Bob Martin, Second Vice-President, led the meeting while President Amy is in India. PP Alan Nye led the invocation with a reading of the inpirational poem, "A Psalm of Life" by the Maine poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882). Two visiting Rotarians were welcomed. Angela Smith returned as a visitor, who was past president of the Rotary Club of Warrenton, Virginia. She is now working in Freeport, Maine and will join the Portland Rotary. Barry Barr is visiting from the Rotary Club of Orange, Virginia. Both visitors are affiliated with the Virginia District 7610 Rotary Clubs.
2nd VP Bob Martin acknowledged the passing of two former Rotarians, Lois Carlson (left) and Rebecca Wright (right).
Raffle was led by Jennifer Frederick. Speaker Angus King III drew Don Lowry's name but the lucky Queen was not his draw so the growing jackpot of $1,435 will be worth even more in next Friday's March 6 drawing.
PP Tom Talbott organized a Rotary group "Get Well - Thinking of You" photograph to send to PP Loretta Rowe to let her know everyone is thinking of her and wishing her the best for a speedy recovery during her trying medical leave.
(ed.- Photo was VERY WELL received through email and truly lifted my spirits. Your continued support overwhelms me, but I couldn't do it without you. I will keep the photo in front of me to say "hi" all the time. Thank you to everyone involved and to TT for making it happen.)
Patty Erickson is excited to be organizing the Rotary Corn Hole Fund Raising Tournament on Saturday, May 17, at 11 AM. Stay tuned for more information.
Rotarians are reminded to bring in the items to give to Gracie Johnston next Friday, the deadline for stuffing the Preble Street teen survival kit bags. Please consider a financial donation and/or contribute gloves, mittens, hand warmers, lip balm and hand lotion. Check with Gracie for more information at gjohnston@portlandradiogroup.com.
David Putnam reported about the Thursday, March 19, Rotary meeting, to be held from 5-7:30 PM, at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. A committee is planning a "Trivia Game" program. Does anybody know of a person who can lead a group trivia game? Please contact David at: david.f.putman@mercer.com or Mike Fortunato at: michael.k.fortunato@gmail.com for more information. There will be no Friday, March 20, Portland Rotary meeting because the club will meet the night before at the Italian Heritage Center. Please invite guests, spouses and friends.
Happy Dollars included a contribution from First Vice President Ellen Niewoehner, who is happy to be attending the Northeast President Elect Training (PETS) from March 5-7, 2020, in Framingham, Mass. Good luck, Ellen!