There has been discussion among some of the board members whether to have a meeting next Wednesday which is Inauguration Day. I’ve polled the board and the majority of the board has voted to have a meeting. I’ll check with the speaker chair to see who they have lined up for next week’s meeting.
I’m happy to announce that we have exceeded our Annual Fund goal this year. Thank you all for your support of Rotary. Three of our members have made significant donations to the annual fund and will be receiving upgraded Paul Harris Fellow pins.
Also, one of our newer members will soon be receiving his first Paul Harris Fellow award soon. We all appreciate your commitment to our club and to Rotary International.
The six month dues bill has been sent out. Please let Sue know if you didn’t receive yours.
Please join us for a very special meeting on January 20th when we will be hosting a "Twinning" ceremony with the Rotary Club of Amman Cosmopolitan Jordan via ZOOM.
Follow up on Vets Wreaths: Pick-up wreaths at St Joseph Cemetery on Friday morning.
Million Mask Initiative: President Don received 1000 PP Masks from Rotary District, 1000 will be donated to SMHC. Don asked members to let Conrad know if they know of any organization, nursing home, non-profit that needs masks.
Don awarded Joe M a +4 Paul Harris pin at his business. Don has a multiple Paul Harris pin for Jim Godbout and Dana Lane to award. Also, a new Paul Harris will be awarded to a member.
Does anyone need CLYBK bags?
Sergeant At Arms: Joe M.
Happy Dollars:
Dr. Joe – Was happy to step back from the camera a bit to show his fellow Rotarians his Kilt. He sported his MacQueen Kilt for the meeting and thanked his wife for her assistance.
Mark N. - $5 happy dollars to mention the Westbrook Rink and sent his congratulations and gratitude to Marty for the work he does on this project. It was a pleasure to see so many enjoying ice skating outdoors.
Don P – Don presented the Paul Harris award to Joe and had others to present in the upcoming week. He thanked fellow Rotarians for their generosity.
Conrad – Happy to have the grandkids coming by again for a visit.
Karen – She was happy to coincidentally, be wearing MacQueen pattern slacks.
Jen F – Happy to announce 2 new employees for Boots to Roots. (boots2roots.org is an organization preparing the transitioning of active duty military members and helping them to hit the ground running in Maine)
Bill P. – Happy to have Dave Underwood and Officer MacKenzie join us today.
Fines:
Don P. – Currently have a COVID outbreak at work but that didn’t stop President Don. He delivered me the Paul Harris Award disregarding the Do Not Enter signs posted on the front door. He is as the Bruce Willis of Biddeford.
Dave U. - $1 Rotary Royalty Fee.
Marty – You always want Blood from us. It wasn’t enough we gave you blood a few months ago and now you’re asking for power reds again.
Matt – You know why …
Peggy – So great to have you back! Joe M. paid $2 for her return.
Roland – Where’s Kaitlin?
Karen, Julie V., Heather G. & Brenda – each of you were mentioned in this great article in the Courier about Biddeford – Saco Rotary Club helps 81 local children at Christmas.
Marty – another $2 fine just because fine.
Fines were brought to you by Hard To Port Fishing Company.
Guest Speaker:Chief Bob MacKenzie of the Recover Initiative Committee
There have been 28 deaths due to substance abuse. The Options Program has recently appointed a new representative for York County. They are currently looking for office space, preferably in the Biddeford – Saco area. Please contact Chief MacKenzie if you would like more information about their program or if you are interested to become a volunteer with the Options Program.
Originally the Tack was distributed in printed form at the following meeting. Then came ClubRunner and the ability to publish online. This version has been known as the e-Tack as we had both forms distributed for a while.
It now has been several years since the printed version has been issued. Therefore we will now rename the online e-Tack to plainly "THE TACK"
Meeting date | time Jan 13, 2021 | 1:30PM | Meeting location Zoom
Meeting called by
Roland Gagne
Type of meeting
Fundraiser Planning
Facilitator
Roland Gagne
Note taker
Roland Gagne
Roland Gagne
Brian Dallaire
Brenda Pollack
Conrad Welzel
Heather MacLean
Fausto Pifferrer
Don Pilon
Agenda topics
Time allotted | 10 minutes | Agenda topic eCommerce/Pricing | Presenter Group
Discussion: Discussed the various eCommerce (store fronts) and online payment options along with the proposed pricing of the fundraiser items.
