Dana joined the Maine International Trade Center in January 2014 to open and run the newly-formed Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO). As Director, Dana works with MITC, Invest in Maine and other partners to develop trade and investment opportunities for Maine businesses in North Atlantic markets, including Northern Europe, Scandinavia and Eastern Canada. Additionally, Dana is a leader with the Arctic Council, the North Atlantic Ocean Cluster Alliance, and other Arctic and North Atlantic-related organizations, to represent Maine’s interests, and to ensure that the state is included in important discussions regarding North Atlantic resources, sustainable development and emerging trade routes.
Dana will share the significance of the upcoming Arctic Council meeting to be held in Portland this October. Secretary of State John Kerry will host the gathering of senior leaders from Council Members Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S. High-level representatives will also attend from Observer states, which include China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the U.K.
Prior to rejoining MITC, Dana served as Director of International Business for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, managing their international program and Shanghai Office; she was Executive Director of the Forum on Democracy & Trade from 2009-2011, Vermont Director of International Trade, and Director of the Vermont Global Trade Partnership from 2005-2009. In her early career, she worked as a regional director for the Maine International Trade Center, and as an International Project Manager for the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Institute of Standards and Technology. She also worked in the private sector as an international business development consultant.
Dana holds a B.A. in International Studies, with a minor in International Business and emphasis on Chinese language and culture from Dominican University in San Rafael, CA. She completed 2 years of study at World College West (now Presidio World College in San Francisco) in the International Service and Development Program.
Dana lives on Orr’s Island with her husband and two daughters.
Dr. Eileen Eagan, Associate Professor of History in the Department of History & Political Science at the University of Southern Maine, told us she is not technologically adept because "I am a girl." She told us we need new ways to communicate, and technology can help. Eileen has been working on the Maine Women's History Trail for the last 20 years. She mentioned that she thought it odd that the US is finally putting women on currency now, when people are moving away from using paper money.
Dr. Eagan told us there are lots of people we should pay more attention to. There are women in communities who have done lots of interesting things. The Sisters of Mercy provided social services to domestics in the East End......nurses, teachers, doctors, and mothers. All need to be acknowledged. She told us we need to get people outdoors. She recommended taking walks around Portland; there are Portland Women's History Trails in the West End, Munjoy Hill, Congress Street, Gorham Corner, State Street, Stevens Avenue and Stroudwater. Her team created a mobile app and website. The free app is available from ITunes stores or Google play store- " Portland Women's History Trails." Pick your neighborhood and walk around. Many in the audience did not know that there are only three statues of women in Maine - Joan Benoit, Samantha Smith, and Edna St Vincent Millay. Women's history and the role of women included many immigrant groups.
The Portland Star Match factory was where Irish girls worked. At the match factory, the phosphorus on matches transferred to their hands and got absorbed into their systems, causing Phosi-jaw, a degradation of teeth. State law was changed to protect them. Down the street was the Houston Hat factory where the Polish community worked. The Sister of Mercy opened schools and orphanages. History records that mothers sometimes put some of their children in orphanages, for a short term, to get through a time desperate need.
At this time in history, tough men died at work, women had too many children, and the economy was tough. Women did their best, but they sometimes needed help. Eileen told us that as we walk down State Street looking at buildings, we should also think of the working women who were there, and are part of the history of the buildings. She encouraged us all to check out their website: http://pmwht.org. She told us all to install the smartphone app from either Apple or Android App store to make the stories more accessible, and available during a walk.
(Photo: Bob Martin, President Bowen and Dr. EIleen Eagan.)
On Kentucky Derby Eve, President Bowen called post time at the ordained time of 12:15, welcoming 64 members and 7 guests to the starting gate. Duly noted – Bowen reminded everyone that there is plenty of road construction currently in the downtown area, so you should plan on a few extra minutes of travel time in the upcoming weeks.
One of our special guests who joined us, K. C. Lamontagne (accompanied by dad Justin), is being primed to be a future Rotarian.
With Mother’s Day falling on Sunday, Invocator Rusty Atwood graced us with a poem written by Elizabeth Chase Akers Allen, titled “Rock Me To Sleep.” Born in Strong, ME in 1832, she would become best known for this passage:
Erik Jorgensen led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Russ Burleigh piano’d a rousing 'God Bless America.'
