Please join us this Friday for another lively and engaging Club assembly at the Clarion Hotel. It will include updates on our service and fundraising activities, a check in on our club vision led by 1st VP Don Zillman on the eve of his “Presidents-Elect Training,” aka PETS, and some surprises along the way.
In addition, Liz Fagan will provide more context to the importance of our CHE efforts from her perspective as a speech-language pathologist. She will address “The 30-Million Word Gap” which affects language, vocabulary and brain development needed for literacy development.
In honor of World Understanding and Peace week, Rusty Atwood presented us with the Pihcintu Multicultural Chorus – an all-girls chorus comprised of immigrant children from around the globe. Led by Con Fullam on the guitar as the only musical accompaniment, the young women sang song after song to a very appreciative audience. Fullam explained to us that the message of the chorus is one of inclusion, regardless of culture, creed or color. With more than a bit of pride, Fullam told us that there are 34 young ladies from 17 countries in the chorus and that in the last 12 years 100% have graduated from high school and 85% have gone on to college.
For the Rotarians and guests in attendance, it was a wonderful opportunity to hear a chorus that has performed on the Today Show, sung at the Kennedy Center and the White House! The first song “We Are Family” set the tone for the rest of the singing.
“Pihcintu” is a Passamaquoddy word meaning “When she sings, her voice carries far.” Fullam chose the name for the chorus and they represent a wonderful example of the talents of the immigrant community in Portland. The chorus received a standing ovation – and rightly so – as they filled the room with the hope that our future will continue to be inclusive, rather than exclusive.
VP Don Zillman presented the chorus' leader, Con Fullam, with a certificate of appreciation for bringing this wonderful chorus, along with their inspiring songs and messages to our Club.
After performing, the young women went around the room, going from member to member, to shake our hands.
1st Vice-President Don Zillman called the meeting to order,....the second time subbing for vacationing President Laura Young. He welcomed 41 members and 4 guests. He thanked everyone responsible for the day's responsibilities to make the meeting happen. Don seems to enjoy it, so, Laura, you need to hurry back. (FYI: Where Don has an issue with calling one of the duties the "LATE Sgt-at-Arms," the "EARLY and LATE" duties have been renamed: "SET-UP" and "TAKE DOWN.")
Kathy Grammer gave the invocation telling us that music is the way to give soul to many things. Music is invisible, but still dazzling and led us in a rendition of "America the Beautiful."
Matt Tassey led us in the pledge to our flag.
Erik Greven told us about last Wednesday at Preble Street Soup Kitchen, where Portland Rotarians met for their monthly volunteering, that included Jan Chapman, Bruce Moore, Jim Willey, Mac Collins, Ron Bennett, Erik Greven, Bruce and Jan’s friend Ben, and one Rotary Interactor.
Erik also talked about the Locker Project where Portland Rotary helps to distribute packed food for the recipients to take home. There are two upcoming events, Wednesday, March 15 at Presumpscot Elementary School and Monday, March 20 at Reiche School. If you want to help, contact Erik, egrev95@aol.com
George Crockett was invited to talk about Long Creek Youth Center's volunteer night, which happens on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. This month, there were 5-6 Rotarians and 9 residents, who got a very healthy dinner from Rotary...NOT! It was heavy on chips and other junk food. The night’s event was Bingo, where winners could win food. George said these youths are a bunch of good kids that made a bad decision. If you want to join the volunteer group, contact Jim Willey at: jimandbarbarbawilley@gmail.com
(Montage photo: Kathy Grammer presenting an invocation, leading our singing and sharing a Rotary Moment.)
Kathy Grammer was back at the podium with her 'Rotary Minute.' She told us how she first got acquainted with Portland Rotary when she was hired as our Administrative Assistant. In that position, she was always in attendance and got to know everyone. She left us to become Executive Director of the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ, then Russ Burleigh invited her back to become a member. Kathy said she has met terrific people, such as Dwayne Pearce, Naj Lotfey, and Bob Pierce. As chair of the Portland Centennial event, she loved working with Past President Bowen Depke and everyone else involved. She supports the vision and strategic planning process, and finds it to be an honor and privilege to serve, as well as to make so many friends.
Ben Millick announced a Portland Rotary social event on Thursday, March 1, 5:30 pm at the Oxbow Blending & Bottling, 49 Washington Ave, Portland. Invite family and friends. The location is in an alley next to Coffee by Design, nearly right across from Sillys’. You can find out more online at: portlandrotary.org/event/rotary-club-social-event-at-ox-box-brewing/
Patty Erickson ran the raffle. With $1,397 at stake, Ellen Niewoehner was not able to pick the Queen of Hearts. Next week, with a jackpot over $1,400 and only 14 cards left in the deck, everyone should buy more tickets!
Don Zillman told us about his upcoming Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) coming in two weeks in Framingham, MA. It is a time spent learning from trainers on what to expect and also to learn from other incoming Club presidents. Dave Underhill, the incoming District Governor, has asked presidents to focus on Membership, Service and the Rotary Foundation. Don thinks we need to continue to inform members about the Foundation, an incredible force for improving the world. Don is proud of the membership growth of Portland Rotary, while it is becoming more diverse and inclusive. He says there is room for 20+ more to achieve a membership of 160. Don will be proud to report and share the service work of Portland Rotary, stating that our Club should be very proud of what we are accomplishing. He also mentioned that he is intrigued by the upcoming District service in Cuba. He wants to be part of that.
Don shared his ideas of what he envisions for the Club and he wants feedback from members: how Rotary can bring civility and shared purpose into the very difficult political situation we find we are in; he wants us to think about how Portland Rotary can work with schools and teachers, to bring other events to the forefront, not just sports. (After the refugee chorus performed, Don told us he would like to see the Club contribute to the immigrant community.)
After the meeting, Bill Ross told this reporter that the America East Women's Basketball conference tournament is coming to Portland March 4th. He invites Portland Rotarians to join him in cheering against Maine (his daughter, Kristin Ross, is #24 for Binghamton University). For tickets and more details, go to: www.shamrockse.com/aecmaine.html
Member Birthdays
1st - Jerry Angier
4th - Joel Gratwick
4th - Steve Mortimer
9th - Dave Small
14th - Mac Collins
15th - Travis Parker
16th - Larry Gross
21st - Kathy Grammer
29th - Richard Burbank
29th - Ellen Niewoehner
31st - Alan Nye
Invocation: Charlie Frair Program Reporter: Bob Martin Bits & Pieces Reporter: Jake Bourdeau Registration/Greeter: Larry Gross Sell Meal Tickets: Michel Kanyambo Raffle: Andrew Cook Badge Box: None Collect Meal Tickets: Ellen Niewoehner* Song Leader: Alan Nye Pianist: None Sgt-at-Arms (Setup): Jake Bourdeau Sgt-at-Arms (Take Down): Peter Noyes
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)
Brian McDonough Cross Insurance (Ben Delcourt)
Mike Robinson TD Bank (Jim Willey)
Andy Stone Artisan Angles Custom (Bill Blount) Carpentry
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Kathy Grammer was back at the podium with her 'Rotary Minute.' She told us how she first got acquainted with Portland Rotary when she was hired as our Administrative Assistant. In that position, she was always in attendance and got to know everyone. She left us to become Executive Director of the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ, then Russ Burleigh invited her back to become a member. Kathy said she has met terrific people, such as Dwayne Pearce, Naj Lotfey, and Bob Pierce. As chair of the Portland Centennial event, she loved working with Past President Bowen Depke and everyone else involved. She supports the vision and strategic planning process, and finds it to be an honor and privilege to serve, as well as to make so many friends..JPG)