Stories


Rotary District Governor Visits The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club welcomed 2021-2022 District Governor Dick Hall's visit to our local club. During his remarks, DG Hall remined everyone of the importance of Rotary and the aspects of Service in our Local Communities and around the World, Social Interaction, a place to meet people and develop long lasting friendships, and a place to have FUN.	Rotary District Governor Visits		2021-07-16 04:00:00Z
New President Presides Newly installed President Jessica Putnam presides over her first in-person Rotary Meeting since March 2020, on July 8, 2021. Going forward, the local Rotary Club will have a mixture of In-Person and Zoom Only meetings. Meeting locations will be posted to this website. Safety precautions for in-person meetings going forward include the requirement of masks for those members and guests not able to share their vaccination status.	New President Presides		2021-07-16 04:00:00Z
Duck Race Winners Lauren Richardson (lt), Duck Race Winner, with Rotarians Lisa Ryan and Merrill Rollins The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club announced the winners of the 21^st Annual Great Bridgton Duck Race. Although most have yet to be reached via phone, we are pleased to feature our first-place winner, Lauren Richardson who won $500. Read more...	Duck Race Winners	Carol Madsen	2021-07-16 04:00:00Z
ROTARIANS CONTINUE TO SELL DUCK RACE TICKETS UNTIL 11 am ON ON JULY 4TH Pictured: Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary President Jessica Putnam and her daughter Landyn receive assistance from Rotarian Carmen Lone selling Duck Race Tickets at Reny's. The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club will hold its 21st Annual Duck Race this 4th of July weekend at the Stevens Brook Dam just before the bridge on Main Street, Bridgton. The exciting albeit short race is a favorite among children and adults alike. The winners receive checks for $500 for first prize, $250 for second prize, and $100 for third prize. There will be several consolation prizes as well. Read more...	ROTARIANS CONTINUE TO SELL DUCK RACE TICKETS UNTIL 11 am ON ON JULY 4TH	Carol Madsen	2021-07-02 04:00:00Z
ROTARY PARTNERS WITH BRIDGTON PD TO DISTRIBUTE BIKE HELMETS Rotarians Jessica Putnam, Dr. John Eliassen and SFC Brian Conroy, members of the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club, joined Patrol Officer Matthew Regis and Officer Craig Hammond from to Bridgton Police Department to collect donations for Special Olympics, a special charity of the BPD, and to promote the importance of helmet safety for children in our community. Situated in front of Hayes True Value in Bridgton, 12 children were very happy with their shiny, brand new helmets. Read more...	ROTARY PARTNERS WITH BRIDGTON PD TO DISTRIBUTE BIKE HELMETS		2021-06-21 04:00:00Z
The 21st Year for Rotary's Great Bridgton Duck Race ROTARY CLUB HOLDS GREAT BRIDGTON DUCK RACE AT STEVENS BROOK BRIDGE, MAIN ST., BRIDGTON ON JULY 4TH AT 11:30 AM For the last 21 years, the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club has held an annual Duck Race. Every year but last, during the pandemic, the site of the race has been at the bridge on Main Street overlooking the Stevens Brook in downtown Bridgton. Winners receive Cash Prizes: 1st Prize is $500, 2nd Prize is $250, 3rd Prize is $100. The Duck Race is one of the Rotary Club's biggest fundraisers and according to the 2021 Duck Race team leader Rotarian Aaron Hagan, from Key Bank in Bridgton, "it is so great to be back 100 percent for this event." Hagan remarked, "We'll be selling Duck Race Tickets at $5.00 each and 5 for $20.00 outside Renys and the Bridgton Farmers Market on the last two weekends in June, at the fireworks on July 3rd, and at the race site on the morning of the 4th. You can get your tickets at any of those places or from your favorite Rotarian." Funds raised support the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Clubs projects with youth, seniors, veterans, food pantries, literacy and much more. For more information about Rotary and its projects in the community, check out LakeRegionRotary.com website and Facebook Page or email us at LakeRegionRotary@gmail.com.	The 21st Year for Rotary's Great Bridgton Duck Race	Carol Madsen	2021-06-14 04:00:00Z
