President's Message- for March 8, 2016

Okay, now we’re serious.  The auction deadline to get your items in was February 26.  That is a distant memory now.  Then we said please get you items in by March 4.  Well that date is now well in our rearview mirrors and at last count we are at 355 items with 55 items still needed.  We really, really (note the begging) need to get all of your items this week so please get them to Jackson, Joe Moreshead, me or anyone on the auction committee.  Your help will be appreciated.

 

    The Red Ribbon Committee is working toward a week of activities and programs during the week of April 25 at Biddeford High School, Thornton Academy and Old Orchard Beach High School.  There is no question that the schools’ enthusiasm for this effort is growing daily and there is also no doubt that the Red Ribbon Committee is the true catalyst for that growing excitement.  Frankly, the statistics from 2015 are scary.  Drug overdose deaths were up by 31% in this state.  Five people died every week from drug misuse.  While there are some good changes being proposed in Augusta, there is no question that cultural changes will lead to the greatest reduction of the misuse of drugs.  The activities during the week of April 25 will be a great first step in a very long and we hope fruitful journey.

 

    With the assistance of Jeremie Sirois, the principal of Biddeford High School, we will also be bringing to the three area high schools a dynamic speaker named Tony Hoffman (look him up) to kick off the 2016-2017 school year.  Our Red Ribbon Committee will be sponsoring Mr. Hoffman.  Raising awareness early in the school year should help the schools gain momentum for programs throughout the year so that the students are receiving regular messages about healthy life choices.

 

    I mentioned last week that we are talking about working with the Center of Technology Honor Students to complete a community project.  We had thought that a cleanup of Clifford Park would dovetail with our funding of the iron gates for the park, but the information that Andy Greif has acquired would indicate that Clifford Park is in good shape so Andy is communicating with the City to see if there are alternative projects we could work on with the students during the weekend of April 9.  Please stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

Have a great week. 

Bill