Rotary Classification Presentation: Cindy and Larry Christman
Cindy is began in Detroit moving to Anna Maria Island and later to Ft Meyers, She and Larry met while working in same healthcare system. Cindy has a son (who also works in healthcare), is registered nurse. She has worked in many different areas of the hospital setting and ended up as the executive director of home health agency. Cindy retired in March of 2014. Cindy is also a Kiwanis member. Cindy and Larry have been married 18 years.
Larry hails from Ohio, moving to Ft Meyers as an adult. He has 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters, is a 20 year rotary member (Jackson TWP in Canton OH and Noblesville Rotary). Larry has worked in business/finance, as an auditor with Medicare, a CFO, turn around consultant and interim management and retired in October of 2016.
The pair honeymooned in Camden 18 years ago while traveling the Northeast on a B&B tour. They bought a house in Camden 12 years ago. They enjoy hiking, kayaking, wine tasting, foodie adventures, traveling and walking sandy beaches.
Committees Reports:
Barbara: By next week, all the bags will be packed! Ray secured a $100 gift card from Walmart to add to the pot. Reny’s and Walmart may partner with our backpack program next year!
Noel presented Mike Moore with a Sapphire Paul Harris Award for the all the wonderful work he has performed with international projects. Noel and Mike have worked on a number of projects over the years.
Satellite club: Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 515 at 40 Paper in Camden
International: meeting Tuesday, 8 am at the church, they are looking for projects
Community Service: Rotarians worked with Habitat last Saturday, more events for September and October. Upcoming projects are chamber decking and snow bowl painting, looking for more service projects. Meetings are 0730, second Wednesday at Camden Law Practice, 20 Mechanic Street in Camden.
Bruce: Chowder Challenge next week! Still need volunteers for 1-3 shift on Saturday and a few more at 9 am Sunday to help tear down. Looking, also, for additional sponsors, get in touch with Leamon by early next week.
Leamon: Bob, Leamon and Suzanne would like to thank everyone who volunteered at the Home and Boat Show! All went very well, if you have observations good or bad; send Leamon an email by next week. This is Great Publicity for our club!
Fellowship: Tiki time, September 7, Mike Moore in Owls Head. We will be moving Tiki time to restaurant venues once the weather turns chilly!
Progressive dinner: September 22, $5 / person (to assist in beverage costs), cocktails begin as a whole group at 5 pm, and then we divide up for the main courses, ending around 8ish as a whole group again for desserts and merriment! Please consider being a Host House (if you have space for 10ish people) or possibly co-hosting! All guests provide appetizers or desserts.
Sandy: Polio walk with Camden on October 20 or 27, more details next week
Kristin: Rotary Book club (in combination with Camden club), September 11, 430p at library, ‘The Feather Thief’
Mary: September 6 meeting will be with the District Governor. September 5th, 6 pm board meeting. Get committee reports to George by Monday.
Next week speaker Bob Trapani, American Lighthouse Federation.
Buckets on the table are for the Shields Mission Program.
Paul Rogers, Expedition Cruise to Antarctica
February, 2007, my wife and 3 couples took a once in a lifetime cruise to Antarctica! We visited South Georgia Island, Falkland Islands and other wonderful places but would like to share the South Georgia portion of the trip. Antarctica is the fifth largest continent, 5 million square miles and doubles in size during the cold months. With less than two of inches precipitation a year, Antarctica earns the nickname Crystal Desert. There are no people living permanently on this continent, only some researchers that mostly populate during the summer months, with temperatures running 30 to minus 30 degrees. The travelers toured the areas on National Geographic’s ship, the Endeavour. A smaller ship that allowed travelers a more intimate cruise experience and easier access to the shore lines of the islands. South Georgia only allows 100 passengers at a time to step onto the Island which worked out well since there were only 100 passengers aboard. All were considered tourists, however, some doubled as Naturalists as well. South Georgia Island is 1,270 miles from Cape Horn and the surrounding waters support a productive food chain, a smorgasbord of sea food bringing in many sea birds, whales, seals and other wildlife. Scenery is dramatic. The island is 106 miles long and 25 miles wide and battered by storms with a mountain range that protects one side where wildlife thrives.
King penguins are the most entertaining, coming in at 3 feet in height, 25-35 pounds and are year round residents. They have no fear of humans and are very curious and social animals. Laying a single egg, every couple of years, they require no nest; just place the egg on their feet. Other wildlife include Macaroni penguins, which nest farther way from shore; Southern Giant Petrel, with sheaths on their beaks, to extend scent and expel salt water; Wandering Albatross, where long liners fishing boats result in 100,00 deaths of albatross each year. Fur seal population is rebounding on South Georgia Island (3.5 million), Southern Elephant seal, the largest of the seals weighing in at 8000 pounds for males (20 feet in length) and 2000 pounds females (12 feet in length). Reindeer, not native to the island, were brought in for non-seafood fare, but have since been removed. Shackleton’s journey and abandoned whaling sites were explored. Whale, once big business, populations now are recovering as well. Again, a once in a life time experience!
Committee reports
Barbara: $1500 raised for backpack program! Bags have been distributed and there are some left over for late arrivals. Invite you to think about providing snacks for children in need as well, discussion to follow.
Deb Hitchings: Shield Mission Program provides assistance with fuel, housing, transport, medical issues. September’s table buckets will help with this donation.
