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. 

 

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

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/

L-A ROTARY LUNCH CLUB TO WELCOME SUPERINTENDENT KATHERINE GRONDIN MARCH 8

Auburn - On Thursday, March 8, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Katherine Grondin, Superintendent for the Auburn School Department, will be the featured guest speaker of the L-A Rotary Lunch Club.  Grondin’s love for the Auburn community began when her family moved to Maine in the summer of 1979. She graduated from Edward Little High School in 1982 and went to University of Southern Maine to become a teacher. Since becoming a teacher for the Auburn School Department in 1988, she has served in several leadership roles, before becoming Superintendent in 2011.  It is her passion for education that drives her every day to work with her outstanding colleagues and staff to strive to provide a high quality education for all students. The Auburn School Department is focused on its Vision 2020 and the building of a new Edward Little High School. Grondin understands the importance of engaging with the community to garner support for education. She is member of the LA Metro Chamber Board and serves on the Education and Workforce Development Committee. She facilitates a Business Roundtable, which connects educators and business leaders, in order to collaborate to best educate students to be career and college ready after graduation. Grondin was honored in 2007 as the National Distinguished Principal of the Year and represented the state of Maine in Washington D.C.  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 LUNCH CLUB TO WELCOME JENNIFER CARTMELL APRIL 12, 2018

Auburn - On Thursday, April 12, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Jennifer Cartmell will be the featured guest speaker of the L-A Rotary Lunch Club.  Cartmell joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine 2017 to serve BBBS Manager for the Androscoggin region. The mission of BBBS is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Cartmell has served on numerous volunteer boards and committees:  the American Cancer Society of Sun Valley, the Idaho State ACS, Advertising Club of Maine boards, and as development, event and media relations coordinator for many non-profits on a pro bono basis including Sagadahoc Preservation, Habitat for Humanity, Freeport Rotary, Universal Promise and Honor Flight Maine. Cartmell brings her wealth of event planning and marketing expertise to the BBBS team with a strong advertising, talent agency, TV and radio and media relations background.  She has been responsible for producing national films, TV and radio programs and commercials.  Cartmell is a former host of the Sun Valley Show, and is a freelance writer for a NY area based newspaper.  These experiences bring a strong contribution to the creative development and strategic planning end of BBBS.  She oversees management of BBBS events in the Androscoggin area. Upcoming events include Bowl For Kids’ Sake event, taking place in Lewiston May 9th, 11th and 12th, and Golf for Kids’ Sake, Monday, June 18^th at Martdindale, Auburn.  For information or participation in either of those events, contact her directly:  jennifer@bbbsmidmaine.orgCartmell is also responsible for coordinating the agency’s school based match supports in Lewiston-Auburn and working to strengthen and expand the existing programs and outreach.  Since starting with BBBSMM she has doubled the number of youth served in Androscoggin.  In the role of Androscoggin Manager, she also serves as a community relations representative for BBBS of Mid-Maine building relationships with local businesses, partnering with corporate leaders and decision makers, and working closely with other non-profits to assist promote the wellbeing of Maine children facing adversity. 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 Lunch Club to Hear Rachel Desgrosseilliers at Museum L-A on March 15

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, March 15, from noon to 1:00 p.m. a catered lunch will be provided by Grant’s Bakery at Museum L-A, 35 Canal Street Lewiston.  Rachel Desgrosseilliers will be the featured guest speaker at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club off-site luncheon meeting.  Desgrosseilliers is the Executive Director of Museum L-A of Lewiston-Auburn, has been self-employed through her photography studio “Prints by Rachel” and Gooseberry Barn which she owned with her husband Harvey for 20 years and has been in non-profit leadership for many years.  She received her BS in Accounting from New Hampshire College and her Masters in Hospital and Health Care Administration from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri.  Desgrosseilliers was founder of the Great Falls Balloon Festival and for the past 13 years has overseen the growth of Museum L-A, a museum of work and community that has received several awards from the museum field.  Museum L-A has just recently turned the corner from the economic downturn and is moving forward with new staff, new programs, new board members and new momentum.  After updating the L-A Rotary Lunch Club on happenings and future direction for the Museum, a special behind the scenes tour will be conducted.  Members will be able to view the Kids as Curators Exhibit of the Auburn Middle and Lewiston High School Students as well as a preview of the redesign of the permanent exhibit to incorporate the many great artifacts and display pieces that were received from the American Textile History Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts along with the new exhibit section that is being created to showcase our great shoe industry businesses still in existence today.  Desgrosseilliers serves on many local committees and task forces, received the Chamber of Commerce Ray Geiger Award for leadership in the community; Auburn Citizen of the Year for Outstanding Service and Dedication to the Community and Citizens of Auburn; Business Woman of the Year-from the Professional Business Woman’s Association; and, was inducted in the Franco Hall of Fame for the State of Maine for work done to preserve and enhance the history of Franco-Americans in Maine.  Lunch is $14 per person and guest reservations are requested by calling 713.7045.  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 Lunch Club to Welcome Rebecca Conrad February 22

