President Don Zillman opened the meeting by welcoming 56 members and 6 guests. 
Bruce Jones (at right) led the invocation about “shared optimism.” He borrowed a commentary by the author David McCullough, delivered in 2004, to the graduates of Ohio University: “When bad news is riding high and despair in fashion, when loud mouths and corruption seem to own center stage, when some keep crying that the country is going to the dogs, remember, it’s always been going to the dogs in the eyes of some; and that 90 percent or more of the people are good people, generous hearted, law abiding, good citizens who get to work on time, do a good job, love their country, pay their taxes, care about their neighbors, care about their children’s education and believe, rightly, as you do, in the ideals upon which our life is founded.”
We pledged our Allegiance and sang a patriotic song, accompanied on the keyboard by Past President Russ Burleigh. Happy Birthday was sung to celebrate December birthdays, led by Past President Bill Blount. Following the birthday tributes, Bill also led the singing of “The More We Get Together.”
Chair of Community Service, Gracie Johnston (at left) reported that our annual Thanksgiving event at the St. Vincent De Paul was a successful project, with 37 Rotarians and family members helping 135 people who were served a hot Thanksgiving meal. Sysco Corporation donated about $1,000 in food for the meal.
Gracie also reported that all the time slots for the Salvation Army bell ringing were filled. Bell ringing times are from 11:30 am- 1pm at Monument Square. Locate and return the Salvation Army kettle at the “Others” coffee house on the Square at 15 Monument Way. Watch for a followup email.
President Don asked Rotarians who helped in the many club service projects to please stand for recognition (photo), to include: those who travel to the Dominican Republic for the “Hearing, H2O and Hands” project, as well as the volunteers who read at Lyseth Elementary School, those participants in high school mentoring, the Salvation Army helpers, the Friends of Long Creek Youth Development Center, the St. Vincent De Paul Thanksgiving meal service and the Veterans appreciation luncheon. Everyone was enthusiastically thanked.
Congratulations to Past President Kris Rosado for receiving his 4th Paul Harris Fellow pin. Past President Dick Hall, the Club’s Foundation Chair, presented the award and Kris received a well-deserved standing ovation. The Rotary Foundation promotes World Understanding and Peace.
Erik Greven (at right) thanked all who supported the Preble Street “almost-new, gently-used” sneakers/footwear collection. Portland Rotarians contributed 70 pairs of sneakers to the collection. Requests continue for slightly-used shoes, boots, winter scarves, sweaters, mittens and yes, unused or very clean underwear to be given to mostly young adults who rely on Preble Street for assistance. Collection will be held at Friday’s December 8th meeting and Club Assembly. Monetary donations will also be accepted to purchase new underwear. (See separate article this issue.)
Rotarians Mike Fortunato and Past President Bowen Depke are considering ways to improve on the Andrews plaque, in recognition of the first Maine casualty of a World War I veteran from Maine. Next year, November 11, marks the Centennial of the end of World War I. Rotarians want to consider ideas for bringing more recognition to the Andrews plaque. Three years ago, the Rotarians unveiled a restored flag pole on the site. An article at this site published in the Bollard, reported the story about Harold Taylor Andrews: thebollard.com/2017/11/05/when-world-war-knocked-on-portlands-door/. To share your ideas or to become involved, contact Mike (michael.k.fortunato@gmail.com) or Bowen (bowen.depke@spireexpress.com).
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Jake Bourdeau ran the weekly raffle, where Past President Laura Young’s name was drawn, but the generous pot of $1,122 was not won, as the Queen of Hearts remains hidden in the deck of cards.