Dr. Eileen Eagan is Associate Professor of History in the Department of History & Political Science at the University of Southern Maine. A native of Buffalo, NY, she earned her B.A. from D’Youville College, an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and her Ph.D. from Temple University. She joined USM in 1987. Her research and teaching interests focus on urban history, public art, and historical representation, as well as 20th Century history. She has published research on interpretations of women’s history in public sculpture, Irish women’s immigration to Maine, and other topics.
Eileen is the cofounder of the Portland Women’s History trail, a collaborative effort involving USM, Maine College of Art (MECA), Maine Humanities Council, and the Maine Historical Society. The goal of the project is to help tell the story of women’s history in Portland by guiding explorers through the area, from the statue in honor of Portlander Lillian Stevens, president of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in the early twentieth century, located in the lobby of the Portland Public Library, to the statue of Joan Benoit Samuelson, the 1984 Olympics gold medal winner in the women’s marathon, located outside the Thomas Memorial Public Library in Cape Elizabeth.
While the work of the History trail is significant enough, Eileen has led the creation of a website (http://pmwht.org) and a smartphone app (Apple or Android App store) to make the stories more accessible. Eileen will share with us some of the stories we don’t know about Portland, and the growth of the project.
This week’s meeting was a Club Assembly focused on how we raise money, and where it goes. Cyrus Hagge reported on the Club’s major fundraiser, the Maine Outdoor Challenge (MOC) held at the LL Bean Outdoor Center in Freeport, which raised almost $80,000 last year to split between the Boys and Girls Club and the 3H Project. The major activity of the MOC centers around the competition between teams of five who compile points at clay target shooting, fly casting, GPS orienting, and archery events. (No experience is necessary, and instructors are on hand.)
“We had 35 teams last year,” said Cyrus. “If we get 45 this year, we can hit this out of the ballpark.” The entry fee for a team of five is $1,000.
While major funds are raised through the team events, MOC also includes a raffle for hunting and fishing packages, a Silent Auction, and a Live Auction held on the final night of the event as part of the Lobster Bake. Cyrus listed the items that were already committed to the auction, but included a plea for more “action-type” items to be included in the Live Auction conducted by Tom Ranello.
Cyrus said an email will go out this week to solicit volunteers to help Alex St. Hilaire and Travis Parker gather a wide variety of products, service, and gift certificates that will form the core of the Silent Auction. “The Maine Outdoor Challenge funds a need—it supports our programs and the Boys and Girls Club. We need everyone to participate.”
John Curran, Chair of the International Services Committee, reported on the March trip of the 3H team to the Dominican Republic. The Portland Rotary was joined by representatives of clubs from Florida, Alaska, and Oregon, and the trip was financed in part by a grant from the Rotary Foundation. John brought everyone to their feet when he said that Liz and Roger Fagan started this project in 2002, and over 18 trips have distributed 1,680 hearing aids. On this trip, a second team of audiologists were able fit hearing aids while Roger and Liz did the intake. The team was also able to train nurses on how to do the work.
Another group focused on fitting 14 patients with prosthetic hands. John said the group was excited to be able to offer the LN-4 hand which utilizes 3D printing technology to fashion a customized fit for the patients. This will necessitate a return trip this fall to deliver the custom devices. “This is truly impactful work,” John related. “Patients have a stigma associated with losing a hand, they believe they’ve done something wrong. This helps them get on with their lives.” John noted that knowledge of the project has become wide-spread. Two of the patients fitted on this trip were incarcerated men who lost their hands in machete fights.
John also reported on the third “H” of the program, providing water filters to families in the bateys so they can have clean water. “Bateys are areas tourists do not visit, neither do most Dominicans. These are areas characterized by squalor, over-crowding, and an absence of potable water. The bio-sand filters installed by the team provide clean water for an average of six to eight people in a house. Consequently, over 800 people were helped on the trip with a huge impact on their health, and that of the community.
John also reported that a number of solar lights were provided to these families, thanks to George Crockett. He said that the committee was working on a documentary of the 3H project to help tell the story of the Club’s work. The project will continue to expand as the committee is working to add another school bus for kids in areas without drinking water.
President Bowen closed the meeting with the observation that the work reported on by Cyrus and John represented the reasons why we all joined Rotary. “We raise the money, and we need to tell the story of where it goes.”
