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President Don Zillman opened the meeting welcoming 51 members, 2 visiting Rotarians and 2 guests and related remorseful sentiments to the sad events of the riots that took place in Charloteesville, Virginia. Gracie Johnston (photo at left) offered our invocation with the “Serenity Prayer,” Past President Bowen Depke led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag’ and we sang a patriotic song.
President Don recognized and thanked those members who “filled-in” on the weekly duties to keep our meeting running smoothly.
For many years Gus Karlsen has been involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Regatta that takes place in Casco Bay. Gus reminded the Club that in years past we have sponsored at least two beautiful sailboats in this charity competition. With the Regatta happening the very next day, we had only come up with enough funds to sponsor one boat. So the call went out and the bucks came floating his way, so Gus will have additional Rotary dollars to assist in the fight to eliminate the ravages of this disease. Great going, Gus!
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With the Crutches4Africa project in full swing, Rotary has collected crutches, wheel chairs, walkers and similar assistance devices to help those impoverished and in desperate need of assistance in Africa. The devices have been gathered and need to be consolidated for shipment. This is a huge undertaking and a little help would go a long way. The packing project will be on Thursday, August 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 20 Gooch Street, Biddeford. For more information, contact Tony Wagner at: tony.wagner163@gmail.com
The Rotary Club of Portland and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine have a long association serving up steaks and burgers at their annual dinner event. This year was well covered and the healthy kids were offering sirloin served by Rotarians, if that was their choice. Observers report that the children showed a distinct preference for the simplicity of an abundant hamburger. Thank you to all the volunteers.
If you haven’t heard, Portland is somewhat a craft brew capital with local beer breweries popping up all over the city. Ben Millick is determined to get new and seasoned members, along with friends, to experience some fellowship at a new place each month. He assures us that the list is long and he will keep us hopping to a new spot, so get ready to "meet and greet" and belly up to the bar!
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We are known as the “singing club,” and we do a fine job on most of the songs....thanks to our talented song leaders and keyboard accompaniment. Past President Bill Blount and 2nd Vice President Amy Chipman observed that this was the 40th anniversary of the passing of the ‘King of Rock and Roll,’ Elvis Presley, and suggested that we offer up “Love Me Tender” as a tribute. We made a sincere effort.
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