Gregory W. Powell is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Dexter Enterprises, Inc., a wealth management firm owned by the Alfond family and is Chairman of the Harold Alfond Foundation, the largest charitable foundation in Maine.
Since childhood, Powell has personally known Harold Alfond, the founder of Dexter Shoe Company, as a family friend and philanthropist. Working together, Powell and Alfond, created Dexter Enterprises, Inc. in 1996 to manage the Alfond family’s investments, philanthropy and business affairs and to administer the Foundation’s charitable projects in Maine and other states. For over a decade Alfond and Powell worked closely to build the wealth management business of Dexter Enterprises and to design and award charitable grants for education, health care and youth development in Maine and elsewhere. Alfond and Powell deployed Alfond’s business philosophy and acumen to develop a model of philanthropic grant making, emphasizing entrepreneurial solutions, creativity, community engagement and partnership. In 2005, Alfond selected Powell to succeed him as Chairman of the Foundation. At his death in 2007, Alfond ensured that his philanthropy would live on by donating all of his wealth to the Foundation.
In almost ten years since Alfond’s passing, under Powell’s leadership, Dexter Enterprises has built and managed a fourteen-company investment platform providing access to high quality investment funds world wide.
During the same period, the Foundation has become the largest foundation in the State of Maine, awarding grants of over $270 million, with an annual grant-awarding budget at $37 million in 2016.
Before founding Dexter Enterprises, Inc., Powell practiced law in Maine for 15 years, concentrating his practice on trial law. Prior to private practice, he served as a clerk to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. He is a 1977 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Wesleyan University and a graduate of the University of Maine School of Law, where he served as an editor of the Maine Law Review. Powell was named to Maine magazine’s 2014 list of “50 People Who Have Made a Difference in Maine in Deep and Lasting Ways.”
Greg lives in Cape Elizabeth with his wife, Amy. They have two grown daughters, Molly and Catherine.
(Photo: Past President Roxane Cole, John Gallagher, and President Laura Young.)
Roxane Cole introduced John Gallagher, Director of the Maine State Housing Authority. Mr. Gallagher has been Director since 2013 and previously served as executive director of Westbrook Housing Authority and president of Westbrook Development Corporation – two agencies that develop and manage affordable housing in Westbrook and the greater Portland area. In addition to serving on numerous Housing Boards, he is a former real estate broker and a former Rotarian in the Bath/Brunswick Club.
Mr. Gallagher began by giving us a brief history of the Maine State Housing Authority. He noted that it is an independent agency created in 1969 to address the housing affordability crisis and improve the quality of housing in Maine. His strategic plan at the time was to improve the quality of housing, expand the supply of affordable housing, and help attain housing stability in Maine.
Mr. Gallagher explained that the Maine State Housing Authority doesn’t actually build affordable housing in Maine – they make much of their money from loans to others (who knew?), as well as other programs.
Getting to the heart of his presentation – affordable housing issues and solutions – Mr. Gallagher stressed that Maine has an elderly population that has the highest number of old homes and the highest percentage of home ownership in the nation. Mr. Gallagher expressed his frustration that a $15 million bond issue for construction of additional senior housing units approved by voters has been blocked by Governor LePage. (He promises to discuss it with the governor at their upcoming meeting.)
Mr. Gallagher acknowledged that the need for affordable housing far outstrips the ability of the Maine State Housing Authority to keep up with the demand. In Portland, for example, rental units comprise 56% of available housing, while 43% is single family. In 2015, the vacancy rate was 3½% -- today it is 1%. Lack of supply has driven up rents – an average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in 2012 in Portland was $1000 – today it’s $1400!
Despite Maine State Housing approving 300 additional units for 2017 (at a cost of approximately $5 million), there exists a need for an additional 10,000 – 11,000 units. Maine State Housing is doing what it can to alleviate this difficult situation, but only increased housing through the private sector or a change in philosophy by the governor about using bonds to support housing, will help resolve this critical shortage.
President Laura Young opened our first meeting of the 2017 year by welcoming 59 Rotarians and 6 guests to the Clarion Hotel.
Juliana L’Heureux gave us a wonderful invocation, sourced from Rise Above website and adapted to Rotary. Back to visit us, former Portland Rotarian Harold Crabill led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Showing her real true grit, President Laura led us, a cappella, singing the 'Star-Spangled Banner."