Mary: The board recommends Loriman Looke for membership, no objections.
International: May be shifting meeting day to a Monday, more discussion to come
EREY: Sandy Cox, Deb Hitchings, Noel Cox, Mik Mikkelsen
Interact: Meeting changed to Monday after school starting sept 10th, looking to increase numbers.
Fellowship: Progressive dinner, $5 fee for drinks
Leamon: 2nd year for annual sponsorship program, time for renewal. Would like to thank Vanderbilt Beach Resort, Rockport Automotive and Camden Accommodations!
Bruce: Chowder Challenge this weekend, rain or shine! Great shape on volunteers! See you there!
Bob Rubin: Christmas trees sales in the 26th year! Will be held again at Maine Sport! We need a snow blower/person to clear the lot. Orders are in for the trees! See Ray for garland pre-orders.
Mary: Wednesday, September 5th, the board will be meeting at Lord Camden Inn, 6pm, come early for appetizers!
Tiki Time: Mike Moore, next September 7th, in Owls Head
Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. Plagued with health issues, water issues, education etc. In 2001, Dr. Susan Wilson went to Tanzania to help children who lost parents due to high numbers of HIV infection. She began raising funds to assist in finding homes for children, which led to identifying unsafe water supplies for communities. Work began with a water project in Karagwe. Rotarians visited the area, armed with soccer balls, dresses, Lucy lights, mosquito nets and additional funding to assist in building safe water sources for communities, churches and schools. At 6000 ft elevations, traveling on bad roads and long days, Rotarians visited schools and communities and found there were need for water and toilets (Tumaini funds working to assist with this project). They found that communities often had no electricity and survived by subsistence living. The visitors met with district commissioners, bishops and community members.
The funding they collected was used not only to provide clean water but also to build new houses. Some water projects were built to provide treated water while some were built to just provide clean water.
70 shallow wells ($5000), 18 feet deep were dug out by community members. Sewing and carpentry schools provide learning and skill building for youth who cannot aford additional schooling.
1.8 billion people lack access to clean water, Watermission has worked on over 2300 projects, their current project will provide clean, treated water to 8,000 people, requiring a second phase that will extend a pipeline and storage volume as well as building new toilets. (estimate $50K). Rotarians are invited to consider joining a trip back to Tanzania in 2020.
Committee Reports
Backpack project: Barbara will start shopping next week and invites cash donations at this time.
Tiki time: Friday night, Roberta and Gary Walker’s. Wine, beer and soft drinks provided. Snacks are welcome.
Progressive dinner: Please sign up!
Community service: Decking project in Oct, toboggan chute in Sept, Habitat project this Saturday
Chowder Challenge: In just 2 weeks! Need volunteers for 0900 setup on Thursday and tear down at 0900 Sunday.
Membership: Joan will meet with prospective individuals followed by a meeting with the membership committee, once completed, the committee will present to the club.
Mary/Sarah: The satellite club continues to meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. They have nearly completed the application paperwork. 8 individuals are ready to sign up for membership.
Mary: The District Governor is coming to the Camden area the first of week of September and will be meeting with clubs and attending board meetings. There will be a Sept 5 evening board meeting at Lord Camden Inn. Committee chairs, please turn in your reports to George by the Monday before the meeting.
Joan Phaup, Rotary District 7790 International Youth Exchange Chair
August 08, 2018
Buckets on the table are for the backpack program.
Joan Phaup, Rotary District 7790 International Youth Exchange Chair
Joan has a life-long interest in international youth exchange and is currently working to grow Rotary’s involvement in the RI Short Term Exchange Program, also known as STEP. The short term exchange usually lasts a summer where the long term (not running at this time) is 10 months.
The program has life changing impact on both students and families; it promotes the ideals of peace as well as providing an opportunity for young people to explore international travel. The short term program started in 1927 while the later long term program began in 1958. There are currently 28 countries the students can choose from. This year, there are 3 students this year exchanging with Spain, Japan and Belgium. ESSEX (Eastern States Student Exchange) oversees the program that stretches from the Carolinas to Quebec, matching students and assisting volunteer committees. Many of the students have shared that the program has changed how they see the world, experienced new cultures, gained confidence and increased international travel as well as performed more service work.
You do not need to have a teenager to volunteer for this program! There are opportunities to serve on local committees, inform families of process and counsel students upon arrival. This involvement is no cost to the clubs. The plan is to build this program district wide and expand opportunities for teens. They are always welcoming new volunteers!
Committee reports
Barbara: 60 Backpacks are in! Cash donations are welcome; there is a great need for more packs (Hospitality House is looking for 91)
Mary presents 2 new members: Larry and Cindy Chrisman sponsored Roberta and Gary Walker.
Foundation: Etienne presented EREY to Kim Milton and Marty Martens
Community service: Looking for volunteers, August 18th, 8-12 Habitat for Humanity sign up, location will be communicated next week.
Fellowship: Roberta reported that there will be a progressive dinner this year, September 22, beginning with appetizers at the Dresser home, signup sheets will be out next week, (looking for hosts, co-hosts and food items to share). Anticipate 8-10 people in each group!
Tiki Time: August 17, 5:00 pm, at the home of Roberta and Gary Walker.
Bruce: Chowder Challenge signup is ready, Sept 1. Need volunteers for set up (August 31), day of and tear down. The event is seeking additional sponsors as well!
