Meeting (via Zoom) on 1/29/26 opened by Pres.Toothaker at 5:33pm.
Attendance: Adam Toothaker, Peter Morgan, Peggy Akers, John Morris, Diana Merenda, Dan Ellis, Martha Spiess, Lynn Ellis, Dud Hendrick, Richard Clement, Sareena Toothaker, Seth Berner, Don Kimball, Doug Rawlings, Sally Chappell, Rosalie Paul, Tarak Kauff, Russell Wray, Frank Panopoulos, Rob Shetterly, Connie Jenkins, Tom Boucher.
Adam introduced Frank Panopoulos, human rights attorney who has represented, and is currently representing, prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. Frank gave a thorough and informative talk on the history of the U S Military prison at Guantanamo and compared the “enhanced interrogation” (torture) techniques used on prisoners in Guantanamo as part of the so-called Global War on Terror, as well as dubious legal procedures such as administrative detention, to those used by the Israeli government in Gaza, and by U S government agencies in our prison system and by the actions of the Trump administration in its brutal attack on immigrants. His forty minute presentation was followed by a brief Q&A session.
Diana Merenda interviewed our newest Chapter honorary member and longtime activist, Russell Wray. Russell has been a part of a twenty three year long weekly vigil against war and militarism in Ellsworth, a champion of animal rights (most notably whales), a participant in several peace walks here in Maine, and in actions (including civil disobedience and arrest) at Bath Iron Works over the years. He is a co-founder of COAST, an organization that opposes the use of Navy sonar because of its harmful effects on marine life (again, most notably whales).
A certificate of recognition and appreciation was presented to Russell by Dud Hendrick. Russell joins a select group of only eighteen honorary members of the Chapter.
Don Kimball suggested that Russell’s art work could be shown at the Damariscotta Peace Gallery. Russell will follow up on this.
November meeting minutes (edited) were accepted. Minutes of meetings are on the Chapter website.
Lynn reported the following bank balances as of 1/28/26:
Checking account – $3,562.58
Savings account – $10,291.92
5 months CD – $20,119.15
Total – $33,973.65
MaineShare check should be received in early February.
Adam reported that efforts to secure showing of the Abby Martin film “Earth’s Greatest Enemy” are ongoing.
Peggy requested donations of $500 each for food supplies, mittens, and housing for Portland residents in need. Don and Seth supported the request and Doug moved to allocate $1500 as requested. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Peggy will provide Lynn with recipient information for disbursement of the funds.
Lynn noted that $10,000 was allocated for donations in 2025 and asked what the amount for 2026 would be. This led to a discussion on the advisability of having a budget for Chapter financial transactions. Martha asked Richard what MaineShare requirements were as far as budget info is concerned. Both Richard and Doug replied that they only needed to supply a very basic financial statement to MaineShare. Lynn asked Doug and Richard to supply her with this basic budget information. Seth suggested that work on a budget be put off until a later date. Adam agreed.
Adam expressed his desire to include more presentations ( such as Frank’s in this meeting) at future meetings. He also felt that we as a Chapter should provide statements of our position on relevant issues to media outlets such as the Bangor Daily News. Time limitations precluded any further discussion on these matters.