Erik Greven was able to retrieve his “very soft scarf” left behind at a previous meeting. Laura announced the anniversaries of members who joined Rotary during the month of January over the years. (The list was published in last week's Windjammer.)
Dave Putnam gave a great Rotary Moment, telling us how he was required to join Rotary by his boss at Anthem back in 1990. The reasons he stays are uplifting service, great fellowship, meeting new people, and great speakers. Dave told us that Paul Harris’s idea for starting Rotary was “brilliant and simple.” Rotary exists through shared community service, camaraderie, and friendship. He also admitted that Rotary tennis has been a blast. “Joining Rotary is one of the best things that has happened to me,” said Dave.
Ron Bennett won the chance to try for our raffle pot ($1,105), as his name was drawn by our speaker, but his luck did not hold. He didn't find the Queen of Hearts, much to the dismay/delight of the wanna-be-winners in our audience.
Steve Stromsky is recovering from heart surgery, and expected to be back next month. Heal well and quickly, Steve! We look forward to seeing you again.
Andreea Paine and Russ Burleigh led us in the song, "Que Sera Sera." Russ told us that The song was introduced in the Alfred Hitchcock film, "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1956), starring Doris Day and James Stewart.
John Curran told us about the "Gift of Life" program, where a child is brought to the US for life-saving surgery. Two children from Panama are coming, one 2 years old and another 12 years old. The 12-year old boy needs size medium boys clothing...so if you can donate clothing in his size, please contact John, transportation assistance to appointments is needed for both boys. If you can help, contact John Curran at curraj1@mmc.org or call 232-5478.
John Lock, Salvation Army and club member, thanked the club for their holiday bell ringing efforts, where $1,572.14 was raised for the Army. With the cold and snowy weather this year, John said to all “May God Bless You.”
Mike Fortunato told about a program where the Long Creek Youth Center rresidents wrote letters to veterans, thanking them for their service. Mike read a thank you from one of those vets. Mike spoke about the Long Creek event last month, where they played Bingo with microwavable food being the prizes. Every kid was in! Events at Long Creek happen on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:15 or 6:30 p.m., and the time commitment is 90 minutes. They are always looking for ideas, and can always use more volunteers. For more information, contact Mike (michael.k.fortunato@gmail.com) or Jim Willey (jimandbarbarawilley@gmail.com).
(Photo: Mike Reed, Amy Chipman and Past President Cyrus Hagge.)
Amy Chipman reminded everyone to complete their 'Circle of Five' pledge. Reminder letters went out in December. Amy told the club that Cyrus Hagge and Mike Reed are members of the Paul Harris Society, by their commitment to donate $1,000 per year. She invited them up to the podium to receive their pins, Cy 6 + 1, and Mike 5 + 1. Thank you Mike and Cy!
(Photo: Rusty Atwood, Liz Jerome and Kate Codaire.)
Rusty Atwood introduced Kate Codaire, the college counselor at Chevrus High School, who introduced our newest Youth Service Award recipient, Elizabeth "Liz" Jerome. Liz has been involved in many activities and her special one is a benefit for the social justice group, doing great work at Chevrus. Liz told us the award was “pretty awesome” and an “amazing honor.” She looks forward to a life of much more service. Congratulations, Liz!
(Photo: Prez. Laura, Justin Lamontagne and Ben Millick.)
Justin Lamontagne introduced new member Ben Millick. He works at Clark Insurance as a Commercial Insurance Agent. Ben is the epitome of what being a Rotarian is all about....by participating on a committee and becoming involved in other events (see below) before he became a member. Ben is a delight to know....be sure to welcome him when you see him. Congratulations, Ben!
Bill Blount, in place for tennis commissioner Erik Jorgensen, announced the Fall tennis champions: Ben Lowry, Norm Pullin, Howie Herodes, andChase Bowker. Bill also mentioned that the league had a first, where new member Ben Millick was playing in the league before joining Rotary.
Ellen Niewoehner announced the first Portland Rotary ski day, Thursday Feb 9th. The plan is to meet at the Gray 'Park n Ride' at 7:30 a.m. and carpool from there. Call Ellen (329-1465) or Bill Blount (774-2584)for any details.
