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Portland Rotary will meet this week at the
CLARION HOTEL
1230 Congress Street, Portland
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Posted by Don Zillman
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Michael Romy Greer is the current Executive Director at Portland Ballet and previously General Manager at Sino-European Recycling Resources in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
A native of St. Charles, Missouri, Michael spent the early part of his life at some of the world's most prestigious dance institutions. Graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy as a dance major. Michael also studied at the Joffrey Ballet School, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet school, and The Royal Ballet School in London, England. Upon completing his training, Michael continued on to dance professionally with Ballet West in Salt Lake City, Utah, for six seasons under the direction of Jonas Kage. During this time with the company, he danced many soloist roles.
After retiring from performing, Michael went on to complete a degree in economics with a focus in industrial organization as an Arturo Schomburg Scholar at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. He also received an opportunity to continue his economics studies at Stanford University, but chose to gain experience in international business in India as a Gilman Scholar (US State Department). Michael continued to work with companies in both India and China over a nine-year span, managing teams and operations at several multinational corporations.
Michael will give a brief overview of his time spent in mainland China and some of his personal perspectives on doing business and investing in the region. In particular, the relationship between cultural expectations, regulations, real estate, and the stock market. While Michael is not by any means a China scholar, his eight years living and working in the region allow a unique perspective on the country.
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Posted by Tom Talbott
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This past week we re-welcomed one of Rotary’s shining stars, Past District Governor Ann Lee Hussey. By now you know her inspiring story and commitment to defeating polio in the world. Afflicted with polio since she was a child, she has led 26 international teams into some of the roughest areas of the world with a singular purpose – to immunize children from this crippling disease. Her leadership is recognized world-wide, from the White House and governments around the world, to the world’s largest health organizations, to the Gates Foundation. She takes on these challenges while dealing herself with post-polio syndrome, which causes muscle pain, weakness and fatigue. Ann is “Service Above Self” redefined.
We can talk about some of the statistics, but let’s cut to the chase because it is so very important. Ann came with good news on the fight, but with a word of caution. The world is very close to total eradication. But it is NOT over. If good news causes governments, organizations, and individuals to reduce their level of commitment under the assumption that the job is done, polio can and will come back. Public awareness and fundraising are as important now as ever.
Start by learning more. Visit www.endpolionow.org. Hold a fundraiser. Celebrate World Polio Day on October 24. Wear your “End Polio” pin. “Like” and “Follow” the program on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EndPolioNow/ Share your story. These things are critical to keep the importance of finishing this program in the public’s eye.
Now is the time to donate....In 2007, the Gates Foundation issued a $100 million challenge grant, and in 2013 increased it to a 2 to 1 match of funds, up to $35 million a year for five years. So – if you donate $100, it’s really bringing $300 to the cause. Peter Goffin got the ball rolling with a donation of $100, and with a show of hands we quickly added an estimated $1700 in additional donations. In effect, $5100. (See separate story on how you can participate in the support.)
It is a fight, but Polio CAN be eradicated. Polio is exclusive to humans, transmitted by infectious humans, and primarily spread through fecal matter that enters water supplies, sewage, and soil. While the virus can survive on its own in these environments, the level of infectivity ceases to exist over time depending on conditions, ranging from days to several weeks. Therefore, with immunization interrupting the transmission, the disease can be eliminated.
Ann shared some interesting numbers and facts:
• To date, 10 billion dollars have been invested globally to eradicate polio.
• When the PolioPlus program started, there were 125 endemic countries.
• In 2015, Nigeria was removed from the list of polio-endemic countries, leaving only Pakistan and Afghanistan on the current list.
• The Gates Foundation was instrumental in adding satellite mapping and GPS tracking of vaccinations, greatly improving accountability. There were situations where vaccinations were reportedly conducted, but in actuality, it was never accomplished.
• Older women in many of the troubled areas, where there is an element of mistrust, are the ones being counted on to deliver the vaccinations, because they are trusted by the community.
• There is a 1 in 2 million risk that someone vaccinated with the live disease immunization can contract the disease.
• It has been 3 years since Type 3 wild polio virus has been seen, making it appear that it is gone forever.
