Jon Jennings was appointed City Manager of Portland in July, 2015, after serving as assistant city manager for the city of South Portland for two years. The city manager’s position, along with the city clerk and city attorney, are appointed by the City Council. The city manager appoints and manages all other city department heads.
As the chief administrative officer of the city, the manager’s primary responsibilities include providing and maintaining the essential city services through the efficient and effective management and operation of the city under the direction of the mayor and City Council. The city manager executes the policy direction set by the Mayor and City Council through the management of 13 city departments and approximately 1,400 employees. Responsibilities include preparing and administering the annual budget, directing day-to-day operations, hiring, supervising, evaluating and disciplining personnel, developing and administering city policies and procedures, and ensuring citizen complaints are resolved.
Jon’s background is diverse. His government experience includes serving as a senior advisor for the Clinton White House Office of Cabinet Affairs, managing Sen. John Kerry’s political operations in Massachusetts. In 2004, he failed in his bid for Indiana’s 8th District congressional seat as a conservative Democrat, losing to incumbent Rep. John Hostettler. As an entrepreneur, he was president and co-owner of the Portland Red Claws, a general partner of the Thompson’s Point Development company, and a partner in the Red Mango Frozen Yogurt store in Maine Mall.
He attended Indiana University where he was a student manager for the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team, and while still in school, was hired by the Indiana Pacers as a scout and video coordinator. His career in basketball culminated in 2010 when he was named as the first NBA D-League Executive of the Year. Jennings has a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.
(Photo: President Laura Young, Attorney General Janet Mills, and Bob Martin.)
After a wonderful introduction by Bob Martin – who also explained the common law origin of Attorney General from its roots in England, Attorney General Janet Mills began her discussion by emphasizing her own Rotary heritage. AG Mills was a former Rotarian in Farmington, having inherited the Rotary bug from both her father and grandfather. She even cited the Four-Way Test and lamented that many thorny issues could be more easily be tackled if most public officials believed in the Four-Way Test.
AG Mills stated that her office is the largest law firm in the state and is currently handling over 2,000 child protection matters. She discussed the problem of drug abuse on our population – including children – and noted that the infant mortality rate in Maine is actually increasing.
The Maine Attorney General’s Office also contains the Consumer Protection Division where 28 volunteer consumer complaint mediators work on referred cases dealing with automobile complaints, landlord/tenant matters, fraud and other issues. AG Mills stated with pride that $704,000 was collected by her office as restitution for consumers through lawsuits against some well known companies.
(Photo: Michel Kanyambo and Attorney General Janet Mills.)
AG Mills spent much of her talk focusing on the drug epidemic here in Maine. She praised the Portland Press Herald’s recent 10-part series on drug addiction. She informed us that last year’s drug overdose death toll was 376 – a 40% increase of overdose deaths from the previous year. Many of these deaths were related to opioids (prescription narcotics) – such as oxcycodone, fentanyl, hydrocodone and many others.
Proposed solutions include: mental health assistance for teenagers, expanding our health insurance to better cover drug addiction, prescription take-back programs, more public education, including public service announcements and greater drug education in schools. For dealing with prescription painkiller abuse, AG Mills is in favor of limiting how long opioids can be prescribed -- depending on the type of pain.
AG Mills supports making Narcan – a drug that reverses the effect of opioid overdose, more available. She was critical of Gov. Paul LePage’s comments about Narcan that suggest people get what they deserve. She stated that as Maine’s top law enforcement official, she allocated state resources to make Narcan more available to police departments resulting in the saving of 108 lives.
This is a problem that affects everyone in one way or another. If you haven’t been directly impacted, you probably know of a friend, co-worker or other acquaintance that has suffered. The trend is getting worse with no signs of slowing down. We must all do our part to be more informed about this scourge here in Maine and across the nation.
For more facts about opioid addiction, she also suggested the website: DoseofRealtyMaine.org.
President Laura Young welcomed all on a day of the-hint-of-oncoming-Spring-weather to the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay with 72 members, 2 visiting Rotarians and 6 guests.
Our invocation was an original poem dedication to Rotary written by Alan Nye:
"The snow is melting, Spring may finally be here; We're almost finished Laura's Rotary year; Much has been accomplished by our Rotary Club, But much work still remains – that's always the rub.
