Stories

2024 Spring Social & Charity Auction

Waterville Rotary Spring Social & Charity Auction; Thursday, May 30, 5-8pm; Kennebec Valley Community College, King Hall Campus Center, Fairfield Campus; Social & Dinner (cash bar); Silent & Live Auction Event

Community Grant Recipients

The Waterville Rotary club continues to support local non[profits who address food insecurity in our community. The club recently made $1,000 donations to the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, The Winslow Community Cupboard and the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen. On 2/26 representatives attended a club meeting/luncheon and were recognized for their efforts in addressing hunger in our communities.

from left to right:

Tom Canavin, Kitchen Coordinator and Tanya Fossett, Director of Development and Communications, both from Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter;

Steve Bolduc, Volunteer, Winslow Community Cupboard;

Janet Brunette, Board Member from Waterville Area Soup Kitchen

Salvation Army Cups & Fines

At the club meeting on Monday February 12, Dan Eccher, Club President presented a check for $890.00 to Keith Davis, of the Salvation Army. The funds were collected as "cups and fines" at meetings during the months of November and December 2023.

Rhoda Reads Training Session

To register, simply click the picture below -

Press Release – 2024 Food insecurity donations

The Waterville Rotary Club raised $5,000 this year to support local organizations that address food insecurity. In the prior three years the club donated a total of $40,622 to organizations addressing hunger and basic needs.

According to Club president Daniel Eccher, “Our club became aware of the intense need in our community during the pandemic. We have directed a portion of our fundraising efforts each year since 2021 to help support the great work of local meal programs and food pantries, including some housed in our schools. We know that they operate on tight budgets and are dependent upon donations in order to feed people who don’t have enough resources to prevent hunger.”

Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs and Hermit Bill

Ron Joseph, author of "Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs, and Hermit Bill: Memories of a Wildlife Biologist In Maine" talked to our club about his 30 years of working in the woods of the northern and western part of the state. At one of the largest attended club meetings, Ron, a retired Maine wildlife biologist, spoke of growing up on his grandparent's farm in Mercer and related many anecdotes about his encounters with wildlife throughout his career.

Capital Area New Mainers Project (CANMP)

Chris Myers Asch, Executive Director from the Capital Area New Mainers Project (CANMP) spoke to the club today about the organization's efforts to help welcome refugee newcomers to Central Maine. For the past 6 years, CANMP has offered English classes, housing assistance, scholarships, an Activity Fund, celebrations and more as they have helped to build a thriving and diverse community together. He explained their Family Mentor Team approach in which volunteers help new refugee families adjust to life here in Maine through shared activities.

For more information: newmainersproject.org

"Immigrants have been the lifeblood of Maine since colonial times and they continue to be. Today's new Mainers bring energy, cultural vitality, and economic promise to our community and we are fortunate that they have chosen to live here."

---Bill, elected official

2023 Mini-grant program

The Waterville Rotary Club raised funds over the past year in order to support local schools, churches and other organizations providing food and basic necessities to our neighbors in need. Grants were awarded to 13 local organizations who work hard to ensure that no one goes hungry or lacks basic living supplies in our community.

Waterville Rotary Club Mini-Grant Applications

The Waterville Rotary Club is accepting applications to provide mini-grants to organizations, schools and churches in the Greater Waterville area to address food insecurity and lack of basic necessities. Applications are due by November 30. If you have questions, email Michele Prince at michelep@kvcap.org.

Click here to download the application.

DGE Tina goes to the Zone Institute

DGE Tina Chapman attended the Zone Institute in Toronto in September 2022 for District Governor Elect Training.

DGE Tina with DG Denis Blouin, PDG Yves Fecteau, DGN Dino Marzaro

RI President Jennifer Jones kicks off her year in Quebec City!

RI President Jennifer Jones with 7790 new District Governor Denis Blouin

District Governor Elect Tina Chapman with RI President Jennifer Jones

Waterville Rotary Club Combats Youth Homelessness

Waterville Rotary Club was recently featured on WABI-TV for our support of local high schools' efforts to help youth experiencing homelessness. Click this link to see the story on-line.

Join us for wine, Rotary trivia and membership!

Welcome to Spring!!

We invite you to join us in an evening of wine tasting, Rotary trivia, and membership. Why? So we can demonstrate a simple opportunity for an in-person or remote fellowship experience while discussing membership ideas and creating a list of ideas to bring back to your club. Below is an invite to the event and some details that you can use should you decide to do this event.

We hope you or someone from your club will join us for the evening. Who doesn't want to share a glass of wine and increase ideas for recruitment and retention of our most valued assets, our members!!

