A beautiful July day was the backdrop for newly-minted President Don Zillman to ring the meeting bell, welcoming 59 members, 3 visiting Rotarians and 3 guests. Past-President Peggy Wescott served our invocation, we pledged our allegiance to the American flag, and our voices filled the New Hampshire room of the Holiday Inn as we sang our patriotic song, with Past President Russ Burleigh on the keyboard.
Appetites quenched, President Don began the “rich agenda” of news and highlights for the week.
Don proceeded to thank all those responsible for meeting day responsibilities.
5 of the 13 July “Birthday Rotarians” were in attendance and were honored in song, followed by Don’s recognition and tribute to Rotarians celebrating anniversaries of club membership.
Duly noted was Freem Etheridge – 47 Years as a Rotarian!
The “fascinating happenings” segment began with a note from Gracie Johnston, who is currently in Cambodia with her daughter and “The Sharing Foundation.” This organization operates an orphanage in Roteang village and is home to 75 or so children. The focus is on care, hygiene, nutrition and medical care. Gracie will return on July 18, and we look forward to hearing about her trip.
Don thanked Bob Traill for his 4th of July segment of “America The Beautiful” with photos. Nicely done, Bob! You can watch the video here >> Independence Day 2017
Past President Kris Rosado, with an analogy of two Beatles’ songs, presented a check to President Don from the proceeds of Maine Outdoor Challenge (MOC). “Imagine” is a song of hope; “Revolution” is a song about making it a better world. Moving to the MOC, our check of $25,546.67 will certainly help us to do things in our community that strive for both goals. “Remarkable!” stated Kris. Kris reminded us that there will be a meeting on July 12th at the Boys and Girls Club to review this year’s event. He mentioned something about prime rib being served, but that seemed a tad suspicious.
Good news! We will receive the full amount requested on a District grant: $4,000 for our reading program. Thank you to Past-President Laura for launching the program. This project involves Rotarians taking time to read to K-4th graders at area schools, plus providing books from which we read. For many of these children, this will be their first book of their own.
Happy News! You may have heard that Slugger Ben Lowry will be inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame (MBHOF) on July 23rd at the Holiday Inn. President Don recalled playing Rotary softball many moons ago and was assigned to play first base. Unsure of his ability to flash the leather, Don asked Ben for some advice on catching. “Just hold your glove out,” said Ben. “The ball will come to your glove.” No word on how that worked out. The MBHOF has not been in touch with Don.
With Jerry Angier conducting the weekly raffle, Charlie Whittier had a chance to win the pot of $518, but no such luck. Sorry, Charlie! The pot continues to grow for next week.
Meredith Small led us in song, “Rotary My Rotary” with Past President Russ Burleigh on keyboard. Two verses! Surely we sounded in top form.
Brian McDonough asked us to keep Ben Delcourt in our thoughts and prayers as his 72-year old father, Michael, was involved in a serious car accident on Rte 114 on July 6. We wish both of them well and his dad a speedy recovery.