July 2, 2015 Meeting of West Bay Rotary

Steve Crane, President of United Midcoast Charities, came and provided an update on the charitable activity of UMCC and litigation to recover embezzled funds from former UMCC president Rusty Brace. The 50-55 organizations that are seeking funding will be announced in August, as well as an allocation to them.

It was Lisa Sojka's first meeting as president and presiding over Club Assembly.

Kristen Lindquist is the new treasurer, after many years of Steve Dailey's hard work in that post.

Barbara Heard has become Sargent at Arms, relieving Bruce Malone. She asked Lisa Dresser to do two truths and a lie.

Tim Dresser awarded Rotarian of the Year to Ken Gardiner, in recognition of all of the work he does in the club and community.

Chad Place and Jen Harris have completed the “red badge” program and were awarded their blue badges as members of West Bay Rotary.

Kristen gave a treasurer's report. She shared the new budget, and because of growth of membership, the income and expense numbers are growing related to that. Elimination of Down the Chute and Chili Challenge at the Toboggan Nationals means that ideas are being solicited for a new fundraising event for this year. She just sent out invoices electronically and if you haven't received one in the past 24 hours you should let her know.

Sandy Cox gave a tutorial on how to complete your member profile on Club Runner, the host site for West Bay Rotary. He will be sending out a reminder email to all to prompt you to update your profile, and even provide a photo, birthday and anniversary information. He will also circulate an updated list of members via email as soon as possible.

Lisa is looking for suggestions for organizations to benefit from the flower pots that are on the tables each week.. She is also looking for people to sign up for committee participation for the next year.

Mark Coursey provided an update on the West Bay Charitable Foundation (WBCF). The board of the club (WBR) plus three at-large members will be the board of the WBCF. Funds raised for charitable purposes will be funneled through the WBCF and people can make tax-deductible gifts through the WBCF.

Next week's speaker is Kate Sensenig, daughter of WBR member Jenny Bell and Doug Sensenig. She will speak about her recently completed exchange to Budapest, Hungary for the school year.

Membership Committee was very busy last year, with 18 new members, and net of 12 new members as we lost 6 members during the year. The committee meets and considers proposals submitted by members, and then follows a process through the board to get those new members approved.

Public Relations and Communications is chaired by Sarah Ruef-Lindquist, and members include Jen Harris and Jenny Bell. They produce the weekly bulletin through Club Runner, and your profile's email address is the distribution list. If you don't now receive the weekly bulletin, please let Sarah know. If you are interested in working on the committee, they would welcome your participation.

Mark Masterson as chair of the community service committee announced that they are working to plan “hands-on” projects for Habitat and Coastal Mountains Land Trust. Past projects have involved the toboggan chute at the Snowbowl, reading at the Lincolnville school. They will meet next on Wednesday July 8, 2015 at the Anderson Inn at Quarry Hill at 7:30a.

The club has historically put on a Chowder Challenge at the Windjammer Festival, Labor Day weekend, and that will continue this year. Mark is holding a planning meeting for Monday, July 6 at Bagel Cafe at 7:30a

Jim Potter, chair of Vocational Service, shared the two projects that continue: the scholarship program for CHRHS with 45-50 applications from current and post-grads from which the committee makes 12-15 scholarship awards, including awards from private funds that are administered by the club. The other is the Entrepreneurship Class in conjunction with Adult Education at CHRHS.

Deb Hitchings shared the activity of the International Service Committee, with projects in Lesotho and Venezuela. The club is also working in a water project with a Naples, Florida club. Youth Exchange and Interact were also very active and successful this year. The 4^th Wednesday of the month at the church living room at 8a is their regular committee meeting.

Ron Hall will be handling Rotary Foundation including EREY and Polio Plus. Susan Dorr is taking over Fellowship.

Rodney Lynch reminded us that MBH&H show is August 14-16 and there are sign-ups for shifts at the ticket booths.