Rotary Log for meeting of June 22, 2017
By Suzanne Rapoza
Photos by: Sara Treacy
This week we were greeted by President James as he handed out random table assignments. Most of us enjoyed spending time with new people, except Table 4. Five regulars at the “Gambler’s Table” amazingly drew 4’s! They were all fined for their “good luck.”. We were then led in song by John Rice. Craig Taylor directed the Four Way Test and Sara Treacy gave a lovely invocation.
Guests included Jackie Dufresne with Kevin Schultz, Nicole Locare and Katie Duncan with Madeline Warren. Alyson Graybill was Ben Wheeler’s guest. President James brought his daughter Natalie, wife Alison and Rachel Roulliard.
Club Announcements
James announced that he had committed to raising $18,000 in Rotary Foundation Giving. As of right now we have $23,438! Another $6,718 has been garnered for polio eradication, missing goal by $282 dollars. There is still time to donate!
Justin Finn reminded everyone that the Cross Country and track meet is August 3rd.
Peter Grace let us know that this years’ golf tournament brought in an astounding $27,751 before expenses. He had a long, long list of thank-you’s for all the event volunteers and sponsors.
Marie Brownell encouraged everyone to attend the convention next year in Toronto. She had a great experience at this year’s convention, traveling to Atlanta. She also reminded the group that the book committee is meeting next week. It will be gathering books for ages K-3.
James then asked for the Basic Needs Committee to gather up front so the he could acknowledge all they do.
Ramona Dow was then presented with a Distinguished Service award. As the Chair of the committee, she is known to be professional, kind and efficient.
Happy dollars
There were plenty of Happy Dollars this meeting! Ben Wheeler was delighted because his team won the golf tournament. Larry was thrilled after Stanford won numerous bottles of wine for the good doctor. Stan had coaxed him into buying raffle tickets for the Seacoast Board of REALTORS’ wine raffle. Stanford gave happy dollars of his own, relieved that his 17- year- old son has finally started Driver’s Ed!
The Program: Center for Wildlife
Stanford introduced us to Sarah Kern from the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick. Serving a 100-mile radius, the Center for Wildlife is the only one of its kind in the area. Katie, a veteran at the Center, has a degree in Zoology. She is one the organization’s education fellows.
Located near the base of Mt. Agamenticus, some 2,000 wild animals are treated annually at the Center for Wildlife. Many of these critters have been hit by motor vehicles. Katie said that throwing food out of a moving vehicle is one of the key causes. The scraps attract hungry wildlife to the road.
Katie brought a friend with her, a screech owl named Lady Willow. Ms. Willow, who behaved perfectly, is one of the 27 animal ambassadors that live at the Center. They go on the road and assist with the Center’s educational programs throughout the Greater Seacoast area. Lady Willow “chatted away” showing no fear of all us humans.
Meanwhile, Katie explained that our declining bat and turtle populations have led to an increase in tick and mosquitos. So it’s a very good thing to protect bat and turtle habitats, because both species chow down on those pesky insects.
The Center for Wildlife has outgrown its current space. The organization has launched a capital campaign to build a new $3.6 million dollar facility. They also have medical clinic volunteer opportunities for folks who are 18 and older. Children under the age of 18 and accompanied by an adult are encouraged to attend volunteer workdays. Sessions are held the last Saturday every month through October.
Respectfully submitted, Suzanne Rapoza