On Tuesday, March 23rd at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Ross Baldree.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ross Baldree and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Birthdays: Lincoln Ehrlenbach on March 23rd and Ken Huitt on March 26th. Happy Birthday!
Rotary Anniversaries: Dave Wells 11 years on March 23, Marian Wells 7 years on March 25th. Happy Anniversary!
Visiting Rotarians: Lori Fickling of the Cross Timbers Rotary Club in Texas.
Guests: Bob and Mary Thomas
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Jack Frost, Dave Wells, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Rod Fox, Dan Frye, Larry Johnston, Iris Simon, Laura Pellerano, Marian Wells and Jo Cooper.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Rotary Business:
COVID Vaccine Volunteering: Jodie Cushing has the information for COVID vaccine volunteering. The link below takes you to the Northern Light home page for volunteering. If you would like to help once the hospital gets the mass vaccines rolled out please click the link below and sign up with Northern Light.
If you do end up volunteering please make sure to send Jodie your hours.
Membership Update: A membership survey will be emailed out to all club members soon. Please take a moment and fill out online.
Fundraising Survey: The survey was emailed out to all club members from Clyde Cushing. Please take a moment and fill out online.
4th Quarter Happy Dollars: If anyone has a suggestion please let Laura Pellerano know.
Blood Drive: Max Dietshe has sent out an email to sign up for the Blood Drives during the month of March. Please help if you can.
Walk for Happy Dollars: April 17th at EHS. $10 to walk. Please sign up with Laura Pellerano.
Pizza Night via Zoom: Order your favorite pizza on May 11th. Two gift cards will be given out on May 4th to go buy your pizza!
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Lori Fickling. She is a near 30-year Rotarian and a founding member of the Cross Timbers Rotary Club, where she served as its second president. During her year, the club was featured in a multi-page spread in The Rotarian magazine. She also served as president of her former club, the Flower Mound Rotary Club.
Lori has co-authored a book on Rotary called “Perfect Engagement” and was a presenter at the Rotary International 2020 Regional Leaders Training Institute.
This book is for Rotary clubs around the world. It offers ways to improve club retention and ideas for encouraging full and active participation from all club members. The membership of every civic and service organization has shown a dramatic decline in membership since 1980.
Across the board, Lions Clubs, Rotary International, Kiwanis Clubs, Jaycees, Shriners and other successful organizations have seen membership decline by as much as 64% in the past 40 years. Recruiting new, younger members continues to fall short of the losses from attrition, as the average membership age exceeds 64 years.
The fundamental ideas offered in this book are meant to offer a degree of hope to those organizations that are struggling to survive. Just as the torch was passed to the current generation, these organizations must involve and engage those of the next generation on their terms or risk perishing. To not just survive, but to thrive in the 21st Century, clubs must make an honest assessment of their club’s membership, communications and marketing and then take aggressive ACTION to refine goals and grow their membership.
This book includes tips for evaluating your club, members and programs along with ways to invite women and diversity into the local club environment. In additional strategies for enhanced communication, social media and perfect engagement are also highlighted. It is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to start a new Rotary club in their community or for clubs that are struggling.
On Tuesday, March 16th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Jo Cooper.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jo Cooper and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Birthdays: Alicia Johnson on March 21st and Becky Sargent on March 22nd. Happy Birthday!
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Dave Wells, Carl Lusby, Jack Frost, Marian Wells and Laura Pellerano.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Rotary Business:
COVID Vaccine Volunteering: Jodie Cushing has the information for COVID vaccine volunteering. The link below takes you to the Northern Light home page for volunteering. If you would like to help once the hospital gets the mass vaccines rolled out please click the link below and sign up with Northern Light. If you do end up volunteering please make sure to send Jodie your hours.
Membership Update: A membership survey will be emailed out to all club members soon. Please take a moment and fill out online.
Fundraising Survey: The survey was emailed out to all club members from Clyde Cushing. Please take a moment and fill out online.
4th Quarter Happy Dollars: If anyone has a suggestion please let Laura Pellerano know.
Blood Drive: Max Dietshe has sent out an email to sign up for the Blood Drives during the month of March. Please help if you can.
Walk for Happy Dollars: April 17th at EHS. $10 to walk. Please sign up with Laura Pellerano.
Pizza Night via Zoom: Order your favorite pizza on May 11th. Two gift cards will be given out on May 4th to go buy your pizza!
Thank You Cards: Thank You cards were mailed to the club from Kids Peace for the remaining donations from Christmas and Downeast Community Partners for the THAW Fund donations.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Sonya Connelly. Sonya is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Healthy Acadia.
Healthy Acadia, in partnership with the city of Ellsworth, hired Sonya as a coordinator to connect local businesses to supportive resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sonya starting serving as Ellsworth business outreach coordinator last fall as part of the city’s state-funded Keep ME Healthy initiative. Working with city staff, she provides proactive education and support to Ellsworth businesses regarding best COVID-19 public health practices and helps to identify any challenges and resources needed by businesses, including access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for their staff and their patrons.
Sonya has extensive experience in the nonprofit world in the area of community development and counseling, as well as the corporate world in human resources and training. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Indiana Wesleyan University and earned her master’s degree in counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary. Sonya can be reached by email at sonya.connelly@healthyacadia.org or by phone at 207- 479-1164.
Laura joined the Rotary Club of Ellsworth in 2002 at the encouragement of Ann Gibson. Laura has served on the membership committee and various other committees throughout the years.
She is currently serving as the President for 2020-2021 and is focusing on keeping the club relevant & vibrant during our COVID-19 gathering restrictions.
Laura has always enjoyed the community service projects and the outreach of volunteerism that is the hallmark of Rotary. From volunteering for Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry throughout the years to multiple wheelchair projects, there is a great “Rotary Moment” when you realize you have made a difference in the lives of others no matter how small an impact.
Laura is married for 40 plus years to Gene Pellerano (incoming president) with two adult children. Addison who is a Navy pilot and Allegra , a member of our club. Gene & Laura reside in Surry with their British cars and two Dalmatians Jazz & Luna.
On Tuesday, March 9th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Laura Pellerano passed the podium to Vice President Gene Pellerano.
Invocation was read by Rob Hemenway.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Rob Hemenway and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Guests: Bob and Mary Thomas
Birthdays: Larry Fernald on 3/9 Happy Birthday!
Rotary Anniversaries: Lee Beal on 3/9 and Ken Huitt Happy Anniversary!
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Dave Wells, Larry Johnston, Carl Lusby, an Iris Simon.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Rotary Business:
COVID Vaccine Volunteering: Jodie Cushing has the information for COVID vaccine volunteering. The link below takes you to the Northern Light home page for volunteering. If you would like to help once the hospital gets the mass vaccines rolled out please click the link and sign up with Northern Light.
Rotary Leadership Institute: This has been adapted to a virtual program this year, making it more accessible than ever! Rotary Leadership Institute Northeast America has several sessions scheduled during the next month:
February 27th 2021 - Dist 7190 - Schenectady, NY - Virtual Meeting
March 6th 2021 - Dist 7170 - Owego, NY - Virtual Meeting
March 13th 2021 - Dist 7430 - Pottstown, PA - Virtual Meeting
Each of these sessions is offering Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and the Graduate Program.
If you are interested in signing up, please let Laura Pellerano know.
Membership Update: Our club will be displayed at the new Ellsworth Chamber office next month!
Fundraising Survey: The survey was emailed out from Clyde Cushing. Please take a moment and fill out online.
4th Quarter Happy Dollars: If anyone has a suggestion please let Laura Pellerano know.
Blood Drive: Max Dietshe has sent out an email to sign up for the Blood Drives during the month of March. Please help if you can.
Walk for Happy Dollars: April 17th at EHS. $10 to walk.
Rotary Wheelchair Update: The Panama Rotary Club mailed a progress report to our club but the report has not yet been received. The slow distribution of wheelchairs continues because of the Covid 19 lockdown resulting in limited time allowed for distribute.
The Panama Club is also volunteering at the Covid vaccination process in Panama City and the surrounding area. At the vaccination sites in the poorer communities, President Ricardo Gago explained that some of the people receiving the vaccination had wheelchairs that were in a very bad condition or worn out. Ricardo also explained that these wheelchair bound people have little chance of getting repairs or parts that are needed to keep their wheelchairs functioning. Ken and Dave agreed that this would be a great opportunity to exchange worn out wheelchairs for new.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Aaron Bolster. Aaron is a Designated Broker and President of Allied Realty.
A native of Maine, he is as excited today as the first day of his career to work in the real estate industry! Over the decades, this lifestyle has taught him that relationships are the very most important part of his journey. His wife Melissa has supported him through the hills and valleys of getting licensed in 2000, purchasing Allied Realty in 2008, and opening additional offices in Central and Western Maine.
In 2013, Aaron was the president of Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors. Now in 2021 he is the President for the Maine Association of Realtors that represents 5,500 members statewide.
On Tuesday, March 2nd at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Laura Pellerano passed the podium to Vice President Gene Pellerano.
Invocation was read by Dave Wells.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Dave Wells and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Bob and Mary Thomas, Ruth Calas and Kelly Columber
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Dave Wells, Rod Fox, Marian Wells, Carl Lusby, JoAnn Brown, Jodie Cushing and Laura Pellerano.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Rotary Business:
COVID Vaccine Volunteering: Jodie Cushing has the information for COVID vaccine volunteering. The link below takes you to the Northern Light home page for volunteering. If you would like to help once the hospital gets the mass vaccines rolled out please click the link and sign up with Northern Light.
Rotary Leadership Institute: This has been adapted to a virtual program this year, making it more accessible than ever! Rotary Leadership Institute Northeast America has several sessions scheduled during the next month:
February 27th 2021 - Dist 7190 - Schenectady, NY - Virtual Meeting
March 6th 2021 - Dist 7170 - Owego, NY - Virtual Meeting
March 13th 2021 - Dist 7430 - Pottstown, PA - Virtual Meeting
Each of these sessions is offering Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and the Graduate Program.
If you are interested in signing up, please let Laura Pellerano know.
The next Membership Meeting is Thursday, March 4th via Zoom.
Fundraising Survey: The survey was emailed out from Clyde Cushing. Please take a moment and fill out online.
4th Quarter Happy Dollars: If anyone has a suggestion please let Laura Pellerano know.
Blood Drive: Max Dietshe has sent out an email to sign up for the Blood Drives during the month of March. Please help if you can.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speakers were Dr. Sheena Whittaker, VP and Senior Physician Executive of Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital and Joseph Gaetano, VP of Operations of Northern Light Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals.
Dr. Whittaker and Joe Gaetano to talked about what is happening with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout at both hospitals. They have been average 150-200 people 3 days a week based on supply to be vaccinated. They encourage you to register to get vaccinated and are in need of volunteers.
On Tuesday, February 23rd at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Tricia Quirk.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Laura Pellerano and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Doug Curtis from the Rockland Club.
Club Anniversaries: Nancy Mayo 12 years on February 24, Laura Pellerano 19 years on February 26, Marc Rich 3 years on February 27, Julie Bouchard 4 years and JoAnn Brown 4 years on February 28.
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Dave Wells, Carl Lusby, Jo Cooper, Marian Wells, Doug Curtis and Julie Bouchard.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Rotary Business:
Foundation Minute: Lincoln Ehrlenbach shared an update on Polio Plus. Please continue to spread awareness and donate if you are able to. Ashley Johnson won a Dunkin gift card in the Foundation Monthly drawing.
COVID Vaccine Volunteering: Jodie Cushing has the information for COVID vaccine volunteering. The link below takes you to the Northern Light home page for volunteering. If you would like to help once the hospital gets the mass vaccines rolled out please click the link and sign up with Northern Light. If you do end up volunteering please make sure to send Jodie your hours.
Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Service Project: We had the opportunity to help Gretchen Wilson at the Chamber of Commerce on February 27 & 28. They needed painting done and would like to know if any Rotarians wanted to help. Painting was on both days Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm.
Rotary Leadership Institute: This has been adapted to a virtual program this year, making it more accessible than ever! Rotary Leadership Institute Northeast America has several sessions scheduled during the next month:
February 27th 2021 - Dist 7190 - Schenectady, NY - Virtual Meeting
March 6th 2021 - Dist 7170 - Owego, NY - Virtual Meeting
March 13th 2021 - Dist 7430 - Pottstown, PA - Virtual Meeting
Each of these sessions is offering Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and the Graduate Program.
If you are interested in signing up, please let Laura Pellerano know.
Survey for Rotary’s participation with Loaves and Fishes: The survey was emailed out from Clyde Cushing. Please take a moment and fill out online.
4th Quarter Happy Dollars: If anyone has a suggestion please let Laura Pellerano know.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was District Governor Elect Doug Curtis, Jr. He is a Rockland native and an Army veteran. He joined Rockland Rotary in 1999 and became club President in 2011. He has held a myriad of positions in his club and was twice named Rotarian of the Year. His Rotary moment was when he was pouring cement in a Mexican street in the City of Colima, Mexico, where he worked on several projects for Project Amigo.
Doug shared a COVID-19 update within our district. Helping and assisting local fire and ambulance departments within the district.
Some clubs continue to use Zoom while others are meeting in person across the district while following Governor Mills' COVID/CDC guidelines for safely spaced, masked, indoor meetings. Increasing membership during a pandemic is challenging but encourages all clubs to stay positive and keep moving forward. Be creative.
Doug is working on his District Project: “The Environment” Two global grants: One for Maine and One for Quebec. The Environmental Committee will be led by Deb Walters. More info will be available once the committee starts meeting.
Doug spoke about his ideas on theRotary Foundation & Creation of a District 7790 Foundation: Goals are to Connect Rotarians with a passion to give, more money for District and Global grants, $25,000 to fund a District Foundation through Rotary International which will give every year in perpetuity.
On Tuesday, February 16th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Ross Baldree.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Ross Baldree and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Birthdays: Pam Cushing and JoAnn Brown. Happy Birthday!
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Dave Wells, Fred Beyer, Tricia Quirk, Carl Lusby and Laura Pellerano.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Rotary Business:
Invocation Sign-Ups: Please contact Rob Hemenway to help with the invocations.
Rotary Blood Drive: The next blood drive is Tuesday, February 23rd. Max Dietshe will send an email to sign-up. Please help if you can.
ClubRunner Mobile App: Reminder this is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website.
4th Quarter Happy Dollars: If anyone has a suggestion please let Laura Pellerano know.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Anne Ossanna of The Friendship Cottage.
Since January 2008, Anne has been the Program Director at Friendship Cottage, an Elder Services program of Downeast Community Partners.
The promise of Friendship Cottage is to gently tend to the needs of dependent adults while guiding and assisting the family and friends who care for them.
Every weekday, Friendship Cottage offers a health model Adult Day Service Program of activities, meals, and personal care for older adults who may be physically, mentally, or functionally impaired. Our team of trained professionals and volunteers provides safe, fun, and stimulating activities to move the body and stimulate the mind, such as games, arts and crafts, reminiscing, cards, horticulture, cooking, discussion groups, travelogues, exercise, music, entertainment, and local outings. There is also time for rest and relaxation in our quiet room and a place to meet new friends in our sunny great room.
Donations from our communities help us to keep these valuable programs alive at Friendship Cottage. To make a donation, please visit the DCP Donations Page. Please be sure to indicate "Friendship Cottage" as your donation preference.
We welcome volunteers who are caring and committed to our mission. All volunteers are required to have training in the Best Friends Approach to Caregiving, which is free and provided by Friendship Cottage. Volunteers are needed to assist direct care staff with activities throughout the day, lunch preparation, and community outings. To volunteer, contact Anne Ossanna at 207-374-5612 or email a.ossanna@downeastcommunitypartners.org.
Lincoln grew up in a Rotary family, attending rotary meetings and functions at an early age.
Lincoln joined the Rotary Club of Ellsworth in 2002 to carry on the family tradition of community service. Lincoln wanted to feel like part of the community and help those in need. Lincoln’s first rotary assignment was to serve on the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry Board in Ellsworth. Lincoln is a strong believer in the Rotary International Foundation.
Lincoln has participated in several Wheel Chair Distributions and raised money for Haiti Relief.
Lincoln is married to his wife of 44 years, Debbie.
They have two daughters, Erin Collins of Scarborough, Maine and Ashley Johnson of Hancock, Maine. Lincoln and Debbie have three grandchildren, Matthew, Joshua, and Brielle.
Lincoln enjoys downhill skiing, playing golf and spending time with the grandchildren.
On Tuesday, February 9th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Ross Baldree.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Ross Baldree
Guests: Bob and Mary Thomas
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Dave Wells, Laura Pellerano, Carl Lusby, Gene Pellerano, Marian Wells, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Fred Beyer, JoAnn Brown and Jo Cooper.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Rotary Business:
Invocation Sign-Ups: Please contact Rob Hemenway to help with the invocations.
Rotary Blood Drive: The next blood drive is Tuesday, February 23rd. Max Dietshe will send an email to sign-up. Please help if you can.
ClubRunner Mobile App: Reminder this is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website.
4th Quarter Happy Dollars: If anyone has a suggestion please let Laura Pellerano know.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Maine State Secretary Shenna Bellows. Shenna is Maine’s 50th Secretary of State, sworn into her first two-year term in the position on Jan. 4, 2021. Secretary Bellows is Maine’s first female Secretary of State.
She previously served two terms in the Maine Senate from 2016-2020, representing 11 towns in southern Kennebec County. In the Maine Senate, she served as Senate Chair of the Labor and Housing Committee and served on the Judiciary Committee. She was a 2020 presidential elector in the Electoral College.
Shenna most recently led the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine as executive director from 2018 to 2020. Previously, she owned Bellows & Company, a non-profit consulting business, where she worked with organizations such as the Sierra Club’s Maine Chapter, Consumers for Affordable Healthcare and the Maine Women’s Lobby. She also served as interim executive director of LearningWorks. In 2014, Secretary Bellows was the Democratic nominee for United States Senate in Maine.
From 2005 to 2013, Shenna was executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. She was a member of the first Right to Know Advisory Committee and the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition. She served on the Executive Committee of the 2009 and 2012 ballot campaigns to pass marriage equality in Maine, and co-chaired a successful 2011 statewide ballot campaign to restore same-day voter registration. She was an original member of the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting.
Shenna grew up in Hancock and is a graduate of Ellsworth High School. She holds a B.A. in International Politics and Economics from Middlebury College. She volunteered with the Peace Corps in Panama and AmeriCorps VISTA in Nashville, Tennessee.
On a stormy February 2nd virtual meeting we welcomed students and family from HCTC in the Media, Biomedical Sciences, Hospitality and Law Enforcement programs.#ellsworthrotary#wearerotary#peopleofaction
On Tuesday, February 2nd at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Laura Pellerano.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Laura Pellerano and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: HCTC Instructors, Students with their families
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Birthdays: Bill Casale on February 6th. Happy Birthday!
Club Anniversaries: Tracy Shaffer 6 Years on February 6th. Mark Remick 18 Years on February 4th. Happy Anniversary!
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Marian Wells, Tracy Shaffer, Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Carl Lusby and Laura Pellerano.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Rotary Business:
Invocation Sign-Ups: Please contact Rob Hemenway to help with the invocations.
Rotary Blood Drive: The next blood drives are Tuesday, February 9th and 23rd. Max Dietshe will send an email to sign-up. Please help if you can.
3. Thank You Cards: Our club received Thank You Cards from the following businesses: Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital for the Movember donations, KidsPeace for the Christmas gifts donations, Friends in Action for community giving, Special Children's Friends from the Gifting Experience donations.
HCTC Honors Night - Debbie Ehrlenbach hosted tonight’s 2nd HCTC Honors Night for this year.
The following students were recognized:
Multimedia Design:
Instructor Jamie Anderson introduced Madelin Henry, Junior of Ellsworth High School
Biomed Sciences:
Instructor Hope High introduced Kerrigan Andrews, Senior of Ellsworth High School.
Hospitality and Tourism:
Instructor, Tara Mason introduced Nathan Smith, Senior of Ellsworth High School.
Law Enforcement:
Instructor Scott Baillargeon introduced Chase Johnson, Senior of Ellsworth High School
On Tuesday, January 26th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Rob Hemenway.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Rob Hemenway and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Dale Joyce
Visiting Rotarians: Anne Sargent of the Ellsworth Noontime Club
Birthdays: Zanny Stwertka on January 30th. Happy Birthday!
Club Anniversaries: Zanny Stwertka 2 Years on January 22nd, Clyde and Pam Cushing 5 Years on January 26th, Fred Beyers 4 Years on January 31st. Happy Anniversary!
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Julie and Tony Bouchard, Larry Johnston, Iris Simon, Jack Frost, Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson, Anne Sargent, Rob Hemenway, Rhonda Parker and Jo Cooper.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Invocation Sign-Ups: Please contact Rob Hemenway to help with the invocations.
PayPal: Our club has Paypal. If anyone you know would like to donate to our club online. This has been shared on our social media pages and on the front page of our website. Here is the link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ASTE82C8NAFK8
Membership Update: Reminder we are doing a “Member Spotlight” each month on our social media pages and Website to increase interest in Rotary from the community. If you are interested in helping with this, please contact JoAnn Brown.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Community Service Update: Please help out at the Rotary Blood Drives or you can help out at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. They are still in need of help this month. This will count towards community service hours for our club.
Rotary Blood Drive: The next blood drives are Tuesday, February 9th and 23rd. Max Dietshe will send an email to sign-up. Please help if you can.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Anne Sargent, Director of the Ellsworth Adult Education.
Ellsworth Adult Education is a department of the Ellsworth School Department. They provide relevant, responsive, effective and respectful learning opportunities supporting the economic self-sufficiency and vibrancy of individuals, families, businesses and the community.
Melody Pereira became a member of the Ellsworth Rotary Club shortly after moving to Ellsworth to pursue her career in Funeral Service.
After graduating from Goodwin University (East Hartford, CT) with an associates degree in Funeral Service, Mel was looking to become a part of a new community where she could apply her skills.
Since November of 2019, Mel has been working hard to fulfill her hour requirements for the Maine Apprenticeship Program with Jordan-Fernald Funeral Homes. She is hoping to be a fully licensed funeral director later this year! While working in Ellsworth, Mel has been learning new faces and greatly enjoying this community. Despite challenges with the pandemic, The Rotary Club has been an invaluable source of new friends and knowledge! She has enjoyed volunteering with the Club at the American Red Cross Blood Drive in Ellsworth.
Mel now lives in Orland with her cat, Midnight Milkyway and rescue dog, Lola. In the summer, she loves to explore the area on her motorcycle and work on improving her new home.
At our January 19th virtual meeting we had guest speaker Matt Donahue of United Way of Eastern Maine. #ellsworthrotary #peopleofaction #wearerotary
On Tuesday, January 19th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Ross Baldree.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Ross Baldree and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Carl Lusby, Iris Simon, Dave Wells, Marian Wells, Dan Frye, Tony and Julie Bouchard and Laura Pellerano.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
PayPal: Our club has Paypal. If anyone you know would like to donate to our club online. This has been shared on our social media pages and on the front page of our website. Here is the link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ASTE82C8NAFK8
Membership Update: Reminder we are doing a “Member Spotlight” each month on our social media pages and Website to increase interest in Rotary from the community. If you are interested in helping with this, please contact JoAnn Brown.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Community Service Update: Please help out at the Rotary Blood Drives or you can help out at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. They are still in need of help this month. This will count towards community service hours for our club.
Rotary Blood Drive Update: The next blood drive is Tuesday, January 26th. Max Dietshe has sent emails to sign-up. Please help if you can.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Matt Donahue of United Way of Eastern Maine (UWEM) . He is the Chief Impact Officer and is responsible for leading, overseeing and innovating the organization’s community impact and investment initiatives.
Matt provided a great power point presentation about the history of the organization and it’s partnerships for the community.
UWEM’s focus is to make a difference in education, income and health resources in our community. The ultimate goal is improving the lives of children, families and seniors in Eastern Maine.
For more than 80 years, UWEM has worked in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Washington counties to improve the lives of people in Eastern Maine by mobilizing the caring power of people and communities. Today, United Way of Eastern Maine is the largest private funder of education, income, and health services in the five-county area.
Every 5 years, UWEM conducts a community mapping process to identify needs, root causes, prioritize needs and develop a plan to address the prioritized needs.
This process allows UWEM to identify the areas in which we have a unique position to leverage our relationships and community resources to create solutions through collective impact.
They encourage donations and are always looking for volunteers!
On Tuesday, January 12th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Marian Wells.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Marian Wells and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Guests: Dale Joyce
Club Anniversaries: Carol Jordan and Carolyn Swertka 2 Years on January 15th. Ray Williams 43 Years on January 17th. Congratulations!!
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Happy Dollars will go towards the THAW Fund. The Heating And Warmth Fund helps people stay warm and stay safe. THAW is a community fund created in 2006 to help people afford heat through Downeast Community Partners.
The Heating and Warmth (THAW) fund provides emergency heating assistance to people in Hancock and Washington counties. THAW funds step in when all other aid has been exhausted.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars: Dave Wells, Larry Johnston, Marian Wells, Debbie Ehrlebach, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Rachel Bousquet, Carl Lusby and Laura Pellerano.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Vocational Minute: Debbie Ehrlenbach
Membership Update: An email was sent out of the 2020-2021 Rotary Passport. Also we will be doing a “Member Spotlight” each month on our social media pages and Website to increase interest in Rotary from the community. If you are interested in helping with this, please contact JoAnn Brown.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Community Service Update: Please help out at the Rotary Blood Drives or you can help out at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. They are still in need of help this month. This will count towards community service hours for our club.
Rotary Blood Drive Update: The next blood drive is Tuesday, January 26th. Max Dietshe will email a sign-up sheet looking for help for both days.
KidsPeace: Dan Frye and Rachel Bousquet thanked the club for their generous donations to KidsPeace for Christmas through Happy Dollars, food donations and supplies. This was probably the best Christmas the kids had! THANK YOU!
Fundraising Update: To date our club has raised over $15,000! Despite the pandemic, we are doing well! The money raised includes our Business Partner's Program, Haven’s Candies, Loaves and Fishes Food Drive, Wheelchair Project and the Gifting Experience. Thank you to all the club members who have been involved! We appreciate everyone’s hard work!
PayPal: Our club has Paypal. If anyone you know would like to donate to our club online. This has been shared on our social media pages and on the front page of our website. Here is the link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ASTE82C8NAFK8
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Zachary Weil. Zachary is the founder and owner of Contact Light Films.
Zack's debut documentary feature, "When We Were Apollo," premiered nationally on PBS in the summer of 2019 with subsequent airings on History Channel Australia, Sky, Histoire and other international broadcasters.
An intimate and personal story highlighting the memories and experiences of nineteen individuals who dedicated themselves to putting a human being on the moon before the end of the 1960s, "When We Were Apollo" recently won an Emmy in the historical documentary category from the Academy of Television Arts & Science Suncoast Chapter.
Dan joined the Rotary Club of Ellsworth in November of 2019. He discovered the club through his work at KidsPeace where he serves as the Community Outreach Specialist.
After joining KidsPeace, Dan wanted to do more and continue to give back to the community which is why he joined Rotary. One of Rotary’s main values, “Service above self” was something that really spoke to him and that’s why he wanted to get involved.
During his time in Rotary, Dan has joined the Membership Committee and helped volunteer at several service projects like Red Cross blood drives and putting together a playground for Next Step in Ellsworth.
Dan lives in Carmel with his beautiful wife and three lovely kids. Dan loves spending time with his family, but when he is not hanging out with his family or giving back to the community, he has a passion for running, video games, and cheering on the Red Sox.
On Tuesday, January 5th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Max Dietshe.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Laura Pellerano and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Birthdays: Tracy Shaffer on January 1st, Tony Bouchard on January 5th and Gene Pellerano on January 9th. Happy Birthday!!
Wedding Anniversaries: Dave and Marian Wells on January 10th. Happy Anniversary!
Club Anniversaries: 12 Years on January 6th for Ashley Johnson, Becky Sargent and Arlyn Whitelaw. 18 Years on January 7th for Cindy Shoppe. Congratulations!!
3rd Quarter Happy Dollars: Laura Pellerano is looking for suggestions for this quarter’s Happy Dollars. Please email her if you have a suggestion.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars:Julie Clark, Dave Wells, JoAnn Brown, Mike Mariano, Carl Lusby, Gene Pellerano, Dan Frye and Laura Pellerano.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Rotary Board Meeting: The next Board Meeting is Tuesday, January 12th at 4:30pm via Zoom.
Membership Update: An email was sent out of the 2020-2021 Rotary Passport. Also we will be doing a “Member Spotlight” each month on our social media pages and Website to increase interest in Rotary from the community. If you are interested in helping with this, please contact JoAnn Brown.
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Community Service Update: Please help out at the Rotary Blood Drives or you can help out at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. They are still in need of help this month. This will count towards community service hours for our club.
Rotary Blood Drive Update: The next blood drive is Tuesday, January 12th and 27th. Max Dietshe will email a sign-up sheet looking for help for both days.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) biologist Linda Welch. She provided an update on Maine seabirds.
Linda shared how Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge is monitoring the seabirds breeding on our coast, how well they are reproducing, and what they eat. This is helping the USFWS understand how climate change in the Gulf of Maine is influencing seabirds.
The USFWS has also been using the latest tracking technology to document the amazing foraging behavior and migration patterns for many of these species.
Reminder there are no club meetings on December 22nd and December 29th. We hope to see you at our next club meeting on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 via Zoom!
The holiday season will be extremely stressful for many more families than usual this year. Families who are unemployed or underemployed are more vulnerable when a crisis such as COVID-19 occurs. The pandemic has displaced many adults from their jobs and unemployment support is not always enough to cover basic living expenses such as housing, food, utilities, medicine, and clothing.
Rotarian’s would normally be excited to host twenty children for the 15th Annual Gifting Experience program on December 12. While it is disappointing that we won’t have the close connection with the children this year, it is heartwarming that generous donations can provide some significant cheer to families in need.
Contributions in support of the 2020 Gifting Experience totaled $3,170. Gifts were made by twelve Club Members and eight community members. The response to The Gifting Experience fundraising appeal has been greater than we may have expected and resulted in the largest amount raised in the past 15 years. Below is an outline for how funds have been disbursed.
$720 for Ellsworth Police Department
The Club has donated forty gift cards for the officers to use at their discretion when working with the public. Gift Cards were purchased by the Club at the following downtown businesses: Bud Connection, John Edwards Market, Rooster Brother, Morton’s Moo, Rock & Art Shop, Union River Book & Toy Company.
$1,125 for Special Children’s Friends / City of Ellsworth
Over the past few years, the City has been committed to raising funds to help families with children being served by Special Children’s Friends. They usually collect significant funds through returnable bottles/cans dropped at the transfer station. They have only raised about 50% of their normal amount this year. There are 80 children in need and the City has committed to assisting with 40 children.
$1,125 for Downeast Community Partners
For many years DCP has organized the Christmas Magic Toy Drive to benefit families across Hancock and Washington Counties. Toys are purchased for those birth – grade 12. DCP is in need of financial contributions. In 2019, a total of 355 children benefited and they expect at least 400 will be served this year. DCP is currently responding to serve over 500 children.
$200 for Families First Community Center
They plan to open the Ellsworth Falls Center this month to welcome those in need of a home while the work to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of homelessness. The Club’s donation is to help these families have a brighter holiday season.
Presented by Club President Laura Pellerano (2020-2021)
Gifting Experience Co-Chairs, Jack Frost and Carl Lusby
On Tuesday, December 15th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Marian Wells.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Marian Wells and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Rotary Business:
Community Service Update:HELP NEEDED - December Loaves and Fishes: Several emails have been sent by Jodie Cushing of signing up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings during the month of December. Please contact her if you can help.
Rotary Blood Drive Update: The next blood drive is Tuesday, December 22th. Scott Kimball will email a sign-up sheet looking for help. Starting in January 2021 hours will be changed from Noon to 6:00pm Rotarian Max Diestshe will be organizing the sign-ups from here on.
NEXT CLUB MEETING: The meeting will be Tuesday, January 5, 2021.
ROTARY HOLIDAY PARTY! Special Thanks to “Zoom the Elf”, “Elf Crazy” and “Elf Daffy” for stopping by to help play BINGO! Lucky winners were Julie Bouchard, Pam Cushing, Scott Kimball, Marian Wells, Fred Beyer and Gene Pellerano!
We wish all club members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
On Tuesday, December 8th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Rhonda Parker.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Rhonda Parker and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
All Happy Dollars goes towards KidsPeace for Christmas gifts for the kids this quarter. Dave Wells, Jo Cooper, Tricia Quirk, Linda Fuller, Marian Wells, Dan Frye and Laura Pellerano….
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Membership Update: Ross Baldree was inducted into the club! Congratulations and welcome Ross!
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Community Service Update:HELP NEEDED - December Loaves and Fishes: Several emails have been sent by Jodie Cushing of signing up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings during the month of December. Please contact her if you can help.
Club Holiday Party – Dec. 15th via Zoom only: Laura Pellerano and Jo Cooper are currently planning our annual club holiday party. It will be via Zoom this year on Tuesday, December 15th.
Rotary Blood Drive Update: The next blood drive is Tuesday, December 22th. Scott Kimball will email a sign-up sheet looking for help.
Rotary Foundation Update: This month’s winner is Jackie Sinclair for a $10 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card! Lincoln spoke about Rotary Peace Fellowships. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals or practitioners to become experienced and effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses. Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,300 fellows who now work in more than 115 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments, NGOs, the military, education, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
Gifting Experience Update: To date (Dec. 8th) $2,720.000 in contributions have been committed by Club members and community members who have joined in the effort to make a difference. The response to The Gifting Experience fundraising appeal has been greater than we may have expected this year. Below is an outline for the Club’s leadership to consider for how donated funds can be disbursed early in December.
Ellsworth Police Department:
Donate gift cards for the officers to use at their discretion when working with the public.The following stores are recommended to purchase gift cards to be gifted to the Police Department:
Bud Connection 8 cards at $15
Morton’s Moo 8 cards at $15
John Edwards Market 6 cards at $20
Rooster Brother 6 cards at $20
Rock & Art Shop 6 cards at $20
Union River Book & Toy 6 cards at $20
Special Children's Friends/City of Ellsworth: Over the past few years, the City has been committed to raising funds to help families with children being served by Special Children’s Friends.They usually collect significant funds through returnable bottles/cans dropped at the transfer station.They have only raised about 50% of their normal amount this year.There are 80 children in need and the City has committed to assisting with 40 children.
Downeast Community Partners: For many years DCP has organized the Christmas Magic Toy Drive to benefit families across Hancock and Washington Counties.Toys are purchased for those birth – grade 12.DCP is in need of financial contributions.In 2019, a total of 355 children benefited and they expect at least 400 will be served this year.
Families First Community Center: They plan to open the Ellsworth Falls Center this month to families.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Cassie Banning. She is the Director of Farm & Gardens for the Land and Garden Preserve in Seal Harbor, Maine. Since 2013, she has been responsible for thirty acres of natural lands, the historic walled Abby Garden, Playhouse and Eyrie Terrace. This property was the summer estate of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. In addition, she managed the McAlpin Farm and greenhouse complex that has six thousand square feet of indoor growing space and a one-acre fenced outdoor growing space. Promoted to the Director of Farm & Gardens in January of 2019, she now oversees all the Land and Garden Preserve Gardens; Thuya Gardens, Asticou Azalea Garden, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Gardens, along with the McAlpin Farm facility.
On Tuesday, December 1st at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Gene Pellerano.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Gene Pellerano and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Birthdays: Peter Farragher on Noveber 26, Scott Kimball and Jack Frost on December 2nd, Alison King and Carl Lusby on December 5th. Happy Birthday!
Wedding Anniversaries: Heidi Omlor 5 Years on November 28th.Congratulations!
Club Anniversaries: Peter Farragher 22 Years on December 1st. Congratulations!
All Happy Dollars goes towards KidsPeace for Christmas gifts for the kids this quarter. Carl Lusby, Dave Wells, Jo Cooper, Rod Fox and Laura Pellerano.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Community Service Update:December Loaves and Fishes: An email was sent by Jodie Cushing of signing up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings during the month of December. Please contact her if you can help.
Haven’s Candies Fundraiser: Our club is partnering with Haven’s Candies in Scarborough Maine to help raise money for the club during this challenging year. Haven's Candies has generously agreed to donate 20% of all Ellsworth Rotary Club sales back to the Club. If you purchase $100 of candy or other items, Haven's will donate $20 directly to the Ellsworth Rotary Club. www.havenscandies.com
Movember: $1,000.00 was raised for Men’s Health this year! Dave Wells, Jack Frost, Scott Kimball and Gene Pellerano participated in the No-Shave event during the month of November. Many club members sponsored the participants and it was voted Scott Kimball to win the contest! Congratulations! Donations will be sent to MCMH.
Ellsworth Christmas Parade: Our club will be escorting Santa once again this year on Saturday, December 4th! Please contact Clyde Cushing to help!
Club Holiday Party: Laura Pellerano and Jo Cooper are currently planning our annual club holiday party. It will be via Zoom this year on Tuesday, December 15th.
Rotary Blood Drive: Tuesday, December 8th. Scott Kimball will email a sign-up sheet looking for help.