Click the image above to register!

KVCAP Food & Fun Drive Thru Event

Past President Jeff J, handing out Rotary funded books and making lots of kids happy!

Changing of the Guards!

On Monday, June 28th we celebrated our amazing outgoing Rotary Club President Jeff Jolicoeur (l) and welcomed incoming Rotary Club President, the fantastic Jeff Melanson (r). What could be better than "The Jeff's"!

Palmyra Soup Kitchen's New Stove

Dear Waterville Rotary Members,
We are so thankful for your grant of $1000 towards the purchase of our new stove. We also received $1000 from another grant. The price of the stove was $2000! Exactly what we had for funds. Please see the picture of it ready to be installed in the Palmyra Baptist Worship Center Soup Kitchen. It is the perfect size and just what we needed! Again, thank you so much for your support!
Sincerely, Sharon Kimball (for Palmyra Baptist Soup Kitchen)

Annual Spring Fling Entertainment!

Did you miss Rotary's Spring Fling? Luckily, you can check out two exclusive videos from the evening's event here. First is the very talented Michael Reny, who is often performing locally. And, Front and Main's John Philips Sandy showcases the restaurant's signature cocktail. Click on the photos to watch their videos!

Food Security Grants Awarded

Waterville Rotary Club recently provided $15k in grants to address food insecurity in the greater Waterville area. Click here for a link to WABI-TV news coverage.

Proposed campus community-fridge program faces possible liability | The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912

Eight grant applications were accepted, with the following list of recipients recommended by the committee, and ratified by the Rotary board:

Central Maine Gleaners: Community Fridge Program with fridge located in Waterville and food available to all. Amount awarded: $1,950.00.
Waterville Area Essentials Closet & Starfish Village/First Congregational Church: Essentials Closet offers essential items to anyone in need in the greater Waterville area. Starfish Village helps homeless families and individuals with needs not met by other services. Amount awarded: $2,850.00.
Palmyra Baptist Worship Food Bank/Soup Kitchen: Purchase of commercial stove to continue food provision to multiple community residents. Amount awarded: $1,000.
Oakland Food Pantry: Serves residents of Oakland. No person in need of food turned away. Amount awarded: $1,384.00.
Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter: Offers bed nights and essential items to vulnerable and low-wealth Mainers in need of shelter. Amount awarded: $2,000.
Interfaith Resource Fund: Meets emergency needs of residents of Waterville and Winslow for housing, food, and other essentials. Amount awarded: $2,000.
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Waterville: Provisions of all day care, meals, snacks and weekend meal backpacks for area youth throughout Kennebec County. Amount awarded: $2,850.00.
Northern Light Health: Provision of food and essential items through Women’s Health. Planning expansion of services. Amount awarded: $1,500.00.

Rocket Launch

Members of the Rotary Club of Waterville learned some of what goes into a Maine-based rocket launch with guest speaker Seth Lockman of bluShift Aerospace Inc. “Watching a rocket launch is really a full-body experience,” Lockman told local Rotarians. Read the full article here.

Grant Opportunity - Food & Essentials

Waterville Rotary will soon be announcing selected local organizations to receive grant funding to address food insecurity and lack of basic needs supplies in our community.

Mid-Maine Global Forum 12/14/2020 Presentation

On December 14, 2020 Rotary Club of Waterville was pleased to host the Mid-Maine Global Forum. Our speaker George Ritz offered an amazing presentation about his life's work in Paraguay and the Andrea Ritz Clinics in Paraguay. If you missed the presentation, you can view the Zoom recording here. You will need to enter uMQ%g1hT as the password.

Dine-Around Fundraiser a Success!

Thank you to Rotarians and community members who purchased Dine-Around Raffle Tickets! We are pleased to announce that we raised nearly $2000 which was matched by a Rotary District Grant. Waterville Rotary presented a check to KVCAP for $3950 to purchase books for their upcoming Community Days event.

Michele Prince, KVCAP COO and Jeff Jolicoeur, Rotary President

A Rotary Fireside Chat with Author Barbara Walsh

Come join Maine Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Barbara A. Walsh for a Fireside Chat for Rotarians. Learn about how she authored a children's book - Rhoda's Rescue for Rotary Club of Waterville's Early Literacy program Rhoda Reads. Rhoda's Rescue has since been translated and published into both French and Spanish. Barbara will also talk about her three other books, including "The Goose Lady" which has just been released. "The Goose Lady" is a true story about Marjorie Bean Scott from Augusta, Maine who dressed her cement lawn goose for 23 years, delighting thousands of children, tourists and grown-ups.

Click here to register. A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants on November 30th.