Auburn - On Thursday, February 22, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Rebecca Swanson Conrad will be the featured guest speaker at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Conrad joined the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in March 2017 as the President & CEO. Previously, she was the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine where she began as a consultant in 2006. She was co-owner with her husband of downtown Auburn, Maine businesses, Austin’s Fine Wines and Foods for 20 years and for 3 years owned and operated Rÿsen Home Garden & Antiques, a retail gallery promoting local art and products that supported international women’s economic development. Prior to Rÿsen, Conrad’s career spanned 21 years in higher education administration at Bates College, including 1999-2003 when she served as executive director of LA Excels, the college’s non-profit community development partnership in Lewiston-Auburn focused on leadership, arts, educational aspirations and economic revitalization. She served on the Maine Arts Commission for seven years, with four as vice-chair. Other volunteer board roles include past chair of the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice and L/A Arts, vice chair of the Maine Association of Nonprofits and as a board member of Advocates for Children, the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and Central Maine Community College’s Foundation. She currently serves with Oxfam’s, “Sisters of the Planet,” a diverse group of American Women using their influence to fight global poverty, hunger, and injustice, with a particular focus on empowering women and girls worldwide. She is also on the advisory board of USM’s LA College and the Muskie School’s Board of Visitors and is a member of the Auburn Lewiston Airport board of directors. Conrad received her BA in English from Bates College and studied in the New England Studies MFA Program at the University of Southern Maine. She lives in Auburn with her husband Austin Conrad, Jr. and her cat, Charles Mingus.  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/.

WMCA Provides Career Counseling for Recent Manufacturing Technician Graduate

 

Photo caption:  Cathy Stairs, from Western Maine Community Action, provided on-going career counseling to recent NTI Manufacturing Tech graduate , Anderson Council resulting in a full-time hire with a local employer.  Photo by Monica Millhime.

 

Lewiston – Western Maine Community Action (WMCA) Case Manager, Cathy Stairs, has been assisting Anderson Council, a recent NTI Manufacturing Technician graduate with career options.  Council has secured full-time employment with International Door in Lewiston as a result of the work search guidance.  Council was one of eight candidates who participated in the Northeast Technical Institute Manufacturing Technician program supported through funding by WMCA, and the Bureau of Employment Services’ Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP).  The 14 week training program valued over $5,000 for each eligible participant, included 60 hours of WorkReady and 350 hours of manufacturing training.  The program promoted pathways to employment and advancements within the manufacturing industry.  “The success of this program is a result of forward-thinking modeling with course content, collaboration among business partners, and the students’ dedication to completing the course.  Students were engaged and recognized the manufacturing industry is experiencing an up-tick in the demand for skilled labor in the job market offering attractive wages and benefit packages,” said Patti Saarinen,  WIOA Site Coordinator WMCA – Lewiston CareerCenter.  “The integration of education and training is the best-practice model for success.”  FMI on future training programs call 753.9005.

L-A ROTARY LUNCH CLUB TO WELCOME STEPHANIS GELINAS MARCH 1

Auburn - On Thursday, March 1, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Stephanie Gelinas will be the featured guest speaker at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Gelinas, M.S, CCC-SLP is the founder and executive director of Sandcastle Clinical and Educational Services and LA Hearing Center in Lewiston. She has been practicing in the field of speech and language pathology for 33 years.  Stephanie attended the University of Maine at Farmington, graduating in 1984 with a dual degree in elementary education and speech correction. She went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences from Syracuse University in 1986. In 1996, she opened Sandcastle. The agency’s team of 50 professionals focuses on early detection, diagnosis and intervention, both clinically and educationally. Born and raised in Lewiston, Stephanie is proud of and engaged in the community where she still resides. She is the immediate past president of the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as Paul Harris Fellow award recipient and Rotarian, Stephanie is also a past president of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club, serves on the Health Advisory Committee for Promise Early Education Center and is on the board of directors for Tri County Mental Health Services. Stephanie is a 2007 graduate of the Androscoggin Leadership Development Institute. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband, Gerry, 6 children and 8 grandchildren. Her passions include the outdoors, traveling, and participating in triathlons.  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/.

