Meeting of November 18th: Tatiana Thompson - Benefits of Birds | by Tom Talbott
Originally from the Ukraine, Tatiana Thompson works with the “Brome Bird Feeding Company” based out of Canada, where she just recently became a citizen. She hosts and produces a podcast named “Brome Bird News Around The World”. Everything you want to know about birds and more!
She directed our attention to three key birdwatching benefits. First, birds are good for you. Just watching birds 5 minutes a day, or listening to any kind of bird songs daily, actually helps lower your stress level, deal with anxiety, and adds some happiness to your day. You may not realize it, but science shows it works! By doing the bird “exercises” with us, Tatiana noted that she has extended each of our lives by at least one day!
Second, birds are good for nature. We understand that basic premise, but by learning more about birds and how they fit into the picture with the rest of nature, gives us pause, makes us think more about the environment and ecology in our decisions of development. Feeding birds is particularly important to the health and vitality of the population.
Third, birds are good for humanity. Start talking about birds, and you’ll meet a host of new friends, and be engaged with many new social circles. Join a bird watching group, and go on a hike together!
Next it was time to test our bird knowledge. This included trying to name birds from photos, and then by listening to their whistles and calls. We had no experts in the crowd. We’ll say we scored about 50%.
Tatiana introduced us to Dr. David Bird, yes, his real name! Dr. Bird’s podcast, “Brome Bird News Around the World” recently discussed how having birds in your life can improve your memory. A new study by the Baycrest Institute examined memory of expert bird watchers. The doctor who led the study, Dr. Eric Wing, yes that is his real name, showed that by having strength in one memory aspect gives our brains organizational structure. Rather than a cloud of thoughts, we keep new thoughts separate from each other. The study suggests that if you work at memorizing birds, it will help you remember other things because you become better at mental organization.
We finished with a few inquisitive questions about bird food, bird feeders, and bird watching apps. Sounds like we have more bird watchers than we knew!
The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Jones. Erik Lusk led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Larry Gross who shared words of wisdom from Mark Twain.
Maggie McGauley introduced guests Rachel Roux, Susan Vayda (Erik Greven’s wife), Visiting Rotarians Jean from Rwanda, Dave Patterson from Kent Ohio, and Kirk Duffy. This is Kirk’s last visit for the season, and he promises to come back when road construction starts in the spring. The Raffle was led by Bruce Moore; Dick Hall was pulled, but did not win.
OUR ROTARY FAMILY
Roger Fagan told us about the Dominican Republic Hearing Project. 4,101 patients have been fitted with hearing aids since 2002. On the way back from the last trip to the DR, on March 14, 2020 they caught the last flight out of the DR before air travel shutdown due to Covid. Roger and the team needed to change the service model and Roger gets audiograms from trusted sources in the DR. Roger programs the hearing aids, ships them and then supervises the fitting using Zoom. Now he is able to double the fitting rate and have monthly clinics. Roger showed a bulging file of the patients fitted during the pandemic. Roger is looking for help with this project, working after meetings on Friday. Contact Roger if you are interested.
Roger shared with us that his wife Liz collapsed August 26th and was shortly transferred to Mass General. She had a reaction to her medication which caused multiple organ failures. She was hospitalized at Mass General for two months, was paralyzed, was near death, and coded twice.
Roger asked Rotarians for help and Rotarians responded. John Marr donated an apartment in Boston; Bruce Moore did housework; Mike Fortunato found a wheelchair van; Dennis Robillard- Crutches for Africa donated wheelchair and walkers. Liz has been home for three weeks, and due to a 20% body weight loss, she needs to gain weight and is not happy with Roger’s cooking. Rotary came to the rescue again. Jan Chapman, Susan Vayda and Julia Ranello cooked and their husbands Bruce Moore, Erik Grevin, and Tom Ranello provided the meals on wheels. Since food delivery began, Liz has gained 13 pounds and she no longer needs a kidney transplant. Roger and Liz are going to Mass General for a liver evaluation. Roger truly appreciates Rotary’s support and this continues to make him proud to be a Rotarian.
Roger had to leave before the meeting ended, but when it did we gathered together for a photo to honor the Fagan family. Sending you all our love!
FIVE TIME PHF RECIPIENT HEADLINES FOUNDATION NEWS
Patty Byers offered a special presentation to Brian Nickerson, our latest Paul Harris Fellow who joined our club in July 2021. Brian started in 1982 in the Worcester Rotary Club where he was president. He changed to the Falmouth MA Rotary in 2000 where he was President again. Patty gave Brian his Paul Harris pin with (4) sapphires. Brian mentioned that he had more PH pins than anyone in the Falmouth Club, but with his five, there are many in Portland with lots more. Brian thinks Portland is the best club he has been in.
