We often hear that change is good for any organization and sometimes welcomed. Fortunately, Bill and I are a lot alike so this coming year shouldn't change too much if you’ve enjoyed this past year. To ease your mind, I thought I would state some of the obvious similarities and things to expect during this coming year:
Bill works for THE BANK so he
• pays taxes
• charges you fees
• will give you a loan if you’re a star with an A credit rating right after he makes you jump through hoops
• has all kinds of time on his hands to write lovely Tack messages AND
• never takes vacation unless forced because work is just like vacation.
I work for THE CREDIT UNION so I
• don’t pay taxes
• don’t charge you fees
• give you a loan immediately, even if you’re credit score is less than perfect.
• so busy helping the “members” that I don’t have time to write clever TACK messages AND
• I take vacation every chance I can because work is work
.
Now, that I have identified the similarities between our jobs, I will point out some in our personal lives:
• Bill has three kids - two boys and one girl. I have three kids – two girls and one husband.
• Bill grew up in Saco and loves Thornton Academy. I grew up in Biddeford and love the Biddeford Schools.
• Bill speaks fluent English. I speak fluent French.
• Bill invests less than $20 to maintain his grey-haired look. I invest well over $20 every 2 weeks to maintain this Lucille Ball image.
• Bill struggles with delegating so he spent the entire day at each project we did this past year. I love to delegate so I promise you will see me at the projects but I trust in all of you that I do not need to be present all day.
• Bill has a way with words and somehow makes insults sound humorous. I am not a wordsmith so will most likely just insult you.
• Bill doesn’t have a worry in the world, except BINGO which is very stressful to him. I worry about everything in the world except BINGO.
• Bill is afraid of his wife. Doug is afraid of me. AND
• Bill is a lawyer. Thankfully, I am not.
See, we are extremely similar so I don’t expect you to see any drastic changes in the year to come. Aren’t you thankful?
In all seriousness, I would be lying if I didn’t admit I am extremely nervous about being President. I know I am not the first Rotarian to feel this way, and enough of you have told me, “The Club runs itself” but it is everyone coming together to pitch in that makes this club successful. I am going to ask you to please support me in this effort through a new motto and hopefully my legacy – JUST SAY YES!
• If I come to you and ask for your help, JUST SAY YES, even if it is out of your comfort zone.
• If a fellow Rotarian is planning a service project and needs our help, JUST SAY YES, even if it is the third Saturday in a row.
• If you are asked to help the Interact students with their ventures, JUST SAY YES, because it is our responsibility to mentor those future Rotarians. AND
• If you are asked to sell another ticket or solicit another auction item, JUST SAY YES, because it is those fundraising dollars that allow us to change this community.
Now, let’s practice – Repeat after me – Just say yes. Great job!
Each year the Foundations asks each President to think about what they would like to accomplish and set goals. I plan to keep our fundraisers the same and I may add some other fellowship or community service projects but overall, I know whatever goals I set we will exceed because that is just how amazing this Club is. We have a superb group of Rotarians in this Club who care about our community and world at-large, helping each other and like to have fun doing it.
Therefore, the goal I have set is simple – I challenge each of you to find your “spark,” as Andy would say. What are your interests? What do you want to spend your time doing that could improve our community? Maybe it’s in your current skill set or maybe you want to try something totally different. What committee do you want to be on? I urge you to take the opportunity, take the leap, and get involved. Don’t let Rotary be just a weekly meeting with friends to further your business goals. Let Rotary be a conduit for service and I guarantee it will have an incredible impact on your life. I want to ensure everyone is invested and involved because that is when the true connection with Rotary occurs. I guarantee it will be time well spent and you will not have any regrets.
I am confident with your support, and a JUST SAY YES attitude, we can achieve our goals.
It was only the 3rd meeting of the year and President Lucie is already shaking things up! We made history with our first joint meeting of three Rotary Clubs: Biddeford-Saco, Saco Bay and Saco Bay Sunset. The meeting was held in the evening at the Dunegrass Golf Club in Old Orchard Beach where we enjoyed light refreshments and great fellowship.
The guest of honor for this evening’s meeting was District Governor, Marge Barker.
President Israel Collins of the Saco Bay Sunset Club had some welcoming remarks for everyone and then President Jeff Slaton of the Saco Bay Club led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Singing was not on the agenda for this evening but I believe everyone should warm up their vocal cords for the meeting on the 27th at Run of the Mill !!