Home and Boat Show: Leamon and Bob, Begins Friday! Wear your Rotary bling! West Bay Rotary has participated in the show since 2004! This is a great opportunity to get our faces out into the local community. Arrive early (at least 15 minutes), go to the will call booth first and remember to take pictures (send to Deb Fink)!
Administration: Ken Thanks the setup/take down volunteers! They do a wonderful job! If you have comments regarding foods, please let Ken know!
Next week’s speaker: Mike Moore, Tanzania Projects
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.
George Abendroth is circulating a sign up for Rotary t-shirts. There’s a year-end dinner on Friday June 29 at the Samoset for which people are also asked to sign-up.
Buckets on the table are for the Knox County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.
Today’s speaker, Rich Ash, on technical theater at CHRS, the Noises Off production. He’s been teaching for 40 years, starting in New Zealand, then Medomak Valley, and now CHRHS, and he brought several members of the student body and a member of the alumni. He shared a slide show of the making of the set for the latest production, including making a stage, which needed to be able to turn 180 degrees between scenes. Swivels, brakes and supports, with staircases for a second story, 7 doors, trying to reuse as much of prior scenes as possible. Art department people lend a hand as well. This year’s show included a 3-course dinner (with scenes in between courses) to give time for the extensive set changes. He shared slides of the night sky creation. Students design the set, and they do not have plans provided for them. Engineers have been called into service for help. In some years, set pieces have been sold to other schools. Current and former students talked about their experiences in scene design and construction.
Mik welcomed Kevin Abendroth as a new member, proposed by his father, George Abendroth.
Leamon Scott announced the boat show plans are underway, and has posters for the event showing West Bay Rotary as a sponsor.
Etienne shared EREY stickers. He also mentioned Peace Centers, in places like Duke, Bangkok, Brisbane, Upsala, and from our district 2 people have been sent to study conflict resolution.
Kristen Lindquist is organizing a trip June 23 to Monhegan, taking the 10:30a but from Port Clyde. People need to get their own boat tickets and if they want to stay overnight, reservations on the island.
Next week's speaker is the new YMCA Executive Director, Melissa Bellew.
Buckets on the table for the month will be contributed to the Knox County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.
Sherry Cobb, Area Interfaith Outreach, spoke regarding Hunger in Knox County. She came to speak about the Backpack program, which is focused on feeding children on the weekends. AIO is the Food Pantry in Rockland that serves all of Knox County and also provides emergency assistance with heating costs, up to $300 per year per household.
They have a voucher desk and a food pantry. 3,200 families have been served since October, including over 8,000 people. 35% of households have children, 40% have at least one senior citizen. Many are having to choose whether to pay for food, utilities, rent or medical care. The rate of food insecurity is increasing and Maine's is higher than the national average (16.4% versus 13%). In Maine food insecurity has grown 20% in 10 years. Many of the people they serve are working families so they have hours beyond their 9:30a - 12p Monday-Wednesday-Friday weekday hours to accommodate them. They see that demand goes down in the summer when employment rates are at their highest due to the tourist trade. She also spoke about Community Investors of Knox County which is an on-line resource for people who want to help families in difficult straits. You can visit them on Facebook or write to knoxcommunityinvestors@gmail.com. Their coalition of organizations vetting the requests include United Midcoast Charities, who is also the program's fiscal sponsor. They get one request a week.
The percentage of children whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch are 50% at Oceanside Middle and 64% at South Elementary. Camden schools are 23%.
The weekend backpack program started 3 years ago, and they put the packs together on Thursday morning and distribute them Friday. Food distributions from Good Shepherd Food Bank are delivered to Knowlton Van Lines, then distributed by truck to each of the food pantries every month. Weekly volunteers pack more than 350 backpacks in about 35 minutes and they are then distributed to the various schools. In addition to the 17 schools they now serve in year three of their program, they hope to expand to Appleton, Hope, Lincolnville, Camden Middle and Medomak Middle Schools. FMI or to make a donation visit www.​knoxadoptabackpack.org, and their mailing address is AIO, PO Box 113, Rockland, ME 04841​. $225 per child per school year is the cost of a backpack.
​Tonite is the awards night at the CHRHS graduation and Jim Potter will be attending on behalf of the club. Kevin Abendroth is a proposed new member.
Doug Curtis from the Rockland Club came to speak about the DG's visit to Rockland for the Rotary year-end combined club event, and the Wheelchair project in Bolivia and Ecuador. Joan updated that we have $1000 from the International Committee and over $900 from the dinner, and a total of more than $3000 for the project from the West Bay Rotary Club.
Friday June 29 2018 is the annual dinner at the Samoset, and there is a sign up being circulated at meetings. $35 per person, 6p reception, 7p dinner.
​Ira Mandel spoke about the Recovery Coalition, and is seeking financial and volunteer support. He had sheets for people to complete and sign to indicate their support.
Leni Gronross and Kristen Lindquist are coordinating a Saturday June 23 joint Camden/West Bay club trip to Monhegan. There is no sign up, but people should join the 10:30a boat from Port Clyde (Monhegan Boat Line, you can buy tix on line) returning at 4:30p unless you want to stay overnight, which you will also need to make arrangements to do. See Kristin for details.
Rick Ash will be next week's speaker.
