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

March 17,2010

Pres. Steve called the meeting to order after which PP Don led us in a Patriotic song, PP Mark in the

4-Way Test and Phil gave the Invocation. Although it was St. Patrick's Day, we enjoyed a great turkey

buffet complete with stuffing and cranberry sauce. Diane said the Captain wanted to be sure all those who would be enjoying a traditional corned beef & cabbage dinner later that day would not have to have it for lunch too!

PE Julie introduced Visiting Rotarian Al Carignan of Saco Bay. We were pleased to have as guests former member and the 1st woman to join this Club, Joyce Haley; Peggy's daughter, Barbara Fortier and George was joined by his now 21 year-old grandson Nick. Welcome all!!

Since it was St. Paddy's Day, Phil substituted his Foundation Fact with an informational narrative about the Rotary Club of Dublin Central. This Club is one of six Rotary Clubs in Dublin and one of the 76 Clubs nationwide. As its name suggests, Dublin Central is located in the heart of the southside of the city, near St. Stephen's Green. The club is involved in many local fundraising efforts. They also are working on a project in Kenya with the "Light of Maasai" charity to raise funds for the tiny village of Rombo. An Irish woman Elaine Bannon has lived in the bush with the Maasai people since 2002. Elaine has devoted her life to her work with the children in the Rombo region in the areas of healthcare, clean water and education. To read more, check out www.dublincentral.org Thanks Phil!

Pres. Steve and sponsor Jim Clingensmith, inducted our newest member Stephanie Desjardins. Please be sure to introduce yourself to Stephanie and give her a warm Rotary welcome. Several members have already signed up for the District Assembly on April 10th at YCCC. Registration will be paid by the Club. See Pres. Steve for more info. We welcomed back PE Julie who was back from PETS where she drank her share of the Rotary Kool-Aid. Julie is ready and raring to go and is already working on committees. If you have an interest in a particular area, please let her know ASAP. By the time you read this, it'll all be over! The Franks gave a final run-down for Sunday's upcoming Auction as did Keith, George, Denis and Julie.

A sign-up sheet for the TACK was circulated. There are still a few openings and Ye Editor would appreciate more reporters. PP Don reminded us that "make-up" meetings can be found online at the Rotary International website. Imagine sitting in your pj's, sipping your coffee while attending a Rotary meeting. What could be simpler to help us maintain our high attendance numbers. Check it out!

It was PP Dave's lucky day as he won the 50/50 of $30.

Sergeant at Arms Karen happily accepted Happy $'s from George celebrating 46 years of wedded bliss;

first comes loves, than comes marriage than comes Heather G with a baby girl in a carriage - congrats Heather!; Lucie thrilled that her sister's cancer surgery went well; PE Julie grateful for Lucie and her staff for all their help with the inventory, etc; SAA Karen doesn't look old enough to be celebrating 15 years of marriage. Lots of fines from lots of folks helped fill Club coffers.

PP Dave introduced our speaker Nancy Kelley. Nancy, a 2nd year member of the Saco Bay Rotary Cub, shared a very poignant story about her late son, Captain Christopher Cash who was killed in Iraq in 2004. Chris joined the Army in 1986 and was only 36 when he died. Since her son strongly believed in education and loved children and wanting a special way to celebrate Chris' life, a Fun Run and Road Race was organized. In the past 5 years, $14,500 in scholarships has been awarded to students at OOB and TA. Nancy read a special tribute which detailed Chris' distinguished military career. We also viewed a video of great photos of race participants set to some moving songs. Thank you Nancy for sharing Chris' story with us. For more information about Chris and the "Run for Cash" see www.runforcash.org

Neil’s Motors, Inc.

Quickprint Color Center

Saco Biddeford Savings Bank

Southern Maine Medical Center