It has come to our attention that the Saco Food Pantry could use some assistance with Friday morning donation pick-ups from Shaw's and Hannaford, from 7 AM - 8 AM.
A sign up sheet is available here:
If you are unable to view the spreadsheet but would like to sign up for a time slot, please let me know and I will add your name.
Volunteer opportunities are also available at the following times -
The Saco Food Pantry has 4 distinct jobs during 3-time frames.
- The first volunteers work from 7AM to about 8AM, any day Monday through Friday. These volunteers pick up the donations from Shaw's and Hannaford's and bring them back to the pantry where they are carried inside and weighed. Some of the boxes can be heavy.
- Two other volunteers work 7AM to about 8AM, any day Monday through Friday processing the bakery, dairy and meat donations in preparation for the opening of the pantry.
- Third group works from 7:30AM to about 8:30AM, any day, Monday through Friday. These volunteers process the produce donations in preparation for the opening of the pantry.
- The fourth group works from 9AM-10:30AM, any day Monday through Friday. This group packs groceries for clients (but do not have contact with the clients who remain outside).
Thank you,
Attendance: Karen Chasse, Melissa Cilley, Martin Grohman, Kristen Lane, Heather MacLean, Bill Paterson, Brenda Pollock, Kaitlin Tito, Conrad Welzel Guest: Dr. Donald Hoenig President Don could not attend - Marty welcomed everyone Pledge of Allegiance Joe Bassett - Invocation Marty led the 4-Way Test Announcements: GENERAL DISCUSSION
HAPPY DOLLARS
FINES
SPEAKER: DR. DONALD HOENIG OF ONE HEALTH VETERINARY CONSULTING
Meeting adjourned at 1:15 PM |
SACO FOOD PANTRY
- Volunteers are needed to pick-up donations from Shaw's/Hannaford - Friday mornings from 7 AM - 8 AM
- Brenda can cover one slot, another volunteer is needed
- Kaitlin will create sign-up sheet and send reminder email regarding food pantry volunteer opportunities
MASK DONATIONS
- Food pantries could probably use additional masks
- If we provide masks to the Saco Food Pantry before end of month they can be included in food packages for the elderly
- Southern Maine Agency On Aging could likely use some as well - Kaitlin to ask which location is best to deliver to
- CJ offered to deliver 100 masks to food pantry and will coordinate with Conrad accordingly
- Non-profit, community centers/homes might also appreciate donations
- Don checking with Saco tax assessor to identify locations of community homes
- Youth Full Maine would like some masks as well
MISCELLANEOUS
- Don contacted city administrator of Saco and has not heard back yet
- Conrad contacted city of Biddeford and is also waiting to hear back
- Community meal distribution program is offering a meal program for Veteran's Day (11/11) and a Thanksgiving luncheon on 11/19
- Golden Rooster is cooking both meals and Saco Valley Credit Union is sponsoring the Veteran's Day meal
- A sponsor is still needed for the Thanksgiving meal, either to cover the whole bill or a portion ($500 - $1000)
- Biddeford general assistance will contact us when they need additional gift certificates
- At the next meeting we will discuss the possibility of funding Saco and OOB food programs
Thank you,
SPEAKER: ROGER LOUISELLE OF RUTLAND, VT ROTARY CLUB
- Roger has been a Rotarian since 1976 and has a perfect attendance record
- He was the President from 1981-1982 and was an Assistant Governor for 12 years
- Initially tried a horse show raffle - it made $2,000 the first year and lost money by the third year
- Decided to try a car raffle - 300 tickets for $100 each, Cadillac purchased for $15,000
- The car was raffled off at the dealership, at a beer/wine/ hors d'oeuvres party
- Continued to hold raffle in this format with different prizes (snowmobile, satellite dish, cash prizes)
- Now 675 tickets are sold for $110 each, with each ticket good for all you can eat/drink for 2 people
- A 50/50 drawing was added for additional revenue
- The profit for the current format is about $33,000
- This year the top prize for the raffle is an RV with MSRP of $33,500
- Roger created a video tour of the RV for social media which helped generate interest
- 800 tickets have been printed and they hope to sell between 300-500
- The drawing will be held on St. Patrick's Day, which allows plenty of time to sell tickets
- Online sales are being facilitated via a third-party website (Event Brite or similar)
