President Laura convened the meeting at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay with 50 Portland Rotarians, 2 visiting Rotarians and 2 guests. Bruce Jones provided the invocation with a different Irish blessing that makes no mention of wind. Dave Putnam led the Pledge, then Russ Burleigh played 'God Bless America' and we dined on Tex-Mex fare.
 


(Photo: President Laura Young and Jodie Boutilier of Flower Mound, TX.)

Laura welcomed our visitors, as noted above, exchanging a banner with visiting Rotarian Jody Boutilier of FlowerMound, TX and the Cross Timbers Rotary Club. Kirk Duffy, visiting Savannah, GA Rotarian has a few more weeks to spend with us. Laura read two thank you notes - one from Bob Clark for Rotarian volunteers to the Boys and Girls Club 'Steak and Burger Dinner' - the second from Rotary Youth Leadership scholarship recipient Keegan Gunther, who hopes to return next year as a counselor volunteer. Laura thanked the Meeting Day helpers, then Bill Blount was called up for our song 'Viva Le Rotary' accompanied by Russ.


President Laura announced a luncheon sponsored by the Maine Community Foundation on November 1, about "Privilege, Power and Difference." For more information and to sign up, go to: http://www.mainecf.org/AboutUs/MaineCFInauguralSummit.aspx
 


As previously reported, for those of you concerned about our 3-H Team in the Dominican Republic exposed to Hurricane Matthew’s wrath, be at ease as the storm ravaged the western portions of Hispaniola, the area where they are doing their good works for H2O, hearing and hands received mostly heavy rains and minimal flooding.  


Bruce Moore provided the Rotary Moment, making us aware of his involvement in Rotary since 1963. (This prompted a member to question his age!) Bruce participated in his high school’s Interact Club. Then in his professional career at Mark Stimson Real Estate, office manager Meredith Small correctly assessed the content of Bruce’s character, telling him “You are a natural  Rotarian,” invited Bruce to a meeting and he’s enjoyed every minute of his involvement ever - since convincing his wife, Jan Chapman, to join in the fun also.


It being the first meeting of the month, October Birthdays were celebrated with the rousing Happy Birthday song (listed in last week's WJ issue). Tom Nickerson ran the Raffle, with Jerry Angier being called to draw a card for the $830 jackpot, but the wrong heart (10) was chosen and the Queen resides for a future drawing.
 


Paul Tully encouraged members to attend and invite a veteran to Rotary’s Veterans' Lunch on November 10, 2016 noon at the Italian Heritage Center. Senator Susan Collins is our keynote speaker and the Don Campbell Band will be entertaining us with their music. Please register online at: portlandrotary.org or call 899-6342 to sign up.


Membership Co-Vice-chair Leisa Collins spoke of a focus on membership. Leisa explained the life cycle of membership. Rotarians give their time and expertise and are rewarded with fellowship and a satisfying sense of engagement for new and veteran members alike. Last year, our 100th anniversary, was a banner year for our club’s growth. Keep the enthusiasm rolling! The aging demographics of our club is challenging  to promote growth. Your recruitment efforts might be directed within your generation demographic. Generations tend to bond over events, WWII, Vietnam, or 911. Club members with 0-5 year tenure value networking; 5-20 years - service opportunities; 20+ years - fellowship. Leisa announced a new twist  on mentoring to promote membership retention - Mentoring Duos - and asked for volunteers to mentor newer members. To help mentor your favorite newer Rotarian, contact her: leisa.g.collins@gmail.com.

President Laura brought our attention to the current year’s new member tally. Laura has brought in three new members, whereas, Don Zillman, Jan Chapman, and Janelle LoSciutto each brought in a new member.


Visiting Rotarian, Kirk Duffy, from Savannah, GA, cited an example of 'Service above Self' where Rotarian displacement evacuees from Hurricane Matthew were offered temporary lodging, courtesy of his own Club and district.