Taysir Jama to Address L-A Rotary April 6

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, April 6, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Taysir Jama, will be the featured guest speaker at the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.  Jama plays two roles in the Lewiston Community.   She is a Health Promotion Coordinator at Healthy Androscoggin responsible for building awareness about lead poisoning and educating our community about lead hazards and prevention methods.  Lead is a poison that affects virtually every system in the human body, and is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of fetuses and young children. The effects of Lead Poisoning are irreversible and L-A has the highest rate of childhood lead poisoning in the State of Maine.  Taysir is also a Community Outreach Specialist at YWCA of Central Maine promoting  the single gender women’s swim class.  The program was developed by the YWCA is called PEACE.   PEACE (Positive Ethnic and Cultural Exchange) is a growing initiative working to build community among women at the YWCA emphasizing a cross cultural exchange. During the winter months PEACE offers twice monthly meet-ups for any women in the community around diverse activities ranging from exercise, crafts, cooking, and discussion groups.  Reservations are not required to attend the Rotary meeting.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada, 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email mmillhime@wmca.org.

 

Peter Garrett to Address L-A Rotary March 23

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, March 23, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Peter Garrett, will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.  Garrett has lived in Maine half his life, though he doesn’t sound like it (he’s British). An earth scientist by training, and a hydrogeologist by profession, he is now very involved as the northern New England coordinator of Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) volunteers. CCL volunteers (50,000 nationwide) meet with every Member of Congress regarding a revenue-neutral plan that can serve as a Reagan-like “insurance policy” against the perceived threats of the changing climate. It is called Carbon Fee & Dividend. It will level the playing field for energy sources to power our every need, speeding the new industrial revolution already underway towards renewables. It is fair to all, adds new jobs, builds the economy, improves health and does not increase the size of government. No kidding! Peter is a past president of the Waterville Rotary Club and past Assistant District Governor.  No reservation is required to attend.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada, 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Veronica Cedre to Address L-A Rotary March 30

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, March 30, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Veronica Cedre, will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.   Veronica Cedre is the owner and seamstress of Veronica’s Creations.  She has been creating quality handmade fashion clothes for over 30 years.  Veronica has proven abilities in many areas including clothing design of presented photos, prom dresses, bridal gowns, leather work, home décor, window treatments, men’s wear, business suits, alterations, clothing repair and much more.  Veronica’s is located at 1014 Route 202 in Greene.  She is open by appointment Tuesdays through Saturday. Please call 946.2123; 514.6820 or email veronicascreate@aol.com for an appointment.

Reservations are not required to attend.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada, 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

KATY GRONDIN TO ADDRESS AUBURN ROTARY ON MARCH 22

 

Auburn - Katy Grondin, will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Breakfast Rotary from 7AM to 8AM, Wednesday, March 22 at the United Methodist Church,439 Park Ave., Auburn.

 

Katy is the  superintendent of Schools for the City of Auburn.  She moved from Connecticut to Maine with my family in 1979 and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1982.

Katy started her career in education following graduation from University of Southern Maine in 1986. Since then, Katy has attained a Certificate of Advanced Study from the University of Maine.

As an educator, she taught first and second grade for 10 years, was a building administrator for 11 years at Sherwood Heights School and been a part of Central Office for 9.5 years. This is Katy’s sixth year as Superintendent.

In 2007, Katy was named National Distinguished Principal of the Year for the state of Maine.

Katy have been married to a handsome Blue Devil for 29 years and have two amazing adult children, Daisy 27 and Richard 23.

 

Reservations are not required to attend.  Breakfast is $10.00.  FMI  Pete Preble at jeff.preble@wright-pierce.com.

 

Donald Grant, Featured Guest Speaker March 16 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, March 16, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Donald Grant, of Grant’s Bakery,  will be the featured guest speaker at LA Rotary.   Grant has been working at the bakery since age 9, when the bakery was located just a two floors below his bedroom. Grant, has his hands in most parts of the business. Most frequently one will see Grant upstairs in the store--decorating cakes or making pastries.  Grant has been an active Rotarian since April 1978. He holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration from UMA, 1976.  Grant served as Rotary President from 1995 to 1996 and is a Paul Harris Fellow.  He has served on numerous committees and participated in the Rotary Haiti Mission Trip in 2012.  His assistance with the Maine State Parade, Balloon Festival, auctions, Christmas tree sales, and more, speak to his Service Above Self.  Most recently, Grant has an active behind the scenes contributor and proofreader of the 100^th Anniversary program of events for the Club’s gala celebration scheduled for Saturday, April 22.   Grant’s Bakery will be providing guests celebrating the milestone a culinary cake masterpiece, designed exclusively for 100^th Anniversary event. 

