|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Loretta Rowe
on Mar 20, 2015
|
|
PORTLAND ROTARY
MEETS ON 3/27/15
AT THE HOLIDAY INN
BY-THE-BAY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by David Clough
|
 Patrick Woodcock, Director of the Maine Governor's Energy Office (GEO), will be our featured speaker/program this Friday.
The mission of the GEO is to create effective public and private partnerships that advance Maine's energy security, economic development, and environmental health.
They are responsible for planning and coordinating state energy policy and serves as the primary energy policy advisor to the Governor. As the designated State Energy Office, the GEO is charged with providing leadership in the development of public and private partnerships that achieve clean, reliable, affordable, efficient, sustainable, indigenous and renewable energy resources. It is the responsibility of the GEO to work in conjunction with other departments of State government, the Legislature, and private and nonprofit sectors to advance and optimize Maine's energy security, economic development and environmental health. Maine's energy objectives are supported in part through GEO oversight and administration of the U.S. State Energy Program (SEP) funds and priorities.
Peter has held the position of Director since January 2013. Prior to that time, he worked for United States Senator Olympia Snowe in her Washington, D.C. office. Most recently, he held the position as senior advisor to the Senator on energy and environmental issues, and was one of the lead congressional staffers that authored the overhaul of fuel economy standards in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act. In addition, Peter was the primary advisor on Senator Snowe’s energy agenda on the Senate Finance Committee. Peter attended Bowdoin College and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Julie L'Heureux
on Mar 13, 2015
|
|
David Clough introduced Peter Van Allen, Editor of MaineBiz. In May, 2014, Van Allen became the editor of MaineBiz, a bi-weekly business journal. His 25 years of journalism experience included positions with the Philadelphia Business Journal and business editor at the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and the Post-Tribune in Gary, Indiana. He’s an native of Iowa City, Iowa.
Our Portland invitation was the first time he’d ever spoken to a group of Rotarians. He's also been invited to speak to the Rotary Club in York, ME, in May.
Van Allen gave an optimistic report about his perceptions of Maine.....quality of life is an attraction for Maine vacationers and businesses. In fact, the quality of life attracted he and his wife to revisit the state. They developed their affection for Maine about 15 years ago, while vacationing. First, they fell in love with the scenery and then the pace of life became appealing to them. They now live in Yarmouth.
Among his editorial goals is to keep the “Maine” in MaineBiz.
One difference he observed between Maine and other places where he’s worked, are the importance of understanding the state’s communities, especially the sensitivities and issues special to small towns.
He’s involved in meeting people and entrepreneurs throughout Maine. A few examples included William Haggett, the CEO of Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME, and formerly the CEO of Bath Iron Works (BIW), who led the company’s three for-profit companies to the $100 million mark in collective sales. Moreover, the Pineland Farms profits continue to grow. He met with CEO of the Cianbro Companies, Peter Vigue, who advocated for business opportunities he envisioned to help transform the state’s economy and improve the lives of Mainers.
As a business journalist, Van Allen finds Maine’s business and political leaders to be especially approachable. Some even feel free to give out their cell phone numbers. Maine’s CEOs have a certain level of accountability. “People are interested in who Maine people are, where we live, and even the specifics about the locations of our homes and businesses. This is a Maine way of doing business. It’s a beautiful part of ‘the real Maine.’,” he said.
Yet, in the midst of the optimism are the Maine people who are struggling, too. He hears about how people need jobs, but they also need the skills to do the jobs. Population density is likewise a challenge to doing business in small towns.
Although Forbes’ annual ratings of the best states for business places, Maine ranked 49th among the 50, he said this ranking is a disservice because it overlooks the opportunities. A challenge to business development is matching education with hiring. Some Maine companies he’s spoken with simply can’t keep workers, either because their skills don’t match the jobs or the qualified workers find employment elsewhere.
Another challenge is the “trailing spouse” issue, especially concerning if one or the other happens to lose their Maine employment.
Maine businesses have benefited from people who moved into the state. For example, E.B. White moved to Maine to write, but his family stayed to develop businesses in the maritime industries.
Maine is positively known for certain quality names. There’s a reputation for quality reinforced by having vacationers take pride in certain name brands. “A sense of “specialness,” quality and pride are developed about what’s here,” he said. In fact, efforts have been put forth to brand everything made in Maine and that leaves the state as “Made in Maine.”
On March 19th, MaineBiz will host its first “On the Road” event at the Portland State Theater. For more information, click on: http://tinyurl.com/nd969ce.
