|
|
|
|
|
Portland Rotary Meets
Friday, November 20, 2015 at the
Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
88 Spring Street, Portland
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Kris Rosado
|
 Mark McAuliffe, MSM, has a varied business background ranging from Navy Shipbuilding to numerous healthcare related leadership positions.
He received a B.A. in economics and administrative science from Colby College in 1979, and a Masters Degree in management from the Sloan School of Business, Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981.
Mark worked at Bath Iron Works from 1981-1994, rising to Vice President of Planning and Materials where he was responsible for all procurement, warehousing and delivery of materials as well as all construction scheduling and manpower planning for Navy Cruiser and Destroyer contracts at the yard. He managed a staff of more than 800 employees.
He then became managing partner at Orthopaedic Associates from 1994-2006 helping the practice grow significantly and led the expansion of the outpatient surgery center adding two additional outpatient operating rooms as well as purchasing of an MRI for the practice.
From 2006-2008 Mark was Chief Clinical Operations officer at Martin’s Point Healthcare. In 2008 he, along with four other partners opened Apothecary by Design pharmacy on Marginal Way in Portland. In six years the business has grown to more than 85 employees and opened a second location on 141 Preble Street in Portland in 2013. Sales in 2015 are estimated to be approximately $160,000,000. The business has won several awards, including "Portland Business of the Year" in 2014, the "Inc. 5000" list of the fastest growing private businesses in the U.S. in 2014 and 2015, the "Governor’s Award for Business Excellence" in 2015 and "Best Places to Work in Maine" in 2014 and 2015.
Active in many local and professional organizations, Mark is past president of the Portland Community Chamber of Commerce. In 2014 he received the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the Chamber and Portland community. He is also a trustee of the Tilton School. He has also served on the board of directors of the Maine Health Management Coalition and served on the Bayside Trail capital campaign committee.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Tom Talbott
|
 President Depke brought the full house gathered at the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay to order at 7:22 am on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015. It was to be an inspiring and thoughtful morning, as we all took time to express our appreciation for those who have served our country. Bowen began with a poem, “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, May 3, 1915, after presiding over the funeral of friend and fellow soldier Alexis Helmer, who died in the Second Battle of Ypres. Poppies were then handed out to all. (See poem at end of "Bits & Pieces")
Led by Major Adam Sacchetti USMC, our meeting began with the color guard from Alpha Company 1st Batallion 25th Marines setting the backdrop for the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem. Read on for two interesting observations later in the day from our keynote speaker, Senator Angus King about both the pledge and the anthem. Invocation by Rev. Ben Shambaugh, Dean, Cathedral of St. Luke began with his remembrance of his father’s military service, and the recalling of a picture of his great-grandfather who had served in WWI.
After a hearty breakfast, we proceeded with our busy agenda. First to the floor was a ceremony for the Vet to Vet volunteers. This is a national program locally implemented through the Southern Maine Area on Aging (SMAA). Veterans who have volunteered for this program are trained to visit with older vets twice a month, to provide both simple companionship, as well as specific assistance for disabilities. At this ceremony, 12 area veterans were recognized for their volunteer efforts by Carol Rancourt, Director SMAA Volunteer Services, and Susan Gold, Program Coordinator SMAA. Next, Brig. General Hugh Corbett, Asst Adjutant General, Maine Army National Guard awarded a special merit pin to each volunteer. Currently there are 52 trained vets serving as volunteers through the SMAA program.
Welcomed to the podium was the aforementioned Major Adam Sacchetti, who shared with us a letter written by the late General J.M. Wainwright. The Major set the scene by telling us how Wainwright had returned from WWII and was assigned to the Fort Sam Houston in Texas, to discharge other returning military personnel returning from the war. It was not a very high profile position, perhaps not fitting a man of his honor. However, the General did not falter. He accepted his role, and set about to send each Veteran off with inspiring thoughts. “Your country is proud of you, and you have every right to be proud of yourselves.” he told them. The “opportunity for leadership is yours, and the responsibility is yours.” “Start by being a leader.” “Speak out when you see intolerance and hate.” Wainwright told them that they don’t stop serving when you take of the uniform, and that they have a unique skill set to continue serving. “Choose your leaders wisely.” He noted. “No American can afford to be disinterested in their government.” It was a moving and powerful send-off for the troops, and a reflection of Wainwright as a leader.
