Hackers, government agents listening to phone calls and reading emails, search engines that record our internet browsing, all part of our digital landscape. What does it mean? How do we cope and protect our individual freedom? Dr. Glenn Wilson will be with us on Friday to talk about hacking and cyber security. Bring your recording devices.

Dr. Wilson is the founding Director of USM’s Research Computing Group initiative, which is designed to create opportunities for students, in collaboration with faculty, to become engaged in research, development, and creative activities in the areas of information, communications, technology, and engineering. “Information and Innovation provides an interdisciplinary platform for students and faculty that links USM’s intellectual resources with external needs.”

An Associate Research Professor in the Department of Technology, Dr. Wilson teaches courses in computer hardware, computer networking, and network security. His experience includes education, outreach, research, development, and commercialization initiatives with IBM, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Department of Labor, UNUM, IDEXX, Wright Express, Tilson Technologies, Quantrix, and many other companies, as well as Government and Military entities. Over the years, Dr. Wilson’s students have created new, high-technology companies and have made significant contributions to the computer science and technology workforce in Maine.

Most recently, Dr. Wilson has been involved in three major undertakings relating to the computer science and technology workforce and economic development in Maine. These include the Computer Science and Information Technology Statewide Initiative, which seeks to double the number of CS and IT students over the next four years; the establishment of the Maine Cyber Security Cluster (MCSC); and a first-of-a-kind, collaborative degree in Information Technology that is designed from the outset by Business and Industry, Central Maine, Southern Maine, and York County Community Colleges and the University of Southern Maine.

Dr. Wilson's time is currently being utilized as the Director of the Maine Cyber Security Cluster, where they have recently completed the construction of Maine's first cyber security testing laboratory and is working with local and national collaborators to develop cyber security training for small businesses, military, and government personnel.

With an intro by Bob Martin aptly noting that we gather weekly to break bread, we had the opportunity to hear from a unique and growing industry in Maine – the growing and processing of certified organic grains. 

A farmer? A baker? Amber Lambke, President of Maine Grains, is quick to point out that she was neither. Living in Skowhegan, Amber was a speech pathologist, but also one committed to seeing her community pull through some tough economic times. Teaming with friend Albie Barden, a fellow Skowhegan resident, the two developed an event based around reconnecting bakers and farmers, combining growing heritage grains, using colonial style milling, and wood-fired “Russian Style” ovens. The 2007 event was called “The Kneading Conference,” featuring a day for the farmers and bakers to meet and discuss ideas, followed by an artisan bread fair the next day. From humble grassroots, the annual event now gathers 250 professionals with 3000 plus in line for the fair.  

With this type of growth, the Maine Grain Alliance was established in 2012. Its stated goal is to preserve the nutritional content of the grain grown in Maine, without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. At the same time, it is providing a growing economic opportunity in the state, from seed suppliers, farmers, mill workers, bakers, distribution outlets, and the like..

During the mid 1800’s, Maine was one of the largest growers and suppliers of grain in the country. At one time there were 13 grist mills in central Maine, but over time they faded away.  Today, Maine Grains operates out of the former Skowhegan local jail, renamed the Somerset Grist Mill. Tours are popular and visitors can purchase the wide array of Maine Grains products in the The Pickup Café.

Today, Maine is somewhat limited in being able to produce grain in volume. Due to lack of land; capacity is projected to be approximately 600 tons per year. The difference is obvious, compared  to the major industrial suppliers that produce that much in a day. However, what is driving the demand is both the commitment to growing grain organically, combined with bringing back heritage grains that feature unique tastes, textures, and health benefits.

To wit, Maine Grain now sells throughout New England and New York to commercial bakeries such as Standard Bakery, Scratch Bakery, and chains, including Whole Foods. Some of the products include Natural Whole Wheat Flour, Rolled Oats, and Ryes.  One audience question asked if the mill makes a white flour. The answer was no, because a white flour is processed on steel rollers that pulverize the grains, whereas Maine Grain uses stones that grind, but keep the germ and bran together, resulting in a more nutritious blend. 

Another opportunity for growth lies in exporting products overseas. Amber as it turns out, was born in Iceland and traveled there in 2014 as part of a Maine trade commission. The country has a demand for organic grains, for its people as well as livestock. Iceland’s climate and growing season limits the production of oats, and wheat is nonexistent. They’re importing everything, and desire organic products; a perfect fit for Maine Grains.

