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Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
Sage
ClubRunner
Bulletin Editor
Jen Harris
Speakers
Oct 05, 2017
Lyman Morse at Wayfarer
Oct 12, 2017
Addiction & Substance Abuse
Oct 19, 2017
Good Shepard Food Bank
Oct 26, 2017
Adoption
Nov 02, 2017
Maine Humanities Council
Nov 09, 2017
You Can't Take It With You!
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Executives & Directors
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Co-Chairs
Mark Coursey (207-232-9763)
Mark@CamdenLaw.com
Mark Masterson (207-975-1177)
mdmasterson@roadrunner.com
2nd Wednesday Held Monthly
Quarry Hill Dining Area
7:30 AM
 
Rotary Youth Exchange
George Forristall (207-542-4769)
george@forocean.com
Heidi Karod (207-975-3588)
hkarod@gmail.com
4th Wednesday held Monthly
Congregational Church Parlor
7 AM
 
International Committee
Susan Dorr
susandorr@gmail.com
4th Wednesday held Monthly
8:00 AM
 
Vocational Committee
Jim Potter (207-230-2400)
potterandassoc@aol.com
meeting held as necessary
 
Public Relations Committee
Jen Harris (484.354.6816)
jeniferharris@comcast.net
No meetings
Take turn in reporting weekly meeting
and publish bulletin.
 
 
Stories
September - Club Assembly
West Bay Rotary
September 28, 2017
Club Assembly
 
Buckets on the Table – Rockport, TX Rotary support
Make Checks Payable Rockport Rotary Club Foundation
 
Budget 2018 – approved
 
Sandy – World Polio Day
October 24 – Bill & Melinda Gates will be hosting an online forum on Endpolio.org – information about Polio Day
 
Polio Walk – Saturday, October 21
9 a.m.
Belfast
We will take the train from City Point to Brooks
Sign ups for the walk & the ride will be provided in the upcoming weeks.
 
 
George Abendroth
Strategic Plan – Did a strategic plan around 2011-2012
If anyone has a copy of that plan, please forward to George.
 
Membership Data Updates – We have local, district & Rotary International Goals.  We didn’t have a very successful go around on updating information.  We need to get Club Runner up-to-date.  We are trying to get information current – the info doesn’t get shared anywhere except RI & west Bay.
 
Event Reporting – Gathering information for events.  We need to capture the details of events/activities for the club.  Did we raise $$ -Did we spend $$
 
Website – Please provide detailed updates to George.  Updated upcoming speaker section – will try to keep that updated.  Charitable Foundation form has been updated for the spring. 
 
Committee Pages – We encourage all committee areas to provide details for their sections.
 
Interact – George is now the advisor to Interact from West Bay.  12 in the group – trying to recruit new members.  9 Interact students that are interested in participating in the polio walk.  Planning a Safe Passage Guatemala trip.  Currently involved in the Window Dressers project. 
 
Charitable Foundation – Mary Sargent & Kim Milton
We have $9,000 available to give – we have two applications so far – we have plenty of money to distribute.  October 1 is the deadline.
 
International Convention Booth – Etienne – no update on the convention booth.  Sent in the application, we will find out if they accept later.
 
Rotary Direct – EREY for the Polio fundraising. 
Visit Rotary.org – donate section.  Make one time or quarterly or monthly updates.  Automatic deductions are available.
 
Presidents Project
Peter Burke – still has $2,600 left from the Presidents Project - $300 to Susan’s Yucatan Project. $500 to Midcoast Recovery Coalition.  $500 One Less Worry.  With balance of $1,300 to the Hospitality House. Would like to hold the money and use it to focus on a project that we are working on. 
 
The club will be recognizing Joe & Ginny Ryan and Stuart & Marianne Smith for their contributions.
 
Hospitality House – Thursday, October 5 – New client moving in – may need another person to assist with move in.
 
Youth Exchange – We send a student & that country sends a student back.  If you know of any students that want to do this or if any members want to help out, please see George.
 
Mark Coursey
Mark has electronically archived the financial materials – We are looking for all paper information.
 
PAWS puppy path – sign up sheet next week
 
Jim Potter – Entrepreneurship
Kicked off 17th annual class last night – runs through October 16
 
 
Next Week’s Speaker - Bob Flight - Lyman Morse
 
 
 
 
 
September 21, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Rick Tasker's Classification Talk
Kim Milton gave the thought for the day about empathy.
 
George Abendroth introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. Chuck Decker has received a terminal cancer diagnosis, and a card is being circulated to send to him.
 
Buckets on the table are for victims of Hurrican Harvey. 
 
Rick Tasker gave a classification talk, having given his first in 1991. He's now retired from financial advising, so shared some stories of service opportunities starting when he was graduated from college in 1971, where he was assigned to Hyannisport as part of a domestic service project for two years. He returned to his home state of Connecticut and started his work in banking in 1975. He was a credit analyst for the $1m and up loans. He then managed a branch in Hartford, worked in mergers and acquisitions, and did some residential lending as well. He worked in financial education throughout the community, and was asked to join a group starting a bank that grew out of a Rotary meeting, resulting in the first federally chartered bank since the depression in the Boston District of the Federal Reserve. They committed to give 1% of profits to charity. Then in the late 80's when he moved to the Camden area he joined WBR and found many service opportunities.  Having a degree in art, he joined the board of what was then Maine Coast Artists of which his wife later became executive director. He was on the NE Health (Now Pen Bay) Foundation board, which was then selling some of it's artwork to support the hospital. He also helped run Ducktrap Bay Trading Company and at the end of 1994, he went to work for Chris Rector. When Gary Walker sold his insurance agency, the new owner was required to have a financial services representative and recruited Rick to do that which he did for 3 years. In 2004 he moved to Florida to be closer to his father, who is now 93. He returned to financial services there, and was involved in a United Way program in Jacksonville that involved the IRS training people to help low income people with their tax returns. He continues in that, and in AA in which he has been a member for 35 years. 
He recalls that early in WBR years, it was something of an "old boys" club, attendance was a challenge for many members. 
Concluding his remarks, he completed the Red Badge Program and received his blue badge.
Mik shared upcoming dates of interest:
 
AIO Food Pantry get together 4-6p on the 24th of September
District Assembly October 28 in St. Georges Quebec
Nov. 18 Rotary Leadership in Lewiston
December 2 at Alfond Youth Center Waterville Membership seminar
 
Saturday morning October 21, Camden, Rockland, Belfast and West Bay will do a Polio Walk on the waterfront walking trail on the river, 2 hours, then at the train station in Belfast and foliage rides from 11-12:30p. See Sandy Cox for more details. There's a sign up sheet at the club meetings. $12 for train ride, $8 for lunch. Everyone is being asked to raise $25 for the walk as well. 
 
Jan Campbell hosted a social event at her house on Sunday. Paul and Marty Rogers will host the holiday party.
 
Mark Masterson reported a great turn out on Saturday morning that was the latest Habitat work day. They insulated the whole house, and the family brought cookies for the workers. Several projects at the Snowbowl are being considered, including repairing the shed by Hosmer Pond and Chute maintenance.
 
October 7 and 14 the club will be building a Puppy Path for PAWS.Stay tuned for more details on that project.
 
Susan Dorr announced that the club has successfully received a District Grant for another water fountain project in the Yucatan at the Valladolid Rotary Club where she will be visiting later this fall. This will cover 4 fountains at $1000 each. 
 
Next week we will have a quarterly club assembly. We will approve a budget, and the proposed budget was on the tables.
 
Terry auctioned off a carrot cake made by Deb Fink.
 
October 13 is the  100th Anniversary celebration of the Bangor Rotary Club at the Cross Center.
 
Tom Griffith's daughter Torah will be speaking next Tuesday at the Camden Rotary Club about her exchange experience last year.
Read more...
September 14 Meeting West Bay Rotary
September 14, 2017
West Bay Rotary Meeting
 
Committee chairs – If you have an event that you would like to share with the club, please send event details to George so he can add them to calendar.
Buckets on the table for Rockport, TX Rotary
 
Speaker:
Peter Berke
Strange Things that Have Happened to Me
Grew up in garment & textile business
 
As a kid Peter packed boxes, inspected fabrics, etc.  The job wasn't a good fit for Peter so he transitioned into a business that rented tropical plants to trade shows.
Sometimes this business was challenging because of teamsters – in NYC the teamsters were asking for $1,500 to back his small truck up to the convention center.
 
Peter connected to a guy through his father - after several phone calls, this guy gets Peter into the convention center without the $1,500.
 
A couple of months later he gets a call from the FBI/DA doing an investigation on the teamsters.
He follows the FBI to the meatpacking district – they want him to testify against the teamsters in front of a grand jury. 
He was nervous about his safety – the FBI offered to provide protection or a wire he declined.
 
4-6 years later he went back to the family business.  He oversaw 17 “sweatshops” in NY & in the Caribbean.  In NY – he traveled around to all the factories.  He was working with a Korean factory and they messed up a project so they were not going to get paid. They wanted their money.  They called his house and threatened his family.  He went to his father about it – his father asked the factory owners to come into the showroom.  Father meets with them and they continue to threaten Peters family - but Peter's father didn't seem to care.  His father negotiates a decrease in the rate of pay.  The rumor around the shop was that Peters father had discounted him so they should be careful because who knows what the father would do to them.
 
He traveled to Columbia and it was dominated by drug cartels.  He travels to this area and everyone is armed.  He goes to the factories – he inspects the work.  You go to these factories and it seems like a very small operation.  It was all set up as a laundering situation for the cocaine industry. After the tour – they take him up to a room – he found that his father had bounced a $50,000 check.  They wanted him to call his father on the phone.  Father is out of town – out of reach.  The Colombians tell him that they need the $50,000 and he’s not allowed to go home.  They tell him that they are going to lock him in his hotel room until they get paid.  Once he returned to the hotel room - he could arrange for a payment within 24 hours.  After 24 hours, he received a call that they had received the money so he could go.  His flight was cancelled – he had to fly to Cali instead – he arrived at night drove past cars on fire. 
 
He started painting houses in college - that’s how he ended up here in the business.
 
In the late 90’s his father was bought out by his partner – it was a forced buy out and the rug was kind of pulled out from under him.
 
He was most afraid when he was in Columbia because he wasn’t sure that he was going to come home.
 
We have been invited to the AIO food pantry get together – 9/24
Rotary Club of Bangor has invited us to their Century of Service events on Friday, October 13.
 
Welcome into membership Bruce Peel
 
Committee reports
Mary Sargent – Foundation application is on the website. 
October 1 is the deadline for application for donation requests. 
If you know of any organization that is looking for a gift let them know. 
If they received in the spring – they are not eligible until next spring.
 
Sandy Cox – October 21 – Rotary Walk in Belfast more details to come. 
Our goal is to raise $2,000 for each club.  There will be a cost to participate – for polio.
 
Mark Coursey
Meeting on Wednesday
 
On October 7 & 14 – will be working on the PAWS puppy trail.
 
Ron Hall EREY
Rodney Lynch, Barry King & Peter Berke
 
After you’ve accumulated $1,000 you are eligible to be awarded with a Paul Harris Fellow
Congratulations Suzanne Scott for becoming a Paul Harris Fellow
 
Susan Dorr - International Committee
Grant was submitted to the Rotary District for 4 more water fountains in the Yucatan.  Grants awarded – money held up because of another club in the District
Found out that the money finally went through.
 
October 31 – Susan, Peter and Heidi Karod will be traveling to the Yucatan to visit the locations. Heidi will spend some time at the school.
 
Next Week - Rick Tasker – Classification Talk
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 31, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Meagan Williams, Executive Director of United Midcoast Charities
 
Meagan Williams, new executive director of United Midcoast Charities, gave a presentation on the history of the organization and the new capacity-building focus it is adding to their grantmaking activity. Begun in 1946, the organization has grown in its impact and reach, making grants of at least $500,000 each year. Several members of West Bay and Camden Rotary have served and currently serve on their board.
 
President Mik recognized Rodney Lynch and others, like Mike Pierce, who began and have continued the work of selling tickets and managing the gates for the Maine Boats Homes and Harbors show for the last 15 or so years.
 
Mark Masterson is still looking for help to set up the tent Friday morning for Windjammer Festival, and Leamon Scott needs help with banners for sponsors. Mark needs help with chowder pick up and delivery, with chowder being served from 11:30a until about 1p.
 
Ray Fink updated the club about the participating retailers and vendors for Christmas Tree and Wreath sales this December.
 
Next week's speaker, Brenda Berry, will be speaking about diabetes. She is married to Chum Berry. 
 
Jan Campbell made a beautiful blueberry pie, and Terry auctioned it off.  Ken Gardiner was the high bidder. 
Read more...
August 24, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
David Jacobson, cartoonist and glass blower of Montville
President Mik asked Ray Fink to introduce today's speaker, David Jacobson, glass blower from Montville. He will be including some of his work in the Christmas Tree sales this winter. He enjoys sharing his passion for glass blowing whenever he can. He was a cartoonist, and discovered glass blowing before he began his career in cartoons. He freelanced for newspapers and got his degree is glass in Minnesota. He and his wife moved to New York City and worked for 18 years in cartoons, knowing he wanted to return to glass, which he did in 1994.  He started evenings and weekends after work, and they bought a property in Montville with the dream of having a studio for glass.  In 2013 he converted the barn into a studio. He likes to incorporate natural colors and effects, including Venetian styles of color and complexity of patterns. Part of his business plans includes teaching people how to blow glass, and he has affiliated himself with the B&B owners and tourism industry to bring people in to glass. His wife of 34 years died suddenly October 27, 2016 and he is working to adjust to life without her. Her death had an impact on his creativity for weeks following her death, until he began creating a memorial urn for her cremains. It has become an area of production for him to honor people's lives to make urns. He spent a week at Corning in Rochester in a glass class, with a Czech teacher from Prague, where he learned how to color glass with metal oxides, and friends sent him to his class in Prague through a "Go Fund Me" page. He just returned last Friday. He likes to do one-of-a-kind art pieces, but also does work for his shop that is mostly smaller and one of a kind. He also runs an Air B&B out of his house. He still does cartoons for magazines for caption contests, too. People come and make their own ornaments two at a time. He's also marketing urns for pet cremains, and paperweights. 
Windwodresser project meeting right after today's meeting.
Barbara Heard shared the success of the project this year. Empty backpacks were shared with the food pantry, as well as the local schools that got both filled and empty packs.
Mik shared a thank you from Hospitality House.
Rotary Leadership Institute begins November 18.
Ian Robertson has resigned from the club. He has a one-year old, growing business, National Guard duty but wants to rejoin when he has more time.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards make it possible for a young person (ages 21-35) to attend the RYLA weekend, September 15 - 17, and Mik is soliciting names for participation.
Jan Campbell spoke about Rotary Fellowship and tables were asked to provide input on possible social events. 
Ron Hall made a presentation on behalf of the Rotary Foundation, including a letter from the chair of the Rotary Foundation, about the second century of the Foundation, now 100 years old.  Deb Hitchings was recognized with a sticker for her participation. Roberta Walker was recognized with ruby pin, and Gary was recognized with two ruby pin.
Leamon Scott spoke about Maine Boats Homes & Harbors show, thanking members for their participation. Labor Day weekend in the Chowder Challenge, and they are still looking for sponsors.
Next week's speaker is Meagan Williams, Executive Director of United Mid Coast Charities.
Read more...
July 27 and August 3, 2017 Meetings of West Bay Rotary
July 27 and August 3, 2017 Meetings

July 27, 2017 - DG Erlenbach

Members were reminded to return the completed information sheet to George Abendroth for updating the Club Runner and MyRotary web information.

Buckets on the table continue to support the backpack program. Many Thanks.

Speaker

DG Lincoln Ehrlenbach spoke in praise regarding West Bay’s 100% participation in rotary foundation and that our work with vocational scholarships, heating oil assistance, literacy program, polio plus, Christmas trees, challenges, windjammer days, e-waste, duck derby, habitat and hospitality house was commendable.

He also noted that we received the district grant for the water fountain project in Mexico.

DG Ehrlenbach reflected on RI President Ian Riseley’s words at RI national “We are beginning something together” President Riseley provided a call to action that DG Ehrlenbach echoed and encouraged our club to continue the strong work we do with our polio plus walk, commitment to every Rotarian every year, enhancing our public image and that of Rotary International in turn. If we focus on strengthening membership, humanitarian acts and improving public image we will be fulfilling the RI President Riseley’s theme of “Rotary: Making a Difference”

DG Ehrlenbach then showed his power point regarding the wheelchair project which is his Governor’s project for his Rotary year. A moving tribute to the wonderful work that has begun and will continue making a difference for some of the 22 million victims of mobility issues worldwide. He welcomes any member to accompany him on a delivery/distribution trip.

DG Ehrlenbach then endured the cross examination by our own Terry Bregy regarding his qualification to be District Governor. This annual humorous excursion that Mr. Bregy foists upon all incoming DGs is always entertaining and DG Erlenbach took it in the manner in which it was intended and enjoyed the levity.

 

Ken Gardner received his Paul Harris plus 1.

Bob Williams reminded all to sign up for working the gates for Boats Homes & Gardens show.

Gretchen will train us next week.

Mark Coursey reported that at 63 Washington Street the initial phase of repainting etc…is done and that we need to do touch up and another coat this week 7/29 8 a.m. for a couple of hours

Michael Ames will be next week’s speaker.

August 3, 2017 - Maine Ocean School

George Abendroth encouraged members to complete the update on the website.  See him if you need the paper version or more help accessing the website.
 
Barbara has 50 backpacks from LLBean and she is in the process of contacting shools and food pantries, and determining needs for contents, and will let people know what those are, and of course, is accepting cash donations for the project as well.  
 
Etienne Perret introduced the speakers from Maine Ocean School in Searsport, Michael Ames and Michael Flanagan, Maine's newest magnet school. They shared www.maineoceanschool.org, and images from their website. Both Mike's are merchant marines. An experience in drumming up workers for building warships in the 1990's brought home the need for more martitime training which launched the maritime training program at the vocational school in Rockland. 2 years ago they met with the governor about a charter school, which lead to meeting with the representative from Searsport, James Gilway, which resulted in the proposal to the legislative committees that have all favorably received the idea.  They have land or access to land in Waldo county around Searsport, Stockton Springs and Sears island, but not a building as of yet.  They seek to get the best and brightest with passion for the marine trades to attend the school, with a rigorous academic curriculum, providing a merchant mariners document by age 16, that they can use for work or further schooling. They are looking for money to support what the state won't. They have learned from other countries that they support building the pipeline of personnel starting in high school, which the US does not. They feel that the ocean is the "hook" for this program. Currently it is 100% volunteer, and with a curriculum in place, it has received legislative approval for funding.  Their marine tracks described on the website are where they are bringing the professional skills to the high school level. They plan to do recruitment at the middle school level, and have a goal of 20 students for the first class. They plan to launch in the fall of 2018, with a four-year high school program. They will be the second magnet school, like the Maine School of Science and Mathematics in Limestone, in Maine.  
Guests were here from the Maine Boats Homes and Harbors show to talk about the event where we will staff the gates, as we have for many years, in exchange for a $3000 payment from the show.
 
 There was a report on the work done at 63 Washington Street by Mark Coursey. Window Dresser volunteers will meet today after the meeting, to touch base about a few details.
 
Heidi Karod reported on Interact.  Some have said they hadn't heard from them in awhile, one of the officers is Ella Pierce and another member is Robin Walker Spencer, meeting Wednesdays after school at 3p in the CHRHS library, and Karen Hansen would like to have Rotarians come from West Bay and learn about what we do in the community. They are planning a muffin sale in the mooring field soon.
 
Next week's speaker is the CEO of Pen Bay/Waldo hospital, Mark Foure.  
 
President Mik ended the meeting with another of his moments.
Read more...
July 13, 2017 - Joel LaFleur, MD - Electronic Medical Records
July 13, 2017
 
Buckets on the table – Backpack program
Member info sheets – please complete
 
Joel LaFleur, MD – Maine Medical Center
Electronic Medical Records – Pen Bay Medical Center
 
Joel was a practicing surgeon for about 25 years – Became interested in this field – sees his job as a liaison between information folks & physicians.
Got a masters degree in biomedical information – concerned with healthcare & computers work together.  EMR is just one part of that.
 
MaineHealth
Parent corporation is the parent corporation
13 members & 4 affiliates
Largest employer in the state
 
Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital merged as Coastal Healthcare Alliance in December 2015
 
The company EPIC kept a low profile until recently.  
It is a privately held company. Single largest EMR vendor in the country. 
Started by going to the largest healthcare systems.  
They have exhausted the US market and are expanding into foreign markets – UAE and Netherlands. 
 
Value of having an EMR – allows for us to share medical records fairly easily.
1 Patient 1 Record
We all share the same chart – only one copy of your medication list, diagnosis, etc.
 
Security & privacy protections – anytime you open a record there is an electronic tag that indicates who has been on your chart. 
There are protections around certain types of files.
 
MyChart Patient Portal
Your records are available to you and the clinicians.  You can see lab, pathology and imaging results.  Considering putting physician notes in MyChart.  You can send messages to your providers through MyChart.  Encourage everyone to get a MyChart account – it is very useful.
 
As a patient can you opt out of sharing between doctors?
Outside of the system yes – you can ask for a record of everyone who has accessed your account. 
 
What’s the responsibility of the patient to update their info?
One of Joel’s pet peeves – a lot of practices still ask you to fill out forms.  We all have a responsibility to make sure that the information is correct.  You have a right to see all of that info.  If there is incorrect info on the chart it is important to get it updated.
 
MaineHeatlh Cardiologists are currently in a different EMR – will be transitioned into MyChart in the upcoming years.  Imaging uses a different system, but they interface electronically.  We don’t have the time, money & people to do all of this work done at one time.  It is a work on progress.
 
How does being a surgeon provide you with the skills to do this work?  Other physicians respect physicians more so than they respect folks with computer science degrees.  We understand each other.
 
Rick Tasker – Newest member of our club
 
Committee Reports
Bob – Boats Homes & Harbors
1 month left until the event.  We need 48 people to fulfill the volunteer needs for this event.  Please sign up or recruit your friends. 
 
International Rotary Convention – House of Friendship at National Meeting.  Highlighting the stove project in the House of Friendship.  Pat Manley from Masons on a Mission is interested in participating.  Meeting in Toronto in June.  Details to follow.
 
Community Service
63 Washington Street
2 day project – need more people to sign up.
Had a great turnout & good time building on the tiny house.
July 22 & July 29
 
Had a great meeting/training with window dressers.
Will need folks for the build
 
Bike Event
Sunday, July 23 – breakfast
Sign up – we will be putting breakfast together and selling breakfast that day.
Between 4a – 8a
Monday, July 17 at the Seadog – 5p – coordinating meeting
 
Beer Garden – need two more people for the afternoon shift.  Will piggyback on Mary’s meeting for planning.
 
Next week - Michael Aimes – Maine Ocean School
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 20, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary - Alpacas
Experience Alpacas!

Ray Fink introduced today’s speaker, Robin Fowler Pratt, one of the owners of Maine Alpaca Experience, which has retail locations including the old Saturday Cove in Northport, and at their farm in Unity, Maine, and on Main Street in Ellsworth. She shared live streaming from the farm of the barns and stalls where the animals live. They offer educational programs to schools and groups around the state, through Alpaca Center One, a non-profit, including helping people consider whether to raise alpacas themselves.

Robin was an HR Specialist at Hannaford in Belfast, took early retirement and now raises alpacas. They were recently featured in the Sentinel, and have been on television news and the Chris Wolf Show on WRFR. They are a full-service farm and alpaca breeder. They harvest about 300 pounds of fiber annually.

They compete nationally in high-grade fiber competitions, and place first and second among other fiber producers in the region. They ship their fiber across the US and internationally. Maine is a perfect climate for Alpacas, because of the climate, and they are able to live longer and produce better fiber than in their native Peru. Alpaca are a relatively shy docile animal, compared to the llama.

Alpaca grows in 22 natural shades from black to white and everything in between. It is hollow, has no lanolin, has no dander and is completely hypoallergenic. It wicks moisture and has a high tensile strength, and wears longer than wool. It is considered a year-round product.

They are a pseudo ruminant, and eat hay and grass, they don’t damage the ground with their soft-padded feet. They are a 150 – 200lb animal. They eat about 2 to 2 ½ pounds pf hay – orchard grass hay – and a small amount of grain per day. Their gestation period is a year. Shearings happen in the spring, and births happen in the summer and fall. They have many visitors to see the baby alpacas. Life expectancy in the US is 22 years, and only 7 in Peru, because of their living conditions.

“Paca poo” is very rich, low in nitrogen, odorless because it is fully composted. There are about 50 alpaca farms in the US, and the industry is growing. They are trainable and compete on obstacle course competitions.

Buckets on the tables are for the backpack program.

President Mik invited Roberta Smith and her husband to come to the podium. Roberta awarded a Paul Harris Fellow to her husband, David, who has helped with many Rotary and other community projects. Mike awarded Roberta a Paul Harris fellow as well. He then asked Noel Cox to come forward to award her a Paul Harris Fellow as well.

Kit Harrison was invited to speak about Jordan and his family who are recent refugee arrivals to Maine and the US from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has 6 children and 3 siblings. Without public transportation, it is difficult. She wanted to recognize West Bay Rotary’s significant contribution to help the family buy a car, and Jordan will later today take his driving test, having passed his written test. Jordan and his family are in need of a house to relocate within the RSU 13 if anyone knows of available rentals for a large family.

Bob Williams encouraged everyone to sign up for the MBH&H event, display a poster for the event.

Mark Coursey reminded the club that this Saturay we have a 63 Washington Street painting project, all lower level painting of deck and trim, starting at 8a.

Mary Sargent has a great group of volunteers coming at 4a to Quarry Hill to help prepare breakfast this Sunday with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine Lobster Ride at the Snowbowl.

Ron Hall presented stickers to members for EREY contributions: George Abendroth, Sandy Cox, Steve Dailey, Susan Dorr, Deborah Fink, Ray Fink, Deb Hitchings, Mark Masterson, Mik Mikkelsen, Bob Rosenberg and Lisa Sojka.

Read more...
July 6, 2017 - Tora Decker Griffith / Masons on a Mission
July 6, 2017
 
Buckets on the table – backpack program
Barbara Heard reported on the program - We ask LL Bean to donate backpacks – members of the club donate to the buckets or buy items.
They go to students who need the backpacks and the supplies.
What kind of stuff are we filling them with
Pens, pencils, 3-ring binders, calculators, pencil boxes, erasers
 
Tora Decker Griffith
Youth Exchange Spain
 

 
Last year she went to spain for 10.5 months
Aranda De Duero
30,000 people
Very dry dessert climate
Capital of Ribera Del Duero wine region – lots of vineyards in the region
 
Every single town has a central plaza – the plazas are filled with kids. 
 
Houses in Spain are usually very tiny.  Tora was fortunate to live in large beautiful home.
 
Had to take public transportation in Spain – first time taking public transportation. 
 
3 large rotary districts in Spain
70% of the exchange students she met were Americans.  She was a little disappointed since she wanted to meet folks from other countries. 
 
Agreed to participate in a 5K because she didn’t recognize the word for 5k.  Had to Google it and couldn’t believe she agreed to do this race.  The first 1,000 finishers got a bottle of wine.
 
Took a trip Bourkos – well known city in Spain. 
Cathedral is very old – had several different rooms and each room was designed by a different artist.
 
School – Junior & Senior years are different.  Huge test at the end of the year for Spanish students that decides whether they can go to college.  The school was bi-lingual, but she took all courses in Spanish.
 
Holiday Season
The winter holidays include Christmas, NY and the day of Kings.  They celebrate Christmas only because Americans too.  Co-workers give each other pig legs.  Came home from school and there was a leg in the kitchen.  They cost anywhere from 50-300 euro.  Giving & receiving legs – they last all year.
 
Live action Nativity – people in costume just standing still in costume.  Very cold.
 
Q&A
How did you do in the all Spanish speaking classes?
For a little while it was difficult – but it got easier.
 
Pat Manley – Stove Project in Guatemala
Masons on a Mission
Goal to build efficient, clean building cook stoves.
 
