash, and bequests from estate plans. Kris is a donor and believes it is a way to keep control of Rotary funds for the Club’s use more locally. The committee will be reaching out to members for their thoughts and wishes to help.
 
 
And last, but not least, former member Becky Wright spoke to President Laura to share that after a lengthy treatment regimen, she is cancer free and says hello. Awesome!