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Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
ClubRunner
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Feb 23, 2018
Mar 02, 2018
Rotary Foundation
Mar 09, 2018
Mar 16, 2018
Mar 23, 2018
Mar 30, 2018
Apr 06, 2018
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Executives & Directors
President
 
First Vice President
 
Second Vice President
 
Treasurer
 
Secretary
 
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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
 
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
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Rotary This Week
 

Portland Rotary Club
will meet this Friday,
February 23, 2018
at the 
Holiday Inn
By-the-Bay
88 Spring Street

 
*02/23/18 Club Assembly

Thanks to the 20 of you who responded to last week’s request for reactions to the Board’s suggestions for Program, Song, and Political content of the Club meetings.  Several of you expressed the desire to discuss these matters at the Friday, February 23rd meeting before reaching final decisions.  We will put this at the top of our agenda for that meeting.  All comments are welcome, but I will try to report on the consensus of the 60 messages I received in answer to our two requests for comment.   After discussion on each item, we can take an informal consensus of the Club.  If there is a close division of opinion, we may decide to put the issue to a formal vote at a later meeting.

Before the meeting I would welcome any motions that you would like to be considered by the Club.  That should speed our consideration of matters and sharpen our discussion of them.  E-message those motions to me.

Here are the Provisions of our Club Constitution and By-Laws that relate to the topics.  Amendments of By-Laws require a two-thirds vote.

CONSTITUTION

Article 13 Section 1 “Proper Subjects.  The merits of any public question involving the general welfare of the community, the nation, and the world are of concern to the members of this club and shall be proper subjects of fair and informed study and discussion at a club meeting for the enlightenment of its members in forming their individual opinions.  However, this club shall not express an opinion on any pending controversial public measure.

Section 2. No Endorsements.  “This club shall not endorse or recommend any candidate for public office and shall not discuss at any club meeting the merits or demerits of any such candidate.”

Section 3(a)   Non-Political “Resolutions and Opinions.  This club shall neither adopt nor circulate resolutions or opinions, and shall not take action dealing with world affairs or international policies of a political nature.”

BY-LAWS
Article XII  Duties of the Committees

(d) Invocation Committee  “This committee provides the invocation or opening blessing at each weekly meeting of the Club.

(f) Music Committee  “This committee is responsible for providing music, a piano player and a song leader each week.  Details and schedule will be given to the Club Administrative Coordinator and/or newsletter editor for inclusion in the Club newsletter (Windjammer).  This committee will plan musical programs throughout the year.”

Let me know if you have any questions.  I hope that we are coming to closure on these important issues.

02/16/18 Reade Brower, Owner PPH and Lew Sun Journal

During the introduction, Bob Martin told us about the death of many print media companies and that digital media has more eyes than print media.

Reade Brower immediately said that if he knew it was as bad as Bob says, he would not have bought the paper.  Reade told us that he never intended to buy the Portland Press Herald, but it happened when his printing company wanted to get the printing contract.  In discussions over the contract, Donald Sussman had another idea.  Donald Sussman offered Reade the ability to take over all of Maine Today Media’s assets. Donald found it very difficult running a paper while being married to the US Representative from the area.  Reade agreed to the purchase because he wanted to save the jobs and save the community newspaper.  He retained 99+% of the employees and has let the talented staff continue to do what they do so well.  He has introduced a number of cost savings and the paper is now on solid footing.  

Reade explained how he started in the business as a paperboy but when he moved to Maine, following his girlfriend, he could not find a job.  He recounted how he was told he did not have enough experience for lift attendant at the Camden Snowbowl.  With no prospects, he started a coupon book for downtown merchants. He realized he needed some content, so he morphed the coupon book to the The Free Press, a fixture in mid-coast Maine for over 25 years.

Reade told us that he was very successful in the advertising publications, and these led to opportunities when others were falling on hard times.  His philosophy is that communities need community newspapers, and the papers need to be responsive to the needs of the community.  Reade himself would be apolitical in his management, but he allows each organization to develop its own voice.  Reade very rarely gets involved in any editorial decisions.  When selling adds, Reade would accept ads from anyone, although on one occasion the ad was too graphic for the audience.