While the Rotary PolioPlus program began in 1985, the fight against polio actually started in 1979 when Rotary immunized 6 million children in the Philippines. In 1988 Rotary’s PolioPlus started raising $220 million dollars. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched the same year by the World Health Organization, and included Rotary, UNICEF and the US Center for Disease Control.
Still, it takes individuals like Ann Lee Hussey, a humble Rotarian from South Berwick, Maine, to champion the program to the world stage. It takes people just like you to inspire others to contribute, and to keep the pressure on government bodies to once and for all rid the world of this dreaded disease.
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Posted by Loretta Rowe
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As mentioned in PDG Ann Lee's presentation this past Friday, we are sooooo close to eradicating polio from our planet. You can personally help support this effort by donating $50 (or more) to the Rotary Foundation PolioPlus project. If you would like to join in the fight to erase this disease, you may:
1. Mail your check to: Portland Rotary, P.O. Box 1755, Portland, ME 04104-1755 and put in the memo line: Rotary Foundation PolioPlus
2. Come to a Rotary meeting soon and give your check or cash to Elise telling her what it is for.
3. By credit card: we have a "Donate Now" button on our club website home page (upper right). You may pay for your support by credit card by clicking this button. After completing your information, near the bottom, be sure to click on the "drop down" menu option: "Foundation Donation" and put in the comments box: Rotary Foundation PolioPlus.
For more information about how you can join the support effort, please contact Loretta at: lrowe@maine.rr.com
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Posted by Erik Jorgensen
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President Bowen opened the meeting by welcoming 53 members, 3 Honorary members, 3 visiting Rotarians, and 1 visiting guest.
For this week’s history moment, Don Zillman provided a riveting legal analysis of Rotary International’s losing argument to keep women from joining Rotary. The US Supreme Court did not buy it, noting that “Admitting Women to Rotary does not in any significant way harm club activities” as they handed down a 7-0 decision knocking out the “males-only policy.” Currently 22% of Portland Rotary members are women, a statistic that prompted several at our table to add that this percentage would be far higher if one were measuring effectiveness! The Club recognized Judy Cavalero, as the second woman brought into our club and Loretta Rowe as the third.
In the raffle, aptly run by Larry Gross, Ron Bennett won the drawing, but he narrowly missed the jackpot, picking the King of Hearts. Larry wryly noted how Ron also narrowly missed the tax implications of the $900+ prize.
From the podium, Amy Chipman told the club about her colonoscopy. We are glad she came through it, and thank her for both this prime 'Bits and Pieces' item, with the implicit public service message it sends about the importance of these important preventive procedures. Don’t be squeamish – they are important.
Amy then went on to perform a Paul Harris Fellow roundup, following up on a number of recent PHS awards which had not previously been formally recognized. A couple of members were being honored for their first PHF; others for multiples. They were:
Bill Blount – PHF +4
Ron Bennett – PHF +3
Rusty Atwood – 1st time PHF
Steve Stromsky – PHF +1
Roxanne Cole – PHF +5
Emily McEntee – PHF +1
Julie L’Heureux PHF +5
Russ Burleigh – PHF +1
Mike Fortunato – PHF +2
Peggy Wescott – PHF +4
John Marr – PHF +4
Cy Hagge – PHF +6
Bruce Jones – 1st time PHF
Our neighbor from SoPo Rotary and Assistant Governor John LoBosco announced that several Portland Rotarians are assuming new district roles: Bowen Depke will be responsible for the District Public Relations and Kris Rosado will be joining as our new Area 6 AG, which covers our club, South Portland/Cape Elizabeth, Freeport and Portland Sunrise.
President Bowen noted that the PROPEL event on Thursday evening at Rising Tide brewery raised $500 for our club. 75 people, including several potential members, were in attendance to enjoy hoppy beer and happy fellowship.
Jim Willey told us about how the 'Friends of Long Creek' and many of our members recently threw a banana split party for residents of the Cedar Unit (the toughest kids in the place). Then, the kids made Valentines Day cards for senior citizens receiving 'Meals on Wheels,' an activity that Jim described as a huge and surprising success.
Mike Murray – Portland’s Assistant City Manager received thanks for the city’s role, in partnership with Rotary, in the restoration of the Andrews Memorial for Veterans Day. He was presented with a check for $700.
