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Showing posts with label Citizen Letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Citizen Letters. Show all posts

Monday, March 19, 2018

LISBON ROADS AND STREETS

 
This year has been extremely hard on our roads and streets.  There are potholes everywhere making it difficult to drive.  I do understand that it is still winter and hard for Public Works to repair our road and streets.  However, nothing is stopping Public Works from marking these potholes to alert drivers of the hazard.
 
However, the question is “Is Public Works under Ryan Leighton doing all that they can for the residents of Lisbon?”  I answer that question with a resounding “NO”.  I remember years ago before Ryan Leighton being Public Works Director; a gentleman name Button Beale was the Public Works Director and we never had any of the problems we have been having lately.
 
Putting Ryan Leighton as the Public Works Director, Superintendent of Sewer, and in charge of the Transfer Station was a temporary fix because the State of Maine finally stepped in and told the town that Ryan Leighton was NOT qualified as a Maine Licensed Engineer.  Ryan Leighton had been getting paid as a fully qualified licensed engineer.  The town of Lisbon had been wasting our tax dollars on unqualified personnel being in positions where they needed to be qualified.  The “condition of employment agreement” was written so that the individuals never had to complete the qualifications for the position.  
 
Now Ryan Leighton is moving on and as far as I am concerned not fast enough; we have qualified individuals’ current in place to perform the various duties and in fact most cases have been doing the work but Ryan Leighton has been taking the credit.  The town has been paying a Ryan Leighton close to $90,000.00 tax dollars when it was not necessary.  I hope the Town Council is smart enough to restore the individuals who are actually doing the work back in supervisory positions and NOT try to replace Ryan Leighton.  How can you replace nothing?
 
Let’s learn to save tax dollars by putting ONLY qualified individuals in the required positions and if they want to do a “condition of employment agreement” makes it very clear the desired outcome and a timeline in order to complete the qualifications.  By the way, they should be hired a lower salary until they become fully qualified.
 
STOP WASTING OUR TAX DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Larry Fillmore

Sunday, March 18, 2018

L-A Rotary Lunch Club to Welcome Tahlia Chamberlain May 24


Auburn - On Thursday, May 24, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Tahlia Chamberlain will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Chamberlain is a lifelong Mainer and over-the-top fan of her three large dogs and her husband, Norm. Since graduating from the University of Southern Maine in 1985, she has worn many hats as social worker, teacher, and program manager, and has had the privilege of working with thousands of people, from tots to teens, disabled adults and college students. In 1996, she became the first paid employee of Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin and quickly developed a passion for empowering adults through education. Twenty- two years later, the courage and tenacity of adult students and their volunteer tutors continue to inspire her.  Reservations are not required at the luncheon.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Events and other club information are posted at www.lewistonauburnrotary.org and www.facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES


Approximately three weeks ago, I could not find the Town Council agenda for the following Tuesday’s meeting.  I called the Town Manager, Diane Barnes, and asked her for the location.  She informed me that the Town had changed the location on the Town website.  I asked her why the website was only partly changed and she informed me that it was because a contract stopped and that the person who was responsible for the website was on vacation that week.
 
This just highlight the Administration of the Town of Lisbon is in serious trouble.  In my eyes the first rule of operating a website is to make it accessible for its users.  I believe in the KISS theory.  Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS).  A website should always be designed with the Users in mind because it is for their use.  The Town website is not User friendly; in fact, it is totally confusion by having redundant ways to locate certain items.  I was always taught that redundancy is for saving/backing up data which is NOT the responsibility of the User. 
 
Simple ways to locate items eliminate confusion for the Users.  Users should be the primary focus when designing a website.  Right now, on the Town website there are at least two different paths to take to locate the Town Council agendas.  It is much easier to maintain and for the Users when there is one path to locate the Town Council agendas.  Also, if you follow the path of Town Council – Council Agenda & Minutes – Current Tuesday Agenda – Town Council – Agenda it takes you to the current Town Council agenda.  There is absolutely no need for the last two screens because the Town Council agenda should come up when you click on Current Tuesday Agenda.  The User should never have to go beyond that screen.  The current system is a waste of time and money to maintain and confuses Users.
 
