In a time where we have hundreds of TV channels available to us, it’s nice to have an icon developed by the medium. At our meeting last Friday, David Clough introduced his Bangor childhood neighbor and opened himself up for some good-hearted ribbing from our guest speaker, Bill Green. Bill has been somewhat of a fixture on WCSH6 TV in Maine, where over time he has done just about everything because it’s a field that he loves almost as much as his home state. Bill didn’t dwell on tales from the past, instead he concentrated on how he became what he is without ever being boastful, although his pride and passion was striking. It’s somewhat ironic to call Bill an icon, since he clearly proved that he is somewhat of an iconoclast, irreverent and unbridled in his commentary.
Bill Green has been with his current WCHS6 family for about 28 years and explains his longevity as a factor of good fortune and having the prescience to name his weekly program “Bill Green’s Maine.” Bill routinely jumps in a less-than-comfortable company vehicle and sets off to find an out-of-the-way place or an emblematic Maine personality. He cites his “strong butt” and ability to eat on the run as a significant attribute. The nature of the financial forces as well as the people, places and things he covers only gives him one try to gather up enough material for a program. He can’t point to any single show as his best or favorite. He has been awarded the “Best Magazine Show in New England,” beating out perennial winner "Chronical" out of Boston.
Over the course of his career he has had the privilege of interviewing some of Maine’s most prominent citizens....some under weird circumstances....such as Governor John Reed at his potato farm in 'The County,' where Reed showed up in his usual gray suit and spectacles.....to Joe Brennan who was totally without any pretense. Regardless of where he is or who he is talking to, his goal is to give you the sense that you are there and part of what’s going on.
Coming from humble circumstances and a loving family in Bangor gave him the foundation that makes him what he is. He bounced from early jobs to a job as a camera jockey for channel 2 in Bangor. He didn’t have any real experience as a cameraman, but listened to "don’t touch" advice and survived long enough to parlay that into time in front of the camera, doing most everything.
For the longest time, Channel 6 was a family-run business, but in 2000, it was sold to the conglomerate 'Gannet' media group and was confronted with a new corporation that was driven by ratings and stats. It turned out that Bill had an excellent “Q” rating (likability), so he carried on, despite his so-called short comings and an unconstrained stream of consciousness to say whatever came to his mind.
Bill Green is currently a young 62-years old and loves his job, but expects to retire at some time. When he does, he intends to push to have Maine join the Atlantic-time-zone that the Maritimes use, so we won’t have such a late sunrise or early evening darkness. When asked about this pet peeve he gets on a roll and the Wild Bill Green comes out in full force. Bill is the real deal and we had the privilege of getting up close and gaining new insight into what makes Maine such a great place to live.
Last week, we had a robust crowd of 48 Portland Rotarians, five non-Rotarian guests, and three visiting Rotarians, including one from Augusta, Georgia who offered us a colorful banner, featuring, of course, a golf flag. Past District Governor Marty Helman also joined our group.
Dave Small offered an invocation to celebrate the coming Thanksgiving. Filling in for Queenie, Dave was able to find a wonderful poem entitled, “Be Thankful,” which set a fine tone for our luncheon meeting. John Marr led us in the pledge, and Russ Burleigh tickled the ivories while the club belted out a spirited version of “God Bless America.” While not quite as rousing, later in the meeting Janelle LoSciuto provided us an opportunity to sing a slow, slow version of “Bless this House,” with a video musical accompaniment to go along with the lyrics, which again focused on the upcoming day of thanks. Janelle was thankful that Roger Fagan kept her toddler busy while she spearheaded our efforts.
Bill Green pulled visitor By West’s name for the raffle draw but the Queen of Hearts, which would have been worth $980, remained elusive.
Several Rotarians have been in the news of late: Max Chikuta was quoted in the Portland Press Herald, Danielle Conway was featured in Maine Biz, and President Laura was interviewed for the Channel 8 news coverage at our Veteran’s Appreciation luncheon. Speaking of the luncheon, Charlie Frair gave us a quick rundown on how our second annual event fared. With the help of 53 Portland Rotarian volunteers, Paul Tully and Charlie had the support they needed to make this year’s event a rousing success. Last year, we had 53 veterans attend...this year, that number almost tripled to 143! The financial goal of raising $5000 was exceeded, with $6750 being raised from 15 donors. Add to that the door receipts, and over $8000 was raised.... leaving us, after costs, with a $2000+ donation to be made to a yet-to-be-determined veteran’s cause. This event has been a huge success with the goal of “honoring, appreciating, acknowledging and thanking” veterans being more than reached. Thanks go out to all in the club who helped make this a very special luncheon. A “de-briefing” will be held on December 2nd at 11:15, for any and all who want to offer input for next year’s event to be an even bigger success. Ron Bennett offered a “Rotary Moment,” running briefly through his background as a child from Orono, where his father taught at the university....to his degree from Brown and his MBA from Dartmouth....to his work career as a partner in a local accounting firm. It was in 2000 when he was first introduced to Portland Rotary by a “competitor” in the biz, Naj Lotfey. After attending a meeting at The Portland Club, Ron was hooked. He joined in early 2001 and has served as our club treasurer, has prepared our tax returns for years, and is currently active at the district level, serving a three-year term on the finance committee. He has also volunteered at the Preble Street soup kitchen, served meals at St. Vincent DePaul, and has rung the Salvation Army bell at Monument Square. Ron has clearly enjoyed his 15 years in the club and he gave thanks to Naj for offering him this opportunity to serve.
