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Portland Rotary will meet this week at the
Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
88 Spring Street, Portland
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Our club policy regarding STORM-RELATED CANCELLATION of Rotary meetings is that:
IF PORTLAND SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED, PORTLAND ROTARY DOES NOT MEET.
Please watch your local TV news/weather broadcasts on Friday mornings.
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Posted by Justin Lamontagne
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As the leader of Pierce Atwood’s Government Relations practice, Andrea provides governmental relations services in Maine and in  Washington, DC with Maine's Congressional delegation. Her practice includes lobbying, government contracts, and strategic positioning of organizations to achieve desired outcomes. Her advocacy focus includes issues in economic development, workforce development, and real estate.
Andrea is adept at building coalitions and developing effective stakeholder relations. She operates in a manner that enhances the credibility and reputation of her clients. Her sensible and proactive approach is refreshing and empowering in the complex and sometimes perplexing public policy arena. Committed to creating a strong and vibrant state of Maine, Andrea enjoys working with clients and as a volunteer to strengthen Maine's economy.
Andrea has developed strong and personal relationships with countless policy makers, business people, and association leaders during her lifetime in Maine. She has served on nonprofit boards including the Susan L. Curtis Foundation and the Maine Community Foundation. She and her husband, Scott, hope that their four children always feel they have an opportunity to live and work in Maine.
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Posted by John Marr
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BABIES, BUSINESS AND THE BOTTOM LINE
The March of Dimes (MOD) is immediately associated with prenatal care and premature births. However, some Boomers probably recall that it was steeped in the fight to help eradicate polio in their early years. As remarkable progress was made in the effort to control the scourge of polio, the March of Dimes turned its attention to educating the public to the need for proper prenatal care and improving the protocols in medical care to improve the chances of pre-term babies to survive and live a normal life. Their mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
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(Photo: Representing the March of Dimes (L to R) - Aubrey Martin, Sally Hennessey, Eileen Delaney, Hildy Ginsberg and Janelle LoSciuto)
Our own member, Janelle LoSciuto, a recent mom and also a part of the MOD team, introduced us to Hildy Ginsberg, Executive Director; Eileen Delaney, Board member and Director at Mid Coast Medical Center; Sally Hennessey, the Regional Director of Program Services for MOD, as well as a mother; and Aubrey Martin, a mother who both suffered and survived a premature delivery.
We learned that any delivery short of the expected 40 weeks carries a degree of risk. However, 3 weeks premature is the primary line of demarcation, since late-term development is affected and the baby's respiratory system is challenged. Fortunately, the studies, medicines and care protocols that the March of Dimes has helped develop has greatly improved the chances of “preemies” to survive and enjoy a normal life without residual effects. Despite the hard work of MOD and marvels of modern medicine, the United States is lagging in terms of statistical success. It was suggested that we need to identify those at risk and provide assistance. It came as no surprise to learn that mothers who fail to adopt a healthy life style by forgoing tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use, run a higher risk of premature delivery and adversely-developed infants. The March of Dimes suggests that we can improve our chances of healthy births if we eliminate obstacles to optimum healthcare, such as high-deductible medical insurance and providing adequate time away from work for those identified to be “at risk.” A woman who has delivered prematurely runs a higher risk of subsequent premature deliveries and has to be attended to early on. If care is given early in a pregnancy. we can save a huge amount of money. A premature birth earlier than three weeks can cost as much a half million dollars in extra medical care over time. Hildy Ginsberg pointed to a 2006 medical study that suggested the cost of premature deliveries is about 26 billion dollars annually in medical expenses, loss to households and business, as well as special education and after care.
Aubrey Martin is a “family ambassador” for the March of Dimes and has personally experienced the loss of a premature baby born at 23 weeks and only weighing 1 pound. The hospital she was taken to was ill prepared for such a difficult delivery and they could not get her to a better prepared facility in time. Aubrey and her husband knew they wanted to be parents so they adopted a son. Soon after, they realized that Aubrey was pregnant and went on to take all the precautions, such as aggressive prenatal care, including months of bed rest, proper nutrition and Progesterone to aid in the baby's system development. Aubrey gave birth a week later than expected to a healthy baby boy, Ryan, and soon thereafter brought a baby sister, Annie, into the family. By following the care protocols fostered by the work of the March of Dimes, the Martin family is living proof that we can make a huge difference by taking simple steps.
Sally Hennessey concluded the presentation by alerting us to some of the factors that results in premature births. As one would expect, the lack of a prenatal plan is a factor, as well as the size of the mother, e.g. the smaller the mother is in stature, the higher the risk. Black Americans are at a higher statistical risk, as are those mothers having multiple births (often associated with fertility medicines). As we have more women delaying pregnancy, it has been noted that those over 35 years of age are more likely to deliver prematurely. Since we are now much better prepared, thanks in large part to the work of the March of Dimes, we can improve the delivery process, save money and lives by following proven care practices by being prepared.
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Posted by Alan Nye
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President Bowen welcomed 53 members and 9 visitors to the meeting of February 12 at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay, where the room was nicely decorated to remind us that Valentine's Day was only two days away. .JPG)
(Photo: Elise Hodgkin)
Alan Nye gave a thought-provoking invocation about perseverance, citing the many setbacks suffered by Abraham Lincoln before he became President. Russ Burleigh led us in a rousing “God Bless America.”
President Bowen introduced the many visiting guests, but alas no visiting Rotarians.