Now if you go Minute and Agendas – Town Council – 2018 – Select the Town Council Agenda you are looking for.  This is less friendly to Users.  The Administration staff of the Town has absolutely no concept of what they are doing, in my eyes.  First of all, according to Mrs. Barnes there is only one individual that can make changes to the website.  I do not believe that I have to explain why this is not acceptable.  Because there are unnecessary screens that Users have to go through and the fact there are two different paths is a clear indication that very little planning when into the design of the website.  Clearly there is no oversight of this project.
 
Next, why was the changes implemented without making ALL the necessary changes to the website?  This is another indication of little to no oversight.  The Town Manager works for the Town Council who works for the people; so I ask again where is the oversight.  The Town Council needs to look into the Town website since they are overall responsible.  There needs to cross-training so that the town does not have to rely on just one individuals to maintain the website.
 
The residents of Lisbon deserve better.

 
Larry Fillmore

Friday, March 2, 2018

L/A ROATARY CLUB TO WELCOME CELESTE YAKAWONIS - MAY 3RD


Auburn - On Thursday, May 3, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Celeste Yakawonis will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Yakawonis has been a  self-employed Real Estate paralegal for over 30 years. She is a lifelong resident of Maine-attended Lewiston High School and the University of Maine at Orono graduating in 1974. In 2003, after joining the then Androscoggin County  Chamber of Commerce, she began to take a greater interest in the community around her. She decided that one business was not enough, and launched Gift Baskets by Celeste. Under various names this business lasted 18 years!  She then established a new business,  Party'n With Plants which hosts Garden Terrarium design classes. Currently she is a member of Central Maine Community College Foundation Board, and Treasurer / Board member of the Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Extension Agency. Recently, she has joined a group at Tri County Mental Health Agency to address the issue of the opioid crisis that is facing our community, State of Maine and country.  Yakawonis was recently sponsored by Christine Wilson to re-activate her membership with the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  She lives in Turner with her always supportive  husband Peter, dog Bruce and six cats. She loves spending time with her grown daughters Katherine and Margaret. She loves growing plants, working out at Planet Fitness( yes really!) and taking time to enjoy life!  Reservations are not required at the luncheon.  Visiting Rotarians and community members are welcome to attend.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Events and other club information are posted at www.lewistonauburnrotary.org and www.facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.
 

L/A ROTARY CLUB TO WELCOME KIM FINNERTY - APRIL 19TH


Auburn - On Thursday, April 19, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Kim Finnerty will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  with the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Finnerty is the Director of Whiting Farm in Auburn.  She holds a B.A. in Chemistry from West Virginia University, 1996.  Agriculture became an important topic for her while she was a teacher at Edward Little High School. She created the Chemistry through Agriculture program at Edward Little High School as a way of engaging her students in their learning.  She became the director of Whiting Farm in January 2015.  Under Kim’s leadership Whiting Farm has become a working four-season farm dedicated in offering education, nutrition and enrichment for our population of diverse needs.  She is on the board of the Lewiston-Auburn Food Council and is a member of the Auburn Agriculture and Natural Resources Rezoning Committee.  In her tenure as Director of Whiting Farm she has created partnerships with many area nonprofits, truly making Whiting Farm a community farm.  The farm is open year round selling Poinsettia’s, annuals, fresh produce and offering community engagement and education space.  The goal for the farm is to be a working-educational farm that is open to professionals and community members for locally grown produce, education and enjoyment.  Reservations are not required at the luncheon.  Visiting Rotarians and community members are welcome to attend.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Events and other club information are posted at www.lewistonauburnrotary.org and www.facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

L-A Rotary Lunch Club to Welcome Jesse Harvey & Eric Skillings



Auburn - On Thursday, May 31, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Jesse Harvey and Eric Skillings will be the featured guest speakers of the L-A Rotary Lunch Club.  Harvey is a person in long-term recovery. He is a Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) and is the Founder of Journey House Sober Living. He works full time as Peer Support Coordinator for Greater Portland Health, and volunteers as Chapter Lead of Young People in Recovery- Portland. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Health Equity Alliance and serves on numerous other boards and committees.  A decade of drug use, marked in the end by trauma, psychosis, incarceration, and extreme isolation, brought Harvey to a very dark place. After several overdoses and suicide attempts, he was involuntarily committed for a fifth time into a treatment facility in a Massachusetts state prison.  In mid-2015 he was discharged to a Portland Maine recovery house, and, with the support of his peers and with opportunities for growth, he began to rebuild his life. Today Harvey is a passionate recovery advocate who seeks to improve our communities by advocating for and implementing low-cost, low-barrier, and evidence-based public health interventions.
 
