Biddeford and Saco Rotary - Newsletter

Have an announcement? Send your Rotary news to Helene.plourde@kennebunksavings.com. Notices received by noon on Monday will be included in the TACK for that week.

WEEK IN REVIEW

01-20-10

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Don Lauzier led us in a less than rousing rendition of “The National Anthem”.

Joe Moreshead asked for a moment of silence for the people of Haiti.

Frank Dumais reported that there were no visiting Rotarians or guests.

Phil Dennison presented a Rotary Foundation Minute.

George Wandell won the 50/50 raffle ($36).

Jake Desrochers reported that fruit orders are going very well. Next week is the deadline.

Frank Dumais brought in posters for the Rotary Auction. We need 410 items. 29 have been received so far. Small items can be dropped off at the York County Federal Credit Union and the large items can be dropped off at Jim McAllister’s building. Frank also reported that he has recruited an enforcer to make sure that all items are delivered on time….Earle “the Hammer” Goodwin.

Earle announced that he’s selling raffle tickets for the Biddeford Hockey Boosters Club. The tickets are $10 and you can win $1000, $750, $500, or $250. The benefits from this raffle will go to purchasing ice time and new jerseys for both the girls and boys teams. The boys are 10-0 and are headed towards a showdown with Thornton Academy who’s 8-1.

Josh Fearon cautioned the club against internet fraud. He made a donation to Haiti and began seeing unusual charges to his credit card shortly afterward. He suggested making the donations via check.

Dawn DeSimone reported that attendance was down to 67% last week and reminded the club to let her know about make-ups.

Steve Morin and Denis Elie briefed the club about the Company B Investment Meeting. They’ve decided to create a new investment policy. Dennis, Roland, and Phil will develop the new policy. One aspect of the new policy will be to allow the principal to grow in order to keep up with inflation. The Past President Investment Policy might need some work as well.

Andy Greif reported that someone purchased 80 tickets for the 2-6 fundraiser at Westbrook skating rink. He wants to give these tickets away to kids who might need them. See Andy for the tickets.

Don Lauzier suggested that we consider doing something with the Scarborough Rotary Club. This is their 50^th year and this is a club that our club sponsored.

Sergeant at Arms Karen Chasse collected happy dollars from Phil, who’s leaving for a 3 week trip which includes stops in Florida and Philadelphia, Joe Moreshead because Scott Brown won the Massachusetts election, Earle Goodwin because Biddeford Hockey beat Lewiston by a score of 2-1, Jim Audiffred for help received at the Soup Kitchen, Brian Dallaire who’s about to head out for a 4 week trip, Frank DeFrancesco because he’s been traveling for a while and George Wandell paid his share of the 50/50 raffle.

Fines were handed out: Steve Morin for not getting pictures into the Rotary Magazine; Joe Moreshead and Steve Morin for delegating all of their work to Karen; Earle and Helene for their solicitation email; Josh and Maureen – welcome back; Frank for choosing Earle as the enforcer; Don for the poor singing; Denis for not being sensitive; Jake for being the last one in and all scooters were hit with a $2 fine.

Dave Lowe introduced Tony Payne, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Maine’s Future. Tony began with a very nice story about his family and Rotary. His dad was a Rotarian. His parents were on a long trip in their Winnebago when his dad died unexpectedly. His mother was upset and didn’t know what to do about the Winnebago, so far from home. She asked a nurse at the hospital if there was a Rotary club nearby. The nurse helped the mother connect with the club and the club helped her deal with the Winnebago. Tony was very appreciative of that help.

Tony presented a number of statistics about Maine which served to illustrate what a difficult spot the state is in:

· 2nd highest cost for health care

· #1 in Medicaid payouts; Maine has a higher income eligibility than other states

· Electric costs in Maine are in the top 1/3

· The best business climate rating for Maine is 10^th worst

· Average age of residents—oldest in the nation; 2^nd highest in people over 65 and second lowest in people under 18. Where will our workforce replenishment come from?

· 50% of college grads leave the state; this rises to 67% for business and high tech grads

· The percentage of Mainers who work in gov’t jobs has risen from 28% to 34% in the last 19 years

· The rate of pay increase for gov’t jobs has risen much faster than the private sector. Fewer people are pulling the wagon (gov’t) and the wagon is getting heavier.

· Numerous statistics were presented comparing Maine and NH. Though similar in population, NH is far more business friendly.

Tony advocates that we need to change the attitude or change the people. He’s encouraging us to get involved. www.changeforMaine.com displayed on the slideshow. Please read Tony's follow-up message to Pres. Steve.

Steve - Thanks again for today's hospitality. As I mentioned on the way
out, I forgot to offer folks a chance to sign up for our weekly newsletter
that includes updates on legislation and data about the state's economy.
They can do so at our web site (www.changeformaine.com). Thanks for saying
you'd forward it along to the membership. Also, here's a link to today's
presentation (http://www.allianceformaine.org/maine/stubborn_facts.pdf) in
case they'd like to spend a little more time with it or share it with
others. - Tony

Thanks Ken R for taking the notes!

Ye Editor,

Helene

Neil’s Motors, Inc.

Quickprint Color Center

Saco Biddeford Savings Bank

Southern Maine Medical Center