It's Auction Time!

NOTICE: The Online Auction closing has been extended to 6:00 pm Sunday Dec 3

Bidding starts Saturday, Nov 25, 6:00 pm

and ends Sunday, Dec 3, 6:00 pm

60^th Annual

Online Auction

https://BiddingOwl.com/WatervilleRotary

Hear us live on The Mix 107.9 FM

Wednesday, Nov 29 | 6:00-7:30 pm

Pay for items directly on Bidding Owl.

Pick up is Friday, December 8 from 9:00 am-5:00 pm at Central Maine Auto Chrysler-Dodge, 300 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville

For questions or to make a donation call 207-649-2745

Proceeds from our 2023 Rotary Online Auction will again go to benefit many

important community programs. This year, Waterville Rotary’s initiatives focus

on our greatest asset-our children. For example, among many service projects that we assist with we will support KVCAP’s South End Teen Center.

Dine-Around-Town Fundraiser

Rotary Club of Waterville’s new Dine Around Town Raffle is a fundraising effort with a two-fold purpose: to support local restaurants and to provide money to buy books for the Kennebec Valley Community Action Community Days program. With the pandemic placing limitations on availability of reading materials, money raised will help supply much-needed books to area school-aged children. In rolling out the Dine Around Town Raffle program, Jeff Jolicoeur, Rotary Club of Waterville president, said, “Two of Rotary’s primary areas of focus are basic literacy and economic development. During this pandemic, children from low-income families and local businesses have been particularly vulnerable. This raffle will allow the Rotary to purchase up to $3,000 worth of books from a local business (The Children’s Book Cellar) and get them into the hands of those most in need. Jolicoeur said that Rotary members have donated nearly $1,400 in gift certificates for prizes for the raffle, which can be used at area restaurants. Books bought through the raffle will be distributed by KVCAP, Educare Central Maine and Waterville Creates!. Prize packages for the raffle are: First prize – $500 collection of gift certificates; Second prize – $250 collection of gift certificates; Five third prizes of a collection of cards valued at $100. Tickets are $5 each, or a book of five is $20. Tickets are on sale through Friday, Nov. 27, and available from area Rotary Club of Waterville members, or by contacting Jeff Melanson at jmelanson514@gmail.com or 207-314-0412.
Winners will be drawn on Monday, Nov. 30 (do not have to be present to win).

Spanish Version of Rhoda's Rescue has arrived

We are pleased to announce Rhoda's Rescue has now been translated into Spanish. Click here for an order form or contact the Club at info@watervillerotary.com.

Spring Fling

Thank you to all who participated in our Spring Fling Auction! We are pleased to announce that we have raised over $7000 for United Way of Mid-Maine's Community Response Fund!

A message from President Peter Garrett

Rotary's memorable motto is "Service above Self." And we are all wondering how that translates with social distancing as the new norm. Below I give you three ways to participate as a Rotarian:

First is that we will be holding all meetings in the near future using Zoom software to meet online. I will be sending invitations to Club Members about next Monday's meeting at noon in a separate email. Waterville Sunrise will also be joining us.

Second, if you feel comfortable doing so, please volunteer at something, bearing in mind the need for social distancing.

Meals on Wheels still needs help with both packers and drivers.
The UU Church is still offering its evening sandwich program Monday thru Friday 1-5, and could use help preparing the meals (call Larry Dickey at 313-2910).
The Homeless Shelter also needs help with donations of some supplies. Check out just what at http://www.shelterme.org/. They will also be grateful for money.
On the remarkable volunteering side, note that Waterville Winslow and Vassalboro school staff and teachers are preparing lunches that are then delivered all around on school buses! Also, the Alfond Center is preparing 1000 meals per day for distribution!

Third, be sure to exercise, go take a walk, or run, or bike ride on one of the many trails in Kennebec Messalonskee Trails. You could "do a marathon" during this extraordinary period by exploring all 18 of our trail routes or sets of trails. See kmtrails.com for a map and brief descriptions.

A Message from Peter Garrett, Club President

First, some words of wisdom from Martin Luther King Jr.:

The ultimate measure for us is not where we stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where we stand at times of Challenge and Controversy.

We had a pretty good turnout for our meeting on Monday, March 16th at the Best Western, with 10 in person and another 5 on Zoom. We decided that we would hold regular Monday meetings on Zoom during the continuing coronavirus challenge. I will set them up for 5:30pm, so please put such meetings on your calendar. I will make sure that the software works. 5:30 will be a good time for "Happy Hour" so be prepared with Happy Dollars! We may or may not have speakers.

