Posted by Ben Lowry

Last Friday we were pleased to be hosted by Bob Clark at the Boys and Girls Club on Cumberland Avenue.  Thanks to our contacts through The Long Creek Youth Development Center, we were fed a scrumptious meal, served by two residents, Ernie and Alex, who were about to head out to play basketball at northern Maine higher learning institutes.
 

Past President Cyrus Hagge offered up a thoughtful inspirational moment with humorous quotes from Mark Twain. 


Past President Bowen Depke reported that the Allagash Brewery fundraiser/social event was a rousing success. As he handed President Don Zillman a wad of cash, in an undisclosed sum, Bo thanked all who attended and donated for our ongoing effort to support the club’s CHE (childhood hunger and education) project.  Rusty Atwood mentioned that his wife Sue won a wonderful door prize at the event.  Many thanks to all who made this happen, especially Dave Seddon, the organizer extraordinaire. 


Rotary International is in the process of handing out 1,200,000 trees to clubs around the world.  Each tree, representing a Rotarian, will be planted in an effort to keep our planet green and breathing.  Past President Kris Rosado is spearheading our give-away so, if you’d like to plant a small tree in your yard (or anywhere!), please contact Kris.
 



Gracie Johnston
thanked those who participated in serving meals at the Preble Street Resource Center last Wednesday.  Seven folks gave of their time, including Megan Peabody, who was, on Friday, celebrating her acceptance into her master’s program at USM.  


Xavier Botana, the superintendent of the Portland Schools and one of our newer members, was recently named a “Change Maker” byThe United Way, one of the highest honors from this group. Congrats, Xavier!


A $500 check was given to Mike Robinson, who accepted on behalf of the “K-9’s on the Frontline” program, which was selected via a club vote last month to receive a portion of the funding available after our extremely successful Veteran’s program last fall.  


The Maine Outdoor Challenge is quickly approaching, as Patty Erickson reminded us from the podium.  She asked that we all keep our eyes and ears open for silent auction items as we are out and about in Greater Portland.  Restaurant and store gift certificates are an easy ask and, if needed, you can grab a letter explaining the process from Past President Kris Rosado to show for bona fides. We are also looking for gently-used sporting equipment, such as canoes, kayaks and bikes, to help as auction items.  And, lastly, 2nd VP Amy Chipman is handing out raffle tickets to all members (1 for $10, 3 for $20), with the winning ticket being awarded a $500 gift certificate to LL Bean.


Our tables were adorned with very sweet thank you notes from the young students at Lyseth School in Portland, who are  so very appreciative of our efforts, spearheaded by Past President Laura Young, to read to these young people. (See Photo Corner for photos of special event at Lyseth School for Portland Rotary volunteers.)


Past President Peter Goffin offered up a surprise Paul Harris Fellow to one of our most vibrant and active members, Mike Fortunato, who seems to have his hand in every aspect of our club.  Peter, who joked that he had “run out of relatives to honor,” mentioned the Veteran’s luncheon and our Long Creek mentoring programs as two examples of Mike pitching in, often over and above, during just the past few months.  With his extra efforts ongoing for many years now, Mike should be an example to us all of how “Service Above Self” should not just be a slogan, but a way of life. 


 

The weekly raffle was led by Jennifer Frederick. Mike Robinson's name was selected, but he did not find the Queen of Hearts allowing the pot to grow for next week.