Conclusion: Group determined that there are lots of eCommerce and online payment choices and Brian and Brenda will evaluate the pros and cons of various choices and present at our next meeting. Group decided to keep the pricing as proposed with no modifications.
Action items
Person responsible
Deadline
Investigate eCommerce options
Brian & Brenda
Jan 20 | 11:30am
Investigate Online Payment services
Brian
Jan 20 | 11:30am
Time allotted | 10 Minutes | Agenda topic Promotion | Presenter Group
Discussion: Group discussed using the website, club social media channels and ads in the local paper with interview.
Conclusion: Group agreed on the importance of online promotion due to COVID and that unified imagery and club branding of the fundraiser was important.
Action items
Person responsible
Deadline
Preparation of ad/interview with local paper
Brenda
Middle February
Obtain proof of fundraising form and photos
Roland
Feb 27 | 11:30am
Time allotted | 10 Minutes | Agenda topic Honoring Individuals | Presenter Group
Discussion: Discussed honoring an individual each year with the fundraiser
Conclusion: Group discussed and considered a program similar to V!ng as a possible way to support a local teen in a contest where they submit a video asking us to support a local needy person. www.vingproject.org.
Action items
Person responsible
Deadline
Review V!ng for further discussion at next meeting
The Biddeford and Saco Rotary Club’s Adopt-A-Family Program Makes Christmas Lists for 81 Local Children Come True
Biddeford-Saco – Every year, the 100-year-old-Rotary Club reaches out to local schools who connects them with local families with children, who may need a hand during the holiday season. It is a tradition that has been shared with these Rotarians and their families for centuries and one of the staples of this organization that continues to impact everyone involved.
Each December, Rotary club members gather as part of the Adopt-A-Family event for an evening of shopping where committee organizers distribute the wish lists of local children in need. For those children, Christmas without gifts is their reality. Heather Gendron and Karen Chasse, co-chairs of this Rotary event, recognized there would be no opportunity for gathering as a group this year but the club was determined to find a way to make certain this event happened.
“The Rotarians really stepped up this year and our club was able to deliver Christmas presents to 81 children in the Biddeford and Saco Communities,” said Gendron. “That was the most number of requests we ever received.” The Rotary club allocates spending $100 per child. Rotarians who participate, can choose to contribute any amount on top of that. “We partner with school faculty, community members, friends, business owners and family members to make this possible,” added Gendron.
Each of the children selected for the Adopt-A-Family program are asked to complete a Christmas wish list of clothing, toys, and other items they wished for. Then, organizers distribute the wish lists to volunteer Rotarians and other local volunteers who went to work making wishes come true. “Many of the volunteers who participate in this program, offer to sponsor these children on their own, without Rotary funds. Their generosity allowed our Rotary Club to adopt even more children,” added Gendron.
Julie Villemaire, Secretary of the Biddeford and Saco Rotary Club and longtime member stated “This is one of the most heartfelt and rewarding programs that I’ve been honored to take part in with my fellow Rotarians. Being able to help put smiles on the faces of these families, during what can often be a very difficult time of year for some, gives you this incredible feeling and truly opens your heart.”
Vice President of the club, Brenda Pollock said, “My twelve-year-old granddaughter wanted to be involved in this project. It was important to her that we purchase everything on their wish list ... and then some. It was an experience that reinforces gratitude and the importance of helping those less fortunate.”
This year, every Rotarian had to be responsible for every aspect of shopping, wrapping, and delivering on their own. Karen Chasse, co-chair of this program stated, “This year certainly is different in how we served the many families in our Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program. We were not able to work together as a group but, that didn’t deter our Rotarians. Once the Biddeford and Saco School Departments identified families in need, we assigned them to those willing to help.” Family and friends of volunteer Rotarians who learned of the program also wanted to volunteer. “It was no surprise that the need this year was significant,” added Chasse. “We are grateful for the help of school department staff, local businesses, Rotarians, and local citizens who sponsored a family on their own so all the families identified would have smiling children on Christmas morning."
In addition to the providing children’s wishes, the Biddeford and Saco Rotary Club also delivers a $100 Hannaford food gift card to the parents/guardians. “So many people are struggling to put food on the table,” Gendron added. “The grocery gift card will help ensure these families also can enjoy a holiday dinner.”
