This Thursday Night, September 19th, 5:30-7:30p, please join us at the home of Patty and Reid Byers for an evening of drinks, dinner, and lawn games organized by the Social Committees of the Portland and Portland Sunrise Satellite Clubs!
The Address: 25 Wakely Court, in the Parson's Pond community, North Deering, Portland
Parking: Street parking available in designated Visitor Parking spaces and on all streets in the condo complex (but please don't park in the cul-de-sac circles, as per the Portland Fire department regulations).
Patty looks forward to serving some of her family favorites, but please feel free to add to the table your own family favorites (food and drink) as well.
A cornhole tournament is on the docket, so we dug out a photo from our August 2019 Cornhole fundraising event. Showing fine tossing form is Amy Chipman, with Peter Goffin preparing his counter offensive.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! PLEASE LEND A CLAW!
With one of the best streaks of weather we can remember, happy tourists are landing at the Portland docks and are gobbling up our raffle tickets! Our fundraiser is going very well so far. As of Tues 9/17, have $5842 in sales from 13 dates, and we have 29 dates still to go. To get us there, we need volunteers to help at our booth!
Set up is at 6 Commercial Street next to Summer Feet Cycling. Each day we have sales, the timing is Booth setup: 8:30 followed by selling tickets from 9 – 12 noon. We really like to have 3 people each time in the booth.
Volunteers are reporting it's been great fun. Response is strong, and many raffle buyers are from other Rotarians visiting from around the country, or around the world.
Here are some photos of Portland Rotarians At Work! Bill Blount, Brian Nickerson, Patty Byers, Dave Putnam, Larry Gross, Bruce Jones, Charlie Frair, John Thompson, Bill Milliken and Tom Talbott. That's Bill's motorcycle, which drew a lot of attention, particularly when people thought that was a raffle prize!
BITS AND PIECES:
STILL TIME TO PACK TODAY! Today, Wed, Sept 18th, 2pm!
The Boys and Girls Club needs your help! Community Service is looking for 8-10 volunteers to help hand out backpacks at the Boys and Girls club in Portland. The backpacks are already stuffed with back-to-school supplies.
GLOBAL GRANT UPDATE: It was a busy week of fundraising for the Global Grant. Roger and Patty took the roadshow to the Westbrook-Gorham Club for their Tuesday luncheon and were delighted to meet Eil Small, son of our own Dave Small. Eli is a new member of the Westbrook Club. On Thursday, Roger and Patty were at the Bridgton-Lakes Club breakfast meeting, where they met with Dr. Robert Chagrasulas. Dr. Bob was a founding member of the Bridgton Club, the club that started the first water filter project at the Good Samaritan Hospital in the Dominican Republic, and it was Dr. Bob who introduced Roger to Moises, the director of Good Sam and now our partner in the Global Grant. They also met Aaron Hagan, the son-in-law of our own much beloved George Crockett, who was a champion of International Service. (Photo: Roger, Patty, and Dr.Bob!)
NEW MAINERS: Tim Donnellon leads the New Mainer Task Force. Volunteers are requested to help families transitioning into the community and to assist at community clinics for refugees and asylum seekers, scheduled at the Portland Library. Contact Tim for more information.
PUBLIC SPEAKING: Mary Pat Donnellon is requesting 5-7 volunteers for two hours on September 26, 5-7 pm to help people who have disabilities to receive public speaking training. This program needs “one-on-one” volunteers. Contact Mary Pat Donnellon for information.
CLEAN UP: Jim Vicenzi is leading an environmental stewardship clean up on Friday September 20th, to volunteer with the Maine Island Trail Association. The plan is to go to Little Chebeague Island. Meet a Portland East End Boat Launch, launch at 9am, return at 3pm. Check with Jim for full information, and you can email Jim here!
