President Amy Chipman welcomed Rotarians and guests. Paul Tully presented the invocation, we pledged our allegiance to the American Flag and we sang in unison with our patriotic song.
We had “Happy Dollars” being contributed all around the room, as many of our members had plenty to be thankful for.
The weekly raffle drawing was led by Bruce Jones (on left in photo at right). Our guest speaker drew the name of Jennifer Frederick (on right in photo at right) to try her luck for the huge jackpot of over $1300, but the elusive Queen of Hearts was not drawn from the dwindling number of cards left in the deck. Next week's drawing will be even more than $1320! .jpg)
Community Service Chair, Gracie Johnston (in photo at left), announced a new project for the month of February......see separate article this issue describing the details.
It was reported that the International Service team was currently in the Dominican Republic for the first phase of the Hearing, Hands and H2O (3-H). Traveling with the International Services Group is PP John Curran, Bill Dunn from Yarmouth Rotary, and Ryan Curran, John's son who is on his first Rotary International Service trip. Team members also include the prosthetic hand designer Dean Rock; Dr. Natalya Jenny, an occupational therapist; and prosthetics professional Eric Hurt from Hanger Clinic, a technical consultant. Last heard, their trip was going well.
Another international service project is the India trip, scheduled for the last week in February. Five have signed on, plus a couple of non-Rotarians. This project will expand the 3-H program to Asia. Rotarians or anyone else who are interested in participating in this program can contact PP John Curran at curraj1@mmc.org or 207-232-5478.
Mike Fortunato is arranging for a special fun Rotary meeting for networking and socializing on Thursday, Marcy 19th, to be held in place of the regular Friday meeting (PLEASE NOTE: No meeting on March 20). This will be an evening meeting, beginning at 5 PM at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. Hors d'oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available. Perhaps a Trivial Pursuit game will be organized. Cost will be about the same as the weekly lunch meeting. More details to follow in the coming weeks.