Rotary International's monthly theme for June is Rotary Fellowships. Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.
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Board Meeting at South Paris Town Office
Jul 05, 2021
5:30 AM – 6:30 PM -
Flea Market at Oxford Hills High School
Jul 10, 2021
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
As we honor our Students of the Month, we always ask if any of them still have their dictionaries we gave them back when they were in 3rd grade, and many of them still do! Unfortunately, we were not able to do our usual presentation directly to the students this year due to COVID 19 restrictions. However, we delivered dictionaries to all of the elementary schools in SAD 17 for the teachers to distribute to their students. This year, there were 212 students who will receive a dictionary. This is a project that all club members enjoy participating in but we missed handing them out directly to the students and talking to them about the dictionaries. One thing the kids always like to find is the longest word in the English language! A few years ago, we named the Dictionary Project in honor of Mary Lou Burns, a long time teacher and administrator in SAD 17 and a Rotarian for many years who was instrumental in starting this project.
Co-President Elects Peter Kaurup and Chris Summers attended PETS (President Elect Training Sessions) virtually on March 11, 12, & 13 to learn more about Rotary and leading a club as President. It's always a valuable learning session with outstanding guest speakers. They are now gearing up forming their budget, committees, calendar of events and more, as they will take over the helm on July 1, 2021.
Our Mission statement: The Rotary Club of Oxford Hills is a diverse group of service-oriented men and women providing hands-on and financial support within our community and beyond. We exemplify "Service Above Self" while encouraging high ethical standards, enjoying fellowship and promoting world understanding, peace and goodwill.
Remember our Membership Challenge! The board has challenged each member to propose a new member during this Rotary year. Have you proposed your member yet?? Someone invited you, now it's your turn to share Rotary!
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Welcome to our Club!
Congratulations to our 2020 Rotarian of the Year, Dan Hart! Presented by our 2019 Rotarian of the Year, Peter Kaurup:
As I pondered drafting the script for this year’s Rotarian of the Year for 2020, a certain Jimmy Buffett song came to mind. Its title is “Quietly Making Noise” and this year’s recipient definitely deserves being considered as an example of the songwriter’s intent. It takes a special person who never seeks personal recognition but instead does their job quietly while getting others involved and making them believe that it was their idea in the first place.
There’s never been a year like 2020 and I know that we can all agree that we never want to see anything like it again during our lifetime. But as we transitioned from the normalcy of our Rotary year beginning in July of 2019 and into the ever increasing challenges of 2020, certain individuals in our club stepped way up to assume the associated additional responsibilities. Luckily, this year’s recipient had just retired from a career that provided him with years of opportunities to make a difference in other people’s lives and this retirement allowed him to give more of his personal time to Rotary. Several of our members noted that “he has really stepped up since his retirement” and assumed even more responsibility in our club’s activities. I believe that at this point everyone here knows that I’m talking about recently retired school administrator, Dan Hart.
Dan has worked tirelessly as our Membership Committee Chair. In addition to keeping the committee focused and relevant he has also “rekindled the spirit of growth” in many of our members. His efforts have helped to bring in several new members as a result and his desire to offer an alternative time and venue at a local restaurant provided us with a much needed change of direction in our meeting schedule.
As Vocational Services Director, Dan has brought new life to our annual Vocational Services Month with new and interesting local business persons who have shared their career paths with us. Dan then recognized them for their contributions via the local media outlets.
As Club Protection Officer, Dan has really made our required annual training fun and informative while discussing topics that can be otherwise be boring at times.
When Covid 19 dramatically impacted our food distribution programs at local food banks and school systems, Dan jumped right into assisting the Bridgton Lake Region Rotary Club at the Harrison Food Pantry as a food packer and delivery driver. His service to this cause continued on for months at his own personal financial expense and during some very interesting inclement weather.
Due to his background within our local school district, Dan continues to be one of our strongest assets on the Scholarship Committee, promoting scholarships within the schools, organizing the selection process and professionally making the award presentations. This is a man that knows hundreds of students and teachers on a first name basis and their scholastic backgrounds. That’s impressive!