We should each be proud when we do a good deed, Never forgetting that service to others is part of our creed. Let's give thanks at this meeting for our friends and this food, And be glad for the Spring weather to brighten our mood!"
We pledged Allegiance to our Flag and sang our patriotic song, accompanied on the keyboard by Russ Burleigh. President Laura then thanked all of the committee members responsible for making our weekly meeting possible.
We had fun singing “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover,” led by "The Four-Leaf Clovers" – Gracie Johnston, Amy Chipman, Kathy Grammer and Alan Nye – with Russ Burleigh tickling the keyboard ivories.
The typical Irish luck of Paul Gore did not bring out the Queen of Hearts in the dwindling number of cards (10) for the $1,784 raffle pot. Some lucky winner is expected anytime!
We sang “Happy Birthday!” for all April-born Rotarians! And wished "Congratulations!" to all members who joined Rotary during the month of April throughout the years. (See separate article in this edition.)
Liz Fagan gave a report about the Hearing, Hands and H2O (3-H) project in the Dominican Republic (DR). This year’s International Service Committee volunteers will leave on April 30th and be in the DR during the first week of May. Donations to the program were received from the Rotary Clubs of Brunswick and South Portland-Cape Elizabeth. A donation may also be forthcoming from a Rotary club in Florida. The hearing project part of the "3-H" uses a lot of supplies that were purchased in the past with grant money. Dr. Roger Fagan is working with a second hearing aid manufacturer to obtain a more sustainable supply of hearing aids and this manufacturer is going to donate NEW hearing aids. The manufacturer who repairs and refurbishes the donated used hearing aids is helping to maintain a steady supply. A company that has been used for purchasing additional supplies (for testing and fitting equipment) recently sent a note that said, "In honor of your 20th year of doing this good deed, we are donating everything on your list. Thanks and Good Luck!" WOW!
Joining our project leaders, Dr. Roger & Liz Fagan, will be Portland Rotarians Jan Chapman, Bruce Moore, Dick Hall & his daughter Katherine Hall, Bill Blount, David Small, Dick Giles and our summer-time adopted member, Kirk Duffy.....along with two Rotarians from Brunswick: Carolyn Bulliner and Claudia Frost. This year, four other states are joining the Maine DR contingency.....from Oregon (Rotarian Donna Sheedy), Georgia (Rotarian Kirk Duffy) and Florida (Rotarian Ricardo Boehm)....and four NON-Rotarians: 3 from Alaska and 1 from Florida. For a total team of 18 people heading to the DR! Fantastic group!
Andrew Cook, who joined Portland Rotary in September 2016, presented us with a "“Rotary Moment." He thanked his parents for teaching him about the value of supporting the community. He became involved in his high school Interact Club. His major interest is helping youth. “Rotarians gather throughout the world and wherever we happen to be, there are opportunities to help others in our communities,” he said.
Past President Kris Rosado gave an impressive update about the “Maine Outdoor Challenge” that will be held June 5-7, 2017 at the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School in Freeport. There are 23 teams signed up so far – we are about half-way through the goal of recruiting participating companies. Teams include Bath Savings, Team Fidelity, IDEXX and others. Volunteers to help at the event are needed. Sponsors for participants who may not necessarily be associated with a particular company are encouraged to sign up, because donations to the event allow for some individuals to participate on sponsored teams. For more information, contact Kris: kris.rosado@morganstanley.com.
Amy Chipman announced the new Paul Harris Fellow recipients from seven “Circles of Five” donors, meaning each person in the circle donates $200 a year for 5 years, allowing each circle to contribute $1,000 a year. An eighth “Circle of Five” has recently been formed, meaning all 8 circles of members and Portland Rotary contribute $8,000 a year to the Rotary Foundation.
Recent winners of the drawing: Circle 1: Julie L'Heureux Circle 2: Jon Young Circle 3: David Smith Circle 4: Justin Lamontagne Circle 5: Erik Greven Circle 6: Mark Millar Circle 7: Russell Voss
Congratulations to our recent PHFs! (See 'Photo Corner' for photos of PHFs present.)