Our newest member, Stephanie Joyce, was introduced to the club by Kris Rosado. Stephanie, who is a tax accountant at Baker, Newman and Noyes, grew up in upstate New York and attended Syracuse University. Not only an accountant, she also holds a law license in New York. She lives in Falmouth with her newlywed husband. Welcome to Portland Rotary, Stephanie!
(Photo: President Laura, Stephanie Joyce and Kris Rosado)
Erik Greven, Community Service Chair, reminded us of two upcoming opportunities to volunteer: on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd, we will once again be prepping and serving meals at St. Vincent DePaul’s Soup Kitchen....then beginning on December 5th and running through the 23rd, we will once again be monitoring the kettle and bell at Monument Square. Sign up at meetings or contact Erik at: egrev95@aol.com
Rob Chatfield wants us to mark our calendars for the annual “Beverage Bazaar,” which will be held at "The Maine Craft Distillery" on December 14th. Watch for more info to follow soon.
Volunteers who contributed to the Veterans' Appreciation lunch...from acquiring sponsors....to volunteers on the day of the event......Thank you to everyone for making it a rousing success and especially to the Veterans!
President Laura, Roger & Liz Fagan, Jan Chapman and Bruce Moore helped out with the efforts of “Crutches for Africa” this past Saturday in Biddeford. Over 1000 medical devices were sent to Uganda.
(Photo: Laura Young, Roger Fagan, Liz Fagan, Bruce Moore, Jan Chapman, Safa Mohammed, Aisha Mukhtar, Asma Nour and Jennifer Cook.)
One of the many trips the International Service Committee's 3-H (Hearing, Hands and H2O) Project Team will be making to the Dominican Republic (DR) will be in early 2017.
The Batays in the Dominican Republic are located some 15-20 miles outside of the city, where night darkness is intense. Access to electricity is very limited and without light, the safety of the inhabitants is an issue. The 3-H team would like to take 70-100 collapsible portable lights with them on their upcoming trip and are looking for volunteer donations of $15 per light to help fund this important project.
(Photo: Dick Giles demonstrating a portable solar light.)
For further information or if you would like to help, please contact Elise Hodgkin atportlandrotary@maine.rr.comor 899-6342. You may bring your cash/check to a meeting or mail your check to: Portland Rotary, P.O. Box 1755, Portland, ME 04104. Please make your check payable to Portland Rotary Charitable Account. Make a memo note on the check: for DR solar lights.
If you would like to mark your calendars,
we are at the following locations through
the end of this calendar year:
2016:
Nov 25 - NO Meeting - Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec 2 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Dec 9 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Dec 16 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Dec 23 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Dec 30 - No Meeting - Happy New Year!
BlueBOLD dates are scheduled Board meeting days.
Any questions, please contact Loretta at: lrowe@maine.rr.com
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)
Ben Millick Clark Insurance (Justin Lamontagne)
Michel Kanyambo Catholic Charities (Danielle Conway) of Maine
The following is a list of projects happening within our club that you have an opportunity to volunteer and help with. If you know of other opportunities, please contact Loretta: lrowe@maine.rr.com
When
Project Who to Contact
Soup kitchen 4th Wednesday ea month
Preble Street (4-6:30 p.m.) Oct 26th
Erik Greven
St Vincent DePaul Nov. 23rd
Serve Meal - Erik Greven
Thanksgiving
Bell Ringing Dec. 5 - 22
Salvation Army weekdays at noon
Erik Greven
Game Night Last Tuesday ea month
Cedar Unit Mike Fortunato
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Speaking of the luncheon, Charlie Frair gave us a quick rundown on how our second annual event fared. With the help of 53 Portland Rotarian volunteers, Paul Tully and Charlie had the support they needed to make this year’s event a rousing success. Last year, we had 53 veterans attend...this year, that number almost tripled to 143! The financial goal of raising $5000 was exceeded, with $6750 being raised from 15 donors. Add to that the door receipts, and over $8000 was raised.... leaving us, after costs, with a $2000+ donation to be made to a yet-to-be-determined veteran’s cause. This event has been a huge success with the goal of “honoring, appreciating, acknowledging and thanking” veterans being more than reached. Thanks go out to all in the club who helped make this a very special luncheon. A “de-briefing” will be held on December 2nd at 11:15, for any and all who want to offer input for next year’s event to be an even bigger success.
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