Posted by Tom Talbott

With President Don Zillman calling us to order Tom Nickerson offered a poem, source unknown, titled “Seldom Put Into Words.” Its meaning- we may not put our friendships into words, but should value them every day. Our Guest Speaker, Erin Ovalle led us in the Pledge, and Past President Russ Burleigh tapped out “God Bless America” on the ivories. 

President Don welcomed 4 visiting guests,  53 members, saluted 14 May Birthdays, and congratulated 4 anniversaries for joining Rotary. Don also thanked all the members who were working behind the scenes to make today’s meeting run smoothly.


Past President Kris Rosado announced that 150 trees had been distributed to club members, all part of RI’s commitment to have a tree planted for all 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide. He moved right into an update on the Maine Outdoor Challenge, now up to 34 teams....striving for 45. Dave Seddon is looking for 4 teammates – give him a call!  2nd VP Amy Chipman added to Kris’s comments by promoting the MOC Raffle, featuring a $500 LL Bean Gift Certificate. 1 Ticket for $10, 3 for $20. Packs of 15 are available after the meeting for members to pick up and sell. Go get ‘em!


Jan Chapman welcomed Linda Freeman, Dir. Of College Counseling and Student Services for Maine Girls Academy.  Linda was here to introduce our Student of the Month, Naissa Asaro. Naissa was “an easy choice” according to Linda, because of her dedication to service and the community. Accepting the award, Naissa spoke passionately about her love of service, and proudly donating her $100 to Youth Corp, in support or accountability for youth who have broken the law. 


Around the world we go! 1st VP John Curran is back from Kosovo, traveling there with a Rotary contingent led by Roger and Liz Fagan. John reported that they had provided 32 patients with prosthetic hands, and 75 with hearing aids. The trip explored longer term relationships in the area that was once under communist rule. Located in Southeast Europe, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The area has a very active Rotary presence. Something to build on.

(Photo at left: Dr. Roger and Liz Fagan doing TV interview.)

 

 

 

(Photo at right: Dr. Roger Fagan and Prime Minister of Kosovo.)

 


If you have any electronics that can be recycled, take them on May 12 to the Falmouth Center parking lot, 9a-1p. This is a fundraiser for the Falmouth club. Donations for each item dropped off is appreciated, but not necessary.


Jesse Harvey was quoted in a Maine Voices article with regards to substance use disorder.  https://www.pressherald.com/2018/05/02/maine-voices-demand-that-legislators-fund-bills-to-care-for-those-with-substance-use-disorder/


We need volunteers to assist the Food Locker program on May 21 at Blue Cross Blue Shield from 12:30-6pm. Groceries have been organized and bagged. Our job would be to greet and assist people who are in to utilize the program. The goal is help de-stigmatize the process of a free food distribution program, as there truly are people who need this assistance. For more information, please talk to Elise Hodgkin right away!


President Don noted that Dave Seddon had informed him of a very successful outing at Allagash Brewing, raising $1500.  $400 has been provided to our CHE program – Childhood Hunger & Education. Nice!


Charlie Frair provided some insight into our Communications Committee, and its importance to the club. First, our weekly Windjammer, with the hard work of our Editor and the stories of our weekly reporters. Next, our website, with various webmasters keeping it updated. Last, the Public Relations arm, with special thanks to Linda Varrell. Linda’s company, Broadreach, has offered 2 associates, who will work with us to write stories on our behalf to be posted on our Facebook page. We need 2-3 people who can set up a structure to funnel the information through. If you are interested, please contact Linda at: lindav@broadreachpr.com!


Raffle… it grows, and will keep growing because John Houghton was kind enough to pull the Seven of Hearts, which pays zippo! Only the Queen of Hearts is redeemable for cash, which will top $500 next week.