Dmitry Bam is an associate professor at Maine Law where he writes and teaches in the fields of constitutional law, professional responsibility, employment law, and the judiciary. He is recognized as a scholar and media commentator on judicial ethics, judicial selection, and constitutional interpretation.
From 2005 to 2009, Professor Bam practiced with the law firms of Morrison & Foerster and Jones Day. His practice focused on employment law, securities law, and appellate litigation. His extensive pro bono work has ranged from ensuring indigent civil litigants the right to counsel in Colorado to litigating cases involving discrimination claims and constitutional issues. From 2009 to 2011, Professor Bam served as a Research Fellow at the Stanford Center on the Legal Profession and taught at Stanford Law School.
Professor Bam graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University and earned a law degree with distinction from Stanford Law School. He served as Articles Editor of the Stanford Law Review and on the editorial board of the Stanford Technology and Law Review. He clerked with the Honorable Barry G. Silverman of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Photo L-R: Bob Martin, Chancellor Jim Page and President Laura Young.)
On Friday, University of Maine System Chancellor Jim Page said that the “State of Maine cannot be successful without a successful university system, and a successful University of Southern Maine is needed by the system.” He acknowledged that things have been difficult at USM, but the turnaround started by David Flanagan and continued by Glenn Cummings and his team has reshaped the school. “I think we’re there; with the changes inculcated, we’ve turned the corner.”
Chancellor Page reported that applications to USM were up 14 percent over the previous year. “We’re seeing the same kind of growth at Orono,” he added.
One of the key concerns faced by the university system is workforce development. Page pointed to dismal statistics predicting decreases in the number of people available to work. “Economic forecasts indicate that between now and 2012, we will lose 15 percent of our workforce, and our population is not growing fast enough to provide replacements.” Moreover, he added, “sixty to sixty-five percent of jobs now require a two-year, or increasingly, a four-year degree.”
“We need to provide an education to everyone sixteen to sixty who wants one,” he said. “Nothing is more important.” Page pointed to one employment area that is critical to Maine’s older population, nursing. “The Maine Nursing Action Coalition predicts that there will be 3,200 vacancies in nursing jobs by 2025, so we’re working hard to create a plan to fill those jobs.”
Page said that the system needs a clear view of what employers need and want in employees. “If you own or work for a business, what are your workforce needs? How can we help?” He said that the creation of the “One University for All of Maine,” was an effort to break down silos within the system so it could become more responsive. “For example, we discovered that we were not turning out as many computer science and information technology grads as business needed, and we were requiring courses that businesses said weren’t necessary. So, we changed the requirement for calculus and substituted statistics, which was a change employers wanted to get them the graduates they needed.” As a result, Page said that the completion rates for matriculating students increased. “We will be responsive to those kinds of needs.”
In response to questions, Page indicated that USM was embarking on an $80-million fund raising effort, which would be more obvious in the months ahead. He also acknowledged the growth in transfers from the state’s community college system to the four-year schools and the success of easing requirements to allow students to start their degree in the community colleges and then attend the system’s universities. “The key is advising students to make sure they are satisfying prerequisites, but it saves them a lot of money in tuition.”
President Laura Young welcomed 61 members, then introduced 5 guests and 3 visiting Rotarians to the first week of June’s meeting. The invocation was led by Bruce Jones; we pledged our Allegiance to the American Flag and sung a patriotic song.
“Happy Birthday” was sung to the many Rotarians who celebrate June birthdays. (See listing in this edition.)
President Laura thanked the many members whose volunteer service helps with our weekly meeting.
Juliana L’Heureux presented President Laura with the Rotary District 7780 Literacy Award, which she received as a proxy for our club from District Governor Marge Barker at the District Conference on May 20, 2017. Portland Rotary was awarded this honor for all of our literacy service reading to children.
Meredith Small was welcomed back to Maine after enjoying the winter in St. John, Virgin Islands.
