This Week's Program: Cara Valentino - The Dempsey Center
Cara Valentino is the Chief Executive Officer + President at the Dempsey Center, a Maine-based cancer care non-profit. Cara joined the Dempsey Center mission in November 2021 to expand the organization across Maine and she is grateful for the opportunity to be of greater service. Her earlier career included long tenures in finance, technology, and counterterrorism. She is a Certified Leadership and Gallup CliftonStrengths Certified Coach as well as a registered Yoga Teacher and a Certified Pilates and Barre Instructor.
In 2023, the Dempsey Center served more than 2,700 Mainers and individuals from 32 states and 4 countries with integrative healthcare services for cancer patients, as well as their loved ones—all at no-cost to clients.
The Dempsey Center offers three core, evidence-based services – Counseling and Support Groups, Integrative Therapies (like acupuncture, fitness, massage, nutrition, and Reiki), and Comfort + Wellbeing Programs (like education workshops, wig and headwear styling, and pet therapy) – at their three Maine-based locations and on their comprehensive virtual campus, Dempsey Connects.
Last Week's Speakers: Shawn Lewin and David Patch - "Maine Veterans In Need" | By Zach Newell
We welcomed Shawn and David, who shared with us their insight on the situation facing many veterans in Maine, a problem that is an iceburg -what we see is just a fraction of the problem.
Shawn is a member of the Boothbay Rotary Club, and David was a 25 year career Naval officer, who have been addressing this problem through the organization they formed, "Maine Veterans In Need".
Homelessness is a national crisis. In Maine in 2022 there were approximately 4,400 homeless on a given day with only 3621 beds available. David provided data that informed the Portland Rotary Club that Veterans are 50% more likely to be homeless, associated with substance abuse, poverty and a general lack of support systems. Approximately 13% of the homeless population are Veterans. This number includes 16,000 veterans who are unsheltered.
There are 138 veterans who are homeless in Maine. 77 of the 138 are in the system working with case workers. The US Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) offers some sort of immediate shelter. David explained that much of the shelter is contingent on sobriety and minimum income requirements. Many of those who are homeless go unreported.
Despite hearing of the high numbers of homeless veterans, David explains that the need is to offer more immediate assistance. Vulnerable veterans, not knowing who to turn to, often become part of the 22 veterans a day who die by suicide in the U.S. every day. The US government has put programs in place with many agencies receiving grants to help with this problem, but these agencies are typically available during normal working hours. Most agencies that might help veterans operate on a 9-5, 5 days a week schedule. There is a bureaucracy to navigate in order to provide adequate support. Veterans can experience a crisis at any time and often it is when there is no one they can turn to. David’s organization, Maine Veterans in Need (MVN) was started in 2020 to provide immediate support, 24/7. You can help support veterans in need – those who are experiencing homelessness and mental health issues by helping with a more coordinated effort by contacting Maine Veterans in Need at Maineveteransinneed@gmail.com L-R, David, Doreen, and Shawn.
Bits and Pieces | by Larry Gross
We had an energetic group of 33 Rotarians and guests join for last Friday’s meeting. Roast turkey, haddock, rice pilaf and salads were on the menu.
President Dick opened the meeting, inviting Peter Goffin to lead us in the Pledge. Dave Small provided an insightful invocation. Following our meal, President Dick called up Jan Chapman to introduce our guests: Major Keith Jacke from the Salvation Army, a guest of Jim Willey; Jud Dolphin, guest of Jan and Bruce; Mike Ross, a guest of Justin Lamontagne; and Cathy Douglas, Figgy and Basil DiBenedetto and Cathy Douglas from Wayneflete School.
SHARE HAPPY: President Dick started a round of Happy Dollars, recognizing Brian Nickerson for his regular extra assistance with a myriad of Early Sargent at Arms and Meeting Day duties. Jim Willey was happy his grandchildren are settling in in Thailand, Dave Snow celebrated getting his former residence under contract (with only a “slight” haircut, according to a satisfied Dave). Brian Nickerson announced that Jerry Angier is recovering at MMC. Peter Goffin and Patty Byers were happy to report uneventful visits for surgery (Peter) and the Emergency Department (Patty’s spouse, Reid) recently.