Dan also volunteered with Ready Maine to assist at a local Covid 19 Vaccination operation.
He continues to be an integral member of our Board of Directors, bringing to the table many suggestions that can and will make our club more vibrant and relevant to our internal members and our external community.
So, in reflecting on Dan as this year’s Rotarian of the Year, I remember a quote from some previous leadership training – “A leader, aka Rotarian of the Year, is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled; they will say, we did it ourselves!”
So thank you Dan! Well done!
OH Rotarian Becky Kaurup presented hand knitted infant and adult hats and scarves to Cancer Resource Center's Executive Director Diane Madden earlier today. They were really appreciated!
Jan. 13, 2021 Vocational Service Speakers Program photo of Paul Bickford & John Williams -
The Oxford Hills Rotary Club and Rotary International are promoting Vocational Service and Vocational Service Month every January. At our club’s Wednesday January 13, 2021 Zoom meeting, OHCHS Technical School Director Paul Bickford and Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Williams spoke and presented their respective Vocational Service roles and experiences.
Recently, Rotary club members Tally Decato (club membership co-chair) & scholarship committee rep), John Griffith (club secretary)and Dan Hart (vocational service director) met with and presented Recognition of Excellence of Vocational Service Contributions to Paul Bickford and John Williams.
Left to Right: Dan Hart, Rotary Vocational Service Chair, Paul Bickford, OHCHS Tech School Director, Tally Decato, Rotary Club Membership Co-Chair, John Williams, OH Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and John Griffith, Rotary Club Secretary.
Recently, Rotary club members Tally Decato (club membership co-chair) & scholarship committee rep), John Griffith (club secretary)and Dan Hart (vocational service director) met with and presented Recognition of Excellence of Vocational Service Contributions to Paul Bickford and John Williams.
Left to Right: Dan Hart, Rotary Vocational Service Chair, Paul Bickford, OHCHS Tech School Director, Tally Decato, Rotary Club Membership Co-Chair, John Williams, OH Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and John Griffith, Rotary Club Secretary.
Jan. 27, 2021 Vocational Service Speakers Club Program and Recognition photo of Norway Police Chief Robert Federico & Norway Fire Chief Dennis Yates -
Rotary International annually promotes January as Vocational Service Month. Recently, the Oxford Hills Rotary Club recognized club speakers and honorees Norway Fire Chief Dennis Yates and Norway Police Chief Robert Federico for their quantity and quality of contributions and service, for both the Town of Norway and the greater Oxford Hills area.
Left to Right: Dan Hart, Oxford Hills Rotary Vocational Service Director, Norway Police Chief Robert Federico, Abbie Earle, Oxford Hills Rotary Scholarship & Club Membership rep, Norway Fire Chief Dennis Yates, and Peter Kaurup, Oxford Hills Rotary Club Co-President Elect.
Our Club members had some fun for Christmas with a Secret Santa Zoom meeting. Members were randomly assigned a member's name, a $10 limit was set, and 1 gift was to be mailed or delivered without getting caught! The gift had to be unopened until the scheduled Zoom meeting. A lot of fun was had by all! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We recently welcomed 2 new members to our Club. Shown here L to R: George Rice sponsor of Mike Morin of Mike Morin Property Management, OH President Lynne Schott, Ed Millett salesman at Ripley & Fletcher Ford with sponsor Glenn Huntley. Welcome!
The Rotary Club of Oxford Hills has donated PPE face-masks to area schools as well as the First Congregational Church of South Paris and Western Foothills Land Trust. Rotary’s Million Mask Challenger Tour consists of one million PPE face-masks, donated by the Rossi Family Foundation, that have been distributed to the Rotary Clubs throughout New England in 6 states. More than 100,000 masks were donated to first responders, essential workers, schools and community organizations throughout southern and western Maine and Coastal New Hampshire by the 41 Rotary Clubs of District 7780. Local Rotary Clubs include Oxford Hills, Bridgton-Lakes Region, Fryeburg Area, Bethel and River Valley Club. 1st photo: Linda Smith from 1st Congo Church of SP and OH Rotary Club President Lynne Schott. 2nd photo: Lee Dassler of WFLT and Rotarian Becky Kaurup. Contact us FMI or find us on FB.