Portland City Councilman Ed Suslovic thanked Portland Rotary for organizing and hosting this event. He spoke of veterans returning from service, in peacetime or war, and going on to be great contributors to our country. After every conflict, veterans return and continue to serve. Ed also noted how the “Physician’s Assist Program” originated in the early 60’s from former U.S. Navy Medical Corpsmen, based on the fast-tracking training curriculum of medical doctors back in WWII. Today in Maine, the University of New England has one of the premier Physician’s Assistance programs in the United States.
 Bowen welcomed Senator Angus King, noting that he had done such a good job at our Centennial Gala, we decided to have him back again. The Senator began by noting to his accompanying staff that he had been addressed by the Marines as “Sir,” but added with humor that he had little hope that his assistants would follow suit. He then recognized those assembled, including city councilman, state representatives, Brigadier General, Major, Reverend, and of course, Mr. President.
King began by noting that the National Anthem has a rather unique ending: It’s a question. “O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” This question has to be answered by every generation. We only remain the land of the free, if we remain the home of the brave.
He posed the question, “How can we thank Vets?” and then outlined 6 items that stood out to him.
- When he sees someone in uniform, he tries to make that simple gesture of personally thanking him or her. A simple handshake means a lot.
- He spoke of the impact of the greeters who welcome home Veterans at the Bangor Airport. To date, over 7000 flights have been greeted, at all times of day or night. Bangor has a reputation right down to the halls of Washington, DC for the great job they do to show Veterans their appreciation.
- Taking in a Patriots game at Gillette Stadium, he told how everyone was given a piece of cardboard, and at a designated time asked to hold it up. All together, the boards turned into a mosaic of the American flag with “Thank You Troops” spelled out, which was both beautiful and moving.
- Give Veterans the support they have earned. King drew from Abraham Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address, March 1865. The speech ends a prescription for the recovery of the nation after the Civil War, and included in that passage are the words that in 1959 would become the motto for the Veterans Administration.
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.” The President was affirming the obligation of the government to provide care for those injured, and care for the families who had lost loved ones.
(On a side note, King mentioned that in a photograph of Lincoln’s inauguration speech, one John Wilkes Booth is visible on a porch looking down on the President. One month later, he would carry out the assassination.)
- King spoke about the need to be sure that the current VA delivers the benefits vets are entitled to receive. It had reached crisis situation three years ago, with the bookkeeping a wretched mess. One year ago, funding was passed to substantially rebuild the program, and legislation is still moving forward. King said that it was moving in a positive direction, but there is much work that still needs to be done.
- The last point, the Senator said, it all came down to simple respect for what Vets have done for us, our way of life, and what they bring to society.
King continued with a story about “Honor Flights” in and out of Portland. Honor Flights are a non-profit organization developed to honor Veterans for their service, by providing free transportation to Washington DC. Veterans are able to tour and visit the various memorials, particularly the memorials of wars that they may have participated. Special attention is given to those who are the most elder or face terminal health situations. Last Sunday, King went with 44 WWII Veterans, noting that the trip was filled with great emotion. All the Vets had a partner, be it a family member or a friend accompanying them on the trip. One Veteran of the Vietnam War approached King with tears in his eyes, expressing his emotion about how his comrades in arms had never received the respect that was associated with Veterans from other conflicts. In his honor, King asked all Vietnam Veterans at our meeting to rise and be recognized.
(Side note – he gave a thumbs up to the City for the decision to not charge the Vets for parking at the airport.)
