Biddeford and Saco Rotary - Newsletter

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WEEK IN REVIEW

05/26/2010

Pres. Steve called the meeting to order. PP Paul lead us in song; newest member Peg Levasseur had us join her in reciting the four Way Test, and Karen gave the Invocation - not a bad job for just a 5 minute notice. Since this was our Annual Past Presidents' Lunch, the PP's dined on steak and baked stuff shrimp served with a baked potato and mixed veggies. Dessert was a delicious apple tart. Everyone one else enjoyed a bountiful buffet.

PE Julie introduced Visiting Rotarian Asst. DG Frank Butterworth and Guests Colleen Spears, Renee Oyster and almost member Steve Saucier.

Pres. Steve started by thanking Chuck for all his efforts as Chair of the 90th Anniversary Celebration, Chuck in turn thanked the Committee for its help with this event. Phil and his wife Marcia for sharing their home with 4 of our British guests, the Williams' and the Corkery's; former Rotarian Joyce Haley for hosting Sharon Snell; yours truly and John playing coastal tour guides; Jim Mc and wife Donna for the terrific lobster bake held at their home; Peg for arranging a trip to the Marine Science Center at UNE; Chuck & Nancy for the great time at the Portland Museum of Art followed by lunch at DiMillo's; Pres. Steve for the day-trip to NH; Francine for keeping the Committee up to date with the detailed minutes of our meetings and all others who helped in any way. It was a great team effort which resulted in a wonderful week for our British guests from Bideford, England. Plans are already in the works for our 100th!! Pres. Steve showed us a flag, a "gig" which is a small replica of a long, light boat that is now used in races and a large image of a check for $500 which our guests gave to the Club to do with as we pleased.

Bill K asked that we complete and return the Ballots he recently sent out for Awards Day. This is your chance to recognize people in our community who do good. Please get these to Bill ASAP! PE Julie reported that it looks like the recent PolioPlus Bingo fundraiser netted around $2,899. Way to go PE Julie and helpers! Mrs. Maine Hydie won the 50/50!

Next up was Sergeant at Arms Karen. With just a few weeks to go in her tour of duty, SAA Karen aimed at raising as much $$ as she could for Club coffers. Happy dollars from Jim A who thanked PP for their service, Chuck for great lobster bake at Jim's, proud grand dad George for g'son Nick making the Dean's List at Clarkson; ADG Frank happy to be with us and that last son has graduated college; Pres. Steve just counting the minutes, PE Julie for helpers, including our guest Sharon Snell, who put flags on veterans' graves at St. Joseph's cemetery; Norm F for wife's 4 books in 10 years on the Quebequois culture now selling across the country; SAA Karen even shared $$ for Jim A's secrets to a long & happy marriage; Bernice for son graduating college; celebrating wedded bliss were PP Jim Pastorelli @ 62 years; PP Joe Grondin @ 61 years and not too far behind PP Al Carignan. Fines were levied against Hydie, Bill K, Phil, Joe, Jackson, Randy, PP Denis, Pres Steve, Peg L, Keith J, the late Bernice and all Past Presidents were reminded there is no "No Free Lunch."

Keith J was Program Chair for Past Presidents' Day and thanked all PP's for their many contributions to the Club and community over the years. The award for traveling the farthest went to PP Steve Ives 2002-2003 who came all the way from Lawrence, MA. Starting at 1964-1965 was Joe Grondin; followed by PP Al Carignan '73-'74 joined by wife Jackie; '75-'76 belonged to PP Frank DeFrancesco accompanied by wife Gaetane; PP Earl ' 76-'77 with wife Stasia; '77-'78 PP Norm Faucher who reminded us of the Bike Path endeavor in Saco which he, PP Frank D and PP Earl worked on; we were pleased that PP Dennis Petit '84-'85 was with us; '86-'87 was PP Jim Pastorelli's year and PP Jim said that was the year that the RI President from the Philippines visited the Club; '89-'90 PP Dave Lowe; '90-'91 PP Steve Fennell and wife Cathy; '91-'92 PP Don Lauzier said not only was the Club fortunate to have great leadership but great membership!; '92-'93 PP Bob Begin and wife Lucy; '94-'95 PP Dick Buffum; '95-'96 PP Gil Domingue and Henrietta; '97-'98 PP Bill Guay sent regrets since he was "gone fishing"; '98-'99 PP Helene Plourde thanked her sponsor PP Bob Begin; '00-'01 PP Mark Tuller's 3 year project to help fund an addition to the Truslow Center was shared by PP Gil and PP Helene; '01-'02 Keith J talked about the exchange with the Bideford, England in spite of the events of 9/11. '02-'03 PP Steve Ives is still involved in Rotary in MA; '03-'04 PP Keith Gosselin; '04-'05 PP Paul Deschambault & wife Carole who presided during the 100th anniversary of RI and the 85th anniversary of our club and shared that we received the Governor's Cup and were the #1 club in the District; and was proud that the Club gave money to the Saco Food Pantry allowing it to buy a building for permanent location; '07-'08 PP Denis Elie who publicly thanked wife Amy for her support; '08-'09 PP Frank Gooding and spouse Barbara were our most recent Past Presidential couple. It was terrific to have so many Past Presidents in attendance. Thanks Keith for a wonderful job!

Caught up in the excitement PP Jim Pastorelli announced that he would be celebrating his 90th birthday in August. We finally adjourned after a standing ovation for all Past Presidents.

Hope to see you all on the 2nd!

Helene, Ye Editor

Neil’s Motors, Inc.

Quickprint Color Center

Saco Biddeford Savings Bank

Southern Maine Medical Center