Mark your calendars for the 1st Annual Kinney Shores Day being held on Saturday, July 30th, 2016 (THIS WEEKEND!) All residents, Rotarians and Renters in Kinney Shores are Welcome! It sounds like a fun packed afternoon beginning with Sand Castle Building Registration (2:00 p.m.), Family Scavenger Hunt at 2:30 p.m. which will be followed up by Minute to Win it Games at 3:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m. the renowned Juggler and Magician Robert Clark will take center stage. Brick Oven Pizza, Burgers and Hot Dogs are on the menu followed up by the Sandcastle Judging at 5:30 p.m. If you’d like more information or want to get involved, please call Jim Godbout at 207-283-1200 or email jim@jimgodbout.com. The proceeds for this event will benefit the Red Ribbon Campaign!
Our very own President Lucie Kay announced that there would be a return trip to Lac Megantic (Lucie couldn’t pronounce it and I’m probably spelling it incorrectly) the weekend of August 5th – which means NEXT WEEKEND if you are just reading this now. Tents/Pop-Ups are welcome. For more information, please get in touch with President Lucie Kay, PP Roland Gagne or PP Paul Deschambault.
The Saco Bay Sunset Club is selling “4 Way Test Beer Glasses”. The cost is one for $8.00 or four for $30. If you are interested in purchasing any, please get in touch with either Israel Collins or Dennis Robillard.
The 50/50 pot of $36.00 was won by PP Karen Chasse.
The meeting was concluded after Doug Hooper led the group in the 4 Way Test.
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
District Governor, Marge Barker was the speaker for the evening. I’ve included portions of her speech below:
She thanked all 3 clubs for allowing her the opportunity to meet with everyone. She congratulated Saco Bay for their District Grant application to improve childhood literacy education outside the library. Reading & fresh air together enhances vocabulary and literacy skills. She also commented on Saco Bay also receiving a District Grant for building a wheelchair access ramp at the Ball Park in OOB used by Wounded Warriors and other groups. Because of the collaboration between the Biddeford-Saco, Saco Bay & Saco Bay Sunset Clubs, the work was completed in swift order. This project exemplifies collaboration to its fullest.
DG Marge commented that the Biddeford-Saco Club was chartered in 1920 and that we’ve had 4 women presidents, with our current President, Lucie Kay, at number 4. She also commented on the Red Ribbon Committee that was established with the Biddeford-Saco Club. She is hoping to learn more about the details of our program which she believes mirrors others throughout the district and would love to foster collaboration among these clubs.
DG Marge is also aware of our club working with international partners on a Global Grant in Jordan with a focus on literacy-which is something dear to her heart. She stated that so much is being done throughout the community and the world because of our commitment to Rotary. Working together helps to shape those we come into contact with. With all the sadness in the world it is humbling to know such dedicated men and women are working together to make this a better world.
Tony Wagner has been asked to serve as Assistant Governor for Saco Bay Sunset and Suzanne Ilsley has been asked to serve as Assistant Governor for Biddeford-Saco and Saco Bay. The International Convention is in the US-Atlanta-where we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Foundation.
On October 22nd, your Clubs will invite members from your community to a celebration highlighting the work we have done on Polio eradication. Over the last two years there has been a Polio Walk in Portsmouth. For the past 8 years, our Club (Biddeford-Saco) has held a Polio Plus Bingo Fundraiser. The money we raise does make a difference. The opportunities are endless. Please continue your efforts making a difference in your areas and tell the public what we are doing to eradicate Polio. Remember, we are only one plane ride away from contracting this crippling illness.
According to Rotary International President, John Germ, “As members of Rotary, we are out to change as many lives as we can, for the better. Not alone. Not as individuals. But together-as a team-through Rotary Serving Humanity.”