I have been researching ways in which we can be of assistance to those who need it. First reply came from the Muskie Center. The Center is closed for normal daily operations. But their Meals-on-Wheels program is ongoing, and they could use these volunteers on a daily basis:

5 packers for 3 hours per day, approx 7:30 to 10:30 am

6 drivers for 2-3 hours of driving daily, starting at 9 am.

Senior Spectrum has been applying for a waiver from the insurance company re. background checks for drivers. Assuming all is well, you would show up at the back door of the Muskie Center (up the ramp), and will be asked the following questions (everyone's being very careful):

Have you or a close acquaintance, in the last 30 days…

Traveled to one of the countries or regions listed as of March 13, 2020? China or Europe.
Been in close proximity to a COVID 19 infected person?
Been diagnosed with COVID 19 such as fever, cough, shortness of breath?
Been to a healthcare facility where people infected with COVID 19 would be treated such as hospital, ER, or walk-in facility?

If interested and willing, please contact Jessica (jbucklin@spectrumgenerations.org or at 620-1684). Remember, this is volunteering to support the needs for meals mostly of our senior citizens, but also to touch base with them, to chat briefly and share your personality.

Other ideas will be coming. We as Rotarians will rise to the Challenge I feel sure.

Lucky Lucille wins again!

Paul Harris Fellow Presentation!

Tom Longstaff, Chair of the Foundation Committee, presents Paul Harris Fellows to Peter Garrett, Suzanne Uhl-Melanson, Lou Smith, Dan Parks, Dave Grenier, John Dalton, and Tina Chapman.

Did you know our Rotary club currently has 34 Paul Harris Fellows?
Thank you all for giving significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation and making a difference in our community and around the world!

Rotary Club de Quebec 100 anniversaire

Congratulations Kim!

Kim was the lucky winner of our progressive raffle!

Spring Fling Auction!

Tickets are on sale at Rotary Club meetings - Mondays at Noon at Best Western in Waterville or click here to e-mail and request tickets.

Amarinda Keys to present on Monday, March 11, 2019

Come learn about the Children's Discovery Museum coming to Waterville!

In 2015 Amarinda was hired as the Executive Director. Since then, Amarinda has worked to balance the museum’s budget, pull the organization out of debt, and increase museum attendance. In 2015 she was chosen as an example of exceptional teaching by the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. In 2016 she began working to relocate the organization to Waterville, Maine in order to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the organization.

Centennial Gala

More photos of the Centennial Gala in the photo album in lower right side bar.

Carrie Jones inspires, Operation HOPE reminds...

Posted by Nathan Towne on Aug 27, 2018

On August 27th the Rotary Club of Waterville gathered for our usual Monday Noon lunchtime meeting - preparing to do the unusual: donate more than $5,000 hard-raised Rotary dollars to support local efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. No, we didn't give the money to help the Waterville Police Department enforce more drug busts - we gave the money for Operation HOPE, a very important local effort in Waterville that stands for Heroin Opiate Prevention Effort. HOPE's fundamental operating philosophy focuses on enforcement, education and treatment.

Since the implementation of HOPE, the Waterville Police Department has placed approximately 75 addicts into treatment facilities for rehabilitation. While enforcement and education are important aspects of the program, treatment is the primary focus that helps those that are addicted to opioids take back their life. Individuals that come to the police department seeking help for their opiate addiction are placed into one of 300 PAARI partnered rehabilitation facilities around the country. Of course, paying for their initial 30-day treatment, travel, housing and other necessities can cost upwards of three thousand dollars for one individual. That is why donations such as ours are so important if our community is going to sustain this vital program that gives opiate addicts a second chance at life. A testament to the positive impact that HOPE can have on an addict's life is the recent Emily Buker story where she credits HOPE for saving her life, returning her mental and physical well-being, and most importantly allowed her to be a mom again to her 11-year-old son. Your generous donation will allow the Waterville Police Department to continue helping those opiate addicts that find themselves in their darkest moments with no place to tum for help, except HOPE!! Here's a copy of the letter from Chief Massey and the Waterville Police Department, thanking our Club for the donation. No, thank YOU Chief!

Save the Date for the RiverWalk Ribbon Cutting

Recently a group of Rotarians on the City of Waterville's RiverWalk Committee took a tour of the construction zone at Head of Falls -- progress is coming along very nicely! The pavers are being installed and look beautiful - especially in the Gazebo area, where the compass is situated. Planning for the October 6th Ribbon Cutting with the Honorable George Mitchell will begin soon and as soon as we have a schedule we'll announce it to Rotary and the world! For now, mark your calendars -- October 6th is going to be an all-day affair for many of us!