Last Week's Meeting: A Special Offsite Meeting at the Salvation Army ARC
| by David Patterson
This past week, approximately 30 members of our Rotary club ventured offsite for a truly memorable meeting at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) on Preble Street in Portland. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and hospitality of the Salvation Army team made us feel right at home. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of community and shared purpose, setting the stage for an inspiring afternoon. (Photo, Major Keith Jache)
Honoring Service with the "Others" Award
The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the prestigious "Others" Award to several of our esteemed club members. This award is deeply rooted in the history of the Salvation Army. In the early 1900s, General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, sought to send a message of encouragement and direction to his officers worldwide. In a succinct yet profound one-word telegram, he conveyed his message: "Others." This encapsulated the essence of their mission—to serve others selflessly.
Continuing this tradition, the Salvation Army bestows the "Others" Award upon individuals or organizations that exemplify an extraordinary spirit of service to others, not only through support of the Salvation Army but also within the broader community. It was a moment of immense pride to see members of our Rotary club recognized for their unwavering commitment to service. Major Stewart Dalrymple presented the award to Portland Rotary Club President Patty Byers. (Photo)
Spotlight on Our Honorees!
Mark Stimson:
A longstanding pillar in both the Rotary and the Salvation Army communities, Mark's contributions span decades. Joining our Rotary club in 1967, he served as president from 1979 to 1980 and is a five-time Paul Harris Fellow. His musical talents have enriched many events, from local lounges to the Ken McKenzie Show on WGAN. At the Salvation Army, Mark organized programs delivering meals to shut-ins and served as chair of the Advisory Board. Accompanied by his wife, Connie, Mark's dedication embodies the spirit of the "Others" Award.
Bob Trail: (posthumously): Remembered as a "workhorse, not a show horse," Bob's 40 years of service left an indelible mark on our community. Serving as our club president from 1990 to 1991, he was deeply involved in initiatives like assisting children at Lyseth Elementary School with reading. A World War II Marine, Bob also chaired the Salvation Army Advisory Board and was honored with a life membership. His thoughtful leadership and relentless dedication continue to inspire us all.
Dr. Roger Fagan:
An audiologist and Rotarian, Dr. Fagan has transformed countless lives through his work. Since founding a donated hearing aid program in India in 1992, he and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Fagan, a speech-language pathologist, have extended their services to the Dominican Republic since 2002. Their efforts have opened up worlds of sound to those who might otherwise live in silence, particularly children. In a touching moment, Mark Dion, Mayor of Portland presented Dr. Fagan with the key to the city, acknowledging his profound impact both locally and abroad. (Photo- Mayor Mark Dion and Roger Fagan. We are sending best thoughts and wishes for the Roger's wife and fellow Rotarian Liz Fagan, who was unable to attend the meeting for health reasons. Liz's efforts were equally as "key" in all of the successful accomplishments with the Dominican Republic program. Get well Liz!)
Exploring the Salvation Army's Programs
During the meeting, we were given an insightful overview of the Salvation Army's multifaceted programs:
Tools for Life: This initiative offers career and job skill classes, empowering individuals to overcome challenging situations. One testimonial highlighted how the program builds trust and equips participants with the education needed to succeed in society.
Youth Programs: Critical to community development, these programs bring together children of all ages and backgrounds. Through activities like music classes, they not only nurture talent but also foster unity and confidence among the youth.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes: Recognizing the vital importance of language in accessing opportunities, the Salvation Army provides ESL classes to help new Americans communicate effectively, find employment, and integrate into society.
Camp Sebago: A haven for children, Camp Sebago offers a safe space for kids to be themselves, build friendships, and experience the joys of camp life. Many attendees shared heartfelt memories of their time at camp, emphasizing its lasting positive influence.
Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC): With a focus on helping individuals overcome substance abuse, the ARC provides support and resources for men to get clean, reconnect with their families, and reintegrate into society.
A Call to Action
The Salvation Army's commitment to serving without discrimination—welcoming all who need assistance regardless of background—is both inspiring and humbling. Their programs address essential needs in our community, from basic necessities to personal development.