RAFFLE HAPPY: Dave Patterson stepped up to conduct the Raffle (a $230 pot). Our guest speaker, having stepped out, Dave was asked to select a lucky Rotarian from the pile of tickets in the can. Amazingly, Dave managed to pick his own name, and then, under the close scrutiny of President Dick and Club members, proceeded to draw the Queen of Hearts from the deck!! A feat of incredible legerdemain right before our very eyes! An audience wag was heard to comment: “The House always wins!
STUDENT OF THE MONTH: Ellen Niewoehner invited Cathy Douglas from Wayneflete to introduce us to Basil DiBenedetto, this year’s outstanding student honoree. After a high school tenure filled with academic achievements and volunteer community and school service activities, Basil will spend a summer internship at the Maine State Housing Authority before heading off to McAllister College in Minnesota this fall. Ellen presented Basil with a $1,000 award from our Club. Basil chose “Maine Needs” as the beneficiary of the Club’s honorary gift. L-R, Cathy, Basil, Figgy, and Ellen.
SHRED THE DREAD! Larry Gross announced Saturday June 15th as the date of the Club’s “Shred the Dread” documents shredding event. It will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the TD Bank branch at 262 Allen Ave in Portland. Larry noted that a large shredding truck has been secured for the event, but he needs 8-10 members to help manage the traffic flow and to assist in taking bags and boxes from the drive-thru area to the truck. A donation of $5/bag and $10/box of documents to be shredded is suggested. Please let Larry know if you can help for a few hours on June 15th or are willing to spread the word and build participation in the event.
SUMMER READING: Bob Clark announced that Sylvie Montello, our long time point person at Lyseth School will retire from Portland Public Schools this year. She will be missed! The Club is working on a recognition ceremony to honor Sylvie at a future Club meeting. Stay tuned! Bob is also looking to add to his cadre of Rotary Club summer reading volunteers. If you are interested in helping, for just a day or longer, please give Bob a call. It’s an easy half hour and fun time with some very charming youngsters. Join the reading crew!
WELCOME MIKE ROSS! Justin Lamontagne introduced Mike Ross as a new Club member. Mike is employed by M&T Bank and comes to us with extensive community volunteer service with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, and as a volunteer lacrosse coach. Mike lives in Dayton with his wife and daughter. Welcome to Portland Rotary, Mike!
MAP PAINTED! Nannette Duncanson thanked the dozen or so Club members who dedicated six hours over the April 13/14 weekend to bring a large and colorful United States map to the Amanda Rowe School playground. She and President Dick were there last Monday morning when the kids returned from school vacation week to see the surprise addition to their school yard. Nannette expects we will be fielding calls from other Portland schools soon!
MUD AUCTION SUCCESS: Tom Talbott was pleased to announce that the Mud Sale raised $3,500 to support the Club’s charitable fund. He thanked all those who donated and helped promote the items sold through the sale. A big thank you to Tom for making this event such a success!
HAPPY TRAILS: Ellen Niewoehner conducted a quick survey of Club members on behalf of Jim Vicenzi to solicit interest in a mid-week island clean up day sometime this season with the Maine Island Trails Institute. Boat ride to the island work site is included. Six hands quickly went up, filling one work boat. Reach out to Jim Vicenzi if interested in joining the project.
SOCIAL FUN: Lastly, President Dick gave a big thank you to Jake Bourdeau for organizing a fun Club social event at the Apex Racket & Fitness Center on April 18th. There was fellowship, wallyball and ping pong, and many pizzas and beverages consumed. President Dick also extended a thanks to the twelve Club members who attended the recent District Assembly. A solid contingent from the Portland Rotary Club.
NEW MEMBER NOTIFICATIONS:
Second Notice: Major Keith Jache, Area Coordinator for the Salvation Army in Portland, has applied for Membership. Keith is sponsored by Jim Willey. He is a former Rotarian (Barre, VT) and is looking forward to continuing his involvement with community service projects. Keith enjoys the outdoors - hiking, kayaking, and fishing. After this publication, his application will be voted on by the Board of Directors.
