Our newest honorary member, Vickie Russell, was in attendance as was George Wilson, now of the Durham Great Bay Rotary Club. Heath led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I shared a few words about the fourth question of the 4-Way Test, “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” Susan provided thoughts of Melody Beattie for our Message of Gratitude.

 

Before lunch, Heath asked Alice to comment on last weekend’s District Training Conference. Last week, the board suggested that our club might consider offering two $2,000 scholarships, instead of the single Norm Wilkinson scholarship, as the committee has received two very good applications. Ed Smith made a motion to provide two scholarships; Kerry seconded. The motion was passed without objection. Alice mentioned that the Conservation Commission’s beach cleanup on Earth Day (this Saturday) will take place at four beach locations. Heath will attend the WOCSD Literary Awards on April 27 at 5:45. All members are invited to attend. The Southern Maine AIDS Walk is on Saturday, May 13 at 11:30 a.m. Stars of Our Nation at The Leavitt Theater is on May 30; tickets here. Ogunquit Pride at Rotary Park in Perkins Cove is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 3. Members can soon sign up to sell bread at our booth at BonAire! on June 10 at 2 p.m. That same day is the District Conference at Bailey Island. Our club’s Presidential Changeover event will happen one evening the last week in June. Heath also distributed some information about district events in coming days related to the visit of leaders from Ukraine. See below. 

 

After lunch, Matt eschewed fines and collected Happy Dollars. Ed Smith and Julie are getting over recent severe colds. Richard commended Ogunquit’s public safety teams for their adroit handling of the Terrace by the Sea fire. George suggested that Ogunquit Rotary follow Durham Great Bay’s lead in fundraising with bingo games. He brought greetings from Ann Schieber. Kerry was thankful for the sunshine on her convertible. Susan found Scottsdale’s 95 degree weather a bit overwhelming to say nothing of her sister’s growling dog! I think I heard Tyler say he forgot to wear his brand-new Ogunquit Rotary badge! (I hope I’m wrong.)  Larry was happy to have been visited by his NYC son. Heath is having yet another yard sale this weekend! He is opening a restaurant at the Hartwell House. Alice had a nice visit with her daughter and son-in-law in Washington D.C. Dr. Joe was delighted to be joined by Vickie today. Pete reported $561.60 in CLYNK cash!

 

In the CLYNK account recently there was a big spike!

Eighty bucks-worth it was, in this unusual hike;

And Russ Osgood was the guy who brought it all about,

To whom we should all give a goodly shout!

 

Carol was in the running for $77 but drew the 4 of spades and the ace of diamonds. More cash next time!

 

Heath changed up our Foundation fundraising a bit. He offered $5 Big Daddy’s coupons to anyone putting in $5 toward the Foundation today. Eight members took him up on that: Matt, Alice, Tyler, Larry, Eric, George, Kerry, and Carol.

 

To close out the meeting, Ed Smith gave a member talk. In his 88^th year, he feels grateful for many things. His family’s creation of the original Cliff House; childhood in Ogunquit; his time in the Navy aboard the USS Forrestal; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his propane business, his involvement in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts; his 49 years in Rotary; and his tours as fire chief in Ogunquit. A full life indeed! And he says that, with luck, he and Julie will take yet another Christmas cruise aboard the Queen Mary II this coming winter. 

 

Respectfully,

 

Ed Seppa