The first Noel? No, not really. Welcome to Waterville District Governor Marcel Noel!

Posted by Nathan Towne on Jul 19, 2018

On Monday, July 16th the Rotary Club of Waterville welcomed our new District Governor of 7790 -- Marcel Noel -- to Waterville! The weekly club meeting was extra special with all attending Rotarians looking extra spiffy for Marcel, and we think our rendition of "Oh Canada" in his honor was one of our club's best songs yet. (Brilliant work bringing the portable speaker Jennifer, it really helped!) Our new President Jennifer Olsen helped kick off the meeting on a high note, as did Marcel, whose speech inspired all members to continue to work hard here in Waterville for the Rotary cause -- and to inspire others to do the same.

Speaking of inspirational, Rotarian Tina Chapman received a special commendation from Marcel Noel -- for her amazing service to our Club and Rotary International district 7790!

Former Maine Senator George J. Mitchell to Provide Keynote Speech at the Waterville Rotary Club Centennial Gala in Waterville on October 6

Posted by Nathan Towne on Jun 20, 2018

The Rotary Club of Waterville will celebrate 100 years of serving our local and global communities at a special Centennial gala event at Thomas College on Saturday, October 6^th featuring a very special keynote by renowned Paul Harris Fellow, citizen, and respected leader, the Honorable George J. Mitchell.

An evening of dinner, music, dancing, celebration and camaraderie will bring the community together to celebrate the Rotary Club of Waterville’s centennial and the Club’s impact on the world and here in the City of Waterville, including a donation of $150,000 to the development of the Waterville Riverwalk at Head of Falls. This significant donation was the first major commitment to the project, drawing attention to the opportunity and kicking off a wave of donations from community and business leaders that has made this dream into a reality for the community in 2018. Tickets available online at: http://www.operahouse.org/rotary-gala/

People of Action: Jen Olsen

Posted by Nathan Towne on Apr 29, 2018

On Friday, April 27th Jennifer Olsen, Waterville Rotary Club President Elect, gave a PechaKucha Night Waterville presentation titled "Rotary is My Yoga Mat" where she shared her history with Rotary International and her hopes and plans for our Waterville Rotary Club when she becomes President.

Yes, we have a Rotary Club meeting on Patriot's Day - April 16th

Posted by Nathan Towne on Apr 12, 2018

A quick reminder - we do indeed have a Waterville Rotary Club noon meeting on Monday, April 16th! Though many have the day off for Patriot's Day, most of us do not and therefore we are planning on meeting. Our very special guest is Rotarian Chris Gaunce so let's be sure to have a big crowd. It's a wonderful new meeting location and we're looking forward to hearing Chris speak. See you on Monday at noon!

We're Moving on April 2nd - check out our NEW meeting location!

Posted by Nathan Towne on Mar 23, 2018

On Monday, April 2nd our Waterville Rotary Club noontime meeting will be held in our NEW location - the Best Western Plus Waterville Grand Hotel at 375 Main Street! You know the reason, right? That awesome expansion project at the Alfond Youth Center on North Street means our old location will soon be a construction zone. Our board worked very hard to find a new location (and so quickly too!) and we're super excited to be meeting at the Best Western in Waterville as of April 2nd. See you there - we're thinking of having Nate stationed at the old location to take pictures of confused Rotarians who might not have received the word. (Kidding! Perhaps...)

Spring Fling 2018 -- Help!

Posted by NHT and AL on Feb 15, 2018

Hello Rotary friends!

If you missed our meeting on Monday you missed some great information on this year's Spring Fling! The event is scheduled for April 13th but has a new and exciting venue! Waterville Brewing on the first floor of the Hathaway Building will host our Spring Fling this year. So exciting!! Far more than simply a social event, this is one of our Club's biggest fundraisers (we only do two!) and supports all the important work we do here in greater Waterville and around the world. Spring Fling powers Rhoda Reads! RYLA? Not without the Spring Fling, Junior. How about that RiverWalk? It'd be a RiverNOT without the Spring Fling! Our global water projects would dry up as well if not for the Spring Fling.

Are you getting what we're laying down? Time to get in the Spring Fling groove Rotarians!

Your Fines Feed our Community!

Posted on Feb 02, 2018

If you weren't able to attend Monday's meeting, you missed a fantastic presentation on the RiverWalk at Head of Falls (thanks Lisa and Mike!). You also missed hearing about how much money you recently helped us raise for the Waterville Food Bank through those pesky Cups and Fines! How much? Well, we donated a very solid $611 - but exactly how does this money help the Food Bank? We turned to Rotarian Dave Dawson for insight.

