06/09/17 Bits & Pieces

President Laura Young welcomed 60 members and 4 guests to our meeting at our second home, The Clarion Hotel. Julie L’Heureux offered the invocation reminding us that one of the most critical battles of World War II took place about 70 years ago this week. On June 6, 1944, under daunting conditions, the United States and the Allied Forces stormed the beaches at Normandy, France. As the troops prepared the assault, under the leadership of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, they needed words of inspiration. Eisenhower's message to the troops recalled the historic nature and formidable odds of this offensive push, which was the turning point of the war in Europe. 

We pledged our Allegiance to the Flag and sang a patriotic song acapella, since our keyboard was back at our “other home.”

Last year, President Laura arranged for a group to visit, explore and learn about Fort Gorges, which sits in the middle of Casco Bay, but seldom visited and little understood by most of the locals. The tour last year was very popular and many expressed regrets to have missed out on this unique opportunity. So Laura has arranged another visit on June 24th. Now is the time to sign up for the limited seating on the boat over/back. Any seats that are not reserved by our club members will be offered to other local clubs. If you are interested and for more information, go to our "Home Page" and click on: EXCLUSIVE TOUR OF FORT GORGES, under "Club Events." To be sure you get in on this adventure, register NOW by clicking on: portlandrotary.org/event/copy-of-exclusive-tour-of-fort-gorges/  A word of caution, the walking on the Island is on well-maintained paths, but there may be some ladder climbing involved. Again, for more information, click on the link above.

Linda Varrell provided us with the latest "Rotary Moment." She may be relatively new to this club, but has been involved with Rotary for many years and a previous member of four different clubs. Linda has a great sense of humor and has a welcoming countenance. Yet, she likes to refer to herself as a “recovering banker,” who found herself in rural Bethel, Maine and in need of some friends and something to do other than work. As you would guess, she found her way to the Bethel Rotary Club and became part of the Rotary family, which was important since none of her family was local. Best of all she got involved in the Rotary Exchange program and developed an intimate understanding of the worldwide scope of Rotary.

[Photo L-R: Katie Brown, President Laura Young, Matt Suslovic, Jennifer Southard (mom) and Ed Suslovic (dad).]

The newest of the Portland schools is the Casco Bay High School, a non-traditional public school. It seems that the school develops students that are also far from the traditional model. The school selected an amazing young man, Matt Suslovic, to receive our recognition with the Youth Service Award. Casco Bay High School Principal, Dereck Pearce, described Matt as a “listener” who finds ways of bringing people together. Matt has been involved in the internationally lauded “Seeds of Peace” program as part of his many outreach projects to help his contemporaries. Matt is an Honors Student who graduated this week and will be attending Bates College this fall. Congratulations to Matt and his proud parents, Jennifer Southard and Ed Suslovic (former member of Portland Rotary). 

The Rotary Club of Portland is often referred to as the “singing club,” because of our passion for song. Since we were on a roll singing acapella, Andreea Paine, was courageous and had us belt out, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow."

Over more recent weeks, we’ve gotten used to seeing a big pot for the weekly raffle, so when this week's pot was $385, it seemed like chicken feed. (Paul Gore recently won the huge pot.) Consequently, with an almost-full deck of cards, Past President Loretta Rowe asked our speaker to pull a name out of the holding vessel of purchased tickets, then she read the name of Past President Peggy "Queenie" Wescott to invite her to try and pluck her namesake, the Queen (of Hearts), from the scattered deck......Queenie pulled the Ace of Spades, allowing the pot to build.
 

Past President Kris Rosado took to the podium to announce the results of the Maine Outdoor Challenge (MOC) event. Kris extended his sincere thanks to the following people for their responsibilities with MOC:

Mike Fortunato (lobster bake and daily event volunteers)
Cyrus Hagge (all aspects of the live auction)
Alex St. Hilaire and Travis Parker (all aspects of the silent auction)
Gracie Johnston & helpers (raffle ticket sales)
Bob Clark and Lauren Farina (huge effort from the BGCSM)

along with huge thanks for all the other volunteers, donors, team participants, solicitors, raffle ticket buyers, bidders and lobster eaters. 

This is our largest fund raiser and funds most of our programs and efforts both locally and internationally. As with last year, we had deep involvement in the club, but we need EVERYONE to do something for the 2018 MOC, if we want to grow. We understand that no one can do everything, but we also expect that no one can do nothing! Get involved! There is a way for everyone to help out and make the 2018 MOC a huge success!

Kris announced that the winner of the Top Team Fundraisers was led by Bruce Moore.

The team winners of the L.L. Bean Boot Trophy for overall points was the Varney team: Mike Varney, Ben Delcourt, Damon Vogell, Jared Gordon, and Kendrick Ballantyne.

(Photo: Our own Ben Delcourt holding the trophy on left, with Mike Varney.)

THEN....THE RESULTS (drum roll please)

2015 we raised $51,002
2016 ............. $54,130
2017 ...... $56,478!!