THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER: David Packhem, Founder, S.E.E.D"Students Empowered to End Dependency"
In the fall of 2018, Dave and Karen Packhem learned of their adult son’s alcohol use disorder. Initially, they did not understand the disease model of addiction and began reading everything they could about addiction and recovery. With a basic understanding of the science behind the disease, and a growing appreciation for the recovery community in Portland, they were motivated to share what they learned. SEED, Students Empowered to End Dependence (or Dependency), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization was formed in Oct 2022. Its Mission is to dramatically reduce substance use among Maine students by engaging them in compelling learning opportunities and messaging campaigns.
Dave holds an MBA from Boston College and a BA from the University of Maine at Orono, and began his career in 1982 at Bath Iron as Director of Finance and VP of Contracts. Currently he is President and CEO for Pineland Farms Natural Meats, joining in 2014 as VP Business Development, overseeing growth in revenues from $60 Million to $175 Million. His ties to the company go back to 2005 being on the original Board of Directors.
Dave has served as President and CEO for a number of companies including Hodgdon Defense Composites, an affiliate of Hodgdon Yachts, pursuing advanced carbon fiber technology and manufacturing techniques in the military marine industry / INFOTECH Solutions Corporation, a software development company he founded with two colleagues to provide customer care and billing software for the telecommunications industry / Utilities, Inc., a Maine telecommunications company that owned four telephone companies and two cellular companies.
BITS AND PIECES | By Tom Talbott
Last Thursday, many Rotarians gathered at the Scarborough home of Liz and Roger Fagan, who hosted a summertime soiree. In the words of Patty Byers, "What a lovely gathering! With the weather cooperating, it was perfect. I loved watching our friends engaging back-and-forth, sharing laughter, enjoying delicious bites and conversation, in the relaxed atmosphere of your home." Well said!
Side note -Woefully missing from our photos are our gracious hosts, Liz and Roger! You must have been whipping up some more delicious items in the kitchen. Thank you for opening your lovely home for all to enjoy on a beautiful summer afternoon. The fruits of your labor are pictured below!
LET THERE BE TREES: Our final outing for the planting of trees along the Bayside Trail, all contributed by the Portland Rotary, wrapped up in style on a bright, sunny Friday morning. Organized by Mary Pat Donnellon, our crew along with support from Portland Parks and Rec, got busy and had the final 9 trees in the ground in just a few hours. It brings the the total number of trees planted in our 3 year program that started in Ellen Niewoehner's term as President to 50. Many green thumbs involved! MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: Jan Chapman is reminding everyone that our mental health first aid program with training will be held on July 9th and 10th from 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Clark Insurance offices, 1945 Congress Street, Building A, Portland. This is in conjunction with Sweetser and Milestone Recovery Center and promises to be an excellent presentation and helpful program. FMI and Registration - Click HERE.
LOBSTER MEETING: This Friday the 27th, we are having a Lobster Raffle organizing meeting at 11:30 am before the Rotary lunch that day. Debrief last year and plan for this season. We need insight/ideas/thoughts as to how things went, what worked and where improvements can be made.If you didn't participate last year, if you're curious as to what it's about or looking for a way to contribute to our Rotarian fundraising efforts, please join us!
LAST CALL - HAPPY HOUR ON THE HILL: Patty Byers noted that the final Happy Hour on the Hill was held a week ago Thursday. For many years, Charlie Frair's monthly Happy Hour on the Hill has been a gathering spot for the Munjoy neighborhood and the Rotary community. Rotarians showed up to thank Charlie for his hospitality over the years. Charlie is moving to a new apartment in Windham, that's not as conducive to idea, but no doubt Charlie will continue to spread good cheer where ever he goes!
Speaker Schedule
July 4 - No Meeting Happy 4th of July Weekend
July 11 - Annual Picnic Lunch at Hadlock Field/ Portland Sea Dogs
July 13- (Sunday) Flags For Heroes Event - Hadlock Field
July 18- Meeting at Maine Mall - Flags For Heroes Celebration
July 25th - Our New President - John Thompson
Club Executives
President Patty Byers President Elect John Thompson Vice President Justin Lamontagne TreasurerDick Hall Secretary Tom Nickerson Board of Directors Dick Hall,
LOBSTER MEETING: This Friday the 27th, we are having a Lobster Raffle organizing meeting at 11:30 am before the Rotary lunch that day. Debrief last year and plan for this season. We need insight/ideas/thoughts as to how things went, what worked and where improvements can be made.If you didn't participate last year, if you're curious as to what it's about or looking for a way to contribute to our Rotarian fundraising efforts, please join us!
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