The club budgets $5,000 each year for the Adopt-A-Family program. The gift lists received by families each year always exceed that. “It’s a tribute to the Rotarians and other volunteers who step up and graciously give generously each year,” Gendron commented. “Without them, this would not be possible. We are fortunate that we can come together as a community to make a positive impact in the lives of so many of our community’s children this holiday season.”
For more information on the Rotary Club of Biddeford and Saco or to learn more about the Adopt-A-Family program, visit: http://www.biddeford-sacorotary.org/ or visit their Facebook page at: Rotary Club of Biddeford-Saco.
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.
We have more Meals on Wheels openings available! Please see the information below and feel free to contact us if you are interested:
Drivers needed at Biddeford
Biddeford Meals on Wheels is in need of delivery drivers on Tuesday mornings from 10:00AM-12:00PM. These delivery routes would be primarily in the Biddeford/Saco area. The site is located at 189 Alfred Street in Biddeford.
Packagers needed at Portland/Westbrook (Temporary)
Portland/Westbrook Meals on Wheels is looking for two volunteers to assist with packaging food on Thursday mornings from 9:00AM-12:00PM. Please note that this is a temporary volunteer role from 12/17/20 – 1/28/21. This role does require volunteers to work in close proximity with each other in the kitchen – so for safety purposes we encourage members of the same household to contact us with their interest. The site is located at 426 Bridge Street in Westbrook.
Also please ask if they could choose to help out to include myself or Julie on the communication so that they can be recognized for their service hours. Thanks Conrad
In March of 2020, the Rotary Club of Biddeford Saco launched a COVID-19 Crisis Subcommittee to address the immediate needs the pandemic caused in the communities of Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach. In phase one of their response program, the committee addressed the immediate need for food and PPE supplies for the elderly, at-risk youth and for our veterans.
In the second phase of their crisis project, the committee will continue their focus on ensuring food and PPE supplies are available to our seniors, at-risk youth, and veterans. In addition, the project will support organizations and small day cares that will be overwhelmed by an increased demand for basic needs: PPE supplies, food and other requirements or changes to their facilities as a result of executive orders. They will also add an education initiative for children and at-risk families, that will address food insecurities by teaching small scale agriculture in the production of crops and livestock.
To volunteer, donate to the Rotary Club or for more information on the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club, please email us.
To apply for crisis assistance and consideration for help with food, PPE supplies or for more information regarding the agriculture education initiative, download the COVID CRISIS Subcommittee Request Form.
The Biddeford Saco Rotary Club now accepts Venmo! You can pay your dues, the golf fundraiser, fines & happy dollars, foundation giving or anything else you’d like to pay directly to our bank account.
If you don’t have Venmo, please download the app and set up an account. It’s very easy. And it’s especially helpful that you can pay with your phone while we don’t meet in person.
Please send payments to @Treasurer-BSRC and put a note with your name (if it’s not identifiable) and what you’re sending money for. I can also try to answer questions if you respond to this email.
CLYNK bags are available at Whimsical Me on Main Street Saco. Stop into Heather’s store to pick-up several bags. Drop your bags off at the CLYNK DEPOSITORY In the Hannaford Shopping Center. Scan the bag tag on the outside of the door and place the bag inside Help us support Roland Gagne’s school in Kenya. A few cans and bottles goes a long way to improve the lives of these children. Let’s fulfill our commitment. .
Thank you
Roland & Don
UPDATE: Clynk requests that you hold you bags for 3 days before dropping them off and tie a string or ribbon to show compliance.
Our Club is in first place of 10 Rotary Clubs who participate in this program! But Saco Bay is gaining on us.
Rotary Club of Biddeford Saco
Rotary Club of Biddeford Saco
Total Raised
$2,780.45
Containers CLYNKed
49,802
Saved enough energy to light 68.8 lightbulbs—24 hours a day—for a year.
Saved the emissions equivalent of driving a car 13,021 miles.
Diverted enough containers to fill 506.9 lobster traps.
Fill up those green bags. If you need more bags and/or labels, just let Julie Villemaire know and she can hook you up…no charge!
Simple fill with returnables and drop off at any Hannaford.
Alternately, if you already have a CLYNK account of your own, you can designate you funds as a donation. Hit the Donate button and search for Rotary and you'll find our account.
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Rotary Notes
