President Laura convened the meeting at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay, welcoming 62 members, 1 visiting Rotarian and 2 guests. She asked Pearl Harbor survivor, Earle Leavitt, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Kathy Grammer presented us an invocation with an Irish Blessing:

     May your past be a pleasant memory,
     Your future filled with delight and mystery,
     Your now, a glorious moment
     That fills your life with deep contentment.

Russ Burleigh played the keyboard, as we sang our patriotic song, "God Bless America."

President Laura thanked the members who contributed to the smooth operation of our weekly meeting. Steve Stromsky and Justin Lamontagne are in our thoughts for their speedy return to good health. 


Elizabeth Banwell presented a "Rotary Moment," recalling her first days in the club and a fortunate encounter with Peter Ingram, which developed into a career opportunity for Elizabeth. She credits the openness of our club members as she said, and we include the “development of acquaintance and an opportunity for service” as a core mission of Rotary that has won Elizabeth to our membership and continues to be the mainstay of our organization.


Kathy Grammer and Russ Burleigh led us in singing a rousing rendition of “Jingle Bells,” as it filled the hall with a joyful noise. 


Jean Murchanian led the weekly raffle, with our speaker Dean Rock, selecting Tom Ranello’s name for  the opportunity to draw the Queen of Hearts for a $1,039 prize. Alas, Tom came close, but drew the Jack of Hearts. Better luck next week.
 


Amy Chipman spoke to us with a Foundation Moment. "Circle of Five" members were reminded to send or bring their checks to Rotary before the end of the year. Sustaining foundation member Don Lowry was recognized for his ninth Paul Harris Fellow, who is an inspiration for his Rotary giving and Rotary friendship.....regularly bringing our good pal, Harry Sawyer to our meetings. Way to go, Don!!


Dick Giles requested membership support for our Dominican Republic 3-H projects. The Dominicans working in the Batees have little access to electricity and after-dark lighting. $20 will cover the cost of a solar-powered light and the 3-H team is hoping to bring 200 lights with them to the DR on their April 2017 trip. George Crockett donated 23 lights. Dick has another 20 lined up. Gracie Johnston moved through those in attendance and garnered another $220 in contributions. Send your contribution to Elise at the Rotary mailing address or bring your donation to the next Rotary meeting. If submitting a check, please mark the memo line: DR solar light.


President Laura retold of the Club's initiative for our reading partnership with USM School of Law. Are you fluent in Spanish? If so, you could be so much help, as there are three Spanish immersion classrooms. If you would like to volunteer or need additional information, please contact Lili Brown at: lilinbrown@gmail.com


Rob Chatfield reminded us of a friend-raising opportunity with our "Holiday Beverage Bazaar" at Maine Craft Distilling, Dec. 14th, 5-7:30 p.m. at 101 Fox Street....we are hosting a spirits tasting for a $20 donation....light fare provided by the Cheese Iron. Bring a friend to show them the fellowship side of our club.  



Past President Bowen Depke, Chair of this year's Nominating Committee presented the nominations for the 2017-18 slate of Club Officers (separate article follows).