Friday's 12:15 Meeting at the Abromson Center, USM, Portland
THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER: Steve Bromage, Historical Perspective On Our 250th Anniversary!
Steve Bromage, Executive Director of the Maine Historical Society, will share his historical perspective on our country's 250th Anniversary. The MHS is a 200 year-old private nonprofit whose mission is to preserve and share Maine’s story. Steve focuses on how the history field can evolve to meet the needs and interests of contemporary audiences. He brings experience in institutional change, innovative collaboration, and the development of forward-looking non-profit management models.
Steve and his exceptional team work closely with the community to create programs, exhibitions, and digital resources that provide people who care about Maine with opportunities to learn, reflect, share, engage, and connect. Recent initiatives have explored immigration, the changing paper industry, 13,000 years of Wabanaki presence and leadership, L.L.Bean’s contributions to Maine’s economy and identity, and how Maine fits into the national dialog about race and equity. Steve has led the development of the Maine Memory Network, MHS’s nationally-recognized statewide digital museum.
Steve has an M.A. in History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and received his B.A. from the University of Richmond.
UPCOMING SOCIAL: WEDNESDAY MARCH 18TH: Many requests for bowling so we'll meet at Broadway Bowl, 725 Broadway, South Portland, 5:30-7pm. Try to get there at 5:20 because the rental starts at 5:30. (If you arrive later, we'll fit you into the rotation!) Please RSVP Jake Bourdeau because registration for 2 lanes and our payment is due in advance. Jake estimates $15-$20 per person. They have.a full menu of food and drinks.
BITS AND PIECES | By David Patterson
Laura Young welcomed a number of guests and visitors to the meeting. Among them was Anna Klein Christie, who attended with students from Baxter Academy. Laura noted that Anna may be a prospective member. Laura also introduced Gary White and his spouse, Pam White. Gary has applied well known to some in the club through Rotary tennis and cribbage gatherings at John Young’s house. His membership application is now in, so with humor, members were encouraged to be on their best behavior!
RAFFLE: Bill Milliken came forward for the raffle, with Bruce Moore ending up as the lucky ticket holder. His luck, however, had limits. Bruce drew close, but not close enough, and the Queen of Hearts remains safely at large. Members were also reminded to throw away their old raffle tickets, though at least one person seemed to prefer a more expansive interpretation of probability.
INDIA TRIP: Laura shared highlights from her Rotary District 7780 outreach trip to Bengaluru, India. The two-week visit included service projects, homestays, a wedding, and even a village festival where the visitors became part of the show. Laura spoke warmly about the extraordinary hospitality of the host club and noted that each stop included gifts, scarves, and visiting flags. She encouraged members to check out her photos and videos on Facebook and announced that the group will present a full presentatoin on April 10th. Laura also shared one less relaxing detail from the journey home. The team’s return flight through Doha, Qatar was disrupted when the airport shut down, forcing a quick pivot to a different flight two days later through London. Thankfully, all ended well, though not before a few very tense moments and a renewed appreciation for boring travel itineraries.
ROTARY MOMENT: Ben Lowry offered the Rotary Moment with a two-for-one special. He shared that he originally joined Rotary as a young executive director who was told it was a good place to build support and raise money. Over time, he came to understand that Rotary was much more than that. He reflected on attending the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, where seeing thousands of projects and millions of volunteer hours represented in one place brought home the scale of Rotary’s global impact.
EPIC DAY OF SERVICE: With Niki Merrill absent, Jan Chapman stepped in to share an update on this year’s Epic Day of Service. Mark your calendars for Saturday May 16. Portland Rotary will partner with members of the recovery community and the Salvation Army for a city cleanup effort based out of the Salvation Army parking area at 88 Preble Street. Members will divide into teams, head into designated areas, pick up trash, and compete for prizes. Rain or shine, Portland litter has been put on notice.
HAPPY DOLLARS: The happy dollars portion of the meeting covered an admirably wide range of topics. Members celebrated granddaughters in school plays, upcoming reunions, upgraded travel accommodations in England, a sponsored prosthetic leg that has allowed one recipient to return to work, and Laura’s successful avoidance of illness during her India trip thanks in part to well-timed advice. There was also a reminder from Roger Fagan to keep donating hearing aids, with collection boxes available at the VA in Scarborough. Rotary remains, as ever, both broad in mission and wonderfully specific in detail.
CELEBRATION SPEECH: Drs. Liz and Roger Fagan, working with Granit Haliti, speech therapist from the DR and partner in the opening of the hearing clinic in Kosovo, made note on Facebook celebrating European Speech Therapy Day on March 6th. On this day, speech therapy professionals are reminded that we are entrusted with something sacred: helping bring forward the “voice” of children who cannot yet use it, whose voices are unclear, repeated, or blocked, and supporting those who once had a voice but have lost it. For these individuals and their families, we are often seen as superheroes. Yet our true role is helping people find their voice so they can one day become the superheroes in society themselves.