​Bruce Peel will be organizing for the Chili Challenge at the Windjammer Festival over Labor Day weekend, and will have announcements coming up soon.
Nancy Frohlic, founder of LEAPS was our speaker. Learning in a context in which teacher and student become passionate about learning, and learning in a collaborative setting supported that. Shared her 2nd grade experience as a teacher and later as school administrator. Teaching is the opportunity to change a child's life, and help them see that they can make the world a better place. She worked in impoverished schools to create learning spaces where children could use their imaginations and build upon the established curricula, including Vinalhaven, using art to teach children to collaborate, think deeply, take risks and appreciate the beauty of the earth.
Upon retirement and moving to Maine from Boston, she used her passion to take action. Her early career involved using ancient Greek culture and art in elementary school. She worked then for 17 years as Head of School on Beacon Hill in a diversely populated elementary school.When she came to Maine she had not set foot in a public school for many years. She went to Thomaston's Laura Libby school and proposed LEAPS of Imagination to integrate the arts, expand arts education, improve thinking skills. The underlying theme is environmental sustainability and social justice. the method involves journaling. They investigate nature, do artwork and express what is meaningful to them and their passions, connecting self to nature. They have also had the program at the St. George school. They involve the artistic process of critique to learn about feedback. Cushing Community School is another place where LEAPS has had programs. Funding comes from places like the Davis Family Foundation, RSU 13, St. George, Partners in Education for Vinalhaven, about 50% from public schools. A group of 2nd and 4th graders recently visited the Langlais Sculpture Garden in Cushing in a day-long field trip. The program is in its 5th year in 4 schools, 5 programs a year, and continue to feel strongly that they are changing children's lives and shared examples of the art and what the children said about their experiences.
Jim Potter shared the scholarship awards make this year, three will be invited to come speak at the holidays, and several other scholarships were awarded from two other trusts for which the clubs serves as selection committee.
Special Olympics at CHRS had about 15 West Bay Rotarians and about 1500 participants on a beautiful day last Friday.
Etienne recognized EREY donors, for their annual $100 gift to the Rotary Foundation.
Mary Sargent reported on the District Conference recently held and the club got recognition. It was a 5 District meeting. The club was recognized by with the Rotary Foundation Award, 3rd place in the district for per capita giving to the Foundation, participation in End Polio Now, Gold Citation from the DG for dedication to Rotary International.
Mark Coursey had scheduled painting of lamposts on Saturday which is now being postponed until after the Duck Derby.
Peter Berke reminded us that the Derby is Saturday the 26th at 11:30a, and he has a few volunteer slots open for the day of the event.
Joan Lemole reminded us of the Mexican Dinner on Thursday the 24th at the Penobscot School, let her know if you want to go. Deadline is Monday, More information at www. Penobscot.us under cultural events.
Susan Dorr announced a meeting next Tuesday morning of the International Committee.
Next week's speaker is Tom Rodman, McLean Cottage.
Deb Fink shared a video of March activities including Mark Masterson's last meeting, PETS training, Brew Fellowship, Habitat work day, Duck Derby Planning,
Etienne Perret recognized several members for their participation in EREY, Every Rotarian Every Year, support for the Rotary Foundation.
Mark Coursey has a sign-up sheet for Special Olympics at CHRHS
Light post painting is being planned for the weekend of the 18th of May.
Peter Berke announced Habitat is having an auction at 16 Bayview, $35 per person auction this Friday.
Peter is looking for volunteers for the weekend slots to sell tickets this weekend at Camden National at Hannaford Plaza and at French and Brawn. He's also looking for volunteers for the day of the event, May 26 at 11:30a. He has sign up sheets and you can get in touch with him outside meetings, too. He has flyers and road signs as well as magnetic car signs.
Audra Caler-Bell, Town Manager, was a no-show for our meeting's presenter.
Jan Campbell told a story about a dream as a child of having a green MG and the story of a man who drove a Miata when it's engine head melted, and how when he brought it into the shop and she bought it for $250 and her shop rebuilt it. This was how she discovered her passion for the business of car repair. She bought the business from former West Bay Rotarian Steve Dixon, and she decided eventually to do the Giving Back program involving $5 per oil change which has amounted to $25,000 in giving to community organizations. She believes that the business of car repair involves educating people about what's going on with their car and safety. She started the Sisterhood of Automotive Knowledge, which is a car care clinic. This year it's May 24, the same night as the Penobscot School Dinner to support the Wheelchair Project.
Tom Albertson reported that Ewaste went very well, and thanked everyone in the club who helped. He said around $4,000 was raised.
Mary Sargent indicated Smile Train has recognized Rotary gifts.
Etienne announced progress in the Grants sought by the club for One Less Worry and Friends House.
Joan Lemole is encouraging members to contribute their Rotarian Magazines for distribution in waiting areas to help raise awareness and promote membership in Rotary.
Joan is also planning the dinner at the Penobscot School on May 24 to support the 500 Wheelchairs to be sent to those in need in impoverished areas.
Yachting Rotarians are meeting tonight at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, hosted by Dan Bookham.
Buckets on the table are for the District Wheelchair project.
