This coming Friday, the final Friday Rotary meeting of 2016, a program in tribute to the holiday season will be presented. Christmas StoryTeller, Russ Burleigh, will be joined by Kathy Grammer as they sing, talk and play piano in a program they’re calling “The Bells of Christmas.”
Russ has been storytelling for the past 25 years. He got his start when he wrote and recorded stories about Christmas carols and traditions for the radio. That led to his developing Christmas StoryCards which are greeting cards that contain the history and origin of whatever subject was depicted on the front of the card. His cards have been sold at the Smithsonian Museum Shops and Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, at L. L. Bean, Toronto’s largest department store, Bronner’s Christmas World in Michigan and many other stores around the country. For several years, while running his printing business, he used to ship between 10,000 and 15,000 custom-designed StoryCards to a radio station in Massachusetts.
StoryTelling began as a result of the success of the cards. Russ does these “gigs” every December from four to eight times, visiting various Rotary Clubs in the district, Kiwanis clubs, churches, retirement homes, etc.
Friday's message is concerned with providing details about the history and origin of Christmas music that contains “bells.” You will hear about “Silver Bells,” “Jingle Bells,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and several more, including a few surprises, not to mention a number of invitations to the members to join in on the singing.
You will definitely enjoy this program and come away feeling an extra helping of the Christmas spirit!
“Hello,” began our guest speaker Reza Jalali, before reeling off the greeting in a multitude of different languages. Though Maine is by the numbers, a predominantly Caucasian state, the immigration population in the Portland area is growing quickly, adding new layers of culture, race, heritage, and faith. As Reza calls them, these are the “new Mainers.” In fact, Portland’s population is now 20% “new Mainers.” To give you some perspective, between 50-55 languages are spoken just in Portland High School.
As a former refugee from Iran, Reza knows the hurdles facing immigrants. It’s not as if someone wakes up one day and randomly decides to leave their homeland, their family, their life. Instead it’s war, the militia at the door as innocent people get torn from their roots. In it, Reza has seen the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
Next time you travel down Forest Avenue, take stock of the small grocers, restaurants, salons, even car dealers. Many of them are owned and operated by recent immigrants. This is quite a leap from the days not many decades ago when intolerant groups, such as the KKK, had an office on the same strip.
In fact, one not need look far to see that Maine has had its share of prejudice and bigotry over its history. The French and Irish immigrants coming to work in the mills dealt with intolerance. Going back to the 1800’s, the Know Nothing Party, a violent anti-Catholic organization, infamously tarred and feathered a Catholic priest in Ellsworth, and burned down a church in Bath. Those of the Jewish faith were declined rooms at hotels.
The point, says Reza, is that the way these outsiders were described, was very similar in style to how immigrants are portrayed these days. “Free loaders, criminals, welfare recipients.” Reza broadcasted a positive light, and pointed out that immigrants have a spirit of entrepreneurship, willing to start businesses, pay taxes, and add life to the community they join. He suggested that no refugee would go through the misery of getting here for the purpose of going on welfare.
In conclusion, Reza offered two points. First, far from being a burden, immigrants have been very beneficial, adding to the rich fabric of our society. There are now some 50,000 “New Mainers.” Get to know them. Open doors. Secondly, education is needed to bring people together. When there is a lack of understanding, there is fear. We must educate, and learn to work with others, who while they may be different, have much to offer.
Warm greetings: President Laura Young and Reza Jalali.
President Laura began the meeting at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay, with 48 Rotarians, 2 visiting Rotarians and 6 guests. George Crockett was asked to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Russ Burleigh presented an invocation with an Irish blessing and Kathy Grammer played the keyboard, as we sang a patriotic song.
Lionel Nima was called upon to give us a 'Rotary Moment.' Lionel came to us originally from the Congo, first coming to Denver where he studied English and successfully worked in sales. He is currently working in Portland as a caregiver and seeks to continue his studies in legal training at USM School of Law. A friend of Lionel’s suggested that Rotary would be a good way of connecting with his community, so Lionel checked out the Portland club, deciding to join us as a member. We are sure that the Dean of USM School of Law in attendance took note of Lionel’s worthy legal ambitions.
Russ Burleigh led us in singing, "Winter Wonderland," again accompanied on the keyboard by Kathy Grammer.
Russ remained at the podium and told us about the good works of his wife, Joan Steinberg. Joan has knitted another 100 pairs of mittens for the children at the Lyseth School. For the past 8 years, she has knitted colorful and warm mittens for various local charities and has found Lyseth to be a good fit for being the recipient of her love of knitting and good will back to the community.