President Bowen welcomed 51 members and 1 guest to our meeting of April 29,2016 at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay. Bruce Jones presented us with the invocation. His message was to believe in yourself and rewards will follow. The example he stated was a possibly lazy professor in his aversion to grading papers asked those in his class who would rather have a 'B' than take the final exam to sign a sheet of paper and leave for the summer. When most of the students signed and left, he closed the door. He told those who had remained behind and who believed they could do better by taking the exam, that they would be awarded an A for the class. Bill Blount led us in the Pledge, followed by “God Bless America,” well played by pianist Russ Burleigh.
President Bowen reconvened the meeting after lunch, recognizing returning snow birds Don Lowry, Dick Giles and Harry Sawyer.
Mike Fortunato presented us with the history moment of years 1982-83. Past District Governor Bob Patten was president of the club that year. Many current Rotarians were in the notes: Herb Carmichael was recognized by the club for meritorious service; Jim Willey joined that year; and Joe Gray spoke at a meeting as Director of Portland Planning and Urban development. It was a presidential election year and George Mitchell, Jock McKernan, and William Cohen addressed the members at separate meetings. Fines were imposed on "Scooters" who left the meeting early. In 1983 the meeting location moved from the Lafayette Hotel to the Portland Club, where a challenging parking lot tested the driving skills of our membership for some twenty-odd years.
President Bowen encouraged all members to make a special effort to attend the club meeting on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Portland City Hall. In honor of our 100th anniversary, a group photo of all members in attendance will be taken. 'Business Casual' is the suggested attire. The meal will be catered by SMCC culinary department, so we’re in for a treat. A question was asked if head shots could be Photoshopped, but another Rotarian reminded us of the first tenet of the '4-Way Test' exhorting all members to make that special effort to be there for the photo. Watch your emails for more details and how to register to attend.
Bill Blount led the singing, accompanied by Russ Burleigh on the keyboard for a Spring song, “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover” in a challenging baritone key.
Raffle mania! The cash prize was $1466. John Curran drew Amy Chipman’s name, who then selected the Ace of Clubs from the 13 cards remaining in the deck. Come to the meeting and invest next week for an even bigger raffle prize and a dwindling deck of cards.
President Bowen read a thank you note from Barbara Lotfey. Former member Naj Lotfey, was a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation. When Naj passed away, Jon Young gave him an “In Memorium” Paul Harris Fellow. We presented Barbara with his pin a few years ago, but it was realized that a crystal recognition piece and pendant should have been received from RI in his honor. They were ordered and received. When his grandson, Nick, became a member, these awards were given to him to present to his grandmother, Barbara, who was now thanking the club.
David Lee was recognized for being a keynote speaker at the upcoming District 7780 Conference on June 10th at the Tarry-a-While Resort in Bridgton, ME.
Julie L’Heureux has stepped up to host a member of the cultural exchange team from Argentina. The District still needs help for one (or more) of the remaining three members to help provide lodging assistance June 6-7th, and possibly driving them around. Can you help? Call Assistant Governor Ann Schieber at 603-770-2744 or email annschieber@gmail.com. (See separate article in this newsletter.)
Travis Parker announced the special raffle tickets for you to buy and/or sell in support of our club's largest fundraiser...the Maine Outdoor Challenge (MOC). Call/email Travis for your books at 751-1894 or travisrparker@gmail.com
Laura Young introduced a new member, Vantiel (Tiel) Duncan. Tiel is from Bath and is a Major Gift Officer at the Red Cross. Look for Tiel’s red dot on her name badge and get to know her better at the next meeting. This was Laura’s second sponsorship of a new member this year and Bowen recognized her with a new-member blue sponsor backer for her Rotary pin.
President Bowen announced that Portland Rotary was the only club in our District 7780 to receive the Presidential Citation for the year 2015-16. Congratulations to all who contributed to our success!
Rob Chatfield announced a new fundraising event - the 'BBQ Crawl and Poker Run Raffle,' to be held on Saturday, May 21st, 1:30-5:30 PM. If you buy a raffle ticket at each of five pre-set locations you will end up receiving a five-card poker hand. The best and worst hands (hi/lo) will win special prizes. (See separate article on this event in this newsletter.)
Our only "guest" at today's meeting was Luca Bates, infant son of member Janelle LoSciuto and Dillon Bates.
WE ARE HAVING A BBQ CRAWL AND POKER RUN RAFFLE ON MAY 21, 2016!
It is a fundraiser to support "The Locker Project"
$20 Poker Run Raffle Tickets may be purchased at any location below or by clicking HERE.
Show your ticket and draw a card at each location you visit.
The More Places You Visit – The Better Your Chances to Win!
START ANYWHERE AT ONE OF THE LOCATIONS BELOW – ENJOY IN ANY ORDER!