Work with local folks in Guatemala – Ishey came to Maine for her first vacation ever.
Thanks so much for welcoming us to talk about the stove project.
 
Want to say thank you on behalf of the lives that it is changing.
Most of the women cook with open fires – smoke is in the kitchen – causes eye & respiratory problems.
 
Decrease the amount of wood that you have to use. 
Help the women to have more free time – with an open fire, it takes longer to good your food.  It brings the family together.
 
They provide leadership training & literacy skills.
 
Thanks so much for your support of the program.
 
Peter Burke –
Recognize some folks
 
Susan Dorr & Jen Harris
 
Paul Harris Award – to Kristen Lindquist for all the work she does to keep the organization in good finances.

 
Boats & Harbors – sign ups are now available.
 
Mark Coursey
3 sheets being distributed
 
Habitat on Saturday
8a – noon
2 forest road in Warren
 
Next Monday, July 10 – window dressers – 4p
20 mechanic street
Training for measuring
Approximately 90 minute training
 
63 Washington Street
Painting – July 22 & 23
 
Sunday, July 23 – Beer garden
Lobster Ride – Bicycle coalition
 
Next weeks speaker
Joel LaFleur – Electronic Medical Records
June 22, 2017 Meeting - Connect Camden
Lehman Scott and Karen Brace, Connect Camden (NB: NO REGULAR 7:30a MEETING ON 7/29/17 DUE TO ANNUAL DINNER)
Connect Camden: Activity in Downtown Camden. Lehman Scott and Karen Brace spoke about the community and economic development in downtown Camden. Lehman explained that there is a national Main Street Program, which supports state organizations like the Maine Development Foundation which then supports local communities. Connect Camden has been formed to focus resources on the downtown community. There are programs in 44 states, 10 Main Street communities in Maine, including Belfast and Rockland. There’s also a start-up program that the Connect Camden group has started, designated as a Network Community. Current projects have to do with upgrading parking facilities, the Montgomery Dam and lighting upgrades with LED technology.  The goal is to make downtown attractive for retail and hospitality activity.
www.connectcamden.org. Mission: To build collaboration utilizing community assets to strengthen and energize Camden’s downtown. Work closely with Camden Area Business Group, the Library, event committees and other community organizations. Activity noted included filmmaking, education, technology, art and writing.  Sidewalks, “bump outs” for pedestrian crossings and other projects can help improve the pedestrian experience in downtown. The plan developed for the public landing is being reconsidered as well.
Kristen Lindquist provided a financial summary for the year as it closes. Fundraising netted just over $37k, and the club gave $6k in scholarships, $10k in Foundation grants, $5k to International, sent $2700 to No. Naples, 14 students to the Camden Conference, supported the Interact Club and an inbound exchange student from Thailand, Polio Plus, the District Governor’s project, books to the local library to honor speakers, $3,200 from buckets on the table went to KCHC/Hospitality House, a refugee family in Thomaston, the toilet paper project and many others. She stressed the importance of timely membership dues payment to help cover the costs of the club so it doesn’t have to dip into fundraising revenue to cover them.
Ron Hall reported on EREY and awarded stickers for annual Foundation support of $100 or greater: Jay Foster, Jodi Heal, Heinz Lehman, Joanne Miller, Tom Rodman, Bob Rosenberg, Bob Talbot, Wendy Zwecker.
Mark Coursey announced a July 8, 2017 Habitat build, 8-12 and 12-4 shifts planned, in Warren. There will be more information at future meetings, or see Mark for details.
Next week there will be no regular morning meeting of the Club, but the Annual Dinner at the Samoset.  If you haven’t signed up, get in touch with Susan Dorr as soon as possible.
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West Bay  Rotary Announces Grant Recipients
Congratulations to Bob Talbot & Richard Goff for completing the West Bay Rotary Red Badge Program
 
 
Bi-annually West Bay Rotary distributes funds to local non-profit organizations.
We are happy to announce the recipients of this round of contributions.
 
Knox County Homeless Coalition - $1,000
Steph Prim received the gift.  Thanks so much for all your support over many years. 
Currently blessed with a 90-95% success rate for sustainable independence. 
We stick with them until they reach that point.  Please stop by and see the new tiny house.
 
PAWS - $1,000 gift accepted by Shelly Butler
Thank you all very much for this gift.  It enables us to do our work on a daily business. 
This specific gift will allow us to expand our medical suite.  They have many kittens available for adoption.
 
Camp Capella - $1,500 accepted by Harvey Cheslin
Thank you for the hospitality – summer camp for Maine children with special needs. 
They open next Sunday.  This gift will allow us to accommodate kids without concern for their ability to pay. 
 
Maine Alliance for Addiction Recovery - $500
Darren Ripley accepted the gift.  This gift will help support the coastal recovery community center. 
We are trying to fill the gap between when folks get out of recovery.  Try to help them adjust with their new life. 
Provide a safe place after they go through recovery.  Monday – Friday 4p – 8p – 24 Lincoln Street, Rockland.  All volunteer organization.
 
University College of Rockland - $700 Deborah Meehan accepts the gift.
This check will start one new college student to take that first college course.
 
Pen Bay YMCA - $1,000
Marcia Roberts – This gift allows the YMCA to pay for summer camp for those who are unable to pay.
 
LifeFlight - $500
Amy Root – Thank you for your loyalty.  LifeFlight sincerely appreciates your gifts and the commitment you have shown. 
Life Flight has just expanded – this gift will allow us to buy a tug which makes it easier to get the helicopter out of the hanger. 
We added a third helicopter so this will be the safest summer in Maine.
 
Wayfinders School $1,500
Martha Kempe
Passages – home based HS degree program for teen parents.
Graduated 19 from 8 counties.  It is very difficult to get a high school diploma when you’re trying to raise a child. 
This gift will allow us to support these students.
 
Penobscot Language School - $250
Joan Lemole
This gift allows us to move forward with our new culture camp by engaging them with hands on activities.  Each day they will “visit” a new country through activities.
 
Coastal Mountain Land Trust – $1,000
 
 
Buckets on the table are for the toilet paper project.
 
Community Service
Mark Coursey
Busy July planned
July 8 (rain date 7/15) – Habitat for Humanity
July 22/29 – 63 Washington Street for painting
 
Annual Dinner
June 29
Lincoln Erlinbach – new District Governor will be out guest.  No morning meeting that day.
 
Sunday, June 25
Group from WB, Camden and Beer & yachting rotarians – traveling out to Monhegan for the day.
Get on the 10:30 boat and join them.
 
 
Next Week
Downtown Camden from Karen Brace & Leamon Scott
Group of people looking to develop downtown Camden.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonnie Rukin, Slow Money Maine, June 8, 2017
Bonnie Rukin, Slow Money Maine
 
 
Slow Money Maine, Bonnie Rukin, of Camden, Maine.
Slow Money Maine provides Technical Assistance, Loans and Grants, Creative Financing. Website is slowmoneymaine.org. She is willing to meet with people to talk about the work, and they have regular meetings in Gardiner where people can network and learn more about the work going on around Maine and an annual event in Belfast.
Woodie Tash was an investment banker who sprouted the idea of Slow Money; taking money out of normal channels and investing it closer to home where soil and community matters.  Slow Food has to do with sustainable, local agriculture, and Slow Food is about building local, healthy food systems. 
In April 2010 a group of community leaders with an interest in local, agricultural, food. The local food sector was undercapitalized, and needed processing and distribution facilities. The initial focus was those infrastructure issues, involving organizations like Moo Milk and Coastal Farms and Foods, both of which failed. Another was FoodEX, which did Crown of Maine distributions. Despite these setbacks, they persisted, learning about the deeply held myths around nutrition and investing behavior. They are working to connect people who are interested in moving beyond those myths in devoting resources to address local, healthy food.  They work with food pantries, farmers and others to address food insecurity. They are involved in gleaning, and a gleaning network has began to take shape. 
They have moved $13M into Maine’s food economy, although some of it was lost in their initial investments around food infrastructure.  Relationships are what the organization focuses on, and providing technical assistance, including marketing, business planning, legal, facility design and so on. They have developed a mentorship program to help address these needs with a mentorship directory of over 25 people who can provide services on a pro bono or fee basis.
They provide loans and grants. They have a 10 member board, one paid staff person, Avery Larned of Camden.
One of their projects was Heiwah Tofu, which started in a garage in Camden, now on West Street in Rockport. He needed facility design and got that through a mentor.
No Small Potatoes is a group that started with $100,000 to give in loans,that began with micro loans, and now make loans of $12 to $15k. Maine Organic Lenders also makes loans, and Susan Dorr has been involved in that effort. The Sheepscot General Store has been a participant. The program's default rate is about 3%. Each loan is assigned a loan coordinator to work with the borrower.
NRCS loans that are provided by the federal government require bridge loans, and Maine Organic Lenders is making that possible. A farms in Stonington was mentioned as benefiting from that program. They are also working with the Somali Bantu farmers of New Roots and the Maine tribes.
Next week they are conducting a Funder’s Tour, to expose supporters to possible funding opportunities, like Northern Girl, a potato and fiddlehead processor in northern Maine.
They have developed fiscal intermediaries to funnel deductible charitable gifts from people to support grants to producers as another way of leveraging support from the community for local food.
Dooryard Farm was supported by Maine Farmland Trust and allowed a local farm to be saved, and is a partner in their work.
Buckets on the table are for the toilet paper project.
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June 1, 2017 - Holly Anderson, Beekeeper
Holly Anderson of Lincolnville, Maine, on Beekeeping

Holly Anderson of Lincolnville, Beekeeper and a founder of the Pen Bay Pilot. She started keeping honeybees in 2010 as a Valentine’s present from her husband by taking her to the meeting of the Knox County Beekeepers club. She and her husband David took a 6 week course that met one night per week, ordered hives, boxes of bees and dove into the hobby. Last year, they had 25 hives in their yard and they are constantly learning. A resource is a yahoo group that the Knox County Beekeepers have. Many hives are transported to areas like Maine for crops like blueberries, then moved to another area with a different crop. Having local hives is beneficial for many reasons, including flower pollenation. She talked about swarms that happen when hives become overpopulated, which she sees as an opportunity to acquire more bees and establish new hives without having to buy the bees, sold by 3lb boxes with 10 or 11 thousand bees inside. Maine’s season is short for reproducing enough mature bees to overwinter. She has helped with hives at Merryspring and Erickson Farm, and this year with Coastal Mountains Land Trust for bees on Beech Hill. Each package of bees costs $115. She explained how each hive has only one queen, and how a new queen is created, that lays 3000 eggs per day. She harvests honey in the spring and fall. Mites are killing bees, by biting and weakening the bees.

Buckets on the table are for the toilet paper project.

Peter Berke reported on the great success of the Duck Derby, netting about $11,000, even with a last-minute course change. He recognized Deb and Ray Fink for their help, Marty Martens won the grand prize, one of Jan’s employees won the pearls, and the others are listed on line.

Annual Dinner is June 29 and there will be a sign-up sheet available at upcoming meetings. There will not be a meeting on June 29, the morning of the dinner.

Mark Coursey reminded us that July 10 at 6p at 16 Bayview will be the inspirational speaker, cash bar, presentation at 7p.

Etienne Perret spoke about the reopening of the grants application program until June 20, which funds are matched by the District.

Terry Bregy auctioned off two copies of a book, Addiction on Trial, that he got from attending the District 7780 Conference and the proceeds are for the Midcoast Recovery Coalition. Ken Gardiner was the successful high bidders along with Sandy Cox.

Next week’s speaker: Avery Larned and Bonnie Rukin will be speaking about Slow Money Maine.

Peter’s last board meeting as President is next week, Wednesday, usual place and time.

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May 25, 2017 - Tia Anderson - Midcoast Habitat for Humanity
West Bay Rotary
May 25, 2017
Midcoast Habitat for Humanity
Tia Anderson, Executive Director
 
 
Mission:  To work in cooperation with the vision & principles of Habitat for Humanity International, bringing people together to build hope, homes and community and end poverty housing in Knox County, Maine.
 
A lot happening with Midcoast Habitat for Humanity - Need for affordable housing continues to grow
 
48.3% unable to afford median home
58% unable to afford 2 bedroom rental
 
Habitat for Humanity is building, rehabbing & creating solutions
 
Every Helping Hand Builds Home
Habitat cannot do what they do without volunteers
What they do & how they do it is based on community support
 
Most recent project – turn over the house early in June.
The property was donated by the City of Camden.
The family lived in apartment that had issues with mold & rodents – had security issues.
 
We have many teams that visit from away to help to build for a week.
10-12 volunteers
Local churches house them for us.
11 groups are scheduled for this year.
 
Criteria for housing
Required to pay a mortgage
Families need to be making a living, but need help
They enter into the Habitat family and we ask them to stay engaged after they receive their homes.
 
Quality of life in general
Leads to better education, health & prosperity.
 
Where we were
20 years
21 houses
16 volunteer/board
2 committees
5 businesses
2 churches
 
Where we are:
27 years
31 homes
13 BOD
5 committees
3 staff
39 business/36 restaurants
4 churches
29 local volunteer teams
29 teams hosted
128,000 in kind donations
15 lots in land bank
1 restore – supports overhead
               40 volunteers – commit to at least one shift per week.
               1,000 donations annually
               $728k net sales
               482 tons of waste diverted
 
Current Projects:
Camden home & rehab in Rockland (will work on this as a winter project)
Ambitious plans for the next 2 years – they can’t work fast enough.  The need is great in the community. 
They are working on some potential collaborations with the Knox County Homeless Coalition – building homes will allow them to free up beds in the hospitality house.
 
Tiny Homes for Hope
Hospitality House acquired the barn – hoping to build a campus there.  The thought was to create a small community of tiny homes.  Transitional houses – better than putting folks up in hotels.  Allows families to still have access to services on campus.  192 Sq. feet.  Full bathroom, efficiency kitchen – not intended to be cooked in.  Temporary transitional housing.  Rockland is very supportive.  Looking for sponsors for individual houses – the cost is $15,000 per home.
 
Philbrick avenue, Rockland
This was developed by Mr. Philbrick as workforce housing – they are going to redevelop it in a similar model.  550-750 sq. foot homes.  Another exciting project on the horizon.
 
Looking for a regular flow of volunteers.
 
Q&A
 
How many people can live in the tiny homes?
1 person or a couple.  A few could be connected with hallways that lock off if needed.
 
Are all communities in this area committed to affordable housing?
It is written into their plans, but not all are working on it.
 
What is the donation criteria for Restore?
This changes based on inventory
 
Is there a typical wait time for waiting housing clients?
Revolving application process, but we are looking to possibly modify for specific projects.
If applications don’t qualify for a house because of financial hardships – they get those folks some assistance.  They don’t blanket deny, we help them to move through the system to get assistance.
 
Do these town provide reduction in real estate taxes?
They are tax exempt – so they don’t pay taxes on the property.  Homeowners must pay taxes.  Partner families can apply by claiming poverty – and get an exemption or abatement.
 
Any problems with houses?  Never had a foreclosure on the homes – because we support them in difficult times.
 
How many folks who apply don’t get accepted?
20:1 –
 
Is this just families?
In recent years, it’s been single moms – individuals can absolutely apply.
 
Buckets on the table
Toilet paper project – until the end of June
 
Duck Derby
Still a couple of spots open for this weekend.
Please just show up and we will put you to work.
 
If you have a kayak or paddleboard that can be used – Peter will pick up and return.
 
George went to District Conference this weekend
Recognized in several ways
eWaste – 1 of 2 eco responsible projects for the district
Certificate of appreciation for support of End Polio Now
 
Averaged $100 & 100% participation - #2 in the district.
 
Next BOD – June 7 – Peters last meeting.
 
Monhegan Trip with Camden Rotary Club - Sunday, June 26 / 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
 
Rockland Rotary – Governor LePage will be speaking at Rockland Rotary next week.
 
Next week - Holly Edwards – Bee Keeping
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 18, 2017 - Bob Talbot Classification Talk
May 18, 2017
 
West Bay Rotary
Bob Talbot – Classification Talk
 
 
Joined West Bay Rotary recently – was a Rotarian in the late 90’s in Rockland
Also in 2000 in Long Meadow Massachusetts
 
Rockland native – moved back after lots of travels.
Bob is in Marketing &Development for Phi Builders & Architects
 
How did he get to this profession?
He didn’t choose his profession – it chose him.
He would consider himself an adventurer – he is always up for new experiences
 
Had the opportunity to be a foreign exchange student in South Africa – with a  family that he still speaks to today.
Lived in 7 states – purchased 10 homes – lots of career opportunities
 
Been with Phi for 5 years
Phi is a 13 year old company that started as a cabinet shop - Now the company does more general construction.
Folks come to Phi to talk about designing and/or building their homes.
They do a lot of renovation work as well.  It is an evolving world out there.  It’s his role to understand who the customer is today. 
 
Social media – investing more dollars into digital platforms.
Manages facebook, print and photoshoots.
Serves a client liaison
 
Some know them as Phi Home Designs – Many found this name confusing.  Some think they’re an interior design firm.  He wanted the name to be more clear - changed to Phi Builders & Architects.  That way folks know exactly what they do. 
 
Favorite/least favorite project?
Favorite - Once in a while we get smaller projects that he can just manage himself. 
Least Favorite – Sometimes projects just get off track
 
Born in Rockland?
Yes – born at the old Hospital – current Knox Center
 
Thought about interior design?  They don’t want to compete with other local interior designers, interior design will add value to the package.
 
What other areas are you doing projects?
General contracting – we do not want to take a job that is more than 60 minutes dive away.
From a design perspective, we can design for anyone, but it gets more difficult the further away folks are.  We can ship cabinets & furniture anywhere.
 
Completed the new Cellardoor project on Thompsons Point.
Business is getting pushed out a little bit because folks really want waterfront design and there isn’t a clot of waterfront available in this region.
 
What other commercial work have you done?
On the Water – for their real estate office.  They have done an addition, incorporated a laundry service for clients.  Working on a Montessori school plan out of the area – someone else will be the contractor.  We fluctuate between 28 – 31 employees.  They are not subcontracting projects out to other folks – they can do the work themselves.
 
How many employed?
Currently 30 – carpenters, laborers, architects, shop folks & 5 management level.
 
Buckets on the table – Refugee family from Congo
 
Community Service – 63 Washington – changing format from live in to day care – we are going to re-do their front porch.  Coastal Mountain Land Trust – work on some of their trail projects.  We will get some more formal plans in place as we move forward.
 
Duck Derby – 10 days left
Openings this weekend to sell duck derby tickets
Sign ups for the day before & day of being distributed.
 
EREY – Ron Hall
 
House keeping
Annual Dinner
June 29 – Samoset
 
Sharon Hobson – One less worry
Offering pads & tampons to women and teens
27,000 tampons & pads distributed
 
Toilet paper – 6000 rolls
Who knew that folks were struggling to meet their toilet paper needs.
Toilet paper is expensive – if you’re struggling financially, you cannot afford to do that.
SNAP & food stamp dollars cannot be used for toilet paper.
 
Samoset is now giving her all of their tail ends – she bundles them in half pound packets.
 
Monhegan Boat Trip
Leni Gronros of the Camden club and Kristen Lindquist have come up with a fun outing for our two clubs (and I believe Leni is inviting the yachting and beer Rotarians, as well)--we're going to Monhegan for the day.
 
Please join us on SUNDAY, JUNE 25, on the 10:30 a.m. boat from Port Clyde. (This is a correction from what I said this morning, as I forgot that the boat doesn't run at 7 a.m. on Sunday; it's the mailboat.) We will arrive on the island about an hour later, have lunch, then hike, explore, etc. until the 4:30 boat takes us home. I will try to arrange a sit-down lunch for those interested at the Island Inn--that's the big classic old inn right on the harbor, with a lovely, waterview dining room, good lobster rolls, and nice art. I will also try to arrange for us to get a tour at Monhegan Brewing Co., a small but excellent brewery on the island. (The brewery also makes really good ginger beer and root beer for kids and others who don't drink.) And I will come up with suggestions for other activities one might want to do while there--short hikes, gallery visits, visit to the small but excellent historical and art museum at the lighthouse, etc.--as well as other food options. (The pizza place out there is wonderful, for example, and also serves ice cream.)
 
PLEASE let me know if you're are going, so that I don't inundate everyone with follow-up emails and information. Otherwise, all you need to do is reserve your spot on the 10:30 boat for that date. Adult tickets are $38 roundtrip, and parking is $7/day, so we should carpool as much as we can. Information here: https://monheganboat.com/schedule/ You can reserve online or call them. Then, show up by 10 a.m. (give yourself a little extra time to park; sometimes it can be busy!) to get on the boat!
 
Constitution Bi-Laws
 
Club specific constitution and set of bi-laws
In order to approve these changes, we have to have a club vote.
We are required to give you 10 days notice before vote.
 
Committee organizational structure document – club specific – useful guide to help guide the committees.
 
Next Week – Tia Anderson – Habitat for Humanity
May 11, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Special Olympics says "Thank You", Inbound Exchange Student "Jay" from Thailand

From Special Olympics, Ann Alley who runs special education at CHRHS, and Cody a student in Special Olympics, $1000 donated toward their new team uniforms, shared a thank-you video with participants wearing their uniforms, and showed examples of the hats, bright red jackets and pants used at a recent track event in Rockland.

Jay”, Inbound Rotary Exchange Student, from Thailand with a much longer name than “Jay”. He described what it was like to come to the US, his fears, and how joining the soccer team at CHRHS helped him make friends who he said he will never forget. He even tried skiing and liked it a lot. He cooked Thai food, and cooked with his host family, making pad thai and other native dishes. He got to go to Florida for vacation. He feels like he has grown up quite a bit and loves Maine, feels the people are kind and made him feel at home and that Maine is a beautiful place. He learned to eat lobster. He attended the Common Ground Fair and learned about organic farming and food. He even got to meet a llama, which was a first. He went to New York City, and saw Phantom of the Opera, and went sledding with his host family, and learned to like snow. He went to Toboggan Nationals, visited the Maine State House.  His favorite American food is macaroni and cheese.

Buckets on the tables are for the refugee family living in Thomaston. Duck Derby is getting close, with sign-up sheets for selling tickets at French & Brawn at the Camden National branch at the Hannaford Plaza. Volunteers are also needed for the day of the event, May 27.

Peter Berke got the club bell back from Belfast last week by attending their Wednesday lunch meeting yesterday. The Camden club has yet to recover their bell which has gone missing.

Thursday June 29 there will be no regular morning meeting but we will have our Annual Club Meeting Dinner at the Samoset. Details to follow about time and cost for social hour and dinner.

Next week we will have a different breakfast offering, so come to the meeting to see what will be available.

Next week’s speaker is Bob Talbot giving his classification talk.

 

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April 27, 2017 - Club Assembly
April 27, 2017
West Bay Rotary
Club Assembly
 
Buckets on the Table – Last week for the Ripple Initiative
Looking for new ideas for May & June
 
Financial – We are in a good position financially.  Would like to make sure that all members are paid in full before the end of Peters time in office.
 
Had surplus in “buckets” fund – asked the club to vote on where it should go.  Club offered up:  Backpacks, Knox County Recovery Coalition & a refugee family in Thomaston.  Club voted & selected the Thomaston refugee family.
 
Bi-Laws Update
BOD will be updating some portions of the materials and we will send it out to members to review updates.  Are the changes substantive or procedural?  Mostly just formatting.  We have a committee organizational structure.  We are tweaking that document to ensure that it reflects our current structure.
 
Presidents Project
Hospitality House – Have a lot of discussions going on with the Hospitality House. 
1.Barn roof repair – Peter Burke is taking to Peter Horch about repair. 
2.Walking path – trying to schedule a date defined – will be asking for some volunteers to help out.  Likely a one day project.
3.Driveway & road repair – Looking for us to come & supervise – helping to define where the roads, driveways are.
4.Habitat for Humanity – Women’s Build – May 8.  Trailer mounted mini house.  1 of 15 houses they plan to build this year.  The idea is that they will drop 15 mini homes behind the hospitality house.
5.Trying to do a collaboration project with Rotaract to do a window dressers project either at Hospitality House or for those folks who are Hospitality House beneficiaries.
 
eWaste+
This was a fun, team effort.  Everyone dove in and took care of everything.  Great signage by Joe Ryan.  Jake Barber came out and smoothed out the areas for traffic, it was great.  The layout worked really well.  Hopefully next year we will have paint recycling.  Great PR this year – couldn’t get out without giving a donation – thanks Deb!  $4,500 raised – 8,200 pounds of paper (doubled from last year).  Spoke about earmarking $500 to donate to Rockport for recycling bins.  Community Service meeting agenda – ways we can improve the event next year.
 
Duck Derby
Saturday, May 27
2:00 p.m.
Please sell your tickets – still have a couple openings to sell tickets
The bridge is scheduled to be open on May 25.
We are going to drop behind the Smiling Cow
 
Single largest fundraiser for the year.
In conjunction with the Duck Derby – next year have a Duck Waddle 5k.
Children’s tent this year?  If someone wants to manage that we can do it.
See Heidi if you want to participate – coloring contest – kids duck pond
 
Jim Potter - Scholarships – 35 applications (8-10 less) this year.  Over the next 2-3 weeks the committee will review applications and make our decisions and let the school and the club know.  We invite recipients to come & talk to the club during the xmas holidays.
 
Lisa Dresser
Membership – Co-Chairs of the district 7790 Maine membership committee.  West Bay is considered a role model in the management of the club.  We are going to have a conversation about the direction of membership for our club May 3, 6p at Tim & Lisa’s house.  We welcome anyone to participate.
 
New Brochure & business cards – keep them on you so that they can discover more about us.
 
Sponsorships
Leamon - Sponsorships are an important part of our fundraising - they help us offset the costs of what we do.  It also gives our sponsors an opportunity to show off what they do.  We have identified 5 major events that lend themselves to sponsorships.  Traditionally we have asked for sponsorships for each event individually.  There is now an annual sponsorship opportunity.  We have our first signature sponsor – in Rockport Automotive. 
 
Youth Exchange
Good news – 2 very successful outbound exchanges.  Nat Lawson in Argentina & Tora Decker Griffith in Spain.  Nat will be speaking to the Camden Rotary – it would be great if members of our club could attend Nat’s presentation.  In bound – we had Jay from Thailand.  He is having a great experience.  Army from Paraguay also having a great year.  Next year we are having no outbound/inbound/short term exchange next year.  Numbers are way down all over the nation for rotary exchange.  Challenges getting host families – challenges with the political climate.  We have a plan for how we want to reenergize youth exchange.  We need leadership from Rotary who want to stay engaged on the district level.  At the district level there is a requirement for an outbound & an inbound coordinator.  Current incumbents have been doing it for years and they are tapped out.  They need to find someone to take those two jobs – Joan from Camden has agreed to take on the role of District Chair. 
 
Next week after the speaker is Club Assembly Continued…
 
April 20, 2017 - Camden Rockport Middle School

Camden Rockport Middle School - The Middle Matters

 
George Abendroth & Maria Libby presented the plan
 
The vote for this project has been moved from November to June 13
We want to make sure that the middle schoolers have a safe place to get a quality education.
 
Building a NEW school makes most sense – both financially AND academically
Valuable investment to community and in our children’s future
We have a first rate school program that should be supported by a healthy and safe facility, configured for learning in the 21st century, and that reflects our value for education!
 
CRMS offers premium education, but the building is FAILING around hard working students and staff
The current building is patchwork of construction built over nearly 100 years (MET built 1925; additions in 1955, 1965, 1980 and 2000)
The mechanical systems are outdated and overextended, and they will require major investment (over $10 million) and updates in very near future
The building layout is sprawling (31000 sq ft (or about 25%) too large), difficult to navigate, does not meet current standards, and wastes energy
 
There is no solution that is cost free
Repairs to current building is $16 million – these patches won’t address any of the environmental, safety & efficiency issues.
 
A NEW school will have a life cycle of 50+ years and will address all mechanical, structural, safety and environmental concerns
 
Yes, a new building has a higher price tag ($26 Million), however, that cost will provide the community with building that is an asset to the community, benefiting future generations.
 
