Portland Rotary Windjammer September 28, 2022 (Sep 23, 2022)

Last Week at Portland Rotary: Glenn Jordan, The Maine Pickleball Scene |By Ben Lowry

Three years ago, had you been asked to describe the sport of pickleball, most Rotarians would have been flummoxed. “Pickle-what?” most of us would have asked. Now, when asked about the fastest growing sport in America, most of us can give at least a general overview of this sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping pong, a phenomenon that is enjoyed by more than five million people across the country, with 10,000+ facilities offering a chance to dink and smash and avoid the kitchen. Bowen Depke, a hearty member of our own group of playing Rotarians introduced us to Glenn Jordan, a self-proclaimed “pickle-holic” who fell in love with the sport ten years ago and now takes whatever time he can get away from his duties as a reporter for The Portland Press Herald to play in local leagues and even national events. Glenn, who describes the sport as “playing ping pong while standing on the table” shared some of his fascination and passion for the sport while giving us a brief history lesson as well.

Pickleball began in Washington state in the mid-60’s when a couple of buddies grabbed their kids wiffle ball and a couple of paddles and began whacking the ball in the driveway. One story goes that their dog Pickles kept stealing the ball…but Glenn is of the mindset that the sport was named after the extra rowers in a crew race who are often teamed up after the first team heads out, giving them an extra boat called the “pickle boat”. Whatever the origin, the sport has become a godsend for people of all ages, shapes and athletic abilities and our little state of Maine has become a mecca, hosting the New England Regional Tournament three times in the past year. With the city of Portland retrofitting all of its public tennis courts with lines and nets that can be pulled out, the sport has quickly taken off, joining some of the amazing facilities nearby in Fort Williams, Gorham, Scarborough and Brunswick, where a group of devotees shovels the courts, chips away at the ice and plays twelve months a year. And, Glenn shared, there is even an “app” (there’s an app for everything these days!), called “places to play” that will show travelers where games are being played all over the country.

It's a sport that is easy to learn, aside from the scoring, which can seem non-intuitive, but it takes many, many months and games to master the art of dinking, smashing and the finesse to zig while your opponent zags. The best news is that it’s an amazingly social sport, with your teammate standing next to you and the opposition just a few feet away, close enough to fist bump or razz, as the case may be. And a game can take as little as 5 minutes, with the winning team getting to 15, so lots of friends can get involved and rotate through in alternating games. Editor Ben Lowry notes, "On any given morning, at our own Deering Oaks, about 40 players of all skill levels show up to enjoy the outdoors, the fellowship and the athletics of this amazing, fun new sport. So, grab a paddle and give it a shot. You’ll be hooked!"

Bits and Pieces |by Tom Talbott

Thoughts and prayers to the Fagan family, and our members Roger and Liz. Liz is dealing with serious medical issues right now, and we want them to know they have strong arms around them from their Rotarian family. We also wish Bill Blount the best in what will be a lengthy recovery from a table saw accident to his hand. We're sending positive thoughts and prayers to each of you.

Bruce Jones kicked the meeting off with a reminder to fill the Cans For Rotary on the tables! Roger Asch led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Dave Small provided the Invocation. Dave drew inspiration from our Flags For Heroes event, and what it means to be a hero to others.

Jerry Angier introduced 5 guests, followed by Jake Bourdeau conducting the raffle, now up to $460. Paul Gore, who has been one of the primary financial underwriters of the raffle through his purchase of tickets, was on the winning side of the ticket draw, earning the right to win back some of his investment. Drawing the Queen of Hearts would have taken the pot, but drawing the Six of Clubs only brings on indigestion. The odds improve, the purse grows larger, and it’s anyone’s chance to win.

Charlie Frair provided a recap for the very successful “Flags For Heroes’ Event held at the Maine Mall. The purpose of the project was to “publicly recognize and acknowledge people who contribute to and improve the quality of life in our community, while at the same time raising money for Rotary projects.” One goal was to have 50 non-Rotarians sponsor a flag. We closed with 37, shy of our goal, but a big step forward. The second goal was to have all 100 flags sponsored, earning $10,000. That goal was met, in fact 106 people were honored, with some flags doubling up. Great news to hear that we could have done more - Charlie estimated another 20 requests came in at the bell. Yes- the team is planning on petitioning the Board to purchase more flags for next year.