Eric Skillings grew up a broken kid who did not know how to deal with his emotions. He turned to alcohol at a young age after the divorce of his parents. In that bottle, Skillings found relief from his childhood for the first time. He was in and out of jails starting at the age of 11, and when he was a young adult he was injured in a work accident and became dependent on prescribed opioids. It wasn't long before he went to prison as a direct result of his Substance Use Disorder (SUD). He was defeated by the disease but luckily found help through a nine month rehab program in prison. Upon release he quickly became extremely involved in the Southern Maine recovery community, and today he has three years of recovery and co-owns and manages Journey House Sober Living's two Sanford recovery houses.  Reservations are not required at the luncheon.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Events and other club information are posted at www.lewistonauburnrotary.org and www.facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.

Friday, February 16, 2018

LOCAL GENDER DISCRIMINATION

Gender discrimination is alive and well at the Portland Trader Joe's.

Gender discrimination is alive and well at the Portland Trader Joe's. 

If you are a man you will not feel welcomed at this Trader Joe's.

Unlike the women's room, the men's restroom is under lock and key and if you need relief you will have to search the store for someone with the special code to unlock the men's bathroom.

I called the store and asked the manager (Kammie) about this blatant gender discrimination and she said it was for the safety of the shoppers as if Men are not shoppers at her store. She implied that men are nasty perpetrators that the real shoppers (women) need to be protected from.

If you are a man, a father or veteran I would not encourage you to put yourself through the discrimination you will find at the Portland Trader Joe's
Sincerely
Joe Hill

Monday, February 12, 2018

L/A ROTARY LUNCH CLUB TO WELCOME JONATHAN CARSLEY MARCH 29


Auburn - On Thursday, March 29, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Jonathan Carsley, will be the featured guest speaker of the L-A Rotary Lunch Club.  Carsley is the music director at Lisbon High School and the director of the grade 4-5 Beginning Band at the Lisbon Community School. Previously he taught general music and chorus at both the Lisbon Community School and the Philip W. Sugg Middle School. He completed his bachelors degree in Music Education with a concentration in Instrumental Music from the University of Southern Maine School of Music. He studied clarinet with Dr. Thomas Parchman, Principal Clarinetist in the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Oboe with Neil Boyer, Principal Oboist in the PSO (retired). While at USM he had the privilege of playing clarinet under the baton of Professor Emeritus Dr. Peter Martin and singing in the University Chorale and Chamber Singers with Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Russell. During his undergraduate studies he auditioned for and was excepted into the Intercollegiate Band, and participated in two European Tours with the University Chamber Singers. He also worked guest conductors Anthony Maiello, Eugene Corporon, Jack Stamp, Doreen Rao, and Daniel Pinkham.  He attended the prestigious Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, Connecticut and earned a masters degree in Music Education with a concentration in Pedagogy and Kodály. In conjunction with his degree program Carsley attended the Hartt Summer Kodály Institution where he received his Kodály Level III Certification. He is greatly indebted to his mentors Dr. John Feierabend, Victoria Lebel, Jeffrey Rhone, Dr. Edward Bolkovac, Dr. T. Clark Saunders, Dr. Dee Hanson, Dr. Kenneth Nott, and Michael Schiano.  Carsley lives in Lewiston with his wife, Dorothy, and daughter Ava. In addition to making music with his students Carsley enjoys working in his garden, cooking for friends and family, and photography. Reservations are not required at the luncheon.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Events and other club information are posted at www.lewistonauburnrotary.org and www.facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.

Sunday, February 11, 2018

L-A ROTARY CLUB TO WELCOME JOHN NEWLIN & THEDA LYDEN MARCH 22


Auburn - On Thursday, March 22, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, John Newlin and Theda Lyden, will be the featured guest speakers at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Newlin is co-founder and executive director of Growing to Give, For the past few years, Newlin has been focused on diversifying operations and expanding the use of climate-friendly methods at Scatter Good Farm, where he lives with his family. In addition, he is the board chair of Unity College, senior advisor at Re-Fridge, and a climate advocate trainer with Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Previously, Newlin worked 30 years in Maine as a high school teacher, school reform coach, facilitator, and nonprofit director, including a long period with the Great Schools Partnership, and more recently as executive director of MICDL, located at USM's Lewiston-Auburn College.
 