However, as was emphasized during the meeting, these efforts rely heavily on community support. Donations and volunteer work are the lifeblood of these programs. The Salvation Army encouraged us to partner with them, whether through financial contributions or by lending our time to initiatives like the coffee window, after-school programs, or summer camps.
Closing Reflections
As we concluded the meeting, there was a palpable sense of gratitude and motivation among our members. We were reminded of the profound impact that dedicated service can have on individuals and the community at large. The stories shared, the honors bestowed upon our fellow Rotarians, and the insights into the Salvation Army's work left us inspired to continue embodying the principle of "Service Above Self."
A heartfelt thank you to the Salvation Army team for hosting us and for the incredible work they do every day. Let us carry forward the spirit of "Others" in our ongoing efforts within the Rotary and beyond.
New Member - Second Notice: Joseph Mindard has applied for membership. He is the Director of Gary's House in Portland and lives in Sanford. He's looking forward to expanding his charitable work beyond what he does today to support the Scarborough High School Track and Field team. He enjoys Coaching, Golf and Football. Nannette Ranger-Duncanson is his sponsor. After this publication, his application will be voted on by the Board of Directors.
Speaker Schedule
September 27 - Margo Walsh - United Recovery Fund
October 4 - Patty Byers and Laura Young - Club Visioning Update
October 11 - Brooke Haley - Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Act
October 17 - Thursday Night Social Event
October 18 - No Meeting
October 25 - Cary Tyson - Portland Downtown
Club Executives
President Patty Byers President Elect John Thompson Vice President Justin Lamontagne TreasurerDick Hall Secretary Tom Nickerson Board of Directors Dick Hall, Quinn Slayton, Zachary Newell, David Ertz,
This Thursday Night, September 19th, 5:30-7:30p, please join us at the home of Patty and Reid Byers for an evening of drinks, dinner, and lawn games organized by the Social Committees of the Portland and Portland Sunrise Satellite Clubs!
Parking: Street parking available in designated Visitor Parking spaces and on all streets in the condo complex (but please don't park in the cul-de-sac circles, as per the Portland Fire department regulations).
With one of the best streaks of weather we can remember, happy tourists are landing at the Portland docks and are gobbling up our raffle tickets! Our fundraiser is going very well so far. As of Tues 9/17, have $5842 in sales from 13 dates, and we have 29 dates still to go. To get us there, we need volunteers to help at our booth! 
This past week, approximately 30 members of our Rotary club ventured offsite for a truly memorable meeting at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) on Preble Street in Portland. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and hospitality of the Salvation Army team made us feel right at home. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of community and shared purpose, setting the stage for an inspiring afternoon. (Photo, Major Keith Jache)
The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the prestigious "Others" Award to several of our esteemed club members. This award is deeply rooted in the history of the Salvation Army. In the early 1900s, General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, sought to send a message of encouragement and direction to his officers worldwide. In a succinct yet profound one-word telegram, he conveyed his message: "Others." This encapsulated the essence of their mission—to serve others selflessly.
Mark Stimson:
Bob Trail: (posthumously): Remembered as a "workhorse, not a show horse," Bob's 40 years of service left an indelible mark on our community. Serving as our club president from 1990 to 1991, he was deeply involved in initiatives like assisting children at Lyseth Elementary School with reading. A World War II Marine, Bob also chaired the Salvation Army Advisory Board and was honored with a life membership. His thoughtful leadership and relentless dedication continue to inspire us all.
Dr. Roger Fagan:
New Member - Second Notice: Joseph Mindard has applied for membership. He is the Director of Gary's House in Portland and lives in Sanford. He's looking forward to expanding his charitable work beyond what he does today to support the Scarborough High School Track and Field team. He enjoys Coaching, Golf and Football. Nannette Ranger-Duncanson is his sponsor. .png)
