THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER:  Donald Bowden, The ‘Maine Model’ / Maine Dept. of Corrections 

Donald Bowden brings firsthand experience to the discussion of corrections and reentry in Maine.

More than a decade ago, Donald took part in and graduated from the Criminogenic Addiction Recovery Academy, or CARA, at the Kennebec County Jail. The program was created by then-Sheriff Randall Liberty to address addiction, criminal behavior, and the patterns that can lead people back into the justice system.

Since then, Donald has spoken publicly about incarceration, recovery, reentry, and the need for practical support after release. In 2026, he spoke at the Maine State House during the launch of Maine’s Reentry 2030 initiative. He also serves on Maine’s Directly Impacted Advisory Board for the Fair Chance to Advance initiative.

Donald’s experience connects directly to what is now known as the Maine Model of Corrections, an approach developed under Randall Liberty that emphasizes rehabilitation, personal responsibility, respect, and helping people return successfully to their communities.

Tom Talbott’s “Message of the Day” offered a warm remembrance of Dolly Parton and her extraordinary life of music, generosity, literacy, and service. Many did not know that Dolly gave the keynote address at the 2010 Dolly also had a meaningful Rotary connection through her Imagination Library, which Rotary clubs have supported in communities around the world. Check out the video that showcases the partnership of Dolly and Rotary.

RAFFLIN’: The raffle pot stood at $273, with Bruce Moore getting his chance at the deck and the Queen of Hearts making an appearance. Alas!

MINUTE MAGAZINE: Niki Merrill provided our “Rotary Minute” by highlighting an August Rotary magazine story about a Topeka, Kansas program helping women successfully reenter society after incarceration. What stood out most was the ripple effect: a small idea grew into a major support network serving more than 1,000 women. Niki also connected the story to our own Recovery Task Force work and a proposed backpack program for people beginning recovery and reentry.

EELGRASS ROOTS: Niki shared a volunteer opportunity with Seeds of Hope to help process eelgrass seeds October 15–18 in support of Casco Bay restoration. Watch for an email with sign-up details.

PAUL HARRIS FELLOW HONORED: The club recognized Jim Vincenzi with a Paul Harris Fellow +6 distinction, marking continued and substantial support of the Rotary Foundation. Foundation Chair Jerry Wall did the honors, and offered our club’s congratulations on an impressive milestone.

FOUNDATION CELEBRATION! Tom Talbott gave an update on the District Foundation Celebration, Saturday, October 17 in Portsmouth, focusing on veterans, mental health, and World Polio Day.

What began as the District’s first Foundation-wide grant of $4,000 has grown to $20,000 through support from Rotary clubs and individuals. That funding, still growing, will provide three companion dogs for veterans dealing with service-related issues. Our club is proud to have contributed $1,000 to this important mental-health program.

We’ll also honor Wally Camp Jr. as a Paul Harris Fellow for his support of our Flags For Heroes program and his longtime commitment to veterans’ causes.

Tom also returned from a Rotary event in Cancún newly inspired by Rotary’s international reach — and by one memorable translation mishap involving “polio” and “pollo” on the conference screen. There is no truth to the rumor that Rotary is close to eradicating chickens worldwide.

ROAD TRIP!  We have a growing number of attendees for the Foundation Event becasue we're making it fun! Carpooling is in effect, with Jerry Wall and Brian Nickeson lending their wheels. Plans on syncing up underway -  Jerry and Brian, plus Laura Young, Jake Boudreau, Art Howe, Paul Gore, Charlie Frair, Niki Curtis, Mike Fortunato, Larry Gross and Tom Talbott are heading down. More have said yes, they just have to buy their ticket!

FOR MORE DETAILS and TICKETS - Click our Eventbrite Link.  Only $20, and under 18 no charge. Bring a young person, they'll always remember the day!  Plus we'll have our 250 American flags there-  let's show them how to hold them!  

LOBSTER SEASON: Larry Gross reminded everyone that October still has open Lobster Raffle shifts on Commercial Street. One recent three-Rotarian shift raised about $600, proving once again that cruise passengers can be very good for Rotary. Larry also earned a shout-out after reporting a sidewalk hazard near the raffle area to City Hall. Public Works responded and made repairs.

