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Introduced by President Amy Chipman, David Small presented our invocation for the day. In observance of this week’s Jewish Yom Kippur, he spoke of its tradition of refraining from work, contemplating good deeds, making amends with others, and reflecting on the past year’s mistakes and sins, rather than focusing on material possessions and superficial comforts. PP Bob Traill led us in the ‘Pledge of Allegiance,’ and Meredith Small led us in song, ‘America the Beautiful.’ )
Jerry Angier (right in photo on left) got things going with the raffle, summoning PG to the stage. Not Paul Gore, instead it was PP Peter Goffin! (left in photo on left) Peter’s luck did not extend to his selection, summoning the 3 of spades, which has a return on investment of 0.00%.Amy’s announcements started by reminding us that the meeting of Oct 25 would be at the Office of Cultivating Community, 62 Elm St., Portland…..which has limited seating, and we need a head count for lunch. 12 signed up so far. Please let Elise know ASAP!
Next – while we work on getting the new conductor for the PSO here as a speaker, the PSO has offered us some special pricing if we have a group of 10 or more people who would like to attend an event. Also, if you have ever been curious as to what rigors it takes to land a job in city symphony, check out a special “behind the scenes” event at “The Addition” – Verrill Conference Room, 1 Portland Square, Oct 17 4:30-6pm.
Swap Shop Flyers are on the table and on the club website – check it out!
Amy reported that “RotaryRocks” District Conference last Saturday was a fabulous event, with 15 Portland Rotarians attending. We looked great with our 3H table set up. Great job!
Erik Greven (in photo at left) had some fabulous news regarding a Rotary Global Grant (RGG) that our club is participating in. Earlier this year Erik received an email from a Rotary club in India, inquiring about our prosthetic hand program. His Rotarian’s club was applying for a Global Grant that would be used to equip a new hospital with $150,000 of surgical equipment – primarily in the field of eye care/cataracts. A RGG can range from $30k to $400k. It starts with a host club seeding the fund, having other clubs contribute, then district participation, private sources, and then up to the Rotary Foundation. In this case, Portland Rotary made a $2k donation, and combined with the other donations and grant money, the $150k was raised. That is the power of Rotary – and your Rotary Foundation! Talk to Erik if you would be interested in joining him on a trip to India. What an opportunity!
Jan Chapman (in photo at right) had a spirited “Rotary Minute,” but first had two messages. First – Reading at Lyseth School starts up in October – we need some more readers to students in grades K-3. (Spanish readers, too.) Second, she reminded us that on Oct 23, 3:30p-6:30p, we need volunteers at Preble Street serving dinner. Afterwards, meet up for some socializing fun at SLAB. For her final minute – Jan hails from a strong Rotary family. Her father – served as President of the Damariscotta/New Castle club, and had 55 years of perfect attendance. Her mom, though women at the time were not in Rotary, was very active at club events. Her brother and his wife are members of the Brunswick club. Jan’s first job was selling night crawlers. Her dad and brother did the digging, and she was in charge of sales. To Jan, Rotary is far more than just lunch with friends. From traveling to the Dominican Republic, reading at Lyseth School, mentoring Portland HS students, serving at Preble St, or learning about the Opioid crisis -the entire experience means everything to her. Thank you Jan! 
Charlie Frair (in photo at left) updated us on the Veterans’ Lunch. First the American flags we now own after our successful Maine Mall event will be on display for our lunch. By the way, the Mall wants us for 2 weeks next year! We made approx. $4500 this year – and we should double that next year! On to the Vets’ lunch, about 100 registered so far. 350 is the limit, so if you plan on attending, please register soon. We will need about 70 volunteers, so think about asking your spouse or significant other to help. Bruce Jones/PP Kris Rosado report that approximately $10k has been raised so far in funds, with a goal of $15k as the target. 7 vendor groups will be setting up tables. We’ll have the Coast Guard color guard this year. It’s all coming up fast!.jpg)
Mike Fortunato (in photo at right) said 18 couples have signed up for the ‘Harvest Moon Square Dance’ to be held on Oct 26 at the Sprague Hall Grange in Cape Elizabeth. Arrive at 6:30 (or before), and the “caller” starts at 7p.m. To cheers, Mike announced that Gritty’s has donated a keg of their famed Halloween Ale! Tickets cost $20pp, $30 couple. Blue jeans and plaid shirts – it’s a hoedown! Yeehah!!