Marjorie (Marge) Barker joined Rotary in November of 2005. She is Past President of the South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Club, served three years as Assistant Governor and two years as past District Rotary Leadership Institute Chair. Marge has been on the faculty of RLI since 2013. She currently serves on several District Committees. Marge is a Paul Harris recipient and a member of the Bequest Society. Prior to serving as Club President, Marge traveled twice to Honduras to work with youth from Cape Elizabeth High School and Rotarians from her club on a water project. She has helped deliver polio vaccinations to the much-needed areas of Ethiopia.
After serving as President, Marge participated in the Friendship Exchange to New Orleans in 2013 and traveled to Guatemala with other Rotarians as part of a service project in 2013. She retired from TD Bank as a Vice President in January 2014 where she had been for over 25 years. She started her career with Junior Achievement as a banker when she was 12.
Marge has been a SCORE-certified mentor since early 2015. SCORE offers the nation’s largest network of free, expert business mentors. SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteering at SCORE is a way to give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners, and pass on knowledge and expertise to entrepreneurs in your community.
She is the Past President of a non-profit organization she started – Friends of Kayanet Education Center, where she helped build a preschool in Kesses, Kenya.
Marge received both a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with honors (2011) and MBA (Dec 2013) from Husson University.
She is a widow with two grown children and six grandchildren and has lived in Maine since 1988.
2016 MS Regatta will be held on Saturday, August 20th!
The MS Regatta is at the heart of MS Harborfest. Now in its 35th year, the MS Regatta will draw well over one hundred sailboats to Portland Harbor and is the longest running and largest charitable sailing event in Northern New England.
Portland Rotarians have been supporting this event over the past and even won the 'Non-Profit Sponsor' trophy several years. We hope you will want to join us with your support of $50 or more so we can sponsor a boat (or two) in the race. Let’s bring the trophy back to us! Please send your check ASAP directly to Gus Karlsen at 640 Seashore Avenue, Peaks Island, ME 04108 or bring it (or cash) to him at Rotary on Friday, August 19th.
The local Multiple Sclerosis Society will receive the benefits from your donation. For more information, please contact Gus at: 239-1568 or karlsen@prodigy.net
(Photo: Prez Laura Young, Bob Aduchi and Dave Putnam)
Dave Putnam introduced Bob Aduchi as the pinch hitter for Don Cormier, Vice President of Operations and Safety Management for Bay Ferries Limited, who was not able to attend.
The CAT is back, but different. The Bay Ferries CAT is an important maritime link between Maine and Nova Scotia. CAT service between Portland and Yarmouth, NS started June 15, 2016. Bob stated that Bay Ferries has a very good product, with a ship purpose built and retrofit for the task. Bay Ferries has a long tradition of safe reliable marine transportation. Bay Ferries has many routes with each ship chosen to exactly match the needs of the route. The company operates three routes, Maine to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick to Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia. There is a long tradition of service between eastern Canada and Maine, since the 1880s. 1970 to 2016 – There were several ferries on the route: Prince of Fundy, Scotia Prince, High-Speed Cat, Novastar, and now Bay Ferries CAT. Steamships ran from Yarmouth to Boston in 1800s, with a $9.00 one-way ticket price.
The new CAT has a 53-mph top speed, with the capability for 200 vehicles and 800 passengers, and is designed for the route. The CAT is a US flagged ship, with 22 US crew. The ship was launched in 2007 and is powered by four 8000 series Rolls Royce diesel engines totaling 44,000 HP and water propulsion. The interior is very comfortable and airy with movies, children's play area, and (3) cafes. The layout makes it easy to move about, with comfortable seats, and a state of the art bridge.
The ship can handle motor coaches, extra-long vehicles, motorcycles, and cars. The ship is 350 feet long, burns diesel, has very efficient engines, and the right fit for the market. Departure time fromPortland is 2:30 PM, arriving in Yarmouth, NS at 9:00 p.m., and departs Yarmouth, NS at 8:30 a.m. Passengers are asked to arrive one-hour early. The regular fare is $100 per person one way.
Bay Ferries is not just selling the advantages of traveling on the ferry, but is working with Nova Scotia who provides a daily calendar of things to do in Nova Scotia. There is an information center on board with brochures, maps and a live person to assist. Destination marketing is a very important link, with most people staying overnight in Yarmouth either on landing, prior to departure or both. Bay Ferries is doing lots of advertising, and is working closely with Tourism NS as its partner. Service had a late start due to required upgrades, but now they are on track to move forward this year and next.
