August 14, 2014 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Sandy introduced new West Bay Rotary member Chuck Decker who recently moved to Camden from Florida, where he was a member of a Club at the Villages.
Amy Hutchison spoke about her trip to Sydney, Australia for the Annual RI convention. She is ED of PAWS Animal Shelter and President of Rockland Rotary. Rockland Rotary has a long-standing tradition of sending the incoming president to the annual convention. Over 17,000 Rotarians from across the globe were welcomed by the Prime Minister of Australia in the opening ceremonies. Australia pledged $100,000,000 to polio eradication during the conference. Conference and Rotary-logo emblazoned bags were provided to each attendee, made by Phillipine-based Sew-Aid, a service project of Rotary. Www.riconventionblog.org is a resource with videos, including speakers and ceremonies from the conference and the Hall of Friendship, where clubs displayed about the projects they are doing and some wore clothing significant of their cultures.
She described the new facility at PAWS involving the former Camden First Aid Building and the 4.5 acres on which it is sited on John Street. The dog park will continue to function as a volunteer-run dog park, and the building will be sold. About 300 dogs and cats are served currently, and the new facility will double their kennel space for dogs.
Mark Masterson presented Amy with a check from the club to support PAWS.
Bucket are for Hospitality House transportation fund.
Roberta Walker talked about the new Rotary Friendship exchange program. It allows Rotarians and their families the opportunity to experience another culture first hand in the homes of Rotarians in other cultures, from a few days to several weeks in length. Club to Club visitor programs, spend a few days in the home of a Rotarian in another country, who then reciprocate the hospitality for Rotarians from that club. District to District exchanges can involve 4-6 couples and last as long as a month. Participants are responsible for their travel and pocket money, with hosts providing housing, meals and sight-seeing opportunities. All of the exchanges are arranged through a district chairperson appointed by the District Governor. There is on-line list of Districts participating in Rotary District Exchange and guidelines, which she printed off the internet.
Jane Lafleur presented on the Rotary Foundation and the purposes for its founding, including fellowships, international understanding and humanitarian relief. She presented stickers to EREY participants.
Mark Masterson spoke about the Windjammer Festival, Labor Day Weekend, and Saturday's Chowder Challenge with 10 participating purveyors. Help is needed putting up the tent Friday morning, August 19, and Saturday the 30th after the Camden Club breakfast, help with serving busing tables for the Chowder Challenge.
Rodney wasn't at the meeting but wanted to thank everyone who helped with the Maine Boats Homes and Harbors show last weekend.
Triple-Nickel Rally Poker Run and Rally, planned for September 13 sign-up will be possible at the next few meetings. Mark and Sandy are organizing with Barbara Heard. It will involve a road course starting at the Congregational Church, and end at Tim and Lisa Dresser's house at 4p for fellowship.
Next week's speaker is Betsy Saltonstall giving her classification talk.