Prior to becoming manager of the Sea Dogs, Epperson spent 12 seasons as the Red Sox minor league catching coordinator. Epperson also managed in the Red Sox organization from 2004-09, for Class A teams in Salem, Virginia; Lancaster, California; and Wilmington, Delaware. Epperson played nine years in the minor leagues in the Mets (1992-95), Red Sox (1997-99), and Orioles (2000) systems before his coaching career. Chas was born in Elizabethtown KY, and attended Seminole Community College, Florida.

Our new President, Patty Byers welcomed us and rang us in. Larry Gross led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Bruce Jones gave the Invocation, providing words of grace and gratefulness.

 

Patty Byers announced that Dick Hall, our immediate Past President, broke his thumb over the 4^th of July weekend and was having surgery. Think thumbs up thoughts.

 

Sizing up Lunch: The Italian Heritage Center announced that effective August 1, 2024, they will be increasing the cost of lunch from $22 to $28. In addition, the IHC is going to charge the club $350 room fee each week. Dave Putnam and Mike Fortunato are spearheading a search committee to make a running list of options to quickly explore options. If you have suggestions, please reach out to Patty.

 

John Marr Celebration of Life: This Thursday, 5p-9p at the Italian Heritage Center will be a celebration of life for fellow Rotarian, John Marr (July 18, 1948 - March 31, 2024)

 

Rotary Wear: Patty pointed out the new “Magic of Rotary” lapel pins placed on the tables. Patty asked that everyone to take a pin, “if you are going to wear it!”. She also reminded everyone to wear their Rotarian at Work t-shirts when doing good work in the community.

House Guest: Andi Summers announced our one and only guest, Reid Byers, Patty’s husband! Patty gave a nice nod to Reid, her partner and inspiration for the last 46 years.

 

Because I’m Happy: Patty announced Happy Dollars, and multiple Rotarians shared a good moment graced by putting a buck in the can!

 

Raffle: David Patterson led the raffle with $210 in the pot. Alan Nye was looking for the Queen of Hearts. Instead, Alan Nye went bye-bye holding the 7 of Clubs. (Photo)

 

Global Grant: Patty announced that the Boothbay Harbor Club donated $5000 toward our global grant in the Dominican Republic. We are currently at $29,000!

 

Youth Services: David Patterson is chairing the Youth Services Committee and invited anyone who is interested to attend their committee meeting directly after the meeting. He also reminded Rotarians that we still need host families.

 

Rotary Youth Exchange: Zach Newell announced that as he was seated at lunch, he received an email from, Antonio, Portland Rotary’s Youth Exchange student coming from Valencia, Spain, that he had just purchased his airplane ticket! Antonia will arrive in Boston on August 22, and begin his stay with Jan Chapman and Bruce Moore. On the flip side, Zach also announced that our outgoing exchange student - his daughter, Maya, just bought her ticket to depart on August 8, heading to Yaizu, Japan via Tokyo! 

 

Community Service: Zach Newell also provided a Community Service update, announcing a volunteer day at Payson Park Community Garden on July 23, 9am - 12 Noon. We're looking for a sturdy group of people to come out and help us weed and lay down wood chips. Cultivating Community will provide a water station to refill water bottles, sunscreen, light snacks, and music to keep us energized. Second, Zach with a word of thanks to Mary Pat Donnellon, let us know we will be working with Best Buddies to host an Ambassador Training program at the end of September.

 

Flags for Heroes: Charlie Frair provided a Flags for Heroes update, announcing that we are on the cusp of celebrating, but now we have to execute the program. First is our big day at Hadlock Field – Sunday July 21^st, Sea Dogs home game. We will have a display of 150 flags on the field, in addition to a staffed information table as spectators arrive. That evening, we will be bringing the flags to the Maine Mall, and setting up our flag display for a 2 week run, July 22-August 5.

The project has brought in $25,000 in flag and business sponsorships, now we have to give them the big show! If you can join in and help, talk to Charlie Frair, Paul Tully, or Tom Talbott.

