Stories of Service: From Car with a Cause to Angola’s Tuku Village
This Week’s Highlights
- Progress on the Angola Tuku Village education project supporting 155 children
- Updates on Car with a Cause fundraising efforts and upcoming member survey
- Club announcements including scholarships, events, and leadership planning
Weekly Recap- April 17, 2026
This week’s meeting highlighted both local impact and international service, along with important club updates.
The meeting began with Darcy inviting everyone to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance, and then the 6-way test. She then kicked things off with gratitude for everyone who helped make the Car with a Cause Kickoff Event a success. While the event was well attended, ticket sales remain a challenge due to updated Gaming Commission regulations specifically challenges on providing on-line ticket sales. To help improve the process, a club-wide survey will be distributed—member participation will be key in shaping next steps for this important fundraiser.
Kindness Dollars
Members shared a wide range of gratitude and good news this week. Dinon celebrated the selection of two scholarship recipients from a strong pool of applicants, with introductions to come in May. Pauline and Larry each settled lighthearted IOUs from recent meetings, adding to the spirit of fun and accountability.
Members shared a wide range of gratitude and good news this week. Dinon celebrated the selection of two scholarship recipients from a strong pool of applicants, with introductions to come in May. Pauline and Larry each settled lighthearted IOUs from recent meetings, adding to the spirit of fun and accountability.
Marilyn returned from memorable travels to Japan and New York City, while Susan shared joy from celebrating her son’s wedding and welcoming a new daughter-in-law. Jud expressed appreciation for the strong turnout and support at the CWAC kickoff, and also welcomed our guests.
Brad offered thanks to all who supported the KSB event, including volunteers, attendees, and Claire for her help setting up the ShelterBox tent. Skip added to the celebration, noting the fun he had performing with his band, “Three Shades of Gray,” during the event.
Darcy shared appreciation for guests and for the sense of connection within the club, including enjoying photos of Susan’s family. She also invited members to an upcoming Cinco de Mayo gathering at her home where the focus will be on how our club can help support Footprints Food Pantry and Mainspring in Kittery.
Looking ahead, the club is preparing for a mini club assembly next week, where Susan and Jackie will share updates on leadership development, membership growth, and ongoing efforts to modernize club operations.
Speakers – Roland Gagne & Makengo Nzeza, Rotary Club of Saco-Biddeford
Rotary Club Support Visit
Roland Gagne shared a powerful story about supporting fellow Rotary Club of Saco-Biddeford member, Makengo Nzeza. While running errands on the day his wife gave birth to their newest child, Makengo was unexpectedly detained by ICE. Upon learning of the situation, Roland and several club members visited Makengo’s family that evening to assess their needs and offer immediate support. Through this experience, members also learned more about Makengo’s background, including his connection to the Tuku Village in Angola and his journey to the United States, where he has lived for nine years after seeking asylum.
Rotary Club Angola Project Introduction
The highlight of the meeting was an inspiring presentation from Roland Gagne and Makengo Nzeza on the Tuku Village Project in Angola—Makengo’s home village.
The highlight of the meeting was an inspiring presentation from Roland Gagne and Makengo Nzeza on the Tuku Village Project in Angola—Makengo’s home village.
This initiative is focused on expanding access to education for 155 children, ages 5–10, who currently do not have the opportunity to attend school. While International Grant guidelines do not allow for building construction, the project will provide essential resources such as desks, teacher training, library materials, solar power, and access to clean water. The presentation was a meaningful reminder of Rotary’s ability to drive sustainable, life-changing impact in communities around the world.
Together, we are building stronger connections and creating lasting change in our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us this week—we’re proud of what we accomplish when we come together in service and fellowship.