This was a tough but valuable gathering for all of us following Larry Carlson’s sudden passing last week. Alice is traveling in Europe; Rick ably presided in her stead. After the Pledge of Allegiance, I shared these thoughts, “As have many of you, I have repeatedly thought of Larry over the last ten days. I realize how fortunate I was to know him. I am sorry that I never told him. This is a lesson. And so, I now use this Moment of Gratitude to say, ‘Thank you all for your friendship.’” Then, with a focus on the fourth question in the Four-Way Test, Ed Smith spoke of the value of Rotary camaraderie in evidence at the services for Larry on Saturday, October 28. Susan noted that she regrets never having shared a table at Rotary with Larry. She urges each of us to sit next to someone new from time to time.
In reporting $677.80 in CLYNK funds and honoring Veterans Day, Pete offered,
“Veterans Day is coming up,
Here’s something you could do:
Honor a Vet with a U.S. Star,
They’ll certainly appreciate you!
And then there’s first responders,
and supporting families, too!
Thank them for all their service,
Under the Red, White and Blue!"
In happy and sad dollars, Eric was pleased to be hosting Marjorie Hankla, our speaker. Tracy was glad that Kerry has returned from her travel to Italy. Brenda feels blessed to be a member of our club. She, sadly, will travel to San Francisco for the funeral of her good friend, Past Rotary international President Rick King. Dr. Joe was pleased by a call from Nii Lokko who has provided fine dental care to Joe’s former patients. Joe’s granddaughter Lauren will visit with him and Vickie. His granddaughter Christina is on a Rotary journey to Southern Patagonia. Carole is happy and proud to have her Rotary badge. Bob is headed back to Florida where he will serve as the winter president of the Rotary Club of The Villages. Jen thanked Matt for his stalwart stewardship in the gloom of Larry’s passing. Speaking from the heart, Matt expressed appreciation for having known Larry.
Erin had the winning ticket and drew the 4 of clubs and the 5 of hearts. More dough on the line next time!
Eric introduced Marjorie who told a delightful romantic tale that led her from Brazil to Maine via Laos, Cambodia, and 27 U.S. states. (There is no way that this retelling can do justice. It’s hard to beat being present at a Rotary meeting.) Trained as a lawyer, she eventually realized she was meant to do other things. Marjorie now is the Director of Major Giving at United Way of Southern Maine, a perfect fit for her because of United Way’s emphasis on education, mental health, and financial stability.
In other news, Susan is looking into serving as an ambassador to District 7780 Rotary Action Group for Mental Health Initiatives (RAGMHI).
The next board meeting will be on Thursday, November 9, at 5:00 at the Ogunquit Fire Station. Pizza will be served after the meeting.
Our next luncheon meeting will be on Thursday, November 16, at 11:45 at Jonathan’s.
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