Theda Lyden is co-founder and farm manager of Growing to Give, a non-profit that grows organic vegetables at Scatter Good Farm in Brunswick, and donates the produce to local people facing food insecurity through partner food banks and pantries. As farm manager, Lyden plans and oversees all growing and harvesting activities. A long-time resident of Greene, she is a Master Gardener and ceramic artist. Previously, she operated her own farmers market business, Dig it Farm, selling certified organic herbs, flowers and perennials at the Portland Farmers Market. She also worked many years as the executive chef at the award-winning Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine. As a chef, Lyden was instrumental in building partnerships with local farmers and growers, with an emphasis on organic and all-natural local food.  Reservations are not required at the luncheon.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Events and other club information are posted at www.lewistonauburnrotary.org and www.facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.

L-A ROTARY CLUB SUPPORTS ALZHEIMER ASSOCIATION OF MAINE

 
 
Auburn – On behalf of Lewiston-Auburn Lunch Club Rotarians, President Monica Millhime (second from LEFT), along with Belinda Valee, and Rotarians Cheryl McKeone and Tom MacDonald presented a $2,000 check to Peter Baker (pictured center), from the Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter.   “Thank you for your $2,000 contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, shares Laurie Trenholm, Executive Director.  “Your support will provide immediate assistance to the people in Maine affected by Alzheimer’s disease, their families and caregivers.”  The donation was made possible through the successful sales and support of the Rotary Community Cookbook. Fellow first year Rotarian, Lorraine Bard, championed and complied the cookbook on behalf of our Club.  Unfortunately, she unavailable for the presentation.  “On behalf of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club, we wish to express our gratitude to all of our past and present Rotarians, families and friends who shared their culinary delights,” shared Millhime.  “Our heart and thoughts go out to those afflicted with this debilitating disease and hope a cure will be discovered soon.”  A limited number of cookbooks are still available at two convenient locations in Auburn at Ann's Flower Shop, 36 Millet Drive, Auburn and The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn.  Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline is 800.272.3900.  The L- A Rotary Club meets every Thursday at the Village Inn, Auburn from noon to 1 p.m. Reservations are not required at the luncheon.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Events and other club information are posted at www.lewistonauburnrotary.org and www.facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.

Saturday, February 10, 2018

WHERE IS THE MONEY?????????????


After review Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, I am wondering where the Town Council is going to find $127,884.46 for next year to bailout Lisbon Emergency, Inc.  The Town Council vote 6-0 to supplement the failing Lisbon Emergency, Inc. with taxpayer dollars.
It is truly amazing how easily the Town Council votes to appropriate $127,884.46 of our tax dollars without a bat of the eye.  The Town Council DID NOT look for all the alternatives available before coming to this decision.  A suggestion was made to have the Town contract the hospitals DIRECTly showing them the impact of losing Lisbon Emergency would have on the community.  The Town Council did not even look into this option.
This is a lot like when the Town Council had an opportunity to save the taxpayers roughly $200,000.00 of tax dollars by closing the Lisbon Communication Center.  So every year, taxpayers are paying roughly $200,000.00 tax dollars for keeping the Lisbon Communication Center open instead of letting Androscoggin Country Dispatch perform the same task.  Androscoggin Country Dispatch has the personnel to assign an Emergency Medical Code (EMC) telling Emergency Medical Technicians/Paramedics the situation before they arrive.  This ensures the EMT/Paramedics have everything they need to respond improving the chances of survival.
The members of the Town Council that approved spending our tax dollars when they did not have too were:   Allen Ward, Dale Crafts, Chris Brunelle and Norman Albert.  Dale Craft is no longer on the Town Council but Fern LaRochelle, who lobbied for keeping the Lisbon Communication Center open has taken his place.  However, Mr. LaRochelle should not be able to vote because he is a sub-contractor of the town directly working with the Lisbon Communication Center.  I do realize that in the Town of Lisbon there is no such thing as a “conflict of interest” so the taxpayers will continue to pay roughly $200,000.00 tax dollars when they do not have too.
So when you waste roughly $200,000.00 tax dollars and you add $127,884.46 for next year; how will this impact your taxes?
Larry Fillmore

