As we head into the Christmas season, here is the plan for November meetings around tree set up:
Tuesday November 19 - Meet at the WRVC at 11:30AM for a quick lunch. Then head over to the tree lot to assist with set up. Bill, Steve and Mike will arrange for the trailer to be hauled on site. We'll need help with fencing, tree rack set up, and signage.
Tuesday November 26 - No meeting
Wednesday November 27 - Meet at the tree lot at 11:30AM for bag lunch. Trees are scheduled to arrive at noon. We'll need help off-loading the trees, counting the trees as they come off the truck, and opening up trees to fill the racks in preparation for sale. With no school that day, we hope to have Interact Club members from both WHS and GHS joining us.
Watch for an email inviting you to sign up for shifts. With our small club, we need everyone to pitch in. Sign up a spouse, child, neighbor, co-worker or friend to help. All hands are welcome! If you need a refresher on the iPad point-of-sale application, let us know.
Just a reminder. President Michael Foley introduced a new initiative for the 2019-2020 Rotary year. From July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019, make a one-time donation of $50 to any 501c3 charity and the club will match that $50.
If you've recently learned of a new charity that could use a little extra help or have a favorite charity you'd like to receive an extra $50, this is a great program. Or save your donation in case one of our speakers inspires you. Just be sure to use this great benefit by June 30, 2020.
A huge thanks to everyone who filled and returned CLYNK bags this quarter. Less expenses, we raised $205.44 from July through September, 52% more than second quarter proceeds. Our largest quarter ever!
All funds raised are used to defray costs of purchasing children's books for the Walker and Baxter Libraries. Bags are always available at meetings. Pick a new one up this week and keep this great story going!
If you have an idea for a speaker or program,look for a sign-up sheet and an upcoming meeting or contact Christine Johnson at cejinmaine@gmail.com or Phil Spiller at pdsflynavy@gmail.com .
We are also interested in ideas for service projects in lieu of meetings, or in-meeting service projects.
The following lunch dates are available for YOUR program. Sign up today!!
This week!Veterans' Appreciation Lunch - Friday November 8, 2019 - Portland Rotary will be hosting its 5th Annual Veterans' Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, November 8, 2019, 12:00 noon at the Seasons Event & Conference Center at the Ramada Plaza, 155 Riverside St, Portland, Maine. Veterans free, others $25. Registration required. For complete information, go to the Portland Rotary Club website at portlandrotary.org and on the right side, click on Veterans' Appreciation Lunch or click HERE.
Westbrook's Veterans Day Celebration - Monday November 11, 2019. Ceremonies at Riverbank Park 11AM to honor all veterans. Celebration at American Legion Post 197, 300 Conant Street following the ceremony.
New Bundles of Love - It's that time of year again. During the Christmas season, supporters of AMG have the opportunity to provide special gifts to the boys and girls cared for and served in 57 child and youth development centers in 13 countries. All gifts are purchased locally, in country, by AMG staff who know the specific needs of each individual recipient. Likewise, funds spent for Bundles of Love also help the local economy and benefit the communities served around the world. $20 per bundle - to donate: https://amginternational.org/product/bundles-of-love-5/ Contact Scott Linscott with questions.
Dirigo Kids Annual Toys for Tots Fundraiser – Friday December 6, 2019. 5:30PM Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave, Portland. $65 per person/$500 per table. Sponsorship opportunities. Visit: https://dirigokids.com/
Annual Christmas Party - Tuesday evening December 10, 2019. 5:30PM at the home of Judith & Ed Reidman, 7 Enchanted Lane, Westbrook, ME. More details to follow.
Update Festival of Trees Tips for Charity Luncheon - Friday December 13, 2019 11:30 or 12:30 - We'll have our Rotary table again this year. Tickets are now available. Contact Christine Johnson cejinmaine@gmail.com or 653-0869 to reserve your spot today. Only 8 seats available at each seating.
The Locker Project - TLP will be returning to Westbrook High School, 125 Stroundwater St, Westbrook, on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, with some exceptions due to holidays. Arrive by 1PM for set up. Done by about 2PM after clean up. Check in and out at the front office. Upcoming dates include Nov 13, and Dec 11. An additional date may be added in Nov and/or Dec as we get closer. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Christine Johnson.
Starts this week! Winter Gear Drive for Westbrook Schools – During the month of November, we’ll be collecting winter gear for kids. Hats, mittens, boots and coats for all ages. Scarves for older kids. Collected at meetings: Nov 5, 12 and 19.
Reading Friends - Read weekly with 1st or 2nd graders at Gorham's Village School, 12 Robie St, Gorham. Starting immediately. From about 9-10AM on a weekday morning of your choice. Some opportunities may be available for a later reading time. Even if you can only commit to a few weeks in the fall, winter or spring, consider joining this important work for literacy. If interested, contact Christine Johnson. Registration and a basic background check are required. Go to this link to register: Reading Friends Volunteer Form Village School Gorham for "child's name" enter Rotary Volunteer, under Teacher select "other" and enter "Reading Volunteer".
Children's Books for Pantries - We continue to supply new and gently used children's books to food pantries about every two weeks. We have been fortunate to obtain a regular supply of used books from Goodwill Buy the Pound. We also periodically obtain new books from a couple of sources at little cost. However, the need is always greater than the supply. If you, a family member, friend or colleague have children or grandchildren who have outgrown their books, we'd love to have them to share with children who will love them. All ages from babies to young teens. We can also always use large print books for older readers. Bring to any club meeting or contact Christine Johnson for pick up.
Can Tabs for Ronald McDonald House - Thank you for continuing to collect can tabs.It's and easy way to help a wonderful organization! Just keep a small plastic bag or small jar in your kitchen, on the counter or in a drawer. As you go to toss your returnable can into your CLYNK bag, simply twist off the tab first.
CLYNK for Literacy - Ongoing - Don't forget to keep filling those bags to help fund the children's books we ask our speakers to sign for the Baxter and Walker Libraries. Extra bags are always available at our meetings. If you have been working on filling a bag for a very long time (6 months or more), please consider returning it and starting a new one. Thank you for your ongoing support of this fundraiser!
Donate to our Club's Charity through Amazon Smile – Ongoing - If you order items from Amazon.com, even if not very often, you can help Westbrook Gorham Rotary Club Charities. Go to http://smile.amazon.com/. Search for our Charity and select it. You may need to login to your Amazon account before being able to finalize your selection. Then, when you shop Amazon.com (always starting from http://smile.amazon.com/) a portion of every purchase will be donated to our charity.
Volunteer at Preble St – Register as a volunteer then select as few or as many volunteer shifts as you want. These can be working in the Receiving Center accepting, sorting and stocking donations; helping prepare and/or serve breakfast, lunch or dinner; sorting or distributing food pantry items; or other activities listed on the volunteer page. For more information and to learn how to register as a volunteer: https://www.preblestreet.org/you-can-help/volunteer/
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