.JPG) Tom Nickerson gave us our Rotary Moment in History, focusing on the years 1953-57. This was still the time of post-war boom. A monumental decision in civil rights was decided by the Supreme Court in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. (This landmark decision ended segregation in public schools.) The first polio vaccine was developed and came into use during this time. Our club during these years often had meetings about the construction of the Maine Turnpike. The club also featured Governor Ed Muskie and Senator Margaret Chase Smith as speakers.
Eric Lusk was singled out as wearing a bright orange sweater suitable for walking in the woods during hunting season or in support of the Denver Broncos' winning the Super Bowl!
Russ Burleigh and Gracie Johnston led us in singing “Happy Birthday” to the February-baby Rotarians. Gracie then gamely led us in a chorus of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
The raffle ($1023) was conducted by Linda Varrell with Jim Willey doing the honors – and drawing the Ace of Spades.
President Bowen urged us to help out at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen on the 24th, by signing sheets that were (supposed to be) on the tables. Another sign-up was mentioned for the meeting on March 4th at Merrill Auditorium – featuring a tour after the meeting of the newly-renovated Kotzschmar Organ. (See separate article on this special meeting. To register to attend, please contact Loretta BY 2/26: lrowe@maine.rr.com)
John Curran discussed all the wonderful things that Portland Rotary is doing through the International Service Committee, including the upcoming trip in March to the Dominican Republic, introducing the new 3D prosthetic hands, water filters, solar lights and more. For more information, contact John at: curraj1@mmc.org
President Bowen informed the club that the recent PROPEL networking event at the Rising Tide Brewery netted $570 for our club. Russell Voss, President of PROPEL, and Stephanie Pennell, PROPEL's Marketing Chair, (photo at right) presented a check to the club. Thanks to all who worked on the event and all those who attended!
President Bowen reminded members that there is another networking event coming up on March 29th at the Allagash Brewery. More details to come.
Emily McEntee announced that we are still accepting donations for the upcoming Rotary auction to be held on February 26th. She said that new and lightly-used items are still needed. Contact Emily, Ellen Niewoehner, or Loretta Rowe to donate your items ASAP. Please let one of these ladies know of your donated item(s) BEFORE the day of the auction, so the proper paperwork can be ready. (See separate article in this issue for more details.)
Jan Chapman made a plea for the donation of mobility devices for the "Crutches4Africa" project. In addition to crutches, canes, wheelchairs, etc., Jan is looking for a volunteer to temporarily store the donated items until a full container is ready to be shipped. To find out more information, please contact Jan at: chapmoore@myfairpoint.net
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Posted by Loretta Rowe
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WE NEED YOUR HELP! Friday, February 26, we will hold our famous re-gifting/new-item auction at our Rotary meeting. This being a LEAP year, we have named it our "Leap Into Auction" event. Everyone can find something of intrinsic value to donate....minimum value of $15.00....maybe a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant....a boat ride....weekend at your cabin....a dinner for two hosted at your home....OR maybe something you received over the holidays that just wasn't right for you, but would be cherished by someone else. Be creative!
We need to know what you will donate BEFORE the day of the auction, so we can prepare the proper paperwork......PLEASE!
Thank you.
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On Friday, March 4, 12:00-1:30 pm Portland Rotary Club's meeting will be held at Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street, Portland, ME.
Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ (FOKO) will host the meeting!
The mighty Kotzschmar Organ, in its 103rd year, is a national icon and is an integral part of the cultural history of Portland. Portland’s municipal organist, Ray Cornils, assisted by FOKO docents, will give a demonstration and offer tours of the newly-renovated Kotzschmar Organ. Tours will start at 1:20 and last between 10-20 minutes to go through the organ. Yes! You can actually walk inside the windchest of the organ!
We would like to extend an invitation to all members and clubs in the District to join us. We need a head count for set up and catering. Please also advise if you will be bringing any guest(s). Please RSVP by 2/26 to Loretta Rowe: lrowe@maine.rr.com.
We hope you will join us!
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Invocation: Peggy Wescott
Program Reporter: Julie L'Heureux
Bits & Pieces Reporter: Bill Blount
Registration/Greeter: Alex St. Hilaire
Sell Meal Tickets: Loretta Rowe
Raffle: Jerry Angier
Badge Box: Jim Thornton
Collect Meal Tickets: Jake Bourdeau
Rotary Moment in History: Leonard Scott
Song Leader: Bill Blount
Pianist: Russ Burleigh
Sgt-at-Arms (Early): Bill Ross
Sgt-at-Arms (Late): Tom Sukley
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If you would like to mark your calendars, we are
at the following locations through March 2016:
2016:
Feb 19 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Feb 26 - The Clarion Hotel
Mar 04 - Merrill Auditorium
Mar 11 - The Clarion Hotel
Mar 18 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Mar 25 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Blue BOLD dates are scheduled Board meeting days.
Any questions, please contact Loretta at: lrowe@maine.rr.com
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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(S)
George Carr RM Davis Laura Young
Quincy Hentzel Industrium Lamontagne/Depke
Thank you.
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Read more...
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Posted by Bill Blount
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ROTARY DOUBLES TENNIS LEAGUE
Winter/Spring Session 2016
Week seven scores are:
| TEAM 1 |
TEAM 2 |
TEAM 3 |
TEAM 4 |
TEAM 5 |
TEAM 6 |
| Thompson |
Blakeslee |
Gross |
Bourdeau |
Seddon |
Barns |
| Ingram |
Blount |
Noyes |
Ray |
Moore |
Hall |
| Herodes |
Asch |
Putnam |
Nickerson |
Chipman |
Jorgensen |
| St Hilaire |
Houghton |
Burleigh |
Grammer |
Carr |
L.Young |
| 5 |
13 |
9 |
10 |
7 |
12 |
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