Charlie took time to recognize the people who made the flags project fly, starting with President Bruce Jones. Next was Paul Gore, who printed all the 106 hero plaques, Cyrus Hagge who stores the flags safely in his warehouse, and both Cyrus and Jake Bourdeau for trucking all the goods from warehouse to the mall and back. Charlie thanked Mike Fortunato for having a hand in everything, and Julie L’Heureux for getting us the most press coverage we’ve ever had with a slew of press releases. (WCSH 6 and WGME 13 were there for the opening day ceremony.) Tom Talbott is working on a video that will be useful in the future for promoting and selling the event. Dick Hall managed all the money and finances. A total of 18 people participated in either the set-up, take-down, or both! Finally, the planning committee consisted of Christine Force, John Thompson, Roxane Cole, Paul Tully, Nick Gagnon, Amy Chipman, Gervin Kah, Maggie McGauley, and Charlie himself. A little over $10,000 was raised, which is a huge help to our fundraising program. Thank you Charlie and the Heroes team!

Bruce Moore and Jan Chapman spoke about getting together to “pack the backpacks” with personal care items that will be distributed through the Portland Recovery Community Center to those individuals who are in recovery and treatment programs. Those helping met at the PRCC. Next week we will share more about the program with photos. Jan also spoke about a special film called “Hopeful”, a documentary about Maine Works. Maine Works’ goal is to help people in recovery find gainful employment, and assist in transportation to and from job sites. October 3^rd at USM’s Hannaford Hall, 5:30-7:30pm n the Abromson Community Education Center, Portland Campus.

Jim Willey had some comments about Long Creek Youth Development Center, noting that a team of Rotarians went out to the Portland facility to meet with 10 youths for an evening of pizza, drinks, desserts, along with pool and ping-pong. This is a monthly event, taking on different forms of interaction, BBQ’s to Ice Cream Sundae specials. Quoting one of the teens, “It’s nice to know that people out there care about us.” Joining the Rotary group photo this month, L-R, Mike Fortunato, Jon Young, LCY's Stephanic Netto, Don Lowry, Tom Talbott, along with Barbara and Jim Willey.

Ellen Niewoehner reported on the Coastal Clean-Up Event held last week on the East End Beach. The group policed the area of trash and debris, which according to Ellen wasn’t too bad, but still collected a couple bags of trash and debris. It was spotless when finished – another fine job. Rolling up their sleeves with Ellen included L-R Bruce Jones, Patty Byers, Ben Lowry, Ellen, Ron Bennett, Amy Chipman, Dick Hall, David Small, and Brian Nickerson. Larry Gross was there, but missed the photo op!

Foundation Chair Patty Byers came forward to announce an award of special honor for Don Lowry. Don, a 40 year member, has earned Major Donor Status to the Rotary Foundation, for his generosity over the years to the program, his combined contributions over time now reaching $10,000. In front of a well-earned standing ovation, Don accepted a special crystal denoting his dedication to supporting the Foundation. After the meeting, Don sent an email to Tom Talbott, the WJ editor with a request to run a note of thanks, which read: "On Friday I was honored to receive recognition as a major donor to the Rotary Foundation. I muffed the chance to say this at the time, but I want to express to members that the Foundation is a wonderful charity which will give more help to people in need for the donated dollar than any other charity I know of. I certainly do not warrant any special recognition beyond longevity. Give even a modest amount every year and if you live long enough you, too, will be a major donor." Don Lowry Thank You Don!

Bowen Depke had the pleasure to introduce a new member to our club! Welcome Mick Weltman, a man with quite the Rotary club pedigree! Most previously, Mick was a member of Club #1, the Rotary Club of Chicago, a member there for five years, where he was a Board member. Prior, he was a member of Club #11, St. Louis (he’s an avid Cardinal’s fan) , as well as the Portland, OR club, Club #15. Well, now he has stepped up to the big time, Club #177, the Rotary Club of Portland, Maine! (33,000 clubs in the world, we’re in rare air.) Mick’s career has been to serve in non-profit and associated fields in higher education, environmental sustainability, woman’s rights, and economic development. Most recently he became the Executive Director for “Lands For Good”, a local entity that focuses on sustainable agriculture. Bruce Jones and Bowen Depke welcome Mick, the centerpiece!