A new school will cut operating costs and will benefit the students immeasurably
Building now takes advantage of lower interest rates, saving taxpayers millions of dollars
A NEW school is the most cost effective, long term solution and it improves the educational opportunities for our students during these important years.
 
Tax impact of NEW school (versus current facility) is annual increase of <$40 per $100k of property value (future cost will only grow)
 
A strong school system and quality infrastructure also positions our community as a more attractive retirement destination
It will add to the vitality of any community
 
If approved, construction would begin June 2018, with new school opening in August 2020
If you have any questions – please reach out to Maria Libby or George Abendroth?
 
Where will the kids go to school during the construction?
They will be able to use the current structure – but they would lose the athletic fields during that time
Why did you move the vote?  The snow bowl budget announcement may have a negative impact on this vote.  When the decision was made to shift the date, the snow bowl audit wasn’t even public yet.
 
Will it be LEED certified?
No – one of the concerns is that we have about LEED certification is that it costs significantly more to certify the building.
 
When does the Bond mature?
High School – 2022  - Only carrying $200,000 in debt for the high school because the state is offsetting the cost.  Elementary School – 2035 maturing
 
So much traffic on the street – will it be adjusted?
There is not a lot of receptivity from the town to change that to 2-way.
 
What are the plans for the gymnasium?
Will keep the high school size gymnasium – the only space where all of the students fit – to accommodate
 
Will have a 250 seat mini theater
 
If the bond passes – there will be some targeted fundraising for spaces.
 
What are the current plans for the tech school?
The high school will pay $600,000 per year as a result of the increase in the bond.
 
7 members who brought 10 guests.
Member winner – Mary Sargent
Guest winner – Andy Nestor
We give a contribution to a non-profit on their behalf
 
 
 
 
 
New Middle School Site Plan
 
New School Design
 
 
Read more...
April 13, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
International Service project review with committee chair Susan Dorr, members Heidi Karod, Penny Dunning

Peter Berke introduced Susan Dorr, chair of the international committee, to share a number of slides and talk about international projects in which club members are involved.

Heidi Karod talked about CANAT, a program for children and families in Peru. The club has helped provide backpacks and encouraging families to send their children to school, vocational school, and the area has been destroyed by flooding since December 2016.

Penny Dunning then spoke about the Yachana Foundation in the rainforest of Ecuador. The work involves an eco-lodge, high school and technical school, serving 36 villages along the Napo River. We have helped a micro enterprise project of building chicken plucking equipment and building trades used in earthquake recovery.

Deb Hitchings then spoke about the work at the Qholaqhoe Mountain Connections in the Lesotho, Africa and the students that the club has supported through the college scholarship program and other programs. We are supporting a new student in the high school, a freshman, a letter from whom Deb read to the club, about how important education is to him.

Susan Dorr reminded the club of the water purification project in Valladolid in the Yucatan and shared photos from her trips there. The filtration involves paper and ultra violet light, and the fountains allow the school to have clean water and to fill bottles to take clean water home.

She has begun raising money for another more rural village school, as part of a goal of reaching 15 rural schools in the Valladolid area, involving Rotary Clubs from other areas, too.

She also reminded us of Masons on A Mission, Tanzania Water Project involving Michael Moore, the Syrian Relief project headed locally by Camden resident Allison McKellar, and sponsoring students to attend the Camden Conference on World Affairs as other projects in which the club has been involved.

The committee meets on the fourth Tuesday at 8a at the Congregational Church and any interested members are invited to attend.

Etienne spoke about the water project in Tanzania, and shared some images that Michael Moore sent involving his club in Naples, Florida. It involves gravity feed, storage and purification then distribution to villages in the area. Water Missions International is collaborating with the Rotary Global Grant and the cost of the project was $160,000. The club contributed $2,500.

Buckets on the table are for the Ripple Effect used furnishing project in Rockland.

Ron Hall spoke about Every Rotarian Every Year and recognized members for their participation at least at the $100 per year level.

Peter asked Tom Albertson and everyone else who is signed up to help at April 22 EWaste to stand up. Tom thanked Lehman Scott for the banners along Route 1 advertising the event. Sign-up for morning and afternoon shifts is still possible, or see Tom. He needs a pickup truck in the morning to help move tables, chairs, set up coffee, balloons and yard signs, and at noon to provide pizza for the crew, and set up the day before, Friday, April 21.

Peter Berke announced that envelopes with club member names are prepared with tickets for each member to sell for the Duck Derby. Sponsors include Adventure Advertising, providing a gift in kind of banners and signs, Edward Jones, ticket sponsors, $250 are several businesses connected to members, as well as $100 sponsors both in and outside of the club. There are also sign-up sheets for the day of the event.

Club Assembly is April 27, where committee chairs will be reporting, and he will share the results of the recent club survey.

Next week’s presentation will be on the Camden/Rockport Middle School planning.

Beer Fellowship 12-2 Saturday in Skowhegan. See Lisa Dresser for more details.

Peter shared that West Bay Rotary was the only service club at the Business-to-Business Showcase yesterday at the Samoset. It was very well-attended, with lots of visitors.

Read more...
Window Dressers - April 6, 2017
The Window Dressers
Insulating Window Inserts
Windowdressers.org
207-596-3073
 
Karl Kahler
 
 
What do they do?
Manufacture interior window inserts
goals:
  • Keep Mainers warm in the winter
  • Reduce fuel bills
  • Reduce carbon emissions
  • Promote community volunteerism
  • Assist low income Mainers
    • Give away 22% of inserts to low income families
 
Managed by executive committee of the BOD
Use all volunteer labor to keep prices low
Central frame cutting operation in Rockland
Community builds located throughout Maine
                14 established locations
                5 new locations in 2017
 
Volume of activity growing significantly each year
2010 – 185 inserts
2011 – 1231 Inserts
2012 – 2224 Inserts
2013 – 2610 Inserts
2014 – 3425 Inserts
2015 – 5056 Inserts
2016 – 6113 Inserts
 
Takes 1 person hour to build an insert
They started with 26.4 days to almost 900 person days that are needed to manage the need.
 
FY 16/17 – revenue $116k
Supply costs - $80k
Admin expense - $164k
Grants $110k
Net loss $18k
 
This year – have capital expenditures are $11k.  Software enhancements & tools for installation.
 
Q&A
How do you pay for those that are donated?
Add $$ to the cost of paying customers as well as paying customers
 
Life expectancy of inserts
7 years – they’ve been in business for 10 years and have only had 1 pair come back due to wear & tear and constant full time use.
 
Other organizations in other states?
Not like they do – greater savings, etc.
 
Have you thought about running a workshop?
We have considered that – long term possibilities
 
How do you qualify folks who are in need?
The communities know who needs help – you know when folks can’t pay when you walk into folks homes.
 
How can a group volunteer?
We would be happy to run a special build session for a specific organization. 
 
Energy efficiency savings
Between 15 – 25% of their heating bill per year.
 
Type of windows?
Any type of windows – it mostly for older homes
 
Buckets on the table for the Ripple Initiative – www.therippleinitiative.org/
 
Community Service – Began reviewing grant 18 requests for a total of $32,600. 
Business Expo – Next Thursday at the Samoset – need volunteers to promote Rotary
Board Meeting - Wednesday, April 13 - Anderson Inn, Quarry Hill - 7:00 a.m.
Ewaste+ Saturday, April 22 – 3 locations to display banners – please post & share flyers.  Sign up sheets are available.
 
 
 
 
MaineShare - March 30, 2017
March 30, 2017
MaineShare
 
Kate Cronin – Executive Director
 
Moved here full time in 1990 – son & daughter grew up here in Camden.
Kate has worked in non-profit sector for her full career – doing good things for Maine people and the environment.
 
MaineShare is looking for positive & lasting change for Maine - much like Rotary International.
Came together in the late 80’s to offer employee giving opportunities.  Founded a collaborative organization in the 1980’s. 
If you have a vision a group of friends and a lawyer who can complete your 501C3 – it isn’t easy to find all of your resources. 
 
Maine Association of Non-Profits
6,000 non-profits in Maine
How does someone choose where they will focus their time & dollars
11 billion dollars to the economy
Employee 1 in 6 workers
Build community & cultivate civil society
$935 million to time and talent through ME non-Profits
 
MaineShare Supports
Long Term solutions
Maine Share donors are funding member groups addressing root cause issues and working for sustainable solutions.
 
Member groups advocate for policies, program and education to:
Increase economic opportunity
Advocate for social justice & peace
Promote safety & Health
Protect Maine’s environmental health
Support education, cultural diversity and arts
 
MaineShare benefits business and employees
Helps establish community leadership
Increases donation choices for employees
Connects employees with the causes they care about
 
Offering MaineShare broadens your community impact and offering an employee giving program is a great place to start.
 
Economic opportunity
New Ventures Maine
Working with men & women to give them the tools to restart or start their careers.  Economic viability for Maine
 
Maine Women’s Fund – bolstering economic security for Maine women.
 
Safety & health – environmental health strategies center – helped to pass the BPA free initiatives across the country.  Been looking at toxins that are in our homes.  Currently working on the arsenic & well water initiative. 
 
The environment – Many of the non-profits in Maine have been working to keep the environment cleaner.  Natural Resources Council of Maine.  Maine Audubon, Sierra Club, Maine Resources Recovery Association – work with municipal resource entities about what we are doing with our waste.
 
Social Justice  & Peace
Maine Veterans for Peace – sharing the human impact of war
Maine Council of Churches – seeking common ground across all sectors
 
MaineShare member groups have important impact on the communities they serve.
Maine Farmland Trust – the states leading force in protecting farmland –preserve farm land
 
Chewonki uses the outdoors to educate students on Maine ecology & natural history
Genesis Community Loan Fund – gives money to other organizations
 
Maine organic farmers & gardeners – MOFGA
 
Community Financial Literacy – teaching new Mainers financial skills – new residents & refugees.
 
MaineShare is dedicated to choice in giving – donors designate their contributions directly to the groups and causes they care about most.
 
MaineShare retains 15% of contributions – remaining goes to the recipients.
 
Amount of money ranges from $3,000 - $12,000 each year. 
All of your dollars stay local and support progressive organizations working for Maine communities.
 
Q&A
What is MaineShare is doing to support the fight against drug addiction?
Don’t know of any of the organizations that are addressing that today. 
Those groups that are working with young people can address that as part of their programming.
 
How does a non-profit get on the MaineShare list?
When our own member groups, staff and BOD decide that they are raising enough money to welcome additional groups to participate.  The organizations review the applications and vote on groups to be added.
 
Buckets on the table for Paws
Next week Ripple Initiative - http://www.therippleinitiative.org/
April 22 – Ewaste
Ron – EREY – Noel Cox & John Johanson
 
Songbook update – Send in ideas & suggestions for new songs. 
 
Heidi – Youth Exchange – 2 outbound & inbounds are doing well. 
 
Calendar Changes
Board meeting – April 12
 
Business to Business Expo – April 12
2p – 7p – need folks to staff the booth
New brochure & business cards
 
Next week – window dressers 
Wayfinder Schools - March 23, 2017
West Bay Rotary
March 23, 2017
 
Martha Kempe, Director of Passages Program
Wayfinder Schools
 
Wayfinder School has a long history here in Camden.
1973 Community School was started to address the needs of students who were dropping out of high school.
The Community School helped students find work while completing their diplomas
 
Opportunity Farm – for young boys with precarious living situations.  Students lived/worked on the farm and went to school.
 
2011 – Opportunity Farm and the Community School merged – now they can serve more students.  There are 65 students in the Passages program.
 
The Residential program is for boys and girls who have already dropped out of school or at risk of dropping out.  We try to help these students finish high school to be able to become a productive member of the community.
 
Passages – started in the 90’s when a student became pregnant.  She couldn’t stay in the residential program – had to figure out another option.
 
Barriers to success for teen parents: child care – transportation and housing
Needed to come up with a way to break down those barriers.
 
We provide those students with tools including technology, transportation and child care.
Hopes that this breaks the cycle.  Diplomas help the students to become more engaged. 
 
Teen pregnancy rate in Maine – 4th lowest in the nation. 
 
When she interviews a student – they want to be good parents, they want to be there for their children. 
 
The organization is eligible to receive public school funding – but it doesn’t cover the costs
When you have a teen mom, she doesn’t drive, doesn’t have control over her healthcare, in some school districts a teen can’t do adult ed.  More barriers.
 
Q&A
How do you deal with emotional issues how do you deal?
Students have to want to be there.  When they are interviewed, they usually have had gaps in their education.  Many have said that they have been bullied – some don’t have resources for self-care.  These folks have self-diagnosed with anxiety, addiction, depression.  The birth of a baby helps to reengage the students in life. School can be a very unwelcoming place – sometimes schools don’t want them there.
 
Students join passages from 14-20
68% of those students will graduate by age 20
We talk about home safety & budgeting
 
What other services are available to them? Can they get WIC, etc?
One of the roles of the teachers is to learn about the agencies in the community so that they know what resources are available to these students.  Many students have access to ASPIRE – helps a little bit with books or drivers ed – sometimes.
 
When they see a student who is really struggling – one student had a trailer that she and her boyfriend were fixing up.  DHSS told them it wasn’t safe for them to live in it.  Trying to get them hooked up with social services.
 
Bay Chamber collaboration – Carnegie Hall Lullaby Project – Students get to work with professional musicians to create a lullaby for their child and it is professionally recorded.  The 4th year of this program.
 
Buckets on the table for PAWS
 
Community Service – Habitat for Humanity project on 3/25.  Indoor painting project.  8:30a – Molyneaux Road.
 
eWaste – no paint recycling this year.  Maybe next year.
 
Duck Derby – We need more prizes that went out to the committee - doesn’t have to be only inside of the club.  We have Florida trip, jewelry and car detail.
 
Save the Date
Wednesday, May 17 - evening
Ebantide
Duck Derby Cocktail party
 
Paul Harris awards – Paul Harris award to Jim Potter.
 
Survey – please complete the survey – we just need feedback.
We need ideas for fresh new fundraisers. 
 
Board Meetings
First Wednesday of every month.
 
April 5 meeting moved to April 12.
Club Assembly – April 27 – see Peter if you want specific materials covered on Club Assembly.\
 
Next Week – Maine Share
 
 
 
Camden Shakespeare Festival - March 16, 2017
Camden Shakespeare Festival
Stephen Legawiec - Artistic Director
 
 
The festival performs in the Camden amphitheater
Previously there was a professional company who managed it.
 
Stephen's wife grew up in Friendship Maine – volunteered at Camden Shakespeare co in high school.  After that experience she decided to become a professional actress.
 
When they moved to Maine they reached out to the library about performances at the library – the library was thrilled to have them there.
 
2013 – did a production of As You Like It.  Set it in the 1960’s – it is important to make Shakespeare meaningful & alive.  There are so many barriers to understanding regular Shakespeare. 
 
2014 – MidSummers Nights Dream & MacBeth (In High Mountain Hall).
We do have a rain venue – at St. Thomas’ Episcopal church
 
2015 – Comedy of Errors – The Tempest – Costumes handmade – one of a kind for this performance.
 
This year – Romeo & Juliet & Much ado About Nothing
The goal is to cast from within Maine
 
The company is trying to raise their awareness here in the area.  Despite being active for three years – many folks haven’t seen us or know that these performances take place.  Very interested in having a base audience of the people who live here.  They perform quite a lot – 6 performances a week for 3 weeks.
 
They do not cancel shows due to rain – move them to the indoor venue. 
If anyone wants to be involved – there are many things that they need help with.
Out of town actors stay at local homes – need help with ushering or costumes.  Programs & advertising sales. 
 
The thing that he loves about theater is that it brings people together in a way that other types of entertainment do not.  It gives people an opportunity to experience something real & alive – vs being on devices.  It is their goal to make Shakespeare acceptable.  It is important to bring the community together. 
 
Q&A
Do you raise enough money or do you have to have fundraisers?
They do need donations. They want the organization to be an ongoing thing.  Right now they are subsisting through ticket sales and program advertising.  A regular theater does a 60/30 – 60% donated, 30% tickets – currently it’s 90% tickets.  In order to ensure longevity we will need contributions.
 
How many in the troop?
Each play approximately 20 actors
 
Schedule
Outdoor schedule based on when the amphitheater is not being used for a wedding.
Dates July 25 – Aug. 13.
 
How do you manage tickets ahead of time?
Discounted tickets at Zoot and online.  Tickets at the door are not discounted.
Camdenshakespeare.org
 
Mike Moore had a dream – Help build a water system in Tanzania.  His club in Naples North would spearhead the effort.  We got the approval and the money this week from Rotary International.  Partnering with Water Missions – they do water missions and sanitary missions across the world.  $119,000 grant – our own international committee provided the $2,500 seed money.  
 
Community Service
Habitat for Humanity Assistance – March 25
Hospitality House work forthcoming
 
eWaste+
April 22, 2017
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ewaste, paper shredding, drug disposal, paint disposal
 
Songbook
Formed 10-12 years ago.
Needs to be updated
If there are people who want to be part of the update.
 
Wellness month
Can do this in a couple of different ways – meditation or movement.
Let Peter know if you're interested in this.
 
Charitable Foundation
Grant application deadline April 1
 
Hospitality House
Giving a little more meaning to a Presidents Project – something that might be longer lasting.  Largest issue there is the ongoing leak in the roof.  Create a collaborative project to have a long lasting impact.  They are bursting at the seams – need room to grow.  We want to be able to share this project with many organizations. 
 
Survey going out today
Please take a moment to complete this – helps us to get a baseline of feelings about programs.
https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/wmB0eL
 
 
 
March 9, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Bruce Cole, President of the Camden Conference

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Vera Gardiner, Ken Gardiner’s wife who passed Sunday.

Bruce Cole, Camden Rotary member, spoke to the club about the Camden Conference. Bob Tierney suggested the idea of a conference on foreign affairs in February in 1987. Many retired state department, foreign service and CIA personnel lived in the area. Initially the event was held at the Congregational Church, now produced at the Camden Opera House and streamed to other locations around the state like Rockland, Belfast and Portland. The conference is known for attracting world-class speakers from around the globe, including Middle East, Europe and Australia and the west coast of the US for this year’s program on the global migration/refugee crisis. The aim is for a non-partisan program to allow people to learn all sides of the issue, and student involvement is supported by Rotary and other organizations. Their goal is for 20% participation of high school and college students at each conference, some of whom have been involved in classes focusing on the topic to be covered prior to their attending the conference. Over 100 volunteers help to produce the conference and related events and 1.5 full time equivalent staff.

Topics are selected from those of current interest from around the globe. Community events related to the conference cover the coast from Machias to the Portland area. They are considering satellite locations outside of Maine for the Conference to be broadcast. The financial impact of the conference is estimated to be about $1,000,000 with a budget of $325,000. They do try to keep the cost as low as possible to make the event accessible, with lower ticket prices to the satellite venues compared to the live venue at the Camden Opera House. 30% of those who attend are from outside Maine from 25 states and several other countries. This year Singapore and Nigeria were represented in the audience. The website is www.camdenconference.org, where all of the video presentations are available by podcast. Maine Public Radio broadcasts the audio in the weeks following the conference.

2018 topic will be on the changing politics of the world, with the emergence of more right-leaning views, and will involve the best people they can find to discuss the change in policy and power relationships between nations as a result.

Buckets on the table are for PAWS animal shelter.

Noel Cox talked about women in Rotary and the Supreme Court ruling that forced Rotary to allow women to be members. She was one of the first women to be invited to join. She shared a story of visiting the RI headquarters in Evanston to meet the president and the editor of the Rotarian magazine. At that time she was not aware of how new women’s participation was, now with more than 240,000.

Jim Potter introduced a Vocational Scholarship recipient, Melissa Kessel, who was unable to be at the club in December with the other Vocational Scholarship recipients. She is a freshman majoring in biology at Providence College, on a premedical tract, currently interested in cardiology. She is taking other humanities courses but focuses on science and math. She is involved in Resident’s Life and overseeing campus activities. She’s running a half-marathon in May. She enjoys exploring Providence when she has time. She is also involved in Biology Club, visiting the Body Works exhibit and other more “fun” activities that pertain to the subject.

George Abendroth introduced a new member, Bob Talbot, who was proposed by Peter Berke. Sandy reminded us about the Red Badge program for new members to help people become quickly involved and engaged in the club as soon as they join the club.

Peter shared some signs and banners that will be used to highlight West Bay’s participation in community projects.

Mark Masterson reported on the recent meeting of Community Service Committee. They are planning work at the Hospitality House and Habitat, and reminded everyone of the ability to apply to the Charitable Fund for grants with an upcoming deadline in April. E-waste is being planned under the leadership of Tom Albertson for April 22, with paint disposal and drug recycling included along with e-waste and paper shredding. He’s planning a meeting Tuesday March 14 at 7:30a at the Bagel Café. He needs help with publicity, planning and the day of the event. Everyone who is on Facebook should “like” and “share” the club’s post about the event.

Noel, Sandy, Tim and Lisa Dresser went to a membership seminar and the Red Badge program was recognized as a successful program to build membership. March 18 is another opportunity to attend a seminar. The club covers the registration fee for club members.

Next week’s speaker is from the Shakespeare Festival, Stephen Legowitz.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Vera Gardiner, Ken Gardiner’s wife who passed Sunday.

Next week’s speaker is from the Shakespeare Festival, Stephen Legowitz.

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March 2, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary - Knox County Fund, Maine Community Foundation
Knox County Fund, Maine Community Foundation

Kristen Lindquist, chair of the Knox County Fund, introduced Hannah Whalen, Sr. Foundation officer, Cathy Melio, Senior Program Officer of the Maine Community Foundation.

9 members of the community serve on the committee of the Knox County Fund, including Sandy Cox and Ken Gardiner of West Bay Rotary with Kristen currently as chair. The average grant size is $4,100 to support organizations that apply to the Foundation. The Knox County Fund has approximately $6M in assets that are the source of grant funding for local organizations like the Knox County Homeless Coalition, also supported by West Bay Rotary, the Farnsworth, Vinalhaven Elder Care program, Vinalhaven Land Trust and Vinalhaven Literacy, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Hurricane Island Foundation’s Fisherman’s academy, Penobscot School among many others.

The Foundation staff is currently 35 with offices in Ellsworth and Portland, and a state-wide board of directors. They are a steward of permanent charitable resource and statewide convener. As a public foundation, it receives funds from individuals, families and businesses to make grants and scholarships throughout the state. Community Foundations got their start in 1914 in Cleveland, and now there are more than 700 community foundations. MCF started in 1983 and has over 1800 funds that represent assets of over $450,000,000, and has made grants of approximately $300,000,000 since its founding. 2016 saw $33.3M in grants and scholarships, from competitive grant and scholarship programs and donor advised funds.

Cathy Melio served on the Waldo County committee before joining the staff at MCF. There are 22 competitive grant programs statewide, and about 10 provide eligibility for Knox County organizations.

Largest among them is the Community Building Grant Program, and the Foundation uses volunteers to review its grant applications. The Knox County Fund is almost 25 years old. MCF’s focus areas are early childhood development, education, economic, racial equity and entrepreneurial development. FMI visit www.mainecf.org.

Buckets on the table are for the Oncology Department of Waldo County Hospital in honor of Vera Gardiner.

Peter Berke has 1000 Rotary business cards that members can use to invite guests to meetings.

District Conference is May 19 and 20 in Quebec. Registration is still open.

E Waste is being planned for Saturday, April 22 at the RES location in Rockport. Tom Albertson is again in charge of planning, and it will again incorporate shredding by the First, and adding paint recycling, if possible. They’ll need help with promotion and on the day of the event volunteers to help unload cards, direct traffic and collect donations of money to the club.

Susan Dorr reported on the International Committee meeting that took place this week. This year the club supported 14 students attending the Camden Conference, and the committee is considering other projects to fund with money from this year’s budget.

The April 1 deadline for requests for grants from the WBR Charitable Fund, and people should talk to Mik if they have any questions. Procedures for submission and applications are on line at www.westbayrotaryofmaine.org.

Next week’s speaker is Joel Lafleur, about shared electronic medical records.

Rotary Service week is March 25 – 31 to encourage Rotary Clubs to work together or with other service clubs to plan or do a service project in the community.

Next Wednesday Community Service will meet at Quarry Hill, and after April 1 they will review all the applications for charitable funds, and they continue to work on the walking path at the Hospitality House.

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February 23, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary

Past President Jane Lafleur presented today. She is program director and consultant for Lift 360, previously serving as ED of Friends of Midcoast Maine. Lift 360 seeks to build leadership in individuals, businesses and communities. She shared some of what she has learned studying millennials, using Pew Research. Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996 and in 2015 overtook the “boomer” generation by number and in the workforce are the largest cohort by age. They tend to be more highly educated than prior generations. Earnings are higher for those who are college-educated compared to educated members of prior generations. More millennial are living with their parents, which is having economic implications, and the primary reason they are doing so is debt. They are not as connected or “moored” to institutions and are not religiously affiliated. They have a high level of optimism about their economic future. There are more moving back to Maine into areas where there are living and working spaces that are affordable and walkable. She described the co-working and incubator space at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, including 95,000 sf of space for technology industries. She feels optimistic about Maine’s ability to tap into this generation’s energy.

Buckets on the table are in honor of Vera Gardiner, Ken Gardiner’s wife, for oncology at Waldo County Hospital.

Mark thanked everyone involved in Toboggan Nationals/Parking/Chili Challenge. The net for the weekend was around $7,000. The Sea Dog was a good venue for the Chili event. Steve Dailey thanked everyone for helping on parking.

Duck Derby tickets are printed for the May 27 event. Peter Berke will be looking for sponsors.

There is a fellowship brunch from 10-2 at Jan Campbell’s house on Sunday. Her house is next to the drive for Oakland Parks on Route 1 in Rockport.

Sandy is going to the leadership seminar next week, let him know if you’d like to go, Saturday from 9-2.

District 7790 Conference from May 21 – 22 in Quebec is coming up, and there’s information on the website for the District.

March 25-31 will be a Week of Rotary service according to John Germ of Rotary International.

Tuesday, March 28, 7a and 8a for Youth Exchange and International Service committee, respectively, will be meeting at the church.

 

Read more...
Mano en Mano - February 2, 2017
West Bay Rotary - February 2, 2017
 
Immigrants & Farmworkers in Downeast Maine
Mano en Mano
 
Ian Yaffe – Director
Founded in 2005 in Milbridge, ME
 
Goals from Mano en Mano's 2017-2020 Strategic Plan:
  1. Support immigration in Downeast Maine.

  2. Ensure access to language services and increase affordable housing.

  3. Increase educational and economic opportunity.

  4. Foster community leadership, social justice, and equity.

  5. Build organizational and financial capacity to achieve Mano en Mano’s goals

Communities Served

Mano en Mano serves the communities of Milbridge and greater Washington County including this residential population of former migrant farmworkers and their families.

​Seasonally - workers enter the community to do the following agricultural work.

Blueberries
Broccoli
Seafood processing
Tipping/wreaths
 
83% latino
4% white
4% Native American
2% Asian
 
Consider this community to be their permanent home.
45% from Mexico
43% from the US
 
$15-25,000 – household income bracket – live at or below the poverty line.
Has been solid economic growth in the last 5 years
 
Starting in the early 1990’s the town of Milbridge experienced a rapid influx of migrant farmworkers who decided to leave the “migrant stream” and settle in Downeast Maine. For many families, a lack of available and affordable housing limits one's ability to put down roots in the area. Mano en Mano worked to build Hand in Hand Apartments to address this need.
 
Provide access to essential services
Interpretation
Job search
Medical services
Referrals to other organizations – food pantries, etc.
 
Do not provide direct assistance beyond the housing assistance.
We match folks with the systems & services that exist.
 
2 barriers – language barriers & cultural barrier
 
Access to essential services was not enough on its own
Voice in the community
Community Workshops
Voting rights
Men's health
 
Largest program
Maine Department of Ed
Migrant education statewide
 
300 migrant children statewide
Provide support & instructional services
 
Increases significantly in the summer – during the blueberry harvest
 
Some national data on the role immigrants in the community – there wasn’t anything specific to rural Maine.  They partnered with Colby to design & develop and econ impact study – collected over 255 data points from over 80 households.  Colby is crunching the data
 
Direct & econ impact & direct jobs supported.
 
