Meeting notes from our off-site to FAHC

President Jen Hogan presided over our off-site meeting today at the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston.  She opened the meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America.  Jason Laplante gave the invocation before lunch.

President Jen thanked Rita Dube and the staff at FAHC for hosting us and providing lunch today.

CLUB SERVICE:

Since many brought a guest today, Adam Dow had each Rotarian introduce his/her guest.

There were several HAPPY DOLLARS today including one from Rita Dube (given in proxy by Mac McPeake) as she was happy to host us.

BUSINESS PROFILE:

Our newest member Hussein Ahmed told us about his business Barwaqo Halal Market at 263 Lisbon Street, the former Dube Travel building.  The market, which will soon have a new name Global Halal Market, sells groceries and traditional Somali clothing.  In addition to the market, Ahmed operates a money transfer station.  He is also a bill payment center where patrons can come in and pay their utility bills.  The market employs three people in the convenience store and several more who are agents for Ahmed’s interpreter service as well.

Hussein invited us all to come check out the market as the market is open to all in addition to the Somali community.

FOUNDATION THOUGHT:

Celeste Yakawonis read this week’s Foundation Thought

This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought is about micro credit.

In Cuzco, Peru Rotarians contributed $10,000 to a partnering association, Asociacion MIDE, which provided small loans to 288 low-income women. In six months these women improved their businesses and living standards, lifting them out of extreme poverty. While local Rotarians had the opportunity to work together to develop the project and approve the system of loans, the participants learned to use, administer and benefit from financial credit. In the process, the women improved their self-esteem as they acquired entirely new roles of financial responsibility for their families. How do I focus my giving? Every Rotarian, Every Year – Giving is hope in action.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION:

President Jen inducted new member Ralph Precopio who was sponsored by Membership Chair Stephanie Gelinas.  Let us all welcome Ralph to the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club.   

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Club Service Chair Shawn Wright reminded us of the Polio fundraiser….Comedy Show on March 18, at the Franco American Heritage Center.  Although this is an adult show, it will be tasteful.  Feel free to invite your adult family and friends.

 PROGRAM:

 Jen Hogan introduced our host and speaker, Rita Dube.  Rita spoke briefly of the renovations involved in turning the old St. Mary’s Catholic Center into the community gem it is today. 

We enjoyed a scrumptious lunch on the lower level and were able to see the new (second) piano donated by an anonymous donor.  With the addition of this piano, entertainment can be offered on the lower level as well as in the main performance hall.

Rita mentioned a few of the upcoming events such as The Girls of L-A on February 26; the Mardi Gras on March 8; and the George Lopez piano concert on February 19.  Each member present received a complimentary pair of tickets to the piano concert!

After the brief presentation, Rita took us on a tour of the building, pointing out the artifacts, the photos, the windows and artwork in the Grand Performance Hall.  The hall can seat up to 500 with no bad seat in the house.

The acoustics of the Performance Hall attract many international artists.  Several performers have even recorded in the hall instead of a recording studio!

Thank you, Rita, for lunch, the tour, and the concert tickets!