.jpg)
President Don Zillman welcomed Julie L’Heureux to the podium for our meeting invocation, who quoted Gene Kelly’s 1952 song, “Singing In The Rain.” Wishful thinking as the first solid snow of the season is slated for the coming weekend! Ellen Niewoehner led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and we broke into a full-throated rendition of “America The Beautiful.”
Don welcomed and introduced 2 guests, who joined the 62 Portland Rotarians in attendance. If you follow the “society pages,” perhaps you saw Julie Chase partaking in a Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce event. Don then thanked the roster of Rotarians responsible for the implementation of our meeting.
A birthday tribute and a day of celebration for her majesty and Past President Peggy Wescott, affectionately known as “Queenie” to her subjects. To the tune of ‘God Save The Queen,’ our Queen was adorned with tiara, sash, and a bouquet of roses. Her wave, refined and graceful, let us know she appreciated us. Her royal court "ladies-in-waiting" attendants included Past Presidents Roxane Cole, Loretta Rowe and 2nd Vice President Amy Chipman. Rotary Poet Laureate Past President Alan Nye then read from his latest work, “Queen Peggy”:
Unlike over in England,
There’s no need to curtsy, bow or preen,
The etiquette here is more relaxed,
For greeting our own Rotary Queen.
Across the pond they say “Your Majesty,”
It shows respect, you see,
But here in the good ‘ole USA,
She’s fine with just “Hi Peggy!”
The Royal Queen of England,
Is a ripe old 91,
Our Queen is much younger than that,
And I’d wager a lot more fun.
So raise a glass to our own Past President and Queen,
And before you rush out the door,
Offer good wishes to her on her Birthday,
And wish her many, many more!
Gracie Johnston said thanks to all Rotarians who’ve been out ringing the bells for the Salvation Army in Monument Square. There is a spot open on the 15th and Matt Wolcott raised his hand. Thanks, Matt.
1st VP Amy Chipman is heading to the Rotary International Convention in Toronto, June 23-27, and she’s encouraging more Rotarians to join her! Tom Nickerson, Ellen Niewoehner, and Alan Nye have said they’re in, so it looks like it’s going to be a fun time! Interested? Early registration ends Dec 15th, and is $345. After that it moves up to $420. FMI: riconvention.org
Don reminded us that while it’s always fun to remember birthdays and anniversaries, today’s meeting was also an important day in history....a day to reflect and remember....Dec 7th, 1941, Pearl Harbor. We are blessed to have with us at our meeting, Earle Leavitt, who was at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day 66 years ago. Thank you, Earle, for your service to our country, and 30 years of dedication to Portland Rotary.
.JPG)
Raffle! The elusive Queen of Hearts lingers in the dwindling deck. $1157 at stake. Raffle master Jake Bourdeau gave the honor of drawing a winning name to Queen Peggy, who plucked Past President Loretta Rowe’s ticket from the tin. Alas, the clever Jack of Spades came out to play, denying LoRo from the coveted bounty.
Our Club’s By-Laws state that the Nominating Committee shall announce it’s nominations for the new slate of officers for the coming year on the second Friday in December. The Committee is chaired by the immediate Past President, in this case Laura Young. Laura made it back in the nick of time from an early morning meeting in Augusta, and announced the following nominations for 2018-19:
President: John Curran
1st Vice President: Amy Chipman
2nd Vice President: Ellen Niewoehner
Treasurer: Scott Blakeslee
Secretary: Bruce Moore
Sergeant-at-arms: Travis Parker
Club Protection Officer: Nan Heald