(Photo: Peter Van Allen and President Kris Rosado)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Bob Martin
on Mar 15, 2015
|
Peggy Wescott led us in a brief invocation and Russ Burleigh drove the tune for "God Bless America."
President Kris invited everyone to sign a condolence card for Stella Patten, in honor of PDG, and Past-President, Bob Patten, who recently passed away. President Kris shared his conversation with Stella Patten, who expressed her appreciation for the expressions of support and remembrance of Bob. He reported that she was particularly hopeful that Bob’s favorite Rotary project of the annual clean up of Jewell Island would continue to be supported by the club, a wish that is being pursued by Bowen Depke, Harold Crabill, and Jim Willey in Bob’s honor.
President Kris welcomed 47 Rotarian members, 2 visiting Rotarians, and 8 guests.
 Nan Heald presided over the raffle and gave Peggy Westcott a chance to take home $815, but she missed on her draw by pulling the Jack of Diamonds, so the pot remains intact to grow.
(Photo: Nan Heald and Peggy "Queenie" Wescott. President Kris Rosado in background.)
President Kris reminded everyone of the Interviewing Workshop at Deering High School on Wednesday, April 1st, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact David Small to sign up at: dsmall@nelsonsmall.com.
George Crockett recommended his friend Nanuschka, who has recently arrived in Portland as an asylum seeker from Burundi. She has successfully received her work permits and is waiting for her asylum to be approved. She holds a college degree in international business, is extremely capable, and highly-recommended by George. Contact him at 828-9571 if you know of a potential job for her in Portland.
2nd VP Laura Young thanked everyone for completing their 'Childhood Hunger and Education' (CHE) surveys and reported that club members are enthused to work on these issues in Portland. Over half of the club members (62) are willing to help with CHE activities in the following ways:
- Preble Street Soup Kitchen—22 members
- Summer Food & Reading Program—20 members
- Reading to K-3 Elementary students—14 members
- Mentoring in High Schools—9 members
- Deering High School Interviewing workshop—20 members
- Job Shadowing for High School students—10 members
- Internships—3 members
- Externships—3 members
- Long Creek Youth Center—12 members
 John Curran introduced two happy families from the Dominican Republic who accompanied their children, Jeremy (12) and Kristoff (4) for their successful heart surgery at Maine Medical Center. Sponsored by 'Gift of Life for Maine,' they stayed at the Ronald McDonald House and are scheduled to return home next week. Paul Emery, head of the Gift of Life for Maine, and a Rotarian from the Westbrook-Gorham Rotary Club, thanked the club for its support, and Sarah Taylor, who coordinated everything for the families.
(Photo: Sarah Taylor, John Curran, Ingri Beltre, with her daughter Cristal, Valentina Berroa with her son Jeremy and Paul Emery, Westbrook-Gorham Rotary.)
 Amy Chipman provided a quick update on the club’s Rotary Foundation goal: as of Friday, members have contributed $12,800 toward our $15,500 annual goal. “We’re going to make it this year for sure!” Amy also called Past President Bill Blount forward to receive his fourth Paul Harris Fellow award. She noted his generous contributions to the Foundation, and his work as the club’s Director of Athletics and Recreation, among other things.
Bill Blount reminded everyone of the fundraising "tasting and tour" event at Allaghash Brewery, 50 Industrial Way, Portland, on March 19th from 6 to 9pm. RSVP’s to Elise Hodgkin or Dave Seddon. The ticket cost of $15 per person or $25 per couple is payable at the door.
Bowen Depke and Harold Crabill co-sponsored and introduced a new member, Adam Shepherd. Adam has a background in youth education, lives in South Portland with his wife and 15-month-old, and works at Rippleffect in fund-raising and other roles.
Mike Fortunato is celebrating another grandchild, a baby girl.....Grace Marie Rizzo.
Finally, we bid a 'bon voyage' to the 3-H team as they depart for the Dominican Republic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Kris Rosado
on Mar 20, 2015
|
FROM PRESIDENT KRIS ROSADO:
All Portland Rotarians,
We need your help and active involvement!
The 2015 Maine Outdoor Challenge is the primary fundraiser for our Club, and it is the primary funding source for all of the projects we do both locally and abroad. We need your help to make this a success.