How do you multiply this data out to some representative samples.
 
1.5 million in direct & indirect econ activity
There isn’t a solution to the workforce issue in Maine
 
Maine is not a destination state from people moving within the US
Immigrants may be the only answer for rural Maine
Important piece of our economic strategy.
 
Q&A
Are there groups around here that you help?
Some of the blueberry workers here in the Midcoast
Also work with the state on the migrant education – have to be under 22
 
There’s no easy transition from a temporary visa to a more permanent status
 
Has the move toward mechanical harvesting
Piece rate went up recently – increased pay because hand crews in very difficult terrain.
Don’t have the opportunity to gather as many boxes
550-750 here for the blueberry harvest
 
How many new immigrants are you seeing per year?
A couple of families per year – not something where there is a lot of fluctuation in/out
 
Finding a way to help people transition into housing is pretty difficult
 
What are the families telling you?
What’s the attraction? How can we leverage
Economic opportunity – not just Mexico
Like that it’s a small town, its safe, schools good & the community is welcoming and there are services available.  There is an anchor employer – seafood processing
 
How much integration is there with the community?
Schools are 25-30% latino
 
How did the community respond to the influx in immigrants?
The town was pretty proactive about it.  The community needed to figure out how to communicate with each other.  A lot of benefit for the community to having stable population.  Overall it has been a pretty welcoming community.
 
Buckets on the table
Ken will decide who the money goes to
 
Toboggan
We need parking assistance
Chili – 7 chili vendors – would like 1 more
Upstairs at Seadog
 
Sponsorships – could use 2-3 more
$50 or $100
 
January 27, 2017 - Polio Plus Update 
West Bay Rotary
January 26, 2017
 
Scott Boucher - Bangor Rotary
Polio Plus / Rotary Foundation
 
Chair of Polio Plus charged with sharing info about the work of rotarians against polio
 
In 1985 Rotary launched Polio Plus – an initiative to immunize children
$1.5 billion toward a polio free world
2.5 children immunized
 
Currently Polio is endemic in 3 countries Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan
Follow “End Polio Now” on Facebook for updates
 
It was considered impossible for India to be Polio Free – it has been 6 years since there was a case in India.
 
2016 - 35 cases
2015 – 74 cases
2014 – 359 cases
2013 – 416 cases
 
Change in the vaccination – focuses on types 1 & 3
The World Health Organization believes that Polio can be eradicated in the next 12 months.
 
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports through matching gifts
Dollars matched 2 for 1 – your $25 gift is matched with $50 from Bill & Melinda Gates
 
October 24 – World Polio Day
 
Purple Pinkie Project
When a child is immunized in a developing country they get their pinkie painted purple to indicate that they received an immunization.
 
Miles to end Polio
50% match of dollars donated
Our district paid $25,000 then matched by Bill & Melinda + match for Miles end our donation became $112,000.
 
Rotary Direct
Rotarian Magazine – ID # is at the top of your mailing label
Can also give to education, clean water, etc.
 
Foundation for Rotary is celebrating its 100 anniversary
$26.50 founding donation – it would be great if all rotarians would donate $26.50 to the foundation for the anniversary
 
Feb 9 – Old Town
Mike McGovern, Chair for Polio Plus World Wide
Buckets – Shields Mission Project
 
Chili Challenge
2/11
Seadog
4p start
5 restaurants
Seadog, Marriners, Waterfront, Wave Café & Quarry Hill
3 more restaurants needed
 
Sponsors
Doing well with sponsorship, we have a few more asks out in the community
2 levels - $100 & $50
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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January 19, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Travels in Iceland with Dan Bookham

Dan Bookham spoke about his travel to Iceland which is part of the work he does at Allen Insurance & Financial. He explained that puffins are on the menu and in the grocery stores, but he did not try one. He explained the history of Eimskip, the Icelandic shipping company with which he has built professional and personal relationships. Shipping from Portland has doubled in recent years, with expansion of the container facility at the former ferry terminal on the Fore River in Portland Harbor, and they are building capacity for cold storage there in the future. He explained how Maine fits into the import and export landscape for the Atlantic Island, Scandinavia and northern Europe.

The winter weather on the south coast where 2/3 of the Icelandic population lives is more temperate than Camden’s. Iceland is famous for their hotdogs, and aquavit, although beer was illegal until 1986. Greenland Shark was a staple in early Iceland, an ammonia infused fish, that initially made people sick and then was cured to diffuse the ammonia, and Dan believes that the Black Death brand of aquavit can mask the flavor if you are unfortunate to eat it.

He took his family to Iceland in April 2016, including a trip to the Blue Lagoon. He returned with a delegation from Maine in October exploring fisheries issues to bring back to Maine. Rekjavik is the main city and about the size of Portland. Iceland has many waterfalls, some several times larger than Niagra. Iceland is home to the oldest parliamentary democracy in the world and it’s geothermal and seismic activity is owed to it’s location on the plate edge across from the North American plate. The country is very proud of their Viking heritage. They guard their fishing industry, which justifies their not being a member of the European Union. They farm Arctic Char, similar to salmon. They export dried fish heads to Nigeria, which is an example of their shrewd resourcefulness. They have a cluster house to develop entrepreneurial businesses within their fishing industries. They were able to attend a soccer match against Turkey, and travel into the mountains.

Buckets on the table are for the Shields Mission Project

Mik Mikkelsen as chair of the WBRCF announced the semi-annual recipients of West Bay Charitable Funds.

$2,000 to the American Legion, accepted by 4 members who attended the meeting. 4 years ago they suffered a pipe freeze that flooded the basement of their Pearl Street facility. They also developed a leak in the roof. The funds will go a long way toward repairing and reburbishing their space.

$1,500 for New Hope for Women, accepted by Christine Kelly, to support their general operations, helping victims to leave abusive situations, pay for lodging, diapers, food, changing locks, phones or cameras to ensure the safety of the people they serve.

$1,500 for the Knox County Recovery Coalition, accepted by Ira Mandel, to address the opioid epidemic, to help train recovery coaches.

$543.41 to the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry, accepted by Leeman Scott. The volunteer-run organizations depends on the donation of food and funds to operate and provide food to families in need across Knox county. The funds will help to comply with storage requirements for shelving.

Leeman explained that the chili challenge sign up is going around for volunteers in the afternoon and evening to set up, serve and break down at the Sea Dog Saturday, the weekend of Toboggan Nationals. Sponsors are still also needed. A form has been sent to members through an email from Sandy. Checks should be payable to West Bay Rotary.

Deb Hitchings received a letter from Patricia, a student the club has been sponsoring, at Quoloquay Mtn. Connection, thanking the club for its support during her schooling there.

 

Steve Dailey reminded the club that volunteers can also sign up for helping with the parking .

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January 12, 2017 - Alton Lane
West Bay Rotary
January 12, 2017
 
Peggy Smith from Center for Non-Violent Communication introduced Alton Lane
She met Mr. Lane when he was in the re-entry center in Belfast after being incarcerated.
He has used non-violent communication to re-frame his life.
 
Alton Lane
 
Abused from age 5-12 which made him an angry & hateful person
This caused him to shut down his emotions and he was living on the street by the time he was 12.
 
He didn’t have a supportive family life & he started using drugs & felt accepted by this group of people.  All he wanted was love and there was no emotional connection – He was taught that men don’t express emotions or say I love you.  If people got to close he created violent situations to protect himself.
 
When he was 17 years old he was going to have his first child.  Child wasn’t born yet and he hated her. His parents had changed their lives and found god and he went to them for help.  He was afraid that if he had a daughter she would become him.  His parents raised her – they don’t have a relationship.  Had a son at 18 – named after him, acts like him and he hated him.  The hate was to protect him from caring about him.  He was drinking at doing drugs every day.  At 21 -  he was in a bar and someone sucker punched him and he ran him over in the street & he felt no remorse. He felt like he had to hate everyone and really hated himself too.
 
He went to prison for running the man over.  Took 9-10 classes – after a few months he was back to his old ways and believed that he didn’t deserve happiness. – he pushed everyone away.
 
He met Rhonda – they’ve been together 11 years – has happiness.  He allowed himself to open up & feel.  Her children call him dad.  They say he’s not a bad person & they love him. 
 
Never had a license – got pulled over, went to the Maine Coast re-entry center.  He convinced himself that it wasn’t going to work.
 
While in the program he went to the non-violent communication class.  Thought Peggy was crazy.  A couple of classes in, he started to connect to his feelings and he asked Peggy if it was okay to have all of these feelings.  Connected these feelings to needs – were those needs okay? 
 
In 2009 both of his parents died.  Dad asked him not to get drunk & hurt people.  He got high and hurt himself.  He didn’t want to live – he wanted to die;  he never had the courage to pull the trigger.  Today he enjoys helping people. He couldn’t believe when his sisters told them that they were proud of him. 
 
Went to work at the jail – his sister’s boyfriend was in jail for aggravated assault against his sister.  He didn’t hurt him – he walked off.  His sister never told him that it happened.  He called his sister a couple days later – they didn’t want to tell him because they were afraid that he would have a violent reaction and they didn’t want to lose him. 
 
If we change our thought process – we can change our behavior.  He never patted himself on the back for his successes, but he feels pretty good about himself. 
 
He quit all chemicals.
 
Q&A
Is there a single thing that you want us to walk away with?
Change is possible – people can change
 
Is there anything that we can do?
Show each other love.   Learning to love people that we disagree with.  Know that there is a way to learn
 
How did you get support for yourself when you were beginning to feel your emotions?
He would talk to Peggy a lot. 
 
Was there an a-ha moment?
When his family started to reflect unconditional love.  Having the feeling of goodness that he had from being a part of the family.  The moment he realized he thought his family was awesome and he never wanted to lose them.
 
Did you go to re-hab or detox in jail?
He de-toxed at home alone.  It wasn’t nice. 
 
How did the book happen?
Only Human – Alton Lane
Originally it was just a manuscript to get the chatter out of his head. 
 
Where else are you speaking?
Maine counseling association
Riverview psychiatric
Working on getting into the schools – it’s difficult to get into the schools.
Community Service
Habitat for Humanity – Next Saturday – inside work with heat.
 
February 11 – chili challenge and toboggan parking
Chili Challenge – At the Sea Dog (Upstairs)
Set-up & two shifts
 
Lehman Scott sponsorship Chili
Helps us cover the expenses
$50/$100 sponsorship levels
 
Ewaste – April 22
Shredders & Ewaste folks are confirmed.  Working on painting recycling.
 
Duck Derby Meeting – January 17 – Sea Dog, 4:30 p.m.
 
Fellowship Brunch – Tiki Brunch – January 26, 11 am
 
Susan – Yucatan project
Collected contributions for this water project.
February 3 – She will be installing a water purification system for the kids in the schools.
 
Sandy – Rotary Leadership – March 18 in Wells.
 
Bruce Malone – International travel & Hosting Fellowship (ITHF) – you get to stay in rotarians homes when you visit their countries.  Have to be a member.  $75 for 3 years.  Ithf.org.  Purpose is to share a cultural experience.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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January 5, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Club Assembly

Club Assembly

Peter started the meeting with Sargent at Arms. After happy/sad dollars, we learned Chum had knee replacement surgery this week, and both Marty Martens and Roberta Smith were wearing slings and everyone who wasn’t was fined a dollar.

Peter encouraged everyone’s participation in the meeting. He recapped the slate of officers, Mik Mikkelsen, Mary Sargent, George Abendroth , Kristen Lindquist and Kim Milton.

Buckets on the table in January are for the Shields Mission Project. Deb explained that much of the funds are used to keep people from being on the street overnight, especially during the winter months.

Kristen was asked to clarify about making tax-deductible gifts to Rotary. Because the West Bay Rotary club is a separate entity from the West Bay Rotary Foundation, gifts should be made to the Foundation. This would be in addition to gifts on top of dues to the Rotary Foundation. Currently we are only able to make gifts by check or cash to the club. You can make gifts directly to the Rotary Foundation through the rotary.org website, including regular periodic payments (eg, monthly) and can designate your gift to a particular focus area of Rotary, like Polio.

3rd quarter invoices for the 2016/17 year were sent via email this weekend. Let Kristen Lindquist know if you didn’t receive one.

Kim Milton and Charlie White of Raymond James from Rockland Rotary made a presentation about gifts of stock to support the West Bay Rotary Foundation. Charlie works with a brokerage account to accept gifts of securities to the West Bay Rotary Foundation. $35 will be the cost of selling the securities. He left a folder with more information, and see Kim Milton if you want to learn more.

George Abendroth spoke about Hospitality House. Last month, the club raised $600 through December bucket contributions which was matched by the HH for $1200. They are around $80,000 in fundraising for their campaign. $800 was raised by selling decorations through the Christmas Tree sales. More than 80 families were served as part of their Christmas program.

There will be an electronic survey soon to help with evaluation and planning for the club and its activities and operation.

The membership committee is also working on a card and brochure to help share about the club and build membership. Lisa and Sandy are working on a membership drive for the next two months, with prizes for both Rotarians and guests through a drawing in March. This will happen at a Get to Know Rotary Happy Hour, date-time-location TBD. Bring a guest you would like to introduce to Rotary and you think would be a good addition to the club to participate in the program. On the tables were pages with talking points “Top 20 Reasons” to join Rotary. Current membership is around 80, and the focus of building the club includes retention of membership as well.

Lehman is going to work on a sponsorship program with Jen Harris, Jan Campbell and others. Rotarians are encouraged to be sponsors and help recruit others to support the fundraising for events like Chili Challenge, Chowder Challenge, Duck Derby and others.

Peter talked about upcoming events in the District and Nationally, including our own District Conference in May and the International conference in Atlanta in June. Sandy talked about the leadership programs that many of our club have participated in over the past years. Next is March 18 at York County Community College in Wells. See Sandy if you want to go. Registration for District Conference is available on the District 7790 website.

Susan Dorr, International Service chair, described a water project in the town of Valladolid in the Yucatan in Mexico, involving 15 water installations in small villages nearby, providing clean water for the schools. Each system involves a kiosk with fountains and a spigot so kids can take water home, too. Each one costs $1000. So far Susan has raised $1000 with WBR Charitable Foundation and International Committee support, and she plans to go the end of the month for the installation of a facility to celebrate and take pictures.

Heidi provided an Interact update. It consists of about 80 members that meet at CHRHS, and it includes both boys and girls. At Christmas, they participated in Christmas by the Sea, helped deliver meals, helped with Tree Sales, will be part of Winterfest and the ice carving and planning another trip next year to Safe Passage in Guatemala. She also talked about the United Nations day that they group participated in last November. 2 adults and 8 students traveled by van to New York, saw a Veteran’s Day parade and then the Rotary International United Nations Day, which includes programs for youth including Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange and RYLA in addition to programming for Rotary. The theme was sustainable development, and they heard RI President John F. Germ speak. They also heard from Ambassador Su of So. Korea, and others, including youth leaders from the US, Rotaract members. She and Karen Hansen have been talking about exploring the creation of a Rotaract Club for the area, and anyone interested in having one for young professionals in the area should see Heidi Karod.

Steve reminded us about Toboggan Nationals and need 38 people to help with parking that weekend, February 11 and 12.

Mark Masterson announced that the Chili Challenge will take place on February 11th, either at the church or somewhere else where alcohol may be served. Community Service is also working on a project locally, and all are encouraged to come to their meetings and participate.

Alton Lane, graduate of STRIVE, will be talking about his book From Convict to Mentor, at next week’s meeting.

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December 15, 2106 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Exchange Students, outbound to Spain (short-term) and Inbound from Thailand
 

Heidi Karod introduced our inbound Rotary Exchange student living with the Griffiths, Jay, from Thailand, and Katie Hodgson who did a short-term exchange to Spain in the summer of 2016.

Jay comes from a city south of the Capitol of Bangok.  Thailand is a country of 56 million. It has a monarchy. He shared information about the country, with slides of the most recent monarch, flag, national bird, foods, famous temples (the national religion is Buddhism), traditional costumes, annual festivals on April 14 and November 25.

Katie went to Spain for a longer than usual “short-term” exchange because her counterpart from Spain was unable to come to the US. She was in Valencia for 6 weeks. She has always dreamed of walking on the Camino and was on it for about 20 feet of the 720 mile path.   She built her confidence in speaking Spanish by ordering food for herself successfully after relying on her host family to do this for her. Her host family consisted of the parents and two boys and a daughter. They had already experienced several exchange students and foster children.  She feels very much a part of their family now, and is looking forward to their visit later in the summer of 2017.  

Susan Dorr announced that the next meeting of the International Service Committee will be in January 2017, and not next week as previously announced.

Ron recognized Mike Pierce for participating in the Every Rotarian Every Year program by making an annual contribution to the Rotary Foundation.

Toboggan Nationals are coming right up in February, the 11th. All are asked to do a 3-hour shift for parking cars,  Chili challenge will happen at a town venue, and will need volunteers,.

A new dimension for EWaste in the spring may be paint can disposal. Stay tuned for details.

Duck Derby planning will begin soon. Peter will be making announcements.

Knox County Homeless Coalition and Hospitality House received a decorated tree from the club. All 82 families have been adopted

Terry Bregy announced that tree sales are right on schedule, and only 43 trees remain.  There are open slots this weekend, so volunteers are still needed. We have grossed over $17,000 so far.  Ornament sales brought in over $800 for Hospitality House, cards just under $100 so far.

Terry Bregy auctioned off a couple bottles of wine donated by Mark Coursey and a tray of Deborah Fink’s Christmas cookies.  

Buckets on the table are for Hospitality House in December. Peter’s goal is $20 per member for the month that will be matched for Hospitality House.

Next week’s meeting will be a holiday celebration, including Lincoln Pierce on the piano, carols and other festivities. Please wear holiday attire.

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December 8, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
John Kelly, Acadia National Park
 

Etienne introduced John Kelly from Acadia National Park who works for the National Park Service and has lived and raised three sons in Bar Harbor after moving there from Boston.

Acadia had its busiest summer yet in 2016.  He talked about the Park Service and the plans for it and Acadia, one of 413 National Parks.  St. Croix Island is also a national park in Maine, and the newest in Maine is the Katahdin Woods adjacent to Baxter State Park.

Acadia consists of over 80 islands and the Schoodic Peninsula.  It was a gift of 100’s of individual parcels patched together and not a gift of federal lands. The park includes about 14,000 acres of islands in conservation reaching from Schoodic Peninsula to Isle Au Haut.  Management is challenging with that geography. Protecting the areas while also promoting a high-quality visitor experience is at the heart of that challenge, and is at the heart of their transportation plan.

Visitor trends in the past 10 years have increased so much that parking and congestion is a problem.  Acadia being one of the most visited and relatively small is part of their challenge, too. Cruise ships have added to that burden, while not adding vehicles, adding thousands of people.

The Island Explorer system was established in 1999 as the result of a planning process, now has 28 buses, 8 routes, and serves MDI and mainland communities and has been very successful.   There’s a new campground being constructed in the Schoodic area of the park, and a new transportation plan is in the works to provide safe and efficient transportation in the face of these challenges.  The plan started in 2015, and is in the public outreach process.  There’s a link to the planning ideas on the park’s website.  The final plans is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2018.  Some of the ideas include reservation systems for parking at the highly visited areas like Sand Beach, top of Cadillac, Jordan Pond House, Thunder Hole. Control the number of buses, routes and times.

The Knox County Homeless Coalition will match gifts from the club for the Adopt-a-Family program through the buckets on the table for December. Terry Bregy provided an update on Christmas Tree sales, which are ahead of prior years.  This Saturday they have slots Saturday afternoon and both slots on Sunday.  This weekend historically has been the most sales, so help is critical. So far, we’ve grossed $10,000.  There may be a higher level of needle drop due to the drought situation for this past year affecting local trees.

Susan Dorr is signing up people for  Holiday party on 12/14/16 , 5-6:30p happy hour, then dinner, at Jan Campbell’s house, just past Downeast Magazine on Route 1 (north-bound side) which is a brown house on the left, you can park in the driveway for the campground. It’s byob with a catered dinner.
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December 1, 2016 - Randy Gagne, Chief of Police
West Bay Rotary
December 1, 2016
 
Randy Gagne
Police Chief Camden / Interim Rockport Police Chief
 
Local – born at Camden Hospital. This area is very special to him.
 
Wife said – As soon as you start treating people like people you will go much further in your career.
 
Joint agreement with Rockport is a pretty recent introduction.
In order for this to be successful, it had to be a team effort.
His supervisory staff in Camden really stepped up
 
People have responded very well to this partnership.
They have created some mutual aid programs – officers from both communities can respond across town lines.
 
Randy has worked 28 years in the same job and still really enjoys it.
 
We do have a serious opiate problem in this community – we don’t have any place to put these folks.  Not just heroin, prescription pain meds.  We need to address this.  We need the help of the community.  Drug abuse is the root cause of property loss. 
 
So many scams out there these days – no one is giving away free money.
 
How do you train for difficult police situations?
He believes in equipping officers with the most modern technology and train them for situations that we hope never happen.  All of the departments train together so response can be seamless.  No matter how much training, things can go bad.
 
Why do people want to be officers?
Every police department in the State of Maine has openings and no one wants to do the job anymore.  It’s a dangerous job.  Used to get 50-60 applicants for a job, now we get 2 or 3.  We see negative police publicity – there are some that shouldn’t be in the profession.
 
Does the elderly program still exist?
Yes – we call on 6 elderly in the morning between 8 – 10a.  If we can’t get in touch, they dispatch.  Sand for seniors – if you can’t get out we drop off buckets of sand.
 
High school police – there have been issues there, but it has gotten better due to leadership.
Marijuana ordinance – thinks that this law is going to give us some challenges.  It is a cash business – so they’re going to be sitting on so much cash. 
 
Why staffing level changes:  Community expectations have increased.
 
Peace Walk – 300 people planned a peaceful protest.  It was exactly what they told him it would be – peaceful.  We weren’t sure if there would be counter protests.  It was a great event & he thanked them after it was over. 
 
Do you have any youth education programs?
There has been a societal change in the attitude toward police in the school.  That said, they make regular stops at the schools.
 
Buckets on the table – gift card for the homeless shelter.  Would like to see each member give $20.
 
Christmas Trees – only 18 folks haven’t signed up.  We’re off to a great start on tree sales $3,600 in sales.  Couple things need to happen – make sure that the door is locked at the end of the day.  Please leave $50 in $5’s and $1’s.
 
Habitat for Humanity – New build for Habitat in Camden.  The mother that is receiving the home worked with them all day.  Another project coming up in January. 
 
Frozen 5K – If you can spare a couple of hours – 8am at Point lookout registration area.
Hospitality House – this weekend and next weekend sell Christmas decoration sales. 
 
Holiday event – December 14 – sign up going around. 
 
Next Week – John T. Kelly – transportation issues at Acadia.
 
 
 
 
November 17, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Exploring Websites with Sandy Cox

After a thought for the day from John Viehman, and then a rousing song, Sandy introduced visitors. Peter Berke introduced two visitors from the Knox County Homeless Coalition who talked about Wednesday night cookouts that they have been organizing for the residents of the Hospitality House, and that they are using glass ornaments to raise money over the 3rd and 4th and 10th of 11th of December during West Bay's Christmas tree sales. Several samples of the ornaments were available to see and buy at the meeting.

Sandy demonstrated the Club Runner site which is the local site which generates the bulletin, www.westbayrotaryofmaine.org, with a login in the upper right-hand corner. Everyone was set up on our site with a logon and password using first initial last name 1417 for both.

Once on the site, in Membership tab, you can click on Active Members and find your member profile and create and/or update it. If you complete a profile on ClubRunner, it will populate your profile on MyRotary.org.

Sandy demonstrated the way to sign up on Rotary.org at www.rotary.org/myrotary/en and the page asks you to sign in/register where you use your email and password (after you've created an account). Sandy had printed instructions available for log in.

Once you log on, if you scroll to the bottom you will find “club snapshot” which has an overview of club information, Rotary Club Central with Goals and progress on goals, club demographics, which is missing information from about 30 members of the club who have not yet registered and completed profiles.

The websites are a great way to help people learn more about West Bay Rotary and Rotary International. Peter encouraged everyone to invite people to come to Rotary to help recruit new members for the club.

Sign up sheets for Christmas Tree sales are filling fast. We will also have Tim Lawson cards to sell, 8 for $10.

Buckets on the tables are for holiday meals at Hospitality House.

Susan Dorr announced plans for the holiday party to be hosted at Jan Campbell's house, just next to Downeast Magazine, on the evening of December 14. There will be a sign up and more details at our next meeting December 1.

West Bay and Camden Rotary raised money to take the Interactors and exchange students to United Nations Day in New York for a Young Leaders Conference to talk about sustainable development in the world. Heidi Karod hopes to bring some of the young people in to talk about their experience.

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November 10, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Refugees on the Greek island of Lesvos, by Andrea Sarris
Mik Mikkelsen, standing in for Peter Berke, asked Betsy Saltonstall to introduce our speaker,  Andrea Sarris, who is a graduate of Colby.  Betsy met Andrea when she was working on a film on Frannie Peabody at a TV station in Portland. She has resided on the island of Lesvos in Greece for the past 12 years, and is a self-described guerrilla filmmaker.  She is a storyteller, and focused on the two threads of the Greek economy and the “human wave” of refugees through this part of the world.  She teaches English to children, and serves as a walking and jeep tour guide.  Her grandfather immigrated to the US from Greece.  
650,000 refugees came through Lesvos, almost half of the number that came through Greece, as part of the migration in the middle east.  The island has only 85,000 inhabitants and agriculture fishing, ouzo and tourism are the main industries.  It is approximately the size of Rhode Island. The refugees arrived on the north end of the island.  Lesvos is closest to Anatolia, Turkey, crossing a channel of 4.1 miles.  There have been refugees coming to the island for many years, but never before in these numbers. 
In January 2015, Greece is in an austerity period with rising taxes, inflation, unemployment when the Syrians, Afghans, Somalians, Eritrean’s and other middle eastern and African nations begin to arrive.  She began to encounter them on her walking tours.  Greece is now in an isolationist mode and becoming divided. 
There were some tensions between the different groups arriving, including those from Syria and Afghanistan.  She was torn as a tour guide in the midst of refugees arriving in huge numbers, and as a former tv person, recognized what a huge story as well as humanitarian crisis her community was facing.  It took  months before buses arrived to move people to refugee camps.  She helped where she could with providing bread, water and rides.  Refugees were everywhere on beaches, in parking lots, and any place they could find and/or were allowed to wait for processing.  She eventually volunteered at a camp taking in Syrians.   She shared slides of the island that demonstrated the increasing volume of people and relief workers that overtook the island in the worst months of the crisis in the fall of 2015 before borders were closed.
The flow has slowed to one or two boats per day, and the detention center has a 3500 capacity but currently has about 6000.  
 
Terry Bregy presented his annual “Rotary Foundation v. Hammacher Schlemmer Dillemer”
He highlights the myriad of ways to support the Rotary Foundation versus buying any of the toys and gadgets out of the Hammacher Schlemmer catalogs. 
Buckets on the table are for the food pantry.
Next week we will have laptops and a tutorial on MyRotary website and our club’s West Bay calendar.
West Bay Rotary had the largest representation at the Rotary Leadership Institute recently. Mik and his wife and Roy and Deborah Fink attended the Camp Capella awards gala that recognized West Bay Rotary for its support. 
Mark Coursey is circulating a sign up for a November 19 work project with Habitat in Camden, 8-12 or 12-4p. Mark Masterson reported that the club was wrapping up the work at the Snowbowl on the picnic tables and signage for parking. Sign-up sheets are available for Christmas tree sales.
Lisa Dresser won the jackpot of $1,107.
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Anneli Skaar - November 3, 2016
West Bay Rotary
November 3, 2016
 
Anneli Skaar
Creative Director Farnsworth Museum
Artist/graphic designer
 
Anneli has a very strong interest in the Arctic and has done a lot of art that is based on that.
Used winter as a theme in her work – did a show around it.
 
She wanted to go somewhere & get an art residency.
Lived in Norway as a young adult - thought it would be a good place to consider.
 