Kristen Lindquist introduced Don Reimer, a life-long birder from Warren. He leads field trips for birding and coordinates the Christmas bird counts in the area. He writes a regular column in the Free Press on birding. He considers himself world famous between Damariscotta and Belfast, Maine. Don Reimer talked about owls, including Snowy Owls which were prolific a few winter's ago. He shared slides with Snowy Owl images from the area. They favor areas with barrens, where they can hunt. Owls gravitate towards airports and they are relocated to safer areas. Great Grey Owls don't nest in Maine, but do come to Maine. Adults are almost 3 feet tall, but scrawnier than their Snowy cousins. There are only 4 species of owl that nest here, the Great Horned, Barred Owl, Long Ear and Sawed Owl. You know Rotarians have strong stomachs! Despite being a breakfast meeting, we were treated to many pictures of owl pellets, which are the regurgitated, undigested animals eaten by owls. And owls hit by cars, lying dead in the road still clutching their prey. The Maine Owl Survey program took place from about 2002 for ten years, and participants tried to find places with varied habitat at least a mile apart. He did an area between Somerville and Palermo. They would survey the weather, vehicle traffic and other environmental conditions of the places where they would listen for owl calls and record that information and the calls at each place, playing a tape of owls calling, too, to prompt the owls to answer.
Susan Dorr shared slides from her recent trip to Mexico and 5 water fountains that Rotary has provided to communities in the Yucatan near Valladolid. 4 of them were provided through District grants.
Deb Hitchings spoke about the 3 African students in Lesotho, including Nsebo, whom the club has sponsored for many years.
Tom Albertson reminded us that Ewaste is Saturday, 9a - 2p at the old RES site on West Street in Rockport. Volunteers are meeting Friday afternoon at 3:30 for setting up cones and planning.
Peter Berke has Duck Derby volunteer sign up sheets, and said there were 7 prizes and 8 sponsors for the race on May 26.
Mary Sargent will preside at next week's meeting in Mik's absence.
Gary and Roberta Walker are going to fund two Paul Harris Fellow's to be given to non-Rotarians selected by the Community Service Committee starting in the next Rotary year.
Next week's speaker: Paul Sampson will be speaking about small woodlots.
6p Thursday May 24 is the dinner to support the Wheelchair Project at the Penobscot School. See Joan Lemole for tickets
Brian Robinson spoke about Evergreen Home Performance making buildings perform better, which can be a challenge with some of the nation's oldest housing stock. By "better" they mean safe, healthy and comfortable. They have the means to analyze and diagnose issues that impair optimal heat, air and moisture conditions of the home.
Thermal loss is analyzed, which is related to R-Values, directly proportionate to the heat efficiency of a building. They also analyze the movement of air within the house. Ice dams and icicles are evidence of heat escape, can result in unhealthy moisture inside from leaks and drywall damage. He shared examples of some of the projects they have undertaken for clients in the area to improve the insulation and moisture control, including blow-in insulation, seal and insulating the duct work, attic, spray foam and vapor barrier for the basement walls, perimeter drains, sump pumps, all with minimal impact on exterior or interior views. He referred to these as efficiency and comfort retrofits. They evaluate the most substantial improvements, based on the client's desire for comfort and/or energy-saving/efficiency measures. Tax credits for 2018 work are uncertain, but have been available in the past.
Tom Albertson spoke about E Waste scheduled for April 21, which is being promoted on Facebook, and he has a sign-up for volunteer opportunities. Banners are going up. Special projects in the morning will be moving tables from the Rockport Boat Club and temporary road signs, greeters; shifts are 8:30-11:30 and 11:30 to 2:30p. There will be shredding, electronic waste, cash for clothes and prescription drug disposal. Midcoast Solid Waste will be doing paint disposal in June.
Peter Berke shared some video footage from his recent helicopter ski vacation to Canadian Rockies, in the Cariboos, British Columbia. The trip was a gift from his brother.
Peter Berke is planning the Duck Derby for May on Saturday the 26th. Bangor Savings, Allen Agency, Camden Law and Atlantic Painting are sponsors already and he's looking for more. Florida trip, jewelry from Etienne Perret, hotel stays, gift cards and other prizes are being secured, and a duck counting party is coming up. Tickets will be available at the Business Showcase on April 11 at the Samoset, and we'll start selling tickets after EWaste.
Leamon Scott said members will receive via email a promotion of the sponsorship opportunities, with $150 and $250 opportunities, and would like us to share prospect names and contact information with him.
Mark Coursey announced a community service opportunity on Friday May 11 to help with Special Olympics at CHRHS at shifts starting around 8a, and he has sign-up sheets at the club.
Joan Lemole is working on a project with Ellsworth to send 500 wheelchairs to Bolivia and Equador and will be a dinner at Penobscot Language School on Thursday May 24 and donations may also be made to the West Bay Rotary Charitable Foundation.
Etienne, Mary Sargent and Mik will be going to RI Convention in Toronto and have voting rights.
Next week's speaker is from the Salmon Federation.
Buckets on the table will support the Interact Club's Safe Passage trip.
Bruce Peal introduced the speaker, who is his cousin and a resident of North Yarmouth. A volunteer-run lending library for musical instruments, approx. 70, from woodwinds to brass, strings, percussion and keyboards. A cello, oboe, french horn, trumpets, trombones, violins, bassoons, oboes, and tuba are included in their instrument inventory.
Most requested is fractional violins, which are used for young children to begin learning the violin. They work with area band directors who know which children are looking for instruments and may not be able to afford rent or buying one. Only about 25% of their inventory is loaned currently.
