Oct 10 Meeting at USM Portland. See Below for Details!
(Back at Elks Lodge Next Week)
THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER: Dr. Jacqueline Edmondson, President, University of Southern Maine
Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Edmondson brought to USM more than two decades of collective service and progressive leadership experience at the Pennsylvania State University.
Edmondson’s research focuses on education policy, rural education, teacher education, and popular culture. In addition to publishing in numerous academic journals, she has authored eight books on topics ranging from education policy to American music.
In her first three years at USM, Edmondson stabilized enrollments and addressed budgetary challenges. She advanced the Portland Campus Transformation, including the Crewe Center for the Arts, scheduled for completion in August 2025. Working closely with the USM Foundation, she has helped raise more than $30 million during her tenure as president.
Her experiences as a low-income, first-generation college student at 17 have inspired her dedication to fostering belonging and ensuring students receive the support needed to reach their full potential. She is deeply committed to providing students with meaningful experiences in the arts and humanities.
Edmondson lives in the president’s residence on the Gorham campus with her husband, Michael, and their dog, Elbow. They enjoy spending time with their three grandsons in Vermont.
MEETING LOCATION / PROCEDURE: 12 Noon, Friday Oct 10
USM, Abromson Community Education Center, 88 Bedford Street
Rooms 109 and 110, across from Hannaford Hall
Free Parking in USM Garage. Look for signs either in the garage or at the front desk at the Abromsen Center, and scan the QR code.
1. Scan the QR Code or text the number on the sign when you enter the building from the parking lot.
2. Enter your mobile number and license plate information.
3. Select rate code: Hourly Rates – 3 HOURS
4. Enter event code: ROTARY into the Validation Code field tap APPLY.
5. Tap the Start Parking button to begin your parking session.
Codes will be available at the front desk as well as an iPad that goes directly to the app for folks having trouble or without smartphones.
The meeting room is located right next to the front desk staffed with a wonderful man named Rob Stevenson and he, and Sherry Phillips Gleason, are happy to help you.
BITS AND PIECES | By Laura Young
Laura Young opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to Portland Rotary and inviting Kirk Duffy, visiting from Savannah, Georgia, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Paul Tully offered the Message of the Day, encouraging members to see the Portland Stage production of Eleanor. He then shared an interesting account of U.S. Presidents who had connections to Rotary, adding a touch of history and inspiration to the meeting.
WELCOME! Ian Nagel introduced our guests and visiting Rotarian:Kirk Duffy, visiting Rotarian from Savannah, GA, Katheryn Nagle, Ian’s sister, who will soon be submitting her membership application, Zach Newell’s guests: his wife Angela, daughter Maya (our program speaker), and Maya’s friend and host sister from Japan, Misaki Kato.
PORTLAND JETPORT TOUR: Peter Goffin announced an exciting opportunity for 20 Portland Rotarians to take part in a special tour of the Portland Jetport on Friday, October 31st, following our regular meeting with Jetport Executive Director Paul Bradbury as our program speaker.Interested members can contact Peter by email to sign up.
IN THE CARDS: Jerry Wall led the raffle for $215. The winning ticket belonged to Paul T. Gore, but the elusive Queen of Hearts remained in the deck. No winner, no dinner.
PAUL HARRIS FELLOW: On behalf of the Rotary Foundation Committee, Jerry Wall presented Gervin Kah with his second Paul Harris Fellowship. Congratulations, Gervin, on this well-deserved recognition! A standing ovation topped it off!
BRIDGE THE GAP TO END POLIO: As Foundation Chair, Jerry also reminded members of the upcoming 4th Annual “Bridge the Gap to End Polio” Walk on Thursday, October 16th. The plan is as follows:
1. Meet at 4:30 p.m. at the Broadway Bowl parking lot in SoPo.
2. Walk the Casco Bay Bridge, over and back with End Polio Now signs.
3. Afterward, enjoy Pints for Polio at Broadway Bowl (725 Broadway).
4. Wear your red End Polio Now shirts or sweatshirts! To order a red pullover sweatshirt, contact Paul T. Gore by October 10th. Jerry also has a few red short-sleeve T-shirts available (1 XL, 2 L, 1 M). 2024 Team Photo!
PINCH ME!
Lobster Raffle Update: Bill Milliken reported that we are halfway through Lobster Raffle sales, having raised over $6,000 toward our $12,000 goal. There are still some open slots available—sign up here to help us reach the finish line!
We can not understate the comradery of working together with other club members at the booth. Some may be nervous to start, but at this point there is always going to be an experienced partner to work with.
It's fun meeting people from all over the U.S., some overseas. Quite a few Rotarians inevitably stop by to say hello, express their appreciation, and buy a ticket too. So join in, break the ice. We bet your first time wont be your last!
