President John Curran opened the meeting and called on Bruce Jones for the invocation, which focused on mastering civility – an especially important topic in our current political climate. After the Pledge of Allegiance, PP Russ Burleigh led us with the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner." President John introduced visiting guests and Rotarians and also made note of the June Rotarian birthdays and anniversaries in the club. (Russ pointed out that it was his 80th birthday – and Bob Traill was heard to call him just a young whipper-snapper.)
President John (photo at right) introduced our newest member: Marissa Fortier. Marissa comes from Saco and is the Deputy Director for the Michael Phelps Foundation. Welcome to the club!
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The Raffle was conducted by Patty Erickson and Mike Reed (photo at left) won the chance at the prize by drawing the lucky queen of hearts. Unfortunately for him, Mike drew the 5 of clubs. Good try.
Charlie Frair (Photo at right) then spoke about the Veterans Appreciation Lunch coming up on November 9th at the Holiday Inn By-The-Bay. Replete with slides and handouts, Charlie made clear that the rationale behind the Veterans’ Appreciation Luncheon is as follows:
The purpose of the Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Luncheon is to honor, appreciate, acknowledge and thank Veterans for the military service to our country.
The excellent handout listed the intentions of the luncheon, the actions needed to fulfill the overall purpose, and the goals of this year’s luncheon as well as the 5-year goals of the luncheon. It’s abundantly clear that Charlie, his committee and all the volunteers have a clear focus and keen understanding of why this project is important to Veterans, our Rotary club, and the community at large. Hats off to all the hard-working Rotarians and volunteers who have made this project so successful!
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Bob Clark (photo at left) spoke about the 10th Annual Kids & Claws Dinner to be held Tuesday, October 30th at the Portland Expo. This is a time for everyone to meet the Maine Red Claws and even shoot some hoops. Proceeds benefit the Boy & Girls Club, so contact Bob or go online for more information.
First VP Amy Chipman (photo at right) spoke about the recent invitation by District Governor John LoBosco to attend a Special District Assembly to discuss Foundation, Membership, and International Service Opportunities. It is scheduled for November 3rd at Husson University in Westbrook and the cost is free. All Rotarians are welcome. (see separate article this issue.)
Imogen Fullager (photo at left) was in town on a tour of Maine partially sponsored by her Rotary Club in Tasmania. A Social Economist by training, she has been working lately on issues relating to aquaculture, especially sea urchins. She contends that since Tasmania and Maine have opposite summers and similar marine resources, it might be possible to develop a fishery that could provide a steady year-round supply of a product by taking advantage of the alternate growing seasons in the hemispheres. Her visit to Maine has taken her from Portland to Augusta to Lubec, and included time hosted by both PP Bowen Depke and Erik Jorgensen.
And last but not least, President John pointed out to the club that Portland Rotary has had 7 members of our club go on to become District Governor. This was just a preamble to his announcement that PP Dick Hall (photo at right) has thrown his hat in the ring to become a District Governor. In order to become a District Governor, the member must be recommended by his or her own club and so after politely asking Dick to step outside, the club voted unanimously to approve Dick’s application. Good luck Dick in becoming the 8th member of Portland Rotary to hold this esteemed position!