June 21, 2018 Meeting of West Bay Rotary

Tuesday is the deadline to sign up for the year-end dinner at the Samoset on Friday, June 29. Let George Abendroth know if you want to go and haven't yet registered.

Buckets on the table are for the Knox County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.

Mik introduced our speaker Melissa Bellew, new Executive Director of the YMCA, who is also a Rotarian. Originally from Kentucky, she is retired from the practice of law, including criminal practice. She has been a Rotarian in Kentucky, New York and now Maine, and is a member of the Rockland Rotary. She worked for a YMCA in NY at the largest  Y in the country, and in Schenectady/Troy. She moved here in February, and the Rockport Y is the second-largest in Maine, behind Portland's Casco Bay Y. Their finances need to cover expanding access to programs to those who are less fortunate.  YMCA HQ is in Chicago. A focus is on programs like LiveStrong, which a partnership with the LiveStrong foundation in Austin, TX, a 12-week donor-funded personal training program for up to 10 cancer survivors, and includes a family membership, for 90 days. Jump-Start your weight loss is another focus, 8, 10 or 12 weeks involving personal trainers and guidance for healthy choices around nutrition and exercise. Pedaling for Parkinsons is the third focus, a Cleveland Clinic neurology program, to involve Parkinsons patients pedaling 3 times a week, now proven to reduce tremors. The Pen Bay Y will be the training Y, the first Y to have the program in Maine. These are the evidence-based initiatives on which the Y is focusing. Youth Development is another area the national office is promoting. Summer camp started yesterday at the Y, and there are 1400 children involved at the 5 camps this summer.  Another expansion is child care, infant care in Rockport and Rockland, and in Lincolnville will be new, serving Hope and Lincolnville, at their school. There are 17 Y's in Maine, and they work to keep their fees comparable. 

Bob Rubin mentioned Christmas Tree sales, which have been ordered, and is looking for a volunteer with a plow or snowblower to help with lot clearing when the club is selling trees in December. 

Leamon Scott has more posters for the Maine Boats & Homes show, see him if you want one to post at your business or in the area.

Jim Potter reported on the awarding of scholarships at the CHRHS graduation this year. 
Etienne has gone to Toronto to set up the booth on stoves at the International Convention.

Kristen awarded EREY stickers for the current year reflecting participation in foundation giving at the $100 or above level.

Susan Dorr announced they have wrapped up their projects for the year and encouraged people who have been on the committee to stay on the committee. She wants the club to consider other opportunities to address crisis situations around the globe and in our country. 

Joan Lemole does not need any more old Rotarian magazines, but encourages people to ask places that have waiting rooms if they would be willing to have a Rotarian magazine in their waiting room, and then let Joan know.

RYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership Award, a weekend program akin to an international outdoor experiential program for people age 21 to 35, needs nominations. Let Mik know.

Next week's speaker is Tom Peaco from the Penobscot Bay Chamber.