King took the time to talk about some of the current issues in the world. He emphasized that the United States should be “careful, thoughtful and deliberate about when we send people into harm’s way.”
The Constitution is very definitive about war powers, divided between the legislative and executive branches of government. Article 2, Section 2 states that it is Congress who has power to determine if war will be waged, and if so, it is then up to the President to take charge and direct that war. However, the last time war was declared by Congress was in 1942. Essentially Congress has abdicated its duties and avoided the responsibility. “Congress” he said, “Is great at standing on the sidelines and criticizing.”
Tied into that equation is the fact that there used to be a draft, but now military service is all-volunteer. As such, there is no longer a decision “check point” about sending sons and daughters into the service and off to war.
King addressed the issue by saying four questions needed to be asked before sending troops to battle.
- Is there a vital national interest at stake?
- Is there a clear mission?
- Is there an alternative to sending troops?
- Is there a way out, an exit strategy?
Quoting from the Bible, John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” It is the deepest of human endeavors. King relayed his experience of a trip he took to the battlefields of Gettysburg. It was moving, it was overwhelming, to think of what took place, and what was done for us over those three days of fighting in 1863. He recalled the story of Maine’s Joshua Chamberlain, who was on the field all three days. 26 years after the battle, Chamberlain returned to Gettysburg for the dedication of the Maine monuments, and spoke these famous words.
“In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls… generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.”
With that closing quote, the Senator turned the program back to Bowen, who handed the baton to Russ Burleigh. Joined by Kathy Grammer on piano and Betty Rines on trumpet, Russ led the Armed Forces Medley with gusto. “Anchors Aweigh,” “Semper Paratus,” “The Caissons Go Rolling Along,” “Air Force Song,” and “The Marines Hymn” were sung with pride, with members of each branch standing tall while their anthem was featured.
The meeting came to a close with the Benediction by Rev. Shambaugh, and “Taps” from Betty Rines’ trumpet. Betty currently holds the position of 2nd trumpet in the Portland Symphony, and is a joy to hear. Bowen announced that a VIP bus would be outside to take anyone headed to the Andrews Square rededication ceremony.
Five Young Marines......
Senator King and State Representative Erik Jorgensen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Tom Talbott
|
The Harold T. Andrews Rededication Ceremony
Waving off the slight mist in the air befitting a cool November day, Portland Rotary members, guests, and friends gathered again at the intersection of West, Clark, and Pine Streets in Portland, known as Harold Square to remember and rededicate the Harold T. Andrews Monument. Andrews was the first Mainer to be killed in action in WWI. Members of the Portland Rotary had erected the Monument in 1921.
After welcome remarks from Bowen, the presentation of colors by the Marine Honor Guard, and the Pledge of Allegiance, resident historian Herb Adams spoke in detail about Mr. Andrews. Born in 1893, he was the son of the principal of the Butler School, where the monument stands today. Harold graduated from Portland HS, then studied engineering at the University of Maine. The Standard Oil Company offered him a job, which he accepted, and stayed with until the advent of the “Great War.”
Adams explained that the conflict was always referred to as “The Great War” because it was unthinkable that there could ever be another like it, hence no number. Harold marched into France with British troops in the spring of 1917, part of a regiment of Engineers. Harold’s role was to assess and repair rail lines that had been seized from the Germans. In a counter-attack, the Germans pushed back and broke through the lines. Due to their engineering assignment, Harold’s outfit was largely unarmed, and had nothing more than picks and shovels to defend themselves. Harold died in that fashion, November 30, 1917, in a trench, with a fallen foe, crude tools at their sides.
Approximately 33,000 Mainers served in The Great War, and 1100 gave their lives. The City of Portland paid tribute to Maine’s first soldier KIA, with the casket laying in state at Portland City Hall. He was later buried at the Evergreen Cemetery.