Jim Willey gave us our weekly history lesson, circa ’73-’74. With OPEC interrupting the flow of crude, oil prices leaped 200%. Inflation hit as high as 11.3%, settling at 8.1% increase – very costly! The World Trade Towers briefly held the honor of the tallest buildings, until the Sears Tower in Chicago inched past. Portland Rotarian Howard C. Reiche, former principal of Portland High, had the new West End elementary school named in his honor. Minutes from a meeting that year quoted Howard speaking about Rotarian singing, where he often played the piano. “I played the white keys, I played the black keys, and the Rotary sings in the cracks.” Jim also noted a number of our current Rotarians were showing up in the minutes of the ’73-’74 era. Austin Harris was recognized for 11 years of perfect attendance! Mark Stimson, Don Lowry, John Houghton, and Ralph Tully (Paul Tully’s father) were all mentioned. Guest speakers included the 2nd in Command – world wide - of the Salvation Army, and Democratic National Committee Chairman – George Mitchell. If you want more details on that lively year, pull Jim aside!
On to the music with Gracie Johnston taking us “Out to the Ballgame,” and "Happy Birthday" to our May crop. Gracie tried to stoke the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry, but didn’t know that this week’s editor is a Yankees fan, and thus her comments were not recorded.
Rusty Atwood proudly announced the birth of his first grandson last Wednesday!
Card Draw! Matt Tassey showed his slight of hand by attempting to have the card drawn first and then pulling a name. Very clever! When that was straightened out, Ben Lowry had the honor of pulling the Jack of Hearts, which did not win, place, or show. The pot continues to grow for next week.
Our Youth Service Award announcement was handled by Katie Brown, who welcomed our recipient, Casco Bay High School student Maggie Ruff. Principal Derek Pierce gave us a litany of accomplishments Maggie has earned or undertaken, starting off by saying that she is most definitely a “hands on” person. Duly noted, it seems that Maggie is the person that her peers look to for both guidance and motivation on a wide range of projects. Graduating Cum Laude, she’ll be heading to Connecticut College with a double major in Arts and Communication. Principal Pierce added that Maggie was a “terrific embodiment of Rotarian values,” with a “love of arts, and a love of helping people.” In recognition of her many accolades, Portland Rotary was proud to provide a check for $1000 towards her college education and an additional donation of $100 to the charity of her choice.
Great to see new members this year, Andreea Paine and Alex St. Hilaire up at the podium talking about the Maine Outdoor Challenge! Tickets are on sale now for the Lobster Bake (June 8th), the Raffle, and of course teams for the event. On the tables were flyers with Raffle info – only 300 tix at $20 will be sold. You could win a $1500 Hunting Package or a $1500 Fly Fishing Package.
For a Fly Fishing Raffle ticket: <http://www.bgcmaine.org/fishing>
For a Hunting Raffle ticket: <http://www.bgcmaine.org/hunting>
We need more items for the auction, so please seek out area businesses and ask for their participation. From the floor, gauntlets were being thrown down left and right. Bruce Moore and Dick Hall separately issued challenges to anyone who dared think they could be beaten. Never underestimate realtors, surveyors, and engineers. They know the lay of the land.
Rob “He-Needs-No-Microphone” Chatfield reminded one and all that our “BBQ Crawl and Poker Run” will be held on Sat. May 21. Register as soon as you can online, so we can give the restaurants a heads up on numbers. http://portlandrotary.org/event/bbq-crawl-and-poker-run-raffle/ (See separate article.)
Amy Chipman’s Foundation Update! Our centennial year goal is $23k. We set the goal high, but we can do it! Currently at $13,376, but we have another $2500 assured, so we’re at just under $16k. Have you become a sustaining member? Let’s make this Centennial Year goal!
Say good bye to “bits and pieces” of Bill Blount, as he readies himself to have both knees replaced next month. One first, then the second a month later. Like any athlete, Bill timed his surgery for the off-season, as he announced this Spring’s Rotary Tennis League champs - Jim Barns, Dick Hall, Erik Jorgensen, and Laura Young. (See separate article.)
Excerpted correction on the 3-H Project: Drs. Roger and Liz Fagan started this project in 2002 and over 18 trips have distributed more than 1860 hearing aids.
WE ARE HAVING A BBQ CRAWL AND POKER RUN RAFFLE ON MAY 21, 2016!
