Today’s meeting began in an unusual fashion. Before the customary pledge of allegiance etcetera, Erin informed those present that the board had approved the membership application of Nancy Lowenberg. Tracy moved with an Ed Smith second that Nancy be admitted as a new member. Those present voted unanimously in favor. Erin also very excitedly announced that Dr. Joe Boyle has transferred his membership from Biddeford-Saco back to the Ogunquit Rotary Club! Two new members in the blink of an eye!
We were joined today by our Speaker, Michael Wilford, and one of our former members, Melanie Tromblee, who happens to be Michael’s mom, and David Coe, George Wilson’s neighbor.
Ed Smith put his sheriff’s hat on today to ask “No Money” George and Emily where their badges were. George promised to pay double next time. Ed then proceeded to donate a happy dollar to report he was able to get a haircut after the staples were removed from the back of his head. Dr. Joe put in a happy five to say he’s glad to be back. Kerry let us in on a secret… she and Ed Smith go to the same hair salon. She also distributed the chamber’s 4-year schedule of events. Emily had a scooter dollar and a happy dollar to say Beau was surprised by the Bruins game festivities she arranged for his birthday. Pete paid off his “cah”. Our Clynk account seems to be stuck; Erin says “Drink up.” Elizabeth Ford was able to join us today because a business trip to Pennsylvania was cancelled. Tracy had a great time in Florida with Chloe; they especially enjoyed Universal Studios where Tracy inexplicably acquired a heavy Maine accent. She also welcomed Nancy, Joe and Melanie. Melanie was happy to be with us.
Tracy had the winning ticket but drew the 8 of Spades and the 7 of Clubs.
Erin reported on a number of things at club assembly. The board approved a $100 contribution to a District 7780 Rotaract project. Robin Estes terminated her Rotary membership due to work schedule conflicts. Our new meeting-time signs for Route 1 have arrived; Ray will arrange for DPW to install them. Erin asked members to sign up for three events: the Day of Warming at WOCAM on February 9, reading to Wells Elementary School students on March 1 (Dr. Seuss’s birthday), and a social with Wells Rotary at Cornerstone. Our club teamed up with the Ogunquit Chamber in Lend a Helping Hand, a program to support people suffering financially due to the federal government shutdown.
Michael Wilford, of Red Door Title, took the floor to shed some light on internet privacy (or the lack of same.) With the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality last June, access to some websites can be reduced in speed as businesses can obtain priority processing from internet service providers. Michael described the plusses and minuses of various web browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox. He cautioned us about the use of public wi-fi access and instead suggested setting up your cell phone as a personal wireless hot spot. Further, Michael advised using a virtual private network (VPN) as a more secure means of avoiding having one’s data secretly collected. After a brief question-and-answer session, the meeting was adjourned.