Russ, honoring his wife for all the work she has put into this project, presented Joan with a Paul Harris Fellow. Congratulations, Joan......and "Thank You" from all of us.
Jennifer Frederick led our weekly raffle draw, asking our speaker to pull a name from the bucket, so they could try their luck at finding the Queen of Hearts and win the $1,085 pot. Patty Erickson, in a colorful Christmas sweater, had her name drawn, but she drew the wrong queen, leaving the elusive Queen of Hearts in the deck for the next lucky contestant.
President Laura spoke of the recent well-attended "Holiday Beverage Bazaar" that raised $800 for our Lyseth School student reading project. Laura explained that we have 5 slots left in the reading project...if you would like to help, please contact Lili Brown at: lilinbrown@gmail.com Laura also thanked Cyrus Hagge, Youth Services Committee, PR Committee, Rusty Atwood and Kris Rosado for helping to secure the funds so the books can be purchased for the first round of readings in 2017.
President Laura announced the slate of proposed club officers for 2017-2018 Rotary year. All were voted in unanimously. (See separate article listing the slate of officers in this issue.)
President Laura then asked for a vote on the proposed change to our Club's Bylaws, dissolving the Service and Memorial Fund and adding the creation of the Rotary Club of Portland's Endowment Fund. It was approved by the attending Club Members. (The Club's governing documents are available on our website.)
Tom Nickerson requested volunteers for 'CASH.' He was not deluged by a throng of 'cash' seekers, but the attentive audience learned of a volunteer opportunity for "Creating Asset Savings and Hope," a Goodwill initiative to be held on Saturday, February 19, 2017 9am-4pm. Volunteers will provide free tax preparation for low-to-moderate income families and individuals. Free training and no tax experience necessary, just a willingness to help. For more details, call 699-0753 or go to: cash@goodwilllnne.org
Danielle Conway introduced us to Portland’s newest member, Michel Kanyambo, a Rwanda refugee, married with two sons. Welcome to Portland Rotary, Michel!
And lastly, President Laura will be on Maine Public’s 'Maine Calling Show' this Thursday at 1 p.m. talking about end of year giving and traditions.
It was time to bring out the Christmas sweaters for Jennifer Frederick and Patty Erickson.
Some of our incoming club officers (L to R): 2nd Vice President John Curran, Director Ellen Niewoehner, Club Protection Officer Nan Heald, and President Don Zillman.
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.
Invocation: Charlie Frair Program Reporter: Ben Lowry Bits & Pieces Reporter: Jake Bourdeau Registration/Greeter: Jan Chapman Sell Meal Tickets: Matt Tassey Raffle: David Clough Badge Box: Larry Gross Collect Meal Tickets: Jerry Angier* Song Leader: Special program Pianist: Kathy Grammer Sgt-at-Arms (Early): Bruce Moore Sgt-at-Arms (Late): Dave Putnam
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)
Benjamin Millick Clark Insurance (Justin Lamontagne)
Ognjen Nikolic Ogo Sense LLC (Russell Voss)
Terri St Angelo Anderson-Watkins Insurance (Linda Varrell)
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
Resource Ctr Erik Greven
Bell Ringing Dec. 5 - 22
Salvation Army weekdays at noon
Erik Greven
Game Night Last Tuesday ea month
Cedar Unit Mike Fortunato or
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This coming Friday, the final Friday Rotary meeting of 2016, a program in tribute to the holiday season will be presented. Christmas StoryTeller, Russ Burleigh, will be joined by Kathy Grammer as they sing, talk and play piano in a program they’re calling “The Bells of Christmas.” 
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Russ remained at the podium and told us about the good works of his wife, Joan Steinberg. Joan has knitted another 100 pairs of mittens for the children at the Lyseth School. For the past 8 years, she has knitted colorful and warm mittens for various local charities and has found Lyseth to be a good fit for being the recipient of her love of knitting and good will back to the community. .JPG)
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Tom Nickerson requested volunteers for 'CASH.' He was not deluged by a throng of 'cash' seekers, but the attentive audience learned of a volunteer opportunity for "Creating Asset Savings and Hope," a Goodwill initiative to be held on Saturday, February 19, 2017 9am-4pm. Volunteers will provide free tax preparation for low-to-moderate income families and individuals. Free training and no tax experience necessary, just a willingness to help. For more details, call 699-0753 or go to: 
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