Gifting Experience: Jack Frost and Carl Lusby are coming up with different ideas and options of this year’s Gifting Experience. This will be our 15th Year! It will be different due to COVID-19. They were thinking that we may wish to find a way to keep some (or all) of the funds with our downtown businesses. Please give some thought to this idea of purchasing gift certificates at shops such as: Union River Book & Toy, Rock & Art, Bud Connection, Rooster Brother. This option would allow either the family to shop directly or the nonprofit staff could aid with the shopping. By having the Club purchase the gift certificates, local businesses would know that Rotary is supportive of shopping local. This idea will need more flushing out for consideration, but wanted to toss it out for your initial reaction.
There is consideration of the option to donate some of the Gifting Experience donations for gift certificates to local downtown businesses that could be given to the Ellsworth Police Department. They could use these when out in the community as a small token of support for those they encounter that could use some additional cheer during the holiday season.
Guest Speaker: Debbie Ehrlenbach hosted our 1st HCTC program of the year. There were many guests including instructors, students with their families who joined us. The following students were recognized and will receive their award, gift certificates and T-Shirt in the mail soon.
Health Occupation: Instructor Michelle Cote introduced Megan Gammill.
Early Childhood Education: Instructor Meghan Stubbs introduce Sophia Gagnon da Silva
Welding Technology: Instructor Joel Pellietier introduced Brody Mercier.
At the food drive on Saturday, we had perfect weather and a very generous community. We had food donations that filled the van along with an amazing $2,526.11 in cash donations for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. We are truly fortunate to live in a community that is generous and caring. We would like thank all of the members, Interact members and the Ellsworth community at large who joined us in this very successful community project.
On Tuesday, November 17th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Rhonda Parker.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Laura Pellerano and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Birthdays: Cindy Shoppe on November 18th and Rob Hemenway on November 23rd. Happy Birthday!
Club Anniversaries: Dan Frye 1 Year on November 19th. Congratulations!!
All Happy Dollars goes towards KidsPeace for Christmas gifts for the kids this quarter. Dave Wells, Rhonda Parker, Dan Frye, JoAnn Brown, Linda Fuller, Carl Lusby, Iris Simon, Scott Kimball, Jo Cooper and Laura Pellerano.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Happy Dollars and Polio Donations: Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Community Service Update: Loaves and Fishes Food Drive at Ellsworth Hannaford on Saturday, November 21st. Jodie Cushing will email a sign-up sheet for those who are able to help. 9am – 2pm
December Loaves and Fishes: An email was sent by Jodie Cushing of signing up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings during the month of December. Please contact her if you can help.
Haven’s Candies Fundraiser: Our club is partnering with Haven’s Candies in Scarborough Maine to help raise money for the club during this challenging year. Haven's Candies has generously agreed to donate 20% of all Ellsworth Rotary Club sales back to the Club. If you purchase $100 of candy or other items, Haven's will donate $20 directly to the Ellsworth Rotary Club. www.havenscandies.com
Foundation Update: Lincoln Ehrlenbach reminded club members that our club goal is to raise $6,000 to the Annual Fund. Lincoln believes we can and will do more than that. He would like to see 100% club participation towards Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY).
Gifting Experience: Jack Frost and Carl Lusby are coming up with different ideas and options of this year’s Gifting Experience. This will be our 15th Year! It will be different due to COVID-19. They were thinking that we may wish to find a way to keep some (or all) of the funds with our downtown businesses. Please give some thought to this idea of purchasing gift certificates at shops such as: Union River Book & Toy, Rock & Art, Bud Connection, Rooster Brother. This option would allow either the family to shop directly or the nonprofit staff could aid with the shopping. By having the Club purchase the gift certificates, local businesses would know that Rotary is supportive of shopping local. This idea will need more flushing out for consideration, but wanted to toss it out for your initial reaction.
There is consideration of the option to donate some of the Gifting Experience donations for gift certificates to local downtown businesses that could be given to the Ellsworth Police Department. They could use these when out in the community as a small token of support for those they encounter that could use some additional cheer during the holiday season.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speakers were Andy Matthews and Ken Hoogerhyde of the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.
Loaves and Fishes is a local food pantry serving Hancock County for more than 40 years since 1978. They are supported by churches and other service-oriented organizations in and around Ellsworth. They have provided countless thousands of individuals with food to help alleviate the effects of food insecurity. They are a 501c3 non-profit supported exclusively by volunteers, except for a part-time pantry manager who receives a modest stipend. They receive income from individual donors, municipalities, and fundraising efforts.
VOLUNTEER
We are looking for volunteers for our “on call” list. Call our manager, at 207.667.4363
DONATE FOOD
Staples should be within “use by” date and in unopened containers.
DONATE GARDEN VEGETABLES
Share your garden vegetables
COLLECT REDEEMABLE BOTTLES AND CANS
Drop redeemable bottles and cans at the Union River Redemption Center, Ellsworth or pick up “Clynk” bags from the Pantry, fill with redeemables and return to Hannaford in Ellsworth. Scan the sticker which comes with the bags and drop off in the building next to Hannaford Supermarket.
OFFER FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Donations can be mailed to us at P.O. Box 1672, Ellsworth, ME 04605
DONATIONS OF FOOD MAY BE DROPPED OFF AT THE PANTRY DURING HOURS OF OPERATION M-W-F 8 AM – 11 AM
The Pantry is grateful for our club’s help over the years!
On Tuesday, November 10th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Gene Pellerano.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Gene Pellerano and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Wedding Anniversaries: Iris and Gerald Simon on November 8th. Happy Anniversary!!
Birthdays: Heidi Omlor on November 5th and Carol Jordan on November 18th. Happy Birthday!
Club Anniversaries: Iris Simon 29 Years on October 29th and Rod Fox 20 Years! Congratulations!!
All Happy Dollars goes towards KidsPeace for Christmas gifts for the kids this quarter. Ashley Johnson, Marian Wells, Dave Wells, Iris Simon, Gene Pellerano, Carl Lusby, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Ken Huitt, Julie Bouchard, Laura Pellerano, Jack Frost and Fred Beyer.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
In Person Meeting Update: The Board of Directors at their meeting on Tuesday, 11/10/2020 chose to suspend any further in person/hybrid meetings until further notice and continue with Zoom only. The Board gave the subject much thought and deliberation and felt it was the best choice at this time with the virus presenting in our local communities. Going forward the board will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly. If you have questions please reach out to Laura Pellerano or any board member.
Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Blood Drive at Ellsworth Elks Lodge: Tuesday, November 24th from 1:00-6:00pm. Scott Kimball is looking for volunteers. Sign-up sheet will be emailed. Community Service Update: Loaves and Fishes Food Drive at Ellsworth Hannaford on Saturday, November 21st. Jodie Cushing will email a sign-up sheet for those who are able to help.
ClubRunner Passport: The Clubrunner Passport was emailed to all club members. We encourage all members to complete to be entered into a weekly $20 Visa Gift Card drawing! ClubRunner Mobile is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website. Debbie Ehrlenbach won this week’s gift drawing!
Fundraising Update: Our club is partnering with Haven’s Candies in Scarborough Maine to help raise money for the club during this challenging year. Haven's Candies has generously agreed to donate 20% of all Ellsworth Rotary Club sales back to the Club. If you purchase $100 of candy or other items, Haven's will donate $20 directly to the Ellsworth Rotary Club. www.havenscandies.com
Foundation Update: Lincoln Ehrlenbach shared and reminded members that The Rotary Club of Ellsworth applied for a 501(C)(3) and was granted the status in December 2006. This status allows donors to contribute to the Ellsworth Rotary Club Foundation and receive a tax deduction. Since 2006 the Foundation has distributed funds to student scholarships, wheelchair projects and local projects in the community.
The current Board of Directors are:Ashley Johnson, Board Chair, Carl Lusby, Vice Chair, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Treasurer, Jack Frost, Scott Kimball, David Wells, and Raymond Williams.
This past year our club awarded (8) $1,000 scholarships, and the Ellsworth Rotary Foundation pledged to fund four of these scholarships.
It seems our Club’s foundation is a well kept secret or just not truly understood.We haven’t been clear in explaining or promoting the Club’s Foundation. Going forward, in these times of COVID 19, he feels our foundation is just as important as the Rotary International Foundation. His goal is to better communicate the Rotary Club Foundation and with your help our foundation can continue help a student with the cost burden of higher education. He encourages all of you to consider supporting our foundation. He is happy to meet with anyone who may have questions.
Vocational Minute: Iris Simon
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speakers were Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach. They gave an excellent power point presentation about “Celebrating Maine” a very interesting look at our State’s 200th Birthday in a Game Format!!
Our club is partnering with Haven’s Candies in Scarborough Maine to help raise money for the club during this challenging year. Haven's Candies has generously agreed to donate 20% of all Ellsworth Rotary Club sales back to the Club. If you purchase $100 of candy or other items, Haven's will donate $20 directly to the Ellsworth Rotary Club.
How does this work?
Would you like to say thank you to a business colleague or business partner or say I love you and I am thinking of you to a family member, friend or neighbor? It's easy to do this holiday season with chocolates from Haven's. All orders placed between now and December 14, 2020 will qualify the club for a 20% donation.
Simply go to Haven's website at havenscandies.com and place your order. Haven's will ship your order directly wherever you wish. To qualify for the 20% donation, simply type in Ellsworth Rotary Club in the "comments" box. This box is also used to make gift messages to your business colleagues, business partners, family or friends.
If you prefer, you can call Haven's at 207-772-1557 and place your order with one of their sales associates. Be sure to mention Rotary Club of Ellsworth. For Call-in Orders Only: To avoid shipping costs to the Ellsworth area, email us at ellsworthrotaryclub@gmail.com to find out how.
Happy Holiday shopping and thank you for supporting the Ellsworth Rotary Club!
Pamela Hansberry of Forgotten Felines was our guest speaker.
On Tuesday, October 27th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom as well an In-Person meeting at China Hill. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Dave Wells.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Dave Wells and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons and Annette Higgins
Guests: Pamela Hansberry, Ross Baldree and Erin Collins
Wedding Anniversaries: Carl an Anne Lusby on October 28th. Tony and Julie Bouchard on November 1st. Happy Anniversary!!
Club Anniversaries: Iris Simon 29 Years on October 29th and Rod Fox 20 Years! Congratulations!!
All Happy Dollars goes towards KidsPeace for Christmas gifts for the kids this quarter. Dave Wells, Carl Lusby, Tricia Quirk, Marian Wells, Rod Fox and Laura Pellerano all gave happy dollars this week.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Blood Drive at Ellsworth Elks Lodge: Tuesday, October 27th from 1:00-6:00pm. Scott Kimball is looking for volunteers for the month of November and December. A sign-up sheet will be emailed. Community Service Update: Loaves and Fishes Food Drive at Ellsworth Hannaford on Saturday, November 21st. Jodie Cushing will email a sign-up sheet for those who are able to help.
ClubRunner Passport: The Clubrunner Passport was emailed to all club members. We encourage all members to complete to be entered into a weekly $20 Visa Gift Card drawing! ClubRunner Mobile is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website.
Nomination Committee: The nominating committee nominated the following officers for 2021-2022: Marian Wells - Secretary Debbie Ehrlenbach – Treasurer Dan Frye – Vice President Clyde Cushing – President Elect Gene Pellerano – President
In Person Meeting Reminder: Laura Pellerano reminded club members that the Board met agreed to start meeting in-person again at China Hill every other week. Guidelines and dates will be emailed to everyone soon.
Fundraising Update: Our club is partnering with Haven’s Candies in Scarborough Maine to help raise money for the club during this challenging year. Haven's Candies has generously agreed to donate 20% of all Ellsworth Rotary Club sales back to the Club. If you purchase $100 of candy or other items, Haven's will donate $20 directly to the Ellsworth Rotary Club. www.havenscandies.com
Foundation Update: Lincoln Ehrlenbach reminded club members that our club goal is to raise $6,000 to the Annual Fund. Lincoln believes we can and will do more than that. He would like to see 100% club participation towards Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY). Twenty Five Rotarians have currently donated to the Annual Fund. Cindy Shoppe won a $10 gift card!! Congratulations! Paul Harris Pins Announcement: Paul Harris +4 Pin to Tracy Shaffer and a Paul Harris +5 Pin to Marian Wells. Congratulations!!
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Pamela Hansberry of Forgotten Felines, a rescue and re-home Rehabilitate that provides assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
$472 was raised from our 1st Quarter Happy Dollars for Forgotten Felines!
On Tuesday, October 20th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Ashley Johnson.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Ashley Johnson and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Guests: Ross Baldree
Checking In: Ashley Johnson, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Melody Pereira, Iris Simon, Rod Fox, Laura Pellerano, Tricia Quirk, Carl Lusby, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Dave and Marian Wells, Gene Pellerano, Tracy Shaffer, Dan Frye, JoAnn Brown, Max Dietshe, Jo Cooper, Fred Beyer, Jack Frost and Scott Kimball.
All Happy Dollars goes towards KidsPeace for Christmas gifts for the kids this quarter. Dave Wells, Carl Lusby, Tricia Quirk, Marian Wells, Rod Fox and Laura Pellerano all gave happy dollars this week.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Blood Drive at Ellsworth Elks Lodge: Tuesday, October 27th from 1:00-6:00pm. Scott Kimball is looking for volunteers for both dates. A sign-up sheet will be emailed. Community Service Update: Saturday, October 24th at 10am at EHS will be our Polio Walk. $20 to participate. Will be walking 1 mile to raise funds for Polio Plus. Please contact Jodie Cushing to sign-up
Loaves and Fishes Food Drive at Ellsworth Hannaford on Saturday, November 21st. Jodie Cushing will email a sign-up sheet for those who are able to help.
ClubRunner Passport: The Clubrunner Passport was emailed to all club members. We encourage all members to complete to be entered into a weekly $20 Visa Gift Card drawing! ClubRunner Mobile is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website.
Nomination Committee: The committee will be meeting soon to discuss next year’s officers for our club. If anyone is interested, we have a vacancy for the secretary position.
In Person Meeting Reminder: Laura Pellerano reminded club members that the Board met agreed to start meeting in-person again at China Hill every other week. Guidelines and dates will be emailed to everyone soon.
Fundraising Update: Our club is partnering with Haven’s Candies in Scarborough Maine to help raise money for the club during this challenging year. Haven's Candies has generously agreed to donate 20% of all Ellsworth Rotary Club sales back to the Club. If you purchase $100 of candy or other items, Haven's will donate $20 directly to the Ellsworth Rotary Club. Emails have been sent out with more information.
Membership Game Night: The membership committee did a great job organizing games!
ACTIVITY ONE was led by JoAnn Brown: Members came to the meeting wearing something (a hat, a tie, a t-shirt, etc.) that represents something about yourself and shared why.
ACTVITY TWO was led by Jo Cooper: “2 Truths and 1 lie” Members came to the meeting prepared to share 2 truths and 1 lie about themselves. The rest of the members will get to guess which one of your statements is a lie!
Rotarian Cindy Shoppe presented a check in the amount of $750.00 to Dan Frye of KidsPeace in Ellsworth. The donation will be used to purchase Birthday and Christmas Gifts for children.
On Tuesday, October 13th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Ashley Johnson.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Tricia Quirk, Ashley Johnson notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Guests: Lisa Lutts
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Ashley Johnson, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Melody Pereira, Iris Simon, Rod Fox, Laura Pellerano, Jane Langley, Linda Fuller, Tricia Quirk, Carl Lusby, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Dave and Marian Wells, Gene Pellerano, Tracy Shaffer, Dan Frye, JoAnn Brown, Fred Beyer, Jack Frost and Scott Kimball.
All Happy Dollars goes towards KidsPeace for Christmas gifts for the kids this quarter. Dave Wells, Tricia Quirk, Iris Simon, Gene Pellerano, Ashley Johnson, Jack Frost, Tracy Shaffer, Carl Lusby, Laura Pellerano, Dave and Better Parsons all gave happy dollars this week.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Blood Drive at Ellsworth Elks Lodge: Tuesday, October 13th and 27th from 1:00-6:00pm. Scott Kimball is looking for volunteers for both dates. A sign-up sheet will be emailed. Community Service Update: Saturday, October 24th at 10am at EHS will be our Polio Walk. $20 to participate. Will be walking 1 mile to raise funds for Polio Plus. Please contact Jodie Cushing to sign-up
Loaves and Fishes Food Drive at Ellsworth Hannaford on Saturday, November 21st. Jodie Cushing will email a sign-up sheet for those who are able to help.
Membership Update: The Rotary Passport was emailed to all club members. Please look it over. October 20th is Membership Game Night.
ClubRunner Passport: The Clubrunner Passport was emailed to all club members. We encourage all members to complete to be entered into a weekly $20 Visa Gift Card drawing! ClubRunner Mobile is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website.
Nominating Committee: The committee will be meeting soon to discuss next year’s officers for our club. If anyone is interested, we have a vacancy for secretary and vice president.
International Update: the 115 wheelchairs have arrived at Panama from the shipping container. The Panama Rotary Club will distribute these wheelchairs to those that need "the gift of mobility."
The Bar Harbor, Bangor Breakfast and Ellsworth Rotary Clubs have joined forces to provide these wheelchairs for the people of Panama. We had planned to travel and help in the distribution but COVID-19 has prevented us from traveling. This distribution will complete our Club's 7th distribution for a total of 1,000 wheelchairs.
Foundation Update: Lincoln Ehrlenbach reminded club members that our club goal is to raise $6,000 to the Annual Fund. Lincoln believes we can and will do more than that. He would like to see 100% club participation towards Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY).
He reminded everyone that if you donate to the Annual Fund, 50% of it comes back to the District in 3 years. Money is distributed to clubs for grants for their communities. $70,000 came back to our district in 2019/2020. $60,000 has been approved for 2020/2021.
In-Person Meeting Update: Laura Pellerano shared with club members that the Board met earlier today and agreed to start meeting in-person again at China Hill every other week. Guidelines and dates will be emailed to everyone soon.
Fundraising Update: Our club is partnering with Haven’s Candies in Scarborough Maine to help raise money for the club during this challenging year. Haven's Candies has generously agreed to donate 20% of all Ellsworth Rotary Club sales back to the Club. If you purchase $100 of candy or other items, Haven's will donate $20 directly to the Ellsworth Rotary Club. An email will be out soon with more information!
Vocational Minute: JoAnn Brown gave her vocational minute.
From the October 6th virtual meeting with guest speaker Scott Boucher. Scott currently co-chairs the Polio Plus committee for the District and is a member of the Bangor Rotary Club. #ellsworthrotary#peopleofaction#wearerotary
On Tuesday, October 6th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. Vice President Gene Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Ashley Johnson for Jackie Sinclair.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Ashley Johnson and she took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons and Scott Boucher
Wedding Anniversaries: Jim and Barbara Vickers on October 8th. Jack and Brenda Frost on October 10th. Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Ashley Johnson, Gene Pellerano, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Rhonda Parker, Jack Frost, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Scott Kimball, Fred Beyer, Jo Cooper, JoAnn Brown, Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Dan Frye, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Dave and Marian Wells, Rod Fox, Max Dietshe and Melody Pereira.
All Happy Dollars goes towards KidsPeace for Christmas gifts for the kids this quarter.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach would like all Happy Dollars and Polio Plus donations to be mailed in a.s.a.p. to Rotary Club of Ellsworth, PO Box 741, Ellswoth, ME 04605.
Blood Drive at Ellsworth Elks Lodge: Tuesday, October 13th and 27th from 1:00-6:00pm. Scott Kimball is looking for volunteers for both dates. A sign-up sheet will be emailed. Community Service Update: Loaves and Fishes Food Drive at Ellsworth Hannaford on Saturday, November 21st. Jodie Cushing will email a sign-up sheet for those who are able to help.
Membership Update: The Rotary Passport was emailed to all club members. Please look it over. October 20th is Membership Game Night. Please email JoAnn Brown something about yourself that other club members do not know about you.
ClubRunner Passport: The Clubrunner Passport was emailed to all club members. We encourage all members to complete to be entered into a weekly $20 Visa Gift Card drawing! ClubRunner Mobile is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website. This week’s winner was JoAnn Brown!
Club Service: Tracy Shaffer reported the next committee meeting is Thursday, October 5th via Zoom.
Nomination Committee: The committee will be meeting soon to discuss next year’s officers for our club. If anyone is interested, we have a vacancy for secretary and vice president.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Rotarian Scott Boucher of the Bangor Club. Scott has served many roles in Rotary including Club Secretary, Club President, member of the District Training Team, AG, AGC, and he currently co-chairs the Polio Plus committee for the District.
Scott gave a brief history of Polio. When we talk about PolioPlus, we know we are eradicating polio, but do we realize how many added benefits the program brings? The “plus” is something else that is provided as a part of the polio eradication campaign. It might be a hand-operated tricycle or access to water. It might be additional medical treatment, bed nets, or soap. A 2010 study estimates that vitamin A drops given to children at the same time as the polio vaccine have prevented 1.25 million deaths by decreasing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Eighteen million people around the world who would have died or been paralyzed are alive and walking because of the polio eradication campaign. Health workers and volunteers supported by PolioPlus grants have built an infrastructure for delivering health care and collecting data that, in many parts of the world, didn’t exist before. It’s already being used to improve overall health care and to fight other diseases, proving that the legacy of PolioPlus is more than eradicating a deadly disease from the planet — it’s also building a stronger health system that provides better access to lifesaving interventions for the world’s most vulnerable children.
The polio eradication campaign needs your help to reach every child. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled.
To donate, visit endpolio.org/donate
Purple Pinkie Project: Purple Pinkie is a campaign to raise money to End Polio Now – one of the world’s biggest ever immunization programs. In its first year it was a tremendous success capturing the imagination of the public and to build on that success, Purple Pinkie is coming up with many more innovative ideas - full of fun - with something for all ages.
On Tuesday, September 29th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Laura Pellerano.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Laura Pellerano, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Guests: Dorathy Martel
Birthdays: Tricia Quirk on 9/29 Happy Birthday!
Club Anniversaries: Marshall Smith 22 Years on 10/1 Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Ashley Johnson, Pam Cushing, Clyde Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Laura and Gene Pellerano, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Dan Frye, Allegra Pellerano, Rod Fox, Max Dietshe, Marian and Dave Wells, Iris Simon, Rhonda Parker, Jack Frost, Scott Kimball, JoAnn Brown, Fred Beyer, and Jackie Sinclair.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
2nd Quarter of Happy Dollars will be going towards KidsPeace for Christmas Gifts for the kids. We did this last year and it made a huge impact!
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive at Ellsworth Elks Lodge: Tuesday, October 13th and 27th from 1:00-6:00pm. Scott Kimball is looking for volunteers for both dates. A sign-up sheet will be emailed this week. Community Service Update: There are currently no upcoming projects at this time. Contact Jodie Cushing if you have something in mind.
Membership Update: The Rotary Passport was emailed to all club members. Please look it over. October 20th is Membership Game Night. Please email JoAnn Brown something about yourself that other club members do not know about you.
ClubRunner Passport: The Clubrunner Passport was emailed to all club members. We encourage all members to complete to be entered into a weekly $20 Visa Gift Card drawing! ClubRunner Mobile is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website. This week’s winner was Jodie Cushing!
International Update: the 115 wheelchairs have arrived at Panama from the shipping container. The Panama Rotary Club will distribute these wheelchairs to those that need "the gift of mobility."
The Bar Harbor, Bangor Breakfast and Ellsworth Rotary Clubs have joined forces to provide these wheelchairs for the people of Panama. We had planned to travel and help in the distribution but COVID-19 has prevented us from traveling. This distribution will complete our Club's 7th distribution for a total of 1,000 wheelchairs.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Dorathy Martel, Executive Director of The Next Step domestic violence project. The Next Step has been active in Washington and Hancock counties for over 25 years supporting a greater peace in our society by offering training, direct support and furthering awareness of domestic violence.
While their Resource Centers may be closed, their team is working hard during the COVID-19 crisis to make sure individuals get the help they need. 24/7 HELPLINE 1-800-315-5579 to connect with a trained advocate who will listen, judgment-free, and help you understand the right next steps for you.
Dorathy spoke about the challenges the organization is facing during this pandemic. The Next Step needed to change their way of business. They had to learn to adapt to providing services via phone and video.
This week's virtual meeting featured John Zavodny from Maine Seacoast Mission as our guest speaker.#ellsworthrotary#peopleofaction
On Tuesday, September 22nd at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Tricia Quirk.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Tricia Quirk, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parson
Guests: John Zavodny and Lisa Simpson Lutts
Birthdays: Jackie Sinclair on 9/24 and Nancy Mayo on 9/26 Happy Birthday!
Wedding Anniversaries: Jo and Donald Cooper 43 Years on 9/24 Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Ashley Johnson, Pam Cushing, Clyde Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Rhonda Parker, Tricia Quirk, Dan Frye, Laura and Gene Pellerano, Marian and Dave Wells, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Linda Fuller, Scott Kimball, Max Dietshe, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Jack Frost, Fred Beyer, JoAnn Brown, Jackie Sinclair and Tracy Shaffer.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Community Service Update: The Next Step Playground Service Project went well. Jodie thanked everyone who helped. There are currently no upcoming project at this time. Contact Jodie if you have something in mind.
Membership Update: The Rotary Passport was emailed to all club members. Please look it over. October 20th is Membership Game Night. Please email JoAnn Brown something about yourself that other club members do not know about you.
ClubRunner Passport: The Clubrunner Passport was emailed to all club members. We encourage all members to complete to be entered into a weekly $20 Visa Gift Card drawing! ClubRunner Mobile is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website. This week’s winner was Dan Frye!
International Update: First, welcome Max Dietshe to the International Committee. Max is a new Rotarian, is interested in Rotary work and I think will be a great asset to the club and this committee! Below is a photo from Panama showing the unloading of the 115 wheelchairs from the shipping container. The Panama Rotary Club will distribute these wheelchairs to those that need "the gift of mobility."
The Bar Harbor, Bangor Breakfast and Ellsworth Rotary Clubs have joined forces to provide these wheelchairs for the people of Panama. We had planned to travel and help in the distribution but COVID-19 has prevented us from traveling. This distribution will complete our Club's 7th distribution for a total of 1,000 wheelchairs.
Foundation Minute: Lincoln spoke about the history of the Rotary Foundation and how it is impacted by donations. Julie Bouchard is the winner for a $10 gift card!
Dave Wells was awarded with the Paul Harris +7 Pin Congratulations! Jo Cooper was awarded with the Paul Harris +2 Pin Congratulations!
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was John Zavodny of Maine Sea Coast Mission. The son of a U.S. Navy sailor, Zavodny is proud to now be a small part of the Mission’s seagoing history. He is the first member of his family to complete college and understands firsthand the transformative role education can play. As a former minister, he understands the central role spirituality plays in people’s well-being.
John spoke about the mission and history of the non-profit. While they are proud of their 115-year history, their focus is on our work today and tomorrow: Helping feed a struggling family, sharing laughter at our weekly free community dinners, checking an island lobsterman’s blood pressure; giving a child courage to tackle our ropes course, or helping a student be first in their family to attend and graduate college.
On Tuesday, September 15th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Tracy Shaffer.
The Pledge Allegiance was led by Tracy Shaffer, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parson
Guests: Gretchen Wilson
Birthdays: Rachel Bousquet on September 19th Happy Birthday!
Wedding Anniversaries: Larry and Bonnie Fernald on September 19th Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Ashley Johnson, JoAnn Brown, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Gene Pellerano, Laura Pellerano, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Rhonda Parker, Max Dietshe, Fred Beyer, Linda Fuller, Jo Cooper, Marian and Dave Wells, Carl Lusby, Jackie Sinclair, Iris Simon, Larry Johnston and Rod Fox.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Community Service Update: The Next Step Playground Service Project is on Saturday September 19th starting at 8:30am. Please let her know if you are able to help volunteer. Bring tools and JoAnn Brown will make homemade blueberry muffins! All are welcome!
Membership Update: The Rotary Passport was emailed to all club members. Please look it over. October 20th is Membership Game Night. Please email JoAnn Brown something about yourself that other club members do not know about you.
ClubRunner Passport: The ClubRunner Passport will be emailed to all club members. We encourage all members to complete to be entered into a weekly $20 Visa Gift Card drawing! ClubRunner Mobile is wonderful tool allowing membership directory data to be available at your fingertips as well as other club information such as weekly newsletters, upcoming events, guest speakers and meetings. It is a great companion to our ClubRunner website.
International Update: Due to COVID-19 our club will not be going to Panama to deliver the wheelchairs. It will be done for us. We will get a report back with photos!
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gretchen Wilson. Gretchen has overseen the Chamber over the past few years and last presented to our club in 2018. The Chamber has been instrumental to helping our businesses and area merchants navigate through the state and federal COVID-19 guidelines during this time.
Coronavirus Business Resources
In an effort to help keep Ellsworth Area Chamber Members informed of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic they have compiled a list of useful links below. As always they are here to help with additional support and information as they receive it. Please reach them via email info@ellsworthchamber.org . To reach the Director, Gretchen Wilson directly, please email gwilson@ellsworthchamber.org .
Ellsworth’s Autumn Gold Week is still on! September 21-26th
Autumn Gold Specials and Sales all over Ellsworth. Decorating Contest, Go for the Gold prizes, Jumbo Jackpot and more! (Some large events have been postponed for this year)
The Autumn Gold’s Jumbo Jackpot Ticket is THE BEST!
This year only 500 tickets will be sold for $10.00 a piece, with a Grand Prize of
$2,500.00 cash. Tickets sold out last year!
Tickets will be available in August and will be sold thru Autumn Gold week or until sold out!
At the September 8th virtual meeting, we welcomed District Governor Joel Philibert as our guest speaker. #ellsworthrotary
On Tuesday, September 8th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Ashley Johnson.
Laura Pellerano played the national anthem of Canada O’Canada and The Pledge Allegiance was led by Carl Lubsy. Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: District Governor Joel Philibert
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Ashley Johnson, Dan Frye, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Allegra Pellerano, Carl Lusby, Laura and Gene Pellerano, JoAnn Brown, Iris, Simon, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Pam Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Clyde Cushing, Scott Kimball, Marian and Dave Wells, Tracy Shaffer, Rod Fox and Fred Beyer.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Community Service Update: Jodie Cushing emailed all club members about the upcoming Card Brook Clean-Up for 9/12 and the Next Step Playground Service Project for 9/19. Please let her know if you are able to help volunteer.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was District Governor Joel Philibert. A Rotarian since March 2008, he is a club member of St-Nicolas Chutes-de-la-Chaudière. In 2012 he participated in a humanitarian mission to Guatemala for a water project, which changed his Rotary life forever. In 2012-2013 he became President of his Club, from 2013 to 2016 as Assistant Governor, from 2016 to 2019 as Coordinator of the AG-Quebec.
Joel shared and discussed about the District Project for 2020-2021: a water project in Southern Peru. A reservoir will be constructed near Arequipa. 10,000 individuals will be impacted by this project! Our club will donate $500 towards the project.
Joel spoke about the impact of COVID-19 has had on Rotary and the District. He sees the following year as an opportunity to change the ways of Rotary, by being flexible, innovative and adapting to today's reality. He wants to listen to members, help them grow as a club, and help them achieve their goals.
On Tuesday, September 1st at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Rod Fox.
The pledge was led by Carl Lubsy, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Tom Hinman, Courtney Holub and Paula Coyle
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Wedding Anniversaries: Peter and Nancy Farragher on 9/1 and March Rich and Daniel Antonelli on 9/2 Congratulations!
Club Anniversaries: Allegra Pellerano on 9/5 for 3 Years Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Pam Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Clyde Cushing, Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Scott Kimball, Ashley Johnson, Allegra Pellerano, Rod Fox, Laura and Gene Pellerano, Fred Beyer, Rhonda Parker, Linda Fuller, Iris Simon, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Jack Frost, Max Dietshe, Marian and Dave Wells and Larry Johnston.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Community Service Update: Jodie Cushing emailed all club members about the upcoming Card Brook Clean-Up for 9/12 and the Next Step Playground Service Project for 9/19. Please let her know if you are able to help volunteer.
There is no Freshmen BBQ this year due to COVID-19.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speakers were Tom Hinman, Courtney Holub and Paula Coyle all from the American Red Cross. They spoke about the history of the Red Cross, Services that are offered and the Volunteer Opportunities that are provided to the community.
The Red Cross thanked our club for volunteering over the years at the blood drives. They appreciate it!
Upcoming Blood Drives: September 8th and 27th at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge from 1:00 to 6:00pm. If you would like to volunteer please contact Scott Kimball. There are two shifts available. 1:00 to 3:30pm and 3:30 to 6:00pm.
This week’s guest speaker was Andrew Sankey. Andrew serves as the Emergency Management director for Hancock County, Maine.
On Tuesday, August 25th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Laura Pellerano.
The pledge was led by Laura Pellerano, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Andrew Sankey
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Wedding Anniveraries: Fred and Lesile Beyer 51 Years on August 30th. Congratulations!
Club Anniversaries: Jodie Cushing 2 Year on August 28th. Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Allegra Pellerano, Laura Pellerano, Ashley Johnson, Jo Cooper, Dan Frye, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Rod Fox, Gene Pellerano, Marian and Dave Wells, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Max Dietshe, Jack Frost, Scott Kimball, Clyde Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Pam Cushing.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Membership Update: JoAnn Brown reported the committee is encouraging members to bring a perspective member to a meeting to be entered into a drawing for a gift card! The Passport Program is up and running again this year. Please fill out the passport by July 31st of 2021 and you will receive a Rotary Vest!
Foundation Update: Lincoln Ehrlenbach shared his goals for the year. Our club goal is to raise $6,000 to the Annual Fund. Lincoln believes we can and will do more than that. He would like to see 100% club participation towards Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY).
He reminded everyone that if you donate to the Annual Fund, 50% of it comes back to the District in 3 years. Money is distributed to clubs for grants for their communities. $70,000 came back to our district in 2019/2020. $60,000 has been approved for 2020/2021.
Those who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a $10 gift card! Jo Cooper won a $10 Gift Card to Dunkin Donuts!
As of today, Africa has been officially free of wild polio!! This is amazing!
Community Service Update: Jodie Cushing reported the Next Step Playground will be worked on either Saturday September 12th or Saturday September 19th. She will be finalizing the details soon.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Andrew Sankey. Andrew has served as the Emergency Management director for Hancock County, Maine, since February, 2012. He is a Maine Certified Emergency Manager and holds both the Professional Development Series and Advanced Professional Series FEMA practitioner certifications issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Andrew spoke to the club about personal and community disasters and shared the following information:
Natural
Severe Storms
Wildfire
Flooding
Pandemic
Earthquake
Drought
Solar MCE
Tornado
Human Caused
(Intent, Negligence, Error)
Political
Criminal Acts
Terrorism
Technological
Cyber
Infrastructure Failure
HazMat
Y2K
“Taking Care of the Community begins with Taking Care of One’s Self!
Personal & Household Preparedness – Having one’s house in order…
● Communications (American Red Cross’ Safe & Well, 1-844-782-9441)
The August 18th virtual meeting with Guest Speaker Robin Clarke from Downeast Family YMCA.
On Tuesday, August 18th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Jackie Sinclair.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Allegra Pellerano took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Robin Clarke
Birthdays: Marshall Smith and Carolyn Stwertka. Happy Birthday!
Wedding Anniversaries: Ashley and Aaron Johnson on August 23rd for 12 Years. Congratulations!
Happy Dollars: Iris Simon, Dan Frye, Tracy Shaffer, Carl Lusby, JoAnn Brown and Laura Pellerano.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive at Elks Lodge: The next Blood Drive is August 25th from 1:00pm-6:00pm. Contact Scott Kimball to volunteer.
Membership Update: JoAnn Brown reported the committee is encouraging members to bring a perspective member to a meeting to be entered into a drawing for a gift card! The Passport Program is up and running again this year. Please fill out the passport by July 31st of 2021 and you will receive a Rotary Vest!
Community Service Update: Jodie Cushing gave an update on the playground.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Robin Clarke. Robin is the Fitness Director for the YMCA and is also a Zumba instructor and Personal trainer.
She has certifications in Cancer care recovery, Parkinson’s disease, kettlebells, Group Exercise to name a few. Her passion is helping people get healthier and off medications. She enjoys working with Seniors and also special needs adults and kids.
Robin spoke to club members about exercises for stress relief.
The August 11th virtual meeting with Guest Speaker April Hartford from MCMH.
On Tuesday, August 11th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting and passed the podium to Vice President Clyde Cushing.
Invocation was read by Tricia Quirk.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: April Hartford and John Ronan
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Birthdays: Jane Langley on August 16th. Happy Birthday!
Club Anniversaries: Ruth Moore 1 Year. Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jodie Cushing, Pam Cushing, Clyde Cushing, Ashley Johnson, Allegra Pellerano, Tricia Quirk, Dan Frye, Iris Simon, JoAnn Brown, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Tracy Shaffer, Scott Kimball, Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Fred Beyer, Rhonda Parker, Max Dietshe, Laura Pellerano, Gene Pellerano.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Vocational Minute: Julie Bouchard
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive at Elks Lodge: The next Blood Drive is August 25th from 1:00pm-6:00pm. Contact Scott Kimball to volunteer.
Membership Update: JoAnn Brown reported the committee is encouraging members to bring a perspective member to a meeting to be entered into a drawing for a gift card! The Passport Program is up and running again this year. Please fill out the passport by July 31st of 2021 and you will receive a Rotary Vest!
