Barrett Takesian is the Executive Director of Portland Community Squash (PCS), and he was our speaker at the meeting on Friday. Barrett started the meeting introducing himself, a brief history of PCS, and a compelling video about PCS.

 

Why squash? Because more people can enjoy it: 5 squash courts can be built on the size of one tennis court, and the courts are largely made from see through materials which adds a sense of community. PCS and their squash courts are currently housed at a former synagogue on Noyes Street in Portland, and all types of community members are welcome.  Portland Community Squash (PCS) aims to build an accessible community center that holistically supports and unites its members. They envision a community with enough social and human capital to overcome ever-changing societal challenges and prosper. 

 

The concept for PCS started when US Squash provided financial backing with the idea that courts should be provided in the neighborhood, for the neighborhood. Basically, play squash, have fun, and get to know each other. Attendance grew in numbers and in popularity and over time, the same people started volunteering, and teaching others. Now PCS is a multicultural multi-generational community center delivering squash and numerous other “wrap around” services. 

 

In four years, membership has grown to 719 members. After the courts filled up, equity inspired their investment in education and wellness. With this PCS success, US Squash is taking the model of community squash nationwide. US Squash even built a world class squash center in Philadelphia called the Spector Center which is the largest community squash center in the world.

 

The engagement and concept model for PCS is based upon growth using human capital in which volunteers are engaged to help make their club a better place. Their human capital models are based upon the following theories of change: Self-Determination Theory is a macro-theory of human motivation, development, and wellness, with the core belief that individuals have three basic needs they are trying to satisfy: competence, autonomy, and relatedness (Ryan & Deci, 2000). The degree to which PCS can help members fulfill these basic needs determines the type of motivation they have, and the extent to which they are/feel self-determined. Striving to meet these basic needs enhances members’ human capital, and future end results.

 

Systems theory of development through sport describes the complex interactions and conditions through which sports can facilitate positive developmental outcomes at the individual and societal levels. The degree to which PCS can help members integrate movement into their daily lives, while also cultivating a developmentally-focused environment (that helps members pursue both talent development and personal development), will influence the knowledge, experiences, and the skills the members accrue.

 

PCS’s success is based upon three pillars which target a wide variety of demographics within the community; and whereby a welcoming family atmosphere is provided. If PCS is successful, the members build cohesion, members know each other on a first come first come basis, and staff becomes much less necessary. Stop by Noyes Street and give Portland Community Squash a try. Photo: John Thompson, Barrett Takesian, and RYLA student.

John Thompson, First Vice-President, called the meeting to order as the President and Vice-President are away at PETS - President Elect Training. Bowen Depke led us in the Pledge Allegiance.

 

Thought of the Day- Juliana L’Heureux reminded us that today is International Women’s Day. She shared she was President of the Brunswick Rotary Club in 2004 almost 100 years after Rotary was founded.  She then read a quote from Maya Angelou:

 

HAPPINE$$ : John Thompson led it off with six dollars to celebrate his daughter getting a full time job on a schooner for the next six months.  Many more happy members added Happy Dollars to the cans.

 

ALWAYS A WINNER: Tim Donnellon got the Guest Speaker to draw the ticket and Paul T. Gore pulled an Ace(not the Queen of Hearts) from the deck to keep the pot growing.Paul may not have won this time, but he'll keep trying!  (Photo - the always cheerful PTG! )

 

MUDDY -  Tom Talbott enthusiastically urged all club members to check their closets, basements,and garages for items they are willing that they no longer use, but others might find a great value. Donate items to our growing online fundraising auction - The Mud Sale Event!

 

YOUTH SERVICE AWARD:  Bob Clark presented the Award to Deering H.S. student Nora Deluty. School Counselor Laurie Medeiros praised Nora for her dedication to helping others and being a leader responding to others needs. Both her parents were there to see her get the award. Photo: L-R, Nora's Parents, Nora, Laurie, and Bob. Excellent work!

 

PET SOUNDS:  Our Incoming President, Patty Byers, reported that her experience at PETS - President Elect Training Seminar - was exhilarating. She wrote into the Windjammer Press with an in-progress report that read, "Hundreds of Rotary Presidents-Elect from across New England and Quebec came together last week in Newton, MA, for a three day training seminar. I was excited - and a little nervous - about my approaching year as Club President, and I was very grateful for your support.  Thank you for your congratulatory message! It was splashed across the Jumbotron screens intermittently throughout the weekend, reminding me that we are all in this together. As the keynote speaker, incoming RI President Stephanie Urchick said, "It's going to be a magical year." Thank you!" Photo: Patty Byers with Joanne Alfieri, Chair, 2024 NEPETS and Past District Governor 7890, and Dick Hall, Conference organizing committee and technical director.

 

VA SNACKS:  Last week, Zach Newell delivered $170 worth of snacks our club purchased at Costco to the VA Clinic in Portland. Zach on the left is pictured with  Carlo Giraulo from the Westbrook/Gorham club.