The Rotary Club of Oxford Hills recently inducted 2 new members to our club, Warren Spencer and Alice Paul. Warren was a former Rotarian and Past President of the South Berwick-Eliot Rotary Club. Alice is a brand new member to Rotary. Both are looking forward to serving the Oxford Hills Community and beyond.
Shown L to R: President Lynne Schott, Sponsor Ron Morse, New member Warren Spencer, New Member Alice Paul with sponsor Tina Fox, as they are getting their Rotary pins and materials. Welcome Warren and Alice!
At our Club board meeting tonight, it was announced that we have to go back to Zoom meetings for the month of November, beginning with this week's meeting Wed, 11/4/20. This is at the request of the church and is due to the dramatic increase in recent COVID cases in Maine.
The church will re-evaluate the situation at the end of the month and make a determination as to whether we can go back to meeting in person in December or will have to continue with Zoom.
Please help spread the word to fellow Rotarians. See you on Zoom!
It's time for our annual Rotary Cheese Wheel Sales! The wheels are 2 pounds of Cabot Sharp Cheese and are $18.00 each. They come in a decorative box and make GREAT gifts! Order deadline is 11/18/20 for delivery before Thanksgiving. Or if you want them for Christmas, still order by 11/18/20 and we can store them for you. We also can ship the wheels, and will add the postage cost to your order. FMI contact Patty Rice 207-890-2332 or Paul Thornfeldt 207-592-4663. All proceeds go to help support our scholarships, May Day Play Day and 3rd grade dictionary project. Don't delay, place your order today! Thank you!
Members at a recent meeting attached labels to each of the 212 dictionaries that were donated to all 3rd graders in SAD 17. The label has a place for the student to write their name and it also honors long-time member and educator, Mary Lou Burns who was instrumental in starting this project. Some members joined us via Zoom!
We have SOLD OUT all tickets for our 2020 Curbside Lobster Fest!! Thank you so much to the Oxford Hills community for your support! If you got a ticket, we'll see you on Sat. 8/15 between 4-6 PM at OHCHS. No walk-ins this year. 🦞🦞
CURBSIDE Lobster Fest (no steak this year). Due to Covid-19 we are having to switch up our Annual Lobster Fest to drive-thru/curbside only. Tickets must be purchased in ADVANCE. Menu has been adapted to lobster, clams, chips, corn and butter. No beverages, fries or watermelon this year. Price has been reduced to $20 pp. For tickets please contact President Elect Peter Kaurup at 207-739-1148 or Dave Preble 207-743-7836.
Oxford Hills Rotary Club ‘Steps Up & Supports’ greater Oxford Hills Communities food pantries and food deliveries.
The Rotary Club of Oxford Hills has started weekly ZOOM meetings to keep members in touch with each other and discuss possible options for helping those less fortunate during the COVID 19 pandemic. Recently, the Club presented and sent out $3,109.76 in checks to five local food pantries to help with food insecurities and other needs. $1000 to 1st Congregation Church of South Paris to their minister’s discretionary fund account for area families in need; $500 to Town of Paris for area elderly families food deliveries; $500 to Oxford Hills Food Pantry program; $500 to Harrison Food Bank for fuel for their food pantry refrigeration truck; and $609.76 (part of a $25,000 Disaster Response Fund District Grant) to Daddy O’s Acts of Kindness Foundation to support their food pantry program.
Additionally, several OH Rotarians have teamed up with the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club in delivering food baskets, weekly, to those community members that are at high-risk health conditions, who are having to self-quarantine, and need food assistance.
Our Ray Brown Memorial Dance for Special Olympics has been postponed due to the concerns and un-knowns of the Coronavirus pandemic and the requests to 'socially distance' ourselves and other. We will continue to watch and listen to the CDC and others, as this continues, and keep you informed of the possible rescheduling of this event.