Susan Breau - Maine Hydrogeologist to Speak to Rotary THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 7:30 am via ZOOM SPEAKER: Susan Breau, Hydrogeologist, Maine CDC, Water Resources Team We are pleased to announce that Susan Breau, a Maine Licensed Geologist and the Water Resources Team Leader at the Maine CDC, Drinking Water Program will be our Speaker on June 3rd at 7:30 am via Zoom. Susan and her team provide technical assistance and administer funding programs for Maine public water systems in the areas of source protection; emergency preparedness, response and recovery; and water system security. During her presentation she will address these important issues: Public drinking water supply sources Drinking water rules and regulations Source protection 101 Emergency preparedness, response and recovery Susan currently serves as chair of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) Security Committee and is on the WaterISAC Board of Managers. She was the Source Water Program Manager for Maine Rural Water Association for 15 years and served on the National Rural Water Association Peer Leadership Committee. Susan has experience working for a large public water system and as a hydrogeologic consultant. She has a BA in Geology from Colby College, an MS in Hydrogeology from Duke University, and is certified in mediation. Our speaker is eminently qualified. The program will be very interesting. To obtain access to the link for the program, contact George Szok at gzoksbox@gmail.com Contact Rotarian Carol Rothenberg at scroth256@gmail.com with any questions you might like to ask Susan.	Susan Breau - Maine Hydrogeologist to Speak to Rotary		2021-06-02 04:00:00Z
ROTARY AND BRIDGTON’S FOOD CITY PARTNER ON VOUCHERS FOR FOOD PANTRIES Lynne Barboza, Food City Assistant Manager, and Rotarian Carol Madsen Kick Off Voucher Program Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club member and past president Carol Madsen worked out details of the voucher program with Bridgton’s Food City Manager Jennifer Moran and Assistant Manager Lynne Barboza. The $5.00 vouchers can be used for laundry detergent or other household cleaning supplies by food pantry patrons. Over 200 vouchers have been distributed over the past few weeks by local pantries. Read more...	ROTARY AND BRIDGTON’S FOOD CITY PARTNER ON VOUCHERS FOR FOOD PANTRIES	Carol Madsen	2021-05-10 04:00:00Z
ROTARIANS CHECK ON STATUS OF CROCUS BULBS PLANTED IN OCTOBER TO PROMOTE POLIO ERADICATION Rotarians Amy Dugas, Julie Forbes, Lisa Ryan, Carol Madsen and Bridgton Hospital’s Director of Nursing and Patient Services Jill Rollins assembled on Thursday, April 15, at the planting site to see the crocuses' progress. It was feared the delicate blooms would not survive the impending Nor'easter on Friday. "Only a third of the bulbs we'd planted in October had bloomed and they looked a little bedraggled" said Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club President Julie Forbes, ND. Read more...	ROTARIANS CHECK ON STATUS OF CROCUS BULBS PLANTED IN OCTOBER TO PROMOTE POLIO ERADICATION	Carol Madsen	2021-04-22 04:00:00Z
Save The Date	Save The Date		2021-04-17 04:00:00Z
Rotarians Help with Roadside Cleanup Rotarian Jessica Putnam during Trash Pickup Earth Day 2018 ROTARIANS TO HELP WITH ROADSIDE CLEAN-UP IN NAPLES & BRIDGTON Rotarians will help with roadside trash pickup in Naples and Bridgton in honor of Earth Day. On Thursday, April 22, at 9:30 am, they will assemble at the Bridgton Community Center to work on Depot Street and in Pondicherry Park. On Saturday, April 24, at 9:30 am, they will assemble at the Lake Region High School parking lot in Naples. If you would like to join us either day, contact Rotarian Carol Madsen at carjmad@hotmail.com. Read more...	Rotarians Help with Roadside Cleanup	Skip Sullivan	2021-04-10 04:00:00Z
Third Round of Masks Distributed by Rotary in the Lakes Region Rotarian Carol Madsen Gives 1200 Masks to LRHS’s Linda White. On Wednesday, March 24^th, Rotarian Carol Madsen delivered 1200 Masks to the Lake Region High School. This represented 1000 adult masks and 200 children’s face coverings donated by the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club. Linda White, LRHS's Admin Assistant, remarked, “the students return full time the week of March 29^th and these masks are very much appreciated.” Read more...	Third Round of Masks Distributed by Rotary in the Lakes Region	Carol Madsen	2021-04-01 04:00:00Z
