Thanks to Russ Osgood, we gathered at the second-floor meeting room at the Ogunquit Fire Station. 

 

For a message of hope in the world, Alice read from Renegades: Born in the USA by Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen. She focused on words from Mr. Obama’s 2004 keynote address in which he spoke of “the audacity of hope.”

 

For the message of gratitude, Hannah, who could not attend, sent along a heartwarming story about a lost bracelet that was discovered and returned to the owner by an employee at Stonewall Kitchens.

 

Pete led us in the Four-Way Test; you betcha!

 

Dr. Joe and Vickie have been delightedly tormented by a pair of young kittens. Elizabeth Cutler and Joanna Manikas have adopted a New Year’s celebratory gesture of toasting with champagne flutes embossed with the old year; after the toast, the glasses are intentionally smashed! Carol Brennan is feeling much better after her bout with pneumonia. Elizabeth Ford is doubly happy after the birth of a new granddaughter and the engagement announcement of another granddaughter. Pete’s son-in-law suffered a stroke but is progressing well in rehab. Ed Smith shared the sad news of the passing of Alice Strait, wife of former Rotarian Len Strait. Russ was happy about the fire department hosting 75 local folks for Christmas dinner. Alice’s stepson is going to be a father. With a tear in her eye, Tracy remembered Alice Strait as a “wonderful lady.” Rick was proud of not writing “2023” in 2024! In another lost-and-found story, Pete announced he had just lost a dental crown while eating lunch! 

 

In the Ace-of-hearts raffle, Tyler drew the jack of spades and the 5 of spades. The pot now exceeds $400!

 

For the Foundation auction, I donated a framed print of a street scene in Dock Square in Kennebunkport. I first acquired it in a raffle run by Kennebunk Portside Rotary. Tyler took ownership with a bid of $45. It now can be seen on a wall of his office.  

 

Alice announced a series of upcoming events; see the list in the email Alice sent to the club after the meeting.

 

Happy New Year!

 

Ed Seppa