Adams continued by noting that Harold Andrews had no descendants, and only remnants of information about the man could be gleaned from the American Legion Post that bears Andrews name. He was remembered as a “nice boy,” an ordinary man, his place in history immortalized in photos, and in bronze.
The ceremony continued with Ed Suslovic, City Councilman saying a few words, remembering his great-grandfather, a WW1 Veteran, and thanking Portland Rotary for taking the lead on revitalizing this important landmark.
Brig. General Hugh Corbett then spoke about the common bond that veterans share. Coming from every imaginable background, the experiences of boot camp, and the “Confidence Course,” form those bonds that the general public never sees. Corbett pointed out four key points. First, Veterans know that in each other, that no matter how long it was, where you were or what you did, you did what Uncle Sam asked you to do. Second, it was selfless service, giving up a part of your life to serve. Third, service, has an impact; it does take its toll on the individual as well as the family. Sometimes, the job was impossible. It often hurt, physically or emotionally. Fourth, we have served to protect our freedom, whether it is to preserve the peace, or to protect our country.
Following suit, Senator Angus King began his remarks by noting that Herb Adams was at the original dedication ceremony, how else could he know so much! He then provided us with a quick story on how he, as a freshman Senator, presided over the opening of the Senate one morning. It is tradition that each freshman take up this honor, but King noted he was somewhat nervous, and began the Pledge of Allegiance awkwardly… “I Pledge Of Allegiance.” Fortunately he said, no one seemed to catch his faux pas.
At breakfast, King quoted from Abraham Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural address. At the Andrews rededication, he chose to quote from Lincoln’s first, delivered in March 1861. Here, Lincoln is hoping for reconciliation with the southern states that had seceded from the Union. He ended his speech with the following passage:
“I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
 Turning and acknowledging the bronzed plaque to Harold Andrews, King said that these monuments are the mystic chords that bind us together. Like the spirits that linger on the battlefield, the vision is passed down to us. We touch that mystic chord, and remember those who gave their lives. This monument is to Harold T. Andrews, and it is also a memory for all.With that, our honorary guests, including members of the Harold T. Andrews American Legion Post 17, pulled down the blue cover to unveil the refurbished plaque, monument and flagpole, now with the Rotary seal carved into the base. It looked great, onlookers cheered, and it was certainly a moment of great pride for our club.
The ceremony was adjourned, with many attendees heading back to Congress Street to observe the annual Veterans Day Parade.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Saturday morning, November 21st at 10am, Rotarians in our District will be packing a container with crutches, wheelchairs, walkers and canes.
All are welcome to come and help!
We’ll meet at the warehouse at 20 Gooch Street in Biddeford. Directions: Make a hard left turn onto Gooch Street just after crossing the bridge from Saco into Biddeford on Route One.
Please contact Bruce or Jan if you have questions or need more info: chapmoore@myfairpoint.net or 318-9424.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One sad note, word came to us that one of our Portland Rotarians, Gene Story, passed away this week due to lung cancer. Gene recently served as Chairman of the Board at the U.S. Maritime Resource Center in Portland. His wife, Ruth, survives him. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Our Veterans Day Breakfast was the result of a great deal of work by Rotarians and supporters. From the podium, Bowen recognized the following sponsors for their financial support:
Gold Sponsor: Law firm of Jackson and MacNichol,
Table Sponsors: Avesta Housing, Roxanne Cole, Maine Farm and Sea Cooperative
Individual Sponsors: Bob Trail, Todd Beacham, Jerry Angier, Jim Willey, John Marr and John Gaudet
Of course, it takes time to reach out to those willing sponsors, so we’d like to recognize Ben Lowry for presenting the plan to Jackson and MacNichol. Dave Seddon, Roxane Cole, and Larry Gross secured table sponsors.