Thank you for your understanding and be safe!
The Rotary Club of Oxford Hills recently held their Annual Dinner and enjoyed fellowship and meal provided by the Honey Badger of Oxford. After dinner, the Club recognized Past Presidents in attendance, and also presented the Immediate Past President, George Rice, with a Paul Harris Fellow Award for his outstanding leadership, guidance and support of the Club. George is one of the original Club Charter members, and served his 2nd term as President, the first back in 1989-90. Past Rotarians of the Year were also recognized, as well as naming the 2019 Rotarian of the Year, Peter Kaurup. Peter has only been a member of the Club for 2 years, but has been active since day one. When there is a need for someone to step up, he is one of the first to do so. He has helped with the Club’s Auction, Lobster- Steak Fest, and other activities such as the lobster for scholars, setting tents, and setting up for district events. He enjoys outdoor activities and supports our community through volunteering. The fellowship of Rotary is an important part of who he is. He has made many friends, explores his hobbies with others and volunteers regularly in our community and the Rotary district. This enhances the fellowship of our club. Congratulations to both Rotarians for their continued dedication to doing good in the world. Peter was also presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Award.
This event has been postponed due to the concerns and un-knowns of the Coronavirus pandemic and the requests to 'socially distance' ourselves and others. Join Kiwanis and Rotary for the Ray Brown Memorial Dance to benefit The Progress Center's Special Olympics team. It will be held at the American Legion Hall, 12 Church Street, South Paris. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the door, or call Rotary at 577-8476 or Kiwanis at 674-2962. Music by DJ Dennis Boyd of Sidecar Sounds.
Who wants cheese? We are in the middle of our annual Rotary Cheese Wheel fundraiser. Wheels are 2 pounds of Cabot Sharp Cheese wrapped in wax and comes in a decorative box. $18 each and the order deadline is !2/10/19 for delivery in time for Christmas. FMI contact Patty Rice 207-743-2285 or your favorite OH Rotarian! THANK YOU!!
Something new we are trying, the 3rd Wednesday of the month we will be having an EVENING meeting instead of a morning meeting. We will meet at Daddy O's Diner, 1570 Main Street, Oxford (next to Flagship Cinema). Doors open at 5:00 pm, meeting starts at 5:30 and we're done by 6:30 pm. Cost will be $11/pp and extra for 50/50 if you choose. The next few dates are: 10/16, 11/20, (But NOT 12/18 as this will be our Christmas Chorale meeting at the Church), FMI contact President Pat or any Board member.
FMI or tickets, contact Dave Preble 207.743.7836 or George Rice 207.890.3122.
Auction items include a variety of furniture, including bunk beds, oak dining room set with hutch & 6 chairs, sofas, Paris Manufacturing hutch, recliners, dressers, desks, chairs, lamps, end tables, futon, jewelry cabinet, etc. Also, sporting equipment, artwork, CD's, LP's and vinyl records, luggage, mirrors, rugs, lawn spreader, entertainment centers, baskets, wicker chairs and tables, and much more! Special thanks to Ripley & Fletcher Ford for donating a 2006 Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer, V6, Utility 4 door, 4 wheel drive, leather seats and new rocker panels!! And Special thanks to Bessey Motor Sales for donating a 2007 Saturn Ion!!
Join us this Saturday, 7/13/19 at OHCHS for our 30th Annual Charity Auction! 9:00 preview, 9:30 Box Lots, 10:00 Live Auction, 9-12 Ticket auction. Lots of GREAT items and for a great cause! All proceeds go to the Oxford Hills Community & beyond! Bid high, Bid often!! FMI contact Paul Thornfeldt 207-592-4663.
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Co-President Elect
Co-President Elect
Co-Vice President
Co-Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Membership Development
Immediate Past President
Director
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Rotary Foundation Chair
Membership
Club Protection Officer
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South Paris, ME 04281
United States of America