Attendance: Joe Bassett, Paulette Bonneau, Karen Chasse, Melissa Cilley, Brian Dallaire, CJ Dubois-Cote, Ken Farley, Jane Foley, Roland Gagne, Susan Gajewski, Heather Gendron, Martin Grohman, Bill Kany, Kristen Lane, Heather MacLean, Bill Paterson, Donald Pilon, Brenda Pollock, Haley Thompson, Kaitlin Tito, Matthew Tuller
Guest: Roger Louiselle
President Don welcomed everyone
Pledge of Allegiance
Joe Bassett - Invocation
Ken Farley led the 4-Way Test
Pledge of Allegiance
Joe Bassett - Invocation
Ken Farley led the 4-Way Test
Announcements:
GENERAL DISCUSSION
- A $500 donation was made to the Center for Grieving Children
- Christmas shopping this year will be conducted individually
- Heather Gendron will work with Karen to identify families in need
- Each Rotarian will choose a family and shop/wrap/deliver on their own (team up for larger families)
- The wine tasting will be virtual this year - Conrad forming a subcommittee
- A volunteer is needed to spearhead Clynk (print labels and provide bags when needed)
- Marty is working on setting up another blood drive in the spring
- COVID-19 subcommittee meeting today after the club meeting
- Roland thanked everyone who participated in the Pension Professionals event for first responders
Heather MacLean - Substitute Sergeant-at-Arms
HAPPY DOLLARS
- Don - $1 - Happy that Heather is here to fill in as Sergeant-at-Arms
- Jane - $2 - Brother is guest speaker
- Mark Nahorney - $1 - Virtual event over the weekend made some money for the holiday show
- Bill Paterson - $1 - Daughter is visiting for a week
- Conrad - $1 - Granddaughters are visiting and virtual school is going well
FINES
- Bill Kany - $2 - Reason unclear due to Heather's notes
- Don - $1 - For laughing at Bill
- Don - $1 - Board meeting started late
- Don - $1 - Zoom link issue
- Roland & Brian - $1 each - "Twinning" backgrounds
- Brian - $1 - For being in FL
- Ken - $1 - For showing up to meeting
SPEAKER: ROGER LOUISELLE OF RUTLAND, VT ROTARY CLUB
Meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM
Attendance: Joe Bassett, Joe Boyle, Karen Chasse, Melissa Cilley, Brian Dallaire, Jane Foley, Keith Jacques, Bill Kany, Kristen Lane, Heather MacLean, Joe Moreshead, Bill Paterson, Fausto Pifferrer, Don Pilon, Brenda Pollock, Kathy Shea, Kaitlin Tito, Matthew Tuller, Conrad Welzel
Guest: Erin Sheehan of Lorne Wine
President Don welcomed everyone
Pledge of Allegiance
Joe Bassett with the invocation
4-Way Test led by Joe Moreshead
Announcements:
MISCELLANEOUS
- The Pension Professionals drive through BBQ for first responders is today
- Breakfast was packaged and delivered to the fire department, police department, and hospital
- President Don and Conrad picked up 1,000 masks yesterday - they were donated by the East Hampton, CT Rotary Club
- The COVID-19 Subcommittee will decide how they will be distributed
- A $1,000 donation was provided to the Thornton Academy food assistance program by the COVID subcommittee
- The Saco food pantry and Bon Appetit could use volunteers
- 100th anniversary party still on for mid-July
- The 100th anniversary subcommittee meets this Friday at 2 PM
- Please let Roland or Fausto know if you can host a guest at your home (10 hosts would be nice, we currently have 6 or 7)
HAPPY DOLLARS
- Dr. Joe - $2 - Completed all winter projects
- Bill Kany - $10 - His daughter, Erin, got married on Saturday
- Bill Paterson - $1 - Finished his Fender Strat
- Dr. Dallaire - $1 - Leaving for Florida on Saturday
- Dr. Dallaire - Additional $1 - Doctor appointment went well
- Joe Moreshead - $1 - Enjoyed the volunteer opportunity this morning
- Conrad - $1 - Rotary event yesterday was fun
- Don - $1 - Received a Paul Harris Fellow award in the mail
- Brenda - $1 - Her granddaughter is collecting tabs for the Shriner's Children's Hospital
- Karen - $5 - Finally saw the hairdresser after 10 months and also refinanced her home
- Melissa - Apex has Kristen Lane on board now as Treasurer
FINES
- Bill Kany - $1 - Parking fee
- Brenda - $1 - Promoting her granddaughter
- Karen - $1 - Left work during school hours for ice cream
- Don - $1 - Weekly Presidential fine
- Don - $1 - Meeting started late
- Matt Tuller - $1 - For being Mark's son
- Conrad - $1 - Teacher's pet
SPEAKER: ERIN SHEEHAN OF LORNE WINE
- Erin and her husband wanted to move to Maine since they lived in Brooklyn, but moved to Dallas, TX for five years before settling here
