Carole Aaron was on hand to submit her application for membership! Christina Chadbourne of Kennebunk Savings visited, perhaps out of interest in joining? Shaun Sullivan was today’s guest speaker.

 

Matt very ably led the meeting in Alice’s absence. After the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-Way Test, Larry provided some thoughts for the Moment of Gratitude. Larry’s daughter Kristen Hough works with a simple energy healing technique called The Emotion Code developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson. Larry read, “When we live in a state of high vibration emotions, like gratitude, it is next to impossible to live in a state of worry and fear. But many of us are numb and robotic, stuck in the swirling thoughts in our heads. Beating ourselves up, waiting for the next bomb to drop. When we can get off autopilot by breathing, grounding and actually living, we can then practice living in gratitude. So just for today, breathe, get outside, do something that fills your heart and name five things you're grateful for. Open your heart and lead with love.”

 

Rick was sergeant at arms today. Dr. Joe’s grandson will be visiting to assist with fall cleanup. Richard appreciates the nice people in Rotary. Russ added, “Ditto” to much friendly abuse from other members. Shaun appreciated the meal (very tasty pot roast!) Ed Smith is happy about new and prospective members. Eric thanked members for recent donations of PB&J to Bangor Bank’s food drive. Susan appreciated Larry’s words earlier. Barbara Leazes, now an honorary member of our club, expressed thanks and hopes to visit in December. Her daughter will be married next summer. Heath asked the club to donate $100 to Bangor Bank’s PB&J drive; Larry seconded. The motion passed without objection. Larry welcomed Barbara and thanked Carole Aaron for her interest in joining the club. Matt spoke about his wish to step aside from the president-elect role to devote his energy to professional responsibilities. He thanked Rick for stepping up in his stead. Erin urged members to sign up to man our booth at OgunquitFest. Rick will have some of his work displayed at the Maine Art Collective pop-up gallery in Perkins Cove. Pete noted $695.35 in CLYNK cash with,

“A warm left-over Summer was here t’other day,

It’s too bad we couldn’t have got it to kindly stay

Long enough to set up for outside drinking,

Then we could fill up a greenbag or two for CLYNK-ing!”

 

Tyler drew the queen of hearts and the 5 of diamonds. There’s lots of dough in the kitty now.

 

Rick auctioned off two Rick Barber calendars for the Rotary Foundation. Barbara prevailed in the bidding at $40.

 

Russ gave a very complimentary introduction to Shaun Sullivan, a Portsmouth firefighter and a selfless champion of Ubaka U Rwanda, a non-profit that strives to empower Rwanda’s next generation to live a self-sufficient, fulfilling and purposeful life through access to shelter, education, and a family environment. Shaun started volunteering at Ubaka U Rwanda in 2010 and formed a deep connect with the founders, Evode and Becky Usabyamoro, and the boys. He founded the US branch of Ubaka U Rwanda. Shaun was formerly a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service and Alaska smokejumpers. When he visits Rwanda, he stays at the center with and helps Evode and Becky.

 

Susan spoke briefly about the Rotary Mental Health Initiatives Action Group. October 10th is mental health day. RI president Gordon McInally urges us to not ask, How are you?” but rather to ask, “How are you really?”

 

In closing, Matt pointed to the October 12 board meeting at the fire station, to OgunquitFest on the 21st and the bread pickup on the 20th, and the social gathering at Wild Bevy on the 26th.