L-A Rotary Lunch Club to Welcome Trisha Scribellito May 10

Auburn - On Thursday, May 10, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Village Inn, 165 High Street, Auburn, Trisha Scribellito will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club.  Scribellito is the Coordinator of BookReach, a non-profit early literacy program supported by the Lewiston and Auburn Public Libraries, serving daycares in Lewiston, Auburn, and Minot. She attended the University of Southern Maine, and worked in the Lewiston Public Library prior to working with BookReach. Trisha is a resident of Lisbon Falls, and is married with a 10 year old son, and is expecting another child in early July. She enjoys volunteering in her child’s classroom when time allows. 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 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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/

 

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/.