August and September Meetings will all be Zoom: Rotary Board members met just before this meeting and voted that it was best to have all August and September meetings to be via Zoom due to COVID-19. An email will be sent to the membership soon.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was April Hartford of MCMH. April is an accomplished Food Service/Nutrition Director with responsibilities coordinating kitchen operations, managing employees, solving customer complaints, handling correspondence, maintaining supplies, training new staff, and enforcing hand hygiene standards.
April develops and manages budgets while actively seeking ways to eliminate or reduce expenses. She composes meal plans to align with the age, gender and diagnosis. She serves as a nutritional resource to the department and healthcare staff.
April has volunteered at the Poinsettia Ball and Gala and the MCMH Donor luncheons or supper events. She is involved with the community group Union Square for the past few years as well.
Our guest speaker was Rotarian Peter Farragher of the Downeast Family YMCA.
On Tuesday, August 4th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Ashley Johnson.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Kylie Bragdon
Birthdays: Larry Johnston on August 4th and Alan Baker on August 7th. Happy Birthday!
Wedding Anniversaries: Peter and Pi Collier on August 4th. Congratulations!
Club Anniversaries: Irv Hodgkin 29 Years on July 29th. Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Tony and Julie Bouchard, Ashley Johnson, Marian and Dave Wells, Clyde Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Pam Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Dan Frye, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Iris Simon, Scott Kimball, Gene Pellerano, Fred Beyer, Laura Pellerano, Max Dietshe, Peter Farragher, Linda Fuller, Rod Fox, JoAnn Brown, Jo Cooper and Rhonda Parker.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive at Elks Lodge: Tuesday, August 11th and August 25th from 1:00pm-6:00pm. Contact Scott Kimball to volunteer.
Membership Update: JoAnn Brown reported the committee is encouraging members to bring a perspective member to a meeting to be entered into a drawing for a gift card! The Passport Program is up and running again this year. Please fill out the passport by July 31st of 2021 and you will receive a Rotary Vest!
International Update: Dave Wells is looking for members to join the International Committee this year. Please let him know if you are interested in joining. The Wheelchair distribution has been delayed due to COVID-19 to Panama. 120 wheelchairs are currently being manufactured. The Bar Harbor Club and The Bangor Breakfast Club are part of this project.
Download ClubRunner App: Reminder to download the ClubRunner app on to your smart phones or devices. An email was sent out on how to set it up. It is a wonderful and highly recommended!
Tracy Shaffer thanked the club for their happy dollar donations from the last quarter to Everybody Eats.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Rotarian Peter Farragher of Downeast Family YMCA.
Peter talked about the challenges of reopening the Downeast Family YMCA during COVID-19. He explained how communication is very important within the community, the staff, and the families they provide services to. There were a lot of concerns during the shutdown. The unknown is scary.
The fitness center opened back up along with the Summer Camp in early June. Summer camp is only open to Maine Residents this year. All staff are working hard to keep everyone safe during this difficult time.
Peter is hoping for more growth in the fall. There has been a 40-50% drop since COVID-19 in March. They are waiting to see what the local schools will decide as that will make an impact on after school care and daycare.
The New Blue Hill Fitness Center is scheduled to open in October. The equipment has been ordered and tours are scheduled to be given in September.
There is a possibility of youth sports to be delayed due to COVID-19. Everyone is working to make sure things move along and following the guidelines to be safe.
On Tuesday, July 28th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Tricia Quirk.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: David Cole
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Birthdays: Jodie Cushing on August 1st. Happy Birthday!
Wedding Anniversaries: Jeremey and Rachel Bousquet 12 Years on August 1st. Congratulations!
Club Anniversaries: Irv Hodgkin 29 Years on July 29th. Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Tricia Quirk, Jackie Sinclair, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Ashley Johnson, Marian and Dave Wells, Clyde Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Pam Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Dan Frye, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Iris Simon, Scott Kimball, Gene Pellerano, Fred Beyer, Laura Pellerano, Linda Fuller, Rod Fox, JoAnn Brown, Jack Frost, Jo Cooper and Rhonda Parker.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
New Member Induction: Max Dietshe was inducted into the club as our newest member! Congratulations Max and welcome!
Foundation Update: Lincoln Ehrlenbach shared his goals for the year. Our club goal is to raise $6,000 to the Annual Fund. Lincoln believes we can and will do more than that. He would like to see 100% club participation towards Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY). Those who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a $10 gift card! As of this week 18 members have donated at a total of $1,365.00. Gene Pellerano won a $10 Gift Card to Dunkin Donuts!
Membership Update: Marian Wells reported the committee is encouraging members to bring a perspective member to a meeting to be entered into a drawing for a gift card! The Passport Program is up and running again this year. Please fill out the passport by July 31st of 2021 and you will receive a Rotary Vest!
International Update: Dave Wells is looking for members to join the International Committee this year. Please let him know if you are interested in joining. The Wheelchair distribution has been delayed due to COVID-19 to Panama. 120 wheelchairs are currently being manufactured. The Bar Harbor Club and The Bangor Breakfast Club are part of this project.
Download ClubRunner App: Reminder to download the ClubRunner app on to your smart phones or devices. An email was sent out on how to set it up. It is a wonderful and highly recommended!
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was David Cole. David has served as City Manager of Ellsworth since August, 2015.
David also served as Maine’s Commissioner of Transportation and Chair of the Maine Port Authority from 2003 until he left state service in February of 2011 to form David Cole Consulting.
He previously worked for 24 years for Eastern Maine Development Corporation, a regional economic development organization headquartered out of Bangor, Maine, including a seven-year stint as President and CEO. While at MaineDOT Cole utilized these transportation and economic development skills on a national level, chairing the Special Committee on Intermodal Freight and Economic Expansion for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Organizations from 2005-2010, AASHTO’s over-arching freight committee, and serving as state co-chair for Federal Highway’s 2007 China intermodal freight scan.
David gave an update to the club about public safety and how our economy is doing here in Ellsworth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The board met on July 29, 2020 to review our in person meetings. At this time we feel that it is best to continue with the Zoom only option for the short term and we will review our meeting status at the August 11, 2020 board meeting.
We invite you to join us via Zoom by either video conferencing or the dial in option. Thank you for your understanding and patience during these uncertain times.
This week we had our first hybrid meeting with our guest speaker Melissa Huston from Good Shepherd Food Bank. Thank you to China Hill for allowing us the space to have our meeting #ellsworthrotary#peopleofaction#wearerotary
Opening Ceremonies: President President Laura Pellerano called the meeting to order. Invocation by Allegra Pellerano and we said the Pledge of Allegiance. 19 Members attended the meeting at China Hill and 8 Members attending via Zoom/Telephone.
Greeter: Laura Pellerano
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Melissa Huston and Butch Moore
Birthdays: Mike Mariano on July 21st and Ray Williams on July 24th. Happy Birthday!!
Happy Dollars Highlights: Jack Frost, Melody Pereira, Iris Simon, Pam Cushing, Gene Pellerano, Carl Lusby, Cindy Shoppe, Tracy Shaffer and Laura Pellerano.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Rotary Business:
Laura Pellerano read a Thank You Card from one of our scholarship students.
Scott Kimball reminded members the Blood Drive is the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge from 1:00pm – 6:00pm. Let Scott know if you are interested in volunteering.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Program/Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Melissa Huston of the Good Shepherd Food Bank.
Melissa joined Good Shepherd Food Bank (GSFB) in 2010 and is passionate about the foundational role that good health and nutritious food plays in achieving stability for all ages. As a Major Gift Officer, Melissa is honored to work with donors to identify their philanthropic goals and advance the Food Bank’s innovative strategic plan to ensure food security for all Mainers.
Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, Good Shepherd Food Bank and its network of over 500 partners across the state have been called upon in unprecedented ways.
Hunger in Maine (Pre-COVID-19) – Over 200,000 Mainers considered food insecure, 13.6% of households. Affecting 1 in 5 children. 12th in the country, highest rate in the Northeast.
COVID-19 Response: GSFB is an active member of Maine’s Emergency Response Team. The team has been meeting daily since mid-February.
Following the CDC guidelines, they have implemented workplace safety mechanisms to keep dedicated staff members safe. They are working closely with state and county agencies and staying connected with Feeding America to learn from the responses from food banks and other states.
They have partnered with L.L. Bean on pre-packaged food boxes to offer low touch options for the safety of the pantry clients and volunteers. Average of 10,000 boxes a week.
91% of the food pantries they serve are seeing an increase of people seeking help, some by as much as 50%.
Laura Pellerano gave Melissa our Rotary Speaker’s Mug and a Certificate of Appreciation to The Good Shepard Food Bank from the Rotary Foundation.
On Tuesday, July 14th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Marian Wells.
The pledge was led by Marian Wells, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Max Dietshe and Earl Brechlin
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Wedding Anniversaries: Bill and Jenny Casale 29 Years on July 20th. Congratulations!
Club Anniversaries: Meredith Bishop, Dave Jardine, 1 Year on July 16th. Alicia Johnson 2 Years on July 17. Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Tony and Julie Bouchard, Ashley Johnson, Marian and Dave Wells, Clyde Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Pam Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Dan Frye, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Iris Simon, Scott Kimball, Gene Pellerano, Dave Wheaton, Laura Pellerano, Linda Fuller, Ken Huitt, Rod Fox, JoAnn Brown, Jim Vickers, Joe Cooper and Melody Pereira.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Vocational Minute: Carl Lusby
Rotary Business:
Membership Update: JoAnn Brown reported the committee is encouraging members to bring a perspective member to a meeting to be entered into a drawing for a gift card! The Passport Program is up and running again this year. Please fill out the passport by July 31st of 2021 and you will receive a Rotary Vest! JoAnn also encouraged members to join a committee within the club.
International Update: Dave Wells is looking for members to join the International Committee this year. Please let him know if you are interested in joining. The Wheelchair distribution has been delayed due to COVID-19 to Panama. 120 wheelchairs are currently being manufactured. The Bar Harbor Club and The Bangor Breakfast Club are part of this project.
Download ClubRunner App: An email was sent out 2 weeks ago encouraging all members to download the ClubRunner app on to their smart phones or devices. It is a wonderful and highly recommended.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Earl D. Brechlin. Earl is the Communications Director of Friends of Acadia. He oversees a department of three people that publishes a quarterly magazine, monthly newsletters, issues regular press releases, and fields external media requests. The organization has a combined total of more than 40,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, and on its website.
Each year, Friends of Acadia works with Acadia National Park to identify places and projects where FOA’s effective mix of private philanthropy, volunteerism, innovative leadership, and strong partnerships will most benefit the park’s critical needs.
Through conservation grants, volunteer mobilization, programs, and advocacy, we work in the following areas: Protecting Acadia’s lands and natural resources, Engaging today’s youth in Acadia and the outdoors, Through transportation and related initiatives, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience today and forever and Preserving and protecting Acadia’s most beloved cultural resources.
On Tuesday, July 7th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. President Laura Pellerano started the meeting.
Invocation was read by Tracy Shaffer.
The pledge was led by Tracy Shaffer, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Max Dietshe, David Young and His Parents, Grace Cushing
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Birthdays: Fred Beyer on July 7th and Iris Simon on July 8th! Happy Birthday!
Wedding Anniversaries: Rod and Cindy Fox 55 Years on July 10th and Jackie and Michael Sinclair 15 Years on July 10th. Congratulations!
Club Anniversaries: Michael Marino 11 Years on July 7th and Lincoln Ehrlenach 18 Years on July 9th. Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Dan Frye, Allegra Pellerano, Tracy Shaffer, JoAnn Brown, Marian and Dave Wells, Carl Lusby, Rod Fox, Scott Kimball, Rhonda Parker, Gene Pellerano, Melody Pereira, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Ashley Johnson and Linda Fuller.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Forgotten Felines this quarter. They rescue and rehome Rehabilitate and provide assistance with spay and neutering stray and feral cats. They are 100% funded by donations and funds raised from yard sales and craft fairs.
Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Tracy Shaffer received positive feedback from the membership survey on everyone’s comfort levels on meeting again in China Hill. Our 1st in person meeting will be on Tuesday, July 21st at China Hill. An email will be sent out soon for reservations as seating will be limited due to COVID-19.
Membership Update: JoAnn Brown reported the committee is encouraging members to bring a perspective member to a meeting to be entered into a drawing for a gift card! The Passport Program is up and running again this year. Please fill out the passport by July 31st of 2021 and you will receive a Rotary Vest! JoAnn also encouraged members to join a committee within the club.
International Update: Dave Wells is looking for members to join the International Committee this year. Please let him know if you are interested in joining. The Wheelchair distribution has been delayed due to COVID-19 to Panama. 120 wheelchairs are currently being manufactured. The Bar Harbor Club and The Bangor Breakfast Club are part of this project.
Download ClubRunner App: An email was sent out last week encouraging all members to download the ClubRunner app on to their smart phones or devices. It is a wonderful and highly recommended.
Blood Drive: Scott Kimball reported the next Blood Drive is Tuesday, July 14th at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Please let him know if you would like to volunteer.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was David Young. David graduated from George Stevens Academy in 2007, Loyola - Chicago 2011 and Brandeis University 2013.
David works as a consultant at UNESCO Bangkok, where he is mostly focused on managing and organizing training programs focused on providing young people in Southeast Asia with leadership skills such as research, media advocacy, and policy development. His work specifically focuses on vulnerable youth sub-populations such as LGBTQI and indigenous persons.
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture; UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The COVID-19 outbreak has deprived students of brick-and-mortar schools, including about 500,000 migrant children in Thailand who are among the most vulnerable. The increasing financial burden, emotional distress linked to families losing jobs, and school and migrant-learning centre closures have put children at risk of losing opportunities or even dropping out of school.
For many migrants, the accompanying economic crisis means that even more children have to contribute to earning incomes to help their families survive day to day. Child labour further adversely affects learning loss and makes students fall further behind. Lifelong learning prospects are at stake, but so are healthy and inclusive societies that are in the interest of everyone.
On Tuesday, June 30th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was read by Tracy Shaffer.
The pledge was led by Tracy Shaffer, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Max Dietshe
Birthdays: Laura Pellerano on July 3rd Happy Birthday!!
Wedding Anniversaries: Carolyn and Zanny Stwertka 8 Years on July 1, Linda and Jeff Fuller 22 Years on July 3rd. Congratulations!
Club Anniversaries: Larry Fernald 45 Years on July 1st and Rob Hemenway 6 Years on July 1st. Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Laura Pellerano, Ashley Johnson, Gene Pellerano, Tracy Shaffer, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Micki Sumpter, Linda Fuller, Dan Frye, Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach, JoAnn Brown, Scott Kimball, Fred Breyer, Marian and Dave Wells, Rhonda Parker, Jack Frost, Ray Williams and Carl Lusby.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter. Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Foundation: Jack Frost thanked all members who donated this year. The club appreciates the support.
Transition Ceremony: Jo Cooper thanked all members for a great year! She spoke about all the service projects we did and how we stay strong and continued to help the community during COVID-19. She thanked the Board of Directors for their service and leadership.
The following Rotarians are recognized for 100% attendance for the year:
Fred Beyer, Julie Bouchard, Tony Bouchard, Jo Cooper, Clyde Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Pam Cushing, Debbie Ehrenlbach, Lincoln Ehrenlbach, Rod Fox, Ashley Johnson, Scott Kimball, Carl Lusby, Rhonda Parker, Allegra Pellerano, Gene Pellerano, Laura Pellerano, Marc Rich, Tracy Shaffer, Iris Simon, David Wells, Marion Wells, Ray Williams.
Jo then installed Laura Pellerano as President for our 2020-2021 Rotary year. Laura introduced and installed the new slate of officers and directors for the year:
Gene Pellerano – President Elect
Clyde Cushing– Vice President
Clyde Cushing – Secretary
Debbie Ehrlenbach – Treasurer
Tracy Shaffer – Club Service Director
Jodie Cushing – Community Service Director
Dave Wells – International Director
Debbie Ehrlenbach – Vocational and Youth Services Director
JoAnn Brown – Membership Director,
Lincoln Ehrlenbach – Foundation Chair
Cindy Shoppe – Community Support Chair
Ashley Johnson – Publicity and Public Relations Chair
Julie and Tony Bouchard – Sergeants At Arms
Laura reviewed the Rotary International theme for the new year: Rotary Opens Opportunities. She also reviewed her goals for the coming year for our club.
On Tuesday, June 23rd at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was read by Laura Pellerano.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Max Dietshe
Birthdays: Allegra Pellerano on June 27th. Happy Birthday!!
Wedding Anniversaries: Irv and Helen Hodgkin 58 Years on June 27th, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach 44 Years on June 26th, Laura and Gene Pellerano 40 Years on June 26th, Dave and Susan Wheaton 13 Years on June 30th. Congratulations!!
Club Anniversaries: Julie Clark 12 Years on June 24th, Dave Wheaton 9 Years on June 24th, Jane Langley 13 Years on June 30th, Jim Vickers 20 Years on June 30th. Congratulations!!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Linda Fuller, Marian and Dave Wells, Fred Breyer, Jane Langley, Laura Pellerano, Jack Frost, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Melody Pereira, Rod Fox, Allegra Pellerano, Carl Lusby, Dan Frye, Gene Pellerano, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Tracy Shaffer, Peter Farragher, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushig, Scott Kimball and Ashley Johnson.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter. Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive Update: The next blood drive is was today June 23rd at the Elks Lodge from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. It was a busy day! Please contact Scott Kimball if you would like to volunteer in the future.
Transition Meeting June 30th- Jo Cooper and Laura Pellerano have asked Peter Farragher if we can hold the meeting under the YMCA's tent on the pickleball court and he thinks it is a great idea. He will have the Perry's food truck there and will ask for a discount for Rotary. An email will be sent out to everyone once everything is confirmed.
The District Governor visit has been rescheduled to a later date. A different guest speaker will be filled in for July 7th.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speakers were Rotarians Jane Langley and Peter Farragher.
Jane spoke about what it’s like opening up the Union River Lobster Pot for another summer season with husband Brian during COVID-19. She explained how they had to change their business model, changing their menu, training staff and rearranging the inside of the restaurant. They provide outside dining and take out and appreciate the support from the community.
Peter talked about the challenges of reopening the Downeast Family YMCA during COVID-19. He explained how communication is very important within the community, the staff, and the families they provide services to. There were a lot of concerns during the shutdown. The unknown is scary.
The fitness center opened back up along with the Summer Camp a couple weeks ago. Summer camp is only open to Maine Residents this year. All staff are working hard to keep everyone safe during this difficult time.
On Tuesday, June 16th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was read by Laura Pellerano.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Rachel Emus and Max Dietshe
Birthdays: Rod Fox and Mark Remick both on June 21st. Happy Birthday!!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Dan Frye, Gene Pellerano, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Jodie Cushing, Melody Pereira, Rod Fox, Tracy Shaffer, Dave and Marian Wells, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Scott Kimball, Laura Pellerano, Rhonda Parker, Jim Vickers and Ashley Johnson.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter. Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation.
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive Update: The next blood drive is Tuesday, June 23rd at the Elks Lodge from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Please contact Scott Kimball if you would like to volunteer.
Transition Meeting June 30th- Jo Cooper and Laura Pellerano have asked Peter Farragher if we can hold the meeting under the YMCA's tent on the pickleball court and he thinks it is a great idea. He will have the Perry's food truck there and will ask for a discount for Rotary. An email will be sent out to everyone once everything is confirmed.
Wheelchair Update: Dave Wells reminded and updated everyone that our club has participated in 7 Wheelchair Trips in 5 Years delivering almost 1,000 chairs. This coming year we will be working with Bar Harbor and Bangor Clubs to deliver 115 chairs to Panama. Hoping for November depending on COVID-19.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Rachel Emus. Rachel Emus is the Food Programs Coordinator for Healthy Acadia. She manages a variety of food access programs across Hancock County that help to increase food security and access to healthy foods for all, including the Downeast Gleaning Initiative, MDI FarmDrop, the Hancock County Food Drive, and Senior Farm Share Program. Rachel is committed to supporting local farms while increasing access to healthy food in a role that combines her passions for healthy communities and sustainable food systems.
The Downeast Gleaning Initiative visits local farms to harvest excess fruits and vegetables, and delivers the fresh produce to a wide network of food pantries, free meal programs, and other hunger relief programs. Since 2013, the project has worked with hundreds of volunteers to distribute over 256,000 pounds of healthy food to the community.
On Tuesday, June 9th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was read by Laura Pellerano.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Jim Willis and Max Dietsle
Birthdays: Terri Stephens on June 12th. Happy Birthday Terri!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Ray Williams, JoAnn Brown, Rod Fox, Carl Lusby, Marian and Dave Wells, Fred Breyer, Scott Kimball, Allegra Pellerano, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Dan Frye, Gene Pellerano, Laura Pellerano, Iris Simon, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Rhonda Parker and Tracy Shaffer.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter. Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY! Please consider making a donation. Carl Lusby gave a brief history or the Rotary Foundation.
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive Update: The next blood drive was at the Elks Lodge today (June 9th) from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Please contact Scott Kimball if you would like to volunteer in the future.
Board Meeting Update: The Board of Directors met earlier today via Zoom. Laura Pellerano discussed her goals for next year as President and looks forward to her year!
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Jim Willis. Jim is currently the Police Chief of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island Police Departments. Jim began his law enforcement career in 1987 at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. In 2003 he became the Chief of Police for Mount Desert. In 2013 he was asked to be the Chief of Bar Harbor in addition to Mount Desert.
Both Police Departments are made up of full-time officers. These officers work year round, covering Bar Harbor and Mount Desert's jurisdiction and enforcing state laws and town ordinances. The primary mission is and will continue to protect and serve our community to the greatest extent possible, to protect life and property, and prevent crime by vigorously delivering the best possible services when crime occurs.
On Tuesday, June 2nd at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was by Rob Hemenway and read by Jo Cooper.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Barbara Kates
Birthdays: Marian Wells on June 7th. Happy Birthday Marian!!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Fred Breyer, Marian and Dave Wells, Melody Pereira, Ray Williams, Rod Fox, Carl Lusby, Allegra Pellerano, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Dan Frye, Scott Kimball, Rhonda Parker, Tony and Julie Bouchard and JoAnn Brown.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter. Don’t forget about Polio Plus and EREY!
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive Update: The next blook drive is at the Elks Lodge on Tuesday, June 9th from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Please contact Scott Kimball if you would like to volunteer.
Membership Committee Update: The next meeting is Thursday, June 4th at 1:00pm via Zoom.
Paul Harris Committee Update: The next meeting is Friday, June 5th at 1:00pm via Zoom.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Barbara Kates. Barbara Kates is a non-Native woman from Bangor and has a small consulting business. She volunteers with Maine-Wabanaki REACH. She became involved with REACH after decades of developing child welfare related programs here in Maine. For the past six years she was a community organizer for REACH and recently has shifted to volunteer work developing and facilitating programs.
Maine-Wabanaki REACH is a cross cultural organization of Wabanaki and Maine people. Wabanaki are the indigenous people of Maine and include the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Micmac tribes and smaller groups of Native people. REACH was created to develop the Maine Wabanaki State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission which ran from 2012to 2015. Now REACH continues to work on the recommendations of that commission to support Wabanaki self-determination through truth, healing, and change.
On Tuesday, May 26th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was by Rob Hemenway and read by Laura Pellerano.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Rhonda Parker and Melody Pereira
Wedding Anniversary: Cindy and John Shoppee on June 1st for 47 Years! Congratulations!
Club Anniversaries: Tony Bouchard and Bill Casale on May 29th for 13 Years! Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Laura Pellerano started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Ken Huitt, Jo Cooper, Dan Frye, Micki Sumpter, Carl Lusby, Scott Kimball, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Tracy Shaffer, JoAnn Brown, Marian and Dave Wells, Gene Pellerano, Jodie Cushing, Fred Breyer, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Rod Fox and Jack Frost.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter. Don’t forget about Polio Plus!
Rotary Business:
Rotary Induction: Membership Committee inducted two new members: Rhonda Parker and Melody Pereira! Welcome to the Club!!
Blood Drive at Elks Lodge was Tuesday, May 26th. Dan Frye volunteered. He reported it was sow but everyone was in good spirits.
Vocational/Scholarship Committee Update: Debbie Ehrlenbach reported the committee has announced the club has awarded four $1,000 scholarships to Ellsworth High School (EHS) students. The scholarship recipients are Allison Robbins, Caitlyn MacPherson, Aurora Burnmeister and Eden Salzig. The club have also awarded four $1,000 scholarships to Hancock County Technical Center (HCTC) students.The scholarship recipients are Taylor Richarson, Jocelyn Tozier, Michael Haire and Marissa Atwater.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Ken Huitt. Ken grew up in the foothills of North Carolina. He earned his BSBA at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.
After earning his BSBA, Ken moved to Spokane, WA to complete his MBA and law degree at Gonzaga University. After school, Ken practiced law in North Idaho, specializing in estate planning and corporate law. After leaving his law practice, Ken earned his securities and insurance licensures. He joined an Idaho community based bank and oversaw the Trust Administration Department. Ken moved to Ellsworth, Maine in the summer of 2017 to join Bar Harbor Trust Services.
Ken has been lucky enough to live in some of the most beautiful areas of the United States. In addition, he has traveled extensively through South and Central America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.
Ken discussed a few unique cases he worked on/managed during his legal and trust career from collecting stagecoaches for a client to managing the purchase of a hospital.
Guest speaker Rebecca Sargent of Jones, Kuriloff & Sargent, LLC spoke about Estate Planning.
On Tuesday, May 19th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was read by Carl Lusby.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Birthdays: Jim Vickers 5-19, Dave Wheaton 5-22and Debbie Ehrlenbach 5-23. Happy Birthday!
Club Anniversaries: Heidi Omlor on May 24th for 4 Years and Alison Young on May 25th for 10 Years!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Carl Lusby, Clyde Cushing, Dan Frye, Iris Simon, Jodie Cushing, Ken Huitt, Laura and Gene Pellerano, Tracy Shaffer, Scott Kimball, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Rod Fox, Marian and Dave Wells, Jane Langley, JoAnn Brown, Allegra Pellerano, Fred Breyer and Becky Sargent.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter. Don’t forget about Polio Plus!
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive at Elks Lodge is, Tuesday, May 26th An email will be sent out to everyone about volunteering.
Membership Committee Update: Marian Wells reported that we will be inducting two new individuals on May 26th via Zoom. She also encourages all Rotarians to bring a guest to any future Zoom meetings.
Resolution for Community Support: Dave Wells reported the following District 7790, has a Covid 19 Grant process. As a club, we can spend up to $5,000 for community support and be reimbursed up to $2,500 from a District Covid 19 Grant. The Covid 19 Grant program allows clubs to give support NOW and then apply for the grant. Reimbursement from the district will require proof of financial support with cancelled checks, letters of thanks and/or receipts . It is suggested that the club support Everybody Eats, Friends in Action and the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank:
The membership voted unanimously that The Rotary Club of Ellsworth make an immediate distribute of $5,000 from the saved wheelchair funds to:
Everybody Eats for $1,500
Friends In Action for $1,500
Loaves and Fishes for $2,000
The Rotary Club of Ellsworth will apply for a District Grant for community support. The District Grant reimbursement of $2,500 would then be used to support the Student Grants for HCTC.
Vocational Committee Update: Debbie Ehrlenbach reported the committee will be having a Zoom meeting this Thursday at 7:00pm to go over the scholarship applications.
Paul Harris Committee: Carl Lusby reported the committee met via Zoom and are moving forward with selections. The next meeting is Friday May 22nd at 1:00pm. If you have a community member or club member you would like to nominate, please be in touch with Jack Frost. It is helpful if you can write a bit about the person and why you are nominating them.
Jo reminded everyone to please reach out and contact any fellow Rotarian to stay in touch with those who have not been part of the weekly Zoom meetings.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Rebecca Sargent of Jones, Kuriloff & Sargent, LLC. Rebecca’s practice centers on estate planning and all of its related areas like real estate transfers, trust administration, probate estates, and corporate entities.
Rebecca spoke to the membership about Estate Planning, What the goals are, Who needs estate planning and What is disability planning and What is Asset Protection.
Proper estate planning allows you to plan for your death or disability without giving up control of your affairs. Rebecca and her team work to help families, business owners, and individuals control and preserve their wealth through comprehensive counseling and legal strategies.
On Tuesday, May 12th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was read by Jo Cooper.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Rhonda Parker
Visiting Rotarians: Paul Pangburn from the Ellsworth Noontime Club
Birthdays: Clyde Cushing on May 17th. Happy Birthday!!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Allegra Pellerano, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Carl Lusby, Scott Kimball, Jodie Cushing, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Iris Simon, Rhonda Parker, Dave Wheaton, Gene and Laura Pellerano, Marian and Dave Wells, Tracy Shaffer, Rod Fox, Dan Frye, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Fred Beyer.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter. Don’t forget about Polio Plus!
Rotary Business:
The Blood Drive at Elks Lodge was today, Tuesday, May 12th . It went well and thank you to Dan Frye, Jack Frost and Debbie & Lincoln Ehrlenbach for volunteering! The next blood drive will be May 26th. An email will be sent out to everyone about volunteering.
Membership Update: Marian Wells reported that we will be inducting two individuals on May 26th via Zoom. She also encourages all Rotarians to bring a guest to any future Zoom meetings.
Jo reminded everyone to please reach out and contact any fellow Rotarian to stay in touch with those who have not been part of the weekly Zoom meetings.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Paul Pangburn. He is a Rotarian and the current President Elect of the Ellsworth Noontime Club. Paul is the owner of Gibson Financials in Ellsworth, a fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm. He has served on the board of Friends in Action for many years. Paul is a big advocate for volunteering and giving back to the community.
Paul spoke about the Student Mentoring Program his club provides throughout the year at Ellsworth High School.
Our club has decided to cancel the annual Blueberry Pancake Breakfast for 2020 due to the economic impact that we are experiencing in our community. We made the decision based upon the need to be mindful of our community and the struggles as we all navigate our way through the pandemic. Thank you.
Our guest speakers were John Ronan and Kristin Cyr both of Northern Light Hospitals in Blue Hill and Ellsworth.
On Tuesday, May 5th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation by Jo Cooper.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Guests: Amy Wisehart, Lee Bonta, Rhonda Parker,Ruth Calas, Kristin Cyr and John Rohan
Birthdays: Julie Bouchard May 5th and Jo Cooper May 6th! Happy Birthday!!
Wedding Anniversaries: Dana and Ann Reiter
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Carl Lusby, Dan Frye, Marian Wells, Scott Kimball, Jodie Cushing, Iris Simon, Allegra Pellerano, Gene Pellerano, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, JoAnn Brown, Jim Vickers, Rod Fox, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Jane Langley Dave Wells, Tracy Shaffer, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Fred Beyer and Alicia Johnson.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter. Don’t forget about Polio Plus!
Rotary Business:
The next Blood Drive at Elks Lodge will be on Tuesday, May 12th . An email will be sent out to everyone about volunteering.
Tracy Shaffer shared the Loaves and Food Pantry are looking for volunteers to help. Please contact Janis O'Brien at 802-777-8121.
Jo reminded everyone to please reach out and contact any fellow Rotarian to stay in touch with those who have not been part of the weekly Zoom meetings.
Guest Speaker: Guest speakers were John Ronan, CEO of Northern Light hospitals Blue Hill and Maine Coast. He was joined by Kristin Cyr who is the incident commander for Maine Coast for COVID 19 and she is the Vice-President of Nursing and Patient Care Services for Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals.
They gave an update of how the area hospitals are responding to the coronavirus. They are taking steps to ensure the safety of their staff and patients in anticipation of the spread of this disease. There are visiting restrictions and those who do enter the hospitals must wear a mask.
If you have symptoms of Novel (New) Coronavirus (COVID-19) please call 844-489-1822 and complete a phone screening to determine next steps.
Questions that were emailed in prior were answered.
Our guest speaker was Jennifer Litteral. She is a Rotarian from the Bar Harbor Club. Jennifer is the President of Coffee Hound Coffee Co. established in 2013.
On Tuesday, April 28th at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was sent in by Dan Frye and read for Jo Cooper.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: Jennifer Litteral of the Bar Harbor Club (guest speaker)
Birthdays: Marc Rich on May 2nd. Happy Birthday Marc!
Club Anniversaries: Jack Frost 19 Years, Dana Reiter 13 Years, Gene Pellerano 4 Years, Debbie Ehrlenbach 4 Years. Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Jodie Cushing, Dan Frye, JoAnn Brown, Allegra Pellerano, Julie and Tony Bouchard, Marian and Dave Wells, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Iris Simon, Gene and Laura Pellerano, Carolyn Stwertka, Rod Fox, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Jim Vickers Grace Cushing, Fred Beyer and Scott Kimball.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter.
Rotary Business:
Blood Drive at Elks Lodge: Scott reported it went well. Dan Frye, Jack Frost and Jo Cooper all volunteered to help. A few Rotarians donated blood. Scott also mentioned it was well organized, sanitized and safe. The Red Cross will be have blood drives on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.
Debbie Ehrlenbach mentioned tonight would have been our HCTC night at HCTC. She will make sure students will receive their awards .
Next week’s guest speakers will be John Ronan, CEO of Northern Light hospitals Blue Hill and Maine Coast. He will be joined by Kristin Cyr who is the incident commander for Maine Coast for COVID 19 and she is the Vice-President of Nursing and Patient Care Services for Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals. We know there will be a lot of questions, so to make that manageable, please submit your questions in writing to Ashley and she will pass them on to JoAnn Brown, or submit them to JoAnn Brown.
Marian Wells reported there will be a Zoom Membership Meeting on May 7th at 1:00pm.
Jo reminded everyone to please reach out and contact any fellow Rotarian to stay in touch with those who have not been part of the weekly Zoom meetings.
Guest Speaker: Tonight’s guest speaker was Jennifer Litteral. She is a Rotary Member from the Bar Harbor Club. Jennifer is the President of Coffee Hound Coffee Co. established in 2013.
Jennifer is from Pennsylvania and moved to Maine 23 years ago. She has an extensive background in public policy and non-profits.
Jennifer spoke to the club about World History through Coffee. Her company has retail partners in Brewer, Bethel, Caribou, Ellsworth, Fort Kent, Presque Isle and South China. Cafes are located in Bar Harbor, but are unfortunately closed due to COVID-19. Customers are able to order coffee online at their website: https://coffeehoundcoffeebar.com/
We had a successful Zoom meeting this week with guest speaker Janna Richards, Economic Development Director for the City of Ellsworth.
On Tuesday, April 21st at 6 PM, our club had a virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was sent in by Rob Hemenway and read for Jo Cooper.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Club Anniversaries: Carl Lusby 11 Years and Jackie Sinclair 1 Year! Congratulations!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Dan Frye, Marian and Dave Wells, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Jodie Cushing, Grace, Tony and Julie Bouchard, Scott Kimball, Lincoln and Debbie Ehrlenbach, Allegra Pellerano, Fred Beyer, Iris Simon, Gene Pellerano, Rod Fox, Jack Frost, Tracy Shaffer, Dave Wells, Laura Pellerano , Jane Langley , Linda Fuller and Carl Lusby.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter.
Rotary Business:
Jo Cooper stated she and Dave Wells were part of a Zoom meeting with the District. 30 Clubs were part of the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to talk about what other clubs are doing during COVID-19 , how they are fundraising, how they are helping the Community, etc.
Jo reminded everyone to please reach out and contact any fellow Rotarian to stay in touch with those who have not been part of the weekly Zoom meetings.
Guest Speaker: Tonight’s guest speaker was Janna Richards. Janna is the Economic Development Director for the City of Ellsworth. The Ellsworth Economic Development Office provides information and assistance to businesses considering starting, relocating or expanding in Ellsworth.
Janna shared with us tonight about how the City is helping and supporting local businesses. The City plans on calling all businesses to check in and see how they are doing during this time, what their challenges are, what they need to recover. She shared with us the below information:
On Tuesday, April 14th at 6 PM, our club had our virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was sent in by Rob Hemenway and read by Jo Cooper.
The pledge was led by Gene Pellerano, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Clyde Cushing shared Birthdays and Anniversaries: Julie Clark and Jane Langley have birthdays this week! Happy Birthday!!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Dan Frye, Marian Wells, Clyde Cushing, Pam Cushing, Scott Kimball, Alison King, Alicia Johnson, JoAnn Brown, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Allegra Pellerano, Iris Simon, Gene Pellerano, Jim Vickers, Rod Fox, Jack Frost, Tracy Shaffer, Dave Wells, Laura Pellerano and Carl Lusby.
All Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter.
Rotary Business:
Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach reported that the financials are up-to-date. We are being careful and keeping track of our funds.
Rotary Auction Update: Laura Pellerano has reported at the board meeting it was decided to cancel the annual auction for 2020 due to the economic impact that we are experiencing in our community. We made the decision based upon the need to be mindful of our community and the struggles as we all navigate our way through the pandemic.
PETS Training Update: Laura and Gene Pellerano and Clyde Cushing reported that they have completed the virtual President-Elect (PETS) Training that the District provided via Zoom.
Lincoln Ehrlenbach shared that the District Governor is encouraging all clubs to have Zoom meetings for the time being. So we are happy to be ahead of the game!
Jo Cooper stated we plan to have a guest speaker at next week’s meeting!
Have a great Rotary Week! Please reach out and contact any fellow Rotarian to stay in touch!
On Tuesday, April 7th at 6 PM, our club had our second virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.
