1. Backpacks- Over 1,000 backpacks were distributed to needy  students in the area.  (2)  Day Camp – Approved to donate $500 to.

Speaker Presentation:  Conrad W. Introduced the speaker-  Tracy, Mike & Matt  from the Saco Steam – which stands for Saco Alliance for Science -Science Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math

Focusing on K through 8

Spoke about the History of Saco:

21% of Saco residents are >18

31% Free Reduced Lunch

53 English as 2^nd  Language

17.2 % Use special services

Funding:

15^th out of 18^th in neighboring counties

Mission Success: 1^st 2 years

3 Parts

1. Advocate for schools and resources
2.  
3. Connect community resources to schools
4.  
5. Fundraise money and provide direct grants
6.  

Successes:

1. Advocated for budget
2.  
3. Connected aquaponics experts to SMS (Saco Middle School) project based learning team
4.  
5. Raised $17,000 -Provided $10,000 in grants.
6.  

1^st Grant :

        Distributed to CK Burns school $2,500 for Robotic Program

Other Grants:

       Let’s Go Code-                     Grade 1 & 2

        Engineering-                        Grades 3-5 

        Ecology-                                Grade 6

        Maine Learning Field Trip  Grades 6-8

        Mapping- (Camp Ellis)        Grade 7

Sponsors:

        Jim Godbout, Paquin & Carroll Insurance,  Saco Biddeford Savings Bank, Peoples Choice Credit Union, etc.

Press:

        Courier, Tribune & WMTW

Matching Grant Opportunity:

         Music & Coding Wall at Saco Middle School – Incorporate in cell phones or other technology, Code in Windchimes.  In fences with metal of all different sizes.  We have ½ the money to fund this project. 

         Funding Levels- Founders Circle $5,000 a year and Innovators Corner $2,500 a year. 

         501 C Status

         A Teacher Initiative Project  

Saco Steam Open for Grants !!!!

         Teacher Applications will close November 15.  Grants Awarded in the Spring

         To apply:   https://www.sacosteam.org/grant-application/

President Fausto Pifferrer led us in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the 4-way test somewhat led by PP Joe Moreshead.  Paul Deschambault led us in the invocation and Vice President Don Pilon announced we had no guests.  The 50/50 was won by Jackson Brown for the second week in a row (it comes in threes!) but it was only $23 so he probably won’t get too far on buying much with those winnings.

PP Bill Kany presented Paulette Bonneau with a Paul Harris Award.  Although her attendance is not 100% - her giving nature and love for our community is.  Bill stated in his presentation that “while there are many members of our club who unfortunately neither have the time nor the commitment to do what it takes to support the efforts of our club, there are many members who quietly do what it takes event after event to make sure that what we undertake is successful.  Some of those hardworking people have schedules that simply do not allow them to come to meetings on a regular basis but when Rotary really counts they are there to support each and every event.  This recipient is one of those quiet doers who also is our invaluable connection to the Center of Technology and the programs at the COT that we support.” We are very fortunate to have someone like Paulette in our club.

Happy Dollars & Fines – SAA Heather accepted happy dollars and handed out the following fines:

·         Joe – Was thrilled the meeting boasted two more “lovelies” (as Richard J. Martin often referred to the woman of Rotary) than men.  SAA Heather quickly reminded Fossil Kany that us women are taking over and then fined Joe for his terrible leadership skills in announcing the 4-way test.

·         Ken – Climbed Mount Katahdin this past weekend and it was amazing views.

·         Julie – Happy that Karen Gendron (aka Heather Gendron and Karen Chasse) took the TACK notes the last two meetings.  It appears we tied the knot this past weekend in Mount Katahdin with Ken as our witness. President Fausto was happy we finally came out of the closet to join him.

·         President Fausto – He appeared to have a great week on Facebook, was showcasing his ginormous thighs this week thanks to the heat, and for not informing his partner that he cannot pull off the same look as himself.

·         Sarah – Should be happy that she has a new fluffy German shepherd puppy

·         Jackson – For his 50/50 winnings but more importantly, he received homemade cookies and then others in the club wondered why he was so special and why couldn’t they have cookies too.

·         Bill K – Looking a bit casual for a large bank lawyer in his golf outfit

·         Paulette – Poor Bill had to carry her Paul Harris award around for a month and be prepared to speak at a moment’s notice each week in hopes she would be able to attend a weekly meeting

·         Haley – Super cute dress that SAA Heather wanted to buy for $1 

·         Lucie – She showcased a photo in the TJ Maxx parking lot in which an SUV with the plate “KANY” was in the handicap space but half way on the grass island.  She immediately sent it to Bill and told him nice parking job and he replied, “It’s my Mom!”  Way to throw your Mom under the bus for your bad parking skills Bill!

Dates to Know/Announcements:

·         Golf for Good: August 3 and 4 – all day at Schooners, Martels and Pirates Cove.  We have 57 Hole Sponsors with RP Bell being a major sponsor at Schooners.  We currently only have 12 Rotarians out of 65 signed up to help sell 50/50 tickets!  We need to staff these sales because it is an easy way to boost this fundraiser and make easy money.  The facilities will also contribute $1 for every game played by patrons.  PLEASE HELP!!! 

·         New Menu: Next week we will have new menu options, such as burgers, chicken salad, half sandwich/half soup, etc.  You have spoken and President Fausto is listening.

·         Board Meeting: The Board Meeting this month is not on the first Wednesday.  It will be held on August 7^th at 7:45am at P&C Insurance in Biddeford.  All are welcome to attend.

·         Annual Kinney Shores Black Party to support Red Ribbon Committee: Jim thanked Joe M. and Bill P. for coming out on the hottest day of the summer to help with this event which raised over $2,000 for Red Ribbon.   

·         Rotary House: Jim announced he is waiting for the final judgement from Keith prior to the teardown of the back in the near future.  The plans have been approved by the Code Enforcement Office and construction should start this Fall.  He thanked a local architect for donating her time and alerted Paulette that the COT students can continue working on the on-site house that will be moved as we work on this one.  He will look into using the COT students for plumbing and heating and look into if electrical kids can assist.

·         My Place Teen Center: Jim is also involved in this project (I’m sure you are not surprised!).  He stated that Biddeford Housing Authority will cover the majority of the renovation costs and the kitchen should be covered by the club’s $25K commitment and other local donors.  There are 30 sets of pews that will need to be removed so labor will come up as a club project but he would like to keep some for the dining room to preserve history and Fausto mentioned connecting with rental companies as they would potentially purchase them for use at events.

There was no scheduled speaker this week so we were able to leave after lunch and good conversation.