- They chose Biddeford for their retail space due to the favorable economic trajectory of the neighborhood
- Lorne Wine was featured in Bon Appetit as one of the 10 friendliest places in America to get a drink
- Due to COVID, sales have moved online and curated packages are offered, as well as wine subscriptions
- Retail business has grown 250% since March
- Lorne hopes to resume spaced indoor service in November
- Outdoor seating is currently available but weather dependent
- They are located on Main St. in Biddeford, close to Dizzy Birds (nearest cross street is Foss)
- Between 250-300 varieties of wine are offered, with a focus on organic and sustainable wines
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 PM
MISCELLANEOUS
- Air purification units may be helpful for businesses that don't have HVAC systems with ducts
- Jim Godbout can advise on best types of units for those who are interested
- Update from OOB regarding gift certificates added to agenda
- Marty donated 500 masks to Seeds of Hope and 500 to Bon Appetit
- 10 bottles of hand sanitizer left (10 were donated to Vet 2 Vet on 9/30)
- If anyone knows of any homeless children in Biddeford, Karen can provide gift certificates to purchase food
VICTORY GARDENS
- Some basic information has been acquired, but requires a professional for verification
- The Master Gardener program at the University of Maine could be a valuable resource
- They have instructions for growing backyard gardens (what to grow, when to grow, etc.)
- There is the potential to partner up with Apex for an outdoor event in the spring, perhaps Earth Day
- Apex is planning to build gardening boxes which will be donated to families in the community
- Kaitlin will reach out to the Master Gardener program for more information
- Farmer's Daughter remains available as well for consultation and seeds/seedlings
YOUTH FULL MAINE
- Katie Brown joined the meeting to provide information about the program
- They offer a monthly free farmer's market where kids can select produce for their families
- The program is headquartered in Biddeford and very involved in Biddeford schools
- They have transitioned to curbside delivery due to COVID and remain committed to serving the community throughout the pandemic
- There has been an increase in need lately; senior citizens and others new to the program
- 400 - 1,000 pre-filled boxes are donated every week
- Outbuildings would be helpful as a place to assemble boxes more comfortably (and helps save on rent)
- Mask donations would be appreciated
GIFT CERTIFICATES / FOOD PANTRY
- $500 worth of gift certificates were donated to OOB in May/an additional $500 in gift cards were purchased by OOB in August - these will be depleted by the end of the week
- Biddeford donated theirs to the police department - Conrad will check in on their status
- Don checking in with Saco City Manager regarding their gift card status
- Brenda spoke with the Saco food pantry today and their numbers are going down
- Volunteers may be needed to pick up donated items from Hannaford
Thank you,
Attendance: Joe Bassett, Paulette Bonneau, Joe Boyle, Karen Chasse, Melissa Cilley, Brian Dallaire, Paul Deschambault, Ken Farley, Jane Foley, Roland Gagne, Susan Gajewski, Martin Grohman, Jim LaBelle, Kristen Lane, Heather MacLean, Mark Nahorney, Bill Paterson, Don Pilon, Brenda Pollock, Kathy Shea, Haley Thompson, Kaitlin Tito, Conrad Welzel Guest: Delilah Poupore of Heart of Biddeford President Don welcomed everyone Pledge of Allegiance Joe Bassett with the invocation 4-Way Test led by Brian Dallaire Announcements: MISCELLANEOUS
FINES AND HAPPY DOLLARS
SPEAKER: DELILAH POUPORE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HEART OF BIDDEFORD
 Meeting adjourned at 1:00 PM |
100th Anniversary Planning Meeting Minutes (Zoom)
September 18, 2020 at 2pm
Attending: Roland Gagne, Susan Gajewski, Conrad Welzel, Don Pilon, Fausto Pifferrer, Brenda Pollock
Event Date/Timing | Dates set at River Winds for July 13/14. 100th Celebration on Tuesday evening and our Rotary meeting there on Wednesday at noon. Proposed: Tuesday evening meeting and Wednesday afternoon event. We’ve already paid the $2,000 to River Winds. The facility has most of the items we need to host the event. July 13 & 14th was selected as it is a better date to accommodate our sister club. |