Invocation was sent in by Rob Hemenway and read for Jo Cooper. “The world isn't always fair; time has a keen way of showing us that. But please don't let that simple truth dull your sparkle. You were created to thrive in the face of inequity. That is the only answer to unfairness. Thrive - just thrive!” - Cyndie Spiegel - A Year of Positive Thinking.
The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Clyde Cushing shared Birthdays and Anniversaries: Linder Full has a birthday on April 11th. Happy Birthday! Jo Cooper has a Club Anniversary on April 8th for 6 Years.
Visiting Rotarians: Dan Hurley! It was great to see Dan!
Checking In/Happy Dollars: Jo Cooper started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Iris Simon, Rod Fox, Jane Langely, Fred Beyer, Alicia Johnson, Tracy Shaffer, Gene Pellerano, Scott Kimball, Laura Pellerano, Marian Wells, Dave Wells, Dan Hurley, Julie Bouchard, Tony Bouchard, Clyde Cushing, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Carl Lusby, Dan Frye, Jodie Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Ashley Johnson and Jo Cooper. Happy Dollars goes towards Everybody Eats this quarter.
Rotary Business:
Rotary Auction Update: Laura Pellerano reminded everyone that the Auction is now September 18th. Thinking ahead we probably should prepare that businesses will be struggling over the next few months. Fundraising is up in the air at this time. We will need to think outside the box. Laura Pellerano and Debbie Ehrlenbach will work together on keeping a close eye on the financials over the next few months.
PETS Training: Laura and Gene Pellerano and Clyde Cushing reported that they continue to be part of the virtual President-Elect (PETS) Training that the District is running via Zoom.
Clyde Cushing will be sending out an email to everyone asking you to update your contact information in Club Runner. If you did not set-up your Club Runner or can't remember how to get into Club Runner you can email me the following information and I will put it in Club Runner for you: Current email address ( that you check regularly) Phone Number (Cellphone, Home Phone given our current state)Your mailing address ( that you get mail to during this current state)Business email,Business phone
Dave Wells will help with contacting club members we have not heard from over the last couple weeks. Lincoln Ehrlenbach stated he has been in touch with Marshall and Teri Smith. They are doing well. Rod Fox has been in touch with Larry Fernald. He is doing fine.
For club members who aren’t comfortable using Zoom Video, Ashley will make sure to have a phone number available to call in for the meeting next week if that helps. This will be emailed.
Jo Cooper stated we will try to have a guest speaker in the future for our Zoom meetings.
Tracy shared a Rotary Moment.
Have a great Rotary Week! Please reach out and contact any fellow Rotarian to stay in touch!
On Tuesday, March 31st at 6 PM, our club had our second virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. During the first few minutes our meeting was hacked, but we were able to fix that. We think this happened as we shared the Zoom meeting online to our social media pages and the club website to invite Visiting Rotarians. Learning from this, we will only be sharing the Zoom meeting information within our club by email only to prevent this from happening again. We appreciate your understanding on this.
The club plans to continue to meet weekly during this crisis in this way. Meeting invites will come from Public Relations Director Ashley Johnson to your email address on record.
The invocation was read by Jo Cooper. The pledge was led by Carl Lusby, Ashley Johnson took notes and Tony and Julie Bouchard took attendance.
Check In:
Jo started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Ashley Johnson, Laura Pellerano, Pam Cushing, Clyde Cushing, Julie Bouchard, Tony Bouchard, Marian Wells, Dave Wells, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Allegra Pellerano, Carl Lusby, Dan Frye, Jodie Cushing and her daughter Grace, Gene Pellerano, David Wheaton, Rod Fox, Tracy Shaffer and Scott Kimball. It was noted that Irv Hodgkin and Larry Johnston are recovering and Jim Vickers is doing fine.
Club Anniversaries: Larry Johnston for 31 Years in Rotary! Congratulations Larry!
Rotary Business:
Ashley Johnson reminded club members that during this time, checking your emails and reading the weekly newsletter is the best way to stay in touch and know what is going on a weekly basis in our Club. If you struggling on how to use Zoom, please contact Ashley and she will help you. If you aren’t interested in using Zoom, that is okay.
Everybody Eats – TracyShaffer reminded everyone that Everybody Eats is operating, but on a restricted, takeout basis only to observe current pandemic safety guidelines. Starting April 5th, cooking will start at the Moore Community Center for more space.
Jo Cooper reminded everyone that she would reach out to those interested in helping to deliver groceries or meals as part of Friends in Action. She noted that the organization is working with the library to make friendly phone calls as well. The FIA center is closed for operations.
Wheelchair Project – Dave Wells advised that the funds have been forwarded to the American Wheelchair Mission. Dave is still working to formally identify a nonprofit organization that can be a partner in Panama to receive the delivery on behalf of the club and team with us for deployment. 120 chairs have been ordered with the deployment planned October – December.
Laura and Gene Pellerano and Clyde Cushing reported that they continue to be part of the virtual President-Elect (PETS) Training that the District is running via Zoom.
On Tuesday, March 24th at 6 PM, our club had our first virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom. Many clubs in our districts as well as schools and other organizations across the country and world are meeting now via Zoom or other like services. We thank the members who joined us last week using this new approach. It was a wonderful opportunity to see each other and check in. The club plans to continue to meet weekly during this crisis in this way. Meeting invites will come from PR Director Ashley to your email address on record.
President Jo opened the meeting at 6 PM and noted that Tony and Julie would take attendance for these meetings which is important for those that wish to continue to be recognized for perfect attendance at the close of this program year.
The invocation was provided by Rob and read by Jo. The pledge was led by Carl and Tracy took notes.
Check In:
Jo started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing. We heard from Clyde, Pam, Carl, Tracy, Julie, Tony. Deb, Lincoln, Laura, Allegra, Gene, Jody, Dan, Iris, Linda, Heidi, Scott, Marian, David, Grace and Ashley.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Clyde noted that March birthdays to date include Alicia, Lincoln and Ken. Club anniversary congratulations to David (10 years) and Marian (6 years).
Lincoln announced that Steve Johnson passed away. Steve was from the Bangor club and a former District Governor that Lincoln worked closely with during both Steve’s term and Lincoln’s term. (Since our meeting, the District has sent out a formal announcement on this as well.) Thoughts and prayers go out to Steve’s family, friends and the Bangor club.
Club Business:
Jo needs suggestions for Happy Dollars for the April – June Qtr. Please let her know your ideas.
EE – Tracy advised that Everybody Eats!, one of our current Feb. and March volunteer projects, is operating, but on a restricted, takeout basis only to observe current pandemic safety guidelines. Accordingly, the last shift of the month has been cancelled for Rotarians. We will try to incorporate the Rotary again post pandemic. Tracy thanked the club for their continued support.
Food Pantry – Clyde reviewed the updated model that is being used at Loaves and Fishes during this crisis. They served 120 families last week which was a very high week. For safety, clients stay in their car, fill out a form and then the pantry volunteers fill the boxes for the client and run them to the car. In other news, Clyde advised that the pantry received food from the school cafeteria closing and that the pantry did get a grant to help during this time. Currently, the pantry is working on April staffing.
Jo advised that she would reach out to those interested in helping to deliver groceries or meals as part of Friends in Action. She noted that the organization is working with the library to make friendly phone calls as well. The FIA center is closed for operations.
Auction – Laura noted that the auction has been moved from May to September 18 and that she has communicated this to Darling’s, our auction partner and our planned caterer.
Wheelchair Project – David advised that the funds have been forwarded to the American Wheelchair Mission. David is still working to formally identify a nonprofit organization that can be a partner in Panama to receive the delivery on behalf of the club and team with us for deployment. 120 chairs have been ordered with the deployment planned October – December.
Vocational Updates – Debbie advised that the Honors Banquet and the March HCTC recognition has been cancelled due to the pandemic. She asked Heidi for help in getting the word out to students that the club is still entertaining applications for the scholarships for this year. The deadline for applications is being extended to May 15th.
President-Elect Laura is willing to get a committee together to reach out to our members. Please contact her if you would like to make some phone calls to our Rotarians.
Laura, Gene and Clyde reported on the virtual President Elect Training that the District is running via Zoom. One idea shared was to reach out to former members of the club and invite them to our Zoom meetings.
Ashley has offered to post our Zoom meeting out on our social media sites. Members should be encouraged to invite others to join as well.
After lots of thought and discussion we decided that it would be prudent to postpone the auction this year due to the COVID 19 Virus impact on our national and local communities. We are looking at September 18, 2020 as our new date. We are hopeful that this will give our community the recovery time and something to look forward to in the future.
I want to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and support for the auction and our rotary club. Please stay safe and keep well during these interesting times.
Welcome to the March 17 meeting of the Rotary Club of Ellsworth! Tonight we are thinking of all of our families and friends and hope all are healthy and safe.
Tonight's Invocation (an Irish blessing, in honor of St. Patrick's Day:
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.
Tonight's speaker was going to talk about the Hancock County Food Drive. We will get you information on where you can leave food donations next week.
I hope all of you are staying healthy and safe at home. It is a time for reflection and for connecting in new and creative ways. And I hope each of you will remember to have a laugh every day! It is good for your health. This is when we need Bill Casale and his JOKES!
Tonight we had an informal Zoom (phone and video conferencing app) meeting of the Board. We discussed changing event dates, and cancelling the Honors Banquet and the final HCTC night. Instead we will give our scholarships to the individual students at the Awards Night at the High School. We are changing the Rotary Auction date to the fall. Laura Pellerano will have that information next week, but we discussed possibly moving it to Sept. 18. It will be difficult to be asking businesses for support as they are coming out of a tough time.
There are many volunteer opportunities in the community right now in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Some include:
helping Everybody Eats to deliver meals to those who cannot come pick up a take-out meal or to those who need a hot meal. Everybody Eats is also working with The Welcome Table at the First Congregational Church in Ellsworth to do the same thing.
delivering groceries, food pantry food boxes or medicines through Friends in Action
making phone calls to people who are alone and more isolated than usual right now. Friends in Action is partnering with the Ellsworth Public Library and the Age-Friendly communities in the Blue Hill peninsula and in Surry.
If you know of someone who is eager to do something to help the community, please tell them about Rotary and invite them to join us! WE ARE PEOPLE OF ACTION!
Next week we are going to try meeting via Zoom. Here is the information. You can call in or participate via your computer or iPhone with video.
Have a GREAT ROTARY WEEK. And don't forget your donation to Rotary International - it is more important than ever.
Because of the rapidly changing public health situation and COVID-19, I am suspending the next four weeks of meetings of the Rotary Club of Ellsworth: March 17, 24, 31, and April 7.
Door Prizes: Jody Wolford-Tucker-money jar, Julie Bouchard-wine, Ken Hewitt-pancake maker, Cheryl Keep-candy, Carl Lusby-baking pan, Laura Pellerano-pot holder, Scott Kimball-pot holder, Melody Pereira-tee shirt
50/50: John Shoppe
Happy Dollars Highlights: - pack a bag for Panama Wheel Chair trip, John Shoppe-not getting booed as a ref, Carl Lusby-enjoyed invocation, Iris Simon-spoke niece in Kirkland Wa everything is shutdown, Tracy Schaffer- welcome Julie, Jody Wolford-Tucker-delighted to be here with Jim Bradley, shout out to Cheryl Callahan, Gracie- 1st place at cheering competition at DeerIsle and Sumner, ,Jo Cooper-Welcome Jody, Jackie Sinclair, Ken H and Gene for the cause
Rotary Business:
Next Wednesday March 18, “Welcome to Ellsworth Event” at the Ellsworth Public Library 4-6 PM we will share a table with noontime club, all members urged to attend and if possible help staff the table.
Jo Cooper read a nice letter from Kids Peace thanking us for the generous donation of $1,526 and our great service to Kids peace.
Jo Cooper turned the meeting over to President Elect Laura Pellerano ,
Jack Frost reported Foundation giving on track, $8000 of $10000 goal, 2066 is to Polio Plus.
Laura reported Auction Prep is continuing, stuffing envelopes next Thursday Afternoon conference room Acadia Reality, Rio catering has proposed a menu, and a site visit next Monday to figure out layout.
Tracy reported EveryBody Eats has has good Rotarian participation and still a few more hours to go this month.
Laura introduced Program/Speaker: Jody Wolford-Tucker, who is the Executive Director of Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County. Jody said they were happy to be Our Auction partner this year, this being the 40 year anniversary of Hospice. Jody then explained the three area of service and how Hospice is funded. Several questioned were asked by rotarians and answered by Jody and Jim Bradley.
Laura presented a Ellsworth Rotary Speakers mug to Jody.
It was announced the Price charged us by China Hill for Beverages will increase next week to Drinks $5, Wine $5, Beer $3, Soda $1.
Guest Speaker Grayson Richmond from Birdsacre with a special guest Atticus.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Ruth Moore and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Linda Fuller
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Nick Turner of the Ellsworth Noon Time Club, Susie Del Cid, President of the Bar Harbor Club and Eric Johnston of the Woodstock Club.
Guests: John Shoppe
Birthdays: Larry Fernald
Door Prizes: Lucky Winners this week were: Marian Wells, Allegra Pellerano, Grace Cushing, Larry Fernald, Dave Wells, Gene Pellerano,
50/50: $14 John Shoppe
Happy Dollars Highlights: John Shoppe, Nancy Mayo, Grace Cushing, Clyde Cushing, Scott Kimball, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Jack Frost, Susie Del Cid, Dave Wells, Eric Johnston, Carl Lusby, Jo Cooper, Allegra Pellerano, Ruth Moore, Larry Fernald, Fred Breyer, Julie Bouchard, Nick Turner, Rod Fox all gave Happy Dollars this week. All dollars goes towards the Pack a Bag Program for our next Wheel Chair Project.
Rotary Business:
Community Suppport: Director Cindy Shoppe presented checks to the following businesses: Schoodic Arts $500.00 and The Grand $500.00
Gene Pellerano Director of International reported Pat's Pizza donated $400 to Polio Plus from our Purple Pinkie Project.
Rotary Auction: The Auction is May 8th at Darling's Auto Mall. Pugnuts Ice Cream will be there! Our kickoff will be at the end of the March. Looking for more Experiences. Contact Laura Pellerano.
Program/Speaker: This week's guest speaker was Grayson Richmond from Birdsacre with a special guest, an Owl named Atticus. Birds Acre has become a home to permanently injured birds that are unable to survive in the wild. Grayson explained how to care and train an injured bird and how it takes patience to do so.
Hats off to these businesses for joining The Rotary Club of Ellsworth in helping our community by being Rotary Partners in 2019. Your support assisted nonprofit efforts and scholarships in our area: Horton, McFarland & Veysey, Acadia Realty Group, Bangor Savings, The Winter Harbor Agency, Jones, Kuriloff and Sargent, Audiology Center of Maine, Jordan Fernald Funeral Home and The Eagle’s Lodge Motel.
Thanks to these businesses for supporting our community through 2019 Rotary Club of Ellsworth Partnerships. We appreciate your support!!!!! Thanks to: King Electric, Ellsworth Marketplace, Momo’s Cheesecakes, Branch Lake Campground, UPS Store, Ellsworth Self Storage, Freshwater Stone and Brickwork and Sargent Real Estate.
Thank you to the following businesses who have supported The Rotary Club of Ellsworth’s 2019 Community programs by being a Rotary Partner:
Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital, Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital, Cleary Law Office, Bangor Federal Credit Union, Barnes Accounting Services, Brown, Holmes & Milliken Agency.
President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order at 6 PM. The invocation was offered by Jackie Sinclair and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Those helping with tonight’s meeting: Greeter – Marc Rich, Notes – Tracy Shaffer, Sargent at Arms – Tony Bouchard.
Club Secretary Clyde Cushing announced the following birthday’s: JoAnn Brown and Pam Cushing.
Guests this evening included Grace Robinson and prospective member Rhonda Parker for her second club visit.
Door prizes went to Marc Rich, Ray Williams, Iris Simon and Carl Lusby. The 50/50 drawing for $8 was won by David Wells who donated the proceeds back to our Happy Dollar quarterly project.
Our Happy Dollar project this quarter is the Pack a Bag (children’s toys and supplies) initiative that will supplement our 2020 wheelchair project. Those giving Happy Dollars this evening included David, Marian, Marc, Jackie, Scott, Laura, Carl, Ruth and Iris.
Rotary Business:
Community Service Director Marc Rich passed around a sign up sheet for Everybody Eats! March evening volunteers.
David Wells provided an update on the 2020 wheelchair project. In summary, the wheelchair deployment will be taking place this coming fall. More information to come as details are finalized.
Laura reminded everyone that the auction will be May 8. Please mark your calendar to attend and help. Other details: It will be at Darling’s Auto Mall and we are pleased and very grateful to have Bar Harbor Bank and Trust return once again as one of our major sponsors. Please let Laura know of any catering suggestions and please feel free to attend the auction committee next Tuesday at 4:30 PM at China Hill.
President Jo gave updates on two of our members facing recovery time due to accidents - our thoughts continue to be with Julie Bouchard and Irv Hodgkin as they heal.
Program/Speaker: Members were thrilled to welcome Rotary Professor Carl Lusby to the podium to host a Rotary themed Jeopardy game, quizzing our knowledge of our club, the district, Rotary International history, Rotary Foundation history and various miscellaneous Rotary questions. We refreshed our memories and learned a great deal in a fun way. Thank you, Past President Carl, for a wonderful evening!
We were pleased to host our Student of the Month program this week honoring five students from the Hancock County Technical Center.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Carol Jordan
Well Wisher: Linda Fuller
Sargent at Arms: Clyde Cushing
Guests: HCTC Students, Teachers and Families
Door Prizes: Lucky Winners were Dave Wheaton, Jackie Sinclair, Clyde Cushing, Scott Kimball, Ray Williams, Jodie Cushing, Lincoln Ehrlenbach and Cindy Shoppe
50/50: $18.00
Happy Dollars Highlights: This quarter will be used to help "Pack a bag" for the Panama Wheelchair Distribution. Happy Rotarians were Jackie Sinclair, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Rod Fox, Dave Wheaton, Ruth Moore, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Iris Simon and Scott Kimball.
Remember the Blue Cups on your tables for Polio Plus!
Program/Speaker:We were pleased to host our Student of the Month program this week honoring five students from the Hancock County Technical Center. Our guest speaker was Glenn Crawford and it was another great night partnering with HCTC to recognize and encourage excellence in technical education. (Two students were not able to be there)
Rotarian Debbie Ehrlenbach introduced the following students and teachers:
Law Enforcement - Samantha Simmons a senior from Ellsworth High School
Instructor - Scott Baillargeon
Automotive - Samantha Moore a homeschooled senior from Milbridge
Instructor - Hunter Havel
Health Occupations - Makayla Fishburn a senior from Ellsworth High School Instructor - Michelle Cote
Multimedia - Benjamin Snow a junior from Ellsworth High School
Instructor - Jamie Anderson
Welding Tech - Jesse Felix a senior from MDI High School
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Jo Cooper and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Nancy Mayo
Well Wisher: Jackie Sinclair
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Grace Robinson
Birthdays: Peter Collier
Club Anniversaries: Trish Quirk, Fred Beyer and Tracy Shaffer
Door Prizes: Travel mug Jack Frost, Garden Flags – Larry Fernald, Burlap bags from Rooster Brothers
Happy Dollars Highlights: This quarter will be used to help "Pack a bag" for the Panama Wheelchair Distribution. Happy Rotarians were Iris Simon, Nancy Mayo, Jane Langley, Jack Frost, Fred Beyer, Scott Kimball, Gene Pellerano, Laura Pellerano, Jo Cooper and Alicia Johnson. Ruth Moore- Received $4,500 grant and needs to find a service project for May to June.
Rotary Business:
We have a new speaker cord. Larry Johnston broke his leg and is recovering with family in Vermont. Phone number and Email address will be sent to all.
Everybody Eats: Trach Shaffer thanked those who volunteered and mentioned volunteer opportunities still exist for several shifts (3-6 or 2:45-5 and 3-6pm during the month of February and March every Monday.
Foundation: Jack Frost encouraged all to participate and he’s looking for 100% , “Every Rotarian Every Year”
Rotary Pancake Breakfast will be the 1st weekend in August. We have tent and location.
Rotary Charity Auction planning meeting is Tuesday, February 18th at China Hill at 4:30pm. All are welcome to help plan. Future PR pictures will be placed on our Facebook page. Contact Laura Pellerano.
Program/Speaker: Gene Pellerano introduced Christian Parish, the founder of The Purple Iris Foundation and staff members Chris Lovely and Kelly Hall. She spoke of her journey with pancreatic cancer (11 year survivor) and the services which her organization provides. Chris Lovely leads their outdoor program which features rock climbing, snow shoe trips, a whitewater rafting fundraiser, and jumping from planes through the Maine Veterans Project. https://www.purpleirisfoundation.com/
Our guest speakers were Ben Layman, Director of Education and Rachel Bechtel, Artistic Administrator of the Penobscot Theater Company.
President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Larry Fernald and we then said the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Jo thanked our Greeter: Marian Wells, Well Wisher: Jackie Sinclair, Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians, this week were Betty and Dave Parsons from the Portland , ME Club
Club Anniversaries: are Clyde and Pam Cushing 4 years and Zanny Swertka 1 year.
Get well cards for Terry Carlisle and Larry Johnston were passed around and all wished these Rotarians well.
Door Prizes: Dead River calendars; Cindy and Marian YMCA Bag of Goodies; Larry Fernald
Coffee Burlap Bags; Jack Frost, Danny Homemade Cookies; Carolyn Swertka
Ray, Alicia Johnson and Allegra Pellerano
50/50: was won by Jackie Sinclair
Happy Dollars this quarter will be used to help "Pack a bag" for the Panama Wheelchair Distribution. Happy Rotarians were Jack Frost, Scott Kimball, Carol Jordan, Marian Wells, Marshall Smith and Terri Stephens.
Rotary Business:
Danny Ray was presented a Honorable Mention award for his participation for the "Movember" mustache growing contest in November.
Marian Wells spoke about Membership Training to be held on 29 Feb. from 9 to 12 at St. Dunstan's Church, ALL Rotarian can attend. please call Joann Brown or Marian Wells to sign-up.
President Elect Laura Pellerano gave about our upcoming Auction with partner Hancock Hospice Volunteers.
Jack Frost gave a quick brief about EREY and the Rotary Foundation.
Program/Speaker: Ben Layman, from the Penobscot Theater Company and the theater Director of Drama Arts, gave us a history of the Bangor Opera building and the theater company. The original building was erected in 1836 but was burned to the ground in the 1914 Bangor Fire, after which the current building was built. The Opera House has been used as a church, was vacant for some time and for the last 45 seasons the home of the theater company. In addition to plays and musicals, the company is involved in providing "Ice breakers" for corporate training and is a mirror of "the human experience" for students. The Penobscot Theater Company has visited every school in Maine to expose school students to theater, the classics and the arts. After Ben answered several questions, Rachel (also from the Penobscot Theater) passed out vouchers for Rotarians to attend one of several plays this spring.
After President Jo presented Speakers' Mugs to Ben and Rachel, the Club Bell was rung and we adjourned.
Congratulations to Rotarians Tony and Julie Bouchard! They were awarded Paul Harris Fellows!
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Dave Wells and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Fred Beyer
Well Wisher: Jodie Cushing
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Aaron and Brielle Johnson
Club Anniversaries: Carol Jordan 1 year, Carolyn Swertka 1 year. Ray Williams 42 Years
Door Prizes: Carl Lusby, Laura Pellerano, Jodie Cushing, Iris Simon, Scott Kimball
50/50: $11.00 Pam Cushing
Happy Dollars Highlights: Pam Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Laura Pellerano, Tracy Shaffer, Dave Wells, Marian Wells, Ashley Johnson, Laurie Fogelman and Scott Kimball. All happy dollars will go towards “Pack A Bag Program” for our upcoming Wheelchair Project.
Rotary Business:
Paul Harris Update: Tony and Julie Bouchard were both awarded Paul Harris Fellows! Tracy Shaffer was recognized for a Paul Harris +3 Pin. Congratulations!
Rotary Auction Partner: Laura Pellerano announced this year’s Auction Partner: Hancock County Hospice.
Panama Wheelchair Project- Our trip will possibly be delayed into the Fall. Next year will be Belize.
Newsletter Sign-Up: Ashley Johnson passed around the sign-up sheet.
Program/Speaker: Ben Baxter was our guest speaker this week. He presented his project “A Thousand Wells for Africa”. He is working to bring clean water to isolated parts of Africa where it is so desperately needed. Ben shared photos of his trip.
Our guest speaker was Managing Editor Cyndi Wood of The Ellsworth American.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Jodie Cushing
Well Wisher: Linda Fuller
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Kathy Cook from the Ellsworth Noontime Club
Birthdays: Tracy Shaffer 1/1, Tony Bouchard 1/5, Gene Pellerano 1/9
Club Anniversaries: 1/6Alan Baker 35 Years, 1/7 Cindy Shoppe 17 Years, 1/6 Ashley Johnson 11 Years, 1/6 Rebecca Sargent 11 Years, 1/6 Arlyn Whitelaw 11 Years
Wedding Anniversaries: David and Marian Wells 1/10
Door Prizes: Lucky Winners were Allegra Pellerano, Jack Frost, Rod Fox, Scott Kimball, Marian Wells and Ashley Johnson
50/50: $15 to Terri Stephens
Happy Dollars Highlights: Terri Stephens, Laurie Fogelman, Alicia Johnson, Clyde Cushing, Laura Pellerano, Ashley Johnson, Nancy Mayo, Gene Pellerano, Scott Kimball, Carl Lusby, Marian Wells, Dave Wells, Ken Huitt, Jackie Sinclair, Marshall Smith, Fred Beyer, Kathy Cook, and Jo Cooper. All happy dollars will go towards “Pack A Bag Program” for our upcoming Wheelchair Project.
Rotary Business:
Paul Harris Update: Marian Wells received her Paul Harris +3 Pin!
Wheelchair Project: Dave Wells updated the club that our next wheelchair project will take place in April/May.
Our Club’s 70th Anniversary: Jo Cooper stated our club will be celebrating 70 Years in February. If you would like to help out with organizing this celebration, please let her know.
Membership Update: Marian Wells stated we will be having a Membership Orientation Training for members on Saturday, February 29th. More details to come soon!
Foundation Update: Ashley Johnson shared a Thank You Card from the American Wheelchair Mission thanking our club for the contribution of $6,045.00 toward the mission of delivering life changing wheelchairs to people and families in dire need of mobility.
Program/Speaker: Ellsworth American Managing Editor Cyndi Wood was our guest speaker this week. Cyndi spoke about how The Ellsworth American has undergone some major changes in the past 18 months, including the paper's sale and the retirements of longtime Managing Editor Stephen Fay and General Manager Terry Carlisle. What is unchanged is the paper's commitment to reporting on the community news that matters to you. In this age of gloom and doom about the print newspaper business, we're proud to say that your weekly hometown newspaper is thriving.
Mark Green and Melissa Mattes from Downeast Community Partners were the speakers at Tuesday’s meeting.
President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order at 6 PM. The invocation was offered by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Those helping with tonight’s meeting: Greeter – Jodie Cushing, Well Wisher and Notes – Tracy Shaffer, Sargent at Arms – Julie Bouchard.
Club Secretary Clyde Cushing announced the following birthday’s: Scott Kimball, Alison King, Carl Lusby, Laurie Fogelman and Ashley Johnson.
Guests this evening included Grace Robinson, Prospective Members Marien Hand and Rhonda Parker, Lisa Veezie and Guest Speakers Melissa Mattes and Mark Green from Downeast Community Partners.
Santa has been busy!!!! Door Prizes went to many people this evening including Lisa, Rachel, Dan, Rhonda, Nancy, Gene, Mark G., Marshall, Jim, Larry and Ray. The 50/50 drawing for $12 was won by Cindy who donated the proceeds back to our Happy Dollar quarterly project.
Our Happy Dollar project this quarter is Kid’s Peace to help support their residential children’s Christmas gift program. Those giving Happy Dollars this evening included: Cindy, Carl, Terri, Marshall, Jackie, Laurie, Mark G., Jack and Gene.
Rotary Business:
President Jo shared thank you cards from Kid’s Peace and The Ellsworth Public Library for recent donations from our Community Support efforts.
Community Service Chair Marc Rich reminded members of the benefit supper for member Charlene Churchill this Sunday, Dec. 15. Rotarians should arrive by 2 PM; Dinner will run from 4 PM – 6 PM at the Moore Community Center. Desserts are still needed and Marc passed out spaghetti for members to prepare and bring. Marc also noted that we have donated 1000 hours of community service YTD for this program year.
Other Projects: It was mentioned that we still need sign ups for Loaves and Fishes for the remainder of the month. Our annual Gifting Experience with local school children will be held this Saturday, Dec. 14th. To help, contact Carl or Jack. Rotarians should meet at 9:30 AM at City Hall. The project will wrap up by Noon.
Past President Tracy Shaffer provided a Nominating Committee report for 2020-2021 officers elections. With a quorum present, the following were elected to officer roles as a slate, unanimously: President – Laura Pellerano, President-Elect Gene Pellerano, Vice-President and Secretary Clyde Cushing, Treasurer – Debbie Ehrlenbach.
President Jo gave a report update related to our club goals. Among other achievements, she reported that we have given $1,861 to Polio Plus this year thus far against a goal of $2,500. She also mentioned a possible teaming opportunity with the Noontime Club and a family friendly event that may be scheduled. She thanked the club for their ideas and support.
President-Elect Laura gave a report update on the 2020 auction. She mentioned that we would be doing more bundling of items this year to create experiences that people can bid on among a few other changes that are in the works.
Program/Speaker: Mark Green, Executive Director of Downeast Community Partners (DCP) and Melissa Mattes, DCP Director for Early Care and Education Programs were on hand to highlight the work of the organization, including the expansion of services made available when Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) and Child and Family Opportunities (CFO) merged in 2017 to form DCP.
DCP roots in the communities of Washington and Hancock counties go back over 50 years, starting with the implementation of community agencies under the Johnson administration and the implementation of the national Head Start program.
Mark highlighted that DCP today has $13M in revenue and employs over 200 full and part time employees. The non-government agency administers many programs including the Heating and Assistance Program (HEAP) and the associated heating and warmth fund (THAW), transportation, housing and weatherization and the At Home program helping 60 seniors stay in their home through visiting nurses and supportive services. Additionally, the group has partner programs such as Everybody Eats! and Friendship Cottage as well as other services impacting many in the community.
Melissa spoke about the expansion of the DCP childcare programs that include Head Start and Early Head Start helping over 350 preschool children a year in 12 towns throughout Washington and Hancock counties. DCP is also partnering with public schools in 9 communities to offer joint Pre K programs. Creative programs such as Family Futures Downeast aim to couple childcare and adult training initiatives to bolster the families enrolled.
After a few questions, the presentation concluded and Jo presented Mark and Melissa with Rotary Speaker’s Mugs. The meeting concluded at 7 PM.
Our Rotary Meeting for tonight, Tuesday December 3rd has been canceled due to the snow storm. Stay safe out there and we hope to see you next week on December 10th!
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Well Wisher: Marian Wells
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Harvey Kelley; Cathy Hardigan;
Birthdays: Peter Farragher (Nov. 26); Jack Frost (Dec. 2)
Club Anniversaries: Peter Farragher (21 Years); Doug Kell (24 Years)
Wedding Anniversaries: Heidi and Pete Omlor
Door Prizes: The lucky winners are: Clyde Cushing; Cathy Hardigan; Carl Lusby; Larry Fernald; Winnie Chan
50/50: Debbie Ehrlenbach
Happy Dollars Highlights: The following Rotarians were happy: Debbie Ehrlenbach; Carol Jordan; Gene Pellerano; Clyde Cushing; Carl Lusby; Ruth Moore; Dan Frye; Ken Huitt; Jack Frost; Dave Wells; JoAnn Brown
Rotary Business:
‘Movember’ Contest: The judges (JoAnn Brown; Jack Frost; Harvey Kelley) selected the following winners: 1st place – Gene Pellerano; 2nd place – Scott Kimball; 3rd place – Dave Wells; honorable mention – Danny Ray………….. All the proceeds from the Movember Contest are donated to the Northern Light Urology Department for the benefit of men’s health.
Rotarian Charlene Churchill --is in good spirits while battling health issues in the hospital in Houston Texas… --A Go Fund Me Account has been established to help provide financial support while Charlene focuses on battling her health challenges… -- You can send cards to: Charlene Churchill, P-1019 MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 300206, Houston TX 77230…-- There is a benefit supper scheduled for Charlene on December 15th at The Moore Center, for more information or how you can help, contact Rotarians Jodie Cushing or Mark Rich.
Downtown Ellsworth Holiday Parade: Our club will be escorting Santa Claus down the parade route again this year… Contact Clyde Cushing or just show up on Saturday, December 7th if you would like to join Santa’s elf brigade… Remember to wear your Rotary “swag”.
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry: Our club is again this year staffing the food pantry for the month of December… Contact Marc Rich, Director of Community Service for more information or to sign up and help.
The Gifting Experience will celebrate its 14th year on Saturday, December 14th. Contact Rotarians Jack Frost or Carl Lusby for more information about the program or to sign up to help.
Literacy Project: Readers are needed for Wednesday, December 4th and December 18th between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at the Moore Center / YMCA Day Care… for more information or to sign up, contact Rotarian Gene Pellerano.
The following Quarterly Reports were given: Secretary Report – Clyde Cushing; Foundation Report – Jack Frost; Membership Report – Marian Wells; Wheelchair Project – Dave Wells
Program/Speaker:Winnie Chan, co-owner of the China Hill Restaurant and native of Hong Kong shared her experiences growing up in Hong Kong and her journey to America which started in 1979 in Utah and has continued for the last 25 years in Ellsworth, Maine.
Winnie shared how she likes the ‘small town’ atmosphere here in Maine and has enjoyed hosting the Rotary Club and appreciates all the good it does in the community and world.
Winnie also shared her perspective on the challenges her native Hong Kong is currently facing. She also shared that her family still living in Honk Kong are safe and that she is hopeful for positive long term solutions for Hong Kong and especially the youthful citizens.
Winnie returns to Hong Kong every couple of years to connect with family members and visit her homeland.
Community Support Director Cindy Shoppe presented checks to the following Organizations: $500.00 Kids Peace, $500.00 Emmaus Homeless Shelter, $300.00 Santa Run, $250.00 Ellsworth Public Library and $200.00 Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Rod Fox and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Larry Johnston
Well Wisher: Grace Cushing
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Marian Hands, Wayne Clark, Robin Clark
Birthdays: Rob Hemenway
Door Prizes: Lucky winners were Jodie Cushing, Dave Wells, Tracy Shaffer
50/50: Marian Wells
Happy Dollars Highlights: Marian Wells, Marshall Smith, Terry Stephens, Lori Fogelman, Fred Beyer, Jackie Sinclair, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Grace Cushing, Dave Wells, Jane Langley, Robin Clark, Carl Lusby and Jo Cooper.
Rotary Business:
Community Support Director Cindy Shoppe presented checks to the following Organizations: $500.00 Kids Peace, $500.00 Emmaus Homeless Shelter, $300.00 Santa Run, $250.00 Ellsworth Public Library and $200.00 Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.
Dave Wells was awared a Paul Harris +6. Congratulations and thank you!
‘Movember’ Contest: All the proceeds from the Movember Contest are donated to the Northern Light Urology Department for the benefit of men’s health.
Rotarian Charlene Churchill --is in good spirits while battling health issues in the hospital in Houston Texas… --A Go Fund Me Account has been established to help provide financial support while Charlene focuses on battling her health challenges… -- You can send cards to: Charlene Churchill, P-1019 MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 300206, Houston TX 77230…-- There is a benefit supper scheduled for Charlene on December 15th at The Moore Center, for more information or how you can help, contact Rotarians Jodie Cushing or Mark Rich.
Downtown Ellsworth Holiday Parade: Our club will be escorting Santa Claus down the parade route again this year… Contact Clyde Cushing or just show up on Saturday, December 7th if you would like to join Santa’s elf brigade… Remember to wear your Rotary “swag”.
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry: Our club is again this year staffing the food pantry for the month of December… Contact Marc Rich, Director of Community Service for more information or to sign up and help.
The Gifting Experience will celebrate its 14th year on Saturday, December 14th. Contact Rotarians Jack Frost or Carl Lusby for more information about the program or to sign up to help.
Vocational Minute: Rotarian Jackie Sinclair
Rotary Auction: May 8, 2020 at Big Cats Catering. Laura Pellerano is looking for suggestions for a Rotary Partner.
Program/Speaker: Maine State Treasurer Henry Beck was our guest speaker. He was elected in 2018 by a joint session of the Maine Senate and Maine House to State Treasurer.
He served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives including as Chair of the Insurance and Financial Services Committee. Henry is a native of Waterville and a graduate of Colby College and the University of Maine School of Law.
He spoke about core functions of the Office of State Treasurer and an update on initiatives around property tax relief.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Dave Wells and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Irv Hadgkins
Well Wisher:Marian Wells
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: John Shoppe
Birthdays: November 13, Larry Barnes, 18th Carol Jordan, Cindy Shoppe
Club Anniversaries: Laurie Foglemann 15 years
Door Prizes: Jo Cooper, Tony Bouchard, Dave Wells, Allegra Pellerano Marian Wells and Jack Frost all won door prizes
50/50: John Shoppe
Happy Dollars Highlights: Clyde Cushing was able to return to work after a long layoff due to surgery. Larry Fernald’s grandson got an eight point buck. Iris Simons trail work at the Jordan Homestead off the Bayside Road in Ellsworth. Scott Kimball -warm pants. Rod Fox, thank you for pointing out the trail. Dave Wells - cause, Marian Wells - cause.