"The Kneading Conference" is scheduled for July 30-31, 2015. The Maine Artisan Bread Fair is open to the public on Aug 1, 2015, at the Skowhegan State Fairground.For more information on the event visit www.mainegrainalliance.com

President Kris welcomed 45 members, 1 Visiting Rotarian and 1 guest at Friday's meeting and presented our invocation in absence of our scheduled invocator, Julie L'Heureux, who was held up in jury duty selection. President Kris also asked us to remember former member, Al Milliken, who passed away last week.

Bruce Jones led the group in a rousing rendition of "Home on the Range," with Russ Burleigh on the keyboard.

Bob Martin announced that our 'Maine Outdoor Challenge,'.....our club's largest fund-raiser for all the programs our club supports ....... NEEDS EVERYONE in the club on board in some capacity to help....getting a donation for the auction or volunteering on the day of the events. With everyone participating in SOME ACTIVITY, we can surely make the event a success! Right after the meeting, Erik Greven donated a sailboat cruise for 6 to the MOC auction...way to go, Erik. That's the type of activity we need!

President-elect Bowen Depke reminded everyone that the new Rotary year officially starts on the meeting of July 3rd, which has been canceled in recognition of the July 4th holiday. To kick off the new Rotary year, a Casco Bay Lines cruise is planned to Jewell Island on Thursday, July 9th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. In addition to fun, socializing, and relaxation, this will be a tribute to the late, Bob Patten, who spearheaded a cleanup effort of Jewell Island when he was the District Governor in 1992. Tickets are $40 and include the cruise, program and heavy hors d'oeuvres. A cash bar will be available. Payment and reservations must be made in advance. Contact Loretta Rowe at lrowe@maine.rr.com to make your reservations. Please send check payable to Portland Rotary, P.O. Box 1755, Portland, ME 04104 and mark it clearly for "Jewell Island Cruise." Start your Rotary year off on Casco Bay and celebrate a fantastic project. Guests are welcome. 

Bowen then presented President Kris with the Governor's Award that was presented to the Portland Rotary Club for 2014-15 at the District Conference in April.

The weekly raffle was handled by Jake Bourdeau, who tried to convince us that the raffle wasn't fixed when his name just happened to be pulled out of the bucket for a chance to find the Queen of Hearts and win the $1065....but he didn't find her in the dwindling stack of cards. 

Russ Burleigh presented President Kris with a banner from the West Austin Rotary Club, where he attended while visiting Texas.

Harold Crabill read a "Thank You" note from Deering High School for his attendance at the focus group on hunger issues in Portland.

Familiar sight at Rotary?....well, Bruce Moore with the crutches, not those shorts and boney knees!

Bruce’s cast will come off his leg this week and he’ll be donating his crutches to Crutches4Africa!

Yes, we’re still collecting crutches, canes, wheelchairs and walkers for the Crutches4Africa program! So if you have any of these mobility
devices in your garage or basement not being used, we’d be glad to take them off your hands! When we have enough to fill a container (likely in early fall), we’ll ship them off to Africa. 

Please contact Bruce Moore or Jan Chapman if you have any mobility devices to donate to this cause. 

Thank you for your help with this Rotary District project!
 
Thanks!
Jan and Bruce

Portland Rotary meeting locations for 2015 

If you would like to mark your calendars for where our meetings will be held,
we are at the following locations through June 2015:

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 the Club Secretary (Loretta Rowe: lrowe@maine.rr.com). Your input will be appreciated.

PROSPECT        BUSINESS                       SPONSOR
​Bill Souter             Dawson Smith Purvis & Bassett    Loretta Rowe
 

THE ROTARY DOUBLES TENNIS LEAGUE
Winter/Spring 2015  Season Finale

Rotary Tennis Spring Season 2015  is in the record books. Week 5 was postponed because of a snow storm. It was played May 11 as week 19. The victors had it in the bag. Despite taking no points in the final night, congratulations are due to Jake, Bruce, Peter Ingram and Laura. The social event at Kathy Grammer's is on May 18. Past, present and future members are invited. Please contact Kathy if you're planning on attending. Final Scores are posted below:

You can watch our recent Portland Rotary Club speakers on the Community Television Network website:

http://ctn5.org/shows/rotary-club-speakers-series

You can always find the link on the Portland Rotary Home Page!