David Clough offered his “Rotary Moment,” telling us how he reconnected with Rotary when he joined our club in 1993. He enjoys the people who are in Rotary, describing members as “grounded” in our service. Not a day goes by when he doesn’t hear about how Rotarians are involved in the community, to serve the club or to support international service. Coming to our weekly meetings offers him an escape from the State House in Augusta, where there can be some intense business issues. Fellowship at Rotary meetings is a great way to meet people, and especially when given the opportunities to visit other clubs and experience the “life blood” of other communities. Rotary meetings are “very special,” particularly because of the good people who are grounded in our community service.
(Photo L-R: President Laura Young, Lili Brown, Seham Salah and Pamela Rawson.)
Chair of the Youth Services Committee, Lili Brown introduced the visitors attending from the Portland Baxter Academy for Technology and Science. Mathematics Teacher Pamela Rawson gave a tribute to graduating senior, Seham Salah, who was recognized by the Youth Services Committee to receive a Portland Rotary scholarship. Seham has demonstrated her dedication to the community during the “Flex Friday” projects supported by Baxter Academy, where she volunteers time to prepare care packages for children who were patients at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. She also helps Catholic Charities to educate newly-arrived immigrants and assists at Preble Street Resource Center. Seham is a volunteer at her Mosque and volunteers with children to teach culture to Somali immigrants. Congratulations, Seham!
Andrew Cook led the weekly raffle for the chance to win the pot of $348.00. Ellen Niewoehner was given a chance to find the red queen, but drew the wrong red card. Better luck next week, as the jackpot grows again.
An enthusiastic Maine Outdoor Challenge (MOC) report, led by Past President Kris Rosado, was given by all who are leading the club’s major annual fundraiser. Past President Cyrus Hagge read an impressive list of live auction items to be offered at the June 7th Lobster Dinner, at the AmVets, 148 North Road, Yarmouth. Included in the items were two tickets to see the New England Patriots play Buffalo NY, at Gillette Stadium.
Alex St. Hilaire reminded us it was not too late to donate an item for the silent auction. Please contact him if you have an item(s) at: alexander.st.hilaire@bangor.com
Gracie Johnston then reminded us that there were raffle tickets still available to buy and sell for the $500 gift card to L.L. Bean's and the Fly Rod package worth over $1500. If you take or have taken tickets to sell and you have some left over, please contact her, so we can sell them at the Lobster Bake on Wednesday. You will need to get the ticket stubs to her to submit for the drawing, too! Contact Gracie at: gracie.johnston@wcsh6.com
The Lobster Bake on June 7th starts at 5:00 p.m. with a social hour, then "let the feast begin"! The "LIVE" auction will start after the meal, with our own member, Past President Tom Saturley, as auctioneer-extraordinnaire!
Directions from Portland: Take I-295 heading North....Take exit 17 onto US Rte 1 South to North Road on right Follow North Road until you see the AmVets Hall.
Justin Lamontagne announced that his wife, Marce, has been deemed a “Cancer Survivor” by their team of doctors. As many of you know, she was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer last November. She’s completed 20 weeks of chemotherapy and her first of two surgeries. All of her tests show clean margins and no cancer.
Saturday, June 24th 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (arrive at the dock by 10:45 a.m.)
Space is limited....ticket required....rain or shine!
$30.00 per person (friends and family are welcome)
Arrive at 10:45 a.m. at 202 Commercial Street (Chandlers Wharf) for an 11:00 a.m. departure on a boat ride to Portland's own Fort Gorges. Alcoholic beverages and snacks will be provided. Paul Drinan, ED of Friends of Fort Gorges, will present the history of the fort and lead a walking tour. Sturdy closed-toe shoes and flashlights are required. (Small, camping port-a-potty will be available for necessity.)
Boat will depart the fort for the return trip to Portland at 1:30 p.m.
Bring your camera for the best views of Portland and Casco Bay.
