Our Rotary District Governor John LoBosco joined the Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Maine, in 2005 and served as its President in 2010-11. He served on the club’s board for six years and as an Assistant Governor in the Portland area from 2013-2016. 

He enjoys working with clubs on long-term planning. His favorite Rotary event every year is the Rotary Christmas tree and wreath sale at Mill Creek Park in South Portland. 

John is an attorney at Unum Life Insurance Company of America in Portland. He is a graduate of Cornell University and Georgetown University Law Center. 

John resides in Cape Elizabeth with his wife, Sue (an adoption social worker). 
 

At last Friday’s meeting, we were all asked to find one of the “post-it” notes on our tables and write down what we knew about the company “IDEXX.” I wrote “pet pharmaceuticals”….my father, sitting next to me wrote, “I have no idea.” Tara Jenkins then spent the next 30 minutes providing some much-needed clarity to me, my father and the rest of the Portland Rotary Club. 

Founded in 1983, this now 2 billion-dollar business employs over 8000 people in several countries, with over 3200 of them in Westbrook, Maine.  Despite my own son being hired as an intern this past summer, I was surprised to learn that they do not make pet medications, but rather focus on the development of tests and testing equipment that are used by veterinarians and other providers throughout our pet-loving world. With 98% of homes treating pets like family, the race to keep these “fur babies” living longer lives is on. 221 patents show the extent of the efforts by the amazing folks at IDEXX to keep on the leading edge of this ever-burgeoning industry.  And, of course, to attract the talented research and development scientists, the IDEXX “lifestyle” is made to be very attractive, with a gorgeous new facility, which is set to expand with 800 new employees in Westbrook by 2020, offering dining, a gym and various clubs, as well as providing employees paid time off for community service opportunities.

IDEXX, despite 87% of their work going toward pets, also works on testing for clean water, as well as diagnostic equipment to keep our livestock healthy. With 39% of product sales to foreign nations, their ever-expanding efforts are truly becoming global.

As STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students continue to matriculate world-wide, there seems to be some amazing possibilities right here in our own back yard for not only well-paying employment but to join IDEXX in their efforts to become “a place of purpose, innovation and opportunity.” 

(Photo L-R: Pete DeWitt, Tara Jenkins and President John Curran.)

President John Curran welcomed 48 members and 1 guest to last Friday's meeting. PP Russ Burleigh offered a thought-provoking poem as the invocation. The poem, entitled “Autumn,” was written in 1866 by an American poet, whose identity remained a mystery until Russ gave us enough clues to realize that the composer was Portland’s own Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  

Tom Ranello led us in the Pledge to the American Flag and Meredith Small led us in an a cappella rendition of “My Country Tis of Thee.” 

It was reported to us that member David Smith suffered a minor stroke on October 6th and is recovering in New England Rehab. Most members of the club signed a card and we were encouraged to pay an afternoon visit to room 119A. Get well David!

PP Jim Willey introduced our newest member, Major Rhonda Ferreira (in photo at left), who is a member of the Salvation Army. Rhonda and her husband, who is soon to retire from the Army, live in Old Orchard and have a 15 year-old son. She is a past member of the Red Bank, NY Rotary Club, so she’s a veteran of “Service Above Self.”

Paul Tully (photo at right), Charlie Frair, Bruce Jones and so many others are working diligently on the organization of our annual Veteran’s Day luncheon, set for November 9th at noon at The Holiday Inn By-the-Bay. With over 100 folks already registered, we’re off to a great start but, with over 400 people expected, it is imperative that you pre-register on our Rotary website. The cost to veteran’s, as always, is free of charge, while the cost for others is $25. Last year, we had over 60% of the club volunteer the day of the event and the club needs your help again, so please do sign up to help. With two powerful speakers expected, this will once again be an excellent event so please plan on attending. Also, Bruce Jones is working to obtain sponsors, so if you know of an individual or business that may want to participate, please contact Bruce: bjones@cop-inc.com  or 650-3773.

PP Kris Rosado (at left) has been working with the United States Service Academies, most specifically West Point, in getting qualified young people accepted for these prestigious positions. If you know of a young high school student who may have some interest, please connect him/her with Kris so that he can explain the requirements for consideration. Contact: krisrosado67@gmail.com  or 443-257-7523

Gracie Johnston (at right), donning her very appropriate Red Sox jacket, took to the podium to offer up several opportunities to volunteer within the local community. On October 24th, there is a need for helpers at Preble Street, followed by a Recovery Coach Academy on the 27th, with classes at USM on Saturdays thereafter until certification is complete (see separate article this issue).  And it’s not too early to be thinking about our annual St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen opportunity the day before Thanksgiving, on November 21st. And lastly, start getting your warm clothing ready so you can participate in our annual bell-ringing for The Salvation Army in December.

Rusty Atwood, with Jan Chapman (at left), had a chance to have a very nice (and wealthy) weekend, but could not draw the elusive Queen of Hearts for our weekly raffle. The pot thickens!

Liz Fagan offered more than just the banner of the Wakefield, Rhode Island Rotary Club from the podium, instead announcing that this club of a childhood friend would be joining our efforts in the 3H project. With this addition, we now have clubs from Maine, Rhode Island, Alaska, Florida and Oregon involved in our efforts to help those less fortunate in the Dominican Republic and beyond.
 

Sessions start October 27 and will be held at USM. We are hoping to get a few Rotarians to do this training and become recovery coaches.

This training is free and open to anyone who wants to participate and help those dealing with substance use disorder. We encourage Rotarians to please share this opportunity with others you know who might be good candidates.

Invitation from District Governor John LoBosco to join a Special District Assembly to discuss Foundation, Membership, and International Service Opportunities and Strategies!

WHO: All Rotarians are welcome! We are hoping, in particular, for a good turnout from Club Foundation, Membership, and International Service chairs.

WHEN: Saturday morning, November 3, 2018 from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.

WHERE: Husson University, 340 County Road, Westbrook, Maine.

COST: FREE

REGISTRATION: We need you to register so we know how many to expect. The venue can seat up to 135 people, so we will have a waiting list after we reach that number. Please register ASAP by either going to the District 7780 home page (under Events and Registration) or by going directing to https://rotary7780.org/event/joint-foundation---membership-seminar.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Julia Phelps, former Rotary International Director and current Foundation Trustee will share insights into current happenings in Evanston regarding the Foundation. Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Greg Roche, also will join us to connect with you and explain how he can be a valuable resource for us.

AGENDA:
8:00 - 8:30 Social (coffee and muffins)
8:30 - 9:00 Julia Phelps, "A Week in the Life of a Foundation Trustee"
9:00 - 10:30 Joint Session
10:30 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 12:00 Breakouts

The first half of the morning will be a joint session with presentations on the Foundation and Membership. After a break, we will have three concurrent breakouts: Foundation, Membership, and International Service. The International Service breakout will focus on opportunities for Rotarians to travel abroad to engage in hands-on service. On the Foundation side, we will be talking about District Grants, Global Grants, Polio Plus, the Peace Scholars Program, the Annual Fund, and Major Gifts. As for Membership, we’ll be discussing strategies to achieve our Governor’s challenge to increase membership throughout the district by at least 5% this year. We will have plenty of time for questions and dialogue among the participants.

This is a great opportunity to roll-up your sleeves and connect with your colleagues from around our district to learn and share. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, contact the event chair, Lawrence Furbish at 207-490-6840, lkfurbish@mac.com.
 

Game Night             3rd Tuesday ea month
Long Creek              Mike Fortunato
Youth Center           michael.k.fortunato@gmail.com
                              or Jim Willey
                              jimandbarbarawilley@gmail.com