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

L-A ROTARY CLUB SUPPORT END TO POLIO



Auburn - Lewiston – Auburn Rotary Lunch Club members Cheryl McKeone and Don Grant, along with members Joanne Bollinger, Giselle St. Amand, Jim and Monica Millhime, and Pete Preble and other members of the Auburn – Lewiston Rotary Breakfast Club held a joint fundraising event at Gritty’s in Auburn benefiting Rotary International’s efforts to End Polio Now. The event raised $478.50 through door prizes, raffle tickets and other donations benefiting the Rotary Plus Foundation  “Rotary, along with support through fundraiser endeavors with local community partners, and weekly contributions from Rotarians, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9% worldwide since Rotary’s first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979,” shares L-A Rotary President, Monica Millhime.   “The goal of Rotarians world-wide is to continue raising awareness and supporting eradicating polio with local, state and global efforts to make a difference by impacting and protecting children against polio.”  L-A Rotary Lunch Club meets every Thursday, noon to 1 p.m. at The Village Inn, Auburn.  A-L Rotary Breakfast Club meets every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. at the Auburn United Methodist Church.  FMI visit https://facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/ and www.auburn-lewistonrotary.org.  Visiting Rotarians and community guests are welcome.  Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime. 

L-A ROTARY CLUB - GIFT OF FOOD



Auburn – Thanks to donations from members of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club, and a community partnership with Hannaford's, 47 Washburn School students and their families received the Gift of Food.  “The program is one the many projects planned by our Club members this year,” shares President Monica Millhime. “Throughout this year our focus has been dedicated to providing assistance to children, community and international projects, supporting the Humane Society, promoting literacy, honoring and assisting seniors and Veterans while building fellowship.”  Delivery of the donations was provided by Rotarians Jim Millhime, Lorraine and Roger Bard, Washburn Principal Andrew Bard, Rhonda and Ray Martel and Phil Vampatella.  L-A Rotary Lunch Club meets every Thursday, noon to 1 p.m. at The Village Inn, Auburn.  FMI visit https://facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.  Visiting Rotarians and community guests are always welcome.  Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime. 

L-A ROTARY CLUB GIFT OF SONG

 
 
Auburn – The Gift of Song provided by Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club Carolers to residents of Schooner Estate during the holidays was a magical.  “The sounds of the season came alive with original radiations of holiday classics with fellowship and fun,” shared Club President, Monica Millhime. “Throughout this year, we want to recognize and appreciate the seniors in our community.”  Rotarians were grateful for the efforts of Jonathan Pollock, music teacher in Lisbon Schools to share his talents on guitar, and Joanne Bollinger with her angelic voice of leading the group throughout the performance.  Pictured (l-r, row 1 kneeling): Isaac and Ave Thorndike, Monique Roy, Peyton Wright, Lily Pollock.  Row 2:  Lorraine Bard, Giselle St. Amand, Sylvia Plourde, Morgan Thorndike, Joanne Bollinger, Jim Millhime, Claire Veilleux.  Row 3:  Monica Millhime, Phil Vampatella, Mike Kirk, Tim Verrill, Tom MacDonald, Bethel Shields, Erin Pollock, Gabriel Pollock, Wendy Russell, Shawn Wright and Jonathan Pollock.  “Thank you so much for having us on your list of places to play,” commented Mark Prevost, Resident Services Director for Schooner Estates.  “I heard so many great comments about the Rotary Club’s show here at Schooner Estates. The Tenants all said what an enjoyable evening it was. They all said your group had lots of fun and spirit in them and it showed.  Please keep us in mind in the future.”  L-A Rotary Lunch Club meets every Thursday, noon to 1 p.m. at The Village Inn, Auburn.  FMI visit https://facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.  Visiting Rotarians and community guests are always welcome. 