Waterville Rotary Club Impact Felt in Bangladesh!

We received this message on our Facebook Page today from Tony Shope (thanks Tony!) and just had to share it with all of our Rotarians. We know sometimes things like icky weather, the winter blues or a full schedule make it hard to make it to our weekly Rotary Club meetings and get involved in all our events. But when you DO participate, things like THIS happen. Without you, there'd be less love and hope in the world. And I think we all agree the world needs as much love and hope as possible right now. Do the right thing Rotarians, participate in Rotary. Because when you do: this is the result!

The 32nd Annual MLK Jr. Community Breakfast a Huge Success!

Posted by NHT on Jan 17, 2018

The 32nd Annual MLK Jr. community breakfast, co-sponsored and organized by the Waterville Rotary Club, was a big hit again this year. As in past years, the event was a near sell-out and the program brought out some incredible community supporters including President David A. Greene and our own amazing Rotarians. (We'd like to see MORE amazing Rotarians at this breakfast next year if we continue to help organize this community event.)

Join us for the 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast

Posted on Jan 08, 2018

he 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day community breakfast will be held at Spectrum Generations Muskie Center on Gold Street in Waterville from 7:30-9:00am on Monday, January 15, 2018. At this popular annual event, cosponsored by the Waterville Rotary Club and Spectrum Generations, David A. Greene, President of Colby College, will give an address titled “Bending towards Justice.” The event is open to the public, tickets are $8 for adults and $3 for children age 12 and under and can be purchased through Spectrum Generations at the Muskie Center.

Buffy Clifford Higgins, President of the Waterville Rotary Club, will be master of ceremonies, Rotarian Richard Dorian of the The Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers will offer the invocation and Rotarian Reverend Alice Anderman will provide the benediction. As always, music and youth participation will be a highlight of this gathering; during the program, attendees will be asked to join in song for “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” accompanied by violinist Peter Garrett, Founder of Kennebec Messalonskee Trails. The Tourmaline Singers will perform two songs led by Harry Vayo, and the audience will also enjoy the talents of violin duo and sisters Pyper and Ivy Birch from the Snow Pond Arts Academy and the Snow Pond Enrichment Program.

We hope to see you there!

Get Your Pic on the Website Winners

Basket winner Lucille Z won the honor of having her table's pic on the website! (l-->r): Rotarians Kim Lindlof, Lucille Zelenkewich, Frank Preglovesk, Tom Longstaff, and Patty Newman

Get Ready for the Waterville Rotary Radio Auction: November 29 & 30, 2017

Posted by NHT on Nov 09, 2017

The 53^rd Annual Waterville Rotary Radio Auction is almost upon us! Many incredible gifts, services, and discounts will be sold on Wednesday, November 29^th and Thursday, November 30^th as a part of the Waterville Rotary Club’s Annual Radio Auction on Mix 107.9 and www.WatervilleRotaryAuction.com. Tune in to Mix 107.9 to bid from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, visit www.watervillerotaryauction.com to bid online, or call 680-BUY1 or 680-2891 to register or bid on an item.

Mayor of Waterville Proclaims October 24, 2017 World Polio Day in Waterville

Posted by Nate Towne on Oct 17, 2017

On Tuesday, October 17th in City Council the Mayor of Waterville, Nick Isgro, proclaimed October 24th, 2017 as World Polio Day in Waterville and presented Club representatives with the official proclamation from the City.

It's a busy time of year for Rotarians - People of Action!

Posted on Sep 26, 2017

Happy Autumnal splendor, Rotarians - fall has arrived and with it a very busy season for the Waterville Rotary Club! Not only do we have our weekly Club meetings, which have been especially wonderful these last few weeks as Rotarians get back into a post-summer routine, but we also have some big events coming our way!

Governor Paul LePage Addresses Waterville Rotary Club

Posted on Aug 17, 2017

Governor Paul LePage chats with Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce President Kim Lindloff prior to the Governor addressing the assembled Rotarians at Educare on Monday, August 14th.

Governor Paul LePage and Kim Lindloff from the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce chat about business and politics before the Governor addresses the assembled Rotarians at Educare

Welcome to Our Newest Members!

Our newest members!

Club President Tina Chapman with brand new Rotary members Winifred Tate, Colby College; Sarah Kalagher, Thayer Center for Health; Dan Eccher of Eccher Law, LLC; Jeff Melanson of Creative Print Services; and Club Membership Chair Jennifer Olsen.

Welcome Winifred, Sarah, Dan, & Jeff!