Hosting | Hosting Dates: July 12 – 18th, 2020 Brenda, Susan, Don, Roland, Marty, Paul, have committed to hosting. Conrad will check with Dr. Joe, Jim G. and will check his availability. We are looking to host up to 10 couples during this week. We’ve budgeted $5,000 for hosting visiting Rotarians. Paulette is offering the school of technology 15-passenger van for the week. Sue will look into insurance policies we may require for the week. |
Activities | We discussed the following activities for our out of town guests: Freeport/LL Bean, Botanical Gardens, Rachel Carson Bird Preserve, tour of the Biddeford Mills, traditional lobster bake, possibly at Brian’s house, sailing aboard L’Attitude (Brenda’s boat), Casco Bay Ferry tour. Possibly the Freedom Trail. We will continue to explore other opportunities. Also discussed were VIP Coach Tours to sponsors a trip. Sunset tour on sailboat out of Portland. Cruise on Long Lake. Kennebunk to view the president’s house. Media event with our visiting guests and speaking with city officials about presenting a key to the city. |
Invitations/Tickets | Invitations and tickets will need to be printed. Ticket prices will remain at $25 each for the celebration. Four Rotarians have already purchased tickets. We talked about inviting past and present district governors, officials, friends of Rotary, other clubs and dignitaries. Special recognition for Ron Drouin, PDG. Invitations will also be extended to Canadian Rotarians and Dignitaries. |
Food | Fausto has agreed to donate food for the event. We will have heavy appetizers all evening. There will be a cash bar. Once the visiting guest list is confirmed, Fausto will research native foods to incorporate into our menu for the event. |
Budget | Don budgeted $25,000 income for this event with $10,000 budgeted for expenses ($5k for Gala and $5k for Visitor expenses). |
Auction | We discussed a live auction versus a silent auction and the feeling is that a silent auction would be preferable. Due to the uncertainty of this pandemic, we will reopen this topic for further discussion early next year. |
Next Meeting | The next Zoom meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 25th at 2 pm. Roland will send a Zoom invitation to all interested in being on the committee. |
Saco - Thornton Academy is one of the few “town academies” still existing in Maine. Founded in 1811, Thornton Academy precedes public education and, as a result, is an independent school serving the public education needs of students from the city of Saco and the surrounding towns of Arundel and Dayton. As an independent school, Thornton Academy does not receive any public funding to cover the costs of the free breakfast and lunch program.
With a cost of around $300,000 a year, Thornton provides free breakfast and lunch to over 250 food insecure students through private gifts to the Headmaster’s Student Assistance Fund from alumni, friends, parents, local businesses and revenue from TA’s annual auction. With the impact of COVID-19 on our community, Thornton Academy expects the number of students applying and qualifying to participate in the program to increase.
Kaitlin Tito is a 2006 graduate of TA and co-chair of the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club’s COVID Crisis team. When she identified a need at TA, the committee stepped in to offer some financial assistance to assure no child is left without a meal. “The consequence of this crisis has shown us there is no one that has not been affected,” said Tito. “Students with food insecurities is a growing problem as a result of the pandemic. I’m grateful to be part of an organization helping to fill the gaps and ensure students have nutritious food.”
The Headmaster’s Student Assistance Fund also provides support for miscellaneous expenses that identified students may otherwise go without – glasses, sneakers, equipment, and access to internet service during this time of hybrid learning. The fund also supports the Backpack Program, which provides weekend nutrition for food insecure students.
“The generosity of the greater TA community plays an integral role in lifting up some of our most vulnerable students,” added Headmaster Menard. “On behalf of those students who will benefit from your generosity, thank you to the Rotary Club of Biddeford-Saco for choosing to invest in our students through these programs.”
For more information on The Rotary Club of Biddeford Saco www.Biddeford-SacoRotary.org / www.facebook.com/BiddefordSacoRotaryClub, or for more information on Thornton Academy, visit: www.thorntonacademy.org.