Rotary Business:
Dave Wells spoke about Movember and halfway through.
Food Drive at Hannafords on Saturday.
Rotary Leadership Saturday.
Parade - Ellsworth Christmas Parade 12/7/2019 escorting Santa in the sled.
Charlene Churchill update- Jane Langley updated the club on her medical status. She is in Texas trying to get healthy for chemo. Fundraising ideas to help defer the medical costs.
Program/Speaker: Iris introduced the Speaker Nicole Grohoski who provided in depth presentation on her trip as the first female thru-paddler of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. With video chronicling her adventure with fellow Ellsworthian Thomas Perkins, in 2006. The trail traces Native American trade routes between NY and Northern Maine and features a wide variety of landscapes and histories -- visiting tranquil lakes, tricky whitewater, covered bridges, moose and more!
Jerilyn Bowers was our guest speaker and she spoke about the work the MDI Biological Lab is doing and our club inducted new member Dan Frye!
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Larry Fernald
Well Wisher: Gene Pellerano
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Door Prizes: This week’s lucky winners were Debbie Ehrlenbach, Ruth Moore, Larry Johnston, Jack Frost, Ashley Johnson, Jodie Cushing and Gene Pellerano.
50/50: $14.00 to Marian Wells
Happy Dollars Highlights: Marian Wells, Terri Stephens, Marshall Smith, Laurie Fogelman, Scott Kimball, Jack Frost, Iris Simon, Dave Wells, Clyde Cushing, Gene Pellerano and Larry Johnston were all happy this week. All dollars will go towards the Kids Peace Foster Children’s Christmas gifts.
Rotary Business:
Gifting Experience: Saturday, December 14th. Jack Frost and Carl Lusby will be organizing this event. Sign Up Sheet will be passed around soon.
Loaves & Fishes Food Drive: Saturday, November 16th 9am – 2pm. Sign up through Marc Rich.
Rotary Leadership Institute is November 16th in Lewiston. President Jo Cooper will be attending.
Movember facial hair contest: During the month of November.
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry During the Month of December on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Sign Up sheet will be pass around soon by Marc Rich.
Program/Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Jerilyn Bowers, Director of Public Affairs shared exciting research that is underway at the MDI Biological Laboratory to study animals in an effort to develop new therapies that may one day help humans enhance their natural ability to repair the damage caused by heart attack, diabetes or traumatic injury. She also provided an update on Lab’s $100 million research training program designed to expand Maine’s technically skilled workforce and create high quality jobs throughout the state.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Tracy Shaffer and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Larry Johnston
Well Wisher: Marian Wells
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Kimberly Fitch, Dorothy Martel, Marian Hand, Rich Moore, Beth Allen, Charlie Kelly
Birthdays: Heidi Omlor November 5th
Club Anniversaries: Iris Simon 28 Years October 28th, Perri Huitt 1 Year October 31st, Rachel Bosquet 1 Year October 30th
Wedding Anniversaries: Tony and Julie Bouchard November 1st
Door Prizes: Lucky winners were Julie Bouchard, Dorothy Martel, Laurie Fogelman, Marian Hand, Larry Johnston
50/50: $17 to Terri Stephens
Happy Dollars Highlights: Terri Stephens, Dorothy Martel, Marian Wells, Marshall Smith, Jackie Sinclair, Jack Frost, Allegra Pellerano, Gene Pellerano, Perri Huitt, Clyde Cushing, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Mar Rich, Scott Kimball, Ruth Moore, Carl Lusby,and Jo Cooper all gave happy dollars. All dollars will go towards the Kids Peace Foster Children’s Christmas gifts.
Rotary Business:
Gifting Experience: Saturday, December 14th. Jack Frost and Carl Lusby will be organizing this event. Sign Up Sheet will be passed around soon.
Loaves & Fishes Food Drive: Saturday, November 16th 9am – 2pm. Sign up through Marc Rich.
Movember facial hair contest: During the month of November.
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry During the Month of December on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Sign Up sheet will be pass around soon by Marc Rich.
Program/Speaker: This week was Membership Night. Individuals from the community were invited by club members to come to our meeting to learn more about Rotary, Our Club and what we do locally and internationally.
Rotarian Carl Lusby spoke about the History of Rotary and Rotarian Lincoln Ehrlenbach spoke about the History of our Club.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation was given by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Tricia Quirk, then Scott Kimball
Well Wisher: Tricia Quirk
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons
Club Anniversaries: Laurie, Rick Afton
Door Prizes: Won by Clyde, Laura, Dave Wheaton, Tracy and Pam.
50/50: $14 won by Dave Wells
Happy Dollars Highlights: Dave Wells donated $32 for each child at Kids Peace; other contributions from Dan Frye, Larry, Laurie, Rod, David Jardine, Marshall, Terri and Marian.
Rotary Business: Polio Plus Blood Drive was successful last Tuesday. . 11/16/19 - Hannaford Food Drive 9am - 2pm, for Loaves and Fishes. . 12/7/19 - Christmas Parade . 12/14/19 - Gifting Experience . 10/29/19 until 11/26/19 - Movember facial hair contest. . 10/24/19 - Rooster Bros donating $1. to Polio Plus for each cup of coffee sold. . 11/11/19 - Election of club officers. . 11/12/19 - BOD mtg. Will initiate several committee reports at gen. mtg.
Program/Speaker: Chuck Piper owns and manages Sun Dog Solar and has installations at MDI HS, Fogtown Brewery, UU Church. Sun Dog has been operating for 10 years and has 30 employees. Germany uses lots of solar energy and gets on average 3 1/2 hrs sun/day. Maine gets on average 4 hrs sun/day. Tremont gets 192,000 kWhr’s solar/yr.
With net-metering, excess kw can be sold back to elec. company for credit, not for cash. Solar panels are warranted for 25 years; unused energy gets fed back to the grid without needing batteries for storage. The price for solar installation has and is continuing to decrease.
To assist The Rotary Club of Ellsworth celebrate World Polio Day, Rooster Brother in Ellsworth has agreed to donate $1 for every cup of coffee sold on Thursday October 24th. Every dollar raised by the Club is doubled By the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation so the $1 donated becomes $3 in the fight against polio!
Susan Char from New England Donor Services spoke to us about organ donation.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. The Invocation was offered by Jane Langley and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Club Opening and Welcomes: The club thanked the following for helping with tonight’s meeting: Greeter Dave Wells, Note taker Jacklyn Sinclair, Sergeants at Arms Julie and Tony Bouchard, and Tracy Shaffer will be the well-wisher.
Secretary Clyde Cushing noted that there were no visiting Rotarians this evening and that there is a Birthday on the 13th for Domenic Efter. There are no club anniversaries, however; there are wedding anniversaries to recognize. Jack and Brenda Frost and Jim and Barbara Vickers. As for Guests at tonight’s meetings Iris Simon introduced Linda from the MCMH and Susan Char from the New England Donor Service (also tonight’s speaker).
Door Prizes: This week Pat Cushing won the Cayman Jar Margarita Kit, Jody Cushing, Jacklyn Sinclair, and Allegra Pellerano all won a bottle of wine.
50/50: Larry Johnston won the 50/50 and donated back to the Happy Dollar Quarterly cause; which will support Christmas gifts for Kid’s Peace resident children.
Happy Dollars Highlights: Many were happy; Larry Johnston, Iris Simon, Carl Lusby, David Wheaton, Jacklyn Sinclair, Tracy Shaffer, Gene Pellerano, Marshall Smith, Marian Wells, Laurie Fogelman, Guest Linda, Jo Cooper, Jane Langley was happy as Brian her husband is doing a fundraiser at the Lobster pot for the American Cancer Society; he’s @ $500 for “Real Men wear Pink”, and lastly Bill Casale shared this was his last meeting & Joke of the season.
Rotary Business:
Jo Cooper thanked all the volunteers who came out to help at the Friend’s in Action 50’s themed Auction on Saturday the 5th. Also to those who came to enjoy the evening.
This month is END POLIO MONTH
October 15th- there is no meeting but there is a Blood Drive @ the Downeast Family YMCA from 12-6. Come donate or help cover a shift!!
Gene Pellerano for Pins for Polio and Reminded everyone about October 19th the Pinky Project from 11AM- 7PM at Pats Pizza. They will be collecting donations and either putting purple yarn or paint on donors pinkies!
Membership night – let Marian Wells know if you are going to be bringing or know of anyone who will be coming!
Jody Cushing urged that Well Wishers are needed!!
Clyde Cushing also respectfully recognized and gave Bill Casale and Marshall Smith their Paul Harris Pins!
Program/Speaker: Tonight Iris Simon introduced Susan Char from the New England Donor Service with her touching experience from losing her nephew Matthew to suicide. Susan Char is a former Noontime Bangor Rotarian and working within 198 Hospitals in New England and 14 transplant facilities.
Susan shared many touching stories about the hard decisions of family members to respect the wishes of their loved ones when donating organs after death. Even though you are an organ donor on your Driver’s License there are many different factors that come into play when donating organs; legal and emotional. In Susan’s job there have been many different scenarios she has come across. There are deadlines and regulations to follow and sometimes those weigh the decision.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. The invocation was offered by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Club Opening and Welcomes: The club thanked the following for helping with tonight’s meeting: Greeter and Note Taker Tracy Shaffer, Sergeants at Arms Julie and Tony Bouchard.
Secretary Clyde Cushing noted that there were no visiting Rotarians this evening and no birthdays to recognize. The club offered best wishes to Dom and Arlyn on their 25th wedding anniversary and recognized Rotary service anniversaries for Marshall (21 years) and Dom (13 years).
Door Prizes: Lots of fun door prizes continue to be brought in by the membership! This week, a bottle of wine went to Carolyn, Fred and Jane. Wine charms went to Clyde, Terri won a bag and calendar and our guest speaker won a decorative sign.
50/50: Julie Clark won the 50/50 and donated it to the Happy Dollar Quarterly cause which was announced this evening for the second quarter. This quarter, happy dollars will support Christmas gifts for the Kid’s Peace resident children.
Happy Dollars Highlights:
Among Rotarians offering Happy Dollars tonight: Julie Clark, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Carl Lusby , Iris Simon, Laura Pellerano, Terri Smith, Marshall Smith, Irv Hodgkin, Bill Casale, Larry Fernald, Scott Kimball, Carolyn S., David Wells, Jackie Sinclair, Tracy Shaffer, Alicia Johnson, Clyde Cushing, Alison King, Danny and Jo Cooper.
Rotary Business:
David Wells noted that 269 people attended the Autumn Gold Pancake Breakfast, up 70 from last year.
Marc Rich reminded Rotarians of the Friends In Action Auction volunteer opportunity on Saturday, October 5. The blood drive will be held on October 15 and sign ups will be held next week.
President Jo Cooper reminded Rotarians of the Membership Night October 29.
Jo Coopoer thanked David Wells, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Laura and Gene Pellerano for attending the October 5 District Assembly.
The next board meeting is next Tuesday at 4:30 PM; all are welcome.
Program/Speaker:
Our speaker for the evening was Steven Rowe, current president of the Maine Community Foundation. Steven provided handouts which highlighted Hancock County agencies supported by the foundation and also material highlighting the strategic goals of the foundation which were created by grass roots community discussions held in each county. The 5 current strategic areas of focus are Early Childhood Education, Access to Education, Racial Equity, Entrepreneurship and Helping Older People Thrive. He discussed ways people can give to the foundation including giving to a current fund, starting a fund and naming the foundation in your will or life insurance as a beneficiary.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Carol Jordan
Well Wisher: Irv Hodgkin
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Tina Chapman
Guests: Tina Chapman and Roger Phelps
Wedding Anniversaries: Larry Fernald – 9/19/19 – 47 years
Brief Moment: Provided by Scott Kimball regarding the Fire Fighter in Falmouth who lost his life during the week in a propane explosion. Scott provided us a recommendation that if you smell a Sulphur Aroma, it could be propane, call your gas company and do not turn your lights off or it could create a spark.
Vocational Minute: Gene Pellerano – His vocation is a Buyer and Manager at Rooster Brothers. He finds the Rotary 4 - way test is best represented in his profession with test number 1 – Is it the Truth? When working with vendors his reputation of being honest is the key to allow the other three tests to be met. It always starts with the truth.
Door Prizes: Julie Bouchard, Carl Lusby, Lincoln Ehrlenbach,, Jane Langley, Laura Pellerano, Larry Fernald
50/50: $16 was won by Irv Hodgkin who donated $10.00 to the cause.
Happy Dollars Highlights: Carl Lusby, Jackie Sinclair, Irv Hodgkin, Jack Frost, Rod Fox, Gene Pellerano, Laurie Fogelman.
Rotary Business:
Paul Harris Award+1 was awarded to Jo Cooper
Ruth from Downeast Wellness brought a banner from the Monterey Rotary Club
International Meeting was held prior to the Main Meeting – with Brand new thoughts on raising money for our International Causes. Photo Shoot, and a Walk were among those ideas.
Jody requested that people sign up to be greeters and well-wishers.
Community Service/Upcoming Events:
September 23 – Window Dressers
September 24 – Social Evening
September 28 – Pancake Breakfast – Friday Set-up at 3pm
October 5 – Friends in Action Dinner Auction
October 15 – Rotary Blood Drive
October 24 – World Polio Day
Program/Speaker: Waterville Rotary Club discussed their Haiti sustainable community development projects.
Laurie Fogelman introduced Tina Chapman from the Waterville Club who brought Roger Phelps to speak on their Global Project – School of Social Justice in Haiti. The project started about 4 years ago by bringing faculty and volunteers to train young people in various skills of social work. The Schools Mission is to be a resource to help provide the education to students to attain their degrees. It is a small campus with 18-25 students and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church.
He talked of their campus and how this program provides a foundation for the young women in the community to empower them in their vocations. Their role is merely to be a resource so these students can help their own people. They have joint programs with many American Universities and are trying to raise funds for a Library and other learning platforms for the students. They have currently raised $4,000 from the Waterville Rotary and are hoping to reach their goal of $10,000 and apply for a grant from the Rotary Foundation. It was a very interesting overview of their work and we wish them success.
Guest Speaker Scott Boucher spoke about Polio Plus
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Rod Fox and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Grace and Clyde Cushing
Well Wisher: Carl Lusby
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Scott Boucher from Bangor Rotary Club and Sandy and Jim Anderson
Birthdays: Rick Afton 9/15 and Rachel Bosquet 9/16
Door Prizes: Fred Beyer, Ruth Moore, Julie Clark, Larry Fernald and Jo Cooper were lucky winners
50/50: $15.00 to Tracy Shaffer
Happy Dollars Highlights: Tracy Shaffer, Carol Jordan, Allegra Pellerano, Larry Fernald, Gene Pellerano, Carl Lusby, Scott Kimball, Terri Stephens, Marshall Smith, Laurie Fogelman Ruth Moore, Dave Wells and Jo Cooper all gave happy dollars. All happy dollars this quarter will go towards Polio Plus.
Rotary Business:
Please pay your club dues a.s.a.p.
Friends in Action Auction October 5th 6:00pm – 8:30pm. Sign-ups are going around each week. Contact Marc Rich to help out.
The Fall Social will be at China Hill on September 24th
Purple Pinkie Project – Saturday, October 19th at Pat’s Pizza. More info to come soon. Gene Pellerano will be organizing this service project.
International Committee Meeting – Tuesday, September 17th at 5:15pm at China Hill
Membership Night – Tuesday, October 29th at China Hill. Please let Marian Wells know if you would like to invite a future perspective member and she will mail an invitation. JoAnn Brown is helping Marian as co-chair.
Club 70th Anniversary is February 2020- If you would like to help organize this event, please contact Laurie Fogelman.
Program/Speaker: Rotarian Scott Boucher from the Bangor Club was our guest speaker this week. Scott spoke to the club about Polio Plus. He gave a brief history of Polio. He explained
Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 30 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.
As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. We've helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. So far, Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion toward eradicating the disease worldwide.
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.
Community Support Director Cindy Shoppe presented a check to Birds Acre in the amount of $500.00.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Carl Lusby
Well Wisher: Grace Cushing
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Ray Ruby, John Shoppe
Birthdays: Dana Reiter 9/7
Club Anniversaries: Jodie Cushing 8/28, Steve Elliott 9/1, Allegra Pellerano 9/5
Wedding Anniversaries: Fred Beyers 8/30, Peter Farragher 9/1, Marc Rich 9/2
Door Prizes: Lucky Winners were Allegra Pellerano, Ray Ruby, Jo Cooper, Debbie Ehrlenbach and Jack Frost
50/50: $15.00 Julie Bouchard
Happy Dollars Highlights: Julie Bouchard, Linda Fuller, Gene Pellerano, Carl Lusby, Ray Ruby, Rod Fox, Danny Ray, Scott Kimball, Marc Rich, Lincoln Ehrlenbach and Jo Cooper. All dollars will go towards Polio Plus this quarter.
Rotary Business:
Reminder there is no Rotary Meeting Next week – September 3rd.
Community Support Director Cindy Shoppe presented a check to Birds Acre in the amount of $500.00.
The next Rotary Board meeting is Tuesday, September 10th at China Hill at 4:30pm
Paul Harris +1 Pin was awarded to Carl Lusby. Congrats Carl!
Our club will be delivering Wheel Chairs in February to Panama!
Autumn Gold Rotary Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, September 28th at EEMS 7:00am-10:30am. Sign -up sheet was passed around. See Dave Wells to help out.
Program/Speaker:This week’s guest speaker was Ray Ruby. Ray is the Community Outreach Manger for the Maine Cancer Foundation (MCF). He assists in driving community engagement, outreach, education, and advocacy on behalf of MCF. He brings extensive experience working with various groups, individuals and businesses to the team. Ray spoke to the club about preventing and detecting cancer early and improving on patient outcome.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. The invocation was offered by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Club Opening and Welcomes: The club thanked the following for helping with tonight’s meeting: Greeter Gene Pellerano, Well Wisher Jody Cushing, Note Taker Tracy Shaffer, Sergeants at Arms Julie and Tony Bouchard.
Secretary Clyde Cushing noted that there were no visiting Rotarians this evening and announced birthdays for club members Carolyn Stwertka and Marshall Smith and a wedding anniversary for Rotarian Ashley Johnson and her husband Aaron (11 years). There were no club service anniversaries this week to report.
Rotarians announcing guests this evening: Jodie Cushing – her daughter Grace, Rachel Bousquet – Kid’s Peace staff member Dan Frye.
Door Prizes: A bottle of wine went to both Debbie and to Lincoln, Carl won a poster, Scott won a tee shirt and a candle and calendar went to Tracy. President Jo thanked Rotarians for bringing in these door prizes. Pam also offered a season pass to the Blue Hill Fair which was auctioned for $10 given by Carl.
50/50: Julie won the 50/50 and donated it to the Happy Dollar Quarterly cause which is Polio Plus.
Happy Dollars Highlights:
Among Rotarians offering Happy Dollars tonight: Julie, Charlene, Deb, Lincoln, Carl, Pam, Scott, Tracy, Linda, Nancy, Bill, Marshall, Teresa, Iris, Trisha, Laurie, Gene and Irv.
Rotary Business:
President Jo Cooper awarded a Paul Harris +1 to Rotarian Jack Frost. Congratulations Jack!
4th Quarter 2018-19 Happy Dollars were awarded to the Alan Fitch Fund for Grand theatre student scholarships. Kimberly Fitch, Alan’s daughter and a staff member at The Grand, was on hand to receive the $557 check from our membership. Thank you members!
President Jo read a thank you letter from Comfort Cases who received a check this month from our Community Support Committee to continue their work in creating bags of toys, clothing and essentials for children going into foster care.
President Jo advised that there would be NO ROTARY MEETING SEPT. 3. Instead, we will be staffing the EHS Freshman BBQ.
Jody Cushing sent out a sign up sheet for working the BBQ, Sept. 3 at 10 AM in the high school cafeteria. A card also was routed to wish Community Service Chair Marc Rich well on his recovery from surgery.
Pancake Breakfast Co-Chair Lincoln Ehrlenbach noted that 962 people attended the breakfast in August. Both the new venue and event were a success.
Jo reminded Rotarians of several items in this month’s Rotarian magazine and also asked people to take the People of Action sign out to events for photos that can be shared on social media. She also mentioned that the adult playground to be built in Knowlton Park (which received a grant from our club) was moving forward and should be completed next spring.
Charlene announced that on August 26 at 6 PM at Ellsworth City Hall, the council is having a workshop and discussion on looking at the HCTC facility and its future through the feasibility study budgeted by the city.
Program/Speaker:
Our speaker was Ian Yaffe, the executive director of Mano en Mano, a nonprofit that works with immigrants and relocating farm workers so they may settle in Washington county. Their office is in Milbridge and the organization started in 2005. Ian noted that Milbridge is one of the few growing communities in Washington County and this is in part due to the expanding population of workers needed in seafood processing, blueberry processing and wreath making businesses. Ian passed out a brochure and highlighted their key programs including advocacy services, temporary support and educational services. He noted that services are for immigrants and citizens living in other states or other parts of Maine that are relocating. Several opportunities to help the organization are upcoming including working in the welcome center this fall to welcome over 1000 people coming to make wreaths. Winter cloths, work boots and essentials are also needed for the wreath makers. For more information, contact Ian.
Rotarian Heidi Omlor as our guest speaker and we inducted a new member, Ruth Moore! Welcome to the club Ruth! We also presented checks to Comfort Cases and to Acadian Youth Sports.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Ray Williams and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Dom Efter
Well Wisher: Tricia Quirk
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Busch Moore, John Shoppe
Birthdays: Jane Langley 8/15
Vocational Minute: Tricia Quirk
Door Prizes: Lucky Winners were Linda Fuller, Heidi Omlor, Ashley Johnson, Tracy Shaffer
50/50: $16 to Scott Kimball
Happy Dollars Highlights: Scott Kimball, Jackie Sinclair, Carl Lusby, Terri Stephens, Laurie Fogelman, Laura Pellerano, Danny Ray, Irv Hodgkin, Jane Langley, Dave Wells, Fred Beyer, Tracy Shaffer. All dollars will go towards Polio Plus this quarter.
Rotary Business:
New Member Induction: Ruth Moore. Welcome to the club Ruth!
Membership Director Marian Wells announced Membership Night will be October 29th
Rotarian Allegra Pellerano will be attending RYLA in September.
President Jo Cooper gave a brief history of the Rotary Foundation.
Pancake Breakfast Wrap-Up Meeting – August 20th
Community Support Director Cindy Shoppe presented check to Comfort Cases and to Acadian Youth Sports.
Autumn Gold Pancake Breakfast will be Saturday, September 28th from 7:30am – 10:30am at EEMS in Ellsworth. $7 Adults and Children under 12 $3
Program/Speaker:
Rotarian Heidi Omlor was our guest speaker this week. Heidi is currently working on a PhD in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. She recently traveled to France, Spain, and Portugal as part of her studies.
Heidi shared photos about her trip to Portugal and the story of Sousa Mendes. He was one of the great heroes of the Second World War. As the Portuguese consul stationed in Bordeaux, France, he found himself confronted in May and June of 1940 with the reality of many thousands of refugees outside the Portuguese consulate attempting to escape the horrors of the Nazi war machine. These persons were in desperate need of visas to get out of France, and a Portuguese visa would allow them safe passage through Spain to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, where they could find liberty to travel to other parts of the globe.
Sousa Mendes issued thousands of visas during that time, with the period of highest intensity lasting around twelve days, from June 12-23, 1940. This heroic feat was characterized by the Holocaust historian Yehuda Bauer as “perhaps the largest rescue action by a single individual during the Holocaust.”
For his act of defiance Sousa Mendes was severely punished by Salazar, stripped of his diplomatic position and forbidden from earning a living. He had fifteen children, who were themselves blacklisted and prevented from attending university or finding meaningful work. In this way what was once an illustrious and well-respected family – one of the great families of Portugal – was crushed and destroyed. The family’s ancestral home, known as “Casa do Passal,” was repossessed by the bank and eventually sold to cover debts.
Before his death in 1954, Sousa Mendes asked his children to clear his name and have the honor of the family restored. His sons and daughters, along with their children – now scattered all over the globe – have fought for decades to have his deeds posthumously recognized.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. The invocation was offered by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Club Opening and Welcomes: The club thanked the following for helping with tonight’s meeting: Greeter Laura Pellerano, Well Wisher Linda Fuller, Note Taker Tracy Shaffer, Sergeants at Arms Julie and Tony Bouchard.
Secretary Clyde Cushing noted that there were no visiting Rotarians this evening and announced an 8/7 birthday for club member Allan Baker and a wedding anniversary on 8/11 for Honorary Rotarian Mike Povich and his wife Judy. There were no club service anniversaries this week to report.
Rotarians announcing guests this evening: Jodie Cushing – her daughter Grace, Cindy Shoppe – her husband John, Carl Lusby – prospective member Dr. Ruth Moore and Jackie Sinclair – her sister Jenny.
Door Prizes: A bottle of wine went to our guest speaker, and a jar of Mrs. Richardson’s Desert Sauce went to both Marian Wells and to Julie Bouchard. President Jo thanked Rotarians for bringing in these door prizes and thanked Rotarians in advance for continuing to help with door prizes.
50/50: Carol Jordan won the 50/50 of $18 and donated it to the Happy Dollar Quarterly cause which is Polio Plus. She thanked members for their thoughts and cards concerning the recent loss of her mother.
Happy Dollars Highlights:
Gene Pellerano asked members to let him know of any partner businesses that may be able to serve as an additional site for our Polio Plus community outreach project in October for Purple Pinkie donations.
Many Rotarians gave a Happy Dollar in honor of the wonderful pancake breakfast held on August 3 and chaired by Cindy Shoppe and Lincoln Ehrlenbach.
Among Rotarians offering Happy Dollars tonight: Iris, Charlene, Gene, Laura, Tracy, Scott, Lincoln, Julie, Carl, Nancy, Jo, Cindy, Rodney, Laurie, Carol and Larry.
Rotary Business:
Pancake Breakfast – Held on August 3, 2019
Treasurer Debbie Ehrlenbach gave preliminary revenue results for the breakfast with a final number to come in after Rotarians have turned in all ticket monies. Among the totals reported to date: Ticket sales, including ticket monies turned in at tonight’s meeting - $6739, merchandise - $485, 50/50 - $188.50, Sponsors - $458. Other monies collected during this time: Wheelchair Donations - $634.36, Rotary Partnerships - $3100, collected by Lincoln Ehrlenbach.
Debbie reminded Rotarians to turn any remaining ticket monies in as soon as possible.
Jo thanked the club again for their work and commented on the teaming demonstrated to run the breakfast each year. She also thanked Lincoln for his efforts in growing our Rotary Partnership program enrollment.
Community Service - Marc Rich passed around a sign up opportunity for Rotarians to work the Loaves and Fishes Pie Booth at the Blue Hill Fair, August 30 from 5 – 7 PM and from 7 – 9 PM. If interested, please let him know.
Rotary Board Meeting and Communications
Jo advised that the next board meeting will be held next Tuesday at 4:30 PM. All Rotarians are welcome to attend.
Clyde advised that Rotarians can take advantage of the back side of Club Runner to access personal account information and additional club information. If you need access or a tutorial, please let him know.
Clyde asked club members to advise him of any make-ups for 100% year-end participation recognition and told members that board minutes would be circulated to the club membership post meetings.
Jo read thank you notes received from a scholarship recipient, the Chamber of Commerce for allowing them to sell Autumn Gold jackpot tickets at our Pancake Breakfast, and from hospice for letting them use our parking cones at their regatta.
Program/Speaker:
Our speaker, Dr. Richard Matthews, was introduced by Rotarian Iris Simon. Dr. Matthews opened the Center for Integrative Chiropractic Neurology in Ellsworth after moving here 4 years ago. His verbal presentation to the club expounded upon the speaker’s biographical and professional profile remarks sent to the club on August 6. He carefully walked the audience through the detection and treatment of Lyme disease and how and why it can reoccur after antibiotics or initial treatment. He discussed the connection of our microbiome (gut health driven by intestinal bacteria) with the disease and the ability to combat it as well as other illnesses by fostering a good microbiome. He took several questions including noting that it is possible to have your intestinal bacteria analyzed and be given treatment and guidance on how to improve its ability to combat illness. The intestinal tract houses about 70% of a human’s immune system. His presentation included an opportunity to provide your email address to receive documentation supporting his presentation this evening. If you were not at the meeting and would like to be included in the follow up email, please let Club Service Chair Laurie Fogelman know.
Jo Cooper presented Dr. Matthews with our Rotary Speaker’s Mug and adjourned the meeting at 7:09 PM.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Rod Fox and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Barbara Quinby of Lake Christine Florida, Betty and Fred Parsons
Guests: 8 guests
Birthdays: Ray Williams July 24th
Club Anniversaries: Irv Hodgkin 11yrs
Door Prizes: Betty Parsons, Jacqueline Wycoff, Iris, Barabara Quinby
50/50: $18 - Ruth
Happy Dollars Highlights: Bill told a joke, Marshell thanked help at the Free Clinic
Rotary Business:
Community Support Director Cindy Shoppe presented a check toto Downeast Adaptive Youth Recreation in the amount of $900.00 to Todd Wagstaff and Kristy Hardison.
Pancake breakfast Update: tickets given out to members to sell in the community.
in need of propane tanks for Aug 3rd
Community Service Update: Painting project went well and all rooms were painted and looked good.
Community Service project: Marc Rich is looking for volunteers for Aug 2nd to help set up tables at Morris Center and help tearing down tables afterward. Ellsworth High School Freshman BBQ is scheduled for Tues, Sept 3rd.
Deadline for RYLA sponsorship submission is Aug 30th
Program/Speaker:Jacqueline Wycoff of the Community Closet was our guest speaker this week. The Community Closet opened 2 years ago in Ellsworth and works to needs of the community with food rack, clothing, back to school assistance and blankets in winter. They also have an Emergency room to assist people who lost everything to fire or disaster. They are currently working with Walmart to fill a school bus with school supplies for Aug 3rd.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Laurie Fogelman (and Marian Wells was our Well Wisher for the evening).
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Ruth Moore
Birthdays: Mike Marino-7/21
Club Anniversaries: Alicia Johnson- 1 year as of 7/17
Wedding Anniversaries: Bill Casale – 7/20 (+ Jennie; 28 years)
Door Prizes: Gene, Arlyn, Larry, Jane, Fred
50/50: Clyde, $16 – donated all back for being happy it was not raining.
Happy Dollars Highlights: This quarter’s recipient of happy dollars is Polio Plus: The following people donated for the cause or other reasons, including jokes told and paid for by Bill and Fred; Carl, Rod, Allegra, Gene, Terry, Marshall, Jane, Dave Wheaton, Laurie, and Arlyn.
Rotary Business:
Dr. David Jardine and Meredith Bishop were inducted into the Club as affiliates under a corporate membership held by The Audiology Center of Maine. Welcome David and Meredith!
A pancake breakfast update was provided by Lincoln: event to be held August 3rd in the parking lot of the Downeast YMCA; members were reminded to collect posters and tickets to sell.
Marc spoke of an upcoming community service project painting the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic on Saturday, July 20 between 8-4.
Program/Speaker: Dale Hamilton, Executive Director of Community Health and Counseling Services (CHCS), spoke to the Club about CHCS’ services generally (offered through offices in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington Counties), and services available to Hancock County residents, including mental health, home health, hospice, and primary care. He spoke about the collaborative approach CHCS takes with respect to other service organizations available in a specific area so that they are providing those health care services that are needed and valued by the communities and individuals they serve.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Bill Cassale and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Debbie Ehrlenbach
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Note taker: Laurie Fogelman
Well wisher: Marc Rich
Visiting Rotarians: Gov. Suzanne Uhl-Melanson
Guests: Gracie; Eric Cooper
Club Anniversaries: Lincoln Ehrlenbach: 17 years
Wedding Anniversaries: Rod Fox 54 years and Jackie Sinclair 14 years
Door Prizes: Patricia Quirk, Gene Pellarano and Suzanne Uhl-Melanson
50/50: Larry Fernald won and gave it all back
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go toward Polio Plus. Bill Cassale told a joke, many people were glad to have Gov Suzanne visit, she was pleased to be here.
Rotary Business: Special event: the awarding of a Paul Harris award to Michael Marino by Lincoln Ehrlenbach because Michael has always been ready to help when called upon, particularly on the recent wheelchair trips to the Dominican Republic. Also awarded were two Paul Harris plus 5 awards to Domenic Efter and Arlyn Whitelaw and Paul Harris plus 2 to Tracy Shaffer. Congratulations!
Program/Speaker: Rotary District 7790 Governor Suzanne Uhl-Melanson talked about why she joined Rotary and was so happy to discover “a group of people who care about their local and global communities.” She also talked about her Project 2019 Guatemala to save mothers and children from chronic malnutrition through training and giving smokeless stoves for cleaner cooking.
Opening Ceremonies: President Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Scott Kimball
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: None, but we did welcome back Bill Casale
Guests: Eli Robinson, Cathy Hartigan, Ruth Moore
Birthdays: Laura Pellerano 7/3, Fred Beyer 7/7, and Iris Simon 7/8
Wedding Anniversaries: Linda Fuller, 21 years, 7/3
Door Prizes:
Patriots Banner, Fly Swatter and Chocolate-Eli Robinson and Jody Cushing
Bottle of Chardonnay-Jack Frost
Bottle of Rose-Cindy Shoppe
Bouquet of Cloth Flowers-Fred Beyer
Haven’s Candy-Cathy Hartigan
Starbucks Mug-Laurie Fogelman
50/50: $15 to Scott Kimball who was very happy and donated it all to Happy Dollars
Happy Dollars Highlights: Donations this quarter going to Polio Plus!
Carl Lusby-for the cause
Jack Frost-Going to DC to see his daughter
Dave Wheaton-Adventures in Healthcare is over, on to planning it for 2020
Dom Efter-Hospice of Hancock County Regatta.
Iris Simon-Re-opening of the Tidal Falls area, Frenchman’s Bay Conservatory
Bill Casale-Happy to be back and a lesson from Socrates about the 4 Way Test
Tracey Schafer-President Jo’s first meeting
Deb and Lincoln Ehrlenbach-for the cause
Charlene Churchill-Happy to attend a meeting without any paperwork to complete!
Rotary Business:
Community Service Project-July 20th, Paint the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic
Call for Rotarians to help the Bar Harbor Club work on both the July 4th Pancake Breakfast and/or the Lobster Dinner.
District Governor will be visiting next week. She will attend the Board Meeting that will go on as regularly scheduled. Board members should bring a paragraph outlining their goals for the next year. Also, a Paul Harris Fellow award will be granted at the meeting and all current Paul Harris Fellows are requested to wear their medallions and pins to the meeting.
Program/Speaker:
District Governor’s 2019 Wheelchair Project, Dominican Republic. Lincoln Ehrlenbach and David Wells.
420 Wheelchairs were delivered over two trips to the Dominican Republic
All clubs in the district contributed to this project
Phase One occurred during the time period of 4/17-4/21, 2019
140 wheelchairs were delivered on this trip
All wheelchairs needed onsite assembly
Some home deliveries occurred
Rotarians accompanied by six students from Husson University
Phase Two occurred during the time period of 6/18-6/24, 2019
280 wheelchairs were delivered on this trip
89 wheelchairs were delivered in Santa Domingo
The largest single day distribution since we have done wheelchair projects
Described as a “sea of wheelchairs”
Six banners from clubs that were visited were displayed
“It is amazing to see the faces of the individuals when the light bulb goes off and the recipient realizes that they can move themselves.” Marian Wells.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:56 pm when President Jo Cooper rang the bell.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Our invocation was given by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance. The Greeter was Grace Robinson and the Well Wisher at the end of our meeting was Marian Wells. Julie and Tony Bouchard served as Sargent At Arms.
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons.
Guests: John Shoppe and Grace Robinson.
Club Anniversaries: Jane Langley – June 26, 2007, Micki Sumpter – June 30, 2005, Larry Fernald – July 1, 1975, Rob Hemenway – July 1, 2014,
Birthdays: Allegra Pellerano – June 27.
Wedding Anniversaries: Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach – June 26, 1976, Laura and Gene Pellerano – June 29, Dave and Susan Wheaton – June 30, 2007, Carolyn and Zanny Stwertka – July 1, 2012.
Door Prizes: Winners were Laura Pellerano, Gene Pellerano, Carol Jordan, Dave Parsons, and Jane Langley.
50/50: $17 went to Irv Hodgkin who donated most of it back for the cause. Happy Dollars this quarter will go to the Allan Fitch Fund at The Grand.
Happy Dollars: Scott Kimball was happy about the completion of the playground project for Special Children’s Friends and that if we have our health we are fortunate, Marian and David Wells and Lincoln Ehrlenbach were happy for the successful completion of the Dominican Republic wheelchair project with 420 chairs distributed to those in need. Many members were happy for the safe return of our wheelchair team and also for Tracy’s year as President of the club and for a successful coming year under Jo Cooper’s leadership. Gracie Robinson was happy that her mom, Jodie Cushing, is getting better after knee surgery. Jim Vickers noted that his daughter had passed away at the age of 59 but a new great grandson has been born.
