Attendance: Joe Bassett, Paulette Bonneau, Joe Boyle, Melissa Cilley, Brian Dallaire, Jane Foley, Roland Gagne, Susan Gajewski, Bill Kany, Jim LaBelle, Heather MacLean, Mark Nahorney, Bill Paterson, Don Pillon, Brenda Pollock, Kathy Shea, Kaitlin Tito, Matthew Tuller, Julie Villemaire, Conrad Welzel Guest: Abigail Smallwood, Community Planner, City of Biddeford President Don welcomed everyone Pledge of Allegiance Invocation by Joe Bassett Bill Kany led the 4-Way Test Announcements: GENERAL DISCUSSION - Two new members are being posted - Mike Burman and Jen Fullmer
- Julie has Clynk bags and stickers if anyone needs them (Don picking some up for distribution)
- 6-8 people have replied to holiday swap email
- Please email Heather MacLean if you would like to spread some holiday cheer
- Center For Grieving Children sent a thank you letter for our $1,000 donation
- COVID-19 subcommittee meeting next week
- The subcommittee's main project at the moment is "Victory Garden" educational program
- Approximately 500 masks remaining - please contact Conrad if you know anyone in need
- 100th anniversary subcommittee meeting on November 18th after club meeting
Don chose nominating committee (from hat at random) for President after Brenda. General results: Heather MacLean, Carl Goodwin, Sarah Curley Past President picks: Karen Chasse, Paul Deschambault HAPPY DOLLARS - Conrad - $6 - Happy that the election is over and without violence
- Dr. Joe - $1 - Son in Norway bought new home
- Joe Bassett - $1 - Also happy the election is over
- Brian - $1 - Agrees with Joe Bassett
- Kathy Shea - $10 - Same
- Bill Paterson - $5 - No more political ads
- Don - $5 - Same
FINES - Kaitlin - $1 - For underrepresenting Ken's chipmunk removal achievements (he relocated a total of 28 chipmunks)
- Brian - $2 - For being off topic
- Don - $2 - Standard Joe M. fine
- Bill Kany - $6 - For being rich and sassy (and commenting on election)
- Don - $1 - Called Heather M. "Sergeant OF Arms"
GUEST: ABIGAIL SMALLWOOD, COMMUNITY PLANNER, CITY OF BIDDEFORD - Abigail has a background in historic preservation
- She is originally from Charleston, West Virginia
- Moved here in May, 2014 with then-boyfriend, now husband
- Abigail previously worked for Westbrook's Main Street affiliation program
- New role is managing community development block grants
- CDBG are federal grants to support urban revitalization (recipients must be low to moderate income)
- Funds are provided to programs such as the lead abatement initiative for older apartment buildings
- New program will launch soon to help owners of 2-4 units make improvements to run-down buildings
- Also involved with community programs such as Seeds of Hope, Apex Youth Connection, and Meals On Wheels
- COVID specific funding was used on job retention for local businesses
- They received another round recently - recipients to be determined (a survey is being conducted to assess community needs)
- Current challenge: difficult to develop relationships with community due to COVID restrictions
Meeting adjourned at 12:51 PM |
