Wendy Russell Featured Guest Speaker 10.20 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, October 20,  Wendy Russell, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Russell has been the Program Director of the Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) Program for 8 years. This program supports seniors  by providing volunteer support to help them be more independent and remain in their homes as long as possible. She is passionate about supporting the elderly and making a difference in their lives. She enjoys working with and supporting the volunteers.  With a degree in Management from the University of New Hampshire, Wendy has worked in the management/social services field for more than 30 years. She has a variety of experiences in working for non-profit organizations, from managing Community Child Care Programs, Head Start, and YWCA programs to working with youth with various disabilities at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in N.H. She has created volunteer programming and built community partnerships to support the programs.  Wendy has written and received many grants that have enhanced and supported the non-profit programs that she manages. Wendy lives in Lisbon for part of the year, and in Turner at their camp the other part of the year, with my husband Tim and they have two children. Jennifer is an Elementary School Teacher and Benjamin is a Family Room Specialist at the Apple store. She enjoys spending time at the lake with family & friends and going on vacations with them as well.  FMI on future Rotary speakers call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Nate Miller Featured Guest Speaker 10.13 at LA Rotary

 

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, October 13,  Nate Miller, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Miller is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) in the State of Maine.  He studied social work and psychology at the University of Maine at Farmington, Oxford Brooks University and the University of New England.  He has over 15 years of experience in social work, mostly working in aging and disability services in facilities and communities throughout Maine.  He is a Savvy Caregiver Trainer and a Tai Chi Instructor.  He is currently the Aging and Disability Resource Center Manager at SeniorsPlus, the Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties.  Nate has a special interest in, and passion for, improving our health care system by addressing socio-economic determinants of health.  His work has been featured by the Tri State Collaborative on Aging and Maine Quality Counts.  He lives in Hebron with his wife Danielle and his 8 y/o daughter Ruby.

FMI on future Rotary speakers call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Greg Boyd Featured Guest Speaker 10.6 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, October 6 veteran Rotarian, Greg Boyd, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Boyd is President and CEO of Alternative Manufacturing, Inc. (AMI) in Winthrop.   The company was founded in 1989, and is 100% employee-owned.  AMI provides a wide range of electronics manufacturing and support services to original equipment manufacturers across a diverse range of high-tech industries throughout the Northeastern U.S. and Canada.  From printed circuit board and wire harness production to product assembly, packaging and distribution, AMI’s ISO-9001 registered and UL-certified operations supply contract electronic manufacturing solutions that are custom crafted for both Fortune-1000 and start-up companies alike.  AMI’s Maine-based facilities and workforce of dedicated employee-owners enable an operation that responds and adapts quickly to customer needs for new product introduction, engineering design changes and fulfillment.  AMI offers transparent, competitive pricing and builds partnerships with customers that contribute to long-term success. The company’s work can be found worldwide in building security systems, solar energy equipment, aircraft instrumentation, industrial laser controls, LED lighting, industrial weather stations, and a host of emerging products from high-tech startups.  FMI on future Rotary speakers call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Tahlia Chamberlain to Share Androscoggin Literacy News at LA Rotary, September 1

 

Lewiston – Tahlia Chamberlain from Androscoggin Literacy Volunteers, will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary on Thursday, September 1 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  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 years later, the courage and tenacity of adult students and their volunteer tutors continue to inspire her.  FMI on future Rotary programs contact Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

 

 

 

 Lewiston – Rebecca Grover will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston on Thursday, September 22. 

Grover is the GO Maine Program Coordinator; a position she has had for the last 3 years. GO Maine  is a program of the Maine Turnpike Authority, where Rebecca has worked in government and public relations for the last 19 years. Rebecca oversees the MTA’s alternative transportation programs, GO Maine, ZOOM and the park and ride lots, and is a member of the Public Relations and Legislative team  at the Maine Turnpike.  Grover has her masters in Geo Environmental Studies from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and her undergraduate degree from the University of Maine at Farmington in Geology and Geography.  Grover is a Mainer and loves her home state. When not working, Rebecca spends most of her time with her two kids, Lily and Eli, often organizing carpools for their many activities.  FMI on other Rotary programs and events contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.