Patty then told us that Portland Mayor Kate Snyder recognized Jeff Tarling being awarded a Paul Harris Fellow at the city council meeting and the council gave him a standing ovation. The city issued a news release announcing Jeff’s award mentioning it was the highest award in Rotary.
Patty then gave us a heads up that our club is planning to award Jane Britt, President of Sysco, for their 20 year partnership and donation of food for our annual meal for the needy at St Vincent de Paul.
Speaking of the St. Vincent meal, Amy Chipman told us the dinner is Wednesday, November 23. 8:00-10:00 cooking, 10:00-12:00 food preparation, and 12:00-1:00 for cleanup. Please come for your scheduled shift, and if you did not sign up, come anytime. Be sure to wear your Rotary shirts.
IF THE BOOT FITS, WEAR THEM!
Amy then told us about a fair at the Amanda Rowe School in Portland. We brought (74) pairs boots and setup at 4:00. The boots are being given to asylum seekers living at Motel Six. Volunteers who participated were Bruce Jones , Jim Vicenzi, Erik Greven, Christine Force, Dick Hall, Patty Byers, and Amy’s son Sam. 2/3 of the boots were given out and the rest were left for later distribution by the school. Amy told us it was a real feel-good event and she invited everyone to join on future projects. In addition, Good Will Industries donated (70) pair of boots when we asked and these will be delivered directly to the Portland Schools. Portland Rotary purchased (36) more pair which will also be delivered to the Portland Schools. The principal, teachers and everyone at the school were so thankful. Many of us had Rotary shirts on so it was a good opportunity for people to see Rotary in action.
FLAG DIVIDENDS
Charlie Frair told us that 30% of the money from Flags for Heroes was donated to World Central Kitchen. Volunteer Local Chef Christian Hay, at the Garrison in Yarmouth, says the $3200 makes a big difference as they are in the Ukraine now feeding those in need.
LONG CREEK YOUTH
Tom Talbott told about the visit to Long Creek Youth Center with Jim & Barbara Willey, John Marr, Dave Putnam, and Mike Fortunato. Tom explained that the kids have had a tough existence, but these kids have very little difference from other kids. The visits give them a feeling that they are not alone, that there are people who are supporting them, and this makes a big difference in their lives. He invites everyone to come join. Tom ended by saying he is proud to be a Rotarian.
Imagine a world without polio.
With your help we can eliminate this devastating disease! Please join us.
December 2 - Keram Derdag, COO Great Works Internet, Expanding Broadband
December 9 - Kevin Stilpen and John Lewis with PATHS-Vocational Training in ME
December 16- Adam Costa with Lone Wolf Media, Documentary Filmmaker
December 23 - No Meeting - Merry Christmas
December 30 - No Meeting - Happy New Year
January 6, 2023 - Club Assembly
Please note that our Sunrise Satellite club will not hold a meeting on Wednesday, November 23rd. Happy Thanksgiving! Meetings will resume on their regular schedule of the 1st and 4th Wednesdays, via Zoom, on Dec 7th.
Club Executives President Bruce Jones President Elect Dick Hall Vice President Patty Byers Treasurer Dick Hall Secretary Bill Blount Board of Directors Ellen Niewoehner,
Bob Clark, John Thompson, Ben Millick,
Quinn Slayton Sergeant-At-Arms Jake Bourdeau
The Windjammer is published online by
The Rotary Club of Portland, Maine.
Contributing Editors Bill Blount, Jake Bourdeau, Dick Hall,
Erik Jorgensen, Julie L’Heureux, Ben Lowry,
Tom Nickerson, Tom Talbott, Laura Young
1st Q Program Chair:Dave Putnam Managing Editor Tom Talbott
Originally from the Ukraine, Tatiana Thompson works with the “Brome Bird Feeding Company” based out of Canada, where she just recently became a citizen. She hosts and produces a podcast named “Brome Bird News Around The World”. Everything you want to know about birds and more!
Second, birds are good for nature. We understand that basic premise, but by learning more about birds and how they fit into the picture with the rest of nature, gives us pause, makes us think more about the environment and ecology in our decisions of development. Feeding birds is particularly important to the health and vitality of the population.
Next it was time to test our bird knowledge. This included trying to name birds from photos, and then by listening to their whistles and calls. We had no experts in the crowd. We’ll say we scored about 50%.
Maggie McGauley introduced guests Rachel Roux, Susan Vayda (Erik Greven’s wife), 
.png)