SPEAKER: ROBERT BIGGS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MAIN STREET SACO
- Robert was travelling 40+ weeks per year for his job when he decided to move to Maine
- He and his family chose Saco because of the welcoming community
- There are 10 Main Street programs in Maine and 15 affiliates
- Some events supported by the program include the car show, artwalk, and pumpkin harvest festival
- The light parade at Christmas last year had over 100 participants and thousands in attendance
- Saco Scoop is owned and operated by Main Street Saco as a source of fundraising
- The program was responsible for the flags on Main Street as well as self-watering flower displays
- Rock and roll physical distancing signs were added for COVID awareness
- The program has shifted to assisting small businesses with COVID changes (including helping with PPP forms and setting up outdoor dining)
- The light parade is cancelled this year but there will be a light display on Main Street from Beach Street to the train tracks
- Decorative crosswalks are a possibility in the future, as well as murals and public art pieces
Attendance: Joe Bassett, Melissa Cilley, Brian Dallaire, Roland Gagne, Susan Gajewski, Martin Grohman, Bill Kany, Kristen Lane, Heather MacLean, Joe Moreshead, Bill Paterson, Donald Pilon, Brenda Pollock, Kathy Shea, Haley Thompson, Kaitlin Tito, Mark Tuller, Matt Tuller, Conrad Welzel
Guest: Robert Biggs of Main Street Saco
President Don welcomed everyone
Pledge of Allegiance
Joe Bassett with the invocation
Roland led the 4-Way Test
Pledge of Allegiance
Joe Bassett with the invocation
Roland led the 4-Way Test
Announcements:
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
- Only 3 appointments remaining
- All Power Red slots have been filled
- Volunteers needed on September 28th, 12-5 PM
- Jim LaBelle and Jane Foley have volunteered for a couple of hours in the afternoon
- Roland, Sue, and Don will help out with the rest of the volunteer slots
COVID-19 SUBCOMMITTEE
- A $1,000 donation is being provided to the Thornton Academy food assistance program
- Katie Brown of YouthFull Maine will be joining the meeting next week
- More hand sanitizer is available for distribution
- If anyone has a non-profit in mind for sanitizer, please let the subcommittee know
- Marty has offered 500 cloth masks to the Second Congregational Church and is hoping to donate the other 500 masks to Seeds of Hope
- The District will also be providing us with 1,000 masks to distribute
100TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE
- A date has been set - July 13th & 14th
- If any members are available to host families, please notify Roland or Fausto
- We want to show our guests around while they are here - potential places to visit include Freeport, LL Bean, Kennebunkport (the President's house), Biddeford mills. Freedom Trail, etc.
- Fausto is donating food for the event; menu will be appetizers (and cash bar)
- Next meeting is September 25th at 2 PM - contact Roland if you'd like to attend
FIRST RESPONDER APPRECIATION
- Pension Professionals is hosting an event to honor 1st responders and essential workers
- It will be a drive through BBQ on October 7th from 6-9 | 11-1 | 4-6
- Volunteers are needed to package and distribute food
- Please notify Roland if you are available to help out
BLAIS MASSAGE AUCTION
- Funds raised from the auction will go to the golf tournament budget
- Bill Paterson purchased the one-hour massage for $75
HAPPY DOLLARS / FINES
- Joe M. climbed Mt. Katahdin - he is donating $150 to the club for everyone's unpaid fines
- Don - $1 - Matt Tuller is at meeting today
- Conrad - $1 - Made it through his birthday
- Mark Tuller - $1 - Happy his son is joining club
- Don - $1 - Meeting started late (at 12:16)
- Roland - $1 - For 4-Way Test
Matt Tuller induction and welcome message from Don
President Don announced that a gift was made in Past President James Pastorelli's honor - $250 to the Polio Plus Program
Fellow Club Members:
I had intended to attend our last meeting but was prevented by technology from tuning in. I particularly wanted to attend to share a couple of thoughts about Past President, James Pastorelli, who recently passed away.
Jim was born on August 22, 1920, the same year our club was formed. He joined our club in 1968. When I went to my first Rotary meeting in 1987 in a smoke filled large room at the Colonial Hut in Biddeford (where the 7-11is today) Jim was the President. Jim was a quiet leader among a group of very loud, larger than life men (no women in Rotary then) in a club with over 120 members. Jim clearly had the respect of the club. By the time Jim served as President he was actually retired from the automobile business. He was the founder of Coastal VW in Saco for any of you old enough to remember that dealership which is long gone. He lived in Kennebunk with his wife of 61 years, Vernita.
If you read Jim’s obit you would know that Jim was a World War II vet and the recipient of two Bronze Stars. He was a true hero. I always found Jim to be a true gentleman who enjoyed a good laugh.
My favorite memory of Jim came from the 2019 Past President’s Day when Jim drove himself to the meeting at age 98, parked in lower parking lot and walked up to the meeting. How cool was that? Bob Begin and I sat across from Jim, and we talked a lot about the old club days. I was not surprised to learn that Jim lived a couple of weeks after his 100th birthday. They simply don’t make many people like Jim any more.