Rotary Delivers Rotarians Carol Rothenberg and Peter Kaurup Present Adult Masks to Faylene McKeen at the Universalist Church of Norway. SECOND ROUND OF ROTARY’S MILLION MASK CHALLENGE DISTRIBUTED TO FOOD PANTRIES. Rotarians Carol Rothenberg of the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club and Peter Kaurup of the Oxford Hills Club handing over 70 hygienically-repackaged packets of 10 masks each for distribution to patrons of the Universalist Church of Norway Food Pantry on Wednesday, March 10. Fayelene McKeen, Director of Food Pantry gratefully accepted them. Read more...	Rotary Delivers	Skip Sullivan	2021-03-15 04:00:00Z
Rotary Donates Needed Boots NEEDED BOOTS DELIVERED TO STEVENS BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BY ROTARIANS FROM BRIDGTON-LAKE REGION CLUB Read more...	Rotary Donates Needed Boots	Skip Sullivan	2021-03-08 05:00:00Z
Rotary Supports Veterans (L-R) Dick Bell, Marine Veteran; Stephen Lapointe, Son of Legionnaire; Rotarian Julie Forbes, Rotary Club President; Steve Smith, Post Commander, Army; Maxine Godwin, Auxiliary; and Rotarian Dick Enright, Air Force. Naples: On Friday, February 26, the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club presented a check for $520.10 to the American Legion Post #155 in Naples to support their Veterans in Need program. Read more...	Rotary Supports Veterans	Skip Sullivan	2021-03-08 05:00:00Z
ROTARIAN JESSICA PUTNAM: HAVING HER CAKE & EATING IT TOO! Jessica Putnam - Club President 2021-2022 and Daughter Landyn When Jessica Putnam joined the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club three years ago, she was not a stranger to Rotary. She had had an opportunity to visit the Oxford Hills Club several times with colleagues at the Edward Jones Office in South Paris. Jessica liked the ambiance and friendliness of the Oxford Hills Club, but wanted a Club of her own. And with plans to open an office in Bridgton in the near future, she decided to check out the Bridgton-Lakes Region Club. George Klauber was the President at the time and welcomed her as a new member after several visits over as many months. Before long she was asked to Chair the Community Services Committee, under which much of the Club’s community work is planned and implemented. A year later, Carol Madsen was President and Julie Forbes was President Elect. In the tradition of Rotary Clubs worldwide, at mid-year a President Elect Nominee is chosen. Jessica, a Rotarian for 1.5 years, was selected, accepted and elected. She figured she had two years to become prepared. Little did she know, or any of us, how the world would turn with the Covid-19 pandemic. And Jessica’s personal world changed drastically as well. Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club: How did the pandemic affect your daily life? Jessica: In early March 2020, I had just returned from a well-deserved vacation. My first day back to work, on a Tuesday, ........ Read more...	ROTARIAN JESSICA PUTNAM: HAVING HER CAKE & EATING IT TOO!	Patrick Sullivan	2021-02-26 05:00:00Z
Annual Dictionary Project Read more...	Annual Dictionary Project	Erin Nelson	2021-02-17 05:00:00Z
Rotary Distributes 750 Child Masks BRIDGTON, Maine — Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club Distributes 750 children's face coverings. Read more...	Rotary Distributes 750 Child Masks	pms	2021-02-03 05:00:00Z
Rotary Club Receives 5000 masks to distribute to Local Food Pantries Patrons January 18, 2021 - Rotarians Peter Kaurup and Carol Rothenberg were part of Mask Handoff in Harrison Read more...	Rotary Club Receives 5000 masks to distribute to Local Food Pantries Patrons	Patrick Sullivan	2021-01-18 05:00:00Z
Rotarian Dr. Lisa Ryan Receives First Vaccine Dose Rotarian Dr. Lisa Ryan Receives her First Dose of Vaccine at Mercy Northern Light. Read more...	Rotarian Dr. Lisa Ryan Receives First Vaccine Dose	Patrick Sullivan	2021-01-15 05:00:00Z
Rotary Supports Bridgton Public Library Library accepts Rotary Club’s donation. Shown holding the check are Amy Stone – Library Director, and Aaron Hagan – Rotary member; others from Left are: Sally Dunning President of Library Trustees, and Friends of the Library Mary Hubka, Debbie Szok, Therese Johnson and Carol Bibeau. Read more...	Rotary Supports Bridgton Public Library		2020-12-29 05:00:00Z
FOOD CITY-BRIDGTON PARTNERS WITH ROTARY CLUB Food City-Bridgton Crew After Filling 80 Healthy Food Bags for Rotary Read more...	FOOD CITY-BRIDGTON PARTNERS WITH ROTARY CLUB	Carol Madsen	2020-12-21 05:00:00Z
Rotarians Deliver for Christmas Angel Rotarians Nick Orgo and George Klauber deliver Christmas Angel gifts to Songo Locks School. Nick coordinated this years holiday gifting project. The BLRRC donated new snow coats, snow pants, winter boots hats and gloves to the school.	Rotarians Deliver for Christmas Angel	Skip Sullivan	2020-12-16 05:00:00Z
