To create hope in the world, Alice encouraged us to do a random act of kindness. Larry read two inspirational messages for the Moment of Gratitude. "Discipline yourself to start each day identifying something to be grateful about. The world opens to those who approach it with a grateful heart." Attributed to Michael Josephson. “The more you practice gratitude, the more you see how much there is to be grateful for, and your life becomes an ongoing celebration of joy and happiness.“  Attributed to don Miguel Ruiz. Regarding the second question in the 4-Way Test, “Is it fair to all concerned?”, Bob told us about the plan he put in place 35 years ago to provide fair playing time in the Chelmsford youth basketball program. 

 

In happy/sad dollars, Ed Smith noted the passing of two good friends. Dr. Joe was delighted by the beautiful fall colors on display on the Maine Turnpike. Joe also reported that Jim Daly will attend our November 16 meeting to tell us about some needs in the Wells-Ogunquit school community. Maryna spoke of the benefit of having thankful thoughts first thing in the morning and as one turns out the light at night. Ray’s wife Kay went to get snow tires and returned with a new car! Tracy enjoyed the Taylor Swift Eras movie. Bob and Cheryl enjoyed a visit to Pemaquid Point where they learned that a well-known artist there had been trained by Charles Woodbury. Rick noted that life is good for us in this part of the world and a little rain does not change that. Carole thanked us for approving her application for membership. Richard offered some very generous remarks on my behalf. Alice thanked Matt for leading the October 5^th meeting. She also is very pleased that Carole has joined the club. 

 

Pete read,

“The following facts and figures

Are all about CLYNK.

Wait ‘til you hear some numbers,

It will make you blink…”

 

He then cited several positive environmental impacts of our CLYNK efforts. Our account stands at $668.45. 

 

Matt drew the 7 of clubs and the 3 of diamonds. The pot now holds more than $250.

 

After officially introducing Carole as a member of Ogunquit Rotary, Alice turned attention to World Polio Day, October 24. (The date was chosen to honor the birth of Jonas Salk.) The board recommended a $100 club match for donations to Polio Plus from now until October 24. Dr. Joe moved to approve the match; I seconded. The motion was approved. Erin then issued a challenge in which she hopes every club member will contribute at least $1. Members can Venmo Erin or email to say they’re sending in a check. A poster is displayed below promoting a “Focus on Polio” presentation by a trio of Rotary International figures including our own Brenda Cressey!   

 

Then action was taken two other board recommendations. Jim moved to approve a $500 contribution to Rett’s Roost 5K fundraiser; Susan seconded. The motion was approved. Alice then noted that the board had approved the purchase of a $100 raffle ticket in Biddeford-Saco Rotary’s fundraiser. Finally, as a formality, I moved to approve Rick Barber’s taking on the responsibility of being the club’s president-elect in Matt’s place; Larry seconded. The club unanimously agreed. Thank you, Rick!

 

Larry provided an interesting member-talk. Growing up in Matapan, he learned of the clear distinction between Boston’s south Shore and the North Shore. Studying at Bowdoin College was his introduction to Maine. He and Sally, his wife of 47 years, frequently vacationed in Maine. They settled here not too many years ago when  they purchased a home on Cottage Street once owned by Erin Haye’s grandparents!  Now retired from a career in financial services, Larry quickly became active in Ogunquit’s Parks and Rec Committee, the Facilities and Space Needs Committee, and the Municipal Campus Workgroup. 

 

Members are invited to gather socially at Wild Bevy Distilling at 596 North Berwick Road in Wells at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25. Contact Susan with any questions.

 

Our annual Holiday Luncheon with seniors and Wells Junior High 5^th graders will be at Jonathan’s on Wednesday, December 6 at 11:30.

 

Our next club meeting will be on November 2 and the next board meeting, at the Ogunquit Fire Station, will be on November 9.