07/27/18 Bits & Pieces

The Vermont Room at the HIBTB was the setting for the last Friday in July. Summer is flying by! President John Curran brought Julie L’Heureux to the podium for our Invocation. Julie recognized the 100th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. Three Mandela quotes worth memorizing: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” “No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated,” and finally, “Forget the past.”

Past President Dick Hall led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Past President Russ Burleigh led us on the keyboard for a spirited “God Bless America.”

A light lunch was served, part of the trial test run of lunch options. President John would later remark that this was our 4th week at the Holiday Inn with this new approach, and the next two weeks we will sample the Clarion fare. We are trying to work out an amenable program that keeps the prices down. Last year, our club paid $3200 for non-used meals. Rising costs result in losing members. Issues include having a menu that can accommodate those who seek gluten-free or low salt diets. It is not a simple problem, and we need all the input you can provide.

John welcomed 6 visitors to our meeting, no visiting Rotarians on this day. He then moved to thank all those who volunteered last week at Preble Street serving dinner to those in need. It was a very busy night, constant flow, all walks of life. John encouraged everyone who has not experienced it to join in. Good fellowship and an important community service.

Bob Clark announced the upcoming Boys and Girls Club “Steak and Burger” Dinner coming up on August 15th, 5-7pm taking place at the USM Sullivan Complex. Sign up now if you can help be a server. Here’s the rub:  Kids get steak, and the adults get the burgers! For more information, contact Bob Clark at: rclark@bgcmaine.org.

Dave Putnam was prepared to pay out $841 in the weekly raffle. With reading glasses provided impromptu from John Marr, Dave identified Patty Erickson as this week’s contender. Alas, the six of diamonds is not worth the paper it’s printed on, and Patty had to retreat from the winner’s circle. The Queen of Hearts rests easy for another week.

Roger Fagan spoke from the audience to announce that the Crutches4Africa program has filled a warehouse, and arrangements for packaging and transportation will be put together in August. Details to follow soon.

President John announced our partnership with the Yarmouth Club - the Kosovo medical mission project - and that they received a $4500 grant from the Rotary Foundation. This goes hand-in-hand with the upcoming Cornhole Championship Tournament which will benefit both the Kosovo project, as well as a Boys and Girls Club scholarship to North Yarmouth Academy. The Cornhole event is slated for August 23, 4p-7p at NYA. Rain or shine!  We need teams of two, and we’re also looking for event sponsors. Register today at www.NYA.org/cornhole.