LEAD ABATEMENT UPDATES TO BE SHARED BY JAYNE JOCHEM AT LEWISTON ROTARY 9.29

 

 

Lewiston – Jayne Jochem will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston on Thursday, September 29.  Jochem started working for the City of Lewiston in May 2005 as its Grants Coordinator.  Her responsibilities included writing and administering all federal grants for the City.  During this timeframe she secured funding awards from the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (HUD) for the Lewiston-Auburn Lead Program in two separate awards in2009-2012 ($2.3M) and again in January of 2015 an award of $3.4M; EPA Brownfields Programs (BCRLF, Assessment and Cleanup Grant programs) in the amount of $1.2M; HUD Special Project EDI among other grant programs in the amount of $240k.  In 2012, Jochem moved into her current role and became the Community Development Coordinator.  She administers the City’s Community Development Block Grant Housing and Commercial Revolving Loan Programs; Fed HOME Homebuyer Assistance Loan Program and the Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Programs.

Jochem has had a long successful career administering federal grant programs in housing.  She started her career in the non-profit sector in 1981.  She attained her BS in Social Welfare from Southern Illinois University in 1976 and her Master’s in Business and Public Administration in State and Local Government and Non-profit Management in May 2002.  Originally from Maine, she returned home in July 2003 to care for her mother. 

FMI on other Rotary programs and events contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.

 

 

 

Lewiston – Sharon Deveau-Handy will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston on Thursday, September 8.  Her topic is “It’s Not Your Grandparents Evening News,” how technology has changed and is changing the news.

Sharon Deveau-Handy has covered the news in Lewiston-Auburn and southern Maine for nearly 40 years. A native of Bangor, she grew up in the Orono/Old Town area.  The reporting of Washington Post reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, who uncovered the Nixon Administration’s role in the Watergate break-in, led Deveau-Handy to pursue journalism as a career. She graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in journalism in 1978.  Her first job after graduation brought her to Lewiston and she liked Lewiston-Auburn so much she never left.  Over the course of 20 years at the Lewiston Sun-Journal, she worked her way up from a general assignment reporter to covering police, fire and business beats before moving to editorial duties. She has been the assignment editor at WMTW-TV, Channel 8, since 1998. The news team at WMTW has been recognized by the Maine Association of Broadcasters for its Election Night coverage and has won several regional Edward R. Murrow awards, most recently for their coverage of the blizzard in January 2015.She also won a Maine Association of Broadcasters award in the category of Public Affairs for an exclusive report in 2006 detailing tax liens that had been imposed on a candidate for governor. Deveau-Handy is also active in the community. She recently became chair of the Board of Directors for Literacy Volunteers Androscoggin and is president of the Lewiston High School Performing Arts Boosters.  She and her husband Jim Handy are parents of three adult children, all of whom live and work in the Lewiston-Auburn area.

FMI on other Rotary programs and events contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.

Young Entrepreneur Thomas Jumper to Visit L. A. Rotary August 4

 

 

Lewiston – Thomas Jumper, at junior at Lewiston High School and one of Lewiston youngest and successful entrepreneurs, is the featured guest speaker for the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club on Thursday, August 4 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  In September 2015,    Jumper, launched a company, PhoBoCo,  with the guidance and support  from his brother, Ben and his mentor, Peter Geiger.  PhoBoCo was a project of while Jumper was a student enrolled  in the Lewiston Regional Technical Centers Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Thomas has been a straight A student, Boys’ State delegate, a student representative on the Lewiston School Committee, participates as a two sport athlete, and currently as a small business owner.  PhoBoCo brings fun and excitement to many different events including weddings, birthday parties, proms , corporate events, high school reunions and many more memorable occasions.  PhoBoCo is more than just a photo booth, it’s an experience.  It’s as easy as one, two, three…pick a prop, strike a pose and smile!  Visit booking@PhoBoCo.com.  FMI on future Rotary speakers contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

PROJECT TIPPING POINT FOUNDER, SHANNA COX, TO ADDRESS LA ROTARY 8.11

 

 

