August 10th: The Bridge

Our most articulate President, Paul Mills, called the meeting to order once again. Al, the Intrepid Al, as President Mills referred to him, described the board meetings as quite entertaining. I can only say that I am once again quite happy to be connected with such a jovial group as the Farmington Rotary gang. I recall when someone referred to us as, was it "stuffed shirts"? Well, for sure, we are stuffed with good will, good teasing, and good works! And today was no exception. This week the cup project is another local one; the Bridge Project, which Buzz shared with us as our guest speaker later in the meeting. The good news is that there are new blue cups, larger than ever, so those dollar bills can multiply. We also have good news about the Interact and Rotaract clubs; Interact will have its first meeting on August 23. Rotaract will have an information table at the September 19th UMF Orientation. Doug reported that we are cooperating with another district, as well, to develop a USM Rotaract club. Good work, all! Susan Pratt, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, will be having a meeting for all interested in the website after next weeks meeting. Thanks, Susan, for taking over this task. We appreciate it very much. The web is a very good way to keep us connected in many ways, at any time of the day or even night. :-) The Rotary Minute was covered by our illustrious President, with a framed photo of the meeting which took place some time ago in New Sharon. It was the shortest Rotary Minute ever, and our Sarg at Arms, Kathy, didn't even have time to wind the egg timer! Buzz shared about the Centennial Park and then also abou the Bridge Project. There is quite a history, specifically about the Railroad, that I found interesting and also poignant. It would be so nice for us to actually have a train to take into the city, however, the demise of the railroad occurred in 1970 (if I have the story correct). In 1984, it was purchased by a company and in the early 1990's the trestle bridge was dismantled for the steel. When this occurred, we lost a valuable resource; now the path of the old train tracks has become the Whistle Stop Trail. Buzz described the project of the bridge as offering two powerful benefits. The first is tangible, as it would provide a necessary and practical bridge across the river to the West side. Right now there is only one bridge for all to use, including snow mobiles to baby carriages to tractors. The bridge would provide a necessary pathway for many. The second benefit is what Buzz referred to as intangible perceptions. The perception of beauty, promotion of health by encouraging walking, and a boost for the area's sense of connectedness to the downtown area. Raising money, Buzz explained, is a challenge, but the greater challenge is creating a shared vision. He described attitude as being vital to this vision; the attitude of shared possibilities. Buzz further clarified, particularly in that Fred O. brought up an excellent point, the engineering and designing of this bridge will take into account the various forms of transportation that might make use of it. Fred was reluctant to cross country ski at his pace if a snowmobile were coming up on him at a high rate of speed. Thankfully, Buzz was able to illuminate the vision quite well. The design of this bridge will keep in mind all of the users with the end product being one that promotes good will and connectedness. Thanks, Buzz, for sharing your dreams with us! That's it for this week! signing off, susy