Eighth "Circle of 5": Ellen Niewoehner, Mike Fortunato, Tom Ranello, Bruce JONES, and Kathy Grammer. (Ed: correction from last WJ and apologies to Bruce Jones for not getting his name correct.)
If you would like additional information, please contact Amy: amy.chipman@rbc.com
Member Birthdays 4th - Mark Stimpson 6th - Peter Ingram 8th - John Lock 10th - John Houghton 13th - Harry Sawyer 19th - David Clough 24th - Jean Murachanian 24th - Bob Traill 26th - Danielle Conway 27th - Mike Robinson
Date-Joined-Rotary Anniversaries Loretta Rowe - 29 years Roxane Cole - 26 years Mike Reed - 24 years Dave Seddon - 13 years Kris Rosado - 8 years David Smith - 7 years Jan Chapman - 5 years Patty Erickson - 1 year Jennifer Frederick - 1 year Matt Wolcott - 1 year Leisa Collins - 1 year Tiel Duncan - 1 year
Invocation: David Small Program Reporter: Bob Martin Bits & Pieces Reporter: Bill Blount Registration/Greeter: Terry St Angelo Sell Meal Tickets: Katie Brown Raffle: Jean Murachanian Badge Box: Andrew Cook Collect Meal Tickets: Nick Lotfey * Song Leader: Andreea Paine Pianist: Kathy Grammer Sgt-at-Arms (Setup): Mike Fortunato Sgt-at-Arms (Take Down): Jim Willey
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) Abdullahi Ali Gateway Community Service (Andreea Paine)
Jon Jennings was appointed City Manager of Portland in July, 2015, after serving as assistant city manager for the city of South Portland for two years. The city manager’s position, along with the city clerk and city attorney, are appointed by the City Council. The city manager appoints and manages all other city department heads.
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We had fun singing “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover,” led by "The Four-Leaf Clovers" – Gracie Johnston, Amy Chipman, Kathy Grammer and Alan Nye – with Russ Burleigh tickling the keyboard ivories. )
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Jim Willey thanked Portland Rotarians who serve with him on the Salvation Army Advisory Board: Janet Butland, Leonard Scott, Bill Blount, Bob Traill, and Austin Harris. Jim beamed when telling us of the “Champions for Kids” annual fund-raising event – this year’s event being “Beatlemania Magic” at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay on April 26, 2017. It’s the seventh annual event to support programs and services that create a positive impact on children and their families. Tickets are available by contacting Jim: 
Liz Fagan gave a report about the Hearing, Hands and H2O (3-H) project in the Dominican Republic (DR). This year’s International Service Committee volunteers will leave on April 30th and be in the DR during the first week of May. Donations to the program were received from the Rotary Clubs of Brunswick and South Portland-Cape Elizabeth. A donation may also be forthcoming from a Rotary club in Florida. The hearing project part of the "3-H" uses a lot of supplies that were purchased in the past with grant money. Dr. Roger Fagan is working with a second hearing aid manufacturer to obtain a more sustainable supply of hearing aids and this manufacturer is going to donate NEW hearing aids. The manufacturer who repairs and refurbishes the donated used hearing aids is helping to maintain a steady supply. A company that has been used for purchasing additional supplies (for testing and fitting equipment) recently sent a note that said, "In honor of your 20th year of doing this good deed, we are 
.JPG)
Andrew Cook, who joined Portland Rotary in September 2016, presented us with a "“Rotary Moment." He thanked his parents for teaching him about the value of supporting the community. He became involved in his high school Interact Club. His major interest is helping youth. “Rotarians gather throughout the world and wherever we happen to be, there are opportunities to help others in our communities,” he said.
Past President Kris Rosado gave an impressive update about the “Maine Outdoor Challenge” that will be held June 5-7, 2017 at the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School in Freeport. There are 23 teams signed up so far – we are about half-way through the goal of recruiting participating companies. Teams include Bath Savings, Team Fidelity, IDEXX and others. Volunteers to help at the event are needed. Sponsors for participants who may not necessarily be associated with a particular company are encouraged to sign up, because donations to the event allow for some individuals to participate on sponsored teams. For more information, contact Kris: 
