After the July recess, we had a good turnout for the first club meeting of Rick Barber’s tenure as president. Barbara Leazes was a first-rate greeter for the day. We were joined by Pam Gray, assistant district governor. Pam is a member of the Kittery Rotary Club. Also in attendance was Bob Satter, a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Worth Beach, Florida. 

 

Immediate past-president Alice referred to the extraordinary teamwork on display at the Olympics in Paris in expressing gratitude for the teamwork this club can be proud of. 

 

Tyler adeptly handled happy-dollar collecting. Brenda and her sister will embark on a river cruise in Amsterdam. According to Alice, a newborn in the family has ten grandparents! (She can explain.) How many plumbers does it take to blame a refrigerator? Dr. Joe can tell you all about it. Ed Smith and his wife had a grand time at a big family wedding in Waterville Valley attended by four generations of folks. Ray went for an oil change and returned with a new car! Susan stretched her birthday celebration over several days. She also spent special time kayaking with her 12-year-old granddaughter. Barbara is experiencing a bit of let-down after numerous family visitors departed.  Tracy thanked all for the very successful 2 Cent Sale; in turn, the club applauded for Tracy and Erin’s efforts. Erin reported that the club netted over $17,000! Russ had a memorable time photographing puffins on Machias Seal Island.  

 

Tyler drew the 7 of clubs and king of spades so the 50/50 pot expands. 

 

Pete reliably reported,

 

“We’re back on the road again, CLYNK-ing as we go,

Filling those bags again, making our account grow!

Doing our part to recycle and redeem, 

It’s so rewarding to all be on the same team!” (Our account is up to $1157.08)

 

Rick and Connie presented Eileen Conlon with her membership packet. Welcome to the club, Eileen! (photo below)

 

Bob Satter graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1966. He served as an Airborne Army Ranger in Vietnam. Bob visited with us today to speak about world armed conflict and military preparedness. His basic points were that war is very costly in many ways, American defense spending as a percentage of GDP has declined for years, and a strong military is essential to avoiding war. 

 

On another topic, Bob spoke in support of a northern New England non-profit organization, Computers4Vets. Mark Grimshaw, who heads up the effort, is an Army veteran. The organization provides free computers to area veterans who cannot afford to purchase on their own. The public can donate used computer equipment or money to offset repair costs.

 

Bob and I exchanged Rotary club banners. (photo below)

 

Rick pointed out that August is Rotary Membership Month. He asks that each of us think of bringing a potential member to a club meeting.

2 Cent Sale thank-you notes were distributed to members. They can be personalized and sent/given to merchants who donated to last month’s event. Alice has extras at the Chamber of Commerce. 

 

The board meets next Thursday, the 8^th,  at 5:00 and the club meets again the following Thursday.

 

Have a nice weekend!

 

Ed Seppa