03/30/18 Bits & Pieces

President Don Zillman welcomed 49 Rotarians, and 1 visiting Rotarian, then asked Past President Tom Talbott to give the invocation on Friday. Tom selected the theme of spring and the end of winter. Past President Laura Young led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Kathy Grammer led us in "America the Beautiful." 

Elise Hodgkin reminded the Club to fill out the committee choice sheet for next year. 

Visiting Rotarian Lionell Nima requested assistance from the Portland Rotary Club to help him with efforts in the Congo. He is looking for volunteers to help with being board members and volunteers to help his organization with waste management and other environmental management initiatives.

The Rotary tree initiative is springing forward with the goal of planting one tree for every Rotarian around the world, or over 1,000,000 trees. Stay tuned for instructions on where to request and pick up your tree. 

Charlie Frair discussed the results of last meeting regarding veteran-based organization presentations and the selection of two organizations for the fund raising efforts: Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope, and Honor Flight Maine. Additional funds are still available, and are being distributed to some of the other veteran support organizations. 

Joe Reagan hosted a telethon fundraiser on WGAN to support veteran’s initiatives, and he helped raise over $50,000, which met the goals for the event.  

Mike Fortunato discussed how the Cedar Kids at Long Creek's 'Game and Pizza' night event went well, and he thanked the volunteers who helped make the night special.  

Mike also discussed some of the needs for making the upcoming Maine Outdoor Challenge a success. These include calling for more auction items, asking volunteers to help prepare for the event, and to run the event.   

Gracie Johnston discussed the Preble Street volunteer night in which the Rotary clubhelps prepare and serve the food to those in need.  The volunteers during the recent event included over six Portland Rotarians.  

Elise led the raffle this week, and the speaker (Julie Mulkern) from Winterkids picked PTG's ticket out of the can. Paul Gore selected a King of Clubs, which lets the Queen of Hearts rest for another week. The pot is getting bigger, so join us next week for a chance at over $350. 

Nan Heald had the pleasure of introducing our newest member to Portland Rotary: Chet Randall, who works with Pine Tree Legal Assistance. Please join us in welcoming Chet to our club!

(Photo: President Don Zillman, Chet Randall and Nan Heald.)