Our May 8, 2019 meeting, or as President Joe calls it, week 46, started with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Brian Dallaire slowly enunciating the Four Way Test after an extended absence and Joe Bassett led us in prayer.
In the midst of chaos which frequently characterizes Joe’s leadership “style”, Joe announced that there were no visitors this week other than our speakers.
Joe also reminded us for the 46th time that on May 11 we would be helping with Rise Against Hunger which is a hands on event during which we will help to put together 10,000 meals. The event will be at the Saco Elks Club on the Ocean Park Road starting at 9:00. Of course, if you failed to attend that event and you’re reading this now, you missed it!
Joe also told us that the Scholarship committee is meeting on May 14 from 3:00 to 5:00 to conduct interviews of Biddeford High School and COT students and the committee is meeting on May 15 from 3:00 to 5:00 to interview TA and OOB students. Both sessions will be at Bangor Savings on Main Street in Saco. I understand the students are quite impressive so if you can make it or need more information please reach out to Heather Gendron.
It was reported that Roland Gagne is either in Hungary or he is hungry, I am not sure which.
Joe also reported the Randy Forcier tendered his resignation because of his busy work and family schedule. Joe acknowledged all of Randy’s hard work for the club including being treasurer. I believe there are still a few Rotary checks driving around in Randy’s car.
It was announced that the Saco Bay Rotary Club is continuing is magical murder mystery tour with a production called “A Pryce in Blood” which has a pirate theme. The information related to the event is below.
It was also announced that the Saco Bay Sunset Rotary Club was inquiring as to whether there are any organizations who collect previously worn suits for men so that men might be able to find a suit to use on job interviews or say to work in a bank. If anyone knows of any such effort please reach out to Bob LaPauloue at buffettbob75@gmail.com. He either loves Jimmy Buffett or he loves the Tin Tin Buffet and does not know how to spell.
The Club then considered and voted on two donation requests which could have been handled at the Committee or Board level, but what the hell. The first was to donate to a Veterans Wall that has been set up at Volk Packaging, not sure why. We voted to donate $500 from our Company B fund to support the wall which is definitely an appropriate use of those funds. The second request was for money to help find and restore grave sites scattered throughout Clifford Park. Our club has supported renovation work at Clifford Park having done a hands on project there years ago and having helped fund the gate to the park. We discussed the pros and cons of the proposal and ultimately voted not to support it. Another proposal to give a woman $350.00 to register her car was tabled until we got more information and until I could get some information.
MAY 29 will be Rotary Foundation Day which can be a lot of fun. The day is designed to encourage everyone to give to the Foundation. For everyone who brings in a donation to the Foundation (Brian Dallaire is encouraging $100 gifts) they will receive a raffle ticket. We ask members of the club to bring in their company swag such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, umbrellas, you name it. If your business does not have swag bring in a gift certificate you have laying around or go buy one to donate, but nothing too big. We will then draw raffle tickets and each winner drawn will be able to pick an item from the table full of stuff and then they can keep that item or Yankee swap with someone who has already picked something. It really is a fun meeting and everyone should plan on attending.
Do you know the definition of lucky? You leave the room to take a phone call and you are picked as the 50/50 winner – Jim Godbout.
Matt Simmons was MIA and did not let anyone know so we skipped the sergeant at arms part of the meeting.
