In his message of gratitude, Dr. Joe was thankful to Bob Roche, once a Rotary Exchange chair, who years ago convinced him to take on an exchange student from Norway, Arne Laanke. The relationship with Arne was so impactful that Joe later hosted Tor, Arne’s younger brother. Today, Tor and his daughter, Kristina, accompanied Joe to our meeting.

 

Alice asked us to focus on this year’s Rotary theme, “Create hope in the world.”

 

In leading us in the recitation of the 4 Way Test, Pete explained that former member Gordie Lewis always capped it off with a spirited “You betcha!”

 

In happy dollars, Richard was pleased that his daughter, Jan Kearns, and her husband visited from South Dakota recently. Elizabeth Cutler spoke admiringly of the Liam Lee exhibit at OMAA. In another OMAA highlight, Pete was happy about the recent dedication of the Woodbury family garden. Erin thanked members for the great teamwork at last month’s 2 Cent Sale. Alice’s daughter and son-in-law visited on their way to setting new roots in New Haven, Connecticut. Susan celebrated her birthday with cake and a swim at her sister’s place in Portland. Tyler enjoyed the 2 Cent Sale. He is headed off on another camping vacation. Larry’s new ponchos came in handy on a rainy-day concert at Thompson’s Point. Tracy's niece Chloe now is living in Kennebunkport. Her dad, Larry, is recuperating from eye surgery. Kudos to Rick Barber! At the Union Fair, four of his photos were awarded 1^st prize and one was named best-of-show!  

 

Pete reported on the CLYNK account with these words,

“If you’ll allow me to rehearse

Yet another silly verse,

I’ll reveal the amount,

In our CLYNK account…

$676.00 and rising!”

 

Ray drew the 3 of hearts and the 10 of hearts. The pot now exceeds $175.

 

For Rotary Foundation, Tracy auctioned off a stay at Inn Season Resort. Tyler claimed it with a bid of $60.

 

Reviewing the 2 Cent Sale, Erin reported a record-breaking net income of $16,600. There will be a debriefing of the event at Brenda Cressey’s home on Tuesday, August 15, at 5 PM. The address is 6 Cherry Tree Trail.

 

In introducing Tor and Kristina Laanke, Alice spoke appreciatively of her daughter’s foreign exchange experiences as well of the benefits of her own hosting students from Italy and Germany. Tor spoke of the value of student exchange for both his brother and him and the resulting long term family relationship with Joe and Vickie. Kristina will be following the example of her father and her uncle as she heads off next week to be an exchange student in Paraguay.  

 

Susan will send a reminder of the social gathering at Connie Griffin’s home on Wednesday, August 23, at 5:00.