Questions from the club:
Why was the High Speed Cat discontinued and what is new now? The NS subsidy was removed when there was a change in government. Without the subsidy, the Cat could not survive. Now the subsidy is back, for two years at least, after another change in government. The CAT is more ideally suited for this route.
How is occupancy? Things are running pretty well, but we hope it continues to improve.
Are there any plans for a Boston stop? There are no plans now as the fees for Boston are very high, so it would probably not be feasible.
Why did the Navy own this ship? The ship was purchased and used as relief ship for Haiti. It could also be used to move troops quickly, if needed. The ship was in Hawaii as a ferry and that company went bankrupt, so the Navy got it back. Bay Ferries has a two-year lease with option to be renewed.
Some passengers have reported that credit cards could not be used on board for most of the trip due to no internet connection. Is this a regular problem? The speaker did not know, and advised he would check into it.
Sell us on Yarmouth - Not a lot to do. Bob said it was a small fishing community, with not much going on. Most tourists use it as a stepping off point, not a destination.
What conditions will cause cancellation? What about change in weather? There are contingency plans. This year, one sailing was cancelled due to weather.
Will subsidies continue? The NS government has committed to two years. Then another decision will be made. Travel industry partners are critical. AAA has 61 clubs in the New England Group, and Bay Ferries offers booking incentives for travel agents.
What percent of vehicles are commercial? No commercial trucks are allowed as Portland did not want the commercial truck traffic. Bob noted that he sees license plates from all over the US, but most are within a 5-6 hour drive of Portland.
With your existing Navy lease, can you winter charter? Bob did not know for sure, but there are no plans for a winter charter now. Bay Ferries must safeguard the ship and pay docking fees for the winter layover.
Why are buses seen backing out of the ferry? Due to the configuration of the ramp, it is required in Portland.
“Madam President” has a great sound to it, noted Tom Nickerson as he prepared to give us his usual heartfelt and self-produced invocation of thanks. Tom noted the many wonderful things that make up our daily being that are, but shouldn't, be taken for granted.
It’s always nice to have visitors join us at our club meetings.....two visiting Rotarians....one being from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and one from Savannah, GA.. Along with our welcome, we will also extend our prayers and best wishes to LA neighbors who are experiencing horrendous floods and will need all the help they can get as they are recognized as a disaster area. We also enjoyed the company of several visiting guests and we hope they will consider becoming part of the Rotary Club of Portland.
The weekly raffle was up to $588. With Ellen Niewoehner conducting the draw, our speaker pulled one of our guest's names from the pot...Susan East Nelson, but she could not find the Queen of Hearts, allowing the pot to keep growing.
(Photo: Don Lowry, Gracie Johnston, and Megan Devlin.)
The miracles of modern medicine are often touted and our clubmates are proving how powerful the medicine is. Bill Blount was showing a bit of an altered gate as he is on the course of recovery from having both of his knees replaced. The indomitable Gracie Johnston is involved with a vigorous regimen of physical therapy to rehabilitate her shoulder injury and repair. Soon to join her in the course of PT is one of our newer members, Megan Devlin, who suffered a serious fracture falling from her bicycle. And, on the subject of bike accidents, we immediately recall that our new club Secretary Kathy Grammer is having a difficult time of recovering from her fractured wrist, which keeps her missing from action. Our well wishes go out to our strong, but troubled, friends as they work to recover.
When you think about the greatness of our club, in this writer’s opinion, the generous giving and community outreach is the nucleus of our well-deserved pride. Over summers past Gus Karlsen has been instrumental in enticing club members to contribute to the underwriting of a boat or two (or even three) in the MS Regatta which is upcoming on August 20th. Our past underwriting has brought riches to the cause and recognition to the club. However, we have not achieved the levels of years past, so Gus encouraged us to dig deep to send the scourge of Multiple Sclerosis to the briny bottom. A number of hands went up to contribute and help the club regain past prominence in the battle of the sail boats, tug boats and even lobster boats! If you want to help us make a big splash, reach out to Gus, Loretta or President Laura. We are looking for $50 but will take any donation to help the cause. (SEE SEPARATE ARTICLE IN THIS ISSUE)
President Laura asked that the many who have assisted with the CHE, Reading and Feeding Program, to stand and be recognized as the summer program comes to a conclusion, at the end of this week. The group has been meeting with the kids at the Deering Gardens Housing Community to give them both food and intellectual nutrition while away from school on summer vacation. The feedback from the kids and the community coordinators at Deering Gardens has been overwhelmingly favorable.
