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Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
ClubRunner
 
2018-2019 Rotary Year Theme
Speakers
Mar 05, 2019 11:30 AM
Read Across America
Mar 19, 2019
Night Out at WRVC
Mar 26, 2019 11:30 AM
Through These Doors
Apr 02, 2019 11:30 AM
Apr 09, 2019 11:30 AM
Rotaract Projects in Puerto Rico
Apr 16, 2019
See you at the Road Race April 15
Apr 30, 2019 11:30 AM
Gorham High School
May 21, 2019
See you at Rotary Night Out
Jun 04, 2019 11:30 AM
Jun 18, 2019
See you at Rotary Night Out
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Board Meeting
WRVC Board Room
Mar 05, 2019
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
 
Winter Dinner at WRVC
WRVC
Mar 19, 2019
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Board Meeting
WRVC Board Room
Apr 02, 2019
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
 
Patriot's Day Road Race 2019
Riverbank Park
Apr 15, 2019
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
 
Board Meeting
WRVC Board Room
May 07, 2019
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
 
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The Four Way Test
 
Of the things we think, say, or do:
  First, Is it the truth?
  Second, Is it fair to all concerned?
  Third, Will it build goodwill & better friendships?   
  Fourth, Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
 
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Rotary Links
Rotary International
RI President Home
Rotary Global Rewards
Joining Rotary
Rotary History
Rotary Foundation
For New Members
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Next Board Meeting 
 
March 5, 2019 10:15AM at WRVC
 
All members are welcome at Board Meetings
Past Board Meeting Minutes available at:
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Milestones for March 2019
 
     * Belated Happy Birthday to Rotary 2/23 – 114 yrs
     * Ted Rogers - Birthday 3/5
     * Christine Johnson - Birthday 3/8
     * Dick Labrecque – Birthday 3/18
     * Scott Linscott – Birthday 3/20
     * Mike Foley & Jessica Champagne – Anniversary 3/12 – 3 yrs
     * Wayne & Martha Lopez – Anniversary 3/30 – 56 yrs
     * Ted Rogers – Rotary Anniversary 3/1 – 36 yrs
     * Bruce Saunders – Rotary Anniversary 3/1 – 33 yrs
     * Deb Shangraw – Rotary Anniversary 3/3 – 4 yrs
     * Jack Kivus – Rotary Anniversary 3/22 – 14 yrs
     * Hal Thomas – Rotary Anniversary 3/30 – 37 yrs
 
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Save these dates!
Locker Project Fresh Food Distribution – In this school year, produce distributions at Westbrook High School will take place the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month with additional days as needed:  Feb 27, Mar 13 & 27, Apr 10 & 24, May 8 & 22 and June 12. Any date changes will be announced in the Scribbler.  Arrive around 12:45 PM depart by 2:15 PM, unless otherwise noted.
 
Winter Dinner at WRVC - Tuesday March 19, 2019. 6PM.  Each year we have a special evening meal at the WRVC Dining Room.  This  year, this dinner will become our March Rotary Night Out.  Register now at:  https://westbrookgorhamrotary.org/event/winter-dinner-at-wrvc/
 
22nd Annual Gorham Business Exchange Marketplace – Saturday March 30, 2019, 10AM-3PM. Visit and support local businesses. Admission is free. There will be about 80 booths representing all kinds of businesses who provide products and services to the people and businesses of Gorham. Lots of entertainment including bounce houses and games for the kids. Food court supplied by local businesses. If you’d like to register your business as a vendor, go to: Gorham Biz Exchange 22nd Annual Marketplace
 
New Rotary Night Out - Our next Rotary Night out will be May 21 starting at 5:30 PM. Mister Bagel 609 Main St, Westbrook Members $10.  Cash bar. Program TBD.  Note: March 19 is Winter Dinner. Week of April 15 is our annual Road Race so no meeting that week.
 
WRVC Awards Ceremony - Thursday May 23, 2019. 7PM Westbrook HIgh School Auditorium
 

RYLA Registration – Sunday June 23 starting at 8:30AM. Camp Hinds, Raymond. Volunteers needed to help with registration and collecting forms as students arrive. For more information contact: Phil Giordano at Philtastic7780@gmail.com

New Westbrook Strong 5K and Matt's Mile Kid's Fun Run - Saturday July  13, 2019. Riverbank Park. Run, sponsor or donate. This race is in memory of Matthew Rairdon who's life was tragically taken in November 2013. Proceeds benefit nursing scholarships.  For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Westbrook/2ndAnnualWestbrookStrong5KandMattsMileKidsFunRun 

Current & Upcoming Opportunities
Gorham Backpack Program Doughraiser This week!! Wednesday February 27, 2019. Uno Pizzeria & Grill, South Portland.  All day each day, dine in or take out, up to 20% of your bill will be donated to support this food program. You must bring the coupon or show the coupon on your phone to donate.
 
 
Corham Business Exchange Networking Opportunity – Wednesday March 6, 2019 5-7PM, Sebago Brewing, 616 Main St, Gorham.
 
Rolling Thunder Fundraising Dinner for Veterans – Saturday March 23, 2019 5-6:30PM, WRVC Dining Room - $5.00 per person $3.00 under 12. Home cooked food. 
 