Reservations are not required to attend.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

L-A Rotary Plans 100th Anniversary Celebration

 

 

Lewiston – Members of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club, Charter 291-District 7790, are proud to announce a formal celebration of the Club’s 100^th Anniversary will be held on Saturday, April 22 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn.  Reception and social hour are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.   A seated dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. with entertainment at 9:00 p.m.  Entrée selections include lobster stuffed haddock, filet mignon or stuffed chicken breast.  Tickets are $50 each with an RSVP deadline of April 1.  Committee members (pictured l-r) Peter Kowalski, Monica Millhime, Monique Roy, Sylvia Plourde and Chip Morrison met recently to approve the flower arrangements, cake designs and program for the gala event.  Committee members not available for photo, Jan Barrett, John Belisle and Shawn Wright.  FMI and tickets contact Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.  Photo courtesy of Betsy  Sibley. 

 

Monica M. Millhime

Employment & Training Business Specialist

Peter Garrett to Address L-A Rotary March 23

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, March 23, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Peter Garrett, will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.  Garrett has lived in Maine half his life, though he doesn’t sound like it (he’s British). An earth scientist by training, and a hydrogeologist by profession, he is now very involved as the northern New England coordinator of Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) volunteers. CCL volunteers (50,000 nationwide) meet with every Member of Congress regarding a revenue-neutral plan that can serve as a Reagan-like “insurance policy” against the perceived threats of the changing climate. It is called Carbon Fee & Dividend. It will level the playing field for energy sources to power our every need, speeding the new industrial revolution already underway towards renewables. It is fair to all, adds new jobs, builds the economy, improves health and does not increase the size of government. No kidding! Peter is a past president of the Waterville Rotary Club and past Assistant District Governor.  No reservation is required to attend.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada, 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Scott Boucher to Address L-A Rotary March 9

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, March 9, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Scott Boucher, will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.  Boucher is the owner of Barresi Financial, Inc.  Boucher focuses on developing employee benefit plan designs that maximize the cost effectiveness of the investment by employer groups.  Scott works with employers throughout Maine of various sizes to ensure that these businesses are in compliance with labor laws and the Affordable Care Act.  Scott actively markets throughout Maine for new business in both the group and individual financial service departments.  He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maine at Presque Isle with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management.   Currently Boucher serves as the Polio Plus Co-Chair for Rotary District 7790 where he travels the State of Maine to educate clubs on Rotary’s efforts in the eradication of polio and the importance of supporting the Rotary Foundation.  Along with Polio Plus, Scott is also currently serving as the Assistant Governor Coordinator for the Maine side of District 7790.  Boucher is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Bangor.  He is married to his wife Dena and has a 7 year old daughter named Claire.  Reservations are not required to attend.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada, 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice President & CEO, Kenneth Albert, Featured Guest Speaker March 2 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, March 2, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Ken Albert, will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m. Kenneth (Ken) Albert is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice. Prior to his appointment in June of 2016, Ken served as the Director and Chief Operating Office of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Director of the Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Department).  Before joining the Department in March 2012, Ken practiced law for several years in Lewiston specializing in health law, professional licensing, and regulatory and compliance law.  Albert’s background is rich in medical experience, including seventeen years of clinical practice in emergency and intensive care settings. In that time, Ken served as Director of Emergency Services at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), as the Administrator of the Occupational Health Center affiliated with CMMC, and as the Lewiston Site Manager for Life Flight of Maine. Additionally, Albert spent five years as a traveling critical care nurse working in metropolitan, rural and tribal communities across the United States. He also served for several years as an adjunct faculty member at New England College where he taught Legal Issues in Health Care Administration. A graduate of the CMMC School of Nursing, Ken moved on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Southern Maine,  Magna Cum Laude, and a degree of Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law with honors in health law. Ken is excited about ensuring that the 124 communities served by Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice will have high quality post-acute and hospice services available to its citizens. It will be important for AHCH to collaborate with hospitals and primary care providers to manage the delivery of health care services in homes and community based settings.  Reservations are not required to attend.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

LEWISTON ROTARY MEETING CANCELLED FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

 

Lewiston –Due to the predicted storm, Thursday, February 9, and for the safety of members and guests, the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary meeting at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston is cancelled for tomorrow.  On Thursday, February 16, Bates Business Manager, Edouard Plourde, will be the featured guest speaker.   Lunch is $10 and available in the Fusion Restaurant.  No reservations are required.  The meeting will be held in the Ballroom at the Ramada.   FYI on future programs and speakers contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.

Auburn-Lewiston Breakfast Rotary Club Presenters

 

Auburn-Lewiston Breakfast Rotary Club    Presenters

February 8, 2017

"Kat Perry is the Program Manager of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Androscoggin, Franklin & Oxford Counties which is a program of the Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services.

