March 9, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Vera Gardiner, Ken Gardiner’s wife who passed Sunday.

Bruce Cole, Camden Rotary member, spoke to the club about the Camden Conference. Bob Tierney suggested the idea of a conference on foreign affairs in February in 1987. Many retired state department, foreign service and CIA personnel lived in the area. Initially the event was held at the Congregational Church, now produced at the Camden Opera House and streamed to other locations around the state like Rockland, Belfast and Portland. The conference is known for attracting world-class speakers from around the globe, including Middle East, Europe and Australia and the west coast of the US for this year’s program on the global migration/refugee crisis. The aim is for a non-partisan program to allow people to learn all sides of the issue, and student involvement is supported by Rotary and other organizations. Their goal is for 20% participation of high school and college students at each conference, some of whom have been involved in classes focusing on the topic to be covered prior to their attending the conference. Over 100 volunteers help to produce the conference and related events and 1.5 full time equivalent staff.

Topics are selected from those of current interest from around the globe. Community events related to the conference cover the coast from Machias to the Portland area. They are considering satellite locations outside of Maine for the Conference to be broadcast. The financial impact of the conference is estimated to be about $1,000,000 with a budget of $325,000. They do try to keep the cost as low as possible to make the event accessible, with lower ticket prices to the satellite venues compared to the live venue at the Camden Opera House. 30% of those who attend are from outside Maine from 25 states and several other countries. This year Singapore and Nigeria were represented in the audience. The website is www.camdenconference.org, where all of the video presentations are available by podcast. Maine Public Radio broadcasts the audio in the weeks following the conference.

2018 topic will be on the changing politics of the world, with the emergence of more right-leaning views, and will involve the best people they can find to discuss the change in policy and power relationships between nations as a result.

Buckets on the table are for PAWS animal shelter.

Noel Cox talked about women in Rotary and the Supreme Court ruling that forced Rotary to allow women to be members. She was one of the first women to be invited to join. She shared a story of visiting the RI headquarters in Evanston to meet the president and the editor of the Rotarian magazine. At that time she was not aware of how new women’s participation was, now with more than 240,000.

Jim Potter introduced a Vocational Scholarship recipient, Melissa Kessel, who was unable to be at the club in December with the other Vocational Scholarship recipients. She is a freshman majoring in biology at Providence College, on a premedical tract, currently interested in cardiology. She is taking other humanities courses but focuses on science and math. She is involved in Resident’s Life and overseeing campus activities. She’s running a half-marathon in May. She enjoys exploring Providence when she has time. She is also involved in Biology Club, visiting the Body Works exhibit and other more “fun” activities that pertain to the subject.

George Abendroth introduced a new member, Bob Talbot, who was proposed by Peter Berke. Sandy reminded us about the Red Badge program for new members to help people become quickly involved and engaged in the club as soon as they join the club.

Peter shared some signs and banners that will be used to highlight West Bay’s participation in community projects.

Mark Masterson reported on the recent meeting of Community Service Committee. They are planning work at the Hospitality House and Habitat, and reminded everyone of the ability to apply to the Charitable Fund for grants with an upcoming deadline in April. E-waste is being planned under the leadership of Tom Albertson for April 22, with paint disposal and drug recycling included along with e-waste and paper shredding. He’s planning a meeting Tuesday March 14 at 7:30a at the Bagel Café. He needs help with publicity, planning and the day of the event. Everyone who is on Facebook should “like” and “share” the club’s post about the event.

Noel, Sandy, Tim and Lisa Dresser went to a membership seminar and the Red Badge program was recognized as a successful program to build membership. March 18 is another opportunity to attend a seminar. The club covers the registration fee for club members.

Next week’s speaker is from the Shakespeare Festival, Stephen Legowitz.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Vera Gardiner, Ken Gardiner’s wife who passed Sunday.

Next week’s speaker is from the Shakespeare Festival, Stephen Legowitz.