President Laura announced that Rusty Atwood is ahead after the first half of our Rotary year for bringing the most guests to our meetings. He brought 6, with Justin Lamontagne, Linda Varrell and Laura all tied for second place at 4 each. She said there was an eight-way tie for the most new members brought into our club, all at one each.
One of the many trips the International Service Committee's 3-H (Hearing, Hands and H2O) Project Team will be making to the Dominican Republic (DR) will be in early 2017.
The Batays in the Dominican Republic are located some 15-20 miles outside of the city, where night darkness is intense. Access to electricity is very limited and without light, the safety of the inhabitants is an issue. The 3-H team would like to take 70-100 collapsible portable lights with them on their upcoming trip and are looking for volunteer donations of $15 per light to help fund this important project.
(Photo: Dick Giles demonstrating a portable solar light.)
For further information or if you would like to help, please contact Elise Hodgkin atportlandrotary@maine.rr.comor 899-6342. You may bring your cash/check to a meeting or mail your check to: Portland Rotary, P.O. Box 1755, Portland, ME 04104. Please make your check payable to Portland Rotary Charitable Account. Make a memo note on the check: for DR solar lights.
Invocation: Tom Nickerson Program Reporter: Erik Jorgensen Bits & Pieces Reporter: John Marr Registration/Greeter: Michel Kanyambo Sell Meal Tickets: Andrew Cook Raffle: Jan Chapman Badge Box: Paul Gore Collect Meal Tickets: Rusty Atwood* Song Leader: Janelle LoSciuto Pianist: Kathy Grammer Sgt-at-Arms (Early): Mike Fortunato Sgt-at-Arms (Late): Jim Willey
As we receive applications for prospective members to join our Portland Rotary Club, the names of the applicants will be included in our Windjammer. Any information and/or comments you would like to share will be handled confidentially. Please contact Loretta Rowe: lrowe@maine.rr.com. Your input will be appreciated.
PROSPECT BUSINESS (Sponsor)
Julie Chase So. ME Community College (Laura Young)
Steven Mortimer Maine Mgmt Consulting (Laura Young)
Ognjen Nikolic Ogo Sense LLC (Russell Voss)
Terri St Angelo Anderson-Watkins Insurance (Linda Varrell)
Following is a list of projects happening within our club that you have an opportunity to volunteer and help with. If you know of other opportunities, please contact Loretta: lrowe@maine.rr.com
When
Project Who to Contact
Soup kitchen 4th Wednesday ea month
Preble Street (4-6:30 p.m.)
Resource Ctr Erik Greven
Game Night 3rd Tuesday ea month
Cedar Unit Mike Fortunato or
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Gregory W. Powell is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Dexter Enterprises, Inc., a wealth management firm owned by the Alfond family and is Chairman of the Harold Alfond Foundation, the largest charitable foundation in Maine.
Juliana L’Heureux gave us a wonderful invocation, sourced from Rise Above website and adapted to Rotary. Back to visit us, former Portland Rotarian Harold Crabill led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Showing her real true grit, President Laura led us, a cappella, singing the 'Star-Spangled Banner."
Dave Putnam gave a great Rotary Moment, telling us how he was required to join Rotary by his boss at Anthem back in 1990. The reasons he stays are uplifting service, great fellowship, meeting new people, and great speakers. Dave told us that Paul Harris’s idea for starting Rotary was “brilliant and simple.” Rotary exists through shared community service, camaraderie, and friendship. He also admitted that Rotary tennis has been a blast. “Joining Rotary is one of the best things that has happened to me,” said Dave.)
Ron Bennett won the chance to try for our raffle pot ($1,105), as his name was drawn by our speaker, but his luck did not hold. He didn't find the Queen of Hearts, much to the dismay/delight of the wanna-be-winners in our audience.
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John Curran told us about the "Gift of Life" program, where a child is brought to the US for life-saving surgery. Two children from Panama are coming, one 2 years old and another 12 years old. The 12-year old boy needs size medium boys clothing...so if you can donate clothing in his size, please contact John, transportation assistance to appointments is needed for both boys. If you can help, contact John Curran at .JPG)
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