Read Across America Day Book Give-A-Way

DHHS Commissioner Addresses Large Crowd at Rotary

Rotarian Jeff Jolicoeur Accepts the Read to Me Challenge

Spring Fling 2017 is coming!

Tina, Ken, Peter and the team in the village of Chipata in Santa Apolonia, Guatemala

31st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast to be held Monday, January 16th

Posted on Jan 12, 2017

52nd Annual Waterville Rotary Auction!

52^nd Annual Waterville Rotary Radio Auction to be held November 30^th & December 1^st from 6:00 – 9:00 PM on The Mix 107.9

Proceeds from the Auction will go to support more community programs including Rhoda Reads, fire awareness and safety initiatives, and the RiverWalk at Head of Falls

Two Newest Members!

The noon time Waterville Rotary Club's two newest members Nate Towne and Jane Zeyak along with membership committee chair Jen Olsen in the middle! WELCOME, Nate & Jane!

Rick Dorian

Congratulations to Rick Dorian the Progressive 50/50 winner last week. Although not the grand prize winner, he won the honor of being recognized on our website! Congratulations Rick.

MEMA: Business & Service Organization Preparedness

Posted on Jul 24, 2016

At the Monday, July 25 meeting, Kathleen Rusley of the Maine Emergency Management Association shared helpful information and recommendations for business and service organization emergency preparedness. The Getting Started with Business Emergency Planning section of the Maine Prepares website has some terrific resources including a checklist and a short list of questions a business owner or service organization can use to begin assessing emergency preparedness.

District Governor Jean-Louis Joly!

District Governor Jean-Louis Joly visited the club on July 18, 2016.

“The only difference between a small opportunity and a great opportunity is what you do with it”. ~ Jean-Louis Joly

District Governor Jean-Louis Joly accepted an $1100 contribution from our club to support the District Governor's project in Cambodia this year!

District Governor Jean-Louis Joly shared a promotional video about the District Conference 7790 scheduled to take place May 19-21, 2017 in Saguenay, Quebec. Looks like a fantastic opportunity!

speaker of the day June 6

Dr. Ruff talked about sleep apnea and your health

speaker of the day May 23

Bruce Rueger talked about the Benedict Arnold Trail

newest members

Our newest members, inducted on May 16

Franklin Bouchard, CPA
Skye Austin, Summit Natural Gas
Nate Rudy, Waterville Creates!
Reverend Alice Anderman

Paul Harris Fellowship awards

April 25, Paul Harris Fellowship recipients

2016 Maine Literacy Conference

Barbara Walsh, author of Rhoda's Rescue signing books at the Maine Literacy Connections Conference on March 31, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROTARY!!!

Evening social at Colby College

What a great time we had viewing the art at Colby's Art Museum......and spending some time chatting before and after!!

new member induction

speaker of the day

Fran Mullin, Director of Healthy Northern Kennebec

Unity Club Celebration

Visiting Rotarian from Kenya, Dolfine Gumba Dawa

We had a visiting Rotarian from the Kisumu Kaviarondo Rotary Club in Kenya on Monday 10/19. Here you can see Tina Chapman swapping flags with Dolfine Gumba Dawa.

Suzanne Uhl-Melanson

Congratulations Suzanne, our Progressive 50/50 winner from a couple of weeks ago. Although Suzanne didn't win the grand prize, she won the honor of having her picture posted on our website :) Congratulations...

The Progressive 50/50 is a pot that grows each week as members continue to buy tickets. Each week a ticket is drawn and the winner chooses an envelope. In the envelope is a variety of prizes, from the waiver of a fine to a free lunch, and even to have lunch served to you by the President. Please play often, as half of the pot goes to the grand prize winner and the other half goes directly to the Centennial Project Fund.

The Waterville Rotary Club To Celebrate Its Centennial Anniversary With A Grant of $150,000

The Waterville Rotary Club To Celebrate Its Centennial Anniversary With A Grant of $150,000

To The Kennebec Riverwalk At Head Of Falls Project

This gift, awarded through a competitive RFP process, will assist in dramatic improvements to this underutilized public space, as well as confirm the club's unwavering commitment to the Waterville area.

Waterville, Maine, July 20, 2015 -- The Rotary Club of Waterville, Maine is pleased to announce that it has awarded $150,000 to the Kennebec Riverwalk at Head of Falls initiative. This innovative project, a collaboration between the City of Waterville and the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails organization, is designed to encourage greater public use of the waterfront area known as Head of Falls for recreation and other community purposes. It will also assist Main Street businesses by providing an additional highlight destination for local residents and visitors. This contribution will in part fund improvements including a meandering path, entry pavilion, walkway with ornamental railing, decorative lighting, seating, and landscaping.