It was an honor to have been in the Club with him.
Jim was born on August 22, 1920, the same year our club was formed. He joined our club in 1968. When I went to my first Rotary meeting in 1987 in a smoke filled large room at the Colonial Hut in Biddeford (where the 7-11is today) Jim was the President. Jim was a quiet leader among a group of very loud, larger than life men (no women in Rotary then) in a club with over 120 members. Jim clearly had the respect of the club. By the time Jim served as President he was actually retired from the automobile business. He was the founder of Coastal VW in Saco for any of you old enough to remember that dealership which is long gone. He lived in Kennebunk with his wife of 61 years, Vernita.
If you read Jim’s obit you would know that Jim was a World War II vet and the recipient of two Bronze Stars. He was a true hero. I always found Jim to be a true gentleman who enjoyed a good laugh.
My favorite memory of Jim came from the 2019 Past President’s Day when Jim drove himself to the meeting at age 98, parked in lower parking lot and walked up to the meeting. How cool was that? Bob Begin and I sat across from Jim, and we talked a lot about the old club days. I was not surprised to learn that Jim lived a couple of weeks after his 100th birthday. They simply don’t make many people like Jim any more.
It was an honor to have been in the Club with him.
Thanks for reading this. Bill
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
- Conrad spoke with Haley and Brenda regarding feasibility
- There are many steps to setting up our own program - joining forces with another organization would make more sense for us
- Support programs are already out there, and children will need mentors now more than ever
- It's also a difficult time to ask teachers for their input (they are overwhelmed with the logistics of regular school needs)
- Organizations to keep in mind: Apex Youth Connection, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement Biddeford-Saco (Melissa will check in with JA regarding their current needs)
FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
- Brenda will follow up with Karen today regarding Youth Full Maine
- Thornton Academy food assistance program could also use some help
- They do not receive any federal funding
- The Headmaster's Student Assistance Fund provides food assistance as well as basic needs such as coats, shoes, or Internet access
- It costs $1,200 a year for breakfast and lunch for one student
- There are approximately 350 students in need this year (about 270 last year)
- The annual auction was cancelled last year, which equals $125,000 in funding
- Kaitlin motions to donate $1,000 to Thornton Academy, seconded by Marty
- The motion carried - Haley will pass along necessary info to the subcommittee
- The subcommittee awaits further details from Youth Full Maine regarding their current funding and needs
MISCELLANEOUS
- Kaitlin to send spreadsheet to Brenda detailing the subcommittee's efforts to date
- Haley to send info regarding headmaster's program to Brenda for press release
- Garden discussion will be at the top of the agenda at the next meeting (9/30/20).
- Brenda will call the food pantry to see if they could use some of our leftover hand sanitizer; Don talking to Seeds of Hope / Conrad checking with Vet 2 Vet
- Conrad reaching out to OOB schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters
Attendance: Joe Bassett, Sarah Curley, Brian Dallaire, Jane Foley, Roland Gagne, Susan Gajewski, Martin Grohman, Keith Jacques, Jim LaBelle, Kristen Lane, Heather MacLean, Joe Moreshead, Mark Nahorney, Bill Paterson, Don Pilon, Brenda Pollock, Kathy Shea, Haley Thompson, Kaitlin Tito, Conrad Welzel
Guest: Randy Morrison of Maine Behavioral Healthcare
President Don welcomed everyone
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Joe Moreshead led the 4-Way Test
Announcements:
MISCELLANEOUS
- Chamber of Commerce golf tournament takes place 9/17/20
- Blood drive sign ups are going so well, the Red Cross added additional donation slots (55 total, 15 are open)
- 1 Power Red left to fill - if all are filled, this will be the first time it's been done
- Matt Tuller's induction will take place at next week's meeting
- COVID-19 subcommittee meeting this week, after club meeting
- A 1-hour massage with Michelle Blais will be auctioned off at next week's meeting
- This year's Christmas party is cancelled; Secret Santa will take its place for anyone who is interested in participating
HAPPY DOLLARS
- Bill Paterson - $1 - Completed his guitar (a Fender Strat knockoff)
- Keith Jacques - $1 - Joe's rendition of the 4-Way Test made him realize how low the bar is set
- Mark Nahorney - $2 - Producing a highlights show which will be on YouTube Oct. 9, 10, 11 / Also producing a documentary on the 125th anniversary of the theater
- Don - $1 - Happy about golf tournament tomorrow