Members: Elaine Palmitessa, Peggy Bean, Susan Gajewski, Andy Greif, Bernice Wood, Bill Kany, Fausto Pifferrer, Jackson Brown, Jim Godbout, Joe Moreshead, Laurie Jo Ready, Matt Simmons
Committee: Sergeant-at-Arms
Chair:
Members: Fausto Pifferrer, Matt Simmons, Sarah Curley
Committee: $100 Raffle
Chair: Karen Chasse, Sabine McElrath
Members: "Earl The Pearl" Goodwin, Joe Moreshead, Josh Fearon, Matt Simmons, Naomme Paris
Committee: Finance Committee (Ad Hoc)
Chair:
Members: Ken Farley, Dana Lane, Laurie Jo Ready, Randy Forcier
Committee: Strategic Planning (Ad Hoc)
Chair:
Members: Andy Greif, Bill Kany, Jackson Brown, Ken Farley, Lucie Kay
Members: Jackson Brown, Pierre Giroux, Susan Gajewski
Committee: Auction
Chair: Bernice Wood
Members: Bill Kany, Conrad Welzel, Jackson Brown, Julie Villemaire, Karen Chasse, Ken Farley, Laurie Jo Ready, Lucie Kay, Susan Gajewski
Committee: Awards
Chair: Bill Kany
Members: Joe Moreshead, Keith Jacques, Rollie Eon
Committee: Beer Festival (Sept 10th)
Chair: Ken Farley, Susan Gajewski
Members: Justyna Cybowicz, Heather MacLean, Mark Nahorney, Paulette Bonneau
Committee: Polio Plus Bingo
Chair: Julie Villemaire, Pierre Giroux
Members: "Earl The Pearl" Goodwin, Ray Demers, Rob Moody
Committee: Community Service Projects
Chair: Rob Moody, James McAllister, Sabine McElrath
Members: Bill Kany, Bruce Ruben, Carl Goodwin, Jim Godbout, Keith Jacques, Matt Early, Sarah Curley
Committee: Fellowship
Chair: Susan Gajewski, Fausto Pifferrer
Members: Andy Greif, Conrad Welzel, Craig Pendleton, Elaine Palmitessa, Matt Early, Matt Simmons, Steve Morin
Committee: Foundation
Chair: Matt Simmons, Brian Dallaire
Members: Bill Kany, Denis Elie, Leon Tranchemontagne, Paul Deschambault, Rob Moody, Steve Morin
Committee: International Youth Exchange
Chair: Roland Gagne
Members: Jackson Brown, Susan Gajewski
Committee: Invocation
Chair: Joe Bassett
Members: Jim Audiffred
Committee: Marketing
Chair: Karen Chasse
Members: Brian Dallaire, Chris Indorf, Craig Pendleton, Elaine Palmitessa, Mark Nahorney, Sarah Curley
Committee: Membership
Chair: Heather Gendron, Bernice Wood
Members: Bill Kany, Craig Pendleton, Joe Moreshead
Committee: Stuff-The-Bus
Chair: Bernice Wood, Sabine McElrath
Members: Craig Pendleton, Delilah Poupore, Fausto Pifferrer, Lucie Kay, Randy Forcier, Steve Morin
Committee: Past Presidents Day
Chair: Keith Jacques
Members: Bill Kany, Frank Gooding, Ken Farley, Mark Tuller, Rollie Eon
Committee: Past Presidents Scholarship Investment
Chair: Denis Elie, Mark Tuller
Members: Randy Forcier, Matt Simmons
Committee: Programs
Chair: Bill Kany
Members: Brian Dallaire, Andy Greif, Chris Indorf, CJ Dubois-Cote, Heather Gendron, Jeremy Ray, Joe Moreshead, Josh Ellis, Keith Jacques, Lucie Kay, Matt Early, Susan Gajewski
Committee: Red Ribbon Committee
Chair: Jim Godbout, Andy Greif
Members: Bernice Wood, Bill Kany, Conrad Welzel, Donald Pilon
Committee: Roster/Website
Chair: Brian Dallaire
Members: Elaine Palmitessa, Naomme Paris
Committee: Rotaract Club
Chair: Donald Pilon
Members: Fausto Pifferrer, Mark Nahorney
Committee: Scholarship
Chair: Denis Elie
Members: Bruce Ruben, Dana Lane, Heather Gendron, Paulette Bonneau, Sarah Neault
Committee: Tack
Chair: Julie Villemaire
Members: Brian Dallaire, Chris Indorf, Conrad Welzel, Delilah Poupore, Donald Pilon, Heather Gendron, Justyna Cybowicz, Naomme Paris, Paulette Bonneau, Sabine McElrath, Sarah Curley, Susan Gajewski
Committee: Vocational
Chair: Jim Godbout, Carl Goodwin
Members: Chris Indorf, Denis Elie, James McAllister, Jeremy Ray, Paulette Bonneau, Ray Demers, Steve Morin
Committee: Wine Tasting
Chair: Steve Morin, Conrad Welzel
Members: Chris Indorf, CJ Dubois-Cote, Heather Gendron, Heather MacLean, Ken Farley, Mark Nahorney, Paulette Bonneau, Randy Forcier
Heather MacLean 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 38.9 lightbulbs—24 hours a day—for a year.
Emissions: Saved the emissions equivalent of driving a car 7,371 miles.
Volume: Diverted enough containers to fill 267.8 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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