Rotarians Dedicate Bus Stop Shelter ROTARIANS DEDICATE BUS STOP SHELTER AT BRIDGTON COMMUNITY CENTER Bridgton, Maine: Rotarians from the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club assembled on Friday, December 4, to dedicate the Bus Stop Shelter at the Bridgton Community Center in the name of Rotarian Marlee Turner who passed two years ago. The Shelter is a Rotary project inspired by Marlee and championed by Dick Enright who worked with the Lake Region Vocational Center, Construction Technology Program, which built this beautiful structure to top quality specifications as a community project. President Julie Forbes welcomed the group and praised Marlee Turner as living Rotary's motto, Service Above Self. Carmen Lone, Rotarian and Selectperson for the Town of Bridgton, accepted the turnover of the Shelter to the Town of Bridgton. Dick Enright thanked everyone for their role in this project, especially the Lake Region Vocational Center, Construction Technology students from the Classes of 2019 and 2020. A Certificate of Appreciation has been prepared and will be formally presented post pandemic. Rotary wants to thank the Lake Region Vocational Center participants and retail partners who offered discounts or made donations of product including Hancock Lumber, Hayes True Value, Home Depot, and Lowes. The Regional Transportation Program, the Lakes Region Explorer Bus Company made a significant donation to the project. This is the first shelter along the Bridgton to Portland route. The bus company will assess the value of this structure to see if other shelters would be warranted. For more information about the bus service, check out the Town of Bridgton's website: Lakes Region Explorer 2020 Schedule & Route Updates - Town of Bridgton, Maine. For information about Rotary and our projects and service programs, email LakeRegionRotary@gmail.com. Like Us on Facebook and keep uptodate on the local Rotary Club's work.	Rotarians Dedicate Bus Stop Shelter	Carol Madsen	2020-12-11 05:00:00Z
Interact Club presents donations Interact Club, Astra Club & Lake Region High School present donations to Bridgton American Legion Post.	Interact Club presents donations	Cathy Sullivan	2020-02-17 05:00:00Z
Bridgton's Community Development Director	Bridgton's Community Development Director	Cathy Sullivan	2020-01-26 05:00:00Z
Community Kettle Community Kettle - Our club hosted the dinner on 11/5/19 at the Bridgton Community Center. Nick Orgo, Rotarian lead the team that provided a delicious meal of squash soup, turkey, ham, mashed potatos, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and cookies for dessert. Our High School Interact Club served the meals. Read more...	Community Kettle	Cathy Sullivan	2019-12-07 05:00:00Z
Youth Safety Day Our Rotary Club donated $1200 in support of Youth Safety Day. Funds were used to purchase bike helmets.	Youth Safety Day		2019-05-13 04:00:00Z
November 8th Meeting Features NAHGA Posted by Erin Nelson on Nov 08, 2018 The Bridgton Lake Region Rotary Club is hosting the first in a series of programs featuring local businesses. Our November 8th meeting kicked us off to a great start... Have you ever wondered what happens in the beautiful NAHGA building in downtown Bridgton? Marney Chalmers joined us and gave a really wonderful presentation of how this business in small-town Bridgton is making a big impact in the lives of their clients. Out-of-this-world claims processing by down-to-earth people: at NAHGA, Stellar Service is no accident! NAHGA is a Third Party Administrator (TPA) that is nationally recognized for processing claims with a personal touch. While they value technology, they know that automation cannot take the place of a friendly voice and a personal connection with your adjuster. Others may say they care about every client, but at NAHGA, they demonstrate that with personal attention and timely, accurate service on every claim. Earning Clients' Trust for 25 Years. NAHGA is a family-owned company with offices in Bridgton, ME and North Conway, NH. Since their founding in 1991, they've grown to more than forty employees, and process claims for ten of the premier writers of health and accident insurance for students, sports leagues, day cares and many other organizations. They can customize a claims adjudication program for any organization, large or small, including high-deductible and self-funded plans. BRIDGTON, MAINE LOCATION 88 MAIN STREET \| PO BOX 189 \| 04009 P. (207) 647-3108 \| F. (207) 647-4569 (800) 952-4320 https://www.nahgaclaimservices.com/	November 8th Meeting Features NAHGA	Erin Nelson	2018-11-08 05:00:00Z