Reade, after the purchase of the PPH, acquired the Sun Media Group, publisher of Lewiston’s Sun Journal and a dozen weekly newspapers in southern and western Maine, and the Rutland Herald, Barre-Montpelier Times Argus, along with affiliated print and online publications of the Herald Association in Vermont.  He did this for the same reasons, to support community newspapers and save jobs.  Since the purchase all are on firm financial footing

When asked about the future, Reade confirmed that he only has a 10-minute plan.  He had a back-and-forth reminiscing with Gracie Johnston, as she worked at several of the papers which Reade now owns in Vermont.  He was also very good natured when Jim Willey suggested double bagging the paper on rainy days.

 

(L-R: Bob Martin,Reade Brower, ? and President Don Zillman.)


 

02/16/18 Bits & Pieces

President Don Zillman began the meeting by welcoming 52 members and 8 visitors, and Gracie Johnston giving the invocation with a moment of silence given to the 17 people killed in the Parkland, FL school shooting. Kathy Grammer led us on the keyboard in singing the “Star Spangled Banner.” Don reminded us to continue to collect and bring in those small bottles of shampoos, body lotion and other items we get when staying at hotels. These items are donated to local shelters and greatly appreciated by those in need.


Gracie Johnston took the podium again and reminded us of the upcoming support needed for the dinner on February 28 at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen and asked all Rotarians to lend a helping hand.


Past President Ben Lowry spoke loud and clear from his table and told us about a club trip to the Allagash Brewery on April 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The cost is $30.00 pp and this is a great social event and opportunity to invite new prospective members.


Past President Jim Willey reminded us that we are meeting at the Long Creek Youth Center facility for our meeting on March 16th and said that the speaker with be the new Superintendent, Caroline Raymond.


Charlie Frair is still looking for ideas for veteran organizations that could use a $1000 donation from our fund raising efforts of last year’s veteran’s dinner. Contact Charlie with your nomination.


President Don reminded us of the "District’s Frugal Feast" to be held at the Woodfords Congregational Church on February 23rd at 5:30 pm. This meal is in celebration of the District’s World Understanding and Peace Day in Rotary and will focus on food insecurity issues. He also reminded us that the annual Rotary Leadership Training is coming up on March 24th at the York County Community College and all Rotarians are invited to attend.


Past President Dick Hall then had the privilege to announce Kathy Grammer and Dave Putham as Paul Harris Fellows – both for the second time! Thank you both for your contributions to the Rotary Foundation.


Glenn Nerbak then introduced the Principal of Portland High School who told us about the admirable accomplishments of our latest Youth Service Award winner, Tasha Tracy.


The weekly raffle was conducted by Rusty Atwood and Tom Ranello’s name was chosen. Tom graciously pulled the Jack of Clubs, leaving the pot of $1,497 to grow until our next meeting.
 

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                       

 

This Week's Duty Assignments

Invocation:  Bruce Jones
Program Reporter:  Julie L'Heureux
Bits & Pieces Reporter:  Jake Bourdeau
Registration/Greeter:   Tom Nickerson
Sell Meal Tickets:  Patty Erickson
Raffle:  Jan Chapman
Badge Box:  Terri St Angelo
Collect Meal Tickets: Tiel Duncan
Sgt-at-Arms (Setup):  Justin Lamontagne
Sgt-at-Arms (Take Down): Bruce Moore

Rotary Meeting Locations

If you would like to mark your calendars,
we are scheduled at the following locations
through March 2018:

2018 
Feb 23 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay

Mar 02 - Clarion Hotel
Mar 09 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Mar 16 - Long Creek Youth Center
Mar 23 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Mar 30 - 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 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.
 
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)                                                                           

Kim D'Amaro               The Salvation Army
(Jim Willey)

Alex Kappelman           Locations Real Estate Group
(Ben Millick)


Thank you.