HAPPY DOLLARS: Several members shared their Happy Dollar announcements: Kirk Duffy and Tom Talbott celebrated their team, the Yankees, beating the Red Sox in the Wildcard playoff. Kathryn Nagle shared joy about a family member receiving a green card appointment. Rotarians recommended Andre Nzeyimana’s Burundi Star Coffee on St. John Street as the best coffee in Portland. Mike Reed announced he’ll soon be heading to Florida for the winter. See you in the Spring Mike!
Rotary Exchange Student Maya Newell Shares Unforgettable Year in Japan | by Bruce Moore
Maya Newell, Zack’s daughter, shared her transformative year as a Rotary Exchange Student in Japan, offering an engaging glimpse into life and culture in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Her journey began in Yaizu, Shizuoka, a picturesque coastal region south of Mount Fuji. Each day, she biked six miles—about 40 minutes—to an all-Japanese school in Fujita, where she fully embraced student life by joining the cheerleading squad and often returning home around 8 p.m.
Early highlights included Rotary-sponsored trips to Yokohama’s vibrant Chinatown and Yokosuka’s historic Navy port. In September, she participated in the Taikusai sports festival, a spirited event where her class, despite their efforts, experienced a series of losses.
One of Maya’s favorite memories was the New Year’s celebration, a three-day event steeped in tradition. Wearing a kimono, she stayed up all night, visited a shrine for the countdown, and watched the first sunrise of the year.
Following the Japanese custom of Otoshidama, she received about $300, which she later used to visit Disneyland Tokyo and explore the city. Travels with her parents took her to Kyoto and Osaka, where she attended the World Fair and enjoyed her favorite food, Takoyaki (octopus balls).
Arriving with no prior Japanese knowledge, Maya’s language skills blossomed through a two-week Rotary language school and daily immersion. She demonstrated her progress by singing All I Want for Christmas Is You in Japanese at a holiday party and giving a speech about Takoyaki in a Japanese speech contest.
Rotary played a central role, with monthly meetings in Shizuoka and bi-monthly gatherings in her local town. The organization also hosted a three-day trip to Kyoto, where she visited ancient shrines. Maya lived with several host families, including two stays with Misaki Kato’s family.
She noted cultural differences such as limited English in rural areas, many housewives in the countryside, strict school uniform rules, and only one woman in Rotary in her host region.
Looking ahead, Maya is considering attending an American university or Temple University in Japan, which would require passing a Japanese proficiency test.
The presentation concluded with heartfelt remarks from Misaki, who expressed deep gratitude for her time in America and the kindness of the Newell family and Rotary Club. Photo: Zach, Maya, Angelique (Mom) and Misaki.
Speaker Schedule
October 16- Thursday Night Social : End Polio Now Bridge Walk
October 17- No Meeting
October 24 - Jean Flahive, Maine Author, Historical Fiction
October 31 - Paul Bradbury. Director, Portland International Jetport
November 7 - Amy Angelo and Alice Evans, ME. Chapter Alzheimer's Assoc.
November 13- Club Social
November 14- No Meeting
November 21 - Fred Horch, Climate Change
November 28 - No Meeting "Happy Thanksgiving!"
Club Executives
Co-Presidents Bowen Depke, Laura Young President Elect Justin Lamontagne Vice President Jake Bourdeau TreasurerDick Hall Secretary Juliana L'Heureux Board of Directors Dick Hall, Patty Byers,
Art Howe, Niki Merrill, Bill Milliken, Bruce Moore
Sergeant-At-ArmsZach Newell
The Windjammer is published online by
The Rotary Club of Portland, Maine.
Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Edmondson brought to USM more than two decades of collective service and progressive leadership experience at the Pennsylvania State University.
Laura Young opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to Portland Rotary and inviting Kirk Duffy, visiting from Savannah, Georgia, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Paul Tully offered the Message of the Day, encouraging members to see the Portland Stage production of Eleanor. He then shared an interesting account of U.S. Presidents who had connections to Rotary, adding a touch of history and inspiration to the meeting.
PORTLAND JETPORT TOUR: Peter Goffin announced an exciting opportunity for 20 Portland Rotarians to take part in a special tour of the Portland Jetport on Friday, October 31st, following our regular meeting with Jetport Executive Director Paul Bradbury as our program speaker.Interested members can 
Her journey began in Yaizu, Shizuoka, a picturesque coastal region south of Mount Fuji. Each day, she biked six miles—about 40 minutes—to an all-Japanese school in Fujita, where she fully embraced student life by joining the cheerleading squad and often returning home around 8 p.m.