Kat has lived in Androscoggin County for over 20 years and has committed the last 25 years of her professional life supporting victims of violence in one capacity or another.

Kat was part of the initial multi-disciplinary team that spear headed the Children’s Advocacy Center movement in the State of Maine back in 2004 and has worked tirelessly ever since to ensure that this collaborative and combined effort with community partner organizations strives for quality assurance and best practices when jointly responding to the initial outcry of child abuse in our communities.

In the past year Kat has inspired over 70 volunteers and donations of over $53,000 in support of a new free standing neutral, child centered space for young victims of violence in our communities to come tell their story and begin the journey of healing." 

Regina Coppens Featured Guest Speaker February 9 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, February 9, Regina Coppens will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Coppens lives in Belgrade and is a member of the League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME) and serves on the Board of the LWVME Education Fund. She also is a member the League’s all-volunteer Lobby Corp and Voter Services Committee. The LWVME is a nonpartisan political organization committed to promoting the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The Lobby Corp is active in the Maine Legislature monitoring and testifying on bills that impact voter rights, voter participation, and elections.  The Voter Services Committee publishes the Voting In Maine voters guides and the annual non-partisan Easy-to-Read Voter Guide which features information about candidates and ballot questions. The committee also participates in voter registration drives around the state, including Naturalization Ceremonies for new U.S. citizens.  Last November, the LWVME was a lead endorser of Question 5, the citizen initiative to enact Ranked Choice Voting in Maine.  The public is invited to attend.  No reservation is required.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Principal Consumer Credit Examiner, David Leach, Featured Guest Speaker February 23 at LA Rotary

 
Lewiston - On Thursday, February 23, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, David Leach, will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.  Leach has 29+ years in Maine State Government (Bank & Non-Bank  credit regulation) – Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation – the last 16 with the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection .  Leach spent 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine at Augusta (Banking, Investments, Marketing & Personal Finance).  He is the author or co-author of 15 State of Maine consume protection publications  He holds a B.A & MPA, from University of Maine (Orono).    He is a native of Central Maine (Hallowell & Farmingdale).  Currently Leach is the Principal Consumer Credit Examiner with Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection in Augusta.  No reservation is required to attend.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Lewiston Rotary to Welcome Erin Reed 02.02.17

Lewiston – Erin Reed will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston on Thursday, February 2 from noon to 1 p.m.. Reed is the Executive Director of the Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston. The Jubilee Center is located in the heart of downtown Lewiston and provides food and hope to Lewiston-Auburn residents struggling to make ends meet. The Center is open six days a week and operates five programs: the Meals Program serves 80-100 hot lunches each day; the Food Pantry distributes groceries to 300 families each week; the Day Shelter provides warmth and rest to the homeless; the Resource Center offers a free weekly medical clinic, access to the Center’s phone, fax, and internet, a mailing address for the homeless, donated clothing, household goods, and toiletries, and opportunities for partner agencies to meet with clients or do community workshops; and the Refugee Integration Program helps families from more than a dozen countries access employment, housing, and education. More than 1,000 people are served each week. These comprehensive services not only feed people when they are hungry but help them to address the reasons why they are hungry and become healthier, more stable, and more self-sufficient. In 2016 the Center celebrated its 25th anniversary. FMI on other Rotary programs and events contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov

Bates Business Manager, Edouard Plourde, to Address LA Rotary February 16

 

 

Lewiston – Edouard Plourde will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston on Thursday, February 16 from noon to 1 p.m.  Plourde, a life-long resident of Lewiston, has been actively involved in his community since earning his Economics degree from Providence College.  Ed has served three terms on the city council and was elected council president.  He has served on numerous governmental and not-for-profit boards, and more recently, as past treasurer for the Androscoggin Land Trust.  His current role is as chair of the Auburn-Lewiston Airport.  Plourde is a long-term employee of Bates College having started there as a computer operator/programmer when the finance department had the sole business computer.  Now business manager for dining, events, and conferences, he will describe the scope of food services at Bates.  Plourde holds a CDL driver’s license, a private pilot license, and is a Lieutenant Commander for the Kennebec River chapter of US Power Squadrons.  FMI on other Rotary programs and events contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.

Principal Consumer Credit Examiner, David Leach, Featured Guest Speaker February 23 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, February 23, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, David Leach, will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.  Leach has 29+ years in Maine State Government (Bank & Non-Bank  credit regulation) – Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation – the last 16 with the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection .  Leach spent 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine at Augusta (Banking, Investments, Marketing & Personal Finance).  He is the author or co-author of 15 State of Maine consume protection publications  He holds a B.A & MPA, from University of Maine (Orono).    He is a native of Central Maine (Hallowell & Farmingdale).  Currently Leach is the Principal Consumer Credit Examiner with Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection in Augusta.  No reservation is required to attend.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

CORRECTION - Mary Mayhew Featured Guest Speaker January 26 at LA Rotary

 

 

 

Apologies!  To clarify, the venue has changed for the LA Rotary meeting welcoming Commissioner Mayhew on January 26.  It will be held at the Rolandeau’s in Auburn and reservations are recommended for general public and visiting Rotarians.   