L-A ROTARY CLUB -GIFT OF SHARING

 

Lewiston – Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club members partnered with the Lewiston Police Department to support a local family needing assistance through a Gift of Sharing program.  Pictured Officer Joseph Philippon, along with Rotarian, Lorraine Bard, collected the generous contributions provided by Rotary members.  Items included several items for the family including a hand-crafted baby blanket pad.  “Rotarians motto is Service Above Self,” shares Club President, Monica Millhime.  “It never ceases to amaze me when a request for assistance is shared, Rotarians respond.  Our members truly are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, each and every day by creating possible ripples in the lives of others.”  L-A Rotary Lunch Club meets every Thursday, noon to 1 p.m. at The Village Inn, Auburn.  FMI visit https://facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.  Visiting Rotarians and community guests are always welcome.  Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime.

L-A Rotary Club Gift of Life

 
Photo caption please note:  Nancy’s last name is Richard, not Brown.  Sorry for any inconvenience.
 
 
Photo caption:  The Gift of Life project sponsoring a local blood drive by members of the local Rotary Clubs provided a much needed collection of donations for the American Red Cross.  Pictured (back row left to right) Monica Millhime, President of the L-A Rotary Lunch Club; Nancy Brown, A-L Rotary Breakfast Club; (seated left to right) L-A Rotarians Christine Wilson and Mac McPeake.
 
Lewiston – Joint efforts from members of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club and Auburn-Lewiston Rotary Breakfast Club in partnership with the Lewiston CareerCenter to sponsor a Gift of Life blood drive with the Red Cross was a huge success.  Fifteen donors participated breaking the CareerCenter record of eight previously. Christine Wilson, Mac McPeake and Lorraine Bard assisted with the event welcoming donors at the registration desk. “I am pleased to report that even as it came down to the wire, 15 units of blood were collected at your drive,” shared April Caron, Business Development Manager, American Red Cross.  As some of you may know, each unit of blood collected helps up to three patients in need – that means your donors helped save the lives of 45 people!
Thank you for all that you did to make the drive such an enjoyable experience.  From the wonderful volunteers at registration, to the amazing catered lunch and opportunity to meet your members, it was a great day.”  L-A Rotary Lunch Club meets every Thursday, noon to 1 p.m. at The Village Inn, Auburn.  A-L Rotary Breakfast Club meets every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. at the Auburn United Methodist Church.  FMI visit https://facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/ and www.auburn-lewistonrotary.org.  Visiting Rotarians and community guests are welcome. 
 

Monday, February 5, 2018

TREE STREET YOUTH GRANT

 
 
Photo caption:  L-A Rotary Lunch Club President, Monica Millhime (second from left) is assisted by fellow Rotarian, Ray Martel with the presentation of the Club’s $4,500 grant check to Tree Street Youth Executive Director, Julia Sleeper and Operations Manager, Kim Sullivan.  Photo courtesy of Jacki Majerus-Collins.
 
Auburn – One of the 2017-2018 goals of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club was to provide laptops and iPads to Tree Street Youth program(TSY) located at 144 Howe Street.  “Providing financial assistance to TSY aligns with our Club’s mission and focus on Literacy”, shares L-A Rotary Lunch Club President, Monica Millhime.  “The new technology will provide community support to the programs currently offered at Tree and will strengthen their capacity to continue providing basic education, literacy and technology skill sets.  We are delighted to be able to provide the partnership and resources enabling students to write college essays, research career paths, apply for jobs and complete other necessary tasks to pursue college and careers.”  Since 2011, TSY has served over 800 youth. Seventeen different languages are spoken including Arabic, French, Spanish, Somali and Swahili.  “Providing education along with technology tools offer students the ability to embrace and accept an opportunity to be more literate in a changing, demanding world and develops leadership, accountability and life skills to be successful,” according to Millhime.  Rotary members meet weekly from noon to 1 p.m. at the Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn.  FMI on program and events call 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Weekly updates are posted on Facebook:  https://facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/
 

LISBON EMERGENCY, INC

 
On the Town Council agenda for Tuesday night is the Lisbon Emergency – Level Service/Funding.  The Town Council appointed Councilors Norm Albert and Mark Lunt to form a sub-committee to evaluate ALL options pertaining to Lisbon Emergency, Inc.
 
