President Don Zillman rang our meeting in at the Clarion Hotel with 53 members and 3 guests before turning the mic over to Paul Tully (at right) for the invocation. “PT” reminded us of interesting historical occurrences that happened on other October 6ths, but closed with a moment of silence in the wake of the tragedy that unfolded in Las Vegas - 58 killed, 500+ wounded. Past President Bowen “Front Page News” Depke led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and we sang our best rendition of “America The Beautiful.”
Last week our speaker, Carol Coultas, Business Editor for the Press Herald, remarked that she was always on the lookout for a good story. She hit paydirt with Bowen Depke. Bowen is President of Spire Express located in at 477 Congress St., aka Portland’s iconic “Time and Temp” Building. The crux of the story is that the building’s owners are letting the building fall into disrepair and neglect. Peeling paint, broken and leaking radiators, and crumbling plaster are causing tenants to move out, leaving the remaining businesses to wonder why the owner doesn’t renovate or sell. When Bowen raised the question at the meeting, it resulted in a feature front page story in the paper, detailing the situation and drawing upon Bowen as the voice of the tenants.
President Don thanked the members who participated in our meeting’s set up and execution, and then read the list of 13 members born in the month of October. Happy Birthday, Dear Rotarians!
Many had heard the news this week of the passing of two important people in our Rotary family. Honorary member Harry Sawyer and Gloria Tewhey, wife of Past President John Tewhey. Harry was remembered by Past President Russ Burleigh, when he spoke of Harry as his long-time friend. Harry was prolific at bringing in new members over the years. A quick review of our current roster shows 7 members under his name, and there were many more. Russ read a poem he wrote and read to Harry a few years ago, a roll call of the members he brought to Rotary. There will be a memorial service at St. Lukes next Thursday (10/12) at 2pm. We then remembered Gloria Tewhey, wife of our Past President John Tewhey. Linda Varrell stood to tell us how she had met Gloria while working 13 years together with Maine Youth Leadership. <Maineyouthleadership.org> When the organization was going through difficult times, it was Gloria who kept the program going and developing it into the sustainable organization it is today. Services for Gloria will be in MA, closer to her children, but there will be a gathering of friends at the Tewhey residence in Gorham, 3 Valley View Drive, noon on October 15th. Our condolences to both families, and our eternal respect and love to two great people.
Charlie Frair (left) updated us on the upcoming Veterans Day Lunch. It will be a sell-out, so please register right away at: portlandrotary.org. Pay at the door. If you are a veteran and club member, please contact Past President Loretta Rowe (lrowe@maine.rr.com or 883-5432) as soon as you can, as there will be something special planned! Flyers are being passed out, so take one for your office or community center and post it up. Volunteer sheets are on the table, we need as many as possible and we have a job for everyone!
President Don provided the latest news on the Rotary effort to help hurricane victims. The District is looking for volunteers to drive supplies to Florida – let Don know if that could be you! Info came out in an email from District Governor Dave Underhill. Contributions can be made directly to the efforts in Puerto Rico with a check made out to Portland Rotary, and “Puerto Rico” written in the memo line.
Song Leader Ron Bennett, with side-kick Past President Bill Blount, led us in a rendition of “This Land Is Your Land.” With members concluding the song at different points, it had a nice fade out.
We welcomed new member Merle Hallett, introduced by Gus Karlsen, to our club. (Photo at right: Gus and Merle.) Affectionately known as a true “Man of the Sea,” Merle has sailed the world, was the owner of Handy Boat, and one of the original founders and sponsors of Portland’s MS Regatta, now known as Portland HarborFest. Under Merle’s guidance, some 3 million dollars has been raised to help those afflicted by MS. With an encyclopedic knowledge of the maritime, seek him out for some great stories. Welcome Merle!
Program Chair Bob Martin let us know that this coming Friday, plus Oct 27 and Nov 3, we will be meeting at the Gateway Community Service, 501 Forest Avenue here in Portland.
Last but not least, the weekly raffle, with $927 available for the taking. Led by Terri St Angello, Ron Bennett had the honors of the name draw, but he left empty handed, unable to pull the Queen of Hearts from the shrinking deck.