We welcomed a bevy of visitors today. Tyler McOsker, Ogunquit’s Code Enforcement Officer; Mary Anne Rush, chair of Ogunquit’s Facilities and Space needs Committee; Maryna Shuliakouskaya, our District 7780 assistant governor; Daniela “Dani” Vargas, a student from the Carpe Diem Catolica Rotaract club in Arequipa, Peru; and Steve Wilcos, former (and possibly future) Ogunquit Rotarian.

 

Heath thanked Larry for getting lunch (pizza and salad from Brickyard Hollow) and recognized George Wilson as a newly appointed honorary club member. Heath offered a thoughtful message of gratitude. Erin informed us that it takes just 10 seconds to recite the 24 words of the 4-Way Test.

 

In the “happy dollar” segment, quite a few members toasted George. Of course, we all are sad that he is moving on to another club. Larry was relieved that the pizza was good! He also called attention to the new “What’s Open” feature of the Chamber’s website. Dr. Joe appreciated that George finally is “honorable!” George explained that even though he now sells hotdogs at UNH football games for the Durham Great Bay Rotary club, he will continue to sell hot dogs at the 2 Cents Sale. Maryna is learning a lot about construction as she is opening several new Aroma Joe’s outlets. Erin thanked Larry for lunch and was happy to see Tyler McOsker. She also reported on the upcoming Day of Warming on February 11 as well as a Tito’s Apres-ski event at The Front Porch the same afternoon. Ann Lee appreciated the large turnout for today’s meeting. Steve Wilcos lauded our club as a “great group.” Ed Smith pointed out that he and Pete were aboard different carriers at the same time in the Pacific during their service in the US Navy; Ed was on the USS Forrestal and Pete was on the USS Franklin D Roosevelt. Pete noted that he, George Wilson and Steve Wilcos joined Rotary at the same time. (At times in the past, I’ve heard George refer to the trio as “the three Ws.”) With a wry smile, Rick admired Pete’s rhyming of  “Hanneford” with “award”.  Eric, Elizabeth Cutler and I each thanked Dani Vargas for the empanadas she added to our lunch offerings. 

 

Pete also provided a Clynk report citing a sum of $361.65: 

 

Winter winds will howl and blow, 

Sometimes with great piles of snow.

It’s enough to drive you to drink!

That’s ok – in a way – because we do have CLYNK.

So, do turn in those green bags to Hannaford,

Each and every one will return an award!

 

The first card Matt picked was the Ace of hearts! Very generously, Matt donated the $150 to PolioPlus.

 

Heath awarded Dr. Joe with a District 7780 certificate recognizing his contributions to PolioPlus (photos below.) Joe followed up by auctioning a $50 Brickyard Hollow gift card. Larry and Rick battled it out; Rick prevailed with a $82 bid! Thanks Joe and Rick. 

 

Mary Anne Rush described the work of the Facilities and Space Needs Committee. The Dunaway Center was gifted to the town in the 1970s. The police department was “temporarily” headquartered to its current location in the 1990s. Mold, asbestos and air quality deficiencies now warrant major changes. The Ogunquit Village School building also requires attention. Ms. Rush reviewed several options that have been proposed by Context Architecture. The committee is mindful of properly honoring the Ogunquit Village School as plans unfold.

 

Matt will arrange for food for our February 2^nd meeting. The board will meet at the Dunaway at 5:00 on February 9. All members are welcome to attend board meetings.