THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER: Major Ralph Gamache, Maine Civil Air Patrol
This Friday we welcome Major Ralph Gamache,
Commander, 58th Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol
Ralph joined Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program in 1969, three weeks after the first moon landing, transferring to the senior program in 1975. During his over 50 years with the Civil Air Patrol, he has held numerous duty positions working with cadets and senior members to fulfill CAP’s mission statement of volunteers serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Both aircrew and ground rescue team qualified, he has participated in many search & rescue and disaster relief missions, credited with 3 “Finds”. During COVID he supported CAP’s mission delivering critical medical supplies across the state. In 2023 and 2024 Ralph was honored to be a Civil Air Patrol representative on the Wreaths Across America convoy to Arlington.
Ralph holds an AS in Aviation Management from Beal Collage and a BS in Management from Thomas College. Professionally, he spent over 30 years at Liberty Mutual as a software and platform engineer and finished his professional life at TD Bank as a finance analyst working directly with the CFO. Now retired, he lives in Wells, ME with his wife Holly.
CAP is the all-volunteer non-combative component of the US Air Force celebrating 83 years of volunteer service to the community, state and nation through: emergency services, cadet programs and aerospace education.
BITS AND PIECES | By Patty Byers, Tom Talbott, Charlie Frair and John Thompson!
ROCKING THE CAFE: Our Portland Sunrise Satellite Club had a great meeting on April 2nd with our District Governor Bob McKenzie at the Burundi Star Cafe on St. John Street, Portland. Thank Patty for capturing the photo!
DISTRICT 7780 LEARNING ASSEMBLY - A day filled with inspiring conversations and practical insights. In the first breakout session, club president-elects met with District Governor-Elect Emma Boldwell to discuss strategies for embracing change that fosters club growth. The Foundation Grants Training Seminar provided valuable information on both district and global grants, including guidance on the application process. During the afternoon keynote, Kate Sims, Rotary International’s DEI Chair, delivered a powerful message on increasing membership by creating a true sense of belonging. The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A, featuring success stories from clubs that expanded their impact and membership by involving corporate and community partners in Rotary service projects. Overall, the assembly was a motivating and informative experience focused on learning, cultivating belonging, and supporting change for sustainable growth.
In the Hall of Friendship, Roger Fagan's Hearing Clinic table saw a lot of action throughout the day. Nine clubs took hearing aid donation boxes to distribute in their communities - and Bob Mitchell, incoming President from Exeter, took 12 boxes to place in local nursing homes. (Photo below!)
Thank you to all ten Portlanders and Sunrisers who attended: Julie L'Heureux, Roxane Cole, Roger and Liz Fagan, Dick Hall, Jerry and Katharine Wall, Jacey Chavez, and Patty Byers.
FLAGS FOR HEROES:
Charlie Frair reports that Rowe Ford is once again stepping up in a big way to be our full partner and will be contributing $12,000 to our Rotary Club this year to help fund our many difference making charitable projects.
Congratulations to each of you for all you have done to make our Flags for Heroes project such a great success. This now puts us at about $20,000 pledged and raised for this year's project with a goal of raising at least $35,000. Keep up the great work!
ROTARY PICKLEBALL CHALLENGE!
Bill Ross (L) and Scott Gorneau (R) have agreed to take on all Portland Rotarians in a Pickleball match with the losing team donating $100 to Portland Rotary.It's a fun opportunity to help raise up to $500 for Portland Rotary. If you're up for the challenge, grab a Rotarian partner, some fans and spectators, and email by clicking Scottor Billto schedule a match.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Zach Newell reminds us that we have a collaborative cleanup of Camp Sebago with the Salvation Army on April 26th, 9 AM - 5 PM. We’re partnering with Standish, Westbrook-Gorham, and Cape Elizabeth-South Portland Rotary clubs. Bring work gloves!
LAST WEEK'S SOCIAL EVENT | By Jake Bourdeau and Tom T. Good times with Mariners where Rotarians from both the Portland and South Portland/Cape Elizabeth clubs and their kids put their skills to the test with some spirited "pond hockey", on the Cross Arena ice. Afterward, over 30 Rotarians enjoyed food and drinks at nearby Aura. With over 60 tickets sold, the group enjoyed cheering for the Mariners to sink some more goals, but they went down 6-4. In the photo, Jake shows demonstrates how to light the lamp like Ovechkin.
Speaker Schedule
April 18 - Giovanna Gray Lockhart & Bryan Matluck - Frances Perkins Center
April 25 - Regine Whittlesey - L'Alliance Francaise
May 2- Ava Kabouchy - Award Winning Travel Photographer
May 9 - "New Members Meeting!" Fun meeting run by the newbies!
May 16- No Meeting
May 18 (Sunday) Epic Day of Service and Social at Back Cove
May 23 - No Meeting - Memorial Day Weekend
May 30 - Joshua Brister - Maine Black Chamber of Commerce
Club Executives
President Patty Byers President Elect John Thompson Vice President Justin Lamontagne TreasurerDick Hall Secretary Tom Nickerson Board of Directors Dick Hall,
FLAGS FOR HEROES:
ROTARY PICKLEBALL CHALLENGE! 
COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Zach Newell reminds us that we have a collaborative cleanup of Camp Sebago with the Salvation Army on April 26th, 9 AM - 5 PM. We’re partnering with Standish, Westbrook-Gorham, and Cape Elizabeth-South Portland Rotary clubs. Bring work gloves!
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