This sub-committee has met several times and the Town sent out a Request for Procurement (RFP).  However, this was only one option reviewed.  Other options were to supplement the failing Lisbon Emergency, Inc. with taxpayer’s dollars in the amounts below:
 
FY                      TOTAL CHARGES                LISBON SHARE       BOWDOIN SHARE

2018-2019        $162,152.78                       $127,884.46           $34,267.92

2019-2020        $187,762.90                        $149,172.84           $39,590.06

2020-2021         $251,354.03                        $199,245.74          $52,108.29
 
Other options presented was has Lisbon Fire Department take over this responsibility and not doing anything.
 
However, the sub-committee had another suggestion to review and ignored it completely.  The option was to ask the two hospital’s (St Mary and CMMC), who own United Ambulance, for assistance.  The option was for the TOWN to DIRECTLY communicate with the hospitals and this was ignored.  I do not understand how the Town Council can consider this agenda item without first having ALL options evaluated before a vote.
 
I also do not understand why this situation has NOT been brought to the attention of the people of Lisbon.  A situation this serious should have the input of all citizens and NOT just at a Public Hearing.  The Public Hearing will be the first time the people have been notified.  There are no videos of the sub-committee meetings so the people have no clue what is going on.  This is typical for the Town of Lisbon; asking the people to speak on issues without knowing all the fact first.  This is the method used to reduce town involvement by the people and to ensure the town gets the results they want.
 
At no time has anyone mentioned how they plan to pay to supplement Lisbon Emergency, Inc. 
 
Larry Fillmore

Thursday, February 1, 2018

L-A ROTARY CLUB PRESENT GRANT FUNDS TO SEARCH PROGRAM

 
 
Photo caption:  L-A Rotary Lunch Club President, Monica Millhime (at left) is assisted by fellow Rotarian, Ray Martel with the presentation of the Club’s $4,500 donation to Wendy Russell from the SEARCH Program. Photo courtesy of Jacki Majerus-Collins.
 
Auburn – Members of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club recently presented a $4,500 grant check to Wendy Russell, Director Catholic Charities SEARCH  (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) Program.  The grant’s financial assistance to the program will provide a laptop, client assistance funding for seniors with emergency response services, and transportation support assistance via bus passes and gas cards.  “Rotary unites leaders from continents, cultures and occupation to exchange ideas and take action to meet the needs of communities around the world,” shares L-A Rotary President, Monica Millhime.  “Supporting the SEARCH program aligns our Rotary mission with involvement  in our community to support programs that strengthen the capacity of communities to provide economic and community development.  Our Club members embrace the concept of healthy, physical, social, emotional, and academic, development for senior citizens.”  The Club was founded in 1917 and has made over $750,000 charitable contributions through scholarships and charitable contributions.  Members meet weekly from noon to 1 p.m. at the Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn.  FMI on program and events call 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Weekly updates are posted on Facebook:  https://facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/

WASHBURN 3 WINNERS OF FIRE PREVENTION SAFETY AWARD

 
 
Photo caption:  L-A Rotary Lunch Club members Lorraine Bard and Peter Arsenault (featured at right) assisted Washburn School Principal, Andrew Bard, with Fire Prevention Safety Awards to students.  Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime. 
 
Auburn - A Fire Prevention program including a coloring and poster contest, in partnership with Washburn Elementary School in Auburn, was sponsored by the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club. Members of the Rotary Club collected the student entries and selected the best submissions that captured the importance of adhering to fire safety procedures.  Rotary members were invited by Washburn School Principal Andrew Bard, and his staff to an assembly to announce the winners and award the prizes. L- A Club President Monica Millhime was accompanied by Rotarians Lorraine Bard and Peter Arsenault to congratulate students. “Supporting literacy and adopting Washburn School, was one of our top priorities as a Rotary Club this year,” shares Millhime. All of the winners received a gift certificate thanks to a Rotary partnership with Sam’s Italian. The winners of the coloring contest were: Kaida Gatcomb - Kindergarten; Angelina Tardif – Grade 1; Jenna Powell - Grade 2. The winners of the class posters were: Miss Tufts’ class grade 4 & Mrs. Ricard’s class Grade 5/6. “Students were engaged and welcoming during our presentation and we look forward to future endeavors with the students and staff at Washburn,” comments Millhime.  Members meet weekly from noon to 1 p.m. at the Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn.  FMI on program and events call 713.7045 or email millhime@myfairpoint.net.  Weekly updates are posted on Facebook:  https://facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/