- Jim LaBelle - $1 - Also happy about golf tournament
- Marty - $1 - Salon Circus re-opened (they have been closed since March)
- Conrad - $1 - 3 days until his birthday so he's not old yet
- Roland - $1 - Zoom's private chat feature is appreciated, also the 100th anniversary subcommittee is meeting again
- Joe M. - $1 - Going to Katahdin on Friday
FINES
- Joe M. - $5 - For messing up the group hike meeting time
- Don - $1 - Bell at start time was extremely loud
- Don - $1 - Initiated the 4-Way Test out of order
- Sarah C. - $1 - Welcome back fine
- Conrad - $1 - For Courier article and making fun of Joe
- Brenda - $1 - For getting article in Courier
- Jim LaBelle - $2 - Self-promotion
- Sue G. - $1 - For not knowing name of king post truss in background
- Roland - $1 - Just because
SPEAKER - RANDY MORRISON OF MAINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE
Randy Morrison is the Director of Peer Services at Maine Behavioral Healthcare since late 2015. Over this time, peer services have expanded greatly to now comprise over 50 positions. In York County, he oversees two Peer Support Centers, substance use peer recovery services within the Emergency Department at Southern Maine Health Care and their outpatient treatment service, multiple peer support specialists within MBH's case management and other services.
- Randy has been the Director of Peer Services since 2015
- The program assists people who are in recovery for substance abuse or in need of mental health support
- They are located in the mill building with the large mural (York St., Biddeford)
- The center is open to anyone who needs it, regardless of insurance status
- Everyone who works there is also in recovery
- COVID protocols are in place - Zoom meetings are offered, meetups outside or going for a walk also permitted
- They are launching a youth focused program this fall that will include drop-in spaces (more details to come)
- There has been a spike in overdose deaths since COVID began
- It is important to create opportunities for people in the community to connect with others who understand mental health struggles
- Low income and homeless people may experience difficulty accessing online programs
- The center saw approximately 20-30 people per day in 2019
- There is a pool table, and lunch and support groups are typically available
- Funded through State of Maine grants
- COVID presents challenges in connecting people with mental health services (care can be delayed, which is especially difficult for people in crisis)
- We can help people by getting the word out on the existing sources of assistance
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 PM.
Attendance: Joe Bassett, Melissa Cilley, Brian Dallaire, CJ Dubois-Cote, Roland Gagne, Susan Gajewski, Martin Grohman, Bill Kany, Kristen Lane, Heather MacLean, Joe Moreshead, Bill Paterson, Fausto Pifferrer, Don Pilon, Brenda Pollock, Kathy Shea, Haley Thompson, Kaitlin Tito, Conrad Welzel
Guest: Irene Lim of Fernleaf Bakery
President Don welcomed everyone
Pledge of Allegiance
Joe Bassett with invocation
Brenda led the 4-Way Test
Announcements:
MISCELLANEOUS
- Conrad and Don are guest speakers at the Bideford, England club meeting on 9/10/20
- July 6, 7, 13, 14 available at River Winds
- Most respondents to survey not comfortable resuming in-person meetings
- Kenya Global Grant, spearheaded by Freeport club - Zoom meeting 9/10/20
- House project - Sue wrote a check for $59,000
- The club would like some more information regarding funding sources and projected income
- Melissa could use some online mentors (please see email request for more information)
BLOOD DRIVE
- 6/10 Power Reds slots filled
- Free COVID-19 antibody test if you donate
- Haley will post info at Thornton Academy, Brenda & Bill will also post at their workplaces
- All negative blood types are needed
COVID-19 SUBCOMMITTEE
- Subcommittee meeting next week, immediately following the club meeting
- Tabled discussion regarding Youth Full Maine until we have more information about other sources of funding
- Victory Garden project ongoing - The Farmer's Daughter in Dayton would be happy to help
- Hand sanitizer donations are assembled and ready for distribution
HAPPY DOLLARS
- Joe Moreshead - $3 - Bike ride last Thursday with Apex Youth Connection
- Brenda - $6 - Her granddaughter's achievements with Brave Bees and her upcoming participation in Miss Preteen Maine
- Conrad - $1 - Happy weekend with the grandkids
- Conrad - $1 - Sad dollar for a former speaker's passing
- Brian - $1 - Africa is polio-free
- Marty - $1 - His daughter has been dropped off at school and is doing well
- Sue - $1 - Paddle boarded 4 miles
- Melissa - $1 - Has not found additional space yet, but can help some kids in the space they currently have
FINES
- Kaitlin - $1 - For Zoom photo
- Don - $1 - Usurped Joe M.'s authority
- Don - $1 - Insulted Bill Kany
- Marty - $1 - ?
