Posted by Julie L'Heureux

Our Rotary Club meeting at the Clarion Hotel opened with President Don Zillman welcoming 45 members and one visiting guest, followed by the clever wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, read in the invocation by Past President Cyrus Hagge. Cyrus is a Ben Franklin fan. Some inspirational quotes included, “Diligence is the mother of good luck!” and “Remember, not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” An unresolved question was posed by Cyrus, about whether or not Ben Franklin would have been a New England Patriots fan? 

In recognition of Ben Franklin being a true American patriot, the Rotarians sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” led by Past President Bill Blount


(Photo left: President Don, Annie Messinger, and Tom Ranello.)

President Don asked Tom Ranello to introduce Annie Messinger, the newest Portland Rotarian. Annie is a USM graduate and currently the Director of Achievement at the Maine Girls Academy - MGA - (formerly Catherine McCauley High School). We all welcomed Annie to Rotary!


Linda Varrell, the chair of the Public Relations Committee, asked for stories to submit to the District 7780 newsletter, about activities the Portland Rotarians are engaged in to support the programs sponsored by our club.


President Don explained an upcoming draft memo he will send to members regarding the recommendations of the Program Committee. 


Although it was a large sum of $1,356, the weekly raffle was run by Bruce Jones, as Rusty Atwood's name was pulled for him to try and find the Queen of Hearts from the remaining cards in the deck. The amount will grow again as Rusty drew the 10 of hearts from the dwindling cards.