New Welcome Back Dinner for Sea Dogs – to benefit Opportunity Alliance. Wednesday April 3, 2019, 5:30-7:30PM Portland Expo. Ballpark style dinner, meet & greet with players, activities for the kids. Slugger! Adults $20, kids $15. Tickets at: https://www.opportunityalliance.org/get-involved/sea-dogs-welcome-back-dinner/?fbclid=IwAR2XSI_fvnaa6l2NP8pwEvkEjaxdJQFYCy3vzqnTYIZvuERtqGNNZmOpjII
 
New Bob Marley Fundraiser for Altrusa - Wednesday May 8, 2019, 7PM at Keeley’s Banquet Center, Warren Ave, Portland. More info on cost and ticket purchase to follow.
Focus on Foundation – Rotary Direct
It’s easy and painless to donate to the Rotary Foundation using Rotary Direct. Login at My Rotary to set up monthly, quarterly or annual automatic donations to your credit card or to your bank account (using Visa or MC branded debit card).  Here’s how:
 
- Sign in to My Rotary using your email address
     If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it yourself from the login box
- Choose the fund you’d like to support: Annual Fund, Polio Fund, Area of Focus, etc
- Scroll down to the Donation section
     If not already pre-selected, select country and currency
     Select Recurring Donation
     Choose Frequency
     Select an amount or click “other” to enter a custom amount
- Enter your Payment Details & Billing Address
- Click Submit
 
If you have questions or need help, please contact Steve Rand or Christine Johnson.  Remember, Westbrook-Gorham Rotary will match your donation to the Rotary Foundation in your name up to $100 this Rotary year, and will add one time extra $25 when you sign up for Rotary Direct.
Westbrook Strong
During our Rotary Night Out at Mister Bagel, Mike Foley introduced our speaker, Gary Rairdon.  Gary and his wife Laurie have lived most of their lives in Westbrook and raised their family here. Gary has been involved in the Westbrook community for many years and is currently President of the City Council.
 
Gary & Laurie's son Matthew was the third of seven children, born July 17, 1991.  He was the first in his family to attend a 4-year college.  As a sophomore in high school Matthew spent 12 days at Barbara Bush Children’s hospital due to a back infection. Fortunately, it was treatable. When he left the hospital, he had decided that he wanted to be a nurse. He later applied to St Joseph’s College and was accepted.
 
During his high school awards ceremony, Matthew and his family were in for a huge surprise.  He was awarded a $36K scholarship to help him attend St Joseph’s. To put himself through college, Matthew worked three jobs while going to school, including at Mister Bagel. He graduated in May 2013, passed his RN certification in June 2013, and landed a job at Mercy Hospital where he had previously worked as a CNA. He got an apartment in Westbrook and was headed down his chosen career path.
 
Matthew Rairdon at 2013 St Joseph's Graduation
 
Matthew spent Thanksgiving 2013 with his whole family at his grandparents’ home on Forest St. At the time, no one realized this would be the last time they would all be together.  That Saturday, he was shot and killed by his ex-partner who then killed himself.
 
In memory of Matt, the family asked for donations in lieu of flowers, raising $16,000.  They decided they wanted to help another student like Matt had been helped. by offering a scholarship to a nursing student at St Joseph's, preferably someone from Westbrook. When they took this money to St Joseph’s to discuss setting up a scholarship, they were told that $25,000 would endow a scholarship. This is where the idea for the Westbrook Strong 5K first started – with friends and family who wanted to raise that extra $9000. The first race was held in July 2014 when 295 people ran.  They exceeded their fundraising goal to establish an endowed scholarship with $26,000.  
 
Gary Rairdon holding a Westbrook Strong 5K t-shirt
 
A total of $107,000 has been raised in the 5 races held through 2018. This year, the race will be held on Saturday July 13, on the weekend in before Matt’s birthday.  They have 48 ongoing sponsors and over 65 volunteers, with some local businesses providing in-kind donations. They hope to see 500 people participate this year - including runners, walkers, and people pushing strollers.
 
For more information or to support this organization, go to: https://www.westbrookstrong.org/
 
 
Read more...
District Activities
Grants Management Seminars 2019 – Monday March 18, 6-7:30PM, Southern Maine Community College, 29 Sewall St Room 102, Brunswick.
 

District Interact Assembly - Saturday March 23, 2019 - Oxford Hills High School.  Interested Rotarians are welcome to attend.  More details to follow. Snow Day March 30, 2019.

Wrap-A-Smile Quilt-a-thon - Saturday March 30, 9AM to 4PM, Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club House, 66 Montgomery Rd, Boothbay Harbor. Join Rotarians & friends in creating fun quilts that will be donated to Wrap-a-Smile, the charity started in our District which over the past 15 years has sent over 25,000 quilts to comfort children undergoing Rotaplast and other Rotary sponsored surgeries around the world.  Novice quilter?  No problem! This is a great time to learn the basics! Bring your own sewing machine and materials; irons/ironing boards and some supplies will be provided. Plus, we can always share!  RSVP and learn details from Ann Dermanville, Wrap-a-Smile chair, quilts7780@gmail.com.

