Today, we attempted a small "Thank You" to York's front line.  With the generosity of Anthony's Food Shop, we had 160 individually wrapped sandwiches and mini whoopee pies delivered to York Hospital, York Ambulance Association, York Police Department, York Beach Fire Department and York Village Fire Department.  Thank you for ALL YOU DO!! It takes a VILLAGE!  

On Friday, March 5th the Portland Symphony Orchestra woodwinds quartet performed for students at the Village Elementary School as part of the annual KinderKonzerts sponsored by the York Rotary Club. 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

The York Maine Rotary Club Board of Directors has decided based on current events, to NOT hold the next 3 regular board meetings at York Harbor Inn. 

Instead they will be providing instructions to member on how to connect via ZOOM Video Conferencing for the next 3 upcoming meetings. 

NO MEETINGS AT YORK HARBOR INN March 20th, March 27th or April 3, 2020.  

  Please stay tuned for instructions on how to access ZOOM Conferencing Service.  

Thank you.   

 

Today's speaker was Chris Babbidge, a State Representative from Kennebunk.  Chris is a member of the state judiciary committee but was  here today to tell us about the upcoming state bicentennial celebration.  This is a months long celebration of our cordial separation from Massachusetts on March 15th, 1820.  There are literally dozens of events planned and town's can apply for grants to offset any commemorative events.  I've attached the handout with all of the information for your reading pleasure.   Chris emphasized to check out the website Maine200.org for the calendar of events. 

Great day at the February 21, 2020 York Maine Rotary Club meeting!  Photo 1 is of our own Robert Palmer receiving his first Paul Harris Fellow award from President Scott Stevens!  Congratulations Robert, and thank you for your support to the Foundation!

 

In the next photo we welcomed our newest member, Shawn Shambo to the Club.  Welcome!

 

The last photo is of our wonderful speakers, Jim Christensen and our own Shirley Frederick who spoke about the Amenyo Foundation and their work in Ghana, West Africa.  Their mission is to facilitate cross-cultural development projects which provide opportunities for humans to express their fundamental goodness and for all participants to be both givers and receivers.  Good people doing great things in the world!  Thank you!

 

Great morning meeting today!  President Stevens presented a surprised Gail Morse with a Paul Harris +1 Fellowship Pin.  Then we heard from our scholarship recipient Erica Shea, who is a 2019 graduate of York High School, who is now attending YCCC and is studying Criminal Justice.  Sorry I missed a photo opportunity!  Then our speaker today was Katie Broder who spoke to us about the Center for Wildlife Capital Campaign currently underway.  They are under construction of a 12,000 square foot, 4.5 million dollar facility.  This new building will have a large conference/auditorium as well as classrooms.  This part of the facility will be available for rent to the public.  Opening day is expected in July 2020.  For more information please visit their website at www.yorkcenterforwildlife.org

 

Erica Waterbury, accompanied by her dad Ronald attended today's meeting.  She was awarded a scholarship from the York Rotary Club last year.  Erica provided the club with an update of her first year at Southern Maine Community College as a culinary arts student.  She currently has a 3.9 GPA, which impressed all of us!  Thank you for the update.  We LOVED hearing from you!

 

 

This past Friday was 2x's the FUN!  First, we had our Student of the Month Sam stop by, and told us that he would be making a donation towards Action Against Hunger.  

 

Then, incoming President Ben Lovell shared a story with us about running into a member who has missed a few meetings recently.  When he asked the member where he'd been, the member answered that being retired it is now very tough to get up so early on Friday mornings.  Well, Ben being the sport he is, came to the meeting in his PJ's to prove that the Friday Morning York Maine Rotary Meeting is a "come as you are" club!  

 

This annual event is happening THIS SATURDAY, the 30th!  We'd love to see you there!

 

 

This morning, the York Maine Rotary Club met in the Cellar Pub at York Harbor Inn.  Unfortunately, it's not the best layout for photo taking!  Our speaker was Margo Walsh, who is the founder of Maine Works.  Maine Works is a program that helps people exiting recovery programs or jail sentences, and provides them with tools to help them become successfully employed.  Maine Works takes the people who are looking to work and matches them with employers who are looking for workers.  Many of the employers are in the construction industry.  To learn more about this amazing organization, visit their website at www.maineworks.us

 

On Friday, November 1st Deb McDermott was presented a Paul Harris award with thanks from the Club for her positive reporting over the years in the York Weekly for all things York Rotary Club related.  Congratulations Deb and have fun in your future endeavors!