Ellen Niewoehner announced that a ski day is coming up on Feb. 4th – Sunday River trip will be leaving the Gray Park and Ride that morning. Contact Ellen if you are interested in joining them: 329-1465 or ellen.niewoehner@td.com.
Ellen also said that items are needed for the upcoming auction on Feb. 26th. (Details in separate article below.) You may recall its past iterations as the “regifting auction” or the “Valentines auction.” This year in keeping with leap year, it has been dubbed "Leap Into Auction." Please bring new and very lightly used items that can be auctioned. This reporter has purchased a pressure cooker and some fabulous cufflinks in years past. What will YOU bring? Contact Ellen (ellen.niewoehner@td.com), or Emily (emcentee@amica.com) or Loretta (lrowe@maine.rr.com) BEFORE the day of the auction, so we can get the items recorded.
Finally, on March 2nd a delegation of Portland Rotarians will be heading to visit the Boston Rotary Club – our parent club. Justin Lamontagne has organized this visit, and is hoping for a robust turnout. Contact him (justin@dunham-group.com) or President Bowen (bowen.depke@spireexpress.com) if you’d like to go.
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Mark your calendar! Friday, February 26, we will hold our famous re-gifting/new-item auction at our Rotary meeting. This being a LEAP year, we have named it our "Leap Into Auction" event. Ellen Niewoehner reminded us on Friday that everyone can find something of intrinsic value to donate....minimum value of $15.00......maybe a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant....tickets to a game....a boat ride or weekend at your cabin....a dinner for two hosted at your home....OR maybe something you received over the holidays that just wasn't right for you, but would be cherished by someone else.
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For everyone who made a commitment to support the solar-powered lights that the 3-H Project wants to transport to the Dominican Republic, this will be the last request.
You have three options to submit your payments:
1. Please send your check to: Portland Rotary, P.O. Box 1755, Portland, ME 04104-1755 and put in the memo line: 3-H Solar-powered light for DR.
2. Give your check or cash to Elise at a Friday Rotary meeting telling her what it is for.
3. By credit card: we have a "Donate Now" button on our club website home page (upper right). You may pay for your support by credit card by clicking this button. After completing your information, near the bottom, be sure to click on the "drop down" menu option: CLUB DONATION and put in the comments box: 3-H Solar-powered light for DR.
For more information about how you can join in on the support effort, please contact Loretta at: lrowe@maine.rr.com
Thank you for your support.
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Invocation: Dave Small
Program Reporter: Bob Martin
Bits & Pieces Reporter: Dick Hall
Registration/Greeter: Troy Malbon
Sell Meal Tickets: Travis Parker
Raffle: Ellen Niewoehner
Badge Box: None
Collect Meal Tickets: Loretta Rowe
Rotary Moment in History: Jim Willey - Women in Rotary - Part 2
Song Leader: Bill Blount
Pianist: None
Sgt-at-Arms (Early): Bruce Moore
Sgt-at-Arms (Late): Charlie Frair
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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(S)
George Carr RM Davis Laura Young
Thank you.
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Read more...
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If you would like to mark your calendars, we are
at the following locations through March 2016:
2016:
Feb 05 - The Clarion Hotel
Feb 12 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Feb 19 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Feb 26 - The Clarion Hotel
Mar 04 - Merrill Auditorium
Mar 11 - The Clarion Hotel
Mar 18 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Mar 25 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Blue BOLD dates are scheduled Board meeting days.
Any questions, please contact Loretta at: lrowe@maine.rr.com
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Posted by Bill Blount
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ROTARY DOUBLES TENNIS LEAGUE
Winter/Spring Session 2016
Week five scores are:
| TEAM 1 |
TEAM 2 |
TEAM 3 |
TEAM 4 |
TEAM 5 |
TEAM 6 |
| Thompson |
Blakeslee |
Gross |
Bourdeau |
Seddon |
Barns |
| Ingram |
Blount |
Noyes |
Ray |
Moore |
Hall |
| Herodes |
Asch |
Putnam |
Nickerson |
Chipman |
Jorgensen |
| St Hilaire |
Houghton |
Burleigh |
Grammer |
Carr |
L.Young |
| 4 |
9 |
6 |
7 |
4 |
10 |
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