Bowen coordinated with the City to facilitate the flagpole replacement and monument cleaning, with special thanks to Jon Jennings and Mike Murray from the City for their work. Larry Gross worked with Avesta to have the plaque cleaned. In addition, Larry organized bringing in the Vet-to-Vet program through his affiliation with SMAA. Bowen added recognition to the Harold T. Andrews American Legion Post 17, Commander Bob Wright and Joe Rich.
Never outdone, Loretta Rowe and Elise Hodgkin worked with the Holiday Inn By-the-Bay to ensure the function ran smoothly, in addition to handling the reservations and accounting.
Our newest member to the Rotary family, Luca Bates, was brought to this special meeting by his mom, Janelle LoSciuto and dad, Dillon Bates.
Russ Burleigh was behind the camera, in addition to his work designing and printing the program. Russ, with Kathy Grammar organized the music program, with Kathy reaching out to trumpeter Betty Rines from the PSO to join us. Kathy was also responsible for inviting Rev. Shambaugh to do our invocation and benediction. Thanks to Eric Lusk for arranging for Major Sacchetti and the USMC Honor guard. Tom Talbott facilitated media coverage.
How’d it all start? Mike Fortunato, while researching the club’s history as part of our Centennial celebration, discovered our connection to the Andrews Monument. Discussions ensued, with Peter Goffin suggesting that we combine a ceremony with a morning breakfast for Veterans. Together, the duo coordinated all the moving parts into one great morning, ably executed by our leader, Bowen.
One of the best lines of the day: After historian Herb Adams spoke, er, shouted over the din of construction just around the corner from our presentation, President Bowen praised our local tax dollars at work.
The granite Harold T. Andrews monument at Harold Square now has the Rotary Wheel and Portland Rotary carved into the base. Looks great, and dignified. Those humble Rotarians of 1921 who erected the monument in the first place did not include anything identifying Rotary as the sponsor, but we have corrected that oversight. We need some PR now and then!
Speaking of which, it was a good media day for Portland Rotary, as our Andrews Square event had camera crews from WCSH6, WMTW8 and WGME13 present, and reports aired on all three stations. We also had announcements on WGAN and WZAN radio leading up to the event.
(President Bowen with the WMTW8 crew.)
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Invocation: David Small
Program Reporter: Erik Jorgensen
Bits & Pieces Reporter: Jake Bourdeau
Registration/Greeter: Jerry Angier
Sell Meal Tickets: David Clough
Raffle: Lester Evans
Badge Box: Dick Giles
Collect Meal Tickets: None
Rotary Moment in History: Bruce Jones
Song Leader: Gracie Johnston
Pianist: Kathy Grammer
Sgt-at-Arms (Early): Matt Tassey
Sgt-at-Arms (Late): Jim Willey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you would like to mark your calendars,
we are at the following locations through 2015:
Nov 27 - NO MEETING- Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec 4 - The Clarion Hotel
Dec 11 - The Clarion Hotel
Dec 18 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Dec 25 - NO MEETING - Happy Holidays!
BOLD dates are scheduled Board meeting days.
Any questions, please contact Loretta at: lrowe@maine.rr.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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(S)
Lili Brown Brown & Shepherd Laura Young
Consulting
Courtney Bell HCA Healthcare/ Kathy Grammer
Parallon Supply Chain
Thank you.
|
|
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Bill Blount
|
|
THE ROTARY DOUBLES TENNIS LEAGUE
Rotary Tennis Fall Session 2015
Week ten scores are:
| TEAM 1 |
TEAM 2 |
TEAM 3 |
TEAM 4 |
TEAM 5 |
TEAM 6 |
| Barns |
Blakeslee |
Lowry |
Bourdeau |
Gross |
Seddon |
| Thompson |
Ray |
Noyes |
Hall |
Ingram |
Nickerson |
| Moore |
Herodes |
Chipman |
Bowker |
Putnam |
Asch |
| Grammer |
Carr |
Jorgensen |
Burleigh |
Sawyer |
L.Young |
| 10 |
19 |
13 |
9 |
10 |
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.jpg)