 

Lewiston – On Thursday, January 26, at Rolandeau’s Restaurant, 775 Washington Street, Auburn, Commissioner Mary Mayhew will be the featured guest speaker at LA Rotary.  Mayhew was appointed to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in 2011 by Governor Paul R. LePage. She provides leadership, guidance and policy direction to the largest agency in state government – with approximately 3,000 employees and accounting for more than one-third of the state’s budget.

Commissioner Mayhew’s leadership has focused on reforming the state’s welfare programs to encourage self-sufficiency and long-term employment, establishing effective prioritization and financial management practices, halting more than a decade of multi-million dollar budget shortfalls and strengthening support for our at-risk families.  Prior to her appointment, Mayhew was the Senior Health Policy Advisor for the LePage Administration.  She also served as Vice President of the Maine Hospital Association for 11 years.  The public is invited to attend.  Reservations recommended for general public and visiting Rotarians by calling 753.9040.FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Rotary President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Mary Mayhew Featured Guest Speaker January 26 at LA Rotary

 

Lewiston – On Thursday, January 26, at Rolandeau’s Restaurant, 775 Washington Street, Auburn, Commissioner Mary Mayhew will be the featured guest speaker at LA Rotary.  Mayhew was appointed to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in 2011 by Governor Paul R. LePage. She provides leadership, guidance and policy direction to the largest agency in state government – with approximately 3,000 employees and accounting for more than one-third of the state’s budget.

Commissioner Mayhew’s leadership has focused on reforming the state’s welfare programs to encourage self-sufficiency and long-term employment, establishing effective prioritization and financial management practices, halting more than a decade of multi-million dollar budget shortfalls and strengthening support for our at-risk families.  Prior to her appointment, Mayhew was the Senior Health Policy Advisor for the LePage Administration.  She also served as Vice President of the Maine Hospital Association for 11 years.  The public is invited to attend.  No reservation is required.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Rotary President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

APOLOGIES FOR THE LATE SUBMISSION.  OUR PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULE SPEAKER WAS WENDY JORDAN.  WE WERE NOTIFIED YESTERDAY SHE WAS UNABLE TO APPEAR.  HER FATHER, JOHN JORDAN, WAS THE VICTIM OF THE HOUSE FIRE ON DECEMBER 17.  WE SINCERELY APPRECIATE EVERY EFFORT TOWARD PROVIDING COVERAGE OF THIS CHANGE IN SPEAKERS.  GRATITUDE!

MONICA

 

Lewiston – Members of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club will welcome Steven Palmer as the featured guest speaker from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 12 at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Palmer is the Project Manager for Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board.  He serves Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford and Somerset counties facilitating strategic partnerships with employers and job seekers.  Palmer’s diverse work experience includes a high degree of business to business contact as a technical liaison and the ability to find solutions to difficult problems in a thoughtful and timely manner. His dependable professionalism compliments endeavors working independently or in a team environment.  He holds a BS from the University of Southern Maine, Lewiston-Auburn College with certifications in technology and networking.  Palmer’s previous affiliations include St. Mary’s Health Systems, Goodwill Northern New England, Southern Maine Community College and Symmetry Medical Case Division.  He and his wife, Gwen reside in New Gloucester.  FMI on future guest speakers call 753.9040

SPILLER’S & WMCA PARTNERS IN JOB TRAINING PROGRAM

 

 

Lewiston – Western Maine Community Action (WMCA), a partner at the Lewiston CareerCenter, and Spiller’s in Lewiston, recently formed a partnership to offer an On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program.  WMCA provides grant funding to qualified candidates to enter into a training program supported by various businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and more.  An on-the-job training is an incentive based program.  Training is provided by an employer to a paid employee engaged in productive work resulting in knowledge or skills essential to full and adequate performance of the job.  Partnerships are developed through a contract in the public, private non-profit or private sector.  Employers are reimbursed up to 50% of trainee’s wage during the program duration.  “WMCA provides services with assistance by Maine Department of Labor and Business Employment Services (BES), through grant funding to people in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford and Somerset Counties,” shares Patti Saarinen, WMCA Program Site Coordinator in Lewiston.  Pictured (l-r) Linda Roberts, CareerCenter BES Consultant; Kimberly King, OJT Candidate; Diane Kirouac, Spiller’s Controller; and Raymond Martel, Spiller’s President.  FMI on a partnership with the On-the-Job Training program call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.  Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime.