banner
Russell Hampton
ClubRunner
Speakers
Nov 10, 2017
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
Nov 17, 2017
Nov 24, 2017
Dec 01, 2017
Dec 08, 2017
Dec 15, 2017
Dec 22, 2017
Dec 29, 2017
View entire list
Executives & Directors
President
 
First Vice President
 
Second Vice President
 
Treasurer
 
Secretary
 
Immediate Past President
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Director Term End 2018
 
Director Term End 2018
 
Director Term End 2019
 
Director Term End 2019
 
Community Service Chair
 
International Service Chair
 
Vocational Service Chair
 
Youth Service Chair
 
Rotary Foundation Chair
 
Club Protection Officer
 
Vision Champion
 
Communications-WJ Bulletin Ed
 
Communications-PR External
 
Constitution/ByLaws Chair
 
Fund Raising Chair
 
Good Cheer Chair
 
Invocation Chair
 
Meeting Day Chair
 
Music Committee Chair
 
Program Chair
 
Membership Chair
 
Web Administrator
 
Administrative Coordinator
 
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Portland, Maine!
Portland Rotary
Service Above Self
We meet Fridays at 12:15 PM
Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
88 Spring Street
Portland, ME  04101
United States
DistrictSiteIcon District Site
VenueMap Venue Map
Rotary This Week
 
SPECIAL VETERANS'
APPRECIATION LUNCH
Portland Rotary
meets November 10, 2017 at the
Italian Heritage Center
40 Westland Avenue, Portland
 
*11/10/17 3rd Annual Special Veterans' Appreciation Lunch
Friday, November 10, 2017
Portland Rotary will host a
Special Veterans'
Appreciation Lunch
at the Italian Heritage Center
40 Westland Ave., Portland 
 
Join us in honoring the men and women
who have served our country.
 
Please arrive early - check in begins 11:30 a.m.
Program will begin at 12:00 p.m.
 
Our keynote speaker is
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
 
All veterans are our guests and their meals are complimentary.
The cost for all other attendees is $20.
Please pay at the door...cash and checks only.
 
Required pre-registrations.
 
11/03/17 Dr. James Herbert, UNE President

In Dr. James Herbert, President University of New England we found someone who not only is leading one of Maine’s top schools, but someone who seems very willing to go to work for Maine’s Tourism Board. Migrating to Maine from Philadelphia, Dr. Herbert is in love with our state, and though fully admitting he was from away, yearns to be called a Maine-ah!  

Herbert spoke about the core values that UNE shares with Rotary’s 4-Way Test. Service. Integrity. Diversity. UNE has stayed true to the roots of the founding schools – St. Francis College and Westbrook College, both of which were proudly known for providing access to higher education to the community. A century ago, St. Francis reached out to those working in the nearby mills, and Westbrook was recognized for its high percentage of women who sought a college education.

Many UNE students who have financial needs are supported by Federal Pell Grants. Herbert noted that in the application process, student test scores (SAT’s etc.) are recorded and studied to predict future income potential and earnings. He observed that UNE students are well above the curve in their return on investment, in fact the best school in the state of Maine in that regard. He feels this is due primarily to their offering of studies that are very career oriented, as opposed to a broader based liberal arts programs that have more of a focus on the arts, economics, and language.

(Photo L-R: President Don Zillman, Dr. James Herbert and Bob Martin.)

UNE is proud to have Maine’s only medical and dental schools, which includes pharmacy, nursing, and other health occupations. The contribution to the Maine economy is vibrant, with an annual impact of over 1 billion dollars stemming from 12,000 students and 1300 employees. The impact is felt through unique partnerships, such as the dental school’s ties to Delta Dental. Students who graduate are incentivized to set up practices in rural parts of Maine in return for reductions in their student loans.

UNE has two Maine campuses, Biddeford and Portland, as well as Tangier, Morocco. Understanding that a high percentage of UNE students were from small Maine communities with little or no exposure to the world stage, the Moroccan campus opened in 2014. With the dollar going much further, UNE was able to build a facility with two new buildings at an extremely low cost. Keeping in step with the school’s science and medical curriculum, the campus features excellent science and technical labs, so students can continue with their majors, while at the same time explore an entirely different culture at no extra cost. Most students describe it as a life-changing experience.

Though it is well-positioned, Dr. Herbert outlined the challenges that lie ahead.  Maine continues to lag at the bottom of states in the number of HS students who go on to higher education. Not only does that need to improve, but it also means that the University must continue to expand its reach. This includes NY, mid-Atlantic states, as well as internationally. Other issues include students and parents who question the high costs of college, and the advantages and growing popularity of online degrees. Herbert also noted the staggering level of regulations and accountability from state and federal legislature, growing demands of students for a holistic experience, as well as the effect of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence and the effect that they are having on the job market. Though each concern is a hurdle, Dr. Herbert feels exceedingly strong about UNE’s positioning in the marketplace.

For more information on the programs, campuses, facilities, and student life, please visit: www.une.org.
 

11/03/17 Bits & Pieces

President Don Zillman opened the meeting by welcoming 56 members and 3 guests. Kathy Grammer provided us with our invocation, thanking all those who assisted in getting our power restored after the recent storm-related outage (including CMP workers, fire, police and others that assisted). After the Pledge of Allegiance, Kathy also led us in singing "God Bless America."


President Don told us of the passing of long-time member Austin Harris (photo at left) and we honored him with a moment of silence. Past President Bob Traill then spoke eloquently of his and Past President Jim Willey's recent visit with Austin and the bestowing on him of his 6th Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Bob spoke of how upbeat Austin was for the visit, trading Rotary stories and having a chocolate chip cookie.


Gracie Johnston spoke about the upcoming volunteer opportunity at St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen for the Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, November 22nd. We have lots of volunteers, but more are always helpful and will make the job go easier. Pleaswe contact Gracie at: gracie.johnston@wcsh6.com  or 939-0315.


Paul Tully brought us up to date on the annual Veterans’ Appreciation Lunch (November 10th). Over $11,000 has been raised for the event and 225 veterans and friends have registered to attend, but we are hoping that number will rise to 300 for this very special event. Over 60 Rotarians have volunteered to help and Paul asks that volunteers report by 10:30 that morning. He reminds us that arriving early is on-time; arriving on-time means being late; and being late is inexcusable. If you just plan to attend the meeting, please be there by 11:30, as you’ll need to have time to go through the “check-in” process.


Dr. Roger Fagan urged all Rotarians to check the outstanding hearing aid boxes in the local communities and get the units to Roger. This is especially important as some hearing aids destined for the Dominican Republic were recently stolen, so the need is even greater. Roger also noted another volunteer opportunity for Rotarians, as indicated by a flyer left on the tables, outlining help needed to load a container bound for Africa containing needed crutches and medical equipment that have been donated. This effort is on November 18th and teams of help are needed at 9:30 to work for 2 hours and at 10:30 to work until 12:30. The location is 20 Gooch Street, Biddeford and the contact person is Dennis Robillard (486-0043).


Steve Mortimer indicated the Visioning Survey results are being tabulated and will be discussed at a Club Assembly scheduled for December 8th. Eric Greven reminded us that on November 17th, there will be a shoe drive for the Preble Street Resource Center — bring your gently used or new shoes or boots to the meeting for the benefit of the less fortunate in our city.


Ben Millick reminded us that the next Portland Rotary Happy Hour is at Foulmouth Brewing located at 15 Ocean Street, South Portland. It is scheduled for Wednesday, November 15th at 5:30. Come and join fellow Rotarians for a fun and informative event.

 


The weekly Rotary Raffle conducted by Deb Lavoie was up to $1,042. With his name being picked, Past President Bob Traill graciously picked the 6 of Hearts – leaving the sum to be even larger next week. Sorry Bob!
 

Editorial Correction
CORRECTION TO THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Our 1st Vice President John Curran's name was erroneously omitted from the list of this important committee. Our apologies to John.
 

This year's Nominating Committee was announced by Chair - Past President Laura Young. The members, who will select candidates for a number of leadership positions will consist of 1st VP John Curran2nd VP Amy Chipman, Past President Bowen Depke, Past President Kris Rosado, Mike Fortunato, and Kathy Grammer. If you would like to discuss any potential club leaders with any of these members, please do so. Nominations will be presented to the club membership in December. 
 

Photo Corner & Rotarians in the News
Kodak moments:
 
We welcomed Tiel Duncan back after missing many meetings due to her vital role with the American Red Cross and their efforts in handling the many disaster-recovery projects. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Tiel and the American Red Cross!
 
Photo L-R: Tiel Duncan and Past President Laura Young.
 
 
 
This Week's Duty Assignments

Invocation:  Special Clergy
Program Reporter:  Bob Martin
Bits & Pieces Reporter:  Bob Martin
Registration/Greeter:  Special volunteers
Sell Meal Tickets:  Special volunteers
Raffle:  None
Badge Box:  None
Collect Meal Tickets:  None

Song Leader:  None
Keyboard Player:  Kathy Grammer
Sgt-at-Arms (Setup):  Travis Parker
Sgt-at-Arms (Take Down):  Travis Parker

 

Rotary Meeting Locations

If you would like to mark your calendars,
we are scheduled at the following locations
through December 2017:

2017
Nov 10 - Italian Heritage Center (Veterans' Lunch)
Nov 17 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Nov 24 - NO MEETING - HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Dec 01 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Dec 08 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay

Dec 15 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Dec 22 - NO MEETING - HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Dec 29 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay

Blue BOLD dates are scheduled Board meeting days.

Any questions, please contact Loretta at: lrowe@maine.rr.com
 

Item Donations Needed
The following items are needed on an on-going basis. Please feel free to bring them to a meeting where we will collect and distribute them.
 
Crutches4Africa - Crutches, canes, folding walkers and wheelchairs to be shipped to Africa.
 
Toiletries for the Shelters - Collect those tiny bottles of toiletries you are paying for during your next hotel visit and bring them home for members of our society who find themselves staying at a shelter and in need of personal hygiene products.
Volunteer Opportunities
Following is a list of our Club's volunteer projects. If you know of other opportunities, please contact Loretta: lrowe@maine.rr.com
 

                          When
Project              Who to Contact


Preble Street        4th Wednesday ea month
Resource Ctr        4-6:30 pm
Soup Kitchen        Gracie Johnston
                           gracie.johnston@wcsh6.com


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


THE LOCKER PROJECT
Reiche Elem.        Monday, Nov. 6

School                 4:45-6:0 p.m.
                          3 volunteers needed
                          Steve Phillips
                          info@mainelockerproject.org

East End C.S.      Monday, Nov. 13
                          4:15-5:45 p.m.
                          3 volunteers needed
                          
Steve Phillips
                          info@mainelockerproject.org


Crutches4Africa   Saturday, Nov. 18
                          9:30-11:30 a.m. 15 people
                          and

                          10:30-12:30 10 people
                          20 Gooch St., Biddeford
                          Dennis Robillard
                          468-0043 

 

Prospective Rotarians

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)                                                                           
Ben Jackson                North Yarmouth Academy
(Transferring Rotarian)

Thank you.