 

Rotarians met at Cyrus Hagge's office buildings out at Cassidy Point, to work on assembling the flags and prepping the bases. There is a lot of work by many members behind this project - that's what it takes to go big with this fundraiser!

 

Sam Heck let us know that our Satellite Club has made changes to their meeting schedule. To wit:

The First Wednesday of the Month:  In-person coffee meeting at the Burundi Star Coffee on St. John Street from 7:30-8:30. No more zoom!  It's a great pre-work opportunity for club members who may struggle to make Friday lunch due to work commitments but want to keep in touch. We'd love to have club members (either Satellite members or regular members of the club) join us as a make up or just for fun!

Last Friday marked a special moment for the Portland Rotary Club as we welcomed our new Club President, Patty Byers, who presented her vision for the upcoming year. Patty's journey with our club began on Valentine's Day 2020, joining just before the world changed drastically. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Patty remained engaged and connected through our Zoom meetings, gradually learning about us and forming the relationships that now define her Rotary experience.

 

In her heartfelt speech, Patty highlighted this year's Rotary theme, "The Magic of Rotary," inspired by an encounter with children in the Dominican Republic who marveled at the clean water emerging from a filter. She drew parallels to the magic we create here in Portland through our acts of kindness and service projects, emphasizing that our efforts bring hope, compassion, and change.

 

(Photo: The IHC made a special "Magic of Rotary"cake for dessert!)

 

Patty outlined three key goals for the year: growing and engaging our membership, telling our story to the community, and raising funds to amplify our impact locally and globally. These goals are interconnected, creating a strong foundation for our club's success. A welcoming atmosphere and meaningful service projects are at the heart of member retention and growth. Sharing our stories will enhance our public image, attracting new members and resources.

 

One standout project is "Flags for Heroes," which perfectly embodies our club's goals. This initiative has already increased community awareness and raised significant funds, thanks to the efforts of our engaged members and community partners. Patty also announced plans for the Lobster Raffle and the Casco Climb, promising more exciting fundraising activities ahead.

 

Patty took a moment to thank our dedicated board members and committee chairs, whose hard work and leadership are crucial to our club's success. She emphasized the importance of succession planning, with more co-chairs and vice chairs in place to ensure continuity and growth.

 

Among the committees, special mention went to the Membership Growth and Engagement Group, led by Nanette and Nikki, who are developing an engaging orientation program for new members. Larry Gross will support membership retention through the Good Cheer committee. Our service committees, including Community Services, International Service, Vocational Service, Youth Services, and Environmental Stewardship, are all set to make a significant impact under strong leadership.

 

Patty also encouraged us to wear our Rotary pins and "Rotarians at Work" T-shirts during service projects, enhancing our public image. She reminded us to bring club banners to events, proudly displaying who we are. With an official photographer designated for each service event, we'll capture and share our stories, further showcasing our club's spirit.

 

In closing, Patty's message was clear: we're aiming big, embracing small, meaningful actions, and having fun along the way. Her enthusiasm and vision promise an exciting year ahead for the Portland Rotary Club.

 

Thank you, President Patty, for your inspiring words and leadership. Here's to a magical year of service and camaraderie! (Photo: Reid and Patty Byers)

July Birthday's and Anniversaries! Birthdays: Mark Millar/3^rd, Bill Milliken/7th, Alan Levenson/11^th, Tom Nickerson/12^th, Jack Carr/14^th, Tim Moyer/14^th, Julie L’Heureux/16^th, Michael Ross/16^th, Tim Donnellon/21^st, Peter Noyes/23^rd, Nannette Ranger-Duncanson/23^rd, Sam Chipman/25^th, Michael Reed/29^th, Dwayne Black/29^th.  Rotarian Anniversaries: Alan Levenson/45, Brian Nickerson/42, Rob Chatfield17, Mike Fortunato/14, Steve Stronsky/13, Alex St. Hilaire/10. 

Bill Blount led a very Rotarian Happy Birthday song!

Speaker Schedule