It is a fundraiser to support "The Locker Project"
$20 Poker Run Raffle Tickets may be purchased at any location below or by clicking HERE.
Show your ticket and draw a card at each location you visit.
START ANYWHERE AT ONE OF THE LOCATIONS BELOW – ENJOY IN ANY ORDER!
Special $4 BBQ sampler items available at participating locations:
Salvage BBQ - 919 Congress St., Portland
Elsmere BBQ - 448 Cottage Rd., S. Portland
Terlingua - 52 Washington Ave., Portland
Buck’s Naked BBQ - 50 Wharf St., Portland location only
Binga's Stadium - 77 Free St., Portland
Special 50/50 raffle....door prizes and final raffle results at 5:30 p.m. at Binga's Stadium, Portland
For additional information or questions, contact Rob Chatfield: robchat@exitstage.com
The Locker Project, in partnership with the Good Shepherd Food Bank, helps ensure food security for all Maine children through local schools. The Locker Project works with schools to create programs for providing students with healthy class-time snacks and take-home food for the times they are most likely to experience hunger. For more information: mainelockerproject.org/
Our Rotary District is looking for help to host the inbound Argentinean District Vocational Training Team. This Group Study Exchange Team (GSE) of four (2 men, 2 women) will be coming to our area on Monday and Tuesday, June 6 and 7.
They are looking for 4 host families to house the team members overnight on Monday, plus volunteer to chauffeur the team members around for those two days, and to provide breakfast, lunch & dinner for the two days.
The GSE between District 7780 and Argentina will focus on collegial sharing between the mental health professionals of the outbound team and inbound team, as well as interfacing with other mental health professionals (particularly Rotarians) in each country. A particular emphasis will be on youth/adolescent mental health. The teams will visit a representative sampling of mental health/social service agencies in each country.
If you can volunteer or want additional information, please contact Assistant Governor Ann Schieber at: annschieber@gmail.com or at: 603-770-2744
Invocation:Kathy Grammer Program Reporter: Erik Jorgensen Bits & Pieces Reporter: Julie L'Heureux Registration/Greeter: Ellen Niewoehner Sell Meal Tickets: Courtney Bell Raffle: Rusty Atwood Badge Box: None Collect Meal Tickets: None Rotary Moment in History: Alex St. Hilaire Song Leader: Kathy Grammer Pianist: Russ Burleigh Sgt-at-Arms (Early): Travis Parker Sgt-at-Arms (Late): Bill Ross
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) Dennis Kouba The Editing/Proofreading Guy (Loretta Rowe) Chris Thomas Fidelity Investments (John Marr)
Dana joined the Maine International Trade Center in January 2014 to open and run the newly-formed Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO). As Director, Dana works with MITC, Invest in Maine and other partners to develop trade and investment opportunities for Maine businesses in North Atlantic markets, including Northern Europe, Scandinavia and Eastern Canada. Additionally, Dana is a leader with the Arctic Council, the North Atlantic Ocean Cluster Alliance, and other Arctic and North Atlantic-related organizations, to represent Maine’s interests, and to ensure that the state is included in important discussions regarding North Atlantic resources, sustainable development and emerging trade routes.
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Jim Willey.JPG)
Our Youth Service Award announcement was handled by Katie Brown, who welcomed our recipient, Casco Bay High School student Maggie Ruff. Principal Derek Pierce gave us a litany of accomplishments Maggie has earned or undertaken, starting off by saying that she is most definitely a “hands on” person. Duly noted, it seems that Maggie is the person that her peers look to for both guidance and motivation on a wide range of projects. Graduating Cum Laude, she’ll be heading to Connecticut College with a double major in Arts and Communication. Principal Pierce added that Maggie was a “terrific embodiment of Rotarian values,” with a “love of arts, and a love of helping people.” In recognition of her many accolades, Portland Rotary was proud to provide a check for $1000 towards her college education and an additional donation of $100 to the charity of her choice.
Great to see new members this year, Andreea Paine and Alex St. Hilaire up at the podium talking about the Maine Outdoor Challenge! Tickets are on sale now for the Lobster Bake (June 8th), the Raffle, and of course teams for the event. On the tables were flyers with Raffle info – only 300 tix at $20 will be sold. You could win a $1500 Hunting Package or a $1500 Fly Fishing Package.
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