After initially focusing just on providing instruments, they moved into instruction and work with adaptive situations, and have shifted back to just instruments.
Often older people who had previously played an instrument bring theirs in for reconditioning and for the exchange to use. It is expensive to recondition instruments, which is where their fundraising is largely dedicated. It started as an experiment but the program is now in its 8th year. They find that kids often change their minds, so making the program lending, rather than selling or giving the instruments to kids works best. The program makes playing an instrument more affordable for those with economic challenges. Children have to certify that they would otherwise not be able to afford to rent or buy an instrument. He gets to visit the band directors and the kids and sees the music programs growing and vibrant. The instrument is theirs to use for 2 years or longer, if necessary. Reeds, mouthpices, strings are generally the student's responsibility to replace. They want to get more students to apply, and have not seen any from Knox County. Their website is www.theinstrumentexchange.org.
Deb Fink shared slides of activities of the club over the past few months.
The club is sponsoring Lindsey Lowe for a short term exchange program to go to Poland. The project involves no financial commitment from the club. PETS training is this weekend in Quebec.
April 11 Business and Community Expo from 2-7p at the Samoset.
Next week is the Club Assembly, and Mik encouraged people to attend.
Memberships is working to find new ways to attract members. Chair Joan Lemole would like to recycle Rotarian magazines as part of their efforts and asks that members bring those to meetings to give to her.
Community Service had to reschedule, and will meet next week at Quarry Hill, check with Mark Coursey for details.
Peter Berke is working on lining up sponsors for the Duck Derby.
Thursday May 24 there will be a Mexican-themed dinner to raise funds for the Wheelchair project at the Penobscot School.
A member of the Rockland Rotary came to promote their Bass Derby April 21.
Mike Pierce announced that the Interact club is close to reaching their fundraising goal, Monday night at the Drouthy Bear there will be an auction and refreshments event at 5:30p.
Buckets on the table are for the Interact club's trip to Safe Passage this spring.
Shawn Doll is the special events manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters (BB/BS) Mid Maine. Shawn is from Bangor, went to UMO, worked for MBNA then Bank of America, and had served on the BB/BS board. The organizations matches "littles" with "Bigs" in 7 counties across Maine with 9 staff that oversee the matches between mentors and children, who are often severely disadvantaged and live in unstable home environments. 92% of kids are facing some level of poverty, truancy and general lack of guidance and trust. Last year 739 kids were in matches in Maine. As of July 2017, Gwendolyn Hudson is the new Executive Director. Over 200 kids in Knox/Lincoln/Waldo county area. Staff meet monthly with matches and has had no reported instances of child safety. Golf for Kids Sake and Bowl for Kids Sake are their two major events that raise about $350,000 each year. It involved 22 events over the 7 counties. He provided some materials including stories about the kids and infographics about their events and program impact. Their goal is 1000 matches. The kids that participate are selected through a guidance counselor or parents who apply for a child they think would benefit through the program. Each match costs about $1000 a year for the organization. Successful matches are those that last more than 12 months.The current rate of matches lasting 12 months or more is 60%, but it was 18%. They recently were recognized as having hit all six of the metrics BB/BS uses to measure effectiveness of an affiliate.
Rotary is celebrating its 113 anniversary tomorrow.
PETS training March 16 - 18 in St. George's, Quebec
April 11 will be the Business Showcase and WBR will have a booth. Stay tuned for more planning and volunteer opportunities.
Mary Sargent wants to be sure that local organizations know that April 1 is the deadline for applying for funds from the WBR Foundation.
She also needs someone to coordinate the greeter scheduling for the 2018/2019 year, and Barbara Heard volunteered.
April 21 will be the annual Ewaste project that Tom Albertson is coordinating again. Electronic waste, shredding, drug disposal and cash for clothes will all be participating. He will be looking for help with publicity and execution, they'll be meeting next Tuesday 2/27 at 7:30a at the Bagel Cafe.
Peter Berke is organizing Duck Derby for 2018. They are looking for sponsors, past and new, gifts and prizes.
Tuesday morning, February 27 will be the International Committee's meeting.
Many tributes to Mark Masterson were shared, and he bid the club farewell as he and his wife head to the "low country" area of South Carolina.
Buckets on the table are for the Interact Club's trip to Safe Passage in Guatemala this spring.
Chris Finn at Storm Warriors International He is the Director of Global International. He lives on Cobb Road,
A Storm Warrior is someone who commits a selfless act of rescue. It's a 501(c)3 in Camden . Chris was the skipper of a medical ship in Micronesia. He worked in medical imaging and worked for Harvey Picker's father's company in medical imaging, then working at Fuji. He was involved in Rotary providing a x-ray machine for the ship.
The organization is a media organization that provides media services to humanitarian organizations and projects. He used the example of The Center for Grieving Children and Just Love, addressing human trafficking in Maine. He shared an introductory video. He drew the parallel between "service above self" and selfless acts of rescue. They do not charge the organizations for the product. Chris is in charge of the development efforts to raise funds through donors to do this work and give the media products to the organizations. They do fundraising, training and recruitment to involve volunteers in this work. Their goal is to raise awareness of the humanitarian work being done around the world.
