President John Curran welcomed 48 members and 1 guest to last Friday's meeting. PP Russ Burleigh offered a thought-provoking poem as the invocation. The poem, entitled “Autumn,” was written in 1866 by an American poet, whose identity remained a mystery until Russ gave us enough clues to realize that the composer was Portland’s own Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Tom Ranello led us in the Pledge to the American Flag and Meredith Small led us in an a cappella rendition of “My Country Tis of Thee.”
It was reported to us that member David Smith suffered a minor stroke on October 6th and is recovering in New England Rehab. Most members of the club signed a card and we were encouraged to pay an afternoon visit to room 119A. Get well David!
PP Jim Willey introduced our newest member, Major Rhonda Ferreira (in photo at left), who is a member of the Salvation Army. Rhonda and her husband, who is soon to retire from the Army, live in Old Orchard and have a 15 year-old son. She is a past member of the Red Bank, NY Rotary Club, so she’s a veteran of “Service Above Self.”
Paul Tully (photo at right), Charlie Frair, Bruce Jones and so many others are working diligently on the organization of our annual Veteran’s Day luncheon, set for November 9th at noon at The Holiday Inn By-the-Bay. With over 100 folks already registered, we’re off to a great start but, with over 400 people expected, it is imperative that you pre-register on our Rotary website. The cost to veteran’s, as always, is free of charge, while the cost for others is $25. Last year, we had over 60% of the club volunteer the day of the event and the club needs your help again, so please do sign up to help. With two powerful speakers expected, this will once again be an excellent event so please plan on attending. Also, Bruce Jones is working to obtain sponsors, so if you know of an individual or business that may want to participate, please contact Bruce: bjones@cop-inc.com or 650-3773.
PP Kris Rosado (at left) has been working with the United States Service Academies, most specifically West Point, in getting qualified young people accepted for these prestigious positions. If you know of a young high school student who may have some interest, please connect him/her with Kris so that he can explain the requirements for consideration. Contact: krisrosado67@gmail.com or 443-257-7523
Gracie Johnston (at right), donning her very appropriate Red Sox jacket, took to the podium to offer up several opportunities to volunteer within the local community. On October 24th, there is a need for helpers at Preble Street, followed by a Recovery Coach Academy on the 27th, with classes at USM on Saturdays thereafter until certification is complete (see separate article this issue). And it’s not too early to be thinking about our annual St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen opportunity the day before Thanksgiving, on November 21st. And lastly, start getting your warm clothing ready so you can participate in our annual bell-ringing for The Salvation Army in December.
Rusty Atwood, with Jan Chapman (at left), had a chance to have a very nice (and wealthy) weekend, but could not draw the elusive Queen of Hearts for our weekly raffle. The pot thickens!
Liz Fagan offered more than just the banner of the Wakefield, Rhode Island Rotary Club from the podium, instead announcing that this club of a childhood friend would be joining our efforts in the 3H project. With this addition, we now have clubs from Maine, Rhode Island, Alaska, Florida and Oregon involved in our efforts to help those less fortunate in the Dominican Republic and beyond.