Bob Cruickshank wore several “hats” for this meeting, serving as both chaplain and sergeant-at-arms in addition to his presidential duties.
Lawrence provided the first happy dollar to tell us that he and Barbara will take their new dog for bird-dog training. Tracy was very happy that the seat-back for the new beach wheelchair has been completed. She’s even happier that one of her friends will give her a ticket for the two of them to attend a performance of Hamilton in Boston. On the other end of the happy-sad spectrum, Tracy reported that her car’s transmission is kaput! Pete thanked Elizabeth Cutler for a tote bag from OMAA that features an etching of a Charles Woodbury woodcut. The tote bag promotes a new book Pete recommends, “The View from Narrow Cove.” The Clynk account stands at $173.80 following payment for the food at the last social meeting. George was happy to see so many members, especially the late-comers! Elizabeth Ford was happy to be with us. Elizabeth Cutler is happy that CBS’s Murphy Brown is again on TV. Emily had a happy five to say she was happy to be back with us, her son has begun pre-school and daughter Sophia celebrated her first birthday. Tom Lewis is happy to be back in the area for the fall. Erin welcomed Lawrence and thanked Connie for hosting the last social. Bob told us his 97 year-old dad decided on his own to move to assisted living thus taking the heat off Bob and his seven siblings.
Lawrence held the winning 50/50 ticket; he drew the 7 and the Ace of Spades. The pot stands at $38.
Bob introduced Lawrence, District 7780 Foundation Chair, who was invited by George, our club’s Foundation Chair. Lawrence began by giving us a Foundation Pop Quiz on topics including various Rotary Foundation Funds and Global and District Grants. He gave us some history of international exchanges and several global grants. Lawrence spelled out how a $1,000 at the club level can ultimately grow to fund a $35,000 global project. He applauded our club for our Foundation giving. In 2014-15 we donated $1,700 and in 2016-17 we donated $4,000. He encourages us to give what we can regardless of the level. Overall, 37% of Rotarians contribute to the Foundation; 54% of Rotarians in District 7780. A gift of $10 buys mosquito netting to combat malaria, $50 buys a water filter to provide clean drinking water and $100 buys a sewing machine.
Next Friday, Casey Hartford of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Maine will be our speaker.
Until next week, “Be the Inspiration”,