Rotary Business: New Greeter and Well Wisher lists for the first quarter were passed around for signup. Volunteers are needed by the Heart of Ellsworth for the big downtown event on Saturday and also by the Bar Harbor/MDI Club on July 4 from 6 am to 2 pm for their breakfast and lobster dinner.
We held 43 meetings this year, not including tonight. Our attendance percentage, including makeups for the year is: 66.51%. Nine club members were presented with Perfect Attendance Certificates. Several members were presented with pin tabs to recognize their years in Rotary including Larry Barnes for 35 years and Larry Johnston for 30 years.
Treasurer: We ended the current year with a net profit of about $4,397. Cash on hand is $22,907.68. Wheelchair project funds available to match District grants are a little over $3,000. Happy Dollars for this quarter so far are $557.
Club Service: Jane Langley, Director for the past two years, noted that she has tried to provide a varied program list meant to inform and educate, to stretch our minds, and provide enjoyment.
Tracy Shaffer presented certificates of recognition and tokens of appreciation to many members for their contributions this year.
Tracy, with support from Lincoln and Dave Wells, then installed Jo Cooper as President for our 2019-2020 Rotary year. Jo introduced and installed the new slate of officers and directors for the year:
Laura Pellerano – President Elect
Gene Pellerano – Vice President
Clyde Cushing – Secretary
Debbie Ehrlenbach – Treasurer
Laurie Fogelman – Club Service Director
Marc Rich – Community Service Director
Gene Pellerano – International Director
Debbie Ehrlenbach – Vocational and Youth Services Director
Marian Wells – Membership Director, assisted by Alison Howaniec
Jack Frost – Foundation Chair, assisted by Ken Huitt
Cindy Shoppe – Community Support Chair
Ashley Johnson – Publicity and Public Relations Chair
Julie and Tony Bouchard – Sergeants At Arms
Jo reviewed the Rotary International theme for the new year: Rotary Connects the World. She also reviewed her goals for the coming year for our club.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Clyde Cushing
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Amy Wisehart from Ellsworth Noontime Club
Guests: Jess Montgomery
Birthdays: Rod Fox and Marc Rich both on June 21st
Club Anniversaries: Julie Clark 11 years
Wedding Anniversaries: Larry and Sharon Barnes 50 Years, Irv and Helen Hodgkin 57 Years
Rotary Minute: Community Support DirectorCindy Shoppe presented a check to to Jess Montgomery of the YMCA Learning Center in the amount of $1,500.00.
Door Prizes: Lucky winners were Julie Bouchard, Amy Wisehart, Arlyn Whitelaw, Larry Ferland, Marc Rich and Allegra Pellerano
50/50: $12.00 to Allegra Pellerano
Happy Dollars Highlights: Allegra Pellerano, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Perri Huitt, Clyde Cushing, Peter Farragher, Irv Hodgkin, Marc Rich, Laurie Fogelman, Carl Lusby, Arlyn Whitelaw, and Rod Fox.
Rotary Business:
The following Committee Chairs gave an annual report of their activities for this Rotary Year and presented certificates to each member of the committee:
Public Relations – Director Ashley Johnson thanked Allegra Pellerano and JoAnn Brown for serving on the committee and helping out this year. This year our committee added our Rotary Club to Instagram and Twitter. Our website and Facebook page is updated on a weekly basis and we continue to provide positive feedback from membership. We were able to have more press releases and photos about our service projects in the local papers. We encourage all members to use MyRotary.org. Ashley will send an email out to remind those and how to sign up. We currently have eight website advertisers. We will continue to advertise $25 for 12 months to help cover costs.
International – Director Gene Pellerano went over the committee’s achivements for 2018-2019: Purple Pinky Day was held at Pat’s Pizza and went well. We may want to see if we can arrange to be more visible to whole restaurant. The committee met and decided to support a wheelchair mission. Dave Wells suggested Panama again and the vote went through. Money raised last year should be enough to allow us to apply for a district grant. Dave Wells will file a grant request and has asked other clubs for support. As of now the trip is looking at the last week of February 2020. Several members suggested some other international efforts, some are viable projects and the committee will request funding for 2019-2020 budget cycle to support international projects. Moving forward we will attempt another site to present Purple Pinky Day in addition to Pat’s Pizza to attempt better advertising. We will ask for a budget of $1,000 to allow support of above a couple international projects. Fall Pancake Breakfast for Wheelchair mission will be scheduled soon.
President Tracy Shaffer thanked the following Rotarians for their services this year: Peter Farrager/EHS Honors Banquet, Carl Lusby & Jack Frost/Paul Harris Recognition Ceremony/ Gifting Experience, Tony and Julie Bouchard/Sargent at Arms, Fred Beyer/Scholarship Chair, Gene Pellerano/Literacy Chair, Debbie Ehrlenbach/Vocational Director
Foundation – Director Arlyn Whitelaw shared with the club the following information:
We have received directly or through online submissions EREY donations of $12,364.00 to date. This puts us at 177% of our fundraising goal for the fiscal year to date. Yay Club!
As of June 18, 2019, 43 Club Members had participated in EREY for the fiscal year; 34 of which are Sustaining Members ($100 or more). This means approximately 73% of the Club’s current Active Members have participated in EREY for the fiscal YTD, which exceeds our participation goal of 66% for the fiscal year. Thanks to everyone for considering Rotary International’s Annual Fund for your donation dollars this year!
Ellsworth Club’s per capita contribution to the Annual Fund for 2018/2019 is currently $210, as compared to the District’s per capita of $77. We are slightly behind last year’s per capita of $234, but have a very good chance of finishing this year with the highest in per capita contributions in the district (again!); our closest competition, West Bay (Camden), is at $189 per capita.
Ellsworth Rotary Club is 2nd in a district of 50 clubs for EREY giving for this fiscal YTD; trailing approximately $1,500 behind West Bay (Camden), which has contributed $13,822.30.
To date, eight Club Members are Paul Harris Society (PHS) Members or Paul Harris Society-eligible. PHS Members donate $1,000 to the Foundation each year.
The first $25 gift card quarterly drawing for this fiscal year was won by Nancy Mayo. The second quarterly drawing was won by Bill Casale. The third quarterly drawing was won by Julie Clark. Tonight, we will draw the fourth and final gift card winner was Debbie Ehrlenbach. Every Rotarian in our Club who has made a contribution of any size to towards EREY for the 4th quarter of the fiscal year as of June 15 has been entered to win (except Dom and Arlyn, who sponsor the prize).
Program/Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Amy Wisehart. Amy has been the director of the Ellsworth Public Library since December 2016. Amy shared the “Library’s Vision of the Future” with a power point presentation. She explained future fundraising goals and the upcoming summer program for local children.
Our club was pleased to host our 42nd annual Paul Harris Fellow Recognition event this week. Named for the founder of Rotary International, this award is given to community members, Rotarians, and this year for our club’s first time, a local business, that exemplify the ideals of Rotary through work and community service.
Paul Harris Fellows were awarded to:
-Todd Wagstaff for his work with the Ellsworth Challenger Little League and @Downeast Adaptive Youth Recreation, two organizations focused on providing sports experiences for those with physical and mental challenges.
-Janet Bunker Stratton for her work as a hotline volunteer with @The Next Step for four years. Janet also works as a court appointed advocate for children who may be taken from their parents due to abuse or neglect.
-Bob Hessler for volunteer work with many local organizations including Everybody Eats-A Free Community Meal, @Friends In Action, City of Ellsworth, Maine Recreation Committee, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, and our club. Maine Shellfish Ellsworth.
-Stu Marckoon for his work, both as an employee and a volunteer, for the Town of Lamoine and the Lamoine Volunteer Fire Department. Star 97.7
-Rotarian Clyde Cushing II was honored for his work at the Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School, as a volunteer with the Ellsworth Fire Department and Senator Hale Hose Company, and his service to our club as Community Service Director and in other roles.
-Rotarian Gene Pellerano for his service with the Trenton Vol. Fire Dept., the Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library, and as the International Service Director for our club, going on and organizing several wheelchair projects for us.
-Tradewinds Marketplace and it’s owners, Chuck and Belinda Lawrence, were honored as an area business which gives back to our community. They have dedicated a percentage of the profits from gasoline sold at their stores to cancer care at local hospitals. These donations have totaled over $1 Million to date. They are committed to building a community center for the Blue Hill peninsula to be operated by the Down East Family YMCA, James Russell Wiggins Center. Blue Hill Public Library Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center.
We also honored our club members who are part of the Paul Harris Society, an annual commitment of a donation of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Our club’s first Major Donors to the Foundation, Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach were recognized for their contributions.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order and immediately ‘passed the podium’ to Rotarian Tony Bouchard to conduct the meeting.
Invocation by Ray William and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Grace Robinson
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Ruth Moore; Grace Robinson
Birthdays: Marian Wells; Michael Povich
Door Prizes: The lucky winners are: Julie Bouchard; Jacklyn Sinclair; Ray Williams; Cindy Shoppe; Tricia Quirk; Iris Simon
50/50: Marian Wells
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Alan Fitch Scholarship Fund at The Grand for students attending Theatre Camp. The following Rotarians were “Happy”: Marian Wells; Tricia Quirk; Jo Cooper; Charlene Churchill; Gene Pellerano; Iris Simon; Carl Lusby; Jacklyn Sinclair; Tracy Shaffer; Laurie Fogelman; Ruth More
Rotary Business:
President Tracy Shaffer presented a check in the amount of $11,401.95 to this year’s Auction Partner Friends In Action. Tracy reported that the gross take for the auction was $33,501.00 and the net proceeds were $22,803 which are split evenly with our Auction Partner. Another Great Auction by the Rotary Club of Ellsworth!
Community Service Director, Clyde Cushing reported that our next project will be Saturday, June 15th installing playground equipment at Special Children Friends. All interested Rotarians should report to SCF on Union Street in Ellsworth by 8:00 a.m.
Cindy Shoppe, Pancake Breakfast Chair reported that all planning is currently on track for the August event.
Paul Harris Fellow Awards Co-Chair, Carl Lusby, shared that all is ready for this exciting evening to be held June 11th at China Hill. It is hoped that all Rotarians can be in attendance.
The following Committee Chairs gave an annual report of their activities for this Rotary Year and presented certificates to each member of the committee:
Community Service… Clyde Cushing shared that our club performed 34 Service Projects totaling 2773 hours of service this year with one project left to go… and that over the last three years 73 Service Projects totaling 6704 volunteer hours has been accomplished.
Community Support… Cindy Shoppee shared that $10,000 dollars has been awarded to 13 different local non-profit groups in support of the good works being done by so many in our community.
Membership Committee… Marian Wells reported that two new membership categories have been added this year, Corporate and Family. The committee also conducted a new member training seminar as well as a membership night where two new inductees were inducted. This year saw 13 new members added to the club.
As part of the Membership Committee presentation the following members were awarded longevity pins for their years of service to the club: Larry Fernald (43 years); Ray Williams (41 years); Larry Barnes (35 years); Alan Baker (34 years); Larry Johnston (30 years); Iris Simon (27 years); Marshall Smith (20 years); Peter Farragher (20 years).
President Tracy recognized the By-Law Committee for their work in updating our club’s by laws this year.
Wheelchair Project… Dave Wells shared with the membership that 140 of the 280 wheelchairs have been distributed in the Dominican Republic. A challenge with the remaining 140 chairs being released by Dominican Customs has been resolved and the remaining 140 chairs will be distributed the week of June 18th to 21st… Rotarian Volunteers will be needed to make this trip complete and another club / District success… let Dave know if you would like to go or need more information about the trip.
Program/Speaker:
Two “Pop-Up” presentations were delivered:
Rotarian Marc Rich participated in the Leadership Hancock County with club sponsorship. Marc shared the many positive aspects of the program and thanks and praised our club for the support for his attendance in this program and for the support and welcoming received since joining.
Dr. Ruth Moore recently opened Downeast Wellness Holistic Health Services on Store Street in Ellsworth. Ruth shared her background and training and the practice of Integrated Health for all socio-economic ranges of patients. Ruth emphasized that the practice’s objective is to teach and use Complementary Practices, Clinical Aromatherapy, and Integrative Medicine to help you: 1) learn about your current health; 2) identify current challenges; 3) help you make informed choices; 4) ane set / achieve your goals. Brochures were made available for anyone who would like more information and wanted to follow up with Ruth.
Guest Speakers Lesley Robinson and Erica Page of Comfort Cases show off their Rotary Speakers Mugs. They gave a moving talk on Comfort Cases and the need for them for children in the foster care
system.
Opening Ceremonies:
President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order and introduced Vice President Laura Pellerano who led our meeting. Larry Fernald shared an invocation and those being thanked for helping to facilitate our meeting tonight were our Sargents at Arms Julie and Tony Bouchard, Greeter Debbie Ehrlenbach and Well Wisher Carl Lusby.
Rotary Business:
Community Service and Project Updates:
Director Clyde Cushing thanked Rotarians for volunteering at the Bike Rodeo held Saturday, May 18 at the Ellsworth Elementary and Middle School. He noted 74 students attended the rodeo and all our helmets have been distributed.
A reminder was mentioned about the Pancake Breakfast Silverware Wrapping Party that will be held June 3 at 6:45 PM at The Eagle’s Lodge Motel. Please let Clyde know if you wish to attend. Desert or wine would be appreciated to help with the refreshments.
Cindy Shoppe and Lincoln advised that there would be an upcoming committee meeting on the August Pancake Breakfast.
Laura Pellerano noted that a meeting will be announced shortly for recent past presidents who have chaired the auction to meet and start reviewing options and improvements on future auctions.
Year End Reports:
Several Year End Director and Officer Reports were presented to the club, with more to come at upcoming meetings.
Deb Ehrlenbach, Vocational and Youth Service Director, recapped the year she and her committee had which was very successful. In addition to holding the popular HCTC evenings and the annual Honors Banquet honoring the top 50 seniors, the committee raised scholarship giving this year, including a new scholarship just for HCTC students. The Interact Club was very active with Pantry volunteerism and received their charter this year and the Literacy Project took root with 14 Rotarians reading during the year, offering over 36 hours of volunteer time. Congratulations to Deb and her team members: Fred Beyer, Gene Pellerano, Peter Farragher and Heidi Omlor.
President Elect and Auction Lead Chair Jo Cooper advised that the auction check presentation to the partner would be June 4 and discussed the upcoming meeting to be led by Laura on future auctions.
Other Updates:
Carl Lusby advised the club of the Povich Scholarship winner, that due to timing, was not announced during our honors banquet.
Jane reminded members of the social next Tuesday at The Lobster Pot scheduled from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Cookout available with a $10 cost. Games and fun! Bring guests!
Carl mentioned that our June 11 Paul Harris Night at China Hill is on schedule and a final committee meeting will be held next Tuesday at The Lobster Pot prior to the cookout.
Program/Speaker:
The club had a meaningful presentation from Comfort Cases which is a national organization that has been active in Maine for 1 year providing age appropriate backpacks for children going into foster care. Lesley Robinson and Erica Page were on had to describe the program and how the extension into Maine occurred and to discuss the needs that the program has in order to meet demand for the Comfort Cases. They noted that there currently are 2400 Maine children in foster care. Ten percent of those children are here in the Ellsworth area. Each pack costs about $45 to assemble and provide to area agencies and law enforcement. Club members received a handout of local items needed to pack the cases as well as contact information for Lesley. More information is available on their website, Comfortcases.org that notes that since the organization started in 2013, it has donated over 44,000 cases across the nation.
Downeast Adaptive Youth Recreation (DAYR) were guest speakers at tonight's meeting. Board Members Kristy Hardison and Todd Wagstaff talked about DAYR's mission, who they are, their goals and how the community can help!
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Alicia Johnson
Well Wisher: Gracie Cushing
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Jim Sisserson FL
Guests: Gracie Cushing, John Shoppe, Ruth Moore, David Jardin
Birthdays: 17 May, Clyde C, May 19 Jim Vickers
Vocational Minute: Scott Kimball, Scott explained how he felt the First part of the 4 way test was most important when he worked in the energy business. He was always trying to determine if claims made in the energy business were the truth, and if he was confident that they met the 4 way test he would them pass them on. He gave examples regarding Heat Pumps and how the source of the power to operate them changed seasonally.
Door prizes: Marc Rich-Apple whisky, TonyBouchard – surprise box, Jacki Clough – candle, Jim Sisserson – Wine, Jody Cushing – Wine
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Alan Fitch Scholarship Fund at The Grand for students attending Theatre Camp. Many members were happy, Cindy Shoppe, Pam Cushing, Alicia Johnson, Dan Hurley, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Gene Pellerano, Jim Sisserson, Terri Stephens, Marshall Smith, Jack Frost, Jim Hewitt, Marc Rich, Carl Lusby. Many members mentioned Dan Hurley’s contribution to the club and that he would be missed.
Rotary Business:
President Tracy Mentioned the Banner we got at the District Conference for our club’s Per Capita donations to the foundation being the highest in the district.
Tracy offered Visiting Rotarian Jim Sisserson an Ellsworth club banner to take back to his club
Auction results were discussed and Tracy thanks the major Sponsors BHBT and Rudman Mitchell law firm for their part. Final results will be announced once all the financials are in and a Check will be presented to Friends in Action at the June 4th meeting.
Club Service: Clyde reminded members of the Bike Rodeo Saturday May 18, to meet at the Ellsworth Elementary/Middle School at 08:30, sign up sheet was passed around.
Club Social, Tuesday May 28, cost $10, Union River Lobster Pot, Burgers, dogs, salads, soft drinks, dessert, cash bar 5:30-7:30
Paul Harris, Tuesday June 11, here at China Hill
Program/Speaker: Clyde introduced the guest speakers, Kristy Hardison and Todd Wagstaff, who spoke to the club about Downeast Adaptive Youth Recreation
Downeast Adaptive Youth Recreation started in Nov 2018 as a non-profit. It is offering an extension of the Challenger Little League program as it try tow accommodate special needs youth in any sport they chose if the resources can be found to support it. eventually they hope to offer a long list of sports, theater, dance, music, and increase access to Special Olympics.
The model is to assign another youth as a buddy to the special needs youth and have them help each other.
They hope to raise $50,000 this year to meet the needs of the programs.
Clyde presented each of them with a speaker’s mug.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Raymond Williams and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Marian Wells
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Meredith Bishop, Audiology Manager with Marshall Smith. John Shoppe with Cindy Shoppe
Birthdays: Doug Kell May 10,.
Wedding Anniversaries: Dana & Anne Reiter 5/10/2019
Door Prizes: Pam Cushing received the pancake mix, Cindy Shoppe -wine, John Shoppe - coasters, Jackie Clough - jam and Iris Simon- cookbook
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Alan Fitch Scholarship Fund at The Grand for students attending Theatre Camp. Happy to accept Grace Robbins, Clyde Cushing- Auction cash out, Gene Pellerano - Library Book Sale $1,285, Iris Simon- Indian Point clean up, Jo Cooper - thankful the auction is over, Lincoln Ehrlenbach - District Conference, Debbie Ehrlenbach- District Conference, Charlene Churchill miss working with Dan Hurley, Tracy Shaffer for club energy.
Rotary Business:
Carl Lusby presented Dan Hurley with Ellsworth Rotary Gift for his service to the club as treasurer.
Jo Cooper - Great effort on the auction thank you to all
Dominic Efter- Revenue from the Auction $33,792.00
Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Debbie Ehrlenbach and Allegra Pellerano all attended and reported on the District Conference. Awards - Silver Governor Citation 2018-2019 Ellsworth 5th place in Polio fundraising. Ellsworth number 1 in Foundation giving in the district.
Clyde Cushing - Community Service update: Indian Point Clean up went well. Service Opportunity May 18th EEMS Bicycle Rodeo. Silverware wrapping for the Pancake Breakfast June 3rd 6:45pm at the Eagles Nest Lodge. Spring Social May 28th at the Lobster Pot - cookout starts at 5:30pm
By-Laws - Quorum Voted to accept changes to the bylaws with the amendment Article 7 section 4 Make the required reporting to Rotary Internation (RI) Clyde made the motion and Tricia seconded passed unanimously
Program/Speaker: Jane Langley presented Cara Romano LaValle. She is the Director of Heart Of Ellsworth, which promotes artistic, cultural, economic, educational, environmental and historic activities in the Downtown area. She also owns Kot Contemporary Functional Craft located on State Street. She spoke on the Heart of Ellsworth achievements and goals going forward. Working on an application to be recognized as a city working on economic growth.
On Saturday, May 4th Ellsworth Rotarians along with the Frenchman Bay Conservancy, helped clean-up at the Indian Point Preserve in Ellsworth. This is an annual event we look forward to every year!
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order at Hancock County Technical Center. Tracy then Passed The Podium to Vocational Director Debbie Ehrlenbach. The invocation was given by Terri Stephens Smith and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Larry Johnston.
Sargent At Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard.
Visiting Rotarians: None
Guests: Chris Popper, Daniel Antonelli, Brian Langley, David Jardine, Anne Lusby and Amy Boles and Hope High from HCTC.
Club Anniversaries: Jack Frost – April 30, 2001, Dana Reiter – May 1, 2007, Debbie Ehrlenbach and Gene Pellerano – May 3, 2016.
Birthdays: Marc Rich – May 2, Julie Bouchard – May 5, Jo Cooper and Janice Pinkham – May 6.
Door Prizes: Scott Kimball – tea, Larry Johnston – cup, Ray Williams – tote bag, and Marshall Smith – candle.
50/50: $21 went to Micki Sumpter who donated it back for the cause. Happy Dollars this quarter will go to the Allan Fitch Fund at The Grand.
Happy Dollars: Many members were happy to be at HCTC for our annual meal and program, Jo was happy for the auction team, Marc Rich was happy to have attended and just graduated from the Leadership Hancock County program, Lincoln was happy that Debbie, Allegra, and he would be attending the District Conference this weekend, Dave Wells was happy to see the variety of desserts to chose from, and Marian was happy she had the roll of toilet paper on the wheelchair trip!
Rotary Business: Jo Cooper updated us on the auction. The winning team this week was Laurie Fogelman’s team and Laurie won a $25 gift card for The Bud Connection. Dave Wells has the Rotarian At Work t-shirts available for sale for those who don’t have them. Bylaw changes will be voted on next week as long as we have a quorum. Tip jars are on tables. Tips will go to Skills USA trip costs.
Program: Debbie introduced the instructors for the three programs we honored this evening and they introduced their students that were chosen as Student of the Month.
Tyler Cloutier – Culinary Arts, introduced by Bill Baker
Justin Allen – Biomedical Research, introduced by Sarah Petroulis
Dennis Wilson – Automotive Technology, introduced by Hunter Havel
Students received certificates, gift cards, and t-shirts for the program.
Debbie introduced our guest speaker Rotarian and partner at local law firm Acadia Law Group, LLC, Alison King. Alison talked to us about her life journey so far and the decisions that led her to law school and to Ellsworth. Her message to the students was to have a plan but be willing to do what feels right, even if it isn’t in the plan!
To conclude the program, Community Support Chair Cindy Shoppe presented a check for $1,000 from the club to Hope High to assist with the cost of the Skills USA trip to the national competition in June.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order.
Sergeant at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: David Jardene - Prospect, Peter Johnson - Yarmouth, Carol Johnson, David and Betty Parsons Portland
50/50: Tricia Quirk
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Alan Fitch Scholarship Fund at The Grand for students attending Theatre Camp.
Rotary Business:
HCTC Next week 5:30PM at the Tech Center dinner will be provided by the Culinary Arts Students $10.00
Jack Frost - Paul Harris Recognition Ceremony is June 11th at China Hill
Jo Cooper - auction going well, we have over 200 items but keep bringing them.Can drop off at YMCA or Friends in Action Kudos to Tracy for all of her help. 150/250 business partners sponsoring the Auction.
Award to Ashley Johnson - Paul Harris +2
Induction of Jackie Sinclair - Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Welcome!
Program/Speaker: This week's guest speaker was Peter Johnson. Peter spoke about the history of the The Rotary Foundation. It was established in 1917, but the endowment began to grow after the 1947 death of Rotary Founder Paul Harris, when a large number of contributions were received as memorial gifts. In 1957, Rotary International established the Paul Harris Fellow recognition award for all Rotarians who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation.
Past District Governor Peter Johnson is the 2014-15 District 7780 Foundation Committee Chair. His report to the District Clubs includes an overview about the history of the Paul Harris Fellow recognition and the Rotary Foundation.
Peter thanked all Rotarians for supporting the Rotary Foundation by becoming sustaining members, Paul Harris Fellows and Society members.
Rotarian Laura Pellerano introduced this week's guest speaker via Skype Rotarian Elias Thomas. He gave a presentation about his work irradiating polio in India.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer Passed the Podium to Larry Fernald. Larry called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Jackie Sinclair
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Birthdays: Julie Clark 4/19
Club Anniversaries: Carl Lusby 10 years
Wedding Anniversaries: Jane and Brian Langley 36 Years
Door Prizes: Lucky Winners were Julie Bouchard, Scott Kimball, Larry Fernald and Jo Cooper
50/50:$17.00 to JoAnn Brown
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Alan Fitch Scholarship Fund at The Grand for students attending Theatre Camp.
The following Rotarians gave Happy Dollars this week: Gene Pellerano, Ray Williams, Jo Cooper, Peter Farragher, Scott Kimball, Ken Hewitt, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Dan Hurley, Marshall Smith, Terri Stephens, Charlene Churchill, Jane Langley and Carl Lusby.
Rotary Business:
Dan Hurley sold his house in Franklin and will be moving to Connecticut in May. Thank you for your Service Dan, you will be missed!
Several members thought the Honors Banquet went well and thanked everyone who organized it!
Community Service Update: Indian Point Clean-Up is Saturday, May 4th at 9:00am. A Sign-up sheet went around.
Ashley Johnson passed around a sign-up sheet for the Weekly Newsletters.
Paul Harris Recognition Night: Tuesday, June 11th at China Hill. The committee will meet again after tonight’s meeting.
Tracy Shaffer reminded everyone the proposed Bylaw revisions. The club will vote on April 23rd.
Auction Update – Weekly Cataloging has started – thanks to Alicia and Tracy! Please drop off all your items at the Ellsworth YMCA. Posters and Tickets are available!
Program/Speaker: This week’s guest speaker via Skype was Rotarian Elias Thomas. He gave a presentation about his work irradiating polio in India.
During his year as District Governor, Elias led the effort to raise awareness about homelessness throughout the district, and helped raise tens of thousands of dollars to support the homeless, the poor and the hungry. He has been recognized locally, as well as internationally, for his charitable work and his participation in Rotary's worldwide project of polio eradication.
Elias has led volunteer trips to India to immunize children against polio and build a system of dams to provide villagers with access to clean water. He has led more than 350 Rotarians from around the world on these trips and has raised more than $350,000. His work in India will be featured in an upcoming Rotarian Magazine. He travels to India every February.
The Ellsworth Rotary Club honored the top 50 students from Elllsworth High School this week.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Marc Rich and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Jack Frost
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Door Prizes all to students: Mark Berry, Kiana Maddocks-Wilbur, Devin Grindle, Carter Frank, Sydney Stevens
Rotary Business was suspended for the evening and replaced by the 59th Annual Honors Banquet as the Ellsworth Rotary Club honored the top 50 seniors at Ellsworth High School.
Speaker: James Newett, principal of Ellsworth Middle School for 29 years, spoke about the students walking down a yellow brick road into the future and showed pictures of most of those students present when they were in middle school.
All of the students present were introduced and a brief bio presented for each, prepared by the students and with the fine tuning of Peter Farragher and his staff at the Downeast YMCA. Rotarians Jack Frost, Debra Ehrlenbach, Scott Kimball, and Allison King took turns doing the presentations.
Scholarships awarded:
Jerry Kaufman Memorial went to Emma Henry
Marilyn Whitelaw Service Above Self Leadership went to Atticus Deeny
Three Rotary Scholarships went to Grace High, Emma McKechnie and Olivia Dyer.
Carroll Harper was our guest speaker this week. He spoke about Original Medicare, Medicare Supplements and Medicare through Private Health Plans.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Clyde Cushing
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Gracie Robinson, Jackie Sinclair
Birthdays: Linda Fuller 4/11, Jackie Clough 4/12
Club Anniversaries: Peter Collier 4/4, Jo Cooper 4/8
Rotary Minute: Rachel Bousquet who works at KidsPeace shared with club members Kindness Cards made by clients that were given out to the community.
Door Prizes: Lucky winners were Gene Pellerano, Jo Cooper, Marian Wells, Marshall Smith, Perri Huitt
50/50: Tony Bouchard
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Alan Fitch Scholarship Fund at The Grand for students attending Theatre Camp. Alan was a Past President 2002-2003.
Tony Bouchard, Carl Lusby, Dom Efter, Terri Stephens, Dave Wells, Marian Wells, Gene Pellerano, Charlene Chuchill, Jo Cooper, Jane Langley and Tracy Shaffer all gave happy dollars this week.
Rotary Business:
Jodie Cushing passed around the Well Wisher Sign up.
Marian Wells - Membership Chair presented a Rotary Shirt to Jodie Cushing for completing the Rotary Passport Program!
Jo Cooper – Auction Update – Weekly Cataloging has started – thanks to Alicia and Tracy! Please drop off all your items at the Ellsworth YMCA. Auction Posters are out and tickets are currently at the printer.
Foundation Drawing – Winner Julie Clark $25 Gift Card!
Marc Rich shared the hospital is looking for volunteers to help out at the Chef’s Gala on April27th. This is a fundraiser to benefit Breast Care and local patients, at the Ellsworth Ramada. The theme of this year’s event is a Spring Block Party! We hope you will be able to join us for a fun-filled night of dancing, exceptional food, and fellowship.
Tracy Shaffer reminded everyone the proposed Bylaw revisions. The club will vote on April 16th.
Fred Beyer reminded everyone of the EHS Honors Banquet on April 9th. Please arrive by 5:00pm.
Program/Speaker: Carroll Harper was our guest speaker this week. He spoke about Original Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Medicare through Private Health Plans, the advantages and disadvantages, Medicare Prescription Drug plans and the various Medicare enrollment periods and the related eligibility requirements.
Joan Welgoss-Surry School Board Chair, Fred Cole - Surry School Principal & Rotarian Laura Pellerano at Surry School presenting a check for $597.00. This represents first quarter Happy Dollars donation to the Surry Backpack Program.
Rotarian Irv Hodgkin from The Rotary Club of Ellsworth joins Noontime Rotary President Leann Beal at the 2nd Annual Ellsworth Open House on March 20th to share the community service message of Rotary with guests. Other Rotarians from our club that attended and helped our table: Tracy Shaffer, Nancy Mayo, Charlene Churchill. Additional Rotarians helping with the event in other ways which was held at the Ellsworth Public Library: Allegra Pellerano, Gene Pellerano, Jo Cooper and Micki Sumpter.
This week's guest speaker was Adam Rouhana, co-founder and CEO of the Diyalo Foundation.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Gracie Robinson and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Jodie Cushing
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Jane Newcom and Ferolyn Curtis from the Rockland Club
Guests: Laurie Johnson
Birthdays: Ken Hurrit March 26
Club Anniversaries: Larry Johnston April 1
Door Prizes: Winners were Laurie Johnson, Alicia Johnson, Fred Beyer, March Rich, Adam Rouhana and Carolyn Stwertka.
50/50: $15.00 to Debbie Ehrlenbach
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Surry School Backpack Program. Debbie Ehrlenbach, Charlene Churchill, Laurie Fogelman, Carl Lusby, Jack Frost, Allegra Pellerano, Gene Pellerano, Larry Johnston, Laura Pellerano, Fred Beyer, Allison Herrit, Grace Robinson, Alicia Johnson, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Rod Fox, Marc Rich, Laurie Johnson and Tracy Shaffer all gave happy dollars this week.
Rotary Business:
Fred Beyer reminded us of the Honors Banquet on April 9th. There are 3 students who need sponsors.
Clyde Cushing updated on Everybody Eats
Clyde Cushing also announced another way for Rotarians to get involved in meetings: Rotary Well-Wisher. The Well-Wisher will be stationed at the exit after meetings to collect badges, hand out information, and thank people for coming out.
Gene Pellerano circulated a sign-up sheet for Literacy Reading for the month of April.
Lincoln Ehrlenbach reminded that the International Committee is collecting items and money to buy soccer balls, etc. for the upcoming Wheelchair Project to the Dominican Republic
Carl Lusby reported the Paul Harris Committee met this week. Paul Harris Night is June 11th at China Hill.
Rotary Auction Update: Jo Cooper passed around the latest Auction List. This has been emailed to club members.
Tracy Shaffer shared with club members the proposed Bylaw revisions. The club will vote on April 16th.
Laurie Johnson from Hospice shared about signing up for the Hospice Patient Care Volunteer Training. She passed around information on how to do so and what supports groups are provided for the community.
Program/Speaker: This week’s guest speaker wasAdam Rouhana. Adam is the co-founder and CEO of the Diyalo Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting sustainable development in Nepal through education, energy, and agriculture. Diyalo's mission is to transform education in Nepal.
Rotarian Fred Beyers participating in pass the podium and our presenter at this week's meeting was Amy Boles the Director of HCTC speaking about the Skills USA Competition. #ellsworthrotary
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. President Tracy “passed the podium” to Fred Beyer to conduct the meeting.
Invocation by Clyde Cushing and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Linda Fuller
Sargent at Arms:Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Lorraine and Grandson from KidsPeace
Jackie Sinclair
Birthdays: Alicia Johnson
Becky Sargent
Lincoln Ehrlenbach
Club Anniversaries: David Wells, 9 yrs
Marian Wells, 5 yrs
Door Prizes:
Laurie Fogelman: Coloring Calendar
Allison Howaniec: PB Cookies and LED Light
Charlene Churchill: Shortbread Cookies and LED Lantern
Tony Bouchard: PB Cookies and Prescription Mug
Jack Frost: Cellar Door Wine
Gene Pellerano: S’mores Cookies and Sea Salt
50/50: Mark Rich- $16
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Surry School Backpack Program.
Mark Rich was $16 happy after winning 50/50. Gene Pellerano, Laura Pellerano,
Jo Cooper, Jack Frost, Iris Simon, Marshall Smith, Terri Stevens Smith, Laurie Fogelman, Carl Lusby, Tracy Shaffer, Ashley Johnson, Charlene Churchill, Perri Huitt participated also.
Rotary Business:
Charlene Churchill reminded us of the Open House for Newcomers that will take place on March 20 from 4-6 pm at the Ellsworth Public Library
Ashley Johnson circulated the sign-up sheet for the Newsletter/Minutes for April, May and June
Jo Cooper gave an auction update
Fred Beyer reminded us of the Honors Banquet on April 9th. 40 of 50 students have already had a Rotarian signed to them. 10 more students need hosts for the evening
Clyde Cushing updated on Everybody Eats and the Backpack program for community service
Clyde Cushing also announced another way for Rotarians to get involved in meetings: Rotary Well-Wisher. The Well-Wisher will be stationed at the exit after meetings to collect badges, hand out information, and thank people for coming out.
Gene Pellerano circulated a card to thank Tim from Pat’s Pizza for supporting the Purple Pinky Project at the restaurant
Tracy Shaffer reminded that the International Committee is collecting items and money to buy soccer balls, etc. for the upcoming Wheelchair Project to the Dominican Republic
Program/Speaker:Amy Bowles, Skills USA
Drew Smith, Gold Medalist, Career Skills and Human Pathways
Every year, all the CTE schools in Maine send their best and brightest to compete in Bangor in March at Skills USA
The competition now has grown to 3 different venues in Bangor
This year HCTC sent 85 students who won 48 Medals in the competition, which is a new record
The HCTC students won 24 Gold, 16 Silver and 8 Bronze medals
18 of 24 Gold Medal Students are eligible to compete at the Nationals
Culinary Arts students swept the Wedding Cake category by winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals
For a student to go to Nationals, $230 per student is required for registration
To send students this year from HCTC, it will cost approximately $25k
Drew Smith won a gold medal at the Career Skills and Human Pathways competition by her project with a backpack program that also included a new book in every backpack given.
Ellsworth Rotary Club donated over $600 to the HCTC Skills USA program from the Happy Dollars fund for the second quarter of this year
Special Thanks to Fred Beyer for conducting tonight’s meeting as a Pass the Podium participant. Nice Job!
Jo Cooper, President Elect & Laura Pellerano, Vice President attending PETS in Saint-George, Quebec
Jo Cooper, Dave Wells & Laura Pellerano Jo Cooper receiving her certificate of completion for President Elect Training From District Governor Elect Suzanne Uhl-Melanson. The class of 2019 President Elects for District 7790.
At this week's meeting our club inducted our newest member Ken Huitt, followed by a donation from Bar Harbor Bank!#ellsworthrotary#girlscoutcookies
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Carolyn Stwertka and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Fred Beyer
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Jackie Sinclair (with Jack Frost); Grace, Eli, and Avalon (junior guests)
Door Prizes: wine tumbler (Alicia Johnson) Girl Scout cookies (Carl Lusby, Jackie Sinclair, Dave Wheaton, Larry Johnston)
50/50: $14 to Ken Huitt who returned the full amount to the club in honor of his induction and his upcoming ski trip
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Surry School Backpack Program.