Svalbard – 800 miles to the north pole
Found a residency there
 
She lived in a former mining settlement that now has a lot of tourism
 
She was living at the gallery
She wasn’t allowed to leave town without someone who had a shotgun because of bears.
Very well wired, high tech place, but very isolated.
Not allowed to die or give birth there.
You can’t be buried there as a result of the permafrost
 
Hospital – 9 hospital beds
If there is something serious, you get flown to the mainland.
At the hospital they can do operations over wifi with physician in Norway.
 
Arctic areas have become politically loaded areas as a result of shipping routes, etc as a result of global warming.
 
Financed this trip largely on pre-sales of paintings –
 
Returned and wanted to do something like this again.
Dan Bookham told her about an Icelandic shipping co that is based in Portland
She did a residency on a ship
 
She left in February 2016 – she was hazed by the crew - they fed her lamb testicles
 
It is a very difficult life on the ship & it all revolves around the cook.
All of the social time revolves around the table
All Icelandic crew – very welcoming and friendly
It is dangerous on board the ship
It is not for the faint of heart
She learned about the idea “Old Sea” sky is clear but the ocean is rough from an old storm.
 
Everyone believed that there was a ghost on board the ship.
 
Outside of Iceland the water gets very choppy close to shore.
 
Q&A
Svalbard – wanted to pick a good time to go.  Light or dark.
End of January to February – Civil twilight.  The light was very beautiful
 
How many other women on the ship?
One other woman who was the engineer – her nickname was grandma dragon.  Missing a finger that a fish got.
Did you run into bears? No
Did you see other ships?
Very rarely – maybe 2 – The route is dominated mostly by that specific company
You realize that you’re out of range of anything but other ships.  There was no safety training.  Feeling so connected with technology and but we were blip on a screen
Safety change after El faro?  She doesn’t really know.  The captain said – you had free range of the ship, but if you do anything that will put my crew in danger you are headed to your room.
Plans to do another trip?
Headed to Greenland in April
 
Buckets on the table – food pantry needs money for turkey dinners
 
Peter away next week – Mike will run the meeting.
 
November 17 – Myrotary.com sign up
Sandy will send registration sign ups to members
 
Community Service Update – Pretty busy
Finished work on the toboggan chute, finished painting picnic tables – habitat for humanity November 19.
More labor than paint – basic construction. 
Hospitality House – working on a walking path around the property.  We are installing a yellow heart for fundraising.
West Bay donates a tree to Camden for Christmas
Next Wednesday – monthly community service meeting.  Review of foundation funding requests.
 
Best of the Best – November 16
Foundation Seminar for the district – November 19
 
Ron Hall – EREY
Steve Daily, Bill Hartman, Chase Lasbury, Kim Milton
 
Benefactor Society – leaving $1,000 or more to the Rotary Intl Foundation
Noel Cox, Etienne Perret, Suzanne Scott & Ron Hall
 
Christmas Trees
November 23-25 unload trees from the trucks
Maine Sport – starts the day after Thanksgiving
Tim Lawson – Unique original Christmas Cards that can be purchased on behalf of WBR
Interact – yes not sure when
 
Jim Potter – Vocational Committee completed 16th annual entrepreneurship class. 
Polio Plus – sending check in to the west bay rotary foundation
Setting up an investment account – will be going with Charlie White
 
 
 
 
 
Bill McCumber, Maine Old Cemetery Association - October 27
Jan Campbell introduced Bill McCumber, Maine Old Cemetery Association.
 
Presented about Hope Grove Cemetery
Lives in Blanchard Township – population of 101
 
Tools
Nothing out of the ordinary for cleaning
If you want to clean stones, please feel free and people would really appreciate it.
 
Cleaning/repairing stones – all depends on the quality of the stone. 
First look at how good of shape that it is in. 
Most of the stones in the Hope are from the 1820’s – 1913.
 
Hope Grove – mostly granite stones – some slate and marble.
 
Pack for cleaning:
A lot of water – must keep hydrated.
Certain times of year there are lots of mosquitoes, black flies & ground wasps – make sure you take bug repellent,wasp killer, sunscreen and plenty of water.
 
Small sprayers are good for cleaning stones – not very expensive, but perfect for these smaller jobs.
 
Tools – different brushes including small toothbrushes for the letters.
Non metallic hand spade for digging around the stone.
Larger shovel once away from the stone.
 
Brings a smaller brush to remove the dirt from the bottom of the stone.
 
Uses a 300 gallon water tank – uses the water supply at the fire department for Hope Grove.
Wooden sticks for digging around in intricate patterns in stones – plastic cards (hotel keys) for cleaning off moss.
 
Repairing broken stones – uses epoxy
 
Different attitudes about using pressure washer – how will it impact the stone? 
 
The reason you use a fiberglass pins – because they don’t rust/corrode which further damage the stones.
 
Uses a tripod to life the stones – it is important that there are no chains or wire rope touching the stone.
 
Local Engravers – Cobb & Matthews in Rockland
Do you use anything besides water?  Do not use bleach – pool cleaner – doesn’t destroy your clothes.
 
Why not Clorox – sodium hypo-chloride – Clorox will discolor it.  D2 – made by SimpleGreen
 
Buckets on the table – New Hope for Women
November/December – Hospitality House
 
Polio Walk – Camden, Rockland, Interact – about 40 people with a post gathering at SeaDog.
 
Community Service Update
Repairs on toboggan chute – repairing picnic tables
 
Hospitality House – campaign (yellow Heart) – we are installing a sign.
Banner at Hospitality House to promote the partnership
 
Road Rally – resuscitated it after 10 years.  No one got really lost or really mad.
 
November 16 – Best of the Best - Samoset
November 17 – Club Runner Sign up day.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 20, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Jim Robbins on his latest trip to Cuba
 

Jim Robbins, of Searsmont, retired from Robbins Lumber, spoke to the club about his recent trip to Cuba. He has been to the island nation three times. He went twice in 2005 as part of an agricultural trade mission. They met with Fidel Castro during his second trip. He took a People to People trip with his wife and brother in law, as a cultural exchange, earlier this year for his third trip. Much is made of the US embargo’s impact on the country, and he found the people extremely friendly toward him as an American. The average monthly income is $25 per month, but doctors earn $70. They toured schools, enjoyed music, and toured much of the city of Havana. They also visited Hemingway’s home outside Havana, bodegas (grocery stores) farms growing sugar cane and rice. He talked about the departure of Russian support, the average weight loss of 20 pounds per Cuban, and now there are more and more privately owned restaurants, which they frequented. Cabs are mostly horse driven, pedaled, motorcycle driven, and some private older cars. There is not a lot of public transportation. Baseball is the national sport and a frequent topic of conversation. They also visited Santa Clara, the heart of the Revolution. He feels strongly that the resumption of relations with Cuba is a very good thing, and that the embargo should be ended and presents an enormous opportunity for the US and, of course, Cuba.

The Polio Walk is this Saturday, and there’s a pledge and sign-up sheet being circulated. They walk will be starting at noon at the Camden public landing ending with a gathering at the Seadog. Rockland and Camden Club members, along with Interact members, will join us. Checks should be payable to the West Bay Rotary Charitable Foundation with Polio Plus in the memo.

On November 17 we’ll have a workshop on the Rotary website complete with laptops and demonstrations at the club meeting.

The Road Rally scheduled for this Sunday but weather is not predicted to be great. It will start at 1p at the Congregational Church and end at Flatbread later around 3 – 3:30p. Let Mark Masterson know if you want to go and haven’t already registered.

Heidi Karod shared that November 5 there will be a Thanksgiving Dinner prepared by the Exchange Students at the Hospitality House. On the following weekend the Interactors and Youth Exchange students will go to the United Nations in New York, she and Karen Hansen will be chaperones.

Next week’s speaker, Bill Macomber, President of the Maine Old Cemetery Association, will talk about maintenance and preservation of Maine’s historic cemeteries.

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October 13, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Middle School conversation, George Abendroth and Maria Libby
West Bay Rotarians George Abendroth and Maria Libby presented as part of the Building Vision Committee considering options for the middle school redevelopment as part of a process that began when voters rejected a new school at the polls in 2015.  George shared some history and plans leading up to voting by the residents of the towns of Camden and Rockport on the options. There is a series of public forums as well as presentations at community groups, like West Bay Rotary, to help share and get input on ideas to make a recommendation to the School Board in anticipation of a November 2017 vote. The committee already recognizes that “doing nothing” is not an option given the capacity of the current facility. Materials were distributed to members via email in advance of today’s meeting.
 
If the bond passes, construction work would begin in the summer of 2018.
Issues include traffic safety, fire safety and egress, structural issues around stairways, mortar deterioration, leakage due to foundation cracks, mechanical systems that are piecemeal and segmented that have become outdated and are less efficient, improperly vented kitchen equipment and other ventilation, mold, lead paint and asbestos issues, space that is inappropriate for the volume and needs of students.  “Patches” to these issues are believed to have a 10-year life.
A new facility on the campus on Knowlton Street would be 30% smaller than the current facility, while anticipating future needs. The materials provided in advance of the meeting include cost estimates for the options being considered as well as the related property tax impact for Rockport and Camden taxpayers. It is not yet clear whether the original Mary E. Taylor brick structure would be retained.
Members had the opportunity to ask questions about the various options, mostly focusing on the construction of a new school, its location, disruption when school is in session during construction and the cost of maintaining the new facility.  We learned about funds from the state that were granted to offset the current bond debt payments at the high school to the extent of approximately $700,000 against the approximately $900,000 payment.  Otherwise the Camden-Rockport school district does not get significant state funding but is instead almost entirely locally funded. George encouraged all to continue to direct questions to him, and his email address is geoabend@gmail.com.
Buckets on the table are being dedicated to New Hope for Women.
Polio Walk noon on Saturday October 22, checks payable to the West Bay Rotary Charitable Foundation to support the event.
The club was asked about sending 7 Interact kids to the United Nations in New York City and indicated collective desire to support it financially.
Community Service met yesterday, there’s a work party beginning with breakfast on Monday at Marriners at 7a to continue work on the Toboggan Chute. See Mark Masterson with questions.
Habitat: On November 12 there will be a build day, shifts from 8a-12 and 12-4p doing interior work on a project in Camden. See Mark Coursey with questions.
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Club Assembly - October 6, 2016
West Bay Rotary Club Assembly
 
Kristen – Membership invoices went out from October – December.  Please let her know if you haven’t received your invoice.  We have several members that are late in dues in the amount of $2,500.  These funds pay for our bills.
 
Proper Emails – 47 people who have not signed up for myrotary.com
 
On November 17 we will get everyone at the meeting signed up for myrotary
Charitable Foundation – West Bay Rotary Club Charitable Foundation – We give up to $2,500 to grantees in the community.  Mik Mikelson, Kim Milton, Barbara Hurd.  We recently got a $1,000 gift as a matching gift from Athena.  Grant Cycle just ended on October 1 – they contributions will likely be awarded in January. 
 
Community Service – Already completed Toboggan clean up – more work to do.  Habitat for Humanity is starting a project off of Cobb Road in Camden.  Looking at weekends in November.  Community Service meeting (provide details) If you have community service ideas, come to a meeting and let the community know the details.  Doesn’t have to be a weekend.  Community Service manages the vetting of the grant requests. Road Rally details were emailed.
 
Hospitality House – George Abendroth – We have defined a walking path around the property and we are going through to figure out what tools we will need.  Much of that work will be held until the spring.  We will be stepping in to assist with some interior construction throughout the fall/winter. 
 
Heidi – Youth Exchange - Nat Lawson went to district orientation.  We are going to take one year 2017/2018 from long term youth exchange.  We will try to regroup and decide how/if we can rejuvenate that program.  We will continue short term exchange.  We can send a lot more people for short term exchange.  Exchangestudent.org – a link to the short term exchange countries.
 
Jim Potter – Kicked off 2016 entrepreneurship class.  There are 8 participants this time around.  Have a waiting list for additional participants.  October 19 – Peter is on the speaking panel.
 
Polio Walk – October 22.  We are going to do a walk – the route is going to be about 3 miles.  It’s the 100 year anniversary $26.50 – asking all Rotarians to donate $26.50 in
 
Leadership Conference – Lewiston, Nov 5 – Several are signed up.  Please let Peter know if you want to participate.
Camp Capella – West Bay Rotary – is being recognized. 
Youth Leadership in Quebec
We won 2 Best of the Best awards (Best of Knox County) – great way to promote the club.  There’s a silent auction.  Encourage folks to participate.  November 16.
 
Christmas Tree Sales – Trying to grow revenue opportunities by engaging other local charities.  We will be doing more promotion for xmas tree sales to raise awareness and hopefully boost sales. If we can increase sales, then we can focus more time and money on actual community service.  November 3 – Sign up sheets.
 
Club Survey – Developing a survey that allows folks to really share their feelings about events. 
 
International – For a number of years we have supported 2 students at the Camden Conference for $550.  We can send students to the Strand for the life simulcast for $50.  For the same $550 we can send 11 students instead of 2. 
 
Fellowship – Holiday party – sometime in early December.  Looking for a cool, low cost venue.
 
 
Terry Calderwood, September 29, 2016
Terry Calderwood
Retired from being an attorney in Maine and decided to write a book.
Nov 24, 2010 article in the Camden Herald
2 things happening – He was retiring as well as the Police Chief Phil Roberts.  Camden Herald wrote an article about the retirement of these two folks.
 
Reichenfall’s Dream
Three elements unique to Camden
  1.  Many scenes of Camden in the book – Maidens Cliff, downtown, restaurants, post office, etc.  All fictionalized of course.
  2. Family is extremely important in small towns – families have a sense of public service.  Looked at how family can be involved in the community in a somewhat evil way.
  3. Degree to which you can live in small town and be impacted by things that are national or international.
 
Found letters from his father sent to his parents during the war.  They were heavily censored.  Gave him the baseline of evil that he was basing the evil on in his book. 
 
Terry feels like he bit off more than he could chew – in reference to selling his book.  He enjoyed writing it, but selling it has been no fun at all. 
 
He retired early so that he wasn’t traveling from Camden from Nashville all of the time.  He didn’t realize how difficult and expensive it is to get authors insurance.  You have to provide 2 years of tax returns.  He wasn’t interested in doing that.  His atty had to read and sign off on the book – he didn’t want to pay an atty to read his book.  Still not sure that he’s going to publish his book due to the challenges.
 
He wrote a novel that his father inspired – he’s 13 years older than his father was when he died.
 
Q&A
If you wanted to seek a publisher would the self-publishing issues fade away? Yes – but people would wait 5-10 years for a literary agent.  The agents only read the first couple of paragraphs or pages.  The volume of books being produced in extraordinary. It is very difficult to get a book published.
 
Are any members of West Bay Rotary included in this book?  No all characters are all fiction
 
Mark Masterson – Saturday morning, 9 am, snowbowl for maintenance.4
Road Rally – How many people might be interested in a leaf peeping, road rally. Poker run – sign up on the paper circulating. 2 hours long – October 23.
We raised $80.15 to purchase size 17 shoes for a gentleman – We want to raise more $$ to purchase more shoes for the gentleman at the Hospitality House.
 
Don’t forget to check out the new club calendar – westbaycalendar.com
 
Awards – 2nd Place for Civic & Community Service – Best of the Best.  November 16 at the Samoset.  Great opportunity to promote the club.
Camp Capella – Community Service Award to West Bay Rotary.
 
District Assembly – Saturday, October 29 – just one day.
Leadership Institute –
Polio Walk – Date forthcoming
 
Pints against Polio – maybe we can copy this here in the community.
 
Shelter Box for Tanzania – Discussed the possibility of a shelter box at International Committee meeting.
If we contribute to a shelter box it goes into a central depository for shelter box and they choose where it goes.  The international group didn’t think a $1,000 gift would be the best way to go.  They would like to do something with a more direct impact.
 
Heidi Karod – West Bay has been very supportive of Youth Exchange for many years.  One of the great manifestations of international service.  The number of students has been dwindling – 7780 has no exchange program anymore.  In all of Maine, we only have 4 long term students.  Struggling with leadership for this program at the district level.  Our district chair, Sue Wood, is no longer going to do it – Heidi cannot do it.  They’re going to take a year off of the long term program.  Joan Fopp from the Camden Club will take Sue Wood’s role for short term programs.
Worthington Scholars - September 22, 2016
 
September 22, 2016
 
 
Beverly Worthington
Worthington Scholars
Oceanside High School Scholarships
 
Beverly and her husband David are interested in the economic situation in Rockland.
They decided that they wanted to sharpen their focus on something that they can follow, track & achieve
 
Oceanside program started with 10 students and grew from there.
At first we were trying to manage the funds on their own and it didn’t work.
 
Our focus is to help students who go to Maine colleges and will eventually come back to this community.
 
Recently had an event - the Knox County Community Conversation – many ideas.  Many people were from different organizations.
 
All agreed that they want a community that attracts and keeps young people.
The greatest strength of Knox County community – here are many adult mentors
We have a lot to offer to companies in lifestyle for employees
 
We see low student aspirations in the community – they cannot see what their futures have to offer
 
1. Focus on job opportunities
2.We need to develop scholarship and mentorship programs right in this community
3.Have existing organizations that are already doing so much in the community.
 
Rotary is the resource that is going to help this program
 
We have expanded the scholarship – Maine Community Foundation handles the administrative part of the program. 
 
A & B students they can attend any college UMaine, community colleges, Thomas, Husson, Maine Maritime.  We’ve worked out a plan that the more expensive schools offer a decreased tuition at the same level of UMaine for Worthington Scholars.
 
Before they receive the scholarship – they must complete a financial literacy course taught by New Ventures Maine.  3 modules – all students (and their parents) are invited to attend.  Teach them how to budget for college.  What will their post college debt be and how will their job help them to pay that off?
 
Mentor (paid by the fund) begins interacting with the students in their senior year – when they accept the scholarship; they are required to check in with her on an ongoing basis.  They are expected to serve as mentors to younger students.
 
Our retention rate for 76 students is 100%.
 
Actively beginning to develop a strong alumni group. 
Maine Community Foundation – Oceanside offered to every graduating senior (up to $16,000).
If you’re a senior C student – you can attend any community college or URock.  Worthington Scholars will get mentoring at URock to help them get going.
 
Next year – expand amount that we give to Camden students.  It is need and merit based.  Go to Medomack Valley and the Islands – this will give us a critical mass of students who can bond and be the future community leaders.
 
Set up an endowment to ensure meeting the obligations in case of Dave and Beverly’s death.
GOAL - 250 student scholarship recipients
 
Setting up a 501C3 – that charity will cover the mentoring services for the community.  They can fund it for a few years, but they are going to need community leaders to be board member and leaders of this new organization.
 
One of the things that the students have to do is write an essay.  The change in the students from when they receive the gift to when they begin to experience school is significant. 
 
Q&A
Unity College – why isn’t unity isn’t in the mix?  No one told us about Unity. 
How many technical schools v. colleges – Haven’t interacted with the technical schools.
If an A or B student you can get a community college scholarship.
 
Buckets on the table – size 17 shoe for resident of the Hospitality House.
 
Calendar Details – looking at ideas to best serve the membership.  Have a calendar that is accessible online.  Westbaycalendar.com. It will be linked to our website.  No log-ins for regular users.
 
Toboggan Chute Painting - September 23 - morning start time.  Rain date October 1.  
 
November 17 – club runner sign ups at the meeting.
Leadership Institute – November 5 – Let Peter know if you want to participate.
 
Polio Walk – Date forthcoming.
 
Shelter Box – Tanzania – International committee meeting, next Wednesday, 8 am.  In the church living room.
 
Next Week’s speaker – Terry Calderwood
Buckets on the table – size 17 shoe for resident of the Hospitality House.
 
Calendar Details – looking at ideas to best serve the membership.  Have a calendar that is accessible online.  Westbaycalendar.com. It will be linked to our website.  No log-ins for regular users.
 
Toboggan Chute Painting - September 23 - morning start time.  Rain date October 1.  
 
November 17 – club runner sign ups at the meeting.
Leadership Institute – November 5 – Let Peter know if you want to participate.
 
Polio Walk – Date forthcoming.
 
Shelter Box – Tanzania – International committee meeting, next Wednesday, 8 am.  In the church living room.
 
Next Week’s speaker – Terry Calderwood
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District Governor Jean-Louis Joly & Danielle Plante - September 8
September 8, 2016
 
District Governor Jean-Louis Joly & his wife Danielle Plante
 
Why we are Rotarians – why we must continue to be Rotarians.
 
Only great people know how to turn an occasion into a real opportunity.
We have the opportunity the serve humanity through Rotary.
 
We cannot fly unless we step off our perch.
President is like a music director – projects are better when we work together like an orchestra.
There are those in an orchestra there are those we cannot see – but we can always count on them to get projects done without complaint.
 
What instrument are each of us in the orchestra.
What role do you play in this club?
 
Concert is fundraising activities
Must raise the public image of rotary – very important
A better dialogue with our community is very important.
 
The Rotary Foundation is asking for $26.50 from each member to help to eradicate Polio.
 
2017 Annual Meeting in Atlanta
DG goal is to have 100 members from our district
 
District Conference
May 19-21, 2017
Saguenay - it’s quite easy to travel to from here.
Trying to have low environmental impact.
$265.00
 
District Project to Cambodia
Eyes, medical & dental also an orphanage
Want to provide children that have aged out of the program to have an opportunity to come back and learn a trade.  The money raised will support educational scholarships.
 
 
Buckets on the table – food pantry
 
Chowder Challenge - Mark Masterson we served 310 chowder orders – only had 6 chowders options.
 
Winners – Graffam Brothers, PBMC Café
Made approximately $4,000
If sponsors haven’t paid – please do so soon.
 
Habitat for Humanity Project – Did a lot of finishing on the house in Rockland.  They were very happy to have West Bay Rotary there.  New owners have closed on the house and they had previously been homeless.  Next project will be in Camden.
 
Hospitality House – George Abendroth
Walked the property line for the walkway project at the Hospitality House.
Please review the HH Needs list.
Upcoming projects – George will reach out with details.
 
Next Wednesday – Rockport Boat Club
5:00  - 8:00 p.m.
$10 per person
Pot luck
 
Rockland Rotary Samoset Flume Cottage Raffle
Have an opportunity to spend two nights at the Flume Cottage.
$20 chance for an $1,800 opportunity.
6 squares for $100
 
Polio Walk – Doug
Possibly changing the date to the middle of October
Will select a location
 
Next Week –
Richard Goff – Classification Talk
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September 1, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Ashley King, MDA and Tom Chester, Frozen 5K
Tom Chester introduced the speaker, after explaining the history of the Frozen 5K which was started in memory of his father, who died of Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Ashley King from MDA of Maine, the beneficiary of the fundraising event, presented.  MDA is a nationwide organization with local chapters that provide support to patients and families dealing with muscular diseases, including muscular dystrophy, ALS and the like.  They loan equipment for patients, and access to specialists in medicine for treatment through clinics, and run an overnight camp, MDA Overnight summer camp for kids dealing with muscular illnesses.  She shared a video of the 2016 camp week with 120 counselors and 85 kids.   All of their funding is from special events.  Ashley attended the December 2015 Frozen 5K for the first time. She invited sponsorship participation and for the club’s support of the 2016 event during Christmas ByThe Sea weekend the first weekend of December each year. The Frozen 5K is currently the only MDA event held in the midcoast area.
Fill the Boot is an event put on by firefighters across the country, shamrocks sold for $1 at convenience stores support MDA, other areas of the country do Lock-Up’s, and the October Muscle Walk is an event put on by the Portland Fire Department.  She said the events also provide an opportunity for families to learn from and support one another.
Because there is not yet a cure for any the 43 muscular diseases they deal with, research is also a large part of what MDA supports with the funds they raise.  They run support groups and therapy consultations for physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy. 
About $4,000 was raised in 2015 from sponsorships and entry fees from the Frozen 5K.  Tom Chester sees it as having much more potential, with other events surrounding the run, like a dinner and/or reception.  Motorized wheelchairs cost upwards of $25,000.  The most runners they’ve had is 50 and the number is largely weather dependent.
Buckets on the table are for the Food Pantry.
Mark Masterson spoke about the Chowder Challenge. Tent set up is just before 9a on Friday, then the Chowder Challenge after the Camden Rotary pancake breakfast, to which all are invited.  He’s recruiting volunteers for set up, serving, breakdown and thenMonday, taking the tent down and returning the tables and chairs to the American Legion, in conjunction with members of Camden Rotary. 
Ron Hall explained the Every Rotarian Every Year program of the Rotary Foundation, and the $100/year participation that leads to Paul Harris recognition after 10 years, and multiple year recognition with pins containing sapphires.  He asked Linda Payson to come forward and recognized her with a 2-sapphire pin for her multiple years of EREY participation.
RYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Next week our District Governor John Louis Jolie will be our speaker.  
Terry Bregy auctioned off two tickets for the September 9 Knox County Recovery Coalition event at the Samoset.  Tim Dresser was the lucky high bidder.
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August 25, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Camden resident Annie Kassler on The Wonderful World of Bats
 

Speaker of day: Annie Kassler on “BATS”

  • Speaker, Bat Conservation International

  • National WNS Communications Group

  • Northeast Bat Working Group

  • Maine Bat Working Group

How did she get into Bats

She experienced a bat at her camp in Maine and like most people, she was terrified. She wanted to gain a better understanding of the bat and became fascinated with them as she learned more and more. As she became educated she began to admire them and wanted to start educating people so that they would admire them too.

Misconceptions of bats

  • They don’t get caught in hair

  • They are not blind

  • They are not dirty, they actually are very good at grooming themselves

  • They are not mean. They are the gentlest animal but that doesn’t mean you should go out of your way to touch them.

  • Not all bats have rabies. Actually .5 of every 1% have it.

  • They are not flying rodents. They actually are highly intellectual and have a shape similar to humans (although the wings are attached to what we would have for arms and legs). Their brains are similar to humans. Their skin is similar to a human eyelid

  • Bats have their own chirp to identify them from others. Incidentally, this chirp is what allows them to identify objects in their way and distance to things. The chirp increases and they get closer to an object and are trying to quickly identify things in their way.

Why care about bats

  • They are the only flying mammal

  • Amazing Linguistics- they are able to communicate with other bats. Complex and highly sophisticated

  • Longevity-Based on their size, they should have a shorter lifespan. They also never tire despite the long flights that they endure

  • DNA repair. They are resistant to age, cancer, infections, and most diseases (exception white nose syndrome). They may hold the story to counter these things in humans

  • They are the #1 predator for insects. They can eat 1000 mosquitos in an hour! They keep insect population down. This could prevent pesticides from being used on farms.

What is killing of the bats

White nose Syndrome is killing of bats by depleting their fat reserves as the bats hibernate over the Winter. The scientist cant figure out why this is happening. Bats fatten up to prepare for the Winter but their body is fighting this syndrome using more fat than the bat has to support them through Winter. If they wake early, there is no food or conditions to support them so they die.

 

The bats have been getting smarter and moving to new locations despite being fairly regular and love consistency. They don’t like change. They are moving to coastal areas. They are smart and know something is wrong. They are also starting to eat even more to prepare their bodies for the fungus.

 

There is a lot of research going on around this topic and trying to protect the bats. They are important to our environments. Do you part and encourage bats to love around you with bat houses and allowing them to share barn space. We need them and they need our help too. More information:  www.batcon.org (Bat Conservation International); www.whitenosesyndrome.org

 

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Stories to Tell - August 18, 2016
August 18, 2016
 
Meghan Vigeant
Stories to tell
 
Personal History Service
Storiestotell.net
 
People hire Meghan to create books and audio and eventually video
Became fascinated with getting stories from people and giving them back to folks for their use, not public use. 
 
Why folks want to write their memoirs
1.Very powerful life experiences
2.Family – folks want to pass the stories onto their grandchildren
3.Unbelievable stories
4.Not alone – heavy life experiences and they want to share these experiences with others.
5.Go public – want to bring stories to wider audience
6.Outside the box folks
7.Those who want to capture the stories of their loved ones.
8.Some people are just overwhelmed with the amount of memories they have
9.Gain Insight – looking back on experience to gain insight
10.Connect with generations – build strong bonds and self esteem
 
Stories are a bridge
She’s really good at is the stories
She sits down with a client at their home – mostly listens.  Challenges folks to look at their stories a little differently.  After the interview(s) – she begins editing the transcript, staying true to the authors voice. 
 