District Training Assembly - Saturday April 6, 2019. 8AM-1PM. York County Community College

Rotary Leadership Institute – Saturday April 20, 8Am-3:30PM, York County Community College, 112 College Dr, Wells. Parts I, II, III and Graduate available. Recommended for all Rotarians, but especially those considering leadership positions. If you 'd like to attend, the club may pay the registration fee. Talk to club President. For more information and to register: www.rlinea.org

Rotary Fest (AKA District Conference) - Friday-Saturday June 21-22, 2019 - Fort Williams, Park Cape Elizabeth. Friday service project and cook out for volunteers. Saturday packed with fun and educational events for adults and kids, and another service project opportunity.  DG John and the Planning Committee are working hard to make this a free event for all.  Watch for more details.

District Changeover - Tuesday June 25. Camp Hinds.  More details to come.

Ongoing Opportunities
The Locker Project -  Fresh food and baked goods distribution in Westbrook.  In this school year, produce distributions at Westbrook High School will take place the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.  Next opportunity Feb 27 arrive by 12:45 for set up.   Help lay out food on tables and interact with the kids to encourage them to take items. You will be a welcoming presence, making sure people know they are invited to take food. Everyone is invited to bring food home with them.  If you can help on any of these dates, please contact Christine Johnson.  For more information, or to donate, visit their website: mainelockerproject.org 
 
Children's Books for Pantries - We continue to supply new and gently used children's books to food pantries about every two weeks. We have been fortunate to obtain a regular supply of used books from Goodwill Buy the Pound.  We also periodically obtain new books from a couple of sources at little cost. However, the need is always greater than the supply.  If you, a family member, friend or colleague have children or grandchildren who have outgrown their books, we'd love to have them to share with children who will love them.   All ages from babies to young teens. We can also always use large print books for older readers. Bring to any club meeting or contact Christine Johnson for pick up. 
 
Can Tabs for Ronald MacDonald House - Thank you for continuing to collect can tabs. It's and easy way to help a wonderful organization! Just keep a small plastic bag or small jar in your kitchen, on the counter or in a drawer.  As you go to toss your returnable can into your CLYNK bag, simply twist off the tab first. 
 
CLYNK for Literacy - Ongoing -  Don't forget to keep filling those bags to help fund the children's books we ask our speakers to sign for the Baxter and Walker Libraries. Extra bags are always available at our meetings.  If you have been working on filling a bag for a very long time (6 months or more), please consider returning it and starting a new one.  Thank you for your ongoing support of this fundraiser!
 
Donate to our Club's Charity through Amazon Smile – Ongoing - If you order items from Amazon.com, even if not very often, you can help Westbrook Gorham Rotary Club Charities.  Go to http://smile.amazon.com/. Search for our Charity and select it. You may need to login to your Amazon account before being able to finalize your selection.   Then, when you shop Amazon.com (always starting from http://smile.amazon.com/) a portion of every purchase will be donated to our charity.
Upcoming Speaker List Details
 
If you have an idea for a  speaker or program, please contact Christine Johnson at cejinmaine@gmail.com or Phil Spiller at pdsflynavy@gmail.com .  We are also interested in ideas for periodic evening meetings, service projects in lieu of meetings, or in-meeting service projects
 
We are now scheduling programs for March and April.
 
 
Here is the list of upcoming speakers and programs:
 
* 2/26 - Anita Emery - Ski Spectacular
* 3/5  - Read Across America Literacy Program
       Cathryn Falwell - Illustrator & Author
* 3/12 - TBD
* 3/19 - Evening at WRVC - Youth Services
* 3/26 - TBD
* 4/2 - Club Assembly
* 4/9 - Sheila Rollins - Rotaract in Puerto Rico
* 4/16 - No lunch meeting.  See you at the Road Race on 4/15
* 4/23 - TBD
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Can't make our meeting but still want to enjoy the fellowship of Rotary this week? 
 
Why not attend one of these other local clubs in our area:
 
Falmouth 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 5:00 PM 
Dockside Grill 215 Foreside Rd Route 88
Falmouth, ME  04105
 
Scarborough - Tuesdays 5:45PM
Cabela's 100 Cabela's Blvd Scarborough
 
South Portland-Cape Elizabeth - Wednesdays 6:15PM
Purpoodock Club 300 Spurwink Rd Cape Elizabeth
 
Portland Sunrise - Thursdays 7:15AM
Cumberland Club 116 High St Portland
 
Sebago Lake Rotary Club - Thursdays 12:15PM 
Pat's Pizza 844 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 04062
 
Portland - Fridays 12:15PM at Holiday Inn by the Bay or Clarion
check website for current week's venue
 
Or Attend a meeting online at Rotary E-Club One
 
Rotary is about fellowship, as well as service to our community. Even if you must miss a meeting, you can remain engaged by attending Rotary-sponsored events of our club or other clubs like fundraisers, by selling Christmas Trees, by volunteering at our Golf Tournament or our Road Race, or by attending District events or training. Just let our Secretary know when you have participated in any of these activities at info@westbrookgorhamrotary.org
 
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