Our Speaker for this Friday is Paul Brown, Lead Physical Therapist for Back In Motion Physical Therapy, South Portland. He will discuss the subject – Importance of Physical Therapy for the Management of Arthritis.
In 1986 Paul obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University. Since that year he has held positions as a Physical Therapist in a hospital, in medical services companies and as the Lead Physical Therapist for Back In Motion in South Portland.
During the years from 1986 until the present Paul has taken continuing education courses in therapeutic approach to the major parts of the body such as the spine, shoulder, lower extremity pain and the nervous system. He is an expert in rehabilitation exercise.
Since the year 2000 Paul has provided valuable volunteer service first to the Beach-to-Beacon Race as an Organizing Committee member. Beginning in 2013, he has also been a Hydration Station Captain at Miles 14, 16 and 22 for the annual BAA Boston Marathon. In that position he has been responsible for overseeing from 52 to 84 volunteers in the setup and delivery of hydration fluids.
David Clough introduced our Rotary speaker, Erin Ovalle, the host of Maine Life, a television program that can be seen Sunday mornings on Channel 6 in Portland and Channel 2 in Bangor. The program is about Maine people and what makes Maine a special place to live. Erin describes the show as being on air, online and on the road highlighting all the beautiful places and people in Maine. Past episodes are available online at mainelifemedia.com.
Erin began her presentation with a promo for her 3rd season of the program and then discussed how she came to Maine in 2008 from Florida. She was able to secure jobs as a morning news anchor at WGME and later at WMTW. She described how she had a “lightbulb moment” when, as a morning anchor, she realized she was only telling negative or sensationalized stories and missing what she knew were the off-the-beaten-path discoveries and stories from hard working Maine people.
In 2016, she left her morning news anchor position and started Maine Life. Ms. Ovalle loves doing what might derisively be referred to in the news industry as “fluff pieces,” but to her are more important and entertaining than the typical morning news stories. Where else, she asks, could she have the privilege of interviewing Julia Clukey, the Olympic Luger from Maine, and then have coffee with Maine Senator Susan Collins.
She describes her show as the best job she’s ever had in that she no longer has to follow the national news story motto of “if it bleeds, it leads.” Although she works about 5 jobs to make a living, she has fallen in love with Maine and is actively involved in the community and enjoying all that Maine has to offer.
(Photo: President Don Zillman, Erin Ovalle and David Clough.)
With President Don Zillman calling us to order Tom Nickerson offered a poem, source unknown, titled “Seldom Put Into Words.” Its meaning- we may not put our friendships into words, but should value them every day. Our Guest Speaker, Erin Ovalle led us in the Pledge, and Past President Russ Burleigh tapped out “God Bless America” on the ivories.
President Don welcomed 4 visiting guests, 53 members, saluted 14 May Birthdays, and congratulated 4 anniversaries for joining Rotary. Don also thanked all the members who were working behind the scenes to make today’s meeting run smoothly.
Past President Kris Rosado announced that 150 trees had been distributed to club members, all part of RI’s commitment to have a tree planted for all 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide. He moved right into an update on the Maine Outdoor Challenge, now up to 34 teams....striving for 45. Dave Seddon is looking for 4 teammates – give him a call! 2nd VP Amy Chipman added to Kris’s comments by promoting the MOC Raffle, featuring a $500 LL Bean Gift Certificate. 1 Ticket for $10, 3 for $20. Packs of 15 are available after the meeting for members to pick up and sell. Go get ‘em!
Jan Chapman welcomed Linda Freeman, Dir. Of College Counseling and Student Services for Maine Girls Academy. Linda was here to introduce our Student of the Month, Naissa Asaro. Naissa was “an easy choice” according to Linda, because of her dedication to service and the community. Accepting the award, Naissa spoke passionately about her love of service, and proudly donating her $100 to Youth Corp, in support or accountability for youth who have broken the law.
Around the world we go! 1st VP John Curran is back from Kosovo, traveling there with a Rotary contingent led by Roger and Liz Fagan. John reported that they had provided 32 patients with prosthetic hands, and 75 with hearing aids. The trip explored longer term relationships in the area that was once under communist rule. Located in Southeast Europe, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The area has a very active Rotary presence. Something to build on.
(Photo at left: Dr. Roger and Liz Fagan doing TV interview.)
(Photo at right: Dr. Roger Fagan and Prime Minister of Kosovo.)
If you have any electronics that can be recycled, take them on May 12 to the Falmouth Center parking lot, 9a-1p. This is a fundraiser for the Falmouth club. Donations for each item dropped off is appreciated, but not necessary.
We need volunteers to assist the Food Locker program on May 21 at Blue Cross Blue Shield from 12:30-6pm. Groceries have been organized and bagged. Our job would be to greet and assist people who are in to utilize the program. The goal is help de-stigmatize the process of a free food distribution program, as there truly are people who need this assistance. For more information, please talk to Elise Hodgkin right away!
President Don noted that Dave Seddon had informed him of a very successful outing at Allagash Brewing, raising $1500. $400 has been provided to our CHE program – Childhood Hunger & Education. Nice!
Charlie Frair provided some insight into our Communications Committee, and its importance to the club. First, our weekly Windjammer, with the hard work of our Editor and the stories of our weekly reporters. Next, our website, with various webmasters keeping it updated. Last, the Public Relations arm, with special thanks to Linda Varrell. Linda’s company, Broadreach, has offered 2 associates, who will work with us to write stories on our behalf to be posted on our Facebook page. We need 2-3 people who can set up a structure to funnel the information through. If you are interested, please contact Linda at: lindav@broadreachpr.com!
Raffle… it grows, and will keep growing because John Houghton was kind enough to pull the Seven of Hearts, which pays zippo! Only the Queen of Hearts is redeemable for cash, which will top $500 next week.
Each year Portland Sunrise Rotary holds its Party With a Purpose fundraiser auction for Maine Children's Cancer Program. In this their 20th year, they've set the goal of raising a record $50,000, and would like to invite you to be part of it.
This magnificent annual event takes place at the gorgeous DiMillo's Restaurant in downtown Portland, with sweeping views of the Portland Harbor. This year they've moved the event to May 16th, 5:30-8:30 pm, so that we can better enjoy the beautiful views.
Items in this year's live auction include a photo safari in Africa, a diamond necklace and Tag Heuer men's watch from Springer's Jewelers, catered lunch in the tower at Victoria Mansion, a week's stay in Tuscany, and more! There's also a silent auction packed with amazing jewelry, artwork, and one-of-a-kind experiences. All this with complimentary food, beer, and wine, for just $30 per person. Best of all, proceeds benefit the unequaled work of Maine Children's Cancer Program, through Portland Sunrise Rotary.
Invocation: Charlie Frair Program Reporter: Bob Martin Bits & Pieces Reporter: Dick Hall Registration/Greeter: Tom Nickerson Sell Meal Tickets: Patty Erickson Raffle: Jerry Angier Collect Meal Tickets: Stephanie Joyce Sgt-at-Arms (Setup): Russell Voss Sgt-at-Arms (Take Down): Dave Putnam
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 to the appropriate projects.
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.