Posted by Julie L'Heureux

President Laura Young welcomed 61 members, then introduced 5 guests and 3 visiting Rotarians to the first week of June’s meeting. The invocation was led by Bruce Jones; we pledged our Allegiance to the American Flag and sung a patriotic song. 

“Happy Birthday” was sung to the many Rotarians who celebrate June birthdays. (See listing in this edition.)

President Laura thanked the many members whose volunteer service helps with our weekly meeting. 


Juliana L’Heureux presented President Laura with the Rotary District 7780 Literacy Award, which she received as a proxy for our club from District Governor Marge Barker at the District Conference on May 20, 2017. Portland Rotary was awarded this honor for  all of our literacy service reading to children.


Meredith Small was welcomed back to Maine after enjoying the winter in St. John, Virgin Islands.


David Clough offered his “Rotary Moment,” telling us how he reconnected with Rotary when he joined our club in 1993. He enjoys the people who are in Rotary, describing members as “grounded” in our service. Not a day goes by when he doesn’t hear about how Rotarians are involved in the community, to serve the club or to support international service. Coming to our weekly meetings offers him an escape from the State House in Augusta, where there can be some intense business issues. Fellowship at Rotary meetings is a great way to meet people, and especially when given the opportunities to visit other clubs and experience the “life blood” of other communities. Rotary meetings are “very special,” particularly because of the good people who are grounded in our community service.


(Photo L-R: President Laura Young, Lili Brown, Seham Salah and Pamela Rawson.)

Chair of the Youth Services Committee, Lili Brown introduced the visitors attending from the Portland Baxter Academy for Technology and Science. Mathematics Teacher Pamela Rawson gave a tribute to graduating senior, Seham Salah, who was recognized by the Youth Services Committee to receive a Portland Rotary scholarship. Seham has demonstrated her dedication to the community during the “Flex Friday” projects supported by Baxter Academy, where she volunteers time to prepare care packages for children who were patients at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. She also helps Catholic Charities to educate newly-arrived immigrants and assists at Preble Street Resource Center. Seham is a volunteer at her Mosque and volunteers with children to teach culture to Somali immigrants. Congratulations, Seham!  


Andrew Cook led the weekly raffle for the chance to win the pot of $348.00. Ellen Niewoehner was given a chance to find the red queen, but drew the wrong red card. Better luck next week, as the jackpot grows again.

 


An enthusiastic Maine Outdoor Challenge (MOC) report, led by Past President Kris Rosado, was given by all who are leading the club’s major annual fundraiser. Past President Cyrus Hagge read an impressive list of live auction items to be offered at the June 7th Lobster Dinner, at the AmVets, 148 North Road, Yarmouth. Included in the items were two tickets to see the New England Patriots play Buffalo NY, at Gillette Stadium.

Alex St. Hilaire reminded us it was not too late to donate an item for the silent auction. Please contact him if you have an item(s) at:
alexander.st.hilaire@bangor.com

Gracie Johnston then reminded us that there were raffle tickets still available to buy and sell for the $500 gift card to L.L. Bean's and the Fly Rod package worth over $1500. If you take or have taken tickets to sell and you have some left over, please contact her, so we can sell them at the Lobster Bake on Wednesday. You will need to get the ticket stubs to her to submit for the drawing, too! Contact Gracie at: gracie.johnston@wcsh6.com

The Lobster Bake on June 7th starts at 5:00 p.m. with a social hour, then "let the feast begin"! The "LIVE" auction will start after the meal, with our own member, Past President Tom Saturley, as auctioneer-extraordinnaire!

Directions from Portland:
Take I-295 heading North....Take exit 17 onto US Rte 1 South to North Road on right
Follow North Road until you see the AmVets Hall.