REGISTER AT THE EVENTS SECTION OF THE PORTLAND ROTARY WEBSITE
Portland Rotary's "Meet & Greet Happy Hour" is next Wednesday, June 14th at Foundation Brewery located at 1 Industrial Way #5, Portland, ME, 04103. Foundation Brewery was established in 2012 and focuses on creating world-class beers that use classic styles as the inspiration for brewing exciting beers that push conventional boundaries. The happy hour starts at 5:30pm and will end no later the 7pm. For all Rotarians that appreciate quality brew, please attend and bring a guest. The more the merrier!
Member Birthdays 5th - George Crockett 7th - Peter Goffin 13th - Laura Young 15th - Rusty Atwood 19th - Roger Asch 21st - Paul Gore 21st - Ralph Hendrix 21st - Andreea Paine 21st - Tom Ranello 22nd - Alex St. Hilaire 22nd - Andy Stone 24th - Justin Lamontagne 28th - Freem Etheridge
Date-Joined-Rotary Anniversaries 34 years - Charlie Whittier 30 years - Tom Talbott 27 years - Bob Clark 25 years - Roger Fagan 23 years - Larry Gross 22 years - Roger Asch 6 years - Julie L'Heureux 3 years - Erik Greven 1 year - Chris Thomas 1 year - Janet Butland
Invocation: Julie L'Heureux Program Reporter: Alan Nye Bits & Pieces Reporter: John Marr Registration/Greeter: Ben Delcourt Sell Meal Tickets: Michael Greer Raffle: Loretta Rowe Badge Box: None Collect Meal Tickets: Andy Stone * Song Leader: Andreea Paine Pianist: None Sgt-at-Arms (Setup): Mac Collins Sgt-at-Arms (Take Down): Charlie Frair
The following items are needed on an on-going basis. Please feel free to bring them to a meeting where we will collect and distribute them.
Crutches4Africa - Crutches, canes, folding walkers and wheelchairs to be shipped to Africa.
Toiletries for the Shelters - Collect those tiny bottles of toiletries you are paying for during your next hotel visit and bring them home for members of our society who find themselves staying at a shelter and in need of personal hygiene products.
Dmitry Bam is an associate professor at Maine Law where he writes and teaches in the fields of constitutional law, professional responsibility, employment law, and the judiciary. He is recognized as a scholar and media commentator on judicial ethics, judicial selection, and constitutional interpretation..JPG)
Juliana L’Heureux presented President Laura with the Rotary District 7780 Literacy Award, which she received as a proxy for our club from District Governor Marge Barker at the District Conference on May 20, 2017. Portland Rotary was awarded this honor for all of our literacy service reading to children.
David Clough offered his “Rotary Moment,” telling us how he reconnected with Rotary when he joined our club in 1993. He enjoys the people who are in Rotary, describing members as “grounded” in our service. Not a day goes by when he doesn’t hear about how Rotarians are involved in the community, to serve the club or to support international service. Coming to our weekly meetings offers him an escape from the State House in Augusta, where there can be some intense business issues. Fellowship at Rotary meetings is a great way to meet people, and especially when given the opportunities to visit other clubs and experience the “life blood” of other communities. Rotary meetings are “very special,” particularly because of the good people who are grounded in our community service..JPG)
.JPG)
An enthusiastic Maine Outdoor Challenge (MOC) report, led by Past President Kris Rosado, was given by all who are leading the club’s major annual fundraiser. Past President Cyrus Hagge read an impressive list of live auction items to be offered at the June 7th Lobster Dinner, at the AmVets, 148 North Road, Yarmouth. Included in the items were two tickets to see the New England Patriots play Buffalo NY, at Gillette Stadium.
Justin Lamontagne announced that his wife, Marce, has been deemed a “Cancer Survivor” by their team of doctors. As many of you know, she was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer last November. She’s completed 20 weeks of chemotherapy and her first of two surgeries. All of her tests show clean margins and no cancer.
