17 December 2020
Pre-meeting Chatter! – WHERE is the snow? Susan is back! …and Tom Peaco got his name back! Bob is willing to give haircuts during the snowstorm!
Buckets on the Table: Shields Mission (drop off donations to Kim at the bank in Camden –next to Hannaford- or mail to PO Box 1033, Camden 04843 – or website donation site using the donate button).
Poem for the Day: Gwen Clemens – Snow Day, Next Week – John Stokinger
Speaker of the Day: Deqa Dhalac/African Diaspora in Portland
Advocate for children and family in Maine, grad of U of New England, came to US in 1992 and lived in S Portland for 10 years. From Somalia East Africa, 1990 was in civil war (for many years). Lots of discord in the country but when her father died, he requested that his daughter (Deqa was 19 at the time) be moved from the country. It was difficult to get Visas, so she went to a free port and got off the plane in Italy requesting asylum. They were in the airport for nearly 8 weeks and eventually was allowed to stay with a cousin. She then traveled to England, then Canada and eventually US. Has 3 children now, all born in Atlanta, Georgia. Worked in accounting at a hotel, helping new comers to the country. Deqa’s uncle lived in Maine, so Deqa came for a visit for education and better schools for her children. Deqa wanted to give back to her own country and started looking for those opportunities. Earned a Masters in Social Work where many doors were open to her. Worked for the Center for Grieving Children and then ran for City Council (and got it!). It is important to build connections with the people who surround you! She works now to serve all groups of people in the community.
Committee Reports:
Book Club: Jan 12th, 5 pm by Zoom. Becoming Wild, Carl Safina. Contact Kristen for link!
Interact: Still have a few ornaments left, contact Joan!
Community: Next Habitat Project will be in February. Let Tim Dresser know if you are interested in hanging out with some builders! (Philbrick Ave, Rockland) Come Join Us!!
Toboggan races postponed to 2022
Paul Harris Award: Goes to Kristen Lindquist and Susan Dorr!!
Meal of Hope: January 23rd, Saturday. Elks Club (same as last year) 2 shifts, lots of distancing!
Christmas Tree Sales: SOLD OUT!! Earliest sales completion yet! Net nearly $10K. Thank You Everyone!!
Raffle: Nearly 600 tickets sold. $5200 raised so far! Tree lot drawing on Sunday!
Next Week’s Speaker: Christmas Eve?! Come ready to Celebrate! Happy Dollars and Thankful for?