There are slots still open, and we need to fill them!

CLICK HERE. We have fewer dates than last year, so we need to make the most of each day.

Set up is at Commercial Street right across from Brickyard Hollow Brewery at 9 Commercial Street. Dates tie directly to cruise-ship arrivals. Each shift needs 1 person familiar with setup, plus 1-2 others. Two can do it; three is better—one can register buyers while the others keep selling.

NEPAL CONNECTION: Dick Hall delivered some great news! A donor working through the Maine Community Foundation is directing $25,000 toward flood-relief efforts in Nepal through Rotary’s charitable structure and local Rotary connections. The donor is also making a $250 contribution to our club. (Photo Dick Hall) 

HANDS, LEGS, HOPE: Fresh off his aforementioned PHF Award, Jim Vincenzi updated the club on our longstanding prosthetics work in the Dominican Republic. The program provided legs to 127 patients last year, helping many regain mobility and return to work. The computer-aided hand project has slowed because of design challenges, but international partnership options are being explored. Jim also shared progress on a larger hospital project connected to the work.

LAST WEEK'S SPEAKER: Charlie Frair - The Battle of Yorktown, The Trap That Won A Nation. 

By Ben Lowry

We all love Charlie Frair. He’s one of those guys who always has a smile on his face and something nice to say. Most of us know he has been instrumental in many of our club’s major projects over the past decade, but how many know Charlie has a “summer job” giving lectures on cruise ships?

Last Friday, we got to see Charlie in action without buying a luxurious berth. He shared one of the talks he gives while cruising Chesapeake Bay, focusing on the region’s Revolutionary War history and, specifically, the Battle of Yorktown—the key battle that allowed the United States to finally find its footing as an independent nation.

It was the summer of 1781, and the war had raged for five years. General Washington led the Revolutionary forces against Lt. General Lord Charles Cornwallis, who believed the rebellion would soon be crushed. But his confidence became his enemy as he tried unsuccessfully to rally the South.

New York was held by the British, while Boston and Philadelphia were Patriot strongholds. Trying to emulate Washington’s mobility, Cornwallis made a major tactical mistake by burning much of his supplies to remain “lean” and quick. Washington, meanwhile, had mastered the quick pivot, withdrawing from dozens of battles to preserve his forces.

By autumn, Cornwallis desperately needed supplies and moved 7,000 troops to Yorktown, Virginia, expecting resupply from the British fleet controlling the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. But an unlikely hero, former slave James Armistead Lafayette, fed Cornwallis inaccurate intelligence suggesting Washington’s troops were headed toward New York.

The trap was set.

France allied with the Colonists in 1778 and sent troops and ships to America by 1780. In Sept 1781, French Admiral de Grasse took control of Chesapeake Bay, cutting Cornwallis off from supplies. With a 24-to-19 ship advantage, the French forced surviving British ships to retreat toward New York.

With Yorktown isolated, Washington and French Lt. General Rochambeau dug trenches west of the British-held city. Day and night, their combined forces pounded Yorktown with cannon fire. Cornwallis considered evacuating across the channel, but a fierce October storm prevented the escape.

After six weeks, with Yorktown devastated, Cornwallis surrendered. He refused to personally hand his sword to Washington, whom he considered an inferior officer. Seven thousand prisoners were taken while negotiations, led in part by Ben Franklin, eventually produced the formal end of the war two years later.

Yorktown and Cornwallis’ defeat became defining moments in a war that claimed well over 50,000 lives. The treaties signed in 1783 lasted only until the War of 1812, a conflict with no clear victor.

Having our own Charlie Frair tell the story was a treat for the roughly 50 people at Friday’s meeting. We thanked him with a hearty round of applause and a donation in his name to support our local literacy program. (Photo, Tom Talbott (L) thanks Charlie for his fine presentation!)

What are the Seven Areas of Focus that our Foundation addresses? Sixth is Growing Local Economies where TRF focusses on enhancing economic and community development to offer decent and productive work for young and old through educating local entrepreneurs and leaders, particularly women, with guidance about successful service projects.