03/10/17 Bits & Pieces

Our meeting started off with a warm welcome by President Laura Young to our 55 members and 1 visiting guest, then an eloquent and timely invocation was offered by Gracie Johnston.

We were saddened by the news of previous long-time member, Steve Ryder passing away recently. Among his many beneficial acts to further the club was his introduction of Bill Blount, resulting in the latter becoming a member and going on to be a club President (2009-10).  

Every time you get to hear how a Rotarian came into the club and remain an active member, it’s a glimpse into the kismet that guides the good fortune and fellowship of the club. Our 'Rotary Moment' this week was offered up by Rich Campbell, who began by saying our late member, Duane Pearce, influenced him, but it was Dick Hall who was his sponsor. In 1999 Rich pulled off a major contract for his company and they honored him by promoting him to a job that was located outside of the state. Rich had a choice, but his love for Maine was clear, so he stayed here and decided to started his own business. He wanted to remain involved in Rotary because it brought him in contact with the diversity the community offered and be among “can do” people who were guided by the 4-Way Test. 

Those of us who have been around for a while have seen Loretta Rowe get stymied when it comes to locating the Queen of Hearts, even when the number of cards are limited and the pot is large. Our guest speaker pulled her lucky ticket, and Michael Greer fanned the cards for her in hopes she might find the hide out of the red lady. The take-home prize was more than $1500, but Loretta's luck was limited and she pulled the Ace of Spades from the skinny deck. And the pot grows on!

Ben Millick thanked everyone who came out in support of our first fellowship opportunity at Oxbow Brewing Company on March 1st. If you’re looking for something to do on March 28th, between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m., come to the Allagash Brewing Company at 50 Industrial Way, Portland and grab a frothy pint of native brew and some company that is the best to be had. Bring your friends and family to the event and help the books-for-kids cause at the same time. To sign up, go to: portlandrotary.org/event/copy-of-allagash-brewery-event/

(Photo: Musical lead group - Russ Burleigh, Bill Blount, and Rusty Atwood.)

The University of Maine has the distinction of being the sole institution of higher learning embracing a drinking song as the school song. The “Maine Stein Song” may have been a favorite of Rudy Vallee, but it’s not a song that rolls off the tip of Rotarian tongues the way beer slides down the throat. Be that as it may, there’s never a song that we won’t give a try. With the woman Black Bear hoopsters winning their game against Binghamton, it was decided we’d sing the school song. 

The Club is always hoping to add new members devoted to bettering the community and following the Four-Way Test as they interact. This day we inducted three new members into the club: Bill Blount introduced the club to Andrew Stone, owner of Artisan Angles Custom Carpentry; Ben Delcourt introduced Brian McDonough, Account Executive of Cross Insurance; and Jim Willey introduced us to Mike Robinson, transferring Rotarian from the York Rotary Club, who is the Branch Manager of TD Bank at 1 Portland Square. There’s no doubt that the Club will benefit from this latest infusion of talent. Please go out of your way to introduce yourself and make new friends.

(Photo: Ben Delcourt, Andy Stone, Bill Blount, Brian McDonough, President Laura Young, Mike Robinson, and Jim Willey.)