We all have stories that we have learned from – it’s how we look at our stories that makes a difference.
 
3 types of narratives
Ascending – family came to this country with nothing & became successful
Descending – We used to be great and then something terrible happened – downwardly mobile
Oscillating – Ups & downs but we’ve always stuck it out.
 
Descending and ascending are just incomplete – if you look back far enough you will find oscillating narrative.
 
Knowing our oscillating narrative gives us the sense of resilience.
 
New found passion – attending a week long film workshop.
 
Q&A
Are you able to work with folks with dementia?
Yes – they have an easier time talking about the past – this is how they remember the story “at the time”. It is about the experience of remembering – capturing their character, values and humor.
 
Are there things that help?
Asking questions that are open ended.  “tell me more” “explain how that happened”.  She spends a fair amount of time gathering information.
 
Do you go through pics and create a history
Yes – pic 50 photos and go through stories
 
Keep a notebook on hand to capture unexpected triggered memories.
 
How do you figure out how to charge for this?
It depends on the project – some fit into a standard format and time.  Offers free consultations.  It’s not cheap.  It’s time intensive. 
 
Have you been involved in Camden Historical Society?
No – but I get asked by lots of organizations.  Worked with children in schools to teach them how to interview and use tools.
Buckets for the food pantry
 
Backpack programs
Members donated $500
$150 in item donations
$50 from staples
$50 from individual donor
 
 
36 backpacks going out this week
10 to the food pantry
Remaining to the hospitality house
 
Lisa Dresser
Inducted Richard Goff
 
Tora – heading to Spain with a West Bay Rotary fleece
 
RYLA – not perspective folks for RYLA
21-35
 
Next Week – Annie Cassler will talk about bats
 
Maine Boats Homes & Harbors – Went well – thanks to all who participated.
 
Habitat for Humanity – 8a – noon, Saturday, August 20 / Brewster Street
 
Chowder Challenge – September 3 – volunteers needed
Sponsors needed
 
Social – Wednesday, September 14 – Rockport Boat Club – 5-7:30p
Pot luck sign up. 
 
 
Hospitality House Needs List
 
We need…
Donations:
Old cars that still have life in them — “Change lives!”
Cash donations
 
Volunteers for:
Transporting residents
Help moving a client to a new home
Teaching healthy cooking to our residents
Mentors for our families, adults and children
Doing activities with or reading/tutoring children
Participating in arts and crafts
Handy helpers and groups for repairs and maintenance
 
Move in Kits:
Broom and dust pan
Mop and bucket
Cleaning supplies
Laundry detergent
Shower curtain
Dish soap and sponges
Can opener
Cutlery
Pots and pans
Tall kitchen garbage bags
Paper towels
 And all those little items needed when we move! 
 
Outdoor Living Supplies:
Tents
Sleeping bags
Lanterns
Camp stoves
 
Toiletries:
Shampoo and conditioner
Deodorant
Hair brushes
Toilet paper
Tampons and pads
Shaving supplies 
 
Wooden or Metal Furniture:
Bed frames
Night stands
Kitchen tables and chairs
 
Additional Client Needs:
Straight Talk or Verizon phone cards
Gas cards
Large plastic tubs
New socks and underwear
Read more...
Youth Exchange - August 11, 2016
Welcome to Visitors:
  • Joan Phaup (Camden Rotary)
  • Tora Decker (Outbound Exchange)
  • Kittiasak “Jay” Klaipong (Thailand Exchange Student)
  • Nat Lawson (Outbound Exchange)
  • Ruby Ianelli (Exchange student back from Argentina)
  • Mariah Does-Hooke(Exchange student back from Japan)
  • Jennifer McKenna (Berglind host mom)
  • Michelle Smith(Ruby mother)
  • John Ianelli (Ruby father)
 
 
 
Speaker of day: Ruby Ianelli:
Ruby left for La Plata, Argentina in August and came back recently. She provided a slideshow of her time in Argentina over the past several months. September was all about first impressions for her. She spent her time getting to know the city. She loved the beautiful buildings but was surprised by the amount of graffiti on them. She attended one of the best schools in Argentina; albeit the oldest school.
 
In October and November , she barely spoke Spanish but managed. She them started to focus on the language with a new intensity. She began to understand the finer points of the language from people she met in school. She noted many differences between Argentina and Maine: They ate dinner around 9:00 or 10:00 at night much later than she ate at home. She started to eat/drink customary foods; a tea that was bitter but believed to give lots of energy, a cookie that everyone ate all the time, and BBQ. The Argentinians would cook their meat over grills outside all day for the evening. She said the people had a lot of passion. 
 
By November, she was finding her personality in the language. In December, she switched host families. It was challenging but she made it through and was grateful for the new family she was placed with. There are no real Christmas traditions there and it was hot. She watched snow falling on her computer and sang Christmas songs to feel a connection to the holiday. In Argentina, people have a nice meal and open gifts on Christmas Eve and that is it.
 
In January, she went with her host family to the beach four hours from the city. This was the place that her host parents met and now they go there every January for a month to celebrate. In February, she took a two week trip with 50 other Rotary Exchange students.
 
March and April she attended several marches to protect various things; one was for teacher rights.  April was the month of celebrations. May, June, and July were about absorbing the culture, and speaking the language. She attended another Rotary sponsored trip too. Overall, she has more confidence and knows not t to be scared of what the future holds. She has great friendships there and a new perspective of the world.
 
When asked what she missed most while in Argentina, she replied, “sushi, family, and dogs”.
When asked what she missed most from Argentina, she replied, “dancing, the people, and the types of friendships she had”.
When asked if she attend any Rotary meetings, she replied, “Once a month, Thursday evenings with woman”.
 
Backpacks: 
Help is needed at the August 18 meeting to distribute backpacks to the various schools
 
Every Rotarian Every Year:
Ron Hall recognized Rotarians that have contributed $100 to date. They are: George Abendroth, Jan Campbell, Sandy Cox, Steven Daly, Susan Dorr, Deborah Fink, Ray Fink, Jen Harris, Debbi Hitchings, Heidi Karod, Kristin Lindquist, Mark Masterson, Mik Mikkelsen, Mary Sargent, Lisa Sojka, Rodney Lynch
 
Terry Bregy is retiring from his role as Speaker Chairperson-
Since June 1993, Terry has had the pleasure of finding weekly speakers for the Rotary meetings.  Etienne Perret will take over the position. He wants to hear from us and who we want to come to the weekly meeting. This is your chance!!
 
Habitat for Humanity-
A paint project is due to happen August 20th from 8-12. Contact Mark Coursey for more details
 
Coastal Mountain Land Trust
CMLT needs help with selling blueberries on Beech Hill. Contact Mark Masterson for more details
 
Rotary Social at Rockport Boat Club September 15-
Invite individuals that you think would be valuable to the club to come and eat and drink at the Rockport Boat Club. It will be a potluck  with a $10/ donation per person. More details forth coming from Susan Dorr
 
Read more...
Copy of August 4 - Dr. Deborah Walters
August 4, 2016
West Bay Rotary
 
Dr. Deborah Walters
How Kayaking Helped to Break the Cycle of Chronic Poverty in Guatemala
 
 
Deb kayaked from Maine to Guatemala
A tv producer once asked “what went wrong in your life to make you do this?”  Deb said Rotary!
 
Her goal was 2,500 miles but got to 1,509 miles when she had to get emergency spinal surgery
During her recovery she continued with speaking engagements
 
She had pledged to kayak 2,500 miles – she felt like she had fallen short.
Got after her recovery, she got back in the kayak in South Carolina – ran into Hurricane Joaquin
Because of all of the flooding, the rivers were too flooded to kayak – filled with flood debris.
 
On January 30 – completed 2,503 miles and finished her journey in the keys.
Raised over $425,000 for Safe Passage – some with a global grant.
 
Media coverage – one day 118 stations across the country shared her story
She was excited when Fox News said that she was "Powered by Paddle & Passion"
 
She received the Rotary Women of Action Award – UN Award for work to eliminate global poverty.
 
She received this recognition for her work to help create a gravity fed water system.
Clean water and sanitation
Total raised $256,017 for this project
 
What’s Next?
Another kayaking challenge coming up
50k to lake circumnavigation to raise money for ALDEA
 
Working on clean water & sanitation as well as malnutrition issues.
 
Training women in the village as health promoters.
Providing prenatal and children’s vitamins
Starting gardens to grown healthy foods.
Also need more protein – each woman will be given a goat.
Each family that gets a goat, pledges to give a baby goat to a neighbor.
 
ALDEA stays in villages for 2-3 years and then leaves – creates a program that is self-sustaining.
 
Q&A
Volcanos a problem?
The volcanos don’t worry her as much as the earthquakes in Guatemala
 
Lake Atilan in crises?
Same has problems with agricultural run off – it’s improving, but it’s not quite there yet.
 
What is the follow up with ALDEA on these villages?
They have great assessment tools.  They find out what problems a program may have had and adjust accordingly.  All of the staff is Mayan – so they speak the language and are present in the communities.
 
Are the men engaged in these projects?
Traditional division of labor – men are doing all of the physical labor on the water system.  The water committee is all men – they told them that Rotary couldn’t help out unless women weren’t participating.  They started a women’s water committee.
 
When are you going back?
She returns in April & then June – Innova has donated a folding, inflatable kayak.
 
Brain drain out of villlages?
Safe passage graduates are earing 5x the family income.
If you can provide better opportunities for folks in Guatemala they will want to stay there.
 
Changes at Safe Passage?
We had been outsourcing education to the local schools which weren’t very good.  They converted programs from after school to all day one grade at a time.  Now the kids are all there all of the time.  They have had to add new buildings.  Still need new classrooms – in the silent phase of a capital campaign to create more classrooms.
 
Is there exchange taking place between safe passage & the highlands?
The most direct connection is through the curriculum – designed in Guatemala
We took that curriculum to some schools in the Highlands.
 
Backpacks
Arrived from LL Bean – 50
$50 gift certificate from Staples
 
RYLA – young adults 21-35
We have the funds to send two people
 
George Abendroth – Hospitality House
House holds 23 people – but they have 280 cases.
People are precariously housed across the community
 
 
Fundraising – brainstorm ideas that we can do with them to raise money.
Christmas Trees – maybe they decorate wreathes that we can sell.
They have their fundraisers – we can support them.
18 Holes for Hope – golf tournament
Homelessness fundraiser – spend an hour – experience what it’s like to be homeless.
Supplies – ongoing need – soap, shampoo, deodorant, diapers, etc.
Read more...
July 28, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Rotary Uganda Cancer Center
Carolyn Johnson
 
 
Returned on Sunday from a medical mission trip (with an oncology focus) to Uganda.
 
10 Years ago – Rotarian, Mary Tenant wanted to travel to Uganda.
 
She installed public toilet blocks.
This project provided a job for a woman who kept it clean
Helped to clean up the slum
Instilled some pride in the community.
 
In 2014 Carolyn was looking for an international program
Uganda was recommended by two members of rotary.
A team of 6 Rotarians traveled to Uganda for two weeks just to learn about the culture and to find out what rotary was doing there.
 
YPO – Youth Passionate Organization.  Group of youth that use music to spread message about peace/conflict resolution & to stay in school.  This will help with violence long term. 
 
They obtained a global Grant – brought the youth here – worked with Friends Forever on peace and conflict resolution.
 
She traveled to Uganda two years in a row to coordinate details of cultural exchange.
They had done work with an orphanage and formed a strong bond.
 
Stephen Mamjuangi – introduced Carolyn to a project.  A real need in the country was to address cancer and the increase in cancer diagnosis in the community.  Stephen made a pledge to the community to build a cancer center.  Through a series of fundraising events, he was able to get a 38 bed cancer center built through local contributions.  They couldn’t accept patients without supplies – Carolyn committed to a partnership & obtaining equipment.
 
Nsambya Hospital – was the private hospital partner.
 
Global Grant
Rotary – $100,000 grant for equipment and vocational training teams
Partners for World Health – Medical Equipment – basic materials. Provided two containers of equipment.  $50,000 to ship two containers – value of donations $500,000.
Nsambya Hospital – Working with their staff – they needed the staff to be able to open and run.  For the past two weeks, they have been training.
They need to do the following:
  1.  Obtain Equipment
  2. Team of clinicians to Uganda to train staff at the hospital
  3. Bringing 8 of their staff members to Maine to visit various medical centers throughout Maine.
Cancer Center is complete & open but it’s completely empty.
They are able to complete some outpatient procedures – chemo
 
The Inpatient rooms are empty.
 
Cancer is on the rise in Uganda 
Maybe because folks weren’t previously getting diagnosed
Environmental factors like smog has to take a toll
Diet – processed foods
 
They are focusing on cervical, breast or prostate - but honestly they will treat all cancers.
 
By the time people get their diagnosis they are in late stages of their disease.
They had to train all providers across the continuum to communicate and look at a combined approach to patient care.
 
The take away – the clinicians know how to treat cancer – they need support and equipment.  They need assistance with awareness.  Need to get the word out to the country side for regular screenings.
 
AIDS in Uganda was rampant a few years ago – it’s under control as a result of much hard work.
How as Rotarians can we work with Rotarians to transfer communication about cancer to the community.  Early stages of cancer can be treated. 
 
25,000 participated in the cancer run
 
Rotary does make a difference. 
 
Q&A
How do you recruit clinicians for this project?
Staff is already there.  They hire staff members to get this up and running.  We can’t pay them long term – that is the work of the Ugandan Rotarians.
 
Type of cancer?
Breast, cervical and prostate cancer – also saw a lot of stomach cancer.
 
Radiology Equipment – where does it come from?
The only radiology equipment recently failed - After the machine failed their goal is to get a linear accelerator
Stephen is committed to making it happen – they have a radiologist that is working on obtaining a gently used machine.  Fifth annual cancer run to raise money at the end of August.  Want to begin putting small cancer centers across the country?
 
Where does the funding come from to pay for their services?
Government health services pays for some – it’s complicated.  It’s something that needs to be addresses nationally for them.
 
Backpacks
LL Bean donating 50 packs
Want to fill as many as we can.  Filled 20 last year.  
 
Lobster Ride – 1,000 riders
Raised about $1,500
 
Boats Homes & Harbors – Sunday August 14
Couple of openings left for volunteers.
May be making some changes to volunteer spots because some are over booked.
 
Chowder Challenge
We’ve got waterfront and mariners on board
7 participants so far – we would love to have another participant.
 
Special thanks to Jan Campbell for hosting the most recent Tiki Time at her home!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Read more...
July 21, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Ira Mandel and Knox County Recovery Coalition
Ira Mandel gave a presentation about the Knox County Recovery Coalition. He treats 100 people with addiction. He reminded us of the poverty that plagues Maine and especially the poverty that affects children, at 20% (and 40% at 200% of poverty) is indicative of lack of economic security, directly connected to drug abuse and addiction .
He treats with suboxone and is limited by federal law to 100 patients despite a demand much greater than that.  He estimates at least 10% of young people in our community are addicted to opiates, and that one young person a month dies of a drug-related cause. 30% of the babies born in Knox County are drug addicted. 
He shared more statistics about death from addiction and the rate of incarceration and cost to society.  Peter Berke spoke to his experience in the trades and the incidence of drug addiction that is prevalent and the personal battles those people are experiencing and that we in the community need to help to address it. Mark Coursey spoke to the high rate of drug-related cases he sees as a lawyer practicing criminal law, and domestic relations law.
He talked about the effect of drugs on the brain and the effect of withdrawal.  He talked about addiction possibly taking root when people do not have positive relationships and life outlooks that make pain relief an attractive proposition.  He explained the principal of Adverse Childhood Experiences (“ACES”) like childhood neglect and abuse that traumatize children, which predispose adults to addition, illness and decreased longevity.  This becomes generational, and repeats itself over and over again.
Addiction results in adults that are unable to maintain employment, relationships and basically anything like a normal life.
Prevention and treatment should center around a strong community with healthy connections between people. He feels that Rotary’s mission is consistent with all of the ideals to support this.  A February meeting in Rockland was very well-attended and helped to bring attention to the problem and get feedback from the community, and resulted in the formation of the Coalition with over 200 individuals and organizations that are interested in coming together to address the issues; prevention, education, treatment and access to treatment, recovery, case management and the poverty that makes that challenging, related diagnosis, impact on family and community. They are meeting twice a week with different work groups. Their goals include strengthening social connections, public school engagement, community engagement and the court’s prosecution process. “A healthy community is stronger than any drug” is the guiding principle. It’s 100% volunteer and creating statewide alliances and aiming at a Recovery Center for our community.  They plan to become a stand-along non-profit while the Pen Bay Y is their current fiscal sponsor.
Rotarians are welcome to learn more and become involved, including mentoring, training for which is being provided by the Restorative Justice Project. Charitable gifts are also welcome.
The website for the Coalition is www.knoxrecovery.org.
Buckets on the table are for the backpacks for kids. Kristen Lindquist shared on behalf of Barbara Heard that we’ll have 50-55 backpacks for kids this year. Barbara will be back next week to let us know what she needs to help fill the backpacks for kids this fall. 
This Sunday the Lobster Ride will take place based at the Snowbowl and the club is sponsoring a Beer Tent, with a morning and afternoon shift, serving from 11a – 4p.  Lisa Dresser is organizing.
August 12-14 is the Maine Boats Homes and Harbors show, and there are still spaces on Saturday for people to sign up for the ticket booths that the club staffs over the 3-day show.
Sandy has set up a calendar on the westbayrotaryofmaine.org website, with month-by-month events, meeting speakers and activities. If you want to put events on the calendar, committee chairs will be authorized and instructed to do so, and for now, contact Sandy.
Next week’s speaker is Carolyn Johnson, PGD of Rotary 7780. She is from Yarmouth, and will speak about international projects.
Jim Potter read a thank you letter from Melissa a 2016 CHRHS graduate and scholarship recipient who has going to Providence College and is pre-med. She’ll be here to speak to the club December 29.
Read more...
July 14, 2016
Philemon Dushimire
 
BURUNDI: 
An interesting case for Democracy
 
Burundi is located in central east of Africa and surrounded with Rwanda in north, Democratic Republic of Congo in west and
Tanzania in east and south.
It is populated by three major ethnic groups namely Hutus (85%), Tutsi (14%) and Twa (1%).
 
It was colonized by Germany(1903 to 1916) and Belgium (1916 to 1962), the year of independence.
Burundi was a monarchy until 1966 when it was abolished and became a Republic.
 
From 1966 to 1993 Barundi was a Republic ruled by military regimes dominated by ethnic group of Tutsis.
In 1990 Burundi will held the first general election since 1966 - they elected a Hutu President for the first time.
 
After just three months and ten days, the President was killed during a military coup plunging the country into civil war.
The civil war that took place from 1993 to 2005 was ethnic based because the army that killed the elected Hutu President was dominated by Tutsis.
This being said the civil war was ethnic based between the two most important ethnic groups namely Hutus and Tutsis.
 
Since the advent of Republic,Tutsis dominated political affairs in Burundi until 1993.
Hutu political leaders had always claimed to participate in public affairs management from different military
regimes led by Tutsis.
 
In 1993 things took a different turn in Burundi with the acceptance of multiple political parties and then the first elected President
came in office. It is common sense that this President was a Hutus the majority ethnic group.
 
Despite of the political openness at that time, defense and security forces were still dominated by Tutsis and this is the reason why
some Tutsi politicians succeeded in manipulating them.
They aimed to kill the elected President so that a chaos will take place and then permit them again to come back in
public affairs management.  
 
The civil war that followed was long and caused much damage.  It brought all sides in conflict to start political negotiations in order to end atrocities and reach a cease fire agreement.
 
The cease fire negotiations were held in Arusha in Tanzania.
On August 28, 2000 a general accord was signed between all parts to stop the war and start a political transition that will lead to general election in
2005.
 
The transition was supposed to last five years and the first part to be led by a Tutsi President and the second one to be ruled by a Hutu President.
After the transition, the plan was to organize general election and then put Burundi back in democratic political system. One of the main
agreement was that anyone will be President more than two terms of five years each.
 
Another important reform with Arusha accords was about defense and security forces. The agreement says that Burundi forces will be composed by 50% of Tutsis and 50% of Hutus.
This was done in order to tranquilize every ethnic group and also to stabilize the country in terms of security.
In 2005 general elections brought Pierre Nkurunziza to power and this one was the chef of one of the Hutu rebel movements involved in civil war (1993 to 2005).
 
From 2005 to 2015 Burundi remained in peace mostly because of the Arusha accords even though the regime behaved more than
once in violating human rights but also corruption reached a higher level.
 
At the end of his second term President Pierre Nkurunzia refused to leave the power and this put Burundi again in a political turmoil.
Since April 26th 2015 when the incumbent President made the announcement to run for a third term against Constitution,protesters came out the streets but they were heavily repressed by the police.
 
Today - one year later more than 500 people have been killed and more than 250,000 people are refugees in countries around Burundi.
 
Philemon believes that we shouldn’t remain silent when democracy is being destroyed any place in the world.
His personal belief is that the biggest threat of democracy is not dictatorship but the decrease of civic engagement especially in old democracies.
 
Q&A
 
Is there a differences between the tribes?
Not really andy tangible differences – it is used politically to attain power. 
 
500 people killed doesn’t sound like a lot, how does one deal with neighbor killing neighbor?
It’s very easy in times of turmoil to see “others” as the enemy
 
The court case that caused you to become a refugee?
As a judge he sat on criminal and civil cases.  Someone was charged with being against the government.  The system is corrupt and people who follow the rules – lucky enough to escape
 
President running for a third time?
Agreement for Peace included only 2 presidential terms.
He put together a militia and tried to control the army.
In 2015, the President was well armed for a coup.
He was able to force his third election
The country is now in turmoil
 
How did you get to Maine?
Had a friend in the USA who got him an invitation to give a workshop.  His plan was to ask for asylum.  He’s been in Maine since 2010, only granted asylum in May 2015.  When you apply for asylum after 5 months you can receive a work permit. 
 
With 250,000 refugees in surrounding countries – how stable are those countries?
Tanzania is a stable country.  In Rwanda, after the genocide – it’s not necessarily a democracy, but it is stable. 
 
Were you able to bring family?  Who is left behind?
Came by myself?  By chance my brother was lucky enough to get out before him.  Siblings and dad still live in Burundi , they are in danger – he’s trying to get them to the US.

 
Buckets for the month of July – Backpacks
 
Gary Walker presented –
Paul Harris +6 – Etienne Perret a 7x Paul Harris
 
 
Community Service
Mark Masterson
 
What do we want to do in this community this year?
Who has some ideas of activities in the community?
 
Would like to establish a calendar to put on line to post all events all year so we can get a better idea of what we are doing throughout the year.
 
A calendar is a fantastic idea so that we can see & plan what is coming down the pike.
Current website includes a calendar function.
 
Need for a clean-up day for Camden & Rockport.  It can end at a local watering hole.  We can enlist kids and interact. 
 
Evaluate the balance between fundraising and community outreach.
Always looking at new/better and increased revenue from increasing.  We don’t have to do the same project every year. 
 
Bob – Boats & Harbors Show
Having problems filling volunteer slots on Saturday. 
When you sign up, please include your phone number.  We are over in some time slots and under in other slots.  Thanks
 
Lisa Dresser – sign up sheet Lobster Ride beer garden.  Only need about 5 people to run it.  Sunday, July 24.  Has the opportunity to raise about $3,000.
 
Supplies needed for backpack project
pens    
pencils     
erasers     
rulers    
notebook    
folders    
glue     
markers  
colored pencils    
tape    
calculators    
3 ring binders
pocket folders for the minders
 
Read more...
West Bay Rotary - 7/7/2016 - Club Assembly
July 7 - Club Assembly
 
Deb Fink & Chum Berry will split the responsibility of the 2016/2017 Sargent at Arms
 
Administration / Programs
Sandy Cox – Attendance and classifications have always been important to Rotary. 
As time has gone by, it has become less important.  They want to make membership easier. 
It is okay if we have 67 lawyers now – the priority is friendship, fun & fundraising.
We will still be keeping track of attendance to ensure participation.
 
Website  - please visit the website regularly
Pots on the table – to the backpack program for the month of July
Committees – it is really important that people participate. 
 
Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) & the Charitable Foundation
Ron Hall
Mission of the Rotary Foundation
The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
 
The Rotary Foundation helps fund our humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives. Your club or district can apply for grants from the Foundation to invest in projects and provide scholarships. The Foundation also leads the charge on worldwide Rotary campaigns such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Rotarians and friends of Rotary support the Foundation’s work through voluntary contributions.
 
Clarify the distinction between EREY & Rotary Foundation
EREY – program to get everyone involved $100/year. 
After you give $1,000 you get a Paul Harris Fellowship.  Make check payable to Rotary International & give to Kristin Lindquist
West Bay Charitable Foundation – For our club in particular.  Has nothing to do with Rotary International.  That money goes to our club programs.  Make check payable to West Bay Rotary Foundation and give check to Kim Milton – these are tax deductible.  Money to local charities is being awarded from the WB Charitable Foundation.
 
Chairs
Club Service - Mary Sargent / Terry Bregy
Mary is responsible for keeping the meetings going.
Terry arranges programs - If you are interested in helping out, please let Mary or Terry Know.
 
Membership – Lisa Dresser
If you have a new member you’d like to propose, get new member proposal form and then we vet them.  They also organize the fireside chats.
 
PR – Jen Harris
You can work with Jen on press and event marketing requests.
This year we will be engaging the club as a whole to be responsible for minutes.
Jen will be contacting you to set up dates.
 
Community Service – Mark Coursey
Mark coordinates projects in the community.
Meet 2nd Wednesday of the month at Quarry Hill. 
He is always looking for new projects.  Great fellowship opportunities. 
 
Presidents Project – Hospitality House, Ira Mendel will serve as the liaison.  Peter would like to create a partnership with the Rockland club for this project.
 
Jim Potter – Youth & Entrepreneurship Programs
Always looking for new projects to do.  2 annual projects.  Awarding scholarships to current year or post grad Camden Hills students. 
Entrepreneurship class for folks who think they want to start their own business.  This years’ class will be Oct. 12 – Nov 9. 
 
Susan Dorr – Fellowship & International
Fun making – outdoor casual potluck before the end of the summer. 
International – This club really has a passion for this type of work.  Opportunities to continue to be involved in projects on an ongoing basis or new service projects. 
 
Youth programs & Interact – we need help with these groups.  It is a great way for us to get engaged with the younger group.  They meet at 2:15 pm on Thursdays at the high school.  Every week – 15 minute meeting.
 
Fundraising – Ken has stepped down as Fundraising chair.  We need help working with organizing the sponsorship. 
 
Lobster Ride – Sunday, July 24
Maine Boats Homes & Harbors
Toboggan Weekend – Asked to do the parking once again.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2016 West Bay Rotary Meeting
West Bay Rotary
June 30, 2016
 
Jodi Heal - Classification Talk
 
Born at Pen Bay Medical Center and raised in the Midcoast.
She attended St. George elementary & stayed in the area most of her life
She is the youngest of three girls
 
Living in a small town is a very comforting feeling – about 50% of the town of Spruce Head was members of her family. 
 
Played basketball in High school, she also had her first taste of accounting in high school & wanted to take as much accounting as she could. 
She came to accounting naturally, both of her parents were business owners, sister has a MA in tax; other sister is a graphic designer. 
 
Went to Husson College for 2 years – didn’t think that on campus life was good for her.  Moved back to town, got an apartment and took courses on line.  During that time she started doing accounting for her mother’s business.  Wanted to have an independent job but mom wanted her to continue to be her accountant.  Got a job at Camden National – decided that banking wasn’t for her.
 
Decided that she was going to get her CPA – spent some time doing municipal auditing and loved it.  She completed her Masters while working at the CPA firm and doing her moms business accounting.  Passed the CPA exam and decided to go work for a larger firm.
She got a job in Portland and commuted every day - Worked 70 hours a week for 9 months a year.
 