IN MEMORIAM: We're sorry to share the news that former Portland Rotarian Fred Van Brunt passed away on Feb 28th, age 83. Fred entered the Salvation Army while in college, and served 44+ years in service as a pastors, youth ministers, camp directors, and later as church administrators and leaders over 44+ years of service across the Eastern US. Fred was a role model and mentor to countless young people and officers over his many years of ministry. He was a fine addition to our club, and was one of the founding "A" players in our esteemed tennis league. He "retired" in Massillion, OH, where services will be held.
LAST WEEK'S SPEAKER: Keith Carson, Talking About Climate | by David Patterson
Keith Carson joined us for a lively program on climate change, communication, and the challenge of talking about the topic without immediately sending people toward the exits. Many members know Keith from his years in Maine broadcasting. Today he serves as Director of Environmental and Science Communications at Maine Conservation Voters.
Before getting started, Keith polled the room to see where members stood on climate change. Most in attendance said they believe the climate is changing and that human activity is a major reason. With that sense of the audience, Keith shaped his remarks around science, common sense, and how people actually take in information on difficult subjects.
He started with the science. Climate has changed naturally throughout Earth’s history, but the warming trend we are seeing now does not match those older patterns. Keith went over greenhouse gases, the role of the sun, and how scientists sort out natural changes from human-caused warming. Rising carbon dioxide levels, the lack of evidence pointing to the sun as the cause, and carbon isotope evidence all point back to fossil fuels. As Keith joked, this is not simply weather with a dramatic publicist.
A big part of the talk focused on communication. Keith said many people shut down when climate messaging sounds judgmental, overly political, or packed with jargon. Phrases like “climate crisis,” “carbon footprint,” and “tipping point” may connect with some audiences, but they can turn others away. If the goal is to persuade people, not just talk to people who already agree, the message has to meet people where they are.
One idea that stuck with many in the room was that practical benefits often drive change better than messaging. Keith pointed to heat pumps as an example. Many Mainers did not install them to make an environmental statement. They installed them because they save money and work well. In his view, that’s how change often happens.
He made a similar point about electric vehicles. Keith owns one himself. He said EVs are often marketed poorly when the message focuses too much on mandates or moral pressure. Instead, the better story may be performance, efficiency, and convenience. EVs are fast, quiet, cheaper to run, and getting more practical every year.
Keith also touched on energy economics. Wind and large-scale solar are now among the lowest-cost sources of new electricity generation. In many places the move toward cleaner energy is happening not just because of environmental concerns, but because the numbers are becoming hard to ignore.
Overall it was an interesting presentation with humor, reminding us that facts matter, but how we talk about them matters too.
BIRTHDAYS: March birthdays included Patty Byers, Day Small, Mac Collins, Larry Gross, Jack Schraeter, Paul Tully, Ellen Niewoehner, and David Patterson. With that many names on the list, there was no escape from a full club rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
ANNIVERSARIES: Rotary anniversaries were also recognized. Niki Merrill marked 3 years, Art Howe 15, Tom Ranello 28, Ellen Niewoehner 30, Peggy “Queenie” Westcott 34, Jerry Wall 42, and Tom Saturley 45. A lot of Rotary history!
NEW MEMBER NOTIFICATION: 2nd Notice Gary White has applied for membership, sponsored by Peter Goffin. Gary worked in the publishing industry for 18 years after graduating from Unity College, and started Brickyard Books in 2001. Now in retirement he is enjoying tennis, golf, XC skiing, hiking and reading. His application will now move to the Board of Directors for a vote.
NEW MEMBER NOTIFICATION: 1st Notice - Marla Keefe has applied, sponsored by Paul Tully. Marla is retired and living in Cape Elizabeth. Marla has served on numerous community service board positions, and has already participated in many of our club activities. She enjoys running, reading, fitness and travel. This will be printed a 2nd time and then move to the Board of Directors for a vote. If any Portland Rotarian would like to offer a comment on these two proposals, please contact Laura Young or Bowen Depke. It will be shared with the Board of Directors prior to a vote on the application.
What are some of the ways through which the Rotary Foundation achieves its goals? Most important are worldwide Rotary Clubs who provide the service, leadership, friendship, and integrity for projects. They are assisted by sponsored Rotaract and Interact clubs who provide youth and diversity. Other organizations often forgotten are Rotary Action Groups which collaborate on specific project development and Rotary Fellowships which share their avocational or vocational talents and often add funds to grants.
