What a splendid gathering it was! Our guests included Carol Marcotte, past president of the Saco Bay Sunset Rotary club;  Angela Stevens, founder of Stay For Life; Barbara Leazes, a neighbor and member of the Sanibel Captiva Rotary club; and Frank Firicano, also a neighbor who is a member of the Portsmouth Rotary club.

 

For a moment of reflection, Alice suggested we all can find moments in which to say, “I believe in you.”

 

In a gesture of gratitude Dr. Joe read a heartfelt tribute to Jonathan West. You can read his fine thoughts below.

 

Pete told of Herbert Taylor’s creation of the 4 Way Test during the depression recovery era. Mr. Taylor would later rise to the presidency of Rotary International in the mid 1950s. You betcha!

 

To kick off happy dollars, Tyler, Jen and Barbara each simply stated their happiness. Brenda thanked a group of members who met at her home to review the 2 Cent Sale. Ray and his wife Kay will celebrate 60 years of marriage next month. Erin was happy that Angela was present. Angela was happy to be with us and to share that she is getting married in September. Frank was pleased to have met Bob at Rotary Park and to catch up with Kerry at this meeting. Susan will be going to Cape Cod to visit with her sisters. Dr. Joe thanked members for giving Rotary pins to his granddaughter Kristina. Kristina overcame initial homesickness and has settled in at the start of her Rotary Exchange year in Paraguay. Larry’s kids and grandkids visited recently. Bob thanked Frank for visiting us and also praised the recent improvements to Rotary Park. Steve attended a Red Sox victory last week. Alice and her daughter will be at a Bruce Springsteen concert at MetLife Stadium. She saw The Boss for the first time 25 years ago when the same location was site of Giants Stadium. Pete wrote,

“Now we’re over $700 with great amounts ahead,

It’s hardly necessary that anything else be said.

Except… keep turning in those Clynk bags of empty bottles and cans,

It’s so nice to have so many loyal supporting fans!”

 

With about $200 on the line, Pete drew the king of spades and the 4 of spades. So sad!

 

For Rotary Foundation, Larry auctioned off two paper bags containing numerous gift cards. With bids of $75 and $70 respectively, Brenda and Tyler took home the winnings.

 

Recently, Alice received a request from the Saco Bay Sunset Rotary club which is a partner/sponsor with Rotary District 9214 – Uganda/Tanzania on a global grant focused on basic education and literacy in Uganda. Saco Bay Sunset’s goal is to raise at least $25,000 so they can proceed with the grant process. Carol Marcotte visited today to talk about the project. She focused on the importance of literacy education in this region of very low median age and low literacy rate. After the presentation, Erin proposed a donation of $1,000; Brenda seconded. The motion passed without objection.

 

Angela Stevens founded Stay; For Life after the suicide of her 18-year-old son, Trent, just over a year ago. It is a non-profit organization that serves as a hub of information advocating for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Angela focuses on men’s mental health because young men are more prone to be dismissive of concern by saying “Everything is fine.”  At the end of the presentation, Erin auctioned off a Stay;For Life tee-shirt. Brenda’s $100 bid prevailed. She will send the shirt to Gordon McInally, the current president of Rotary International, who has chosen to spotlight mental health, an issue that has touched his family directly and that is all too often kept under wraps.

 

At its August meeting, the board of directors recommended that the club match member donations, up to $100 per member, to the Rotary International Maui Fires Relief Fund. At lunch today, Ed Seppa proposed approval of the donation-match up to $100; Dr. Joe seconded. The motion passed without objection. Alice asks all who wish to donate to Venmo or ApplePay Erin or see that she receives a check no later than Thursday, August 24. If you send a check, mail it now to Ogunquit Rotary, P.O. Box 2338, Ogunquit 03907.

 

Susan reminded us of the cookout at Connie’s home at 105 Frazier Pasture Road on Wednesday, August 23 (rain date Friday, August 25.) BYOB, please bring chairs.  

 

Respectfully,

 

Ed Seppa

Presented by Joe Boyle