Scott headed someplace warm for two weeks; Jo got the Rotary Auction Packet together successfully; Carl enjoyed packing backpacks for the middle school; Jack was a judge for the 4H speaking contest that included ages 6 to 17; Gene reported that the Friends of the Library sale was successful; Carolyn went to the Rockies and is hoping that a proposed bill to strengthen the requirement for vaccinations will pass in Augusta tomorrow; Charlene is counting the days to April 16th; Irv is pleased with his wife’s return from an eight day hospitalization; and Fred is happy for the progress on preparations for our Rotary Banquet on 9 April
Rotary Business:
dinner tickets for our new dinner system will begin next week; Gene reported the Literacy work is going well;
Clyde provided an update on the February independent project (17 Rotarians did 21 projects for 61 hours) and reminded us that March is Everybody Eats and the Backpack Program, and he introduced the New Member Project in which new members will pick the project and run it;
Charlene invited members to the Open House for Newcomers and Neighbors on 20 March at the Ellsworth Public Library where we’ll have a table with the Noontime club;
Dave provided a wheelchair update (18 people are headed for the Dominican Republic) and “packed bags” project (these might include baseballs, soccer balls, etc. and then they will purchase school supplies upon arrival in the DR);
Ken Huitt was inducted into the club (Marion noted Ken is our 12th member so far this year)
Program/Speaker:
Tracy reminded us that the Rotary partner is Friends in Action but 50% of the proceeds benefit other community organizations; Cindy Shoppe shared a list of those many organizations; Jack shared Bar Harbor Bank’s long history of supporting the auction and the check was presented to the club; then Jo Cooper talked us through the auction informational packets and Carl Lusby described the process of effectively and graciously soliciting items. Tracy Shaffer led us through the process of completing an auction item form.
Ellsworth High School Rotary Interact Club and Honor Society volunteers at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. They help at the pantry every third Friday of the month!
Rotarian Jo Cooper gave us a talk about what our auction partner Friends in Action does! #ellsworthrotary
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Jackie Clough and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Carl Lusby
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Forrest Dale, Gracie and Jacklyn Sinclair
Birthdays:Lee Beal 3/9; Larry Fernald 3/9
Door Prizes: The lucky winners are: Julie Clark; Jodie Cushing; Tony Bouchard; Marc Rich; Pam Cushing
50/50: Iris Simon
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Surry School Backpack Program. The following Rotarians were “Happy”: Iris Simon; Terri Stephens; Gracie, Pam Cushing; Jodie Cushing; Scott Kimball; Gene Pellerano; Jackie Clough; Julie Clark; Marc Rich; Marian Wells; Jo Cooper; Carl Lusby; Micki Sumpter; Jack Frost; Forrest Dale
Rotary Business:
Gene Pellerano presented President Tracy Shaffer a check in the amount of $350.00 from Pats Pizza to complete the final funds from the very successful Purple Pinky Project held last October to celebrate World Polio Day.
President Tracy Shaffer reminded all Rotarians that our International Wheelchair Project to the Dominican Republic is scheduled for April 3 to 13 and anyone interested in participating for all or part of the trip should contact PDG Lincoln Ehrlenbach or ADG David Wells.
Jo Cooper gave us an update on our Annual Auction: AuctionPackets will be distributed to all Rotary Club Members at next Tuesday’s meeting. Everyone will be assigned businesses to solicit… you have until this weekend to contact Jo and claim businesses you prefer to solicit.
President Tracy announced that starting next week you may pre-purchase meal tickets: $45 dollars for 5 salad bar meals or $65 for 5 order off the menu meals… just present your pre-paid ticket each week to Sargent at Arms Julie or Tony to claim your meal and raffle ticket.
Jack Frost, Paul Harris Fellow Chair, reminded everyone that the PHF Committee’s first meeting will be March 25th and you may nominate Rotarians or Community Members for consideration. If you choose to nominate, please include a bio of the individual with an overview of their service and accomplishments for the committee to review.
Program/Speaker:
Jo Cooper, Executive Director of Friends in Action, presented a slide show sharing an overview of all the great things Friends in Action is doing.
Background:
Friends in Action was founded as a 501-3C non-profit organization in 2003 with a start-up grant and was called ‘Faith in Action’ with the premise of helping elders stay independent and providing free rides for those in need. Jo was the founding Director along with 8 volunteers with the goal of servicing 50 individuals and providing up to 100 rides. FIA serves residents all over Hancock and Western Washington Counties.
Mission:
To empower older adults and people with disabilities to thrive and live independently with dignity and strong quality of life.
Programs:
Free Transportation: Data from the past year – 118 volunteer drivers provided 324 individuals 6,461 rides covering 105,797 miles totaling 3,000+ hours of volunteer service
Friendly Visits: usually one-to-one for individuals who live alone
Simple Home Repairs: wheelchair ramps is an example of a typical repair / addition to improve mobility and quality of life
Telephone Check-In: …provides people who live alone someone to talk to and to ensure the individual is well… this program is in partnership with the Ellsworth Police Department
Chores; Groceries; Pharmacy Pick-Up; and Food Commodities Program: Over 175 total volunteers help empower the elderly and disabled through all of these programs in addition to transportation.
The Senior Center:
Started as a coffee house when FIA moved into the Moore Community Center, the Senior Center now operates the following programming in Ellsworth, Blue Hill and Stonington:
Fitness Programs – A wide variety of options led by fitness instructors include balance activities, weight training and a national program benefitting Parkinson patients entitled ‘Rock Steady Boxing’
Meals – Community meals offered two times per week
Intergenerational Programming – by partnering with the Early Learning Center run by the YMCA at the Moore Community Center
Senior Playground – through grants and in partnership with the City of Ellsworth, a senior playground will be constructed later this spring at the Knowlton Park.
Funding:
Friends in Action raised their entire annual budget through individual donors, grants, and fundraising events.
At this week's meeting, we inducted two new members, Allison and Paul Howaniec. Gene Pellerano participated in pass the podium. And Thomas Reardon spoke to us about the Maine Marine Patrol. #ellsworthrotary
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Gene Pellerano took over as part of pass the podium. The Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Debbie Ehrlenbach
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Cindy Schoppe husband John. Jodie daughter Tracy. Bernadette Andrews guest using A Join us Card
Club Anniversaries: Laura Pellerano joined February 26, 17 years ago. Charlene Churchill February 27, 12 years ago. Marc Rich joined February 27, 1 year ago. Julie Bouchard joined February 28, 2 years ago. JoAnn Brown join February 28, 2 years ago. Larry Barnes has 35 years between our club and his former club in New York on March 1.
Rotary Minute: Marian induction of Allison and Paul Howaniec as the club’s newest members! Welcome!
Door Prizes: wine won by Rachel chocolates won by Larry Barnes coffee card won by Alicia calendar from Jax with hat from Kidspeace won by Bernadette and Thomas
50/50: $20 won by Marian Wells donated to wheelchairs
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Surry School Backpack Program. Carl Lusby for the cause and the weather Dom for the cause and new members. Scott Kimball weather to turn warm. Tracy for committees and pass the podium. Terry and Marshall smith Gilbert and Sullivan. Peter cause. Marc husbands heart is fixed. Laura cause. Larry for attending and sitting with theLarry’s. Jo sitting with the Larry’s. Laurie sanders. Dave Wheaton grandchildren. Alicia for the cause Debbie for the cause and the reading program. Clyde job change Allison for becoming rotarians Jack Frost still has wood pile. Allegra for the cause
Rotary Business:
Our club presented a check in the amount of $605 to free medical clinic presented from our 2nd Quarter Happy Dollars!
Auction update from Jo Spreadsheet master list please check if you want a particular business
Lincoln - wheelchair project, chairs to be distributed on April 6th, please join, collecting money for pack a bag
Clyde - community service. Dom spirit of service pin, sign up for Hancock county food drive, help at table at Tradewinds in Blue Hill. Finish up February self directed service hours
Gene - Literacy update - readers 7 at 3 different sites on Feb 19. Please sign up for March
Marian Wells - Membership orientation training, certificate presentations, Tracy David Wells Arlene Dom Clyde Jo Gene.
Debbie vocational committee meeting - full swing planning honors banquet. Next HCTC night is April 30.
Program/Speaker: Thomas Reardon - Marine Patrol. Thomas was introduced by Rotarian Carl Lusby. He spoke about the Maine Marine Patrol, and what they do
Respectfully submitted by Allegra Pellerano
2nd Quarter Happy Dollar donation awarded to Board President Marshall Smith, Ellsworth Free Medical Center in the amount of $605.75!
A fun and informative day for some Rotary Club of Ellsworth members on February 23. A dozen of us gathered for a Rotary orientation and mentoring program at St. Dunstan’s. We are Rotary!!!! #ellsworthrotary
Our club hosted a Rotary Reads event at The Moore Community Center, The Ellsworth Public Library and the Beechland YMCAto help support the Maine-wide focus on reading to our youth on February 19th. Reading to young children is rewarding and reminds one of the joy in children’s smiles. #ellsworthrotary
Rotarian Marian Wells giving a vocational minute joined by Rotarians Dom Efter and Carl Lusby as tonight’s program about their recent trip to Cuba. #ellsworthrotary
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Allegra Pellerano
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Betty and Dave Parsons
Guests: Ken Huitt
Birthdays: Feb 14, Andrea Mason, Feb 16 JoAnn Brown, Feb 17 Pam Cushing, Feb 20 Micki Sumpter
Club Anniversaries: Feb 24, Nancy Mayo
Vocational Minute: Marion Wells, Physical Therapy, Started in Philadelphia and worked her way up. Went sailing for a period in time, did not work out went back to practicing worked in TN and MD, worked as a physical therapist and as a home care visiting nurse, along the way met David Wells and has been Happily married. Currently uses her skill set on the Rotary wheelchair projects
Door Prizes: Larry Fernald, Julie Bouchard, Gene Pellerano, Jacki Clough(auctioned off Patriots mug to Dave wells for $10, money went to happy dollars), Cindy Shoppe
50/50: Zanny Stwertka $18
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Surry School Backpack Program. Jack Frost, Daughter in Scotland, Jane Langley Daughter in Singapore, and many more
Rotary Business:
Club Birthday, Club will be 69 years old on Feb 20th, 2019
Due to Ellsworth Rotary Reads on Feb 19, there will be no regular meeting.
Gene Pellerano, Ellsworth Rotary Reads, Tuesday Feb 19, sign up sheets being passed around. Regular reading continues, sign up sheets for Feb and early March being passed around.
Auction, new list of sponsors/businesses which donate is now on-line please look over and indicate preference on who you want to canvas.
Community Service: February Clyde reported on how the “chose your own service project” is moving along, several members have submitted pictures which are posted on the web-site. So far 17.5 hours logged.
Community Service New Sign-ups for March, Everybody Eats Morning and Afternoon help needed each Monday in March. ALSO Ellsworth, pack a backpack program, need volunteers to assist in filling back-pack, sign up sheet was circulated as well.
Hancock County 8th Annual Food Drive Kick Off Saturday March 2nd 2019
Membership Seminar Saturday Feb 23, 9AM-12 for recent members. All rotary members are encouraged to attend and will be given certification as a mentor for new members. At Saint Dunstan, State Street, Ellsworth Continental Breakfast is being supplied. Please notify Marion Wells by the 19 if you are going.
Jack Frost reminded members of the up coming Paul Harris award event, need to identify any community members who could be candidate for award, This year will be in new venue, Possibly Moore Center or China Hill
Debbie Ehrlenbach- Vocation Committee Meeting Tuesday Feb 26, 4:30 Honor’s Banquet prep and Scholarship Review
Jo Cooper - Auction Committee Meeting Tuesday Feb 26 at 5:15hr
Lincoln Ehrlenbach – District Governor’s Project, Wheelchairs to Dominican Republic April 6 – 11, looks like flying down April 4, Boston-JFK-DR about$445 for R/T airfare Room and Board $119 per person/day will include meals
Ashley Johnson Foundation Committee meeting Tonight after Regular meeting ends.
Program/Speaker: Domenic Efter and Carl Lusby showed slides and shared observation about their recent trip to Cuba. Carl and Dominic showed several slides with cars in Cuba and whoever guessed the correct make and year of the most cars won a bottle of Cuban Rum.
We were pleased to host our second Student of the Month program this week honoring four students from the Hancock County Technical Center. Our guest speaker was Brian Langley and it was another great night partnering with HCTC to recognize and encourage excellence in technical education. #ellsworthrotary
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Schaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Laurie Fogelman
Sergeant at Arms: Tony and Julie Bouchard
Club Anniversaries: Terri Stevens
Birthdays: Perry Hewitt
Door Prizes: Were gift cards from Dunkin Donuts, candy, a bottle of wine and jam.
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Surry School Backpack Program. Scott Kimball for spring, Carl Lusby for the HCTC students and his trip to Cuba, Jo Cooper for being on Maine Public Radio’s Maine Calling program, Larry Fernald for the Patriots win, Tracy Shaffer for HCTC, Charlene Churchill for the HCTC students, Larry Fernald for the Red Sox spring training move, Debbie Ehrlenbach for the HCTC students.
Rotary Business:
The next Board of Directors meeting is February 12th at 4:30pm.
Lincoln Ehrlenbach received the Paul Harris +6! Congratulations!
Community Service: This month Rotarians will choose their own projects.
Program/Speaker: Debbie Ehrlenbach led the program honoring Hancock County Technical Center students in Early Childhood Education (student Breanna Stanley, MDIHS, instructor Meghan Stubbs), Carpentry (student Cody Peirce, Bucksport HS, and Andrew Jackson, EHS, presented by Hope High), Diesal Technology (student Alexander Haire, Narraguagus HS, instructor Andrew Trowbridge), Multimedia Design (student Eli Shein, instructor Jamie Anderson).
Guest speaker was Brian Langley who spoke about the importance of education and vocational training.
Rotarians have been volunteering at Everyboday Eats, The Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth YMCA and the Moore Community Center! Great Job! #ellsworthrotary
This week's guest speaker was Kara Ibarguen from Maine Coast Sea Vegetables. #ellsworthrotary
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Rod Fox and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.Greeter: Gene PelleranoClub Anniversaries: Fred Beyer and Jackie Clough 3 yrs Andrea Mason and T Shaffer – 4 yrs. Mark Remick 6 yrs.Door Prizes: Candles motives went to Jane Langley, Cindy Shoppe won a library tote bag50/50: $11 and Dave Wheaton donated it to the causeHappy Dollars Highlights: Jack Frost’s daughter accepted into Honors program at Bates, Dave Wheaton for being on the Image committee for the Province. Scott Kimball thanked the club for the outpouring of support received after deaths in the family. Larry Johnston is glad to be healthy and back to meetings, Charlene Churchill for having a new job, Alicia Johnson for hearing from her granddaughter, Jo Cooper for the cause and experience with Loaves and Fishes,Tracy Shaffer also for L & F and noting that 2 club members are on the Board.Rotary Business:Rotary Reads Update: Gene Pellerano: February is Reading Challenge Month as organized by the state of Maine,Our Rotary read day is Feb 19th. There is no meeting but instead club members will be asked to volunteer to read at various locations. Sign-up sheets will be sent out . Reading assignments will last 15- 20 minutes.Commuity Service Update: No specific projects cited by Clyde for the month. Each member is charged with volunteering at a community organization of their own choosing and then documenting it by sending him a photo – holding a “We are Rotary” sign.Wheelchair Project Update: Dave Wells gave an update on wheel chairs. The District needs 40 volunteers and about a dozen have signed up.Auction Update: Two meetings within the last 2 weeks and we are off to a good start. This year we will be selling gift wrapped Mystery Boxes for sale for $10. These will replace the baskets of prior years.Program/Speaker: Jane Langely introduced KaraIbarguen from Maine Coast Sea Vegetables. Her dad was a District Governor. She gave an interesting and informative talk on the business of selling sea weed, which are not classified as plants but are marine algae The firm started up in 1971, has 20 employees, . She discussed how the sea weed was harvested , processed and turned into food products .In addition to selling granules, powders, and flakes, they also market Kelp Krunch, a seaweed energy bar. Currently all their seaweed is is harvested in the wild but they do have an experiental farm in Sorrento.Respectfully submitted by Fred Beyer
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer passed the podium to Rod Fox. Rod called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Nancy Mayo
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Janice Pinkham
Birthdays: Laurie Fogelman January 23rd
Club Anniversaries: Pam Cushing and Clyde Cushing – January 26th
Door Prizes: Bottles of Wine to Ray Williams, Allegra Pellerano, $20 Flexit Gift Card to Clyde Cushing, Starbucks Cup to Linda Fuller, Blood Pressure Monitor to Pam Cushing, Hot Plate to Larry Fernald.
50/50: $15.00 to Carolyn Stwertka
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Surry School Backpack Program. Carl Lusby, Clyde Cushing, Janice Pinkham, Jo Cooper, Laurie Fogelman, Linda Fuller, Gene Pellerano, Laura Pellerano, Dave Wells, Marian Wells, Carolyn Stwertka and Rod Fox all gave happy dollars this week.
Rotary Business:
Member Induction - Alexander (Zanny) Stwertka was inducted as the club’s newest member! Welcome Zanny!
Newsletter Sign-Up – Ashley Johnson passed around a sign-up to help with taking the newsletter every week.
Auction Update – The Auction Committee had its 1st meeting last week. Jo Cooper is the Auction Chair. Everything is going well so far.
Community Service – Clyde Cushing encourages members to volunteer in the community this month as their aren’t any scheduled service projects this month.
Literacy Update- Gene Pellerano passed around a Reading Schedule held at the Moore School.
2019 Dominican Wheelchair Project Update – Dave Wells shared with club membersthe wheel chairs have been ordered and partnerships have been formed with Rotary Clubs throughout the Dominican Republic. This will truly be an International project with Rotarians from USA, Canada and the Dominican Republic coming together to make a difference.
We will be delivering the wheel chairs in the Santiago Region of Northern Dominican Republic starting April 4, 2019 and returning home April 13, 2019. The average price for a room is $125 US per day. Flights average around $500. We are looking for 40 Rotarians to assist either for a few days or the entire trip. Please let Dave Wells know if you are interested. He will then continue to send you more detailed information.
Program/Speaker: Public Relations Director Ashley Johnson did an Online Rotary training with club members. She encouraged all members to visit My Rotary.Org to sign in using your email address and create your own password. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary International, The Foundation, the District we are part of and what our club is working on for this year.
She went over the member access on the club’s website where each member will have access to club documents, your attendance, billing account balance and more!
Please contact Ashley if you need assistance or have any questions!
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Marian Wells
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Adam Brackett, Janice O’Brien and Gracie Cushing
Birthdays: Gene Pellerano January 9th
Club Anniversaries: Ray Williams 41 Years
Wedding Anniversaries: Marian and Dave Wells 38 Years
Door Prizes: Bottles of Wine to Micki Sumpter, Dom Efter, Linda Fuller. First Aid Kit to Jackie Clough
50/50: $17.00 to Pam Cushing
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Surry School Backpack Program. Pam Cushing, Iris Simon, Clyde Cushing, Laurie Fogleman, Janice O’Brien, Gene Pellerano, Peter Farragher, Fred Beyer, Jo Cooper, Jackie Clough, Heidi Omlor, Marian Wells, Dave Wells, Tracy Shaffer, Rod Fox, Dan Hurley, Charlene Churchill and Larry Fernald all gave happy dollars this week.
Rotary Business:
Membership Induction - Our club inducted our newest member this week, please welcome Carolyn Stwertka!
Paul Harris Fellow - Marian Wells received her Paul Harris Fellow +3 Pin. Congrats Marian!
Foundation – Arlyn Whitelaw did the foundation quarterly drawing. Bill Casale will receive a gift card!
2019 Auction - This year’s Auction Partner is Friends in Action. Auction Chair is Jo Cooper. She will start organizing the upcoming committee meetings. An email will go out to schedule the 1st meeting.
District Update – Dave Wells reminded club members of the upcoming Wheelchair Project in April to the Dominican Republic. PDG Lincoln Ehrlenbach sent an email out to all members last week. Please review and let us know if you are interested in traveling with us.
Program/Speaker: This week’s guest speakers were Adam Brackett of the Ellsworth Fire Department and Janice O’Brien of Friends in Action. They spoke about a Fire Prevention Program for Older Adults called “Remembering When”
The Interact Club at Ellsworth High School (EHS) is collecting clean plastic grocery bags for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. Please bring all of your unwanted grocery bags to the next home sporting event and put them in the collection box. You can also drop them off at EHS anytime during the week.
The Rotary Club of Ellsworth met at The Grand in downtown Ellsworth for our Holiday Party. The Grand was beautifully decorated for the holidays and the staff provided holiday music and graphics for us.
Over fifty Rotarians and their guests enjoyed a cash bar and a dinner buffet from Big Cat’s Catering and Bartending. We had lots of time to mingle and chat and enjoy the atmosphere.
Club President Tracy Shaffer acted as our MC and introduced the helper Santa sent to assist with our Yankee Swap gift exchange. This year we were pleased to welcome Eddie, the Efficient Elf or Triple E, as he noted. We choose our gifts, opened them on stage, and some were exchanged!
After the gift exchange, junior elf Snowflake helped Eddie with the drawing and announcing of folks who won the lovely table centerpieces that were created by Rotarian Pam Cushing.
Finally, we settled into our seats to watch the original animated version of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” on the big screen with many of us singing along!
We had a very enjoyable evening. We would like to thank Nick Turner, Kim Fitch, Robin Jones, and Peter Miller from The Grand for making this such a memorable event for us.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order and promptly turned over the gavel to Charlene Churchill who conducted the meeting as part of President Tracy’s “Pass the Gavel” program.
Invocation by Tricia Quirk and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Jodie Cushing
Sargent at Arms:Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Allison and Paul Howaniec; Carolyn and Danny Stwertka
Birthdays: Ashley Johnson – December 16, Arlyn Whitelaw – December 23, Irv Hodgkin – December 24, David Wells – December 25, Tracy Shaffer – January 1, and Tony Bouchard – January 5
Club Anniversaries: Linda Fuller – December 31, Scott Kimball – December 31 – 13 years, Alan Baker – January 6 – 34 years, Ashley Johnson, Becky Sargent, Arlyn Whitelaw – all January 6 – 10 years, Cindy Shoppe – January 7 – 16 years
Wedding Anniversaries: Terri Stephens and Marshall Smith – December 27, 2015
Rotary Minute: PDG Lincoln Ehrlenbach shared that District 7790 reported one of the largest gains in new membership for all of Zone 32 last year… PDG Lincoln also shared that the 250 wheelchairs for the DG project to the Dominican Republic have been ordered and 80 Rotarians will be needed for the two distribution trips planned next year.
Vocational Minute: Fred Beyer (retired banker) shared his vocational minute base on his volunteer work since retirement. Starting with the Thanksgiving Dinner he initiated after completing his term as mayor of his previous midwestern hometown right through all his volunteer work through Rotary and at the Everybody Eats Program. He invited all to join in on the satisfaction of ‘Making A Difference’ through volunteering.
Door Prizes: The following Rotarians were drawn as winners: Jodie Cushing; Carolyn Stwertka; Carl Lusby; Andrea Mason; Gene Pellerano; and Allegra Pellerano;
50/50: The drawing was won by Marian Wells who promptly donated it all back as Happy Dollars!
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic. The following Rotarians were ‘HAPPY”: Marian Wells; Jack Frost; Laurie Fogelman; Deb Ehrlenbach; Linda Fuller; Gene Pellerano; Carl Lusby; Clyde Cushing; Dave Wheaton; Jim Vickers; Jodie Cushing; Jo Cooper; Jane Langley; Heidi Omlor; Alicia Johnson; Andrea Mason; Scott Kimball; Charlene Churchill; Dave Wells
Rotary Business:
The final vote was conducted on the new Family Membership Category proposed by the Membership Committee… The vote was in the affirmative and the new membership category was approved.
The club’s annual Holiday Party will be conducted next week at The Grand in Downtown Ellsworth. Come and join in the fun!
The 2019 Auction non-profit partner was announced: Friends In Action will join us this year with conducting the auction and share in the proceeds.
Club Service Director, Clyde Cushing, announced the following service projects: a) Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry volunteer sign-up sheet was circulated; b) Spirit of Service Pins for their recent volunteer work were awarded to: Deb Ehrlenbach; Laurie Fogelman; Scott Kimball; Tricia Quirk; Charlene Churchill; Gene Pellerano; Ray Williams; Jackie Clough; and Linda Fuller.
Jack Frost and Carl Lusby, Co-Chairs of the Gifting Experience shared how well the the program ran last Saturday and thanked all the Rotarians that participated and volunteered their time supporting the children
Gene Pellerano passed around the sign up sheet for Januray for the Literacy Readers Program being conducted at the More Community Center with the children at the YMCA Day Care facility
Pam Cushing distributed the Greeter at Meetings sign up sheet for the second half of the year and encouraged all to pitch in with this weekly task.
Program/Speaker:Heidi Omlor, Interact Advisor at Ellsworth High School, gave an overview of the club and passed the program to Interactors: Hope; Rory; Jordan; Lauren and Emma who introduced themselves and share a power point presentation on their Service Project which will be two Fridays per month at the Loaves and Fishes food pantry. Their goals and how you can help are as follows:
Ellsworth High School’s Interact Club -- Community Project 2018
Our Project:
We will be helping Loaves and Fishes food pantry one Friday night a month, beginning on December 21, manning the food pantry which will include stocking shelves, placing food in the shopping area, assisting clients, and cleaning up.
We will also be collecting plastic shopping bags and egg cartons throughout the school year. This will help the pantry address one of their largest needs.
Our Goal:
Our goal is to help Loaves and Fishes as much as possible, and join them in their mission of ending hunger through a collaboration of neighbors
How You Can Help:
Save those unwanted grocery bags!
Drop the bags off at the high school or bring them to Rotary and Mrs. Omlor will take them from you.
Bring clean, undamaged egg cartons to the high school or here to Rotary.
Join us on Friday evening at the pantry
Help spread the word about these items.
President Tracy Shaffer commended the Interact students on their presentation and service project and awarded each student with a book of inspirational stories and quotes in this Rotary year of “Be the Inspiration”
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Fred Beyer
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: HCTC Students and their Families
Birthdays: Carl Lusby 12/5, Laurie Fogelman 12/9
Door Prizes: HCTC Students, Iris Simon, Marc Rich, Dom Efter, Julie Clark, Scott Kimball and HCTC Families were lucky winners this week.
50/50: $21 to HCTC Family Member
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic. Terri Stephens, Scott Kimball, Laurie Fogelman, Irv Hodgkin, HCTC Families, Jo Cooper, Carl Lusby, Dan Hurley, Marc Rich, Fred Beyer, Gene Pellerano, Allegra Pellerano, Ashley Johnson, Debbie Ehrlenbach and Tracy Shaffer all gave happy dollars this week.
Rotary Business:
1. Marian Hands, Director of Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry received a check in the amount of $1,289.08. The funds were raised from our Rotary Food Drive at Hannaford in November.
2. Reminder to sign up for our Rotary Holiday Party for Tuesday, December 18th at The Grand. $19 per person. Yankee Swap.
3. Dom Efter was awared a Paul Harri Pin +4. Congrats Dom!
4. Ashley Johnson reported the following Foundation BOD Officers starting on January 1st.
Foundation Chair: Ashley Johnson
Foundation Vice Chair: Carl Lusby
Foundation Treasurer: Lincoln Ehrlenbach
Foundation BOD Members: Scott Kimball, Jack Frost, Dave Wells and Ray Williams. Ashley thanked Dan Hurley for his many years of service serving on the Foundation BOD as Treasurer.
5. Community Service: Clyde Cushing is still looking for volunteers to sign up during the month of December at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings.
6. Clyde thanked the Rotarians who helped at the Christmas Parade. Our club escorted Santa and is already signed up to do this again for next year.
7. Gifting Experience: Saturday, December 8th. Meet at the City Hall at 9:30am. We have 18 students this year!
8. Our club will be voting on the Family Membership on Tuesday, December 11th.
Program/Speaker: Vocational Director Debbie Ehrlenbach lead our HCTC Students of the Month Program this week. Congrats to Erin Reed, Health Occupations; Trenton Winslow, Welding; and Glendon Stanley, Jr, Law Enforcement. They are very deserving of this award!
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Alicia Johnson and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Larry Fernald
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Dr. Carolyn and husband Danny, Jeff Jones, Brian Langley
Birthdays: Rob Hemenway, Peter Farragher, Jack Frost and Scott Kimball
Club Anniversaries: Peter Farragher, Doug Kell
Wedding Anniversaries: Heidi and Peter Omlar
Rotary Minute: Giving Tuesday. Paul Harris Pins: David Wells +5, Arlyn Whitelaw +4, Dom Efter +4, Tracy Shaffer +1
Vocational Minute: David Wells – Worked for FedEx and flew around the world 67 times.
Door Prizes: Brian Langley, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Scott Kimball
50/50: $20 to Jane Langley
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic.
Rotary Business:
Rotary Holiday Party - December 18th at The Grand- Yankee Swap. Email was sent out to RSVP.
Leadership Hancock County. – Applications due December 1st.
Vote on 2019-2020 Rotary Officers – 1st and 2nd Approvals and Motion Carried. President – Jo Cooper, President- Elect – Laura Pellerano, Vice President – Gene Pellerano, Secretary – Clyde Cushing, Treasurer – Debbie Ehrlenbach
Movember Contest – Judges were Dr. Carolyn, Jeff Jones and Brian Langley.
Rotary Contestants: Dave Wells, Clyde Cushing, Dom Efter, Marshall Smith, Dave Wheaton, Gene Pellerano, Dan Hurley, Scott Kimball, Jack Frost. Winners: 1st Place: Jack Frost, 2nd Place: Dave Wheaton, 3rd Place: Clyde Cushing! Congrats!
Christmas Parade: This Saturday, December 1st. Starts at 11am. Please meet with Clyde after Rotary to get details.
THAW Fund Snow Day Winner: $23 for THAW Fund. $11.50 to Debbie Ehrlenbach and $11.50 to Gene Pellerano. Both gave back for the THAW Fund. TOTAL: $46.00
Program/Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Andrew Sankey,Hancock County’s Emergency Management Director since February, 2012. Andrew spoke provided information about the EMA in Hancock County along with information regarding the hazards we face in Hancock County and how to better mitigate their effects.
Given the weather forecast and the growing number of early dismissals being published on air, our Rotary meeting is cancelled for this evening. We wish you all a pleasant holiday week as we celebrate Thanksgiving.
Thank you to all participants and facilitators who traveled to Lewiston, Maine on November 17th to participate in the Rotary Leadership Institute! We appreciate your commitment to Rotary education. #BeTheInspiration
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Charlene Churchill and we said the Pledge of Allegiance. The greeter was Marc Rich.
Guests: John Shoppe, Denise Hamlin from KidsPeace, Caroline Swertka, and our two speakers, Melissa Huston an Ethan Minton.
Club Anniversaries: Laurie Fogelman – Nov 16, 2004
Birthdays: Larry Barnes – Nov 13, Cindy Shoppe – Nov 18
Door Prizes: Scott Kimball won a road atlas, a Bar Harbor Bank and trust calendar went to one of our speakers, Jodie Cushing took home a mug with a chocolate bar bouquet, 2 2019 calendars went to Marc Rich, and two insulated bags and some post its from the Good Shepard Food Bank went to Clyde Cushing.
50/50: $13 went to Tony Bouchard who was happy to donate it back for the cause. Happy Dollars this quarter will go to the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic.
Happy Dollars: Dan Hurley is back from Georgia but was happier with the weather down there; Laurie Fogelman is happy to be seeing her grandchildren in Cincinnati; Marshall Smith is glad that his daughter, Jenni Casale, is an observer at the Florida election recount; Fred Beyer was happy to tell a joke; and Scott Kimball was happy for the fun we had at the Food Drive. Several members were happy to give for the cause.
Rotary Business:
Clyde Cushing thanked everyone who helped with the Food Drive for Loaves and Fishes on Saturday. We were able to collect 111 Hannaford boxes, 6 other large boxes of food and items on the pantry’s wish list and $1,328 in cash donations.
Signups were circulated for the Gifting Experience and staffing the Food Pantry in December. Volunteers are also needed as servers at the Poinsettia Ball on December 1. Anyone interested in helping should contact JoAnn Brown.
We passed around the weather closing contest chart and the Movember signup.
Election of next year’s club officers will be held on November 27 and election of the club’s Foundation Directors on December 4.
Carl Lusby reminded members about the Rotary Leadership Institute on November 17 in Lewiston and asked attendees to set up car pools.
Tracy spoke about the EACC Business After Hours event where we had a booth and several members volunteered. We made some good contacts at the event.
She asked that any club member who is interested in attending the 2019 Leadership Hancock County program speak with her. The club may sponsor a member for this program if there is interest. The Family Membership proposal will be sent out to the membership soon for consideration.
Program: Melissa Huston and Ethan Minton from the Good Shepard Food Bank spoke to us about the mission, history, and current status of the organization. The organization started as a local food pantry in the Lewiston-Auburn area. It is now focused on logistics: obtaining food and distributing it to local food pantries throughout the state.
Their mission is to eradicate hunger in Maine by 2025. Currently, they estimate that 200,000 people or 14% of the total population of the state is food insecure. This includes 1 in every 5 children.
They have completed a new strategic plan to provide a rural model for the Feeding America program. They are focusing on partnerships, types of food that are nutritious, new distribution models such as backpack programs and summer lunch, and nutrition education.
The organization is currently in a capital campaign to fund their new distribution center in Hampden that serves northern Maine.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Scott Kimball and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Carl Lusby
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Forrest Dale, Janice Pinkham
Wedding Anniversaries: Iris and Jerry Simon 55 years
Door Prizes: Laurie Fogleman, Alicia Johnson, Marian Wells, Terri Stephens and Gene Pellerano were the luck winners this week.
50/50: $17.00 to Marshall Smith
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic.
Marshall Smith, Rachel Bousquet, Carl Lusby, Dom Efter, Dave Wheaton, Scott Kimball, Ashley Johnson, Forrest Dale, Alicia Johnson, Jo Cooper, Clyde Cushing, Jodi Cushing, Janice Pinkham, Laurie Fogelman, Gene Pellerano, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Charlene Churchill, Jim Vickers, Larry Johnston, Dave Wells, and Terri Stephens all gave happy dollars this week.
Rotary Business:
Literacy Update – Gene Pellerano will be getting a schedule from the Moore School to share with club members.
Community Service – Clyde Cushing passed around the sign-up sheet one more time for the Rotary Food Drive for Saturday.
Gifting Experience – Saturday, December 8th. More details to come soon!
Christmas Parade – Our club will be participating in this year’s Ellsworth Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1st. We will be escorting Santa! More details to come soon!
Movember Fundraiser - David Wells shared the facial hair growth competition for November with proceeds going to the Maine Coast Memorial Hospital for men’s health. We have 9 club members participating. Anyone can sponsor for $10.00.
THAW Fundraiser – Charlene shared our Annual THAW Fundraiser. Pick which days you think will be a snow day! Proceeds with go towards the WHCA THAW Fund.
Nominating Committee Update – Scott Kimball shared the nomination officers for 2019-2020:
Vice President – Gene Pellerano
President Elect – Laura Pellerano
President – Jo Cooper
Secretary – Clyde Cushing
Treasurer – Debbie Ehrlenbach
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)- Saturday, November 17th. Please sign-up if interested. The club pays for your attendance.
Business After Dark – Thursday November 8th at the Ramada Inn. Come check out our Rotary Booth!
Bannger Exchange – Debbie Ehrlenbach and Charlene Churchill did a banner exchange with Campers from Timberland Acres who were traveling from Australia. Laura and Gene Pellerano did a banner exchange while they were on vacation in Iceland!
Program/Speaker: Today was ELECTION DAY! Rotarian Jane Langley prepared a wonderful Election Trivia Game this week! Winners won Individual American Apple Pies!
Wine, snacks and a “VOTE Cake” was provided! Thank You!
During our Membership Night, our club inducted two new members. Please welcome Perri Huitt and Rachel Bousquet!
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Terri Stephens and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: David Wells
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Burndett Andres, Rachel Bousquet, Forrest Dale, Teresa Hodum, Ken Huitt, Perri Huitt, David Jardine, Carol Jordan, Melinda Klingerman, Mike Klingerman, Jim Newett, Janice Pinkham, Dorothy Martel, Steve Fuller, Caroline Stwertka, Zanny Stwertka
Birthdays: Heidi Omlor – 5th of November
Club Anniversaries: Rod Fox - 18 years ago on the 31st of October
Wedding Anniversaries: Julie and Tony Bouchard - 1 November (6 years)
Door Prizes: Julie Bouchard, Pam Cushing, Gene Pellerano, Rachel Bousquet, Alicia Johnson
50/50: Dom Efter - $18, which he donated back!
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic.
Dom is thrilled with the Red Sox; Carl Lusby is happy because of his wife and their recent anniversary; Rod Fox is pleased to meet Forrest and won’t hold membership in the Kiwanis against anyone; Charlene Churchill and Debbie Ehrlenbach are happy we are welcoming guests; Allegra Pellerino is happy for her recent trip to Iceland and safe landings; Gene Pellerino is appreciative of the success of the Purple Pinkie for Polio this past Saturday at Pat’s Pizza; Jodi is happy she’ll get out of work early to get her kids ready for Halloween tomorrow; Marshall Smith expressed gratitude for club member, Bill Casle, with a recent appendectomy; David Jardine was the third guest to share appreciation for being at the meeting and he shared that he participated in Rotary as an exchange student to Denmark many years ago; Frederick Beyer shared a joke about a little girl asking serious questions that could be answered via a driver’s license (yikes); Teresa Hodum was happy because Marshall remembered to invite her tonight after first talking about it months ago; Jim Newett was thankful for his honor last spring as a Paul Harris Fellow; David Wells finished the wheel chair grant; Scott Kimball also expressed happiness for the Red Sox and for his discovery of the ‘fountain of youth’ because the DMV has given him no more lens restrictions to drive.