In 2018 and 2019 they are focusing on Maine. Their work abroad in places like India has been fruitful, but expensive. He introduced John Nappa, the Founder and Executive Director and author if the book Storm Warriors and What Longfellow Heard, by video and then in person. He has a background in TV and film making and he uses his story telling skills now for social impact. He talked about the history of the invention of the lifeboat in England and stories he read about them and the area where the lifeboat began. Building a list of organizations doing humanitarian work was the beginning of Storm Warriors.
They identify organizations that are deserving and worthy,to provide media services to them. Their donors see their contributions as a way to amplify the needs of these organizations.
They welcome recommendations for organizations, volunteers and financial support. Their website provides a nomination form for those wishing to suggest organizations to receive their services.
Joan Lemole was inspired by the Ellsworth Rotary wheelchair project and wants West Bay to get involved. She spoke about a wheelchair project. In 2019 500 wheelchairs will go to Bolivia and Ecuador for people with Cerebral Palsy and other mobility challenges, and she's suggesting our club get involved. She's planning a dinner at the Penobscot Language School and other ways the club can get involved in the next year.
Trina has completed her Red Badge program and received her blue badge.
Mik had a presentation to Jane Lafleur of an additional Paul Harris Fellow pin.
Ray Fink spoke about the booth at the Business Expo April 11 for WBR, to include membership and sponsorship benefits and will be looking for volunteers.
Steve Dailey thanked everyone for help with the Toboggan Nationals, resulting in about $4600 to give to the community. Etienne reported that the Chili Challenge raised about $2200 including sponsorships. 1st place Chili was Quarry Hill, and Etienne has 16 quarts of leftover chili in his freezer. The club agreed it should go to the Hospitality House.
April 21 is the Ewaste date, and Tom Albertson will be looking for volunteers.
There is a Bon Voyage Party for the Masterson's from 5-7 on February 20th at the Waterfront, where there will be appetizers and a cash bar.
Shawn Doll from Big Brothers Big Sisters will be next week's speaker.
Randall A. Liberty, Warden, Maine State Prison, retired Kennebec County sheriff and Command Sargeant Major, US Army (RET)
George Abendroth would like to hear from committee chairs with a list of their members. He also announced that Ken Gardiner married his office administrator last weekend and is probably hiring!
Our speaker has been in law enforcement for about 36 years. He was a soldier in active duty and guard and got involved in corrections in 1984. He was in mountain infantry and became a drill sargent and taught military science at West Point, and served in Iraq. He developed a deep appreciation for the marines, and worked in several police departments, finally in Kennebec County for 26 years, and now as warden sees some of the offenders he was involved in prosecuting. The public safety mission of the prison includes rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. The leading causes of incarceration are substance abuse, mental health, learning disabilities, poverty and neglect. An $800 a day addiction problem drives addicts to steal, and they end up in jail. The de-funding of community mental health programs has resulted in the jails becoming defacto mental health resources. His own father got his GED at the Thomaston prison, an example of under-education resulting in criminal behavior and incarceration. Poverty results in many having trauma, and resulting behavior that can lead to incarceration.
Maine has the lowest percentage of incarcerated adults in the US, 132 per 100,000. 50 juveniles are incarcerated at Long Creek Youth Development. 11 inmates are in Restrictive Housing, which is the lowest percentage of inmates in the nation.
There are about 300 staff with over 1,000 inmates at the Warren facility, which has been open since 2001 after the closure of the Thomaston prison that was established in 1824. The cost of incarceration per inmate is about $42,000.
He believes strongly in partnerships with community stakeholders, innovated use of best practices, creating clear success for offenders and unity of vision.
He talked about Doris Buffett's $2M gift to help former inmates get a college degree through University of Maine at Augusta, which reduces recidivism significantly. They also teach mindful meditation and yoga and certifying yoga instructors. They also do artwork and have it displayed at Kathryn Matlack's Art Loft, which is therapeutic. As a military and law enforcement PTSD sufferer himself, he appreciates the Veterans Pod to help those inmates, and Restorative Justice work within the prison, as well as a Recovery Pod.
The prison has a Liberation Program, Hospice, Agriculture through cooperative extension where they teach a master gardener program and a recycling program.
Planning includes vocational development, including vocational/tech school collaboration in welding, agriculture, warehouse operations, culinary arts and digital arts. His vision is to spend less money through rehabilitation for the long term, instead of costly incarceration and recidivism during a lifetime.
New songbooks have been ordered with 12 new songs and will be available soon.
Ron Hall is having back problems, and seeing a neurosurgeon on Friday, keep him in your thoughts.
Kim Milton spoke about Camden National's Leaders and Luminaries program, and invited people to speak with Mary Sargent if you think a member of the board should be nominated.
Snowbowl parking for this weekend looks good, check with Steve Dailey if you're not sure what time you signed up to cover. Bruce Peel said the Chili Challenge needs just a few more volunteers for Saturday.
Next week's speaker is Chris Finn from Storm Warriors International.
Buckets on the Table are for the Shields Mission Project.
Kristen's husband Paul Doiron, vice chair of the board of the Maine Humanities Council, introduced Hayden Anderson. Hayden grew up in NH, and attended Rotary meetings with his grandfather when visiting his grandparents in New York.
