Bell rang at 12:15

Pledge of Allegiance

Susan lead our banner-less 4 way test

Paul lead the prayer

Don Pilon announced the handful of guests that attended including a Rotarian from Smokey Hill Colorado; Bev Edwards. Most guests were brought from Roland, Bonita Pothier, Nyles Edwards, Jim Farr, Michelle, and one guess of Heather Grendron; Josh Precourt.

Heather started up with the happy dollars and Jerry was first to talk about new changes coming from the Biddeford School Department and the three pillars the schools are sticking to, 1. They will not be a “one size fits all” and will cater to each students needs 2. They will continue to educate themselves and the community about serving the whole child, keeping in mind things like trauma and substance abuse and the direct relation these things have with the child. 3. They will support all learners, those who struggle as well as those who excel will be taught in a way that fits them best.

On a less serious note, Roland gave what he called a “kiss up dollar” for a raffle he had won and walked away with a product from Whimsical ME, probably hoping he can cash that in as a token when he gets fined in the future.

Visiting Rotarian Bonnie gave a happy dollar, happy to be surrounded by rotarians again.

Regan gave the last happy dollar excited that her new season about to kick off!

Plenty of fines, as always!

Peggy and Mark both paid $1 for having birthdays

Fausto paid $1 for having the shortest presidents message which was the inspiring presidential words of “Have a great day!”

Roland paid $1 for his outfit in the picture posted on facebook which Heather stated was “probably culturally appropriate but still need to pay”

Karen paid $1 for being the cutest dressed for the day

Joe paid a very questionable $1, something about his inappropriate language that had him and heather both sharing shifty eyes so who knows what he said, he stated it was for telling Kaitlyn she looked nice, but Heather quickly argued no no it wasn’t that….

Bill Patterson paid $1 for winning the 50/50

Ken paid $1 for being the last one to arrive

Although Fausto didn’t get fined this week, he got a warning that if he has to sit by himself with all his friends one more time heather will have no choice but to fine him.

Some general housekeeping notes from Fausto:

-Rotary Rocks will be held on October 5th for anyone wanting to attend

-The Rotary investment committee meeting will be on September 18th

-Please send Julie any service hours still floating around

-A church program called “In a Pinch” is looking for toiletries. It was suggested that rotarians pick up 2-3 extra toiletries next time they go shopping (Shampoo, deodorant, soap, etc) and bring it to meetings for a hopefully continuous flow of donations from the club

-Jim briefly updated us on the progress of the Biddeford rotary house, he let us know the demo permit has been approved and they will start tearing down the back end of the house

-Still more detail to come, but this year will be the 100th year anniversary of our club and the Bideford, England Club who will come visit, as well as Rotary’s Bi-Centennial Year. So brainstorming for an amazing party soon will happen!

After lunch we had a great presentation via video chat thanks to Roland. We got to listen to Amanda talk about all the great work Rotary is helping with in Jordan. The grants we have given to help has helped them improve the much needed youth program which impacts 2500 youths. The grant has allowed for them to hire 75 staff members as well as train them to be the best fit. She told us about their “All Star Program” which focuses on vocational trainings to help prepare them for the future, but also makes sure they are educated in English, literature, and basic IT skills. It is always great to hear about how what we are doing is truly making a difference and making the world a better place.

Meeting adjourned at 1:15