Jim presided over today's meeting. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a recitation of the Four-Way Test, we paused for a moment of gratitude.

Lunch was a tasty change of pace — toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, with apple sorbet for dessert.

Jim then took the floor to collect Happy Dollars:

• Susan was thrilled to report she's sold most of her calendars, and was especially delighted by a visit from her daughter and 15-year-old granddaughter.
• Dr. Joe reported great success selling calendars at a meeting of the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club.
• Tracy invited interested members to stop by the camera shop at 4:00 p.m. for the daily drawing of that day's winner, and is looking for volunteers to help call winners. She also excitedly announced the upcoming Kite Festival on Saturday, September 12, and gave a huge thank-you to Pete for assembling roughly 200 kites for the children to decorate. She noted that her dad celebrated his 86th birthday last week.
• Ed Smith spent a happy 30 minutes visiting with Richard Littlefield this morning — Richard sends his best regards to everyone.
• Eric celebrated his 60th birthday with a trip to Newport, Rhode Island, where he attended events at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, including Roger Federer's induction. He enjoyed seeing many tennis celebrities on hand for the ceremonies.
• Pete raised a concern about the status of the club account.

         We need lots of help with CLYNK today,

         So send in those bottles & cans,

         Our account is at a dead standstill,

         We’re looking for helping hands!

In Pete’s honor, I read a limerick celebrating Pete; 

There is a fine fellow named Pete,

Whose enthusiasm none could beat—

He'll say to the club,

"Fill your bag, not the pub;

And put the bag in my car’s backseat!”

Then Jim reached into the basket and pulled out Pete's ticket. Pete drew a pair of jacks, but not the Ace of Hearts, so the kitty rolls over — there's now more than $200 in it.

Jim was pleased to announce that revenue from September calendar sales has topped $9,000.

Dr. Joe asked whether the club would like to purchase a ticket in the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club raffle, which carries a grand prize of $5,000. Members present voted unanimously in favor.

Eric announced that Bangor Bank again is conducting a peanut butter and Jelly drive to benefit area food banks. (Photo below) Please drop off your donations anytime.

Finally, Jim announced that the board will meet at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, at Bangor Bank, and that District Governor Michele Bois-Gobody will make her first official visit to our club on October 15.

Respectfully,