Posted by Tom Talbott

President Laura Young welcomed a full house of 70 members, 3 visiting Rotarians and 1 guest to our meeting. Tom Nickerson presented our meeting’s invocation. (Tom remarked how much he looked forward to sharing a meal with friends and to recharge in honest fellowship, particularly after another week of political pettiness and gun violence that has been prevalent in our daily news.) For the invocations, Tom chose words from President Teddy Roosevelt on putting life and duty in perspective. “Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and the true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.” Tom added that as we gather, we recognize our diversity, and honor our unity in gratitude. Let us rejoice in fellowship.


Roger Fagan led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Kathy Grammer accompanied us on piano, as we sang “America The Beautiful.”  Laura introduced two visiting Rotarians, one from nearby Bridgeton Lake, the other from Argentina, as well as, one visitor who joined us from Los Angeles. Laura thanked all those who were part of the meeting’s set up and implementation.


Laura reminded us that the tour of Fort Gorges set for June 24th. As of press time the seats on the boat have been sold out. If you are still interested in joining the tour on this trip, please email Laura at: lyoung@mainecf.org  to be put on a waiting list in case tickets become available. 


David Smith offered us a “Rotary Moment.” In a galaxy far, far away (New York City), David toiled as a lawyer, growing bald in the process. Moving to Maine, David found the Southern Maine Agency On Aging (SMAA) where he worked on Medicare Seminars. He’s still doing it! Meeting Larry Gross, (CEO of SMAA) they agreed to have David join Portland Rotary just as soon as he lost his NY accent. David recalls his first meeting – the warmth in the room. “Never underestimate the value of friendship,” says David. “Whether it is serving a meal at the soup kitchen, or the Veteran’s Day Lunch, we’re always a team. I am so proud to be a Rotarian.”  David, we are very proud you’re on our team!


(Photo L-R: President Laura Young, Erik Greven, Amy Chipman, David Smith, Alan Levenson, and Charlie Frair.)

Does the Rotary Foundation know how hard Amy Chipman works on its behalf? They should! She always has good news. First, our club reached its goal of $15,000 for the RI Foundation Annual Fund (we raised $15,700). We’re a little shy on the Polio Plus Fund – at $1400 and we want to hit $2k – please “chip in” by adding your donations to the cans on the tables each week. Next, Amy introduced 4 new Paul Harris Fellows - Al Levenson, Charlie Frair, David Smith, and Erik Greven – all four receiving their 2nd PHF Award. We thank you all for your generous contributions. Amy has four more to award next week!


Kathy Grammer, President Laura, with Russ Burleigh on the keyboard, helped us raise our voices for “Home on the Range.” Beautiful!


Tiel Duncan conducted the weekly raffle, Erik Greven getting the nod to pull a card for a possible $420 payoff. Unfortunately, the King of Hearts was drawn, which pays zippo.....sorry Erik.


Back from the RI Convention in Atlanta, Laura admitted “I’ve been drinking the Kool-Aid.” (Emphasized by some real Kool-Aid at the podium!) Those who’ve been to an RI Convention know what she’s talking about. Seeing 30,000 Rotarians from 175 countries is a powerful and motivating experience....hopefully all Rotarians can attend a convention for Rotary at least once. Laura described the scenes, one marked with all attendees at the massive Plenary Session, waving brightly colored wrist bands in the air. Emphasis was placed on Polio Plus, and the attendees were told that the effort that had begun in 1984 facing 350,000 cases world-wide, was now down to 5. Five! But it will still take a tremendous effort to close the door. There needs to be 3 clear years before eradication can be considered, and that has a projected cost of 1.2 billion dollars. Bill Gates, speaking to the audience, pledged another matching grant to the $50 million pledged by the Rotary Foundation (of which, we helped). Laura also told us of another scourge on the planet – sex trafficking. The facts are mind-boggling – it goes on everywhere, including right here in Portland. Laura said (but it wasn't stated at the convention) that it seemed like this may be the next big project for Rotary International.

Laura also described some of the interesting educational sessions. For example, as a club  we use the term “recruiting” new members. Better, let us instead say we want to “attract” them. Instead of “retention,” think “member engagement.”

Other ideas included some clubs forgoing a guest speaker at their weekly meeting, and instead doing a club project, such as putting “care” bags together, depending on an identified need. Overall, Rotary is looking at new ways to brand itself, from new signage, videos, and other digital programs. It was summed up well with this phrase: “Rotary joins leaders from all continents, cultures and occupations to exchange ideas and take action for communities around the world.”

The next RI Convention is in Toronto, Canada on June 23-27, 2018. Not too far away....date wise and location wise! Will you plan on going to show support of our Rotary Club and to get the powerful experience of this great organization?


Laura read us an email from Habitat For Humanity looking for some assistance at their upcoming “Old Port Half Marathon” on July 8th (see separate article in this edition). She also read a quick note from Catholic Charities thanking us for a $100 donation.


We had such a crowd at our meeting, that we had an overflow of members seated at the dessert table. (Photo L-R: Scott Blakeslee, Ron Bennett, Eric Lusk, Bill Ross, Bruce Nelson and 2nd Vice President John Curran.)