Lewiston - Shanna Cox, founder and principal consultant of Project Tipping Point, a collaborative catalyst for transformative advancement in Lewiston-Auburn will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary on Thursday, August 11 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Cox develops skilled leaders through interactive training, robust networking connections, and continued support.  As principal consultant, Cox guides and coaches clients—whether entire organizations, small businesses, or individuals—to advance their thinking and embrace collaborative approaches to transformation within their communities. She offers strategic training, board development and capacity building, as well as community, inclusive, and strategic planning. Cox exudes passion with her work. Her undeniable drive stems from real life experiences; she has learned that you must advocate for what you believe in; that nothing is a given right in today’s world; and that the work you do should be bigger than yourself. This awakening has guided her career path – from her work in housing, public health, and community development to her current role in collaborative leadership and consulting.  FMI on future Rotary programs contact Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Millhime ACT Scheduled for 8.18 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, August 18 veteran Rotarian, Monica Millhime, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Millhime will share the principles of ACT – Aspirations, Commitment and Transitions, as it relates to her Business / Education classification.  Millhime embarked upon her corporate career at the Sun Journal (SJ) as a graphic designer and ultimately was named  as the Advertising Manager and a Department Head.   She was an integral part of the Diversification Team as the Explore Maine New Media Director, Northeast Data Solutions Vice-President of Sales/Marketing, and Franchise Dealer for Val-Pak of Maine.  Millhime served as Maine’s first woman President of the New England Newspaper Advertising Executive Association prior to her departure from the SJ to complete a degree in Education.   As a Substitute Teacher in Lisbon,  she transitioned to the district-wide Community Resource Coordinator facilitating marketing; grant writing, and advisor capacities for students with yearbooks and co-curricular programs.  She currently covers five counties for  Western Maine Community Action, at the Lewiston CareerCenter, as an Employment and Training Business Specialist, developing and coordinating employer diver projects with Ready2Work and on-the-job training programs.   Millhime serves on the Rotary Board as Program Chair and is a Paul Harris Fellow.  FMI on Rotary Programs call 753.9040. 

 

Eric Agren Scheduled for 8.25 as LA Rotary Guest Speaker

 

 

Lewiston - Eric Agren will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary on Thursday, August 25 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, sharing the Agren story on Entrepreneurship.  Agren is part of the family that owns and operates Agren, Maine's largest appliance and mattress retailer.  Eric has been involved in the appliance industry for 30 years, working for appliance focused web development companies, buying groups and manufacturers before returning to the family business to help with daily operations.  Today, Eric is involved in all aspects of the business, with a special focus on customer service.  FMI on future Rotary programs contact Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Veteran Rotarian Ray Martel to Address Fellowship on September 15

 

 

Lewiston - Raymond Martel, owner of Spiller’s in Lewiston, will be the featured guest speaker for the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club on Thursday, September 15 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Martel has been a Rotarian since 1982 embarking on a sales position for Spiller’s in 1978.  He was named the General Manager in 1980 and Vice President in 1982.   Martel purchased the Company in 1984. In 2002 the Company had expanded throughout the New England states with four locations. During that time, along with his wife, Rhonda,  founded RGM Leasing in 1986.  In 2007,  with my son, Chris, he established AEM Self Storage.  He is a past President and a Paul Harris Fellow.   He has served as Sargent-at-Arms, on the Board of Directors, Scholarship Chair, and on the Vocational Service Committee.  Martel has numerous affiliations with civic activities including Marcotte Nursing Home Finance Committee, St. Mary’s Hospital, Youth Hockey, Junior Achievement, Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, Lewiston Development Corp., Holy Cross and St. Dom’s Academy, Central Maine Community College, United Way, and the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council.  He cherishes spending time with his grandchildren, enjoys tennis, and golf, jet skiing, skiing and snowmobiling.  FMI on future guest speakers contact Rotary Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.

Rotary District Governor Joly to Address Fellowship 7.28

 

Lewiston –District Governor Jean-Louis Joly will visit the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club at noon at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, on Thursday, July 28.  Joly has been a Rotarian since 1998.  He has participated in the Rotary life as President of his Club in 2005-2006. He served as a Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team leader in 2008 in Vénézuela. He served as GSE co-chairman for four  years for his District and was in charge of Rotaract during three years.  Joly also served as Assistant District Governor (ADG) from 2012 to 2014. Joly served as President of the International Committee for his Club from 2013 to 2015. Joyfully he has assisted at the Rotary International Convention of Montreal, Bangkok and Lisbon. In 2015 he traveled to Cambodia for a three week mission with Rotary and  the Terre Sans Frontières, (meaning in French Earth Without Borders-TSF).  He is married to Danielle Plante. They have two children who are  Alumni of the Youth Exchange Program, both traveled to Brazil. Joly is a retired engineer who was involved with dam regulation and environment impact assessment studies of industrial projects. He worked for the Environment Department of the Province of Quebec for years.  FMI on upcoming presentations contract Rotary Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Eric Agren Scheduled for 8.25 as LA Rotary Guest Speaker

 

 

Lewiston - Eric Agren will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary on Thursday, August 25 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, sharing the Agren story on Entrepreneurship.  Agren is part of the family that owns and operates Agren, Maine's largest appliance and mattress retailer.  Eric has been involved in the appliance industry for 30 years, working for appliance focused web development companies, buying groups and manufacturers before returning to the family business to help with daily operations.  Today, Eric is involved in all aspects of the business, with a special focus on customer service.  FMI on future Rotary programs contact Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.