During that time she was diagnosed with chronic Lyme.  After 1 season of a heavy schedule, she decided to scale back.  She still worked in Portland, but the hours were not as long.  The records of the new company she went to work for was kind of a mess – she got everything in order and then got bored.
 
She decided to open her own CPA firm locally.  She was called by a local manufacturing firm and they wanted her to come in to be their controller.  She does that three days a week, has her own business 2 days a week and does her mother’s books on the weekends.
 
Outgoing President Lisa acknowledged the hard work of members of the West Bay Rotary Community during the last year.
Club Administration – Mary Sargent
Programs & Co-Chairs of xmas trees – Terry Bregy
Fundraising – Ken Gardiner
Fellowship – Susan Dorr
ByLaws – Bruce Malone
Membership – Lisa Dresser
PR – Sarah Ruef-Lindqust and Jen Harris
Community Servce – Mark Coursey
Vocational Projects – Jim Potter
International Service – Deb Hitchings
Youth Programs – George Forestal
Youth Exchange – Heidi Karod
Rotary Foundation – Ron Hall
Charity Foundation – Mik Mikkelsen
Charitable Foundation Secretary – Tim Dresser
Treasurer – Kim Milton
Past Treasurer – Jane LaFleur
Xmas trees co-chair - Bob Rubin
Boats, Homes & Harbors, 2015 - Rodney Lynch
Toboggan parking chair - Steve Daily
EWaste - Tom Albertson
Duck Derby, In-coming President – Peter Burke
Secretary – Sandy Cox
Treasurer – Kristen Lindquist
Sargent at Arms – Barbara Heard
 
Special thanks to our breakfast team!
 
Rotary Serving Humanity – 2016/2017 Rotary Theme
Saturday July 16, 8-12, noon-4p
Sign-up sheets next week
 
Lobster Ride – August 30
We will run the beer garden
Shipyard & Andrews Brewing will donate the beer
Sign-ups next week
 
Greeter Sign-ups are available
 
Next week’s speaker – Club Assembly
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 9, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Five Town Football
Tom Chester introduced the speakers from Five Town Football, Joe Rucillo and Heather Kashner. Joe, head coach, began as an assistant volunteer coach. Their mission is to create a fun and positive atmosphere, focused on leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork and community that builds a healthy foundation for the futures of kids from Home, Appleton, Lincolnville, Camden and Rockport. They provide activity slots for up to 100 boys and girls, including flag football year round and use Pitch in the winter. All equipment but cleats are provided for participants. They see sport as a means for developing children as people focusing on leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship and community, as emphasized in their mission.
Positive Coaching Alliance is a new curriculum they are introducing for their coaches. Their focus is also inclusion, no matter the ability of the child. Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day to reduce the alarming rate of obesity in children. They focus on the kids having fun, which they feel is key to keeping kids involved, as opposed to a focus on winning, which takes the fun out of the game.
They encourage the club to become more engaged and involved.  Coaching, board governance and other ways are possible. Sponsorship is also available to businesses. The games are played at the Snowbowl playing field.
Buckets on the tables are for Five Town Football. 
Ron Hall presented on behalf of EREY, Every Rotarian Every Year, and how close the club is to 100% participation for the first time in history. On average, we have more than $100 per Rotarian in our club, but not 100% participation.
Next week's meeting will be in another location. We will probably be in 16 Bayview in the old Gilberts location, and it will be confirmed by email.
Next week's speaker is member Tom Rodman talking about Strive International.
Jim Potter met with his Vocational Service Committee last week and the awards were made to three students.
Sandy is leading a project to repaint lamposts on Chestnut, Bayview and Mechanic Street, and volunteers will meet at 8a at French and Brawn this Saturday. He could use a few more hands to complete the project this Saturday.
Annual Dinner:  June 30 at the Samoset, drinks at 6p, see Susan Dorr to sign up and pay the $30pp.
August 12-14 is the MBH&H Show, and sign-up sheets are at the meeting. Rodney is leading that effort.
Windjammer weekend planning has begun, and Mark Masterson is leading that effort. He encouraged the club to think of food purveyors we can approach for chowder.
5:30p Sunday at Jane Lafleur's house there will be a cookout for the Rotary Exchange students. Let her know if you want to join the party.

 
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May 26, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Maria Libby, Superintendent of Schools
 

Maria Libby, introduced by Terry Bregy, WBR member and superintendent of schools to talk about the Camden Rockport Middle School project

Parts of the building have been condemned, and there are various roof leaks, outdated and failing systems, including ventilation, and building is not code compliant. Major repairs would be needed to address all of these issues. The district has scavenged materials from the old Elementary school to patch some of the repairs. Replacement of the elevator is needed, the cost of which alone is $250k. The school fronts on Knowlton Street and presents daily traffic issues, which is a safety concern for the school and neighborhood.

Management believes the cost to taxpayers will be less to address current issues now, while interest rates are low. It is not healthy, safe or configured to support 21st century education.

Initially, public forums, tours and education in 2015 resulted in a $28M project being defeated in referendum. The school board is going to put the matter back to a vote in November 2017.

Now in what she describes as Round 2, they are conducting focus groups of voters in the district and have conducted 10 listening tours with groups like Rotary, the YMCA and other community organizations.

Currently the groups are meeting at the Town Offices in Camden, which are live-streamed for greater transparency.  The goal is to build a modest building to meet the needs.  Band and chorus rooms need to be larger than the state requires because of the greater participation level of students in those programs here.  The Gymnasium is high school size, and they do use it monthly for school-wide meetings.  Each class is about 90 students. The 90-seat mini theater does not provide what a 200-seat auditorium would provide in terms of accommodating each of the classes with parents and students from other classes.

They are also planning for a capital reserve fund and a Friends group.

Overall, the goal is to help the community understand the project. At a June 8 meeting, they plan to talk about the “new vs. renovation” decision.  She asked what the club would need to know to address that issue, help them understand what people think are the most important elements for the school and how to make it community-friendly.

Currently, there are 71 school districts on a list seeking state funding. No state funding is currently available for school projects. It is anticipated that only athletics will be disrupted with a project, because the current building has more square footage than is needed so students can be shifted into other areas during construction.

The website address about the project will be shared after it is updated with the new project information so members can learn more.

She wants feedback on how to tell this story and what the real “deal-breaker” issues are for people.

Ron Hall recognized members for their EREY participation; Laura Evans, Heidi Karod, Heinz Lehman, Bruce Malone, Matt McConnell, Betsy Saltonstall, Ian Robertson.

Mark Coursey was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by President Lisa Sojka.

Peter Berke reminded us all about Saturday’s Duck Derby. All tickets and proceeds need to be turned in today.  The race is at 5p, and the dump will happen from the River Ducks bridge.

Boats will leave at 11a on June 7 from the Town Landing to attend the Camden Rotary Club meeting on Curtis Island. See Bruce Malone if you are interested in attending that day.

PDG Deb Walters will speak next week about her fundraising efforts for Safe Passage.

Susan Dorr is organizing the annual dinner on June 30 at the Samoset. You can still sign up and pay the $30pp.

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May 19, 2016 West Bay Rotarty
May 19, 206
George H. Abendroth, P.E., CSP
Classification Talk
 
Born in Philadelphia during Hurricane Hazel in 1954
Raised in New Jersey
 
Sports brat – played every sport
Active in the scouts – merit badge counselor to this day.
Played trumpet and piano growing up
 
When he was 5 years old he was living on his grandparents farms.  Babysitting a calf – decided to take it to the movies.
Everything was fine until the door closed and the lights went out.  
 
Converted lefty – went to catholic school. Got sick of getting in trouble for writing with a left hand.  Taught himself to write with right hand.
 
Rode bicycles behind the fogging mosquito trucks in New Jersey.
 
First job – golf caddy – worked from the age of 11 until college.
College prep student – stuck between book nerds and jocks – not interested in girls until he was in the musical Guys N Dolls
 
College – University of VA transferred to Villanova – dual major
Played soccer for 2.5 seasons until he broke his collarbone.
 
Met wife Susan at a friend’s wedding before his junior year.  Knew each other since 4th grade – married 35 years.
 
Work – started as a design and safety engineer for FMC.  Moved up to management at GE Surface.
 
Raced carts as a kid – boss at FMC got him hooked on racing a formula ford.  1000 pound race car.  Finished 2 races and crashed twice.  Ended career after second crash and subsequent concussion.
 
Worked for NASA from 1992-1996
Chief of Safety
 
Then worked for Raytheon, Washington Group International, URS Corporation & KBR.
 
Been to 39 different countries working on different projects – didn’t get to spend a lot of time site seeing.
 
KBR wanted him to move permanently to TX – but wanted to live in Maine so decided to retire.
Flew over 4.2 million miles
Stayed 5351 nights in hotels – spent over 13 years away from home.
Worked in 48 of 50 states; 8 Canadian provinces
 
Why Maine?
Just decided to move up here after his wife passed away.
Greg, his son works at PBMC as clinical pharmacist
Kevin – younger son works up here as well at Bangor Savings bank
 
Bucket list
Walk more of the App Trail
Play top 100 golf courses
Wants to go to every MLB stadium & every NHL arena
Attend premier league games at Chelsea and Man U
Attend Philly Eagles Super Bowl
 
Retirement - now semi retired
“You need to retire to something”
He joined the YMCA
Habitat for Humanity - Portland first and now the Midcoast
West Bay Rotary – feels strongly about giving back to the community
Taking classes in the Adult Ed
Part time consulting
Works at the proshop at Rockland golf club.
 
Q&A
How do you feel about us buying our rocket engines from Russia?
He doesn’t like what has happened with NASA. 
 
 
Buckets for Paws
 
Ron Hall
EREY
Very close to accomplishing 100% for the year.  Implore everyone to give $100 this year
Sheila Davenport
 
Duck Derby
 
Set up on 5/27 at 2p for set up.
 
June 11 – 5 2 person teams to paint light posts
 
4 Way Test
Next 4 Fridays
2 people
8:30a – Lincolnville School
 
Annual Dinner
June 30 – 6p cocktails – 7p dinner.
 
Bruce Malone
Curtis Island – Camden Rotary holding meeting at Curtis Island
June 2, $12
May 12, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Inbound Exchange student from Iceland, Berglind Sigurbjornsdottir

Deb Hitchings introduced our inbound exchange student from Iceland. Berglind gave a presentation with slides about her year here in Camden. She explained why she decided to participate in exchange starting with her mother asking her a few years ago if she’d be willing to spend a year in another country, and then a presentation by AFS students that her friends saw and shared with her she started to consider participating herself. Her desire to learn to be fluent in English and experience new things and meet new people from around the world. She wanted to learn about how her own culture was different from another. Her expectations were tempered by her desire to not be disappointed in the future, but she wondered about many things including food, Christmas and even whether to hug her host family upon meeting them.  She has learned a great deal from her two host family experiences and made many new, close friends from around the world who are also here on exchange and from Camden. She talked about homesickness that came and went during her time here.  She found methods to cope, like staying busy, being social and not contacting home too much.  She came to Camden with a good understanding of English, and her vocabulary has expanded greatly over her exchange. She started thinking in English, and now Icelandic sounds foreign to her.

She feels that she has built her independence, self-esteem and maturity during her exchange. She said being out of her comfort zone has helped a lot. She has learned to be more straightforward and how to do small talk.

She was not used to getting up as early as her host families do. She also has started carrying a water bottle and said that is not common amongst her friends in Iceland. She’s been taking many photos, more at the beginning of her visit than now, and keeping a brief diary. She has made monthly videos and shared on with us from February.

She thanked the club for hosting her, and appreciates very much the new friends and experiences it has given her.

She will return to Iceland in July and has two years of school to complete before she can go to college. She played soccer and was in the school musical. She skied on the Alpine team and was involved in Interact. She is glad she was in an area that is different from what most people outside the US see in movies and on TV, like Florida or California.

Buckets on the table are for the Fort McMurray wildfire relief. District 5370, Zone 24 West, (Alberta) where more than 90,000 have been evacuated from their homes, including Rotarians.

Peter Berke encouraged people to bring their ticket stubs and money from tickets sold to next week’s meeting on May 19. He has decals and posters for people to promote the event. If you haven’t already received tickets to sell, see Peter Berke.

Sandy said on June 11 (June 18 rain date) is to scrape and paint the lamp posts in Camden. It should take about 2 hours and he needs volunteers.

District Conference is May 21 and 22 at Sugarloaf, with music from Motor Booty Affair.

Camden Rotary is having a special meeting on Tuesday June 7 on Curtis Island and Bruce Malone has $12 tickets to share with members of West Bay Rotary. Transportation will be provided leaving 11a from Camden Town Landing. See Bruce if you want to go. If there is inclement weather, they will meet at the Camden Yacht Club.

Ron Hall recognized Bob Stiehl with a sticker for Every Rotarian Every Year.  

The annual dinner is June 30 and we will also have a regular meeting that morning. The dinner is at the Samoset with the Camden and Rockland clubs joining us for drinks at 6p.

 
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May 5, 2016 West Bay Rotary
West Bay Rotary
May 5, 2016
 
The Knox Museum
Ann Perkins
 
Montpelier
 
Reconstruction of General Knox’s house in Thomaston
Original House built in 1794 while General Knox was serving as Secretary of War
 
Knox intended to make Montpelier a grand estate but died before those plans came to fruition
Original home was demolished in 1878 to make way for the railroad
 
DAR decided the house should be reconstructed
 
1930 Olmstead Brothers engaged to create a landscaping plan – never came to fruition due to lack of funds.
 
Over the years other effort were made but a general lack of funds has
 
Landscape Committee created a plan for the grounds
2013 the board approved the plan
 
Visited other historic gardens across the country & internationally as examples.
Spoke to noted garden experts
 
Why are we doing this?
The house isn’t historically accurate without the landscape – the house is nothing without the landscape
It’s a really exciting opportunity to create a new landscape – we have a blank slate to create an idealized landscape plan.
Required to create an appropriate landscape to the life and times
 
We have some materials from the original plan to work from
Knox was an enthusiastic gentleman farmer
Garden, design and competitive plant collection
 
How are we going to accomplish these lofty goals?
 
Included appropriate features from the original plans
Gates – will likely remain the same and add perennials based on historical reference.
Original meeting House – they’re required to maintain this as an archeological site.
Parking lots – expanded & create screening
Welcome Circle – modeled after Mt. Vernon
Walkway will be kept but rebuilt for accessibility
Will add a parade ground – event and ceremonial space.  Separated from the road by a wall.
Encampment areas for re-enactors on the other side.
 
Upper lawn will have simple oval flower beds.
Oval gardens – reflected in historical writings & they were used by Jefferson at Monticello
Knox wanted a vegetable garden 100 yards from the house – new garden will follow Knox’s seed order
Formal but practical & surround by small fruit trees
Haha – walled ditch that allows views while keeping the animals out.
 
Will also include a great park – our plan includes paths that meander through the park & provide various vistas of the property.
There will also be a pond and farm fields
They were able to purchase the coal house and it now houses the museum – they will add the orchard behind it. 
3 dedicated volunteers have created a revival garden
 
Boots on the ground event – memorial Day.  Traveling Vietnam memorial wall. 
Holiday open house – first weekend in December.
 
Q&A
Will you be able to take trees from the community?
It depends – they have to be historically accurate.  Must be of the period of General Knox
 
Were women involved in landscape?
Abigail Adams was very adams was very interested.  Women ran the farms – they weren’t able to influence their landscapes as much as their husbands
 
Can we look forward to livestock?
Yes if we can raise enough money to endow an appropriate staff.
 
Projected cost?
Lots over 10 years
 
Working with Medomak valley for heirloom seeds?
Yes for the vegetable garden
 
What are the hours of the museum?
Website
 
Have they started the capital campaign?
Informally –
 
Buckets for PAWS
 
Ron Hall – EREY
When a Rotarian donates $100 to the Foundation
 
District Conference
May 20 -22 at Sugarloaf
 
Annual Dinner – June 30 @ the Samoset, 6p cocktails – 7p dinner $30 per person
Next Week
Bergelin exchange student Iceland
 
Community Service Committee
Wednesday, 7 am  - Anderson Inn
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 5, 2016 West Bay Rotary Meeting
West Bay Rotary
May 5, 2016
 
The Knox Museum
Ann Perkins
 
Montpelier
 
Reconstruction of General Knox’s house in Thomaston
Original House built in 1794 while General Knox was serving as Secretary of War
 
Knox intended to make Montpelier a grand estate but died before those plans came to fruition
Original home was demolished in 1878 to make way for the railroad
 
DAR decided the house should be reconstructed
 
1930 Olmstead Brothers engaged to create a landscaping plan – never came to fruition due to lack of funds.
 
Over the years other effort were made but a general lack of funds has
 
Landscape Committee created a plan for the grounds
2013 the board approved the plan
 
Visited other historic gardens across the country & internationally as examples.
Spoke to noted garden experts
 
Why are we doing this?
The house isn’t historically accurate without the landscape – the house is nothing without the landscape
It’s a really exciting opportunity to create a new landscape – we have a blank slate to create an idealized landscape plan.
Required to create an appropriate landscape to the life and times
 
We have some materials from the original plan to work from
Knox was an enthusiastic gentleman farmer
Garden, design and competitive plant collection
 
How are we going to accomplish these lofty goals?
 
Included appropriate features from the original plans
Gates – will likely remain the same and add perennials based on historical reference.
Original meeting House – they’re required to maintain this as an archeological site.
Parking lots – expanded & create screening
Welcome Circle – modeled after Mt. Vernon
Walkway will be kept but rebuilt for accessibility
Will add a parade ground – event and ceremonial space.  Separated from the road by a wall.
Encampment areas for re-enactors on the other side.
 
Upper lawn will have simple oval flower beds.
Oval gardens – reflected in historical writings & they were used by Jefferson at Monticello
Knox wanted a vegetable garden 100 yards from the house – new garden will follow Knox’s seed order
Formal but practical & surround by small fruit trees
Haha – walled ditch that allows views while keeping the animals out.
 
Will also include a great park – our plan includes paths that meander through the park & provide various vistas of the property.
There will also be a pond and farm fields
They were able to purchase the coal house and it now houses the museum – they will add the orchard behind it. 
3 dedicated volunteers have created a revival garden
 
Boots on the ground event – memorial Day.  Traveling Vietnam memorial wall. 
Holiday open house – first weekend in December.
 
Q&A
Will you be able to take trees from the community?
It depends – they have to be historically accurate.  Must be of the period of General Knox
 
Were women involved in landscape?
Abigail Adams was very adams was very interested.  Women ran the farms – they weren’t able to influence their landscapes as much as their husbands
 
Can we look forward to livestock?
Yes if we can raise enough money to endow an appropriate staff.
 
Projected cost?
Lots over 10 years
 
Working with Medomak valley for heirloom seeds?
Yes for the vegetable garden
 
What are the hours of the museum?
Website
 
Have they started the capital campaign?
Informally –
 
Buckets for PAWS
 
Ron Paul – EREY
When a Rotarian donates $100 to the Foundation
 
District Conference
May 20 -22 at Sugarloaf
 
Annual Dinner – June 30 @ the Samoset, 6p cocktails – 7p dinner $30 per person
Next Week
Bergelin exchange student Iceland
 
Community Service Committee
Wednesday, 7 am  - Anderson Inn
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
West Bay Rotary May 5, 2016
West Bay Rotary
May 5, 2016
 
The Knox Museum
Ann Perkins
 
Montpelier
Reconstruction of General Knox’s House in Thomaston
Original House built in 1794 while General Knox was serving as Secretary of War
 
Knox intended to make Montpelier a grand estate but died before those plans came to fruition
Original home was demolished in 1878 to make way for the railroad
 
DAR decided the house should be reconstructed
 
1930 Olmstead Brothers engaged to create a landscaping plan – never came to fruition due to lack of funds.
 
Over the years other effort were made but a general lack of funds has
 
Landscape Committee created a plan for the grounds
2013 the board approved the plan
 
Visited other historic gardens across the country & internationally as examples.
Spoke to noted garden experts
 
Why are we doing this?
The house isn’t historically accurate without the landscape – the house is nothing without the landscape
It’s a really exciting opportunity to create a new landscape – we have a blank slate to create an idealized landscape plan.
Required to create an appropriate landscape to the life and times
 
We have some materials from the original plan to work from
Knox was an enthusiastic gentleman farmer
Garden, design and competitive plant collection
 
How are we going to accomplish these lofty goals?
 
Included appropriate features from the original plans
Gates – will likely remain the same and add perennials based on historical reference.
Original meeting House – they’re required to maintain this as an archeological site.
Parking lots – expanded & create screening
Welcome Circle – modeled after Mt. Vernon
Walkway will be kept but rebuilt for accessibility
Will add a parade ground – event and ceremonial space.  Separated from the road by a wall.
Encampment areas for re-enactors on the other side.
 
Upper lawn will have simple oval flower beds.
Oval gardens – reflected in historical writings & they were used by Jefferson at Monticello
Knox wanted a vegetable garden 100 yards from the house – new garden will follow Knox’s seed order
Formal but practical & surround by small fruit trees
Haha – walled ditch that allows views while keeping the animals out.
 
Will also include a great park – our plan includes paths that meander through the park & provide various vistas of the property.
There will also be a pond and farm fields
They were able to purchase the coal house and it now houses the museum – they will add the orchard behind it. 
3 dedicated volunteers have created a revival garden
 
Boots on the ground event – memorial Day.  Traveling Vietnam memorial wall. 
Holiday open house – first weekend in December.
 
Q&A
Will you be able to take trees from the community?
It depends – they have to be historically accurate.  Must be of the period of General Knox
 
Were women involved in landscape?
Abigail Adams was very adams was very interested.  Women ran the farms – they weren’t able to influence their landscapes as much as their husbands
 
Can we look forward to livestock?
Yes if we can raise enough money to endow an appropriate staff.
 
Projected cost?
Lots over money over 10 years
 
Working with Medomak valley for heirloom seeds?
Yes for the vegetable garden
 
What are the hours of the museum?
Website
 
Have they started the capital campaign?
Informally –
 
Buckets for PAWS
 
District Conference
May 20 -22 at Sugarloaf
 
Perceptions - Mentalist show by Nat Lawson
Union Hall, Rockport
May 14 @ 7 p.m.
Tickets $10 in advance, $13 at the door
Available at Zoot and Hav II
 
 
Annual Dinner – June 30 @ the Samoset, 6p cocktails – 7p dinner $30 per person
 
Next Week
Bergelin exchange student Iceland
 
Community Service Committee
Wednesday, 7 am  - Anderson Inn
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 21, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Suzanne Scott, classification talk, Susan Dorr, Masons on a Mission, upcoming EWaste and Shredding
Suzanne introduced herself as a part of "GRITS": sisterhood of girls raised in the South. She was born in Lyons, Georgia, studied music and piano at a very young age, and also played clarinet and the organ. She met her future husband, West Bay Rotarian Lehman Scott in high school. She attended Shorthill College in Rome, Georgia, studied church music and organ, and worked in a private school teaching music. She worked in an urban Atlanta parish as an organist until it was deemed unsafe for her and her family, and decided to go to graduate school although she and Lehman had young children.  She got her masters in music, and was a full-time organist in a Decatur parish 4 years before purchasing a music store, Opus One, and moved back to Rome and opened a second store. She later became a development officer at her alma mater, and got very involved in community activities. She joined a 50-member Rotary Club and immediately became involved in club leadership. The club had a Dick Derby, and a local basketball tournament as well. She was later Director of Development and then to Barry College, from which she retired in 2014. The Scotts have family in New Hampshire, and more moving from Portland, Oregon to New England in the next 2 years. She is not currently serving as organist in a parish, but might again some day.
Susan Dorr and Peter Berke recently went to Guatemala to work on a Masons on a Mission stove building project. Susan spoke about her two-week trip, during which she and her husband, former West Bay Rotarian Greg Dorr, spent 5 days in a team building a stove for a different home each day. She said it was a great and very "doable" project and hopes other members of the club will go to build stoves. She described the process of cutting bricks, mixing mortar, laying tile, lining and completing stoves that cure for 2 weeks before they should be used. Firewood is very scarce. They were part of a group that filled 3 pickup trucks each day and traveled to the towns on the lake in this particular area of Guatemala.  An extra treat was experiencing the festivities and rituals of Holy Week which she said could provide another presentation for another day.
 President Lisa indicated that buckets on the table are for Knox Recovery Network. Ira mentioned that one third of the babies born in Knox County are addicted to drugs. 
Tom Albertson reminded all of this weekend's EWaste and Shredding Saturday from 9-2. Peter Berke is reminding folks to sell their tickets, sign up to sell tickets at French & Brawn and Camden National and volunteer the day of the event, May 28.
Bruce Malone announced that the Camden Rotary is planning a 10th Anniversary of visiting Curtis Island and West Bay Rotarians are invited to join them on Curtis on June 7 at lunch time. More details to follow.
Jim Potter, chair of Vocational Service, announced that three students the club has supported for 4 years are graduating and have jobs. Nate, who attended Worcester Polytechic, is going to work at MIT. Neil, being awarded a BS from UMaine is going to work at Woodard and Curran in Portland, and Cade, at NMCC, is going to work at Vestus Energy Co.
 
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April 7, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Club Assembly
 

Club Assembly, President Lisa Sojka

Buckets on the table are for PAWS Animal Shelter, “Pets Are Worth Saving” in Camden.

Barbara Heard was given a big chunk of time as Sargent at Arms to start the meeting.

District Conference in May on 20-22nd at Sugarloaf, with Motor Booty Affair providing music for the evening, registration is $200 including meals, meetings and sessions. Rooms are available for $100 a night, and registration can be done on-line.

Sandy Cox presented on the Clubrunner “westbayrotaryofmaine.org” website with printed instructions on the table, including log-in and registration.  If you need assistance with logging in, contact Sandy.  He also encouraged people to complete their profile as the information is uploaded to Rotary International for the purpose of proving demographic information about clubs and their members.

He also shared information on how to create “My Rotary” account on the rotary.org website.  You would use the same email address that is used on Club Runner or contact Sandy. The site shows data about the club and its Foundation giving stats and trends.  Links to the instructions provided for both Club Runner and My Rotary will be posted on the club website.

West Bay Rotary Charitable Foundation’s deadline was April 1, and Community Service will be meeting to decide on their recommendations next Wednesday. The Foundation has just over $8000 currently, reported by Kim Milton, Treasurer of the West Bay Rotary Charitable Foundation.  

Kristin reported as Treasurer of West Bay Rotary Club. Year on year, the club is down on income and liquidity, making EWaste and the Duck Derby even more important as fundraisers for the club this year.

If your email address changes, please let Kristin know if you want to receive your invoice via email. Prompt payment is encouraged so that the club can pay bills for rent, food and dues to RI. If you want to pay dues by credit card, it is possible, but does cost the club money through transaction fees. Dues are $122 and EREY is $25 per quarter for those participating.

Peter Berke announced that tickets will be available starting at next week’s meeting. Sponsorships are available, and if you are interested in sponsoring, let Peter know as soon as possible.  We are printing 1000 more tickets than usual, with promotions on Village Soup and Pen Bay Pilot to support ticket sales.

We have 11 prizes for the event, and each member will get their tickets to sell along with the prize list. Sign-ups will be available for the day of the event to help with last-minute ticket sales and the event itself.  There will be sign-ups for selling tickets at French and Brawn and at Camden National.

E Waste April 23 is being organized by Tom Albertson, and he needs help promoting the event.

For people on Facebook, be sure to “SHARE” the events like the Duck Derby and EWaste that the club has created pages for to build the audience and help the club raise money.

Next week’s speaker is Deb Hitchings about her most recent trip to Lesotho.

Read more...
West Bay Rotary Meeting March 24
March 24, 2017
West Bay Rotary
 
Moment of silence for Brussel attack
 
Speaker of day: Julia Schultz – Endangered language project Speakingplace.org
 
Julia Shultz was Director and Co-founder of the internationally recognized Penobscot School where she developed its innovative immersion language teaching methods. She originally trained as an anthropologist and did graduate fieldwork in French Canadian communities. She has been recognized as a leader in French language education emphasizing heritage cultures as a curricula source and has actively created programs in reacquisition of “hidden” or “forgotten” heritage language. Julia speaks English, French, Italian, and Spanish, as well as knowing “big pieces” of Russian and German and Passamaquoddy.  She has also studied, Portugese, Japanese, and Arabic.
 
