Last Monday (that’s September 12 for those of you who can’t calculate last Monday) we experienced the best of times and worst of times as a Red Ribbon Committee. One the one hand Tony Hoffman was incredibly well received by the students from Old Orchard Beach, Biddeford High School and Thornton Academy. On the other hand, Mr. Hoffman gave an impressive talk at Biddeford Middle School in the evening at a session open to the public and intended to target parents that was not well attended at all.
Jim Godbout expressed his frustration with the turnout. The event had been featured in the newspapers, promoted on social media and I am certain we all talked it up. In the end, however, clearly not enough people realize how bad the problem of drug misuse has become in our area. I actually thought the Tony Hoffman handled the lack of attendance well by expressing his opinion that these things take time and we have to expect that parents are not going to get behind this for a while. I do share Jim’s frustration, however, especially if you consider that our public kickoff event for Red Ribbon week in April at Thornton Academy was also very poorly attended by parents and the public in general.
My editorial comment would be while it may take time to get parents to appreciate what we are doing, it is more difficult to understand why more Rotarians did not attend. Hey look, I know that some of you had other commitments, but this was one of our biggest undertakings as a club. The District Governor and District Governor Elect found the time to be there but more than half of our club did not show up. We need to spread our message and word of mouth continues to be one of the best ways to do that. So please, as we have more events addressing drug misuse awareness, make an effort to attend so you can spread the word about what was addressed. As for the Rotarians who did make it, thank you for coming and please spread Mr. Hoffman’s message that there are healthy alternatives to drugs.
On a totally unrelated matter, I wanted to share that I went to see Bruce Springsteen at Gillette Stadium with my son, Andy last Wednesday. Bruce Springsteen will soon be 67 years old but he played for over 4 hours straight and an epic performance. I have seen him a number of times but I can tell you he gets better with age. I could not help but realize the guy is 10 years older than me but has the endurance of a 25 year old. In reality, it clearly was his love for what he was doing that propelled him to play for so long and so well.
Incidentally, he easily filled Gillette though if you have read his biographies there was a time when his band had little or no following at all. Clearly there is hope for our Red Ribbon efforts after all.
Pledge of Allegiance
Bernice - 4 Way Test
Joe- Invocation
Visitor guest - Joe Genender
Adam Parent - posted
Bromwyn Binette - CBC
Julie - 12 year pin
Joe - Heart of Rotary, transfer from Ogunquit
Alzheimer Walk- $450 over goal
Walkers can meet at 7:30a.m. at York County Credit Union or meet at the walk which starts at 9:00 a.m. on 09/17/16.
The Club’s red Ribbon event was successful-Lots of positive feedback regarding the speaker Tony Hoffman. Jim thanked everyone for their support of this event.
SUDS fundraiser was also successful-some changes for next year are under consideration such as having it in October. More to come. If you have money out, please get it to Laurie Jo. Ken thanked everyone for their support of this event.
Jim reported the Rotary House renovations are up and running. The new plumbing instructor, Brad Harding, will work with the kids on site for plumbing instruction.
Oct 23 - Oct 30 Nation Red Ribbon Week - Wear our ribbons and more info to come.
Charitable fundraiser is in the works-plan to sell 250 tickets at $100 a piece. People can chip and split the proceeds for a ticket. Members are expected to sell at least one ticket.
Saco Bay Rotary and us will be participating in a food drive-October 29th
Recognized Birthdays: Marc Mahoney
Rotary Anniversaries: Peggy, Conrad, Jim and Julie
ITN: A driving service provided for elderly that do not have transportation. They are looking for volunteer drivers in the Saco, Biddeford, OOB area. Drivers bring folks for groceries, recreational activities, doctor appointments, etc. If you know anyone that is interested, contact Jon Andrews at 207-282-1979 or at JAndrews717@gmail.com
Our Services
Dignified
The Independent Transportation Network® (ITN) is dignified. Older adults who join ITN® become dues-paying members of a non-profit organization committed to their independence and mobility. When they pick up the telephone to schedule a ride, they are not asking a favor. The transition from the driver's seat to the passenger seat is never easy - for the drivers or for their families - but it is infinitely easier when there is a viable transportation alternative that keeps the older adult in control.
Consumer Oriented
The ITN service is also consumer oriented. We provide excellent customer service with the arm-through-arm, door-through-door standard that sets us apart from taxis. Like using one's own automobile, the ITN service is available 24/7 and gives customers the flexibility to schedule their rides in advance or as needed, as well as the option to ride alone or with others, as they please, to destinations of their choice.
Characteristics of the Service
Membership based - people 60 years and older (age eligibility varies by affiliate), and visually impaired adults are eligible to join
Community based affiliates are supported by private, rather than public resources
Affordable fares that are typically lower than a comparable taxi ride
Available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for any purpose
Not "just a taxi" - drivers provide arm-through-arm, door-through-door service and help with packages
No money is exchanged in the vehicle, and tips are not accepted
Riders pre-fund a personal transportation account, and a monthly statement details all payments and charges
Uses automobiles, rather than vans or buses
Rides may be booked at any time, with discounts for advance notice
Riders may travel alone or with others, with discounts for shared rides
- See more at: http://itnamerica.org/what-we-do/our-services#sthash.hDoEqfsT.dpuf
The following Rotarians have been chosen or “voluntold” by President Lucie to be part of the TACK committee:
Sarah Curley, Naomme Paris, Paulette Bonneau, Don Pilon, Sabine McElrath, Delilah Poupore, Heather Gendron, Chris Indorf, Justyna Cybowicz, Conrad Welzel & Bill Kany.
I’m not sure how many of you actually agreed to this but THANK YOU in advance for helping to keep the TACK alive and well for those members who aren’t able to make it to the weekly meetings & keeping our website up to date & informative. I (Julie) will send out a separate email to these members with the specifics of the committee, however, I am looking for a volunteer to coordinate the TACK reporter(s) for the month of August. I’ve taken care of June and July. You can either take the minutes yourself or ask a fellow member to do it in your place. Please send me an email to let me know if you are able & willing to take on this task.
I can provide more details if needed (villemairej@sbsavings.com). If you aren’t able to do it this time around, I’ll be sure to provide you with another month later in the year
Julie Villemaire needs more volunteers!Please remember it is up to the TACK coordinator to ensure that someone is taking the minutes each week during your assigned month. If you aren’t able to take the minutes yourself, please reach out to fellow members for volunteers. Please forward the minutes to Julie Villemaire and Brian Dallaire so they can get them posted for the rest of the members.
Invocation: Joe Bassett
PROGRAM IDEA???? PLEASE CONTACT Bill Kany, PROGRAM CHAIR or a member of the Program Committee. Remember it is the responsibility of every member to help get Programs for our meetings.
Energy: Saved enough energy to light 40.4 lightbulbs—24 hours a day—for a year.
Emissions: Saved the emissions equivalent of driving a car 7,649 miles.
Volume: Diverted enough containers to fill 278.7 lobster traps.
Environmental Impact:
Energy: Saved enough energy to light 40.4 lightbulbs—24 hours a day—for a year.
Emissions: Saved the emissions equivalent of driving a car 7,649 miles.
Volume: Diverted enough containers to fill 278.7 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.
.jpg?&time=635731032561782875 "VenueMap"){kind=small}
.jpg)
