12/16/16 Bits & Pieces

President Laura began the meeting at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay, with 48 Rotarians, 2 visiting Rotarians and 6 guests. George Crockett was asked to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Russ Burleigh presented an invocation with an Irish blessing and Kathy Grammer  played the keyboard, as we sang a patriotic song.

Lionel Nima was called upon to give us a 'Rotary Moment.' Lionel came to us originally from the Congo, first coming to Denver where he studied English and successfully worked in sales. He is currently working in Portland as a caregiver and seeks to continue his studies in legal training at USM School of Law. A friend of Lionel’s suggested that Rotary would be a good way of connecting with his community, so Lionel checked out the Portland club, deciding to join us as a member. We are sure that the Dean of USM School of Law in attendance took note of Lionel’s worthy legal ambitions.

Russ Burleigh led us in singing, "Winter Wonderland," again accompanied on the keyboard by Kathy Grammer. 

Russ remained at the podium and told us about the good works of his wife, Joan Steinberg. Joan has knitted another 100 pairs of mittens for the children at the Lyseth School. For the past 8 years, she has knitted colorful and warm mittens for various local charities and has found Lyseth to be a good fit for being the recipient of her love of knitting and good will back to the community. 

Russ, honoring his wife for all the work she has put into this project, presented Joan with a Paul Harris Fellow. Congratulations, Joan......and "Thank You" from all of us.

Jennifer Frederick led our weekly raffle draw, asking our speaker to pull a name from the bucket, so they could try their luck at finding the Queen of Hearts and win the $1,085 pot. Patty Erickson, in a colorful Christmas sweater, had her name drawn, but she drew the wrong queen, leaving the elusive Queen of Hearts in the deck for the next lucky contestant.

President Laura spoke of the recent well-attended "Holiday Beverage Bazaar" that raised $800 for our Lyseth School student reading project. Laura explained that we have 5 slots left in the reading project...if you would like to help, please contact Lili Brown at: lilinbrown@gmail.com Laura also thanked Cyrus Hagge, Youth Services Committee, PR Committee, Rusty Atwood and Kris Rosado for helping to secure the funds so the books can be purchased for the first round of readings in 2017.

President Laura announced the slate of proposed club officers for 2017-2018 Rotary year. All were voted in unanimously. (See separate article listing the slate of officers in this issue.) 

President Laura then asked for a vote on the proposed change to our Club's Bylaws, dissolving the Service and Memorial Fund and adding the creation of the Rotary Club of Portland's Endowment Fund. It was approved by the attending Club Members. (The Club's governing documents are available on our website.)

Tom Nickerson requested volunteers for 'CASH.' He was not deluged by a throng of 'cash' seekers, but the attentive audience learned of a volunteer opportunity for "Creating Asset Savings and Hope," a Goodwill initiative to be held on Saturday, February 19, 2017 9am-4pm. Volunteers will provide free tax preparation for low-to-moderate income families and individuals. Free training and no tax experience necessary, just a willingness to help. For more details, call 699-0753 or go to: cash@goodwilllnne.org

Danielle Conway introduced us to Portland’s newest member, Michel Kanyambo, a Rwanda refugee, married with two sons. Welcome to Portland Rotary, Michel!