Rotary Business:
Carl Lusby provided an overview of Rotary and Tracy Shaffer introduced project and committee chairs, describing what they do prior to the induction of two new members, Perri Huitt and Rachel Bousquet. Marion Wells and Dominic Efter were provided pins in recognition of their work helping our newest members navigate the process of joining.
Scott Kimball reported on the blood drive from last week.
Clyde Cushing thanked folks who worked on the blood drive and purple pinky project and reminded the group of the November 10th Loaves and Fishes food drive at Hannaford.
After Tracy described Rotary’s calendar year, Scott Kimball shared the roster for next year’s officers, noting that we’ve never had a repeat since the Ellsworth club was founded. The vote will occur on the 27th of November, and if anyone is interested in holding one of these positions they should let the Nominating Committee know. Tracy asked the past presidents to stand for recognition.
November 8th we will have a booth at the Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Dark event at the Ramada Inn from 4 to 7 PM. This is an opportunity to inform more people in the community about what our club does and maybe identify more prospective members.
David Wells also shared the facial hair growth completion for November with proceeds going to the Maine Coast Memorial Hospital for men’s health. Next week’s meeting will be a social event to celebrate the election.
Program/Speaker: membership night (see the business above)
Thank you to all Rotarians who helped out with the blood drive this year. We had a strong showing at the event. The final totals were 41 donors, with 44 pints collected.
Check out the photos from the Rotary Blood Drive! Click on the link below.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. The Invocation was present by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance. Tracy passed the podium to Jane Langley who presided over the meeting.
Greeter: Andrea Mason
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Dave and Betty Parsons, Cliff Hannon
Club Anniversaries: Iris Simon joined 27 years ago on October 29th.
Wedding Anniversaries: Jodie Cushing and her husband Darren on October 17th, Laurie and Ken Fogelman on October 25th, Anne and Carl Lusby on October 28th.
Door Prizes: Dave Parsons, Charlene Churchill, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Pam Cushing and Larry Fernald
50/50: Jane Langley
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go toward the Ellsworth Free Clinic. Jane Langley, Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Scott Kimball, Andrea Mason, Iris Simon, Fred Beyer, Dan Hurley, Charlene Churchill, Marian Wells and Dave Wells were all very happy!
Rotary Business:
Clyde reminded us about the Blood Drive at the YMCA on Tuesday, October 23rd, the Purple Pinkie Project at Pat’s Pizza on October 27th and the Diabetes Walk on October 20th.
Marian spoke about Membership Night beginning at 5:30 pm on October 30, reminding all committee chairs to have their posters and informational flyers ready for our guests.
Dave passed around the Movember for Men’s Health Poster and spoke about the fundraiser which will feature members growing mustaches and/or beards to raise money for men’s health issues.
Tracy reminded us the Nominating Committee is looking for a Treasurer, a Secretary and a Vice-President.
Jane told us about our Holiday Party to be held at The Grand on December 18th, featuring a gift exchange and a holiday film and Big Cat’s Catering will provide food, beer and wine.
Program/Speaker: Rachel Bousquet, the Associate Director of Education and Program Development at Kid’s Peace spoke to us about the many changes which have occurred during the last five years at the facility. Kid’s Peace provides residential, educational and foster care and community programs to children with autism, beginning with a pre-school program and continuing up through the teen years.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Ray Williams and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Jodi Cushing
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Aurora Hilton – from Bar Harbor/MDI Club
Guests: Don Cooper, Eric Cooper, Rachel Bousquet, Perry Hewitt
Birthdays: Dom Efter – October 13th
Wedding Anniversaries: Jack & Brenda Frost – October 10th
Vocational Minute: Bill Casale – Doing something for yourself after you retired
Door Prizes : Laurie Fogelman, Tricia Quirk, Scott Kimball, Charlene Churchhill, and Marshall Smith
50/50: $17.00 – Charlene Churchill
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic.
Charlene Churchill, Jo Cooper, Iris Simon, Scott Kimble, Laurie Fogelman Carl Lusby, Bill Casale, Fred Beyer, Dan Hurley and Marshall Smith
Rotary Business:
Resolution to Amend Bylaws - #18-01 – To allow the Corporate Membership Option – The Motion was passed with no exceptions
Marion Wells reminded membership to provide the names of those potential members who will attend membership night, contact her by October 16th
David Wells announced that November is Men’s Health Awareness Month with an event on October 30th with a 50/50 raffle to support the Group
Clyde Cushing passed sign-up sheet for the Rotary Blood Drive – October 23 and the Purple Pinkie Project at Pat’s Pizza – October 27th
Carl Lusby – A Reminder of the Leadership Institute on Lewiston Maine on November 17th from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Sign up online at RLINEA.org
Program/Speaker: Eric Cooper – Through a terrific slide presentation Eric demonstrated his experiences at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
There were 25-30 attendees, ½ from US and ½ from Quebec. Team building included Trust Fall, Rope Course, Giant Ladders and his famous water rafting.
Provided him with the skills to lead in different environments knowing he had the inner skills to rely on.
Al Feather had such an impact on the world. Nigeria Community with their sewing machines and the reality that we are this close to the end of Polio.
He stated that the Personality Test using a compass to show how N/S/E/W designated the types of personality required to create balance and keep us on the right course.
No matter where he goes one of his goals is to be a part of Rotary.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Ray Williams and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Jo Cooper
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Marylee Bates from Fairbanks, Alaska
Guests: Joe Stockadge and Rachel Bousquet
Club Anniversaries: Marshall Smith
Wedding Anniversaries: Dom Efter and Arlyn Whitelaw
Door Prizes: JoAnn Brown, Eugene Pellerano, Charlene Churchill, Dom Efter
50/50: $13.00 to Jo Cooper
Happy Dollars Highlights: All Happy Dollars this quarter will go towards the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic. The following Rotarians gave happy dollars: Marshall Smith, Jo Cooper, Tricia Quirk, JoAnn Brown, Clyde Cushing, Allegra Pellerano, Carl Lusby, Larry Fernald, Bill Casale, Dom Efter, Charlene Churchill, Marc Rich and Tracy Shaffer.
Rotary Business:
Visiting Rotarian Marylee Bates from Fairbanks, Alaska exchanged club banners with Club President Tracy Shaffer.
On Tuesday October 9th Members will vote on the Club Proposal to Offer Corporate Membership. If you cannot attend the meeting, please send an email vote to Tracy Shaffer.
Ashley Johnson passed around the sign up sheet to help with the weekly newsletter
Clyde Cushing passed around sign up sheets for The Rotary Blood Drive and the Purple Pinkie Project.
President Elect Jo Cooper is asking members to contact her about next year's Auction Partner. If there is a non-profit you think should be chosen, please let her know.
Club Assembly:
Secretary’s Report:
This quarter’s report is somewhat different to try to be more interesting and because of changes in reporting in the Clubrunner software.
We currently have 61 active members and 4 honorary members. Since July 1 we have inducted two new Rotarians, had one former member re-join us, and had one club member (Bruce Fischer) transfer to another club due to moving. Net gain of two members so far this year! Our attendance at meetings this quarter has been very good: all except one meeting over 50% without make-ups. Last week’s meeting was 64.91% without makeups! New feature allows us to track speaker or other description with meeting attendance information.
Johnson, Marc Rich, Dana Reiter, Ray Williams, Jo Cooper, Jackie Clough &
Tracy Shaffer
Community Support Summary:
Yearly Approved Budget: $9,000.00
Bucksport Y Bike Helmets -225.00
Girl Scout Silver Award Project -300.00
Ellsworth City Library/Maine Discovery Museum Pass -250.00
Future Meetings: First Tuesday of every month starting at 5:15
Club Service Report:
An updated Guest Speakers calendar was passed around. If you have ideas for future speakers please contact Jane Langley.
Foundation Report:
We have received directly or through online submissions EREY donations of $3,931 to date. This puts us at 56% of our goal for the fiscal year to date.
There is an expectation of an additional $4,500 in the pipeline from PHS members to be credited to the EREY Annual Fund throughout the rest of the fiscal year.
As of September 30, 2018, 33 Club Members had made an EREY donation for the fiscal year; 22 of whom are Sustaining Members ($100 or more).
Approximately 56% of the Club’s current Active Members have participated in EREY for the fiscal YTD. Our participation goal is to exceed the 66% participation shown by our Club last fiscal year. Given our current active membership roster, this will mean EREY participation by at least 39 members. This is a “stretch” goal, as last year’s participation already reflected a 57% increase over the previous year.
Ellsworth Club’s per capita contribution to the Annual Fund for 2018/2019 is currently $64, as compared to the District’s per capita of $14.
Ellsworth Rotary Club is 3rd in a district of 49 clubs for EREY giving for this fiscal YTD; trailing behind Alma Club, QC, which has contributed $5,889, and West Bay, Camden, which has contributed $5,796.
To date, seven Club Members have signed up to be Paul Harris Society (PHS) Members. PHS Members donate $1000 to the Foundation each year.
The first $25 gift card quarterly drawing for this fiscal year will be held at tonight’s Club meeting. Every Rotarian in our Club who has made a contribution of any size to towards EREY during the 1st quarter of the fiscal year as of September 30, 2018 has been entered to win (except Dom and Arlyn, who sponsor the prize).
Vocational Report:
Members - Debra Ehrlenbach, Fred Beyer, Peter Farragher, Heidi Omlor, Gene Pellarano Members Present: Debra Ehrlenbach, Gene Pellarano, Peter
Vocational Minute – Fred Beyer has circulated the schedule for Rotarians to volunteer to speak briefly at Club meetings.
Literacy Program – Gene updated the committee on progress with the program. Gene continues to meet with Tracy Schaffer and Peter Farragher with the next meeting scheduled for October 11th. They will continue to define a consistent program schedule for Rotarians to volunteer to read to children at the YMCA and or Ellsworth City Library.
Interact Club – Tracy Shaffer attended the Ellsworth High School meeting in September. Some students have signed up to join Interact. Committee members discuss having collateral items available for the Interact student such as pins, shirts, etc. The event Thursday, September 6th where students are introduced to clubs offered at the High School went well.
Next Meeting – scheduled for October 30, 2018 4:30 pm China Hill
Community Service Report:
This year we have participated in seven projects so far. Upcoming projects are The Rotary Blood Drive on Tuesday, October 23rd from Noon – 6pm at the Ellsworth YMCA, The Purple Pinkie Project on Saturday, October 27th from 11am – 5pm at Pat’s Pizza in Ellsworth.
Membership Report:
Tricia Quirk has been inducted and Charlene is her mentor. The mentor for Jodie Cushing has changed to Tracy.
Rotary attendance at the Chamber-After-Dark trade show at the Ramada on November 8th from 3 to 7pm was approved by the BOD on Sept. 18, 2018.
We will have our club flyers available and posters of our community service recipients, but we need confirmation of people to attend.
Membership Night is scheduled for October 30, and we have six confirmed names with contact information.
Next meeting is October 11, 2018, 7:30am at Martha’s Diner
Carl Lusby gave an excellent presentation of "The Rotary Basics"
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Iris Simon and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Carl Lusby, Tony & Julie Bouchard, Tracy Shaffer all helped
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Marion Wells and Dom Efter brought Rachel Bosquet from Kids Peace; Tricia Quirk was joined by Richard Butterfield
Birthdays: Nancy Mayo Sept 26, Tricia Quirk Sept 29
Rotary Minute: Allegra Pellerano received the service pin for joining the Publicity Committee
Vocational Minute: Fred Beyers explained about the Vocational Minute and sent around a sign-up sheet
Door Prizes: Guest speaker Aaron Dority, Nancy Mayo, Clyde Cushing, Ashley Johnson and Julie Bouchard won door prizes which included wine, daffodil bulbs and more.
50/50: Scott Kimball won the drawing for 50/50 and donated it to the cause.
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards SkillsUSA. Bill Casale told a joke, many were happy for Tricia Quirk rejoining the club
Rotary Business:
Charlene Churchill introduced Tricia Quirk and led the new member induction ceremony.
Ashley Johnson passed around the sign up sheet to help with the weekly newsletter
Arlyn Whitelaw spoke about Every Rotarian Every Year and giving to the Foundation.
Dave Wells reported on a successful Autumn Gold Blueberry Pancake Breakfast.
Clyde Cushing sent sign up sheets around for the Friends in Action auction for Saturday, September 29th and the Red Cross Blood Drive for Tuesday, October 23rd.
Program/Guest Speaker: Aaron Dority, Executive Director of Frenchman's Bay Conservancy, spoke about their programs and new projects.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Larry Fernald and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: David Wells
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Terry Carlisle from the Ellsworth Noontime Club
Guests: Perry Huitte, Tricia Quirk, John Shoppe
Club Anniversary: Larry Fernald
Rotary Minute: Tracy read a Quote from Ghandi
Door Prizes: Carl Lusby, Rodney Fox and Terry Carlisle
50/50: Julie Bouchard
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards SkillsUSA. Julie Bouchard, Clyde Cushing, Jodi Cushing, Dan Hurley, Dave Wells, Terry Carlisle, Jo Cooper, Tricia Quirk, Andrea Mason, Larry Johnson, Laurie Fogelman, Carl Lusby, Jac Frost, Iris Simon, Dom Efter and Tracy Shaffer.
Rotary Business:
Officer Election November 27th: Looking for officer committee members
Board approved new membership type, (corporate membership)
Marian announces Membership night 10/30
Pancake Breakfastfast discussion from Dave Wells
Clyde requested help for the FIA Auction
Pam Cushing requested greeters
Program/Speaker: Our guest speaker was Terry Carlisle, General Manager of The Ellsworth American. She spoke of the newspaper industry and the new owners of The Ellsworth American.
Club members at work on Tuesday, September 4th volunteering at the Ellsworth High School Freshman Barbecue. Welcome to EHS to all the new freshman students!
Opening Ceremonies: President Elect Jo Cooper called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Laurie Fogelman
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Keith and Bud Oehlert of Oklahoma City. Jo presented a banner and Keith gave us a district pin.
Guests: Tricia Quirk
Birthdays: Rick Afton Sept 15, Bud Oehlert, Sept 12
Anniversity: Larry Fernald to Bonnie, Sept 19
Door Prizes: Winners were Ray Williams, Scott Kimball, Keith Oehlert and Gene Pellerano
50/50: Marshall Smith $15, donated money back to happy dollars.
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards SkillsUSA. Many people were happy: Marshal Smith, Terri Stephens, Bill Casale (joke), Irv Hodgkin, Dave Wells, JoAnn Brown, Carl Lusby, Clyde Cushing, Scott Kimball, Iris Simon, Andrea Mason, Debbie Ehrlenbach, Ashley Johnson, Charlene Churchill, Laurie Fogelman, Larry Johnston, Jo Cooper and Bud Oehlert.
Rotary Business:
Jane reported Sarah’s House, 22 Rotarians, 2 Visits, very nice visit and good dinner at Lucerne Inn.
Clyde offered the following reports/requests. Reports loaves and fishes made more money at this year’s Blue Hill Fair. Assistance is needed Monday Sept 17 At 6PM Window Pane project at ST Joseph's, Assistance is needed for the Friends in Action Auction and Dinner need Volunteers, Sept 29. Loaves and Fishes need Volunteers to pick up food, Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8AM till done for the pantry, this would be for the rest of September.
Dave Well needs assistance for the Pancake Breakfast, help still needed for Setup, Friday the 21 at 3PM and for the breakfast Sat Sep 22 at 6AM, will go over again next Tuesday.
Program/Speaker: John Ronan. John was appointed President of Blue Hill Memorial Hospital (BHMH), Blue Hill, ME in August of 2014 and President of Maine Coast Memorial Hospital (MCMH), Ellsworth, ME in November of 2016. Men’s health equipment was purchased with Rotary Auction Proceeds. Expanded services, Walk in Clinic, association with Cancer Care of Maine, Dana Farber, moved Cancer from Blue Hill to Dow Center. More usage of the whole system resources, also standardize best practices across the Northern Light health care system. John then fielded several question from the group.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order and “passed the podium” to Clyde Cushing, who conducted the rest of the meeting tonight. Invocation was given by Larry Fernald, and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Jo cooper
Birthdays: Dan Hurley - Aug. 31, and we sang Happy Birthday;
Dana Reiter - Sept. 7.
Club Anniversaries: Steve Elliot - 9/1/1998; Allegra Pellerano - 9/5/2017
Wedding Anniversaries: Fred and Leslie Beyer, Aug. 30, 1969 - 49 yrs/
Peter and Nancy Farragher - Sept. 1
Marc rich and Daniel Antonelli - Sept. 2, 2012
Door Prizes: Irv - bottle of wine; Julie B. - cookbook; Gene - tote;
Carl - 6 pack beer.
50/50: Pam won $15 and put it into happy dollars.
Happy Dollars Highlights: Given by Scott, who was thankful for Rotary flowers for his mother’s funeral; Pam, Marian, Carl, Ashley, Deb, Linda, Bill, Irv, Dan Clyde and Gene. Many HD were given in honor of our new inductee tonight, Jodie Cushing, sister of clyde and the daughter of Pam.
Rotary Business:
Induction of Jodie Cushing.
Carl, promoting attendance at RLI in November in St. Georges, CA.
Clyde reported that $668 were collected in the last quarter of 2017 for
Lincoln’s wheelchair project to Dom. Republic and Bolivia.
4. Clyde requested pies for the pie booth at the Blue Hill Fair this Saturday.
5. Marc passed a sign-up for the window panes project at St.Joseph’s Church on Monday, Sept. 17, from 6 - 8pm.
6. Jane spoke of our Rotary gathering at Sarah’s House on Friday, Sept. 7, in lieu of our regular meeting next Tuesday. This will be a social occasion (with credit for attendance) and will include a tour at 5:30pm and appetizers. Afterward, the group will adjourn to the Lucerne Inn for drinks and dinner (individual expense). She passed a sign-up, as the Inn needs to know how many to expect for dining. Jane has already sent a list of items needed by Sarah’s House, so please bring whatever you can. Greatly appreciated.
7. Andrea passed a sign-up for the Saturday, Sept. 8, solicitation in Bar Harbor for our auction in May of 2019. We will meet/park at 9:30am at St. Savior's Church and work until 12:30pm and have lunch together. Car-pooling may be a good idea.
8. Dave passed a sign-up for participation in the Autumn Gold Pancake Breakfast on Sept. 22. Breakfast will be served from 7 - 10:30am at the EEMS and help is needed.
9. Gene spoke about the Early Literacy Program, which is looking for readers.
10.We may have a candidate for RYLY, but contact Tracy if you know of any interested person.
11.Heidi will have an Interact sign-up table at the high school on Sept. 6 at 6pm, when students will be selecting extracurricular activities.
12.Clyde passed a sign-up for the Freshman BBQ at the high school on Sept. 4 at 10am. Volunteers will wear their Rotary tee-shirts.
Program/Speaker: Jane introduced Josephine Cirrinone from the Eastern Area Agency on Aging, which provides assistance and services for older adults and for people living with disabilities and their caregivers. This organization is based in Bangor but provides services in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington Counties.
Their services include Meals on Wheels, Community Cafes, Caregiver Respite and Support Groups,State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Living Well, Senior Strength, Tai chi, Money Minders, Transportation services in the Bangor area,, Legal services, Penobscot Valley Senior College, and many more.
Please call 1-800-432-7812 to volunteer or if you know of anyone who needs their services or help.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Iris Simon and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Carl Lusby
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Mike Fisher from the Ellsworth Noontime club
Guests: Jodie Cushing, Jo Cooper’s sons - Robert and Eric, Patricia Clark
Wedding Anniversaries: 10 year Anniversary for Ashley and Aaron Johnson
Door Prizes: Won by Allegra Pellerano, Arlyn Whitelaw, Eric Cooper, Jo Cooper
50/50: Won by Marshall Smith
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards SkillsUSA.
Marshall gave his 50/50 winnings and spoke about the fundraising needs for The Free Medical clinic. Someone has offered to match any contributions up to $25,000. Happy dollars were also given by Marian, Fred, Iris, Irv, Charlie, Dom, and Tracy, who noted with thanks all the assistance with David gave for the preparations for the District Governor’s visit.
Rotary Business:
No RYLA candidates have been identified, so please look for candidates.
David Wells - Sent sign-up sheet for the pancake breakfast Sep 22nd. He needs 22-24 volunteers and there will be 5 grills.
Clyde Cushing - Needs pies and volunteers for the Blue Hill Fair Loaves and Fishes booth. Needs 5 pies and 5 people volunteered to give a pie. the shifts are 2 hours 5-7pm and7-9pm
Andrea Mason - Looking for help Sept 8th looking for donations in Bar Harbor for Auction items
Gene Pellerano - Literacy Project: They are coordinating schedules with the YMCA and others so that readers can be assigned. Training for new volunteers is available.
Thank you notes were received from EHS Show Choir, Downeast Walk for Diabetes, and Camp CaPella
Program/Speaker: Jane and Jo introduced our speaker for the night - Matt Dunlop Sec of State for the star of Maine and more importantly Jo’s brother. His resume was augmented by stories from Jo about her younger brother. Matt mentioned he was a Paul Harris recipient. He touched upon 3 main topics in his talk: ranked choice voting, Real ID and voting integrity. He spent a while on the problems he faced getting the records from the commission studying voter fraud. HE was a commission member. He assured us that Maine votes are well protected and not hackable.
He gets asked about future episodes of Northwood Law and said that no new episodes are currently planned.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Marshall Smith and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Gene Pellerano
Sargent at Arms:Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: DG Marcel Noel and Partner Nicolas Huard; Sandy Anderson and Husband;
Guests: Jodie Cushing; Tricia Quirk;
Birthdays: Jane Langley 8/15; Marshall Smith 8/20
Door Prizes: The lucky winners are: Jackie Clough; Dave Wells; Clyde Cushing; Debbie Ehrlenbach
50/50: Irv Hodgkins
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards SkillsUSA. Feeling Happy: Irv Hodgkins; Ashley Johnson; Debbie Ehrlenbach; Lincoln Ehrlenbach; Charlene Churchill; Jane Langley; Marshall Smith; Terri Smith; Micki Sumpter; Jo Cooper; Clyde Cushing; Nancy Mayo; Allegra Pellerano; Linda Fuller; Andrea Mason; Laurie Fogelman; Gene Pellerano; Dan Hurley; Tracy Shaffer; Joann Brown; Dave Wells
Rotary Business:
Special Childrens Friends Playground Grant Project has been completed… Clyde Cushing thanked all Rotarians that volunteered on Thursday and Saturday of last week.
Clyde reminded us of the Blue Hill Fair Pie Booth service project… you can bake a pie or help staff the booth.
Jane Langley reminded all Rotarians that on September 7th our weekly meeting will be a visit to Sarah’s House with dinner following at the Lucerne Inn for those who wish to partake.
President Tracy Shafer announced that we are sending our thoughts to Past President Scott Kimball on the loss of his mother
Next Week’s Rotary Meeting Speaker will be Maine Secretary of State, Matt Dunlap… the Ellsworth Noontime and Bar Harbor Rotary Clubs have been invited to attend.
80% of the first half Membership Dues have been received by Treasurer Dom Efter
Program/Speaker:
District Governor, Marcel Noel from the Quebec Club shared the following thoughts / thanks / reflections / and challenges:
Thanked the Board and Club for the warm welcome and sharing all the goals and good work the Club is doing to “BE THE INSPIRATION” to The World!
Get the Word out into the Community What Rotary Is and What We Do
Only 40% of the general public knows what Rotary Does… this gives us a 60% growth opportunity!
GROW OR DIE… District 7790 has been averaging a 1% loss of membership over the past several years
Work hard at our Public Image / Public Relations and put the word out on Social Media
Use the “I AM Rotary” sign and campaign in more publicity and recruitment efforts
Keep up the stron history of our Club Giving to the Foundation: ANNUAL FUND = HUMANITARIAN SERV ICE
BE THE INSPIRATION FOR POSITIVE CHANGE IN ALL LEVELS
New Vision Statement: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
DG Marcel presented three citations: One to our club commending our International Dominican Wheelchair Project from last March; One to ‘First Lady’ Debbie Ehrlenbach for all her support of PDG Lincoln Ehrlenbach during his term as DG last Year; and one to Cindy Shoppe for chairing our very successful Annual Blueberry Pancake Breakfast for many years
DG Marcel Noel ended by challenging us to think outside the box and find new ways to attract new members to Rotary with a focus on the Young / Women / and Families!
DG Marcel completed his presentation with a slide show introducing his Governor’s Project which will help and aid Persons with Disabilities in LesCayes, Haiti. The focus of the project will be the Recognition of the Potential of Persons with Disabilities and Support for their Development and fighting against the Maeginalization of Persons with Disabilities.
DG Marcel reminded us of and encouraged attendance at the District Conference which will be held on May 3-4-5 at outside of St, George
In Closing:
Club President Tracy Shaffer:
Presented a check from our club in the amount of $1,000 US Dollars in support of the Governor’s Project to LesCayes, Haiti
Gave DG Marcel and Nicolas some strong coffee to support all those late nights travelling across District 7790 visiting clubs
Presented an ‘Object of Rotary’ plaque to DG Marcel
Gave a Blueberry Pancake Breakfast hat to DG Marcel
Gave a Rotary Book of Inspirations in support and encouragement of RI President’s Be the Inspiration Theme for this year
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Andrea Mason and we said the Pledge of Allegiance. The greeter was Fred Beyer.
Visiting Rotarians: Allen Casey, Chattanooga, TN Downtown Club and Sandi Anderson, e-Club of the Southwest
Guests: Jim Anderson, Jodie Cushing
Birthdays: Alan Baker - August 7 and Ralph Farrar, Honorary Member – August 13
Wedding Anniversaries: Michael and Judith Povich – August 11
50/50: $13 went to Andrea Mason who was happy for all who helped at the breakfast on Saturday. Happy Dollars this quarter will go toward the HCTC Skills USA trip.
Door Prizes: Marc Rich got a pancake breakfast t-shirt, Irv Hodgkin won two tickets to the Blue Hill Fair, Dave Wheaton got a raffle ticket for the “Dinner for 2 Anywhere in the World” contest.
Happy Dollars: Carl Lusby noted that he tried to get the projection screen straight but the presentation may be a little off kilter. Dan Hurley was happy that he will be welcoming his second grandchild this month. Bill Casale was happy to tell a joke! Scott Kimball was happy to be promoted to sausage cook at the breakfast this year and to have his daughter do the Beach To Beacon race. Clyde Cushing was thrilled to be promoted to pancake cook. Several Rotarians were happy for the success of the breakfast.
Rotary Business: Tracy Shaffer reminded us that District Governor Marcel Noel will visit our club next week and be our speaker. All Rotarians should attend. She noted that two cards were being passed around. One for Brielle, Ashley Johnson’s daughter, who broke her arm and one for Daniel, who works for the Langleys. He and his wife recently lost their young baby.
Tracy thanked Cindy Shoppe for all her work on the breakfast this year and noted that a final report on the breakfast will be available in two weeks.
Clyde Cushing reminded us that our service project at Special Children’s Friends will take place this Thursday evening and on Saturday. All Rotarians are welcome to come and help. This will complete our local grant for this project.
Tracy reminded us the Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlop will be our speaker on August 21. We have invited the other two local clubs to attend. Sign up is needed so we can have enough space.
Program: Gretchen Wilson, the Executive Director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, was our guest speaker. Gretchen reviewed the Chamber’s mission and told us about the many events and programs our Chamber holds to promote and inform local businesses. She noted that, like almost all membership organizations, local chambers have to work hard to show the value of membership to those in the community.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Bill Casale and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Larry Fernald
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Mark Ahlow from Germany
Guests: Jody Cushing, John Shoppe
Birthdays: Larry Johnston
Door Prizes: Andrea Mason won $20 gift certificate to Riverside, Gene Pellerano won $20 gift certificate to Amazon, Yeti Mug won by Tony Bouchard
50/50: Jane Langley
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards SkillsUSA. Andrea Mason - successful pancake breakfast. Iris Simon- searching for volunteer to turn over the silverware process to. Jane Langley - happy to be here. Charlene Churchill - Family reunion with 5 generations. Jo Cooper - client died last evening. Irv Hodgkins - cause. Scott Kimball - playing golf in the Schoodic Scramble with Jack Frost. Deb & Lincoln Erhlanbach - a calamity week of well running dry and typical summer challenges. Larry Johnston - pancake breakfast. Bill Casali - Jokes. Carl Lusby - help with the banner Dave, Lincoln, and jack. Rodney Fox - Hiked the Iris trail.
Rotary Business:
Pancake Breakfast assignments have been emailed out.
Treasure Report on Membership: 67% have paid dues.
Project - Special Children’s Friends. On Union Street Thursday 8/9/2018 5-7 Saturday 8/11/2018 8-11
Program/Speaker: Immediate Past District Govenor Lincoln Ehrlenbach with the lovely Debbie Ehrlenbach. They presented all of there visits to the district with an exciting game of Jeopardy.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Laurie Fogelman and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Allegra Pellerano
Sargent at Arms: Tony and Julie Bouchard
Visiting Rotarians: Betty and Dave Parsons. Carrie Jones, Shaun Farrar and Derek Jones.
Guests: Jodie Cushing
Birthdays: Ray Williams
Door Prizes: Bottle of Wine to Marshall Smith, Raspberries and chocolates to Betty Parsons, Riverside Café Gift Certificate to Larry Fernald, China Hill Gift Certificate to Laura Pellerano
50/50: $17.00 to Jodie Cushing
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards SkillsUSA. The following individuals gave happy dollars: Jodie Cushing, Jo Cooper, Iris Simon, Andrea Mason, Alicia Johnson, Linda Fuller, Teri Stephens, Bill Casale, Dom Efter, Laurie Fogelman, Dan Hurley, Carrie Jones, Scott Kimball, Carl Lusby, Larry Johnston, Fred Beyer, Irv Hodgkin, Allegra Pellerano and Laura Pellerano.
Rotary Business:
Pancake Breakfast Update: Please sell your tickets! The Assignment has been emailed out. Posters were handed out.
Scott Kimball was recognized for receiving his Paul Harris +1 Pin! Congrats Scott!
Ashley Johnson passed around the Weekly Newsletter Sign-up Sheet.
Gene Pellerano passed around the International Service Committee Surveyed to be filled out. This will be emailed out as well. Please return to Gene.
Program/Speaker: Our speaker was Carrie Jones. She is the The New York Times bestseller author of the Need series, Time Stoppers series, Flying series, Girl, Hero, Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend, and Love (and other uses for duct tape). She is also the coauthor, with Steve Wedel, of After Obsession and Summer Howl. She also writes picture books about unconventional spies. Her books have been published all around the world, been bestsellers in France (thank you, France), and have received numerous awards.
Carrie is active in Rotary International as the Public Image Coordinator for much of Canada and a lot of the United States and is the current President of the Bar Harbor Club.
Carrie spoke about how Rotary and Writing have a lot in common and shared her experiences over the years.
Opening Ceremonies: President Tracy Shaffer called the meeting to order. Invocation by Rod Fox and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Cindy Shoppe
Sargent at Arms: Clyde Cushing
Visiting Rotarians: Joan Phaup of Camden Rotary Club
Guests: John Shoppe
Birthdays: Mike Mariano July 21st
Wedding Anniversaries: Bill and Jenny Casale July 20, 1991
Door Prizes: Bottle of Red Wine to Clyde Cushing, Finns Gift Cards to Carl Lusby and Scott Kimball
50/50: Alicia Johnson $17.00
Happy Dollars Highlights: All happy dollars this quarter will go towards SkillsUSA. Joann Brown, Carl Lusby, Charlene Churchill, Ashley Johnson, Jo Cooper, Irv Hodgkin, Peter Farragher, Gene Pellerano, Jane Langley.
Rotary Business:
Secretary Charlene Churchill recognized 13 Rotarians for their Perfect Attendance from last year.
Alicia Johnson was inducted as our newest club member! Welcome Alicia!
Pancake Breakfast Update: Please sell your tickets! The Assignment list will be emailed out soon. Posters will be handed out next week.
Program/Speaker: Our speaker was Joan Phaup from the Camden Rotary Club. Joan is a writer and editor who is the Youth Exchange Coordinator for District 7790. She is spreading the word about Rotary's short-term exchange program, which offers an easy, economical way to provide summer exchanges for our teens.
Rotary Short-Term Exchange (STEP) is a low cost program that changes lives by enabling high school students to live with host families abroad and host their oversears “match” here in Maine.
This brief exposure to another culture has tremendous impact. Participants discover a wider world and often end up studying abroad in future years. Some go to pursue international careers.
Tickets can NOW be purchased at the following locations: Camden National Bank, Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Bangor Savings Bank and The Ellsworth American! (All Ellsworth Rotarians have tickets as well)
Opening Ceremonies: President Scott Kimball called the meeting to order. Invocation by Terri Stephens and we said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeter: Pam Cushing
Sargent at Arms: Julie and Tony Bouchard
Guests: Marc Rich brought Charlie Kelley; Pam introduced her daughter Jody
Birthdays: Allegra Pellarano 6/27; Laura Pellarano 7/3, Fred Beyer 7/7, Iris Simon 7/8 (we sang “Happy Birthday”!)
Club Anniversaries: Ralph Farrar (Honorary) July 1, 1980, Larry Fernald July 1, 1975, Rob Hemenway July 1, 2014, Dan Hurley July 1, 1992, Dan Susina (Honorary) July 7, 1998, Mike Marino July 1, 2009, Lincoln Ehrlenbach July 9, 2002
Wedding Anniversaries: Debbie and Lincoln Ehrlenbach - June 26, Laura and Gene Pellerano - June 29, Linda and Jeff Fuller - July 3
Door Prizes: Husson mugs by Jody, wine by Jo Cooper
50/50: won by Gene Pellarano
Happy Dollars Highlights: Lincoln & Debbie: anniversary; Dan Hurley: final summit bills paid; Dave Wells Punta Canta banner; Rod Fox: Paul Harris fellows; Carl: thank you to Scott and Tracy; Gene: anniversary; Larry Johnston: family wedding and a happy week; Pam Cushing: Golf; Jo Cooper: forgetting the silverware wrapping meeting
Rotary Business:
Get the auction feedback forms back.
Foundation drawing – won by Allegra Pellarano
Pancake Breakfast: wrapped silverware
Trees will be planted at Harbor Park
Charlene as secretary honored Julie Clark for 10 years in Rotary; Cindy Schoppe, Mark Remick, Lincoln Ehelenbach for 15 years; Dan Hurley for 25 years and Ray Williams for 40 years.
Program/Speaker: Scott spoke as outgoing President and highlighted the many activities during his year as President: the Reading Experience, the great work by the Board and the membership, the interaction with the community on our projects and the many Rotary Moments and that we are truly making a difference in people lives.
He presented certificates of appreciation to:
Tracy Shaffer, President Elect
Charlene Churchill, Secretary (took over mid-year) and Community Giving
Jo Cooper, Vice President Elect and Rotary Minute
Domenic Efter, Treasurer
Arlyn Whitelaw, Rotary Foundation
Jane Langley, Club Service
Marian Welles, Director of Membership
Fred Beyer, Director of Vocational Service
Clyde Cushing, Director of Community Service
Laura Pellarano, International Service
Ashley Johnson, Director of Publicity
Rob Hemenway, Coordinator of Invocations
Pam Cushing, Greeters Coordinator
Cindy Shoppe, Sargent at Arms, chair of Pancake Breakfast
Iris Simon, Assistant Sargent at Arms
Nancy Mayo, Assistant Sargent at Arms
Jack Frost, Gifting Experience, Paul Harris event coordinator
Carl Lusby, Past President, Paul Harris coordinator, Polio Plus
Heidi Omlor, Interact Chair
David Wells, Assistant District Governor, fundraisers
Scott and Lincoln then conducted the induction ceremony of Tracy Shaffer as Club President.
Tracy addressed the club about the upcoming year. The theme will be “Be the Inspiration” and she spoke about the change and work ahead, using the analogy of flying a plane.
Pictured: MCMH President John Ronan (left) receives Rotary Club of Ellsworth donation from Dom Efter, Club Treasurer (Right).
The Rotary Club of Ellsworth presented a donation of $12,713 Tuesday, June 19 to John Ronan, FACHE, President, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. The check represented part of the net proceeds from the 67th Annual Rotary Auction held on May 18.
This concludes a two-year Rotary focus on Women’s and Men’s heath in partnership the hospital. Proceeds this year will be directed to the department of urology to ensure the best care possible for men’s health. Last year, the club raised $16,191 to help with the purchase of the new 3D mammography technology for the Breast Clinic.
Each year, the Rotary Club of Ellsworth partners with another local non-profit to hold a community-wide auction and share proceeds that help the partner and also contribute to Rotary scholarships and philanthropic donations. The event is made possible through business and individual contributions and donations throughout the community and was sponsored by Bar Harbor Bank and Trust.
.png)
.png){kind=logo}
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