Rotarian Roger Philippon to address L-A Rotary Lunch Club April 5 at CMCC

Auburn - On Thursday, April 5, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Central Maine Community College Campus, 1250 Turner Street, Auburn , Roger Philippon will be the featured guest speaker at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  A Lewiston native, Philippon, is dean of planning and public affairs at Central Maine Community College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine and a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Southern Maine. Long active in local civic affairs, Philippon is a former Lewiston City Councilor and Planning Board member. He served for many years as chair of the Advisory Board for the Franco-American Collection at USM/L-A College. Roger serves on the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, and is a member of the Maine Public Relations Council. He and his wife, Celeste. live in Lewiston and devote much time and energy to the Community Little Theater, where Philippon also serves on the board. They are the proud parents of son Joseph, who serves as the Community Resource Officer for the Lewiston Police Department, and proud grandparents to grandsons Isaha and Jackson. The Rotary meeting will be held in the conference room TWR 405, on the fourth floor of The Tower, the newest building on the campus.  Tours of the campus will be held directly following the luncheon.   Reservations are requested for the off-site luncheon by calling 713.7045 by April 1.  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 Lunch Club to Welcome Peter Baker January 18

Auburn - On Thursday, January 18, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Peter Baker  will be the featured guest speaker at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Peter Baker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Program Director, for Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter.  Baker holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern Maine and has been working in dementia care since 2006. He has worked in long-term care centers as a Social Services Director, Dementia Program Director and as an Executive Director.  As the program director for the Alzheimer’s Association, Caron oversees the care and support services provided by our Maine Chapter serving the entire state of Maine. His areas of expertise include family care consultations, information and referral services, crisis support, safety services, care planning, and emotional support. Externally, his work focuses on educating professionals and community members about the disease, facilitating support groups and training support group leaders. 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 Lunch Club to Welcome Warren & Amy Shaw January 25

Auburn - On Thursday, January 25, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Warren and Amy Shaw  will be the featured guest speakers at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Warren and Amy Shaw are the founders of At a Bend in the Road, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a place where Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship families in Maine can find specialized support for their unique needs. Warren works in Product Development at Thos. Moser Cabinet Makers where he has been employed for the past 25 years.  Amy is a stay at home Mom and Program Director for ABR.  The Shaw family personally experienced the great need for appropriate and specific supports for families who were raising a child with a history of trauma, neglect, and abuse. In 2001 they adopted their 9-month-old daughter from a Siberian orphanage.  Due to her young age, they expected to bi-pass many of the challenges common in raising a child with a history of neglect and abuse.  They discovered this was not the case, and through the years of tremendous struggle, they met other families who had similar unmet needs for unique and specific supports.   ABR was formed in 11/2012 in response to this need.  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/.

Rotarian Joanne Bollinger to address L-A Rotary Lunch Club February 1

Auburn - On Thursday, February 1, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Joanne Shea Bollinger will be the featured guest speaker at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Bollinger was sponsored as a new member to the L-A Rotary Club by President, Monica Millhime, and induced was into the Club on October 19, 2017.  She is a Board member of WISE-Women’s Initiatives that Strengthen and Empower, a non-profit in Maine since 2005, to move vulnerable women and children in western Zambia to self-sustaining lives. Her first trip to the project in 2013, intended as a one-time immersion experience in a small African town, inspired her to become involved in a deeper way. She now travels to Zambia at least once a year to advise, collaborate and learn from the local women who do the actual work on the ground. Much of her time in the US is focused on fundraising, sharing the WISE story around the country. Her passion is WISE’s scholarship program which currently supports 150 secondary students who would have no options for school beyond 7th grade, especially young girls at risk of early marriage. A special connection has been forged with the Nkwazi Rotary Club in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital: a trip to Zambia must include a visit with them.  Bollinger grew up in Auburn (EL ’63), never expecting to return. Following a career in music, teaching in Camden, Woolwich, Brunswick and singing throughout New England, she spent 12 years in Illinois with her second husband. Returning to Maine with her husband and following his death from Alzheimer’s Disease, the circle to Auburn was closed in 2014, when Joanne came “home” to be near her son and his wife.  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 Lunch Club to Welcome Candace Sanborn February 15

Auburn - On Thursday, February 15, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Candance Sanborn  will be the featured guest speaker at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Sanborn is the Chief Marketing Officer for Community Concepts, a non-profit organization providing a variety of family, transportation and housing support services to residents in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties. Prior to joining Community Concepts in January 2016, Sanborn had an extensive 30 year career in strategic planning and marketing in business and as a consultant to a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations in Maine and the Northeast.  She has a BA in Journalism from the University of Maine and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern New Hampshire.  Active in her community, Sanborn has served on numerous state and local non-profit boards and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) and the Maine Community Foundation. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, she has two grown children and lives in Auburn with her husband. 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/.