Literacy Loons! Children’s Librarian Samantha Zawistowski accepts donation for Literacy Loons! The Bridgton Public Library is excited to announce a partnership with the Bridgton-Lakes Region Rotary Club in a project to help promote literacy among children in the community. Literacy Loons! gives every Stevens Brook first grader the opportunity to receive up to $14 of free books from Bridgton Books simply by using their library cards! This community effort is supported also by Bridgton Books, Friends of the Library, and Bear Pond Learning. It’s always exciting to see more young faces at the library! Samantha is flanked by George Szok and George Klauber	Literacy Loons!		2018-10-19 04:00:00Z
ROTARY TO HOST STREETSCAPE & WASTEWATER PROJECTS TALKS Posted by Erin Nelson on Oct 18, 2018	ROTARY TO HOST STREETSCAPE & WASTEWATER PROJECTS TALKS	Erin Nelson	2018-10-18 04:00:00Z
9th Annual Golf Tournament Our 9th annual Golf Tournament was held on Saturday, 6/9/18. Proceeds benefit Youth, Seniors and Veterans.	9th Annual Golf Tournament		2018-06-13 04:00:00Z
Citizens of of Month Citizens of the Month Michael Peterson and Dominic Adams were recognized at last week's meeting and also volunteered at the June 9th Golf Tournament.	Citizens of of Month		2018-06-13 04:00:00Z
Community Kettle Our Club will prepare and serve the Community Kettle on February 8th. Volunteers will be needed for serving and clean up.	Community Kettle		2018-02-08 05:00:00Z
Paul Harris Award - Julie Forbes Rotarian Julianne Forbes received her sixth Paul Harris Fellow pin for contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Her contributions are directed to the Polio Plus program.	Paul Harris Award - Julie Forbes		2018-01-25 05:00:00Z
Citizen of the Month - January Citizen of the Month, Olivia Deschenes, is recognized for displaying good citizenship and contributions to the school community. Presenting Olivia is Linda England, Rotary Interact Advisor and Rotarian Lisa Ryan. Congratulations Olivia!	Citizen of the Month - January		2018-01-25 05:00:00Z
Spreading Christmas Joy! This Christmas our Rotary Club adopted students from Songo Locks and Steven’s Brook Elementary Schools so they could have presents under the tree. These included clothes, winter wear and toys. Here is a letter from Amy Saunders at Songo Locks expressing her appreciation. “Songo Locks can't thank you enough for your kindness and generosity to the children and families at the holiday time. The families were grateful for the thoughtfulness and usefulness of items. It is people like you and your organization that make this community great. Please send out sincerest appreciation to all your volunteers and club members. Cheers to a New year!” Pictured making deliveries (left to right) are George Klauber, Dave Barker, Amy Saunders and Joe Barth.	Spreading Christmas Joy!		2018-01-06 05:00:00Z
New Playground in Bridgton Our club completed installation of a new playground at Bridge Crossing/Dodge House School in Bridgton. This facility is a co-educational facility for students 5-14 years of age. Rotarian Sheila Rollins, Project Coordinator, advises it will provide opportunities for development of cognitive skills, problem solving, and social/emotional skills. This was partially funded through a District Grant by the Rotary Foundation.	New Playground in Bridgton		2017-11-30 05:00:00Z
Dictionary Distribution Over 150 dictionaries were delivered to third graders today at Stevens Brook Elementary, Songo Locks Elementary and the Dodge House School. Rotarians who made it all happen were Erin Nelson, George Klauber, Linda England, Carol Madsen and Mike Daley.	Dictionary Distribution		2017-10-24 04:00:00Z
Fryeburg Fair 2017 Thank you for supporting us at the Fryeburg Fair!	Fryeburg Fair 2017		2017-09-20 04:00:00Z
Community Kettle As part of our serving the community we prepared and served an "Hawaiian" dinner on August 10, 2017.	Community Kettle		2017-09-20 04:00:00Z
DG Dave Underhill Visit District Governor Dave Underhill was our guest on September 14th. We were presented with a grant check to assist with the construction of a playground at Bridge Crossing.	DG Dave Underhill Visit		2017-09-20 04:00:00Z

ROTARIAN JESSICA PUTNAM: HAVING HER CAKE & EATING IT TOO!