We enjoyed an especially vibrant Rotary meeting! A great group of guests provided warmth, joy, friendship, amusement and important information. Dr. Joe and Vickie were accompanied by Ola and Berit Lånke, the parents of Arne and Tor Lånke who lived with Joe as exchange students some decades back. Katie Rutherford and Celine Burrows from the Frannie Peabody Center visited to update us on the 2024 Southern Maine AIDS Walk this weekend. And Elizabeth Cutler brought Heidi Becker who is interested in joining our club!
Alice shared two messages of hope. Bill Keane, author of The Family Circus, said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” And from humorist Tom Bodett, “They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”
Tyler, with an assist from Eric, did an over-the-top job as today’s greeter.
In providing a warm welcome to the Lånkes, Dr. Joe focused on the gratitude he feels for their lasting friendship.
For the Four Way Test, Ed Smith told us about Don Gorenson, a firefighter from Connecticut he met years ago. Don’s son, David, was not able to be a firefighter due to a disability. Recently, Don informed Ed that David had passed away. Ed sent flowers for the funeral. Ed was moved to learn that David’s urn was carried to the burial location on a fire truck.
Hannah did a steller job of extracting happy dollars! Richard commended Dr. Joe’s ambassadorial qualities. Ola Lånke admired our club’s gender equity in contrast to his club in Norway that comprises “many old men.” Kerry was very happy about Heidi Becker’s interest in joining us. Susan’s puppy Bella was spayed. Pete shared the good news that his daughter is doing well after 12 weeks of chemo. Ray appreciated Pete’s poetry. Rick thanked Katey and Celine for visiting. Heath recently enjoyed spending time in London and Paris. He is saddened, however, by the loss of a cat he had for a long time. Alice is looking forward to the Red Ribbon party at The Front Porch on Friday.
Tyler drew the ace of spades and the ten of diamonds. Hannah provided the wah-wahs.
Another great one from Pete…
“Are you so busy that it’s getting hard to think?
Well, you could take five and get something to drink!
Just a little bit and you’ll be in the pink,
But, whatever you do, always think CLYNK!
For the Foundation auction, Dr. Joe offered admission to the Biddeford Saco club’s fashion show. Rick, Erin and Tracy collectively contributed $50.
Katey Rutherford reviewed Frannie Peabody Center’s mission: Empowering and supporting people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in Maine through integrative care, education, advocacy, and prevention services. The AIDS Walk at Ogunquit Beach isn't just a fundraiser, it's an opportunity to unite as a community to show support for people affected by HIV/AIDS and recommit to fighting stigma and advocating for quality care. Participation reinforces the vision of an end to HIV transmission and AIDS-related deaths.
Rick spoke briefly about the Wells-Ogunquit School System’s recent Literary Achievement Awards.
Dr. Joe was pleased to award Ray Hamlin his Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin. Congratulations, Ray!
Hannah called attention to the Great Ogunquit Pie Bake-off on Saturday afternoon.
I hope to see you at the Front Yard this coming Tuesday at 4:00 for apps and beverages. Please send Susan an email is you plan to attend.
sdequattro@alandrealty.com
The board meets next on Tuesday, May 14th, at The Dunaway Center at 5. Pizza at 6.
Our next club meeting is on May 16. The agenda includes an update on our visioning activities.
Respectfully,
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