As a reminder, here is a brief description of the event:
Teams of 5 will spend 3 hours at the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School in Freeport, where they will receive lessons and then compete in 5-Stand Sporting Clays, Archery, Fly Casting and Geo Caching. We wrap up the event with a lobster bake and awards banquet, which is included for all participants. The cost for a 5-person team is $1000 with all proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine and the Rotary Club of Portland Maine. We also give teams the option of foregoing the entry fee, and commit to using the web-based fund raising program we provide, seek and secure sponsorship from friends, family and associates.
No experience or equipment is needed. This is a fun and unique event that many have found to be a great way to entertain clients and prospects, as well as, a team building event for management and staff alike. Novices, as well as seasoned outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the time they spend with the professional staff at L.L. Bean. Our almost perfect repeat attendance rate demonstrates that companies and individuals find this a fun event that is well worth the cost, not to mention it is all going to help two worthy organizations.
What can you do:
1) Most importantly, we need teams. Build a team of your own or help to solicit a team form an individual or company that you know. I will help you sell it, but we need Rotarians to help bring potential teams to the table.
2) Have you or your company become an event sponsor or help to solicit a sponsorship form another company.
3) Help us secure donations of items and services to be used as auction items, raffle prizes and event awards.
4) Volunteer at the event, either at the L.L Bean Discovery School or at the Lobster bake.
Our club depends on this event to provide funding, and it also depends on you to help make this event a success. Everyone can help in some capacity. To see or print a copy of this year's event flyer, click HERE. A copy the flyer is also available on our club homepage by going to "Downloads" at the bottom left and click on "Maine Outdoor Challenge 2015."
If you have any questions, please reach out to Cyrus Hagge, Mike Fortunato or me (Kris). We will find the best way for you to help that fits your schedule, abilities and comfort level.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Loretta Rowe
on Mar 20, 2015
|
|
Invocator: Alan Nye
Program Reporter: Dick Hall
Bits & Pieces Reporter: Alan Nye
Badge Box: Carol Aten
Registration/Greeter: Emily McEntee
Sell Meal Ticket: Glenn Nerbak
Collect Meal Tickets: Anne Fisher
Raffle: Tom Nickerson
Rotary Song Leader: Bill Blount
Piano Player: Russ Burleigh
Sgt-at-Arms - Early: Jon Young
Sgt-at-Arms - Late: Peter Noyes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Loretta Rowe
on Mar 20, 2015
|
|
Rotary year....2014-15.
If you would like to mark your calendars for where our meetings will be held, we are at the following locations through February 2015:
Mar 27 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Apr 3 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Apr 10 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Apr 17 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Apr 24 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
BOLD dates are scheduled Board
meeting days.
Any questions, please contact Loretta at: lrowe@maine.rr.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Loretta Rowe
on Mar 20, 2015
|
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 the Club Secretary (Loretta Rowe: lrowe@maine.rr.com). Your input will be appreciated.
PROSPECT BUSINESS SPONSOR
Bill Souter Dawson Smith Purvis & Bassett Loretta Rowe
Laura Pawlendzio People's United Bank Jim Willey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Loretta Rowe
on Mar 13, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Bill Blount
on Mar 20, 2015
|
THE ROTARY DOUBLES TENNIS LEAGUE - Winter/Spring 2015 Week Ten
Rotary Tennis Winter/Spring Week 5 was postponed because of the snow storm. It will be played as week 19. The schedule will continue as written. See you Monday. Week ten scores entered below:
| TEAM 1 |
TEAM 2 |
TEAM 3 |
TEAM 4 |
TEAM 5 |
TEAM 6 |
| J Barns |
D Seddon |
K Ray |
L Gross |
J Bourdeau |
S Blakeslee |
| P Noyes |
T Nickerson |
F Thompson |
B Blount |
B Moore |
D Hall |
| R Asch |
D Putnam |
C Bowker |
H Herodes |
P Ingram |
A Chipman |
| J Houghton |
K Grammer |
J Carr |
R Burleigh |
L Young |
E Jorgensen |
| 6 |
9 |
11 |
17 |
14 |
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Loretta Rowe
on Mar 20, 2015
|
|
The meeting minutes of the Portland Rotary Club's Board of Directors are posted on our website the month following their approval. From the "Home Page," click on the "Board Meeting Minutes" in the listing at the left.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Loretta Rowe
on Mar 20, 2015
|
|
You can watch our recent Portland Rotary Club speakers on the Community Television Network website:
http://ctn5.org/shows/rotary-club-speakers-series
You can always find the link on the Portland Rotary Home Page!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
