Welcome
My year 2009- 2010 started out pretty much like this. It was good to be Queen. 2009-2010 was pretty much defined by the Kayanet debate.
After several months of Board meetings we decided to honor our original commitment to the orphan’s education. After the decision was made, Marge, as we know, took our plan to a new level, helping the kids in Kayanet and their community at large.
Starting in Sept. We began the first leg in the Arboretum project when Kathy Bacastow came to speak to us about her dreams and plans.
In Oct. we toured the possible sites with Rich Churchill, a master gardener and arborist, involved in the project and this has resulted in our club giving a healthy donation to develop the plans for a Children’s garden.
Also in Sept. we installed and dedicated Warren’s bench at Millcreek Park with some SP town dignitaries in attendance to help us celebrate.
In Oct. we had a poorly attended Halloween party where dressing up was optional. We had games and prizes and had a great time.
In Nov. Aaron Mk., who was stationed in Iraq, asked our club to collect and donate school supplies for kids in the so-called suburbs of Bagdad where he and his troops patrolled trying to keep the peace. We took on this project in hopes of fostering good will and trust between the Iraqi people and the US military. The 2 communities of SP and CE embraced this project and with their help we collected 70 boxes of supplies and they were shipped to Iraq.
The Xmas tree sale was wildly successful breaking the previous record, in spite of LOBO contracting the plague. Everyone pitched in, in true Rotary style, and got the job done, while poor Lobo sniffed, coughed and fought the fever while trying his best to coordinate from the sick bed.
I began the collection of Xmas ornaments to decorate a tree so the kids could take home an ornament and a candy cane. This practice has evolved to include entertainment, local and professional, visits from Santa and elves and more.
In Feb. we had a Valentine’s pot luck party at my house which was great fun.
We continued our financial support to many worthy organizations that we have helped throughout the years.
Some other activities during my reign include these.
- We began plans for the SMCC Food Festival.
- Bags coordinated the Bike Rally with the Portland Club.
- We assisted Jack with Open Houses at Bug light and we organized a couple clean up days there.
- We helped Janet move.
- Janet and Marge hosted the Pizza Bowl.
- We continued the Youth Literacy Project. I happened to go to Nonesuch ½ hour after the kids had been there choosing their books.
- Bob D. started his Fireside Chats for new members.
- We collected box tops to raise funds for the Cape schools.
A couple of my most memorable meetings included
Mobile Fitness with Jeff and Jessica and a kettlebell demonstration by me.
We conducted 5 meetings for Warren at the nursing home where he was at the time. We wanted to make sure he could keep his perfect attendance record. He was so happy that we made the effort to see him and we even celebrated his birthday at one meeting. Eventually he became too ill to continue.
We enjoyed a visit from my friend Survivor Bob. He’s a real character. Takes one to know one!
And I can’t forget our speaker Sen. Susan Collins. That was a real thrill.
So it was a busy year. One thing I wanted to stress during my year as Queen and I still want to, is let’s never take ourselves too seriously. We have so much time in our lives to be stoic and businesslike. Sometimes it’s just nice to take time to have some fun and even be a little silly. Children instinctively know how to do this but we adults sometimes loose the ability to laugh at ourselves and enjoy the simple things.
I truly enjoyed my turn being Pres. And thank you all for the support you gave me. I am blessed to be a Rotarian.
From the Current:
Joan Frustaci has been elected president of the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club. Frustaci succeeded Janet McLaughlin on July 1 and will serve for one year.
A life-long Cape Elizabeth resident, and currently residing there with husband, Joe, and son A.J., Frustaci has her own business as a personal fitness trainer. She says her emphasis as president will be on "service above self," which is the motto for Rotary International.
Joan Frustaci has been elected president of the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club. Frustaci succeeded Janet McLaughlin on July 1 and will serve for one year.
A life-long Cape Elizabeth resident, and currently residing there with husband, Joe, and son A.J., Frustaci has her own business as a personal fitness trainer. She says her emphasis as president will be on "service above self," which is the motto for Rotary International.
Serving with Frustaci on the incoming board are John LoBosco, president elect; Marge Barker, vice president; Janet McLaughlin, immediate past president; Paul Butler, secretary; Nancy Hawes, treasurer; Tom Meyers, administration chair; Dave Bagdasarian, service director; Bob Danielson, membership chair; Marc Mutty, international chair, and Frank Butterworth and Bob Carson, foundation chairs.