February 4, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary

Terry Bregy introduced John Parkman, board chair of Making Change – Camden, working with youth age 14 – 19 to help young people with life challenges in a safe and positive environment.

He has a background as a former high school counselor at Camden Hills Regional High School. He introduced Nate Larlee, a facilitator who has worked with at-risk kids for over 20 years. He is a teacher of math and science at the Zenith, Camden's alternative school. He shared a slide presentation about the program. They create a weekly opportunity for kids to have conversations with mentors and each other to help them make positive changes in their lives. They hold their meetings in the parlor room at the Chestnut Street Baptist church where meals are also available due to the kindness of volunteers in the community. Self-awareness and reflection is one of the skills they try to build with the youth. Anxiety and depression are the issues they encounter most, with related substance abuse issues.

 

Members can go to that website and volunteer to provide meals on Mondays at 5p. The web site is www.makingchangecamden.webs.com and to sign up for meal contributions www.mealtrain.com/trains/W7LWN1.

He encourages kids who have friends facing challenges and needing to talk to bring them on a Monday. They also have had kids from probation or Restorative Justice participate.

 

Ron Hall spoke about Every Rotarian Every Year and the idea of every member of the club contributing $100 each year to the Rotary Foundation. He recognized Jen Harris, Kristen Lindquist, Jim Potter, and John Tohanson for participating in EREY.

Heidi Karod had a thank you and gift certificate for Katherine Gilbert and David Williams for hosting our exchange student from Iceland, Berglund, who spoke last week and will present again in May on her year in Camden.

Mark Masterson talked about the Chili Challenge here on Saturday night. Decorating on Saturday will begin at around 2p, and brownies can be dropped off at the church anytime Saturday. He will send email reminders to those who have signed up for shifts.

Steve Bailey needs a volunteer for 10-1 on Sunday and parking may be limited to the lot, without the ball field if deemed too destructive.

Ken Gardiner is still looking for $50 and $100 sponsors.

Sandy reported that the Super Bowl drawing is half filled, so let him know if you want to play. $750 will go to the Hospitality House for the pantry project. Tickets are $10 and can result in as much as $100 prize.

Wednesday February24 at 5:30p at Lord Camden Inn there will be a Fireside Chat by the membership committee. Register online under Current Events on the website, westbayrotaryofmaine.org.

Next week's speaker will be Erica Buswell from Maine Farmland Trust will be talking about finding farmland for agricultural use.