She was invited to talk at Rotary by Etienne.  She spoke about a few projects that they are working on. The first project is one that took several years. It was capturing and preserving the Passamaquoddy tribe language. They worked with 20 fluent speakers and about 250 that understand language but cannot speak I to create a dictionary of words. These words were then used to create the Passamaquoddy –Maliseet Language Portal. This is an online database with over 19,000 words. The words are defined and used in various sentences and contexts. There is also audio available to hear them used in speech. It gives you can idea of patterns in language and makes the language visible. You can visit the portal at http://speakingplace.org/passamaquoddy-maliseet-language-projects/ The thought is have the people understand and bring life back to this language through immersion in their every day life.
 
Another project that Speaking Place is working on is teaching the language to the young through a preschool. It is a total immersion project. The teachers are fluent speakers of the Passamaquoddy language. The preschool is for children 3-5 years old. The preschool opened its doors to the project Feb 1st. The school is Monday through Friday for 4 hours each day. Cultural identity and language is important to preserve the identity of the people. Children are very observant and teachable of languages at a young age.
 
They hope to work on similar projects in other areas that will allow language reacquisition. To learn more about this organization and what they do, please check out their website at http://speakingplace.org/ and sign up to be on their mailing list.
 
Buckets on the table:
Donations for the food pantry. The month of March was used to collect peanut butter and jelly for families in need. If you forget to bring items this week, you still have a chance next week.
Every Rotarian Every Year
George Abendroth, Jessica Kent, and Roberta Smith were recognized for contributions equaling $100
Healthy Kids Brighter Future Project
Ispwich Rotary has asked West Bay Rotary to participate in a global grant for this project with a dollas for dollar matching program. More details coming.
Habitat for Humanity
Mark Masterson thanked the volunteers that came the previous Saturday to help paint walls in the newly constructed Habitat Home. There were about 20 people from Rotary that volunteered from 8-4. Thank you.
EWaste and Shredding
A reminder that this event is April 23rd at the old CRES site in Rockport from 9-2. This is donation only. Shredding will happen on site. Checks can be written to: West Bay Rotary
 
 
 
 
West Bay Rotary March 17, 2016
West Bay Rotary
March 17, 2016
 
Deb Hitchings introduced our guest speakers
 
3 students who were scholarship students to Camden Conference
Catherine – Didn’t really know what the conference is about.  She is very interested in developing countries.  Large take away – Africa is a huge powerful continent that is struggling as a result of the failure of the government.  She became hopeful because of the enthusiasm of the speakers & their dedication to the growth.  Africa is home to 14% of the world’s population – hopefully that it will emerge as a great power.  Catherine was grateful to be part of this experience.
 
Lauren – Thank you for giving her the opportunity – it is so exciting to be a part of this conference.  After college she wants to join the Peace Corp and go to Africa.  The country is full of young innovators that are tired of their govt and want to make a change.  Seeing the enthusiasm of the speakers made her want to see what was going to happen next.  There is a big difference between the young people and the elders.  The elders have lost hope and she was shocked to see that dwindling enthusiasm
 
Devon – Thanks so much for giving him the opportunity to participate - it was exciting.  He didn’t know anything about Africa – now knows that it has been suppressed by corruption and there is so much potential.  The country is full of young entrepreneurs that want to make it into something.  One speaker indicated that it had been poorly run and if they could move away from that, they could have potential.  It’s dynamic, it’s expanding – if we are able to get the leadership that they need in power, and then it could be a place that rivals our own.
Leaman Scott - Classification talk
 
 
His Wife Suzanne and Leaman lived their lives in Georgia before they moved here last year.
He grew up as an only child in Vidalia Georgia.  His mom was from Georgia, dad was a Yankee from NY.    Mom was a nurse until she retired.  He has a large extended family – all relatives live within a comfortable drive.  Met wife in high school, dated through college.  In 1973 he graduated, got a job, got married, moved to Rome Georgia
Worked for Goodyear then moved to Goodyear Aerospace which made parts for aircraft.
He worked in contracts administration.
Dirigibles – the main product for that was blimps for the navy.  That was great until the nuclear submarine came around and it was faster.
That technology was phased out – but they shifted to making the balloons for the Macy’s parade.
He was able one time to get on the balloon crew.
 
Moved to Atlanta – Got a job at Georgia Tech.  He also worked in Contracts administration
He learned that he was not smart enough to go to college there, but was able to get a job there.
Wife went to grad school in Athens Georgia.
GT got a lot of sponsorship money – his job was to work with the professors and research scientists on administration of those sponsorships.
We helped startup companies – created incubators.
Was appointed by the Governor to create the GA Agricultural Authority.
Most big agricultural states have a place to display their products.  Idea was to build a fair ground in Perry Georgia. Started as a 40 million project that would have brought half a million people to the community.  The main purpose to promote agriculture – its sustainable by having fair, arena, concerts, RV park – that brought in revenue.  The process was very political. 
 
At some part in that process Leaman and Suzanne decided that Perry GA wasn’t where they wanted to live.  He was able to transition to another Authority.  It was an agency that made loans to local governments for sewer programs.  He transitioned to the GA Authority of Community Affairs.  He worked on Econ develop, job creation, infrastructure, waste reduction efforts. 
 
In 1999 they moved back to Rome, GA.  Happy to escape Atlanta.  The new job provided him with the opportunity to travel – learned all the good places to eat.  BBQ is not the same up here.  Where he comes from it’s a noun, not a verb.  The free time also freed up him time to allow him to get more involved in the community.  Able to get involved with Habitat for Humanity (BOD) – downtown development authority – try to reinvest in downtowns.  Historic preservation commission – reviewed changes that were taking places in the historic district.  Keep Rome beautiful (BOD). 
 
In 2014 they both decided to retire.  It’s been 18 months and they still like each other.  They have 2 kids.
Daughter – oldest – registered geologist with the State of NH – lives in Nashua, she has two children
Son – musician, organic farmer – now finishing his degree in acupuncture in Oregon – he says he’s moving back this way.  He and his sig other have a daughter and hope to move back this way next year.
 
In 1999 – vacationed in Bar Harbor. 
Kept coming back
2009 bought a house – when they visited Suzanne would come to West Bay rotary.
She met Ken Gardiner – he helped them to learn about this area.  Also told her about Sheila Davenport – he knew Sheila in his work in GA. 
Rotary – joined because his wife told him to.
This group works hard and does a lot for Camden and the Midcoast.
 
Q&A
GA BBQ?
More vinegar based in south GA
In NW GA it was more tomato based
 
Leaman completed the red badge program requirements.
 
Ewaste & shredding
3/23
9a-2p
 
Items eligible for Maine’s E-Waste Program
 
Televisions (all sizes) ~ Monitors
Printers (and ink cartridges) ~ Laptops
Game systems ~ Digital picture frames
 
Other electronic items handled by eWaste Recycling Solutions
 
CPUs ~ Copiers ~ Fax machines ~ Scanners ~ Stereos
Keyboard/Mouse/Peripherals ~ DVD Players ~ Cell phones
Remote controls ~ VCR's ~ Projectors ~ Digital cameras
Tape players ~ PDAs ~ Speakers ~ Telephones ~ Two-way radios ~ Answering machines ~ Camcorders ~ CD players
DVD players ~ Electric typewriters ~ Pagers ~ Microwaves
 
Items ineligible for Maine’s E-Waste Program
 
Below are products that eWaste Recycling Solutions does not accept at collection events.
 
Refrigerators - Stoves - Washing machines - Clothes dryers
Air conditioners - Freezers - Dishwashers - Water heaters
 
Batteries - Fluorescent light bulbs - Mercury devices
Mercury thermostats - Motor vehicle mercury switches
Polychlorinated biphenyl ballasts
 
Small household appliances
Vacuum cleaners - Bread makers - Can openers
Toasters/toaster ovens - Blenders/Mixers - Coffee makers
Hair dryers - Personal hygiene products - De-humidifiers
Humidifiers
 
Hazardous Household Waste
Pesticides - Paints & Finishes - Vehicle fluids - Cleaning solutions - Medical waste
 
Duck Derby
70 days until Duck Derby
3500 ducks in the water
Some will be sold online
Sponsorship materials on the tables
Sell ducks for a $1.00
Getting the duck out in the community
 
Next
Julia Schultz – endangered language project
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Read more...
March 3, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Caitlin Clark, Maine College and Career Planning and Worthington Scholars
 

March 3, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary

In President Lisa’s absence, President-elect Peter Berke presided over the meeting.

Caitlin Clark, participant in the 2014 Entrepreneurship class, was introduced by Jim Potter. She graduated from Rockland District High and went to Wesleyan. She then attained a Masters degree at Harvard, and then worked in admissions at Olin College, a new engineering school. She and her husband returned to Maine and have two children. After doing online college counseling, she founded her own business, Maine College and Career Planning, to work specifically with Maine students after taking the entrepreneurship class.

In 2015, she met the Worthingtons, a couple in Spruce Head, who created a scholarship for Oceanside East and now Camden Hills students and have engaged her services.  Currently, 58 students are participating.  Many students were dropping out after their first year, and she has been researching why and developing strategies to address those trends. Many of the students are first in their family to go to college, challenged managing their time, and become homesick.

30 Scholarships were awarded this past year. Her goal is to increase retention and graduation rates, and prepare high school seniors transition to college. She is also building a base of mentors and internships for students to help build their skills around etiquette, protocols and networking.

Buckets on the table are for Masons on a Mission which will head to Guatemala to build stoves.

Mark Coursey announced a March 19 Habitat work day on Brewster Street in Rockland, 8-12 and 12-4 doing painting and finish-work, and sign-ups are being circulated at the meeting.

Mark Masterson, will hold a Community Service Committee meeting Wednesday March 9 at 7:30 at Quarry Hill Anderson Inn and anyone is welcome to attend and learn about what the committee is working on for the year.

Planet Toys is donating shelving equipment to the Hospitality House and the House will be the President's Project in 2016/17.

Saturday April 23 is the date for the club’s annual  “E-Waste” project and Paper Shredding at RES property in Rockport. Start setting aside electronics and paper, and let Tom Albertson know if you can help that day.

Sandy is encouraging everyone to complete their profile on the website, www.westbayrotaryclubofme.org. Mary Sargent needs greeters for April, May and June. Please let her know if you can take a meeting date.

There’s a Duck Derby page on Instagram, and Facebook.   Peter Berke is planning more outreach and sponsorship participation for the event, and future WBR events.  Prizes for the Derby so far include the trip to Florida and $1000, Perret jewelry, Dinner at the Hartstone, A massage, Books by Paul Doiron, Fuller $150 car detailing, $100 Maine Sport gift certificate.  Let Pater or Barbara Heard know if you have leads for more prizes. May 28 in the afternoon is the planned time for the race.

 

Next week’s speaker will be new member Wendy Zwecker giving her classification talk. The students going to Japan will be here from the Middle School.

Read more...
March 10, 2016 West Bay Rotary
West Bay Rotary
Connecting Cultures
 
Gretchen Oster – Coordinator
Annabelle Williams
Sam Maltese
Sophie Ernst
Sarah Fisk
 
 
10 day trip
Tokyo (2 nights) & Aomori prefecture (10 days)
 
1889 Maine Ship ran aground off the coast
19 drowned and 4 were rescued
 
1994 Maine became a sister state
 
Student Ambassadors
Applicants must demonstrate core values
Grit, Kindness, self-control, responsibility
Must complete an essay
 
Serve as Goodwill Ambassadors
Learn about culture, promote friendship
 
100% of the cost of the trip is fundraised by the students – they have to raise $30,000
They have raised $27,000
If you wish to support them - visit Sendkidstojapan.com
CRMS – make checks payable
 
How many people applied – 34 applicants, 10 selected
 
 
Wendy Zwecker
Works at Camden Real Estate – they give lots of money to community groups
 
Early years are about change
Born in 1971 in Fort Riley Kansas
1 of 5 sisters
Lived at 7 army bases by the time she was 13
 
Learned that she needed to adapt to change quickly
 
During her high school years she immersed herself in academics, clubs and sports
 
Graduated with high honors in top 5% of my class
Learned that She had to work hard
College Years
Central Texas College
Moved back to Maine after 2 years
Resumed studies at University of Maine in Portland
 
Learned to be flexible and reevaluate her goals, remain positive
Mantra for life play as hard as you work and work as hard as you play.
 
Spent a lot of time outdoors.
 
Surrounded myself with people who liked to be outdoors
Moved to Camden Maine in 1995 after backpacking England and Ireland
 
Met husband Sam at that time – he was very grounding for her.
 
1996 – applied to MBNA
Quality Assurance
Fraud Liaison
Assistant Manager
 
Settled down and started a family – learned to manage time and responsibilities
 
3 daughters – all extremely athletics and outdoor driven
Zoe – Junior
Samantha – sophomore
Lea – 9 years old – missing her younger sisters.
 
Ragged mountain ski club
West Bay Rotary
MSSN – board of Directors
 
In 2005 she left MBNA and started working at Camden Res Estate
 
Wanted excitement, flexibility
Needed a challenge & wanted to have fun
 
Camden Real Estate fit the bill
 
One of the top producers since the birth of her daughter
Handle 20-30 sales per year
20 active buyers
 
FIL – Sal Zwecker – did not have any influence on her choice to join rotary
What brought you back to maine?  Just needed to get away & reconnect with herself
How long in real estate? 11 years
 
Next week
Leyman scott classification talk
Camden Conference students
 
John becoming a full member of Rotary
Buckets for Mason on a Mission – Susan leaves next week
 
Mark Masterson – community service
Hospitality House – crew went out to the basement of the barn – got some shelving installed, etc.
 
Habitat for humanity
House rebuild – all interior work, no heavy lifting
Need 6-7 more people in the afternoon.
 
Barry King – Bowl For Kids Sake – Big Brothers Big Sisters
Tom Albertson – April 23 – 9a – 2p – shred event – as well as electronic waste on a donation basis.
Read more...
February 25 Rotary Bulletin
February 25, 2016
Yachting Rotarians
 
Dan Bookham introduced Chris Richmond, Commodore, of the International Fellowship of Yachting Rotarians (IYFR)
Dan, Bruce and Chris are all members of the Bridge (Board of Directors) of the Yachting Rotarians
 
IYFR began in England in 1947
It is the oldest fellowship club in Rotary
There are 110 fleets in 4 districts across the globe.
3300 members in 34 countries
 
In 1956 the first International Committee was elected from Chicago
In 1964 the first independent meeting of the group was held
The local branch was established in 2006
 
Chris joined the group 4 years ago after working on the water for a decade.
Anyone can be a member – you do not have to own a boat, only have an interest in spending time on the water.  It is a reciprocal club across the world.
 
The goals of this group:
  1.  Share ideas
  2. Improve seamanship
  3. Provide support for rotary activities
  4. Make friends
 
There are many social activities on Penobscot Bay and on local lakes
 
Approximately 4 official meetings a year – held quarterly.
Annual Meeting – March 24 at the Owls Head Transportation Museum
The Keynote Speaker is Hanna Grey the project manager for the rebuild of the Schooner Bowdoin.  Anyone is welcome to attend. 
 
 
Q&A
 
Q.  Are there separate dues?
A.  Yes - $30/year
 
Q.  What is the commitment?
A.  It is pretty relaxed – maybe 4 meetings/year.  The Bridge meets about 6x per year.
 
Q.  How many members?
A. 30
Lisa Sojka and Ron Hall presented Bruce Malone with his 2 sapphire Paul Harris Fellow pin.
 
Vote for beneficiaries in Bangor Savings Bank “Community Matters More” Campaign
The bank gives out $1.3 annually
Top winner gets $5,000 / All nominees get $1,000
Vote online bangor.com/cmm
 
Barry King – Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for a team for Bowl for Kids Sake. 
April 10, 10a – 2p / Point Lookout
Barry will bring the pledge sheet for the event next week.
 
Deb Hitchings traveled to South Africa during an epic drought.  The rotary grant provided supplementary food for the orphanage and the high school.  She also provided 2 lunches including PB&J / hardboiled eggs and fried chicken.
 
West Bay Board Meeting
Wednesday, March 2
7:00 am
Anderson Inn
 
Upcoming Events
Habitat for Humanity build project – March 19
eWaste – April 23
 
Youth Exchange is looking for 4 host families
Do not need to have children
Do not have to be a Rotarian
2 hosting periods
August – January
January – July
 
A background check is required
Student can share a room, but must have their own bed
Can help to accommodate vacations if needed
There is no financial support for hosts because of the type of Visa they are traveling on.
 
Duck Derby Raffle
We have great items so far – definitely need more
 
 
 
 
Read more...
February 25 Rotary Bulletin
February 25, 2016
Yachting Rotarians
 
Dan Bookham introduced Chris Richmond, Commodore, of the International Fellowship of Yachting Rotarians (IYFR)
Dan, Bruce and Chris are all members of the Bridge (Board of Directors) of the Yachting Rotarians
 
IYFR began in England in 1947
It is the oldest fellowship club in Rotary
There are 110 fleets in 4 districts across the globe.
3300 members in 34 countries
 
In 1956 the first International Committee was elected from Chicago
In 1964 the first independent meeting of the group was held
The local branch was established in 2006
 
Chris joined the group 4 years ago after working on the water for a decade.
Anyone can be a member – you do not have to own a boat, only have an interest in spending time on the water.  It is a reciprocal club across the world.
 
The goals of this group:
  1.  Share ideas
  2. Improve seamanship
  3. Provide support for rotary activities
  4. Make friends
 
There are many social activities on Penobscot Bay and on local lakes
 
Approximately 4 official meetings a year – held quarterly.
Annual Meeting – March 24 at the Owls Head Transportation Museum
The Keynote Speaker is Hanna Grey the project manager for the rebuild of the Schooner Bowdoin.  Anyone is welcome to attend. 
 
 
Q&A
 
Q.  Are there separate dues?
A.  Yes - $30/year
 
Q.  What is the commitment?
A.  It is pretty relaxed – maybe 4 meetings/year.  The Bridge meets about 6x per year.
 
Q.  How many members?
A. 30
Lisa Sojka and Ron Hall presented Bruce Malone with his 2 sapphire Paul Harris Fellow pin.
 
Vote for beneficiaries in Bangor Savings Bank “Community Matters More” Campaign
The bank gives out $1.3 annually
Top winner gets $5,000 / All nominees get $1,000
Vote online bangor.com/cmm
 
Barry King – Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for a team for Bowl for Kids Sake. 
April 10, 10a – 2p / Point Lookout
Barry will bring the pledge sheet for the event next week.
 
Deb Hitchings traveled to South Africa during an epic drought.  The rotary grant provided supplementary food for the orphanage and the high school.  She also provided 2 lunches including PB&J / hardboiled eggs and fried chicken.
 
West Bay Board Meeting
Wednesday, March 2
7:00 am
Anderson Inn
 
Upcoming Events
Habitat for Humanity build project – March 19
eWaste – April 23
 
Youth Exchange is looking for 4 host families
Do not need to have children
Do not have to be a Rotarian
2 hosting periods
August – January
January – July
 
A background check is required
Student can share a room, but must have their own bed
Can help to accommodate vacations if needed
There is no financial support for hosts because of the type of Visa they are traveling on.
 
Duck Derby Raffle
We have great items so far – definitely need more
 
 
 
 
Read more...
February 4, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Making Change - Camden
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.
 
Read more...
January 28, 2016 Meeting
Stephanie Primm, Hospitality House

President Lisa led our meeting in the recently renovated parish hall. Kristen Lindquist introduced the speaker, Stephanie Primm, executive director of the Hospitality House, a program of Knox County Homeless Coalition.

 

Since opening almost two years ago on February 4, 2014, the organization has helped in some way over 1000 people, through shelter and/or comprehensive case management. 374 have moved into permanent housing. Their current caseload is just under 300, with 9 case managers. Upwards of 20% of their clients are fleeing domestic violence and many have suffered trauma and most have not graduated from high school. She shared the story of Nate, a toddler, and his mother, who were in the House for an extended period and now live in Warren and are receiving after-case programming to support their stability. They have a 12-passenger van and are providing transportation to school and work for their clientele. They provide tutors, mentoring through volunteer participation, and “life enrichment” field trips. An anonymous donor has funded groceries, which supplements the clients access the Area Interfaith Outreach food pantry.

 

Their budget is $1.4M and they receive some $400k in reimbursement from Mainecare, $100k from state housing authority, and the balance from individual and corporate philanthropy and foundations.

Donations of furniture or toys can be dropped off at the house between 9 and 4 on weekdays. 593-8151 is the number for the house. Having acquired a barn adjacent to the house with more than 10sf of space. They want to create a space of storage and distribution of food for people participating in their programs and will be looking for volunteer help and donations for that project. They have an ongoing need for normal cleaning supplies, toilet paper, auto supplies for car maintenance, phone, food and gas cards. Transportation and child care are the biggest barriers to stability for many of their clients.

 

President Lisa presented Stephanie with a check as well. Noel Cox also presented her with 4 large bags of children's books from her daughter who works in publishing.

 

Berglund, our exchange student from Iceland, made a presentation about her home country, a 40 square-mile island in the north Atlantic. The population is concentrated along the coast and capital, Rekyavik, and speak Danish, English and Norwegian. They use waterfalls for hydro power and of course, geothermal energy. She will be back in May to provide a longer presentation about her year here as an exchange student.

 

Maria Libby has earned her blue badge, having graduated from the Red Bagde program for new members.

 

Sandy Cox is organizing a Super Bowl 50, $10/square, to raise $750 to give to a charity, and there are $50 and $100 prizes. The club agreed that the funds should go to the Hospitality House.

Sign-ups are still available for shifts to help with car parking at the Toboggan Nationals Saturday and Sunday, February 6 and 7.

Mark Masterson is organizing the Chili Challenge and anyone who can't help with parking or at the event is asked to instead bake brownies for the dessert.

Ken Gardiner is still getting $50 and $100 sponsors.

Peter Berke announced he will make his year's project the Hospitality House.

Wednesday, February 2, 2016 at 7a the board meets at Anderson Inn, Quarry Hill, and all members are invited to Attend.

Next week, Making Change, Camden will be the program at the meeting.

 

Read more...
January 21, 2016 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Club Assembly

Buckets on the tables for the second week now are for Deb Hitching's trip to Q'loque Mtn. Connections in Africa and the orphanage there.

 

President Lisa conducted the quarterly Club Assembly.

 

Sandy Cox spoke about the Strategic Plan that he and a committee have been working on, including a survey to club members. 51 responded to the survey. One question about “active participation” on a committee drew discussion, because about one quarter of the club feels it is not actively participating on a committee. There was a discussion about what could help to facilitate greater committee participation, like chairs providing information about meeting dates and times on the website and through social media. Currently, when committee meetings are announced at club meetings, they are generally included in the weekly bulletin.

 

Members mostly feel they are well represented in board decisions. Posting the agenda and/or minutes of board meetings on a member-only access area of the website was discussed.

 

Overwhelmingly positive sentiments were expressed about programs and fundraising activities, family involvement and dues structure. Dues have not been increased in 10 years.

 

Most members feel their experience as a Rotarian in West Bay is good or very good, and feel the same about the effectiveness of the club. People feel mostly positive about communication within the club. Some like the idea of a paper flyer with upcoming dates of committee meetings and events. People feel good about the breakfast offering.

 

Mark Masterson announced that the February 6 Chili challenge needs volunteers for decorating, set up and to provide brownies. Steve Dailey is organizing the car parking effort that earns the club between 5 and 7 thousand dollars. He's also looking for volunteers for 3-hour shifts. There are sign-up sheets at the meeting.

 

International Committee meets at 8a on Wednesday, January 27 at the Congregational Church.

 

A meeting for new members is being planned for February 24 in the evening.

 

Next week's speaker is Stephanie Prinn

Read more...
West Bay Rotary Meeting January 14, 2016
January 14, 2015
West Bay Rotary
 
Alison McKellar
NuDay Syria
 
Alison McKellar has never been to Syria, has no connection or interest in the region until very recently.
She has been involved in lots of volunteer and humanitarian relief, she felt committed to work in Latin America.  The Middle East seemed too complicated.  She perpetrated stereotypes about the complicated nature of the scenario in the Middle East.
 
In 2011 some headlines caught her eye when the Syrian revolution started. They were protesting 40 years of the Assad dictatorship.  Protestors took to the streets and hoped that it would be like the fall of Egypt.  Protestors believed that they would be safe because it would be on social media.  Started watching more closely – basic demands of free & open elections caught Alison’s attention.
 
Watched as this spiraled into the worst humanitarian effort of our generation.  Could this be the Holocaust of our generation?  She was concerned about what people going to say about us in history? 
 
She didn’t want to look back and say that she didn’t think she could do anything – she didn’t want to be a bystander.  There was only so much money that she could donate to other organizations. She began to get a reputation for having some level of expertise on this topic.  She was invited to speak to the Amnesty International course in the High School – talked about how we should be doing more.  They said we’d like to donate teddy bears to a refugee camp & she kind of thought it was a little silly.  She search and found NuDay Syria – take gently used clothing, medical supplies, food – etc and send it in shipping containers.  Did some research and found that they had sent a lot of useful materials.
 
She worked with the high school and completed a donation drive at the high school and they delivered it to Nashua. 
 
Alison always believed that in kind contributions weren’t actually going anywhere. 
 
Then she learned that it costs $6,000 to send 40 foot shipping container – on that container they can send $100,000-$200,000 in in kind donations.  NuDay Syria has sent more than any other organization.
 
After spending a day in NH packing up a shipping container Allison became more engaged in the process.  There is proof that it helps and it raises the bar at the acceptable level of participation.
 
She has taken 10 loads of donations to NH
Every time they need a larger truck
People in the community have been very generous
 
How do you know that Isis doesn’t get it – we can’t operate where there is regime presence or Isis.  It limits where they can take things.  There are lots of displaced people trying to get to Turkey – lots of camps in NW Syria.
 
What other types of things can you send?
Had the idea to collect boat shrink wrap.  It is really useful stuff.  It has be unrolled, cleaned – its hard to get folks to realize that we aren’t collecting scraps. Use for tenting or ground cover
Have started to use the shrink wrap in hospitals for infection prevention
 
We have gotten to a point that people are really interested in helping.
We send cards, make blankets – there is something for many people to do.
It’s not just the value of the item that we are sending – it’s the education around students reflecting on what these folks need.
 
Recycled items that are going to the transfer station – crutches, walkers, buckets, PVC pipes, wheel chairs.  They also lend crutches out to the community here if needed.
Camden and Hope Fire Departments donated old turn out gear.
 
Looking for a warehouse space to use –
 
People want to be able to give the useful things that they don’t need to someone.  Even if the materials aren’t eventually going to Syria but can be distributed to others in the community.
 
Pen Bay & Waldo County Hospitals
So wonderful – but there’s stuff that we can’t send to Syria. Wants to do better as a community to not waste so much useful stuff.
 
She realized that there was so much that she didn’t know.  You get the opportunity to meet so many people.
 
Q & A
Where is the drop off?
79 Mechanic Street, Camden
 
What can people do in the community?
Phone calls –
Call companies for donations
Boxes, tape, sleeping bags
 
Who is distributing the contents in Syria?
Originally it was grass roots even in Syria – now it’s a lot more managed.  With some paid staff. 
 
Paul Harris Award given to Alison McKellar.
She has proven that anyone can make a difference.  Picking something in the community and putting your energy, heart & soul into it. 
 
Buckets on the tables for fried chicken dinner – Deb Hitchings headed to Lasuto concerned about what is being called an epic drought.  They’re subsistence farmers and they haven’t been able to plant crops.  River and water tank is dry.  Increasing the emergency food fund – they survive because of their livestock.
 
Taking 100 pairs of shoes on this trip for orphans.
 
Nat – To support Interact trip to Guatemala
Rockport roofline by T. Allen Lawson - $10 for 1 ticket.  $50 for 6
Drawing tonight.  Etienne’s necklace.
 
Duck Derby
 
Next week Club Assembly
Service Above Self