Special $4 BBQ sampler items available at participating locations:
Salvage BBQ - 919 Congress St., Portland
Elsmere BBQ - 448 Cottage Rd., S. Portland
Terlingua - 52 Washington Ave., Portland
Buck’s Naked BBQ - 50 Wharf St., Portland location only
Binga's Stadium - 77 Free St., Portland
Special 50/50 raffle....door prizes and final raffle results at 5:30 p.m. at Binga's Stadium, Portland
For additional information or questions, contact Rob Chatfield: robchat@exitstage.com
The Locker Project, in partnership with the Good Shepherd Food Bank, helps ensure food security for all Maine children through local schools. The Locker Project works with schools to create programs for providing students with healthy class-time snacks and take-home food for the times they are most likely to experience hunger. For more information: mainelockerproject.org/
Our Rotary District is looking for help to host the inbound Argentinean District Vocational Training Team. This Group Study Exchange Team (GSE) of four (2 men, 2 women) will be coming to our area on Monday and Tuesday, June 6 and 7.
They are looking for 4 host families to house the team members overnight on Monday, plus volunteer to chauffeur the team members around for those two days, and to provide breakfast, lunch & dinner for the two days.
The GSE between District 7780 and Argentina will focus on collegial sharing between the mental health professionals of the outbound team and inbound team, as well as interfacing with other mental health professionals (particularly Rotarians) in each country. A particular emphasis will be on youth/adolescent mental health. The teams will visit a representative sampling of mental health/social service agencies in each country.
If you can volunteer or want additional information, please contact Assistant Governor Ann Schieber at: annschieber@gmail.com or at: 603-770-2744
Invocation:Rusty Atwood Program Reporter: Dick Hall Bits & Pieces Reporter: Tom Talbott Registration/Greeter: Linda Varrell Sell Meal Tickets: Leonard Scott Raffle: Matt Tassey Badge Box: Jan Chapman Collect Meal Tickets: Adam Shepherd Rotary Moment in History: Jim Willey Song Leader: Gracie Johnston Pianist: Russ Burleigh Sgt-at-Arms (Early): Bruce Moore Sgt-at-Arms (Late): Mike Reed
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.
ROTARY DOUBLES TENNIS LEAGUE Winter/Spring Session 2016
Jim and Janet Barns have graciously volunteered to host the social event on Monday, May 9 at 6 pm. Past, present and future Rotary tennis players are welcome. Email Jim: jbarns@maine.rr.com or call him: 781-7677, if you plan to attend. Check your email for food duty assignments and directions to the Barns'. Please RSVP ASAP, as it's coming up quickly.
The new contracts for 2016-17 Fall season have been sent out. Please get back to Bill with your plans.
As of Week 18, we have the undisputed League Champions: Jim Barns, Dick Hall, Erik Jorgensen and Laura Young. Jake and Jim’s teams dispatched their competition each with impressive 4-point wins to conclude the season. Congratulations to Spring league Champs!
Dr. Eileen Eagan is Associate Professor of History in the Department of History & Political Science at the University of Southern Maine. A native of Buffalo, NY, she earned her B.A. from D’Youville College, an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and her Ph.D. from Temple University. She joined USM in 1987. Her research and teaching interests focus on urban history, public art, and historical representation, as well as 20th Century history. She has published research on interpretations of women’s history in public sculpture, Irish women’s immigration to Maine, and other topics.
This week’s meeting was a Club Assembly focused on how we raise money, and where it goes. Cyrus Hagge reported on the Club’s major fundraiser, the Maine Outdoor Challenge (MOC) held at the LL Bean Outdoor Center in Freeport, which raised almost $80,000 last year to split between the Boys and Girls Club and the 3H Project. The major activity of the MOC centers around the competition between teams of five who compile points at clay target shooting, fly casting, GPS orienting, and archery events. (No experience is necessary, and instructors are on hand.)
John Curran, Chair of the International Services Committee, reported on the March trip of the 3H team to the Dominican Republic. The Portland Rotary was joined by representatives of clubs from Florida, Alaska, and Oregon, and the trip was financed in part by a grant from the Rotary Foundation. 
John brought everyone to their feet when he said that Liz and Roger Fagan started this project in 2002, and over 18 trips have distributed 1,680 hearing aids. On this trip, a second team of audiologists were able fit hearing aids while Roger and Liz did the intake. The team was also able to train nurses on how to do the work..JPG)
Raffle mania! The cash prize was $1466. John Curran drew Amy Chipman’s name, who then selected the Ace of Clubs from the 13 cards remaining in the deck. Come to the meeting and invest next week for an even bigger raffle prize and a dwindling deck of cards.
.jpg)
