President Don Zillman opened our weekly meeting by welcoming 48 members, 2 visiting Rotarians and 1 guest.
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David Small (at left) offered a comedic invocation in honor of our club’s monthly efforts to hold a social gathering at a different Portland brewery. The invocation, entitled “A Beer Drinker’s Prayer” brought some levity to our meeting. Dave followed it up with a much more brief and solemn prayer.
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George Crockett led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Kathy Grammer played the keyboard to a nice rendition of “America,” which the club handled with great aplomb. Such could not be said a few minutes later when Meredith Small (at right) tried to lead us in an effort to sing the lovely ballad “Shanandoah,” which we unfortunately mangled and mutilated, although we gave it a nice Rotary effort!
Dick Giles took to the podium to talk about our club’s efforts out at the Long Creek Youth Development Center, where we have been working with the guests in the Cedar Unit for several years now. Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, we head out after work and spend time with these young men, sharing snacks, sweets and a game. It’s a wonderful program and a great way for Portland Rotarians to be of service. Please contact Mike Fortunato (michael.k.fortunato@gmail.com) or Jim Willey (jimandbarbarawilley@gmail.com) if you have questions or are interested in helping.
Charlie Frair asked us all to mark our calendars for Friday, November 10th, when we will be hosting the 3rd annual Veteran’s Day tribute....this year to be held at the Italian Heritage Center. We are looking to increase our club’s participation from 30 to 50 Rotarians and yet will not look to increase the overall scope of the event, which saw 300 guests hosted last year, comprised of veterans and their families joining us gratis. For now, keep your eyes peeled for announcements and block off the noon hour on November 10th.
Marty Peak-Helman, former District 7780 Governor and now the District Foundation Chair, presented President Don Zillman, Past-President Laura Young and Past-President/current Club Foundation Chair Dick Hall with a check for $4,000 to go toward our CHE reading program. In presenting this generous sum, Marty praised our club for being amongst the district leaders in foundational efforts.
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