If any Portland Rotarian would like to offer a comment on a proposal, please send it to our Club President,dickhall7780@gmail.com. It will be shared with the Board of Directors prior to a vote on the application.
Speaker Schedule:
May 10 - New Members Presentation
May 17 - Norman O'Reilly UMaine Graduate School of Business
May 24th - Club Social TBD during week. No Friday Meeting
May 31 - Jared Cash, President and CEO George Mitchell Institute
June 6 - Thursday Night Rotary Social
June 7 - No Meeting
June 14- Carolyn Nishon. Executive Director Portland Symphony Orchestra
June 21 - Mike Roughton, Exec. Dir. Association of Maine Manafacturers
June 28, Dick Hall, Year in Review, Office Changeover
Club Executives President Dick Hall President Elect Patty Byers Vice President John Thompson TreasurerDick Hall Secretary Tom Nickerson Board of Directors Bruce Jones,
Ben Millick, Quinn Slayton, Zachary Newell,
David Ertz, Maggie McGauley Sergeant-At-ArmsJake Bourdeau
The Windjammer is published online by
The Rotary Club of Portland, Maine.
Contributing Editors Jake Bourdeau, Larry Gross,
Erik Jorgensen, Julie L’Heureux,
Ben Lowry, Zach Newell, Bruce Moore,
Tom Nickerson, Dave Patterson,
Tom Talbott, Laura Young
Program Chair Doreen Rockstrom
4th Quarter Chair Roxane Cole Managing Editor Tom Talbott
Cara Valentino is the Chief Executive Officer + President at the Dempsey Center, a Maine-based cancer care non-profit. Cara joined the Dempsey Center mission in November 2021 to expand the organization across Maine and she is grateful for the opportunity to be of greater service. Her earlier career included long tenures in finance, technology, and counterterrorism. She is a Certified Leadership and Gallup CliftonStrengths Certified Coach as well as a registered Yoga Teacher and a Certified Pilates and Barre Instructor.
RAFFLE HAPPY: Dave Patterson stepped up to conduct the Raffle (a $230 pot). Our guest speaker, having stepped out, Dave was asked to select a lucky Rotarian from the pile of tickets in the can. Amazingly, Dave managed to pick his own name, and then, under the close scrutiny of President Dick and Club members, proceeded to draw the Queen of Hearts from the deck!! A feat of incredible legerdemain right before our very eyes! An audience wag was heard to comment: “The House always wins!
SHRED THE DREAD! Larry Gross announced Saturday June 15th as the date of the Club’s “Shred the Dread” documents shredding event. It will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the TD Bank branch at 262 Allen Ave in Portland. Larry noted that a large shredding truck has been secured for the event, but he needs 8-10 members to help manage the traffic flow and to assist in taking bags and boxes from the drive-thru area to the truck. A donation of $5/bag and $10/box of documents to be shredded is suggested. Please let Larry know if you can help for a few hours on June 15th or are willing to spread the word and build participation in the event.
SUMMER READING: Bob Clark announced that Sylvie Montello, our long time point person at Lyseth School will retire from Portland Public Schools this year. She will be missed! The Club is working on a recognition ceremony to honor Sylvie at a future Club meeting. Stay tuned! Bob is also looking to add to his cadre of Rotary Club summer reading volunteers. If you are interested in helping, for just a day or longer, please give Bob a call. It’s an easy half hour and fun time with some very charming youngsters. Join the reading crew!
MAP PAINTED! Nannette Duncanson thanked the dozen or so Club members who dedicated six hours over the April 13/14 weekend to bring a large and colorful United States map to the Amanda Rowe School playground. She and President Dick were there last Monday morning when the kids returned from school vacation week to see the surprise addition to their school yard. Nannette expects we will be fielding calls from other Portland schools soon!
HAPPY TRAILS: Ellen Niewoehner conducted a quick survey of Club members on behalf of Jim Vicenzi to solicit interest in a mid-week island clean up day sometime this season with the Maine Island Trails Institute. Boat ride to the island work site is included. Six hands quickly went up, filling one work boat. Reach out to Jim Vicenzi if interested in joining the project.
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