The club should be proud of this program and remember that it is but one facet of our multi-pronged outreach effort which includes mentoring at Portland High School (thanks, Glenn Nerbak) and at the Long Creek Youth Development Center (thanks, Jim Willey), as well as our RYLA, Youth Service Awards, and Vocational assistance programs. Too often we forget just how many programs our club is able to assist here in our backyard, and let’s not forget that the 'Maine Outdoor Challenge' gives thousands to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine (thanks, Commander Kris Rosado).
Fortunately, the Club has found the time to bring back the so called “Rotary Minute” which now is called a "moment," to improve accuracy of duration and adequacy of heraldry. The moment this week was magnificently used by Justin Lamontagne to relate to us how the 'Four-Way Test' has helped him to answer some of the “WHY” questions from his young family. When he is confronted with the confounding ethical and moral dilemma questions that young and inquiring minds invariably will come up with, he is able to find refuge and relief by citing the simple sagacity of our 4-Way Test. Thank you, Justin, for reminding us of the tool that is at our ready.
President Laura recently had the opportunity to visit the granite fort (Fort Gorges) that sits in the midst of our harbor and was fascinated with the history and experience. In the course of her visit, she found out that next year the Fort is going to be worked on. Being as resourceful as she is, she asked if a visit could be made this summer, before the construction limits access. There were two dates open, late August or early September, so she polled to see how many would be interested and when. The preferred date was late August 25th, so she is putting together the specifics and will bring the details and those interested and available will be able to go out and visit. (SEE SEPARATE ARTICLE IN THIS ISSUE)
Invocation: Alan Nye Program Reporter: Tom Talbott Bits & Pieces Reporter: Alan Nye Registration/Greeter: TBD Sell Meal Tickets: Tom Nickerson Raffle: Tiel Duncan Badge Box: Rusty Atwood Collect Meal Tickets: (Standby) Jan Chapman Song Leader: Janelle LoSciuto Pianist: Russ Burleigh Sgt-at-Arms (Early): Matt Tassey Sgt-at-Arms (Late): Scott Blakeslee
If you would like to mark your calendars,
we are at the following locations through
September 2016:
2016: Aug 19 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Aug 26 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Sep 2 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Sep 9 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Sep 16 - Clarion Hotel Sep 23 - Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine
Sep 30 - Clarion Hotel
Oct 7 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Oct 14 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Oct 21 - Clarion Hotel
Oct 28 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Nov 4 - Clarion Hotel
Nov 11 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Nov 18 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
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) Danielle Conway Dean & Professor of Law, USM (Bowen Depke)
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
CHE Food/Reading Tuesdays and Thursdays
N. Deering Gardens(11:15-12:15)
Janelle LoSciuto
Soup kitchen4th Wednesday ea month
Preble Street (4-6:30)
Erik Greven
Cedar Unit Dates & Times, contact
Games Night Jim Willey
Marjorie (Marge) Barker joined Rotary in November of 2005. She is Past President of the South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Club, served three years as Assistant Governor and two years as past District Rotary Leadership Institute Chair. Marge has been on the faculty of RLI since 2013. She currently serves on several District Committees. Marge is a Paul Harris recipient and a member of the Bequest Society. Prior to serving as Club President, Marge traveled twice to Honduras to work with youth from Cape Elizabeth High School and Rotarians from her club on a water project. She has helped deliver polio vaccinations to the much-needed areas of Ethiopia.
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When you think about the greatness of our club, in this writer’s opinion, the generous giving and community outreach is the nucleus of our well-deserved pride. Over summers past Gus Karlsen has been instrumental in enticing club members to contribute to the underwriting of a boat or two (or even three) in the MS Regatta which is upcoming on August 20th. Our past underwriting has brought riches to the cause and recognition to the club. However, we have not achieved the levels of years past, so Gus encouraged us to dig deep to send the scourge of Multiple Sclerosis to the briny bottom. A number of hands went up to contribute and help the club regain past prominence in the battle of the sail boats, tug boats and even lobster boats! If you want to help us make a big splash, reach out to Gus, Loretta or President Laura. We are looking for $50 but will take any donation to help the cause. (SEE SEPARATE ARTICLE IN THIS ISSUE).JPG)