Speaker Schedule
March 19 - Club Social
March 20 - No Meeting
March 27 - Club Assembly
April 3 - Reid Byers, Imaginary Books
April 10 - District Outreach Team's Trip To India
April 16 - Social
April 17 - No Meeting
April 24 - Fiddle Music with the New England Fiddle Ensemble
May 1 - Amber Caron, Wreaths Across America
May 8 - Our Famed "New Members" Meeting
May 14 - Club Social
May 15- No Meeting
May 16 - EPIC Day of Service (Saturday)
May 22 - No Meeting (Memorial Day)
May 29 - Bill Merchant, Revolution Fitness
Club Executives
Co-Presidents Bowen Depke, Laura Young President Elect Justin Lamontagne Vice President Jake Bourdeau TreasurerDick Hall Secretary Niki Merrill Board of Directors Dick Hall, Patty Byers,
Art Howe, Niki Merrill, Bill Milliken, Bruce Moore
Sergeant-At-ArmsZach Newell
The Windjammer is published online by
The Rotary Club of Portland, Maine.
Steve Bromage, Executive Director of the Maine Historical Society, will share his historical perspective on our country's 250th Anniversary. The MHS is a 200 year-old private nonprofit whose mission is to preserve and share Maine’s story. Steve focuses on how the history field can evolve to meet the needs and interests of contemporary audiences. He brings experience in institutional change, innovative collaboration, and the development of forward-looking non-profit management models.
UPCOMING SOCIAL: WEDNESDAY MARCH 18TH: Many requests for bowling so we'll meet at Broadway Bowl, 725 Broadway, South Portland, 5:30-7pm. Try to get there at 5:20 because the rental starts at 5:30. (If you arrive later, we'll fit you into the rotation!) Please 
Laura Young welcomed a number of guests and visitors to the meeting. Among them was Anna Klein Christie, who attended with students from Baxter Academy. Laura noted that Anna may be a prospective member. Laura also introduced Gary White and his spouse, Pam White. Gary has applied well known to some in the club through Rotary tennis and cribbage gatherings at John Young’s house. His membership application is now in, so with humor, members were encouraged to be on their best behavior!
INDIA TRIP: Laura shared highlights from her Rotary District 7780 outreach trip to Bengaluru, India. The two-week visit included service projects, homestays, a wedding, and even a village festival where the visitors became part of the show. Laura spoke warmly about the extraordinary hospitality of the host club and noted that each stop included gifts, scarves, and visiting flags. She encouraged members to check out her photos and videos on Facebook and announced that the group will present a full presentatoin on April 10th. Laura also shared one less relaxing detail from the journey home. The team’s return flight through Doha, Qatar was disrupted when the airport shut down, forcing a quick pivot to a different flight two days later through London. Thankfully, all ended well, though not before a few very tense moments and a renewed appreciation for boring travel itineraries.
EPIC DAY OF SERVICE: With Niki Merrill absent, Jan Chapman stepped in to share an update on this year’s Epic Day of Service. Mark your calendars for Saturday May 16. Portland Rotary will partner with members of the recovery community and the Salvation Army for a city cleanup effort based out of the Salvation Army parking area at 88 Preble Street. Members will divide into teams, head into designated areas, pick up trash, and compete for prizes. Rain or shine, Portland litter has been put on notice.
CELEBRATION SPEECH: Drs. Liz and Roger Fagan, working with Granit Haliti, speech therapist from the DR and partner in the opening of the hearing clinic in Kosovo, made note on Facebook celebrating European Speech Therapy Day on March 6th. On this day, speech therapy professionals are reminded that we are entrusted with something sacred: helping bring forward the “voice” of children who cannot yet use it, whose voices are unclear, repeated, or blocked, and supporting those who once had a voice but have lost it. For these individuals and their families, we are often seen as superheroes. Yet our true role is helping people find their voice so they can one day become the superheroes in society themselves.
IN MEMORIAM: We're sorry to share the news that former Portland Rotarian Fred Van Brunt passed away on Feb 28th, age 83. Fred entered the Salvation Army while in college, and served 44+ years in service as a 
Before getting started, Keith polled the room to see where members stood on climate change. Most in attendance said they believe the climate is changing and that human activity is a major reason. With that sense of the audience, Keith shaped his remarks around science, common sense, and how people actually take in information on difficult subjects.
BIRTHDAYS: March birthdays included Patty Byers, Day Small, Mac Collins, Larry Gross, Jack Schraeter, Paul Tully, Ellen Niewoehner, and David Patterson. With that many names on the list, there was no escape from a full club rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
NEW MEMBER NOTIFICATION: 2nd Notice Gary White has applied for membership, sponsored by Peter Goffin. Gary worked in the publishing industry for 18 years after graduating from Unity College, and started Brickyard Books in 2001. Now in retirement he is enjoying tennis, golf, XC skiing, hiking and reading. His application will now move to the Board of Directors for a vote.
What are some of the ways through which the Rotary Foundation achieves its goals? Most important are worldwide Rotary Clubs who provide the service, leadership, friendship, and integrity for projects. They are assisted by sponsored Rotaract and Interact clubs who provide youth and diversity. Other organizations often forgotten are Rotary Action Groups which collaborate on specific project development and Rotary Fellowships which share their avocational or vocational talents and often add funds to grants.