MHC is the state affiliate of the National Endwoment for the Humanities and with a staff of 11 in Portland, with a volunteer board of directors from across the state. It is one of the many state and territorial humanities councils in the US. The vision of the council is the communities of Maine transformed by the power and pleasure of ideas. Their operating budged is $1.25M, about half paid through the NEH.
NEH turned 50 a few years ago. The NEH was statutorily created during the Johnson administration citing ideals like democracy demands wisdom and vision, and being masters of technology and not enslaved by it. It encourages critical thinking, wrestling with big ideas.
MHC works in partnership with public libraries including reading groups gather to read and talk about books together. They also bring speakers to public libraries to speak on various educational topics, partner with adult education to build literacy skills, gives grants to organizations around the state on a small scale. They are kicking off a veterans book group program in Thomaston this spring, inviting veterans to gather for conversation and sharing. It started in Portland and has been in Augusta, Bangor, and other cities around the state. They read things like Homer's Odysee. They plan to meet at the Knox Museum and will be free of charge for veterans.
In 2017 MHC also did a series on race and policing. Mainehumanities.org is their website.
The next board member is the 7th at Quarry Hill at 7a.
Camden Bowling challenge has been cancelled for the time being.
There is a football pool with 14 slots still open. See Sandy about slots that are $10 each.
Noel Cox was recognized for bringing children's books to the Knox County Jail for departing inmates.
Leamon Scott announced a new annual sponsor making the total 11 sponsors for our 5 events, Edward Jones Investments being the newest.
Parking cars at Toboggan Nationals/Snowbowl parking, lead by Steve Dailey, is coming right up, the weekend of February 10.
Chili Challenge at the Sea Dog is progressing well, 8 restaurants and maybe a 9th providing chili. Etienne still needs volunteers for between 3:30 and 8p on Saturday of Toboggan Nationals.
Mark Masterson asked all who participated in last weekend's Habitat work day to stand and be recognized.
Tom Albertson announced E Waste on April 21. He would like input on adding Cash for Clothes to the shredding, ewaste and drug disposal stations.
Randall Liberty from Maine State Prison will be our speaker next week.
Shelly became ED of PAWS in May 2016 after years in the YMCA and Camp Sunshine organizations.
PAWS was originally started out of a house in the 70's, changed its names in 2012 to Pets Are Worth Saving, built the dog park next to the prior shelter location, moving in 2015 to their new location at 123 John Street. It serves 10 midcoast communities, and has a dog and a cat wing including intake, living, laundry and supply facilities and a medical suite, with quarantine and recovery rooms. A grant from West Bay Rotary helped to pay for the medical clinic. They are able to provide medical services in-house to the animals in their care.
They host rabies clinics, provide micro chips, nail clipping for dogs and cats, flea, tick and heartworm medications, pet loss support group, dog training, camps, and host community groups for events and tours. All animals are spayed or neutered, given distemper, heartworm and rabies vaccines, deworming, ear cleaning and microchip. The cost is about $200 per animal, and a cost of $100,000 per year. Only 5% of their revenue comes from the towns served, 10% from adoption revenue, 15% for special events, 55% individual donations, 10% from trusts and estates, and 5% from Foundations and Grants. They partner with Ruff RIders to bring rescued animals in the south to PAWS and it costs $65 per dog to transport them.
2017 was a record-breaking year for kittens (198) and a 91% adoption rate, doubled the size of their Foster Program, and they have developed policies and procedures for building their resources; Sandy Cox designed an outdoor walking path and the club helped to build the wood chips for the path, They have reduced their debt and are half-way to paying off their mortgage.
Their goals for 2018 include increasing their adoption rate to at least 95%, grow the foster program, allowing them to rescue more animals from the south, educate kids more about the work of shelters and how they can help through outreach programs.
PAWS hopes we can all refer adopters to the shelter, volunteer, be a dog walker, join a committee, help at an event like Weinerfest, donate supplies like non-lumping cat litter, bleach, postage, become a sponsor or business partner.
Barry King is organizing a bowling event with the Camden Rotary Club for Pt. Lookout at a time to be determined on Saturday February 3.
Mark Masterson was recognized for his commitment to the club over the past 14 years as he is moving from the area and leaving the club next month heading to Beaufort, SC. He was given a plaque, and is also trying to re-home 2 cats.
Sandy is doing another football pool and the club consensus was to make PAWS the charitable recipient.
Etienne spoke about the booth the the club will have at the Rotary Convention in Toronto in June demonstrating the Masons on a Mission stove building project, and it will cost about $2500 and involve mover 40 hours of staffing of the booth.
Steve Dailey has just one slot left for parking over Toboggan Nationals.
Mark shared there will be a Habitat work project this Saturday 8a - 12p 9 Clark Street Thomaston.
Susan Dorr reported that the International Committee met this week and voted to use $500 for Interact's Safe Passage trip this spring.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
tive Director, Pen Bay YMCA
a Interfaith Outreach
green Home Performance
Tom Albertson spoke about E Waste scheduled for April 21, which is being promoted on Facebook, and he has a sign-up for volunteer opportunities. Banners are going up. Special projects in the morning will be moving tables from the Rockport Boat Club and temporary road signs, greeters; shifts are 8:30-11:30 and 11:30 to 2:30p. There will be shredding, electronic waste, cash for clothes and prescription drug disposal. Midcoast Solid Waste will be doing paint disposal in June.
ument Exchange
hers Big Sisters
erson, Maine Humanities Council