- Fausto - $1 - Blew off Joe for lunch
SPEAKER - IRENE LIM OF FERNLEAF BAKERY
- Family owned business - Irene, her husband, and one other employee
- Everything baked from scratch, avoiding use of chemicals
- Due to coronavirus, they have switched to a curbside model
- Irene's husband developed the ordering system
- Cakes, pies, cookies, scones, etc. are available for ordering online
- There are many customization options for coffee which is challenging in terms of software - not currently available for curbside
- The satellite location in South Portland closed prior to COVID/for unrelated reasons
- PPP has been helpful as insurance company will not cover loss of use due to COVID shutdown
- The bakery is retail-only, no wholesale, as Irene wanted it to be a neighborhood bakery
Meeting adjourned at 1:05 PM
Attendance: Joe Boyle, Melissa Cilley, Brian Dallaire, Jane Foley, Roland Gagne, Heather Gendron, Martin Grohman, Kristen Lane, Heather MacLean, Mark Nahorney, Bill Paterson, Don Pilon, Brenda Pollock, Kathy Shea, Kaitlin Tito, Julie Villemaire, Conrad Welzel
President Don welcomed everyone
Pledge of Allegiance
Joe Bassett with invocation
Marty led the 4-Way Test
Guests: District Governor Peggy Belanger and Assistant District Governor Bob Wester
Announcements:
COVID-19 SUBCOMMITTEE
- Meetings now taking place every other week, in half hour immediately following the club meeting
- YouthFull Maine in need of funding for additional space for food distribution
- Rotary-branded stickers have been placed on hand sanitizer - ready for distribution
BLOOD DRIVE
- 15/26 appointments have been filled (3 of which are Power Reds)
- Type A-, B-, or O (+ or -) are most desirable
- Walk-ins are discouraged due to COVID regulations - please make an appointment
- The event will take place September 28th, 12-5 PM at the New Life Church in Biddeford
MISCELLANEOUS
- Mini golf profit is between $8-9,000 (some checks are still in mailbox) - good return for an off year
- New prospective member Matt Tuller is posted for first time today
- Conrad is being awarded a silver Presidential Volunteer Service Award - Brenda will present the medal at the next in-person meeting
- Survey will go out soon regarding resuming in-person meetings at Run of the Mill (Zoom meeting would still be available for those who do not wish to attend)
- Opioid overdoses have increased during pandemic - a recovery center is being established in York County
- 100 Year Anniversary - a Save The Date would be helpful for our overseas guests
- Heather MacLean filling in as Sergeant at Arms
HAPPY DOLLARS
- Dr. Joe - $5 - Visited a friend he hadn't seen in 6 months
- Conrad - Several happy dollars - 39th wedding anniversary was same day as church painting
- Don - $1 - Happy about Conrad's award and Marty's blood drive
- Marty - $1 - Saw Heather M. riding her bike
FINES
- Heather Gendron - $2 - Her daughters were born on the same day, 13 years apart
- Don - $1 - His message in the tack was the same as last week's
- Kaitlin - $1 - 1st Rotary anniversary on September 4th
- Roland - $5 - Insulted Heather M.
- Roland - $1 - For his ringtone
- Marty - $1 - Also insulted Heather M.
SPEAKER - DISTRICT GOVERNOR PEGGY BELANGER
- Background - Peggy is a Registered Nurse, specializing in oncology
- This is a time of chaos, but it can also be a time to push boundaries
- Don points out that COVID isn't all bad - it gives us an opportunity to reach out to the most vulnerable in our community; identifying needs and offering help to those who need it most
- The District is set to receive 100,000 free surgical masks which the AG will divvy up between the clubs
- It is important that we continue to develop impactful, relevant relationships with each other and our community
- Silver linings to COVID - we found a new way to stay connected and we're connecting internationally
- The club should focus on not only building numbers, but also retaining members (and make sure we are engaging members - Making Membership Memorable)
- The club is looking into acquiring software that will facilitate online fundraisers
- Another upcoming initiative is DEI - Diversity/Equity/Inclusion team being assembled