The Waterville Rotary Club started planning for this "once in a century" grant opportunity two years ago. Many Club members generously donated their expertise in defining the objectives for this Request for Proposal, as well as creating a process that was fair, inclusive, and would result in the best choice of grantee. The RFP was issued in 2014, and five finalist organizations presented their proposals to the Club within the past month. The Club was seeking a "bricks and mortar" capital improvement project that would have a long lasting, area-wide benefit; encourage further development; reflect Rotary's mission; and require community-wide collaboration on many levels.

This Riverwalk project proposal deeply resonated with the Club, with a vast majority of members voting it as their first choice for funding. Helping to fund the Kennebec Riverwalk At Head Of Falls Project is a win-win for the city of Waterville as well as the Waterville Rotary Club. Waterville will have an exciting, safe, and family-friendly destination within walking distance to the city's downtown commercial area that also offers enormous potential for the community. This opportunity represents an ideal way for the Club to mark its first 100 years of service to the area. In addition to its $150,000 grant, the Club's commitment to this project includes in-kind service donations. The Riverwalk project has been fully embraced by the City but not yet fully funded. The Club's gift is substantial “seed money” to spur further governmental, local, and private support. In fact, upon hearing of the Club's award, Kennebec Messalonskee Trails, a partner in this project, immediately contributed an additional grant of $15,000 towards this initiative.

According to Mike Roy, Waterville's City Manager, "We so appreciate the Club's generous contribution towards this Riverwalk project. These upgrades are a much needed catalyst, and will absolutely help in the rebirth of this important but underutilized area." Bruce Harrington, the Waterville Rotary Club President adds, "Our local trail system has been developed over the years and is a key part of our area. This project is a great addition to this local resource, as well as a fantastic investment in Waterville. I am delighted that our Club can help make that a reality for many generations to come."

Copy of 2014 Waterville Rotary Auction

Waterville Rotary 50^th Annual Radio Auction

Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4 – 6 to 9 pm. Broadcast on MIX 107.9 or www.therotaryauction.com Call 680-BUY1 or 680-2891

Bidding starts at 6:15 pm. If you have not pre-registered, please call for a bidder number, if you do not already have one, between 6:15 and 6:30 pm. Call 680-BUY1 or 680-2891
Can’t bid on Wednesday or Thursday? You can pre-bid on items on Tuesday, December 2, 6 to 8 pm. Call 680-BUY1 or 680-2891

How To Bid:

Call with item numbers, bid amount, bidder number and phone number.
Successful bidders will receive a call within 1 hour after each set. Bids are to be in whole dollars, limit 3 per call.
Pick up items at Central Maine Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, 300 KMD, Waterville on Friday, December 5, 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday, December 6, 9 am to 12 pm. Bring your bidder number to pick up your item. Payment in cash, checks, Visa/Mastercard.

The newspaper ad with the item list can be downloaded to the right of this article, or here.

Maine General Check Presentation

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Jul 27, 2014

MaineGeneral Medical Center (MGMC) officials were presented today with a check for $18,000 from the Waterville Rotary Club to support the capital campaign for the Alfond Center for Health (ACH). In particular, the club was inspired by the work of MGMC’s Maternity & Pediatrics Center. “MaineGeneral delivers more than 1,000 babies in the Kennebec Valley each year,” said Chuck Hays, CEO of MaineGener...al Health. “This generous gift from the Waterville Rotary Club recognizes the high-quality services we provide in our region – especially to our youngest patients.” A nursing station at the ACH’s Maternity & Pediatrics Center will be named for the Waterville Rotary Club.

PHOTO: shown from left, are: Bruce Harrington, Waterville Rotary Club treasurer; Chuck Hays, CEO, MaineGeneral Health; and Buffy Higgins, director of operations, Thayer Center for Health.

Congressman & Gubernatorial Candidate Michael Michaud

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Jun 29, 2014

Congressman Michael Michaud spoke today about his vision for Maine as he campaigns to become the next Governor of Maine.

Youth Matters - YETE - Check Presentation

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Jun 22, 2014

The Waterville Rotary Club presents a check to Youth Matters for $2,500 in support of the Youth Empowerment Through Employment (YETE) program. To learn more, contact the club's vocational services committee.

Goodwill Hinckley - Maine Academy of Natural Science

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Jun 22, 2014

Today the club was hosted by Glen Cummings and the Maine Academy of Natural Science (MEANS) at the Goodwill-Hinckley campus in Fairfield. Lunch included a variety of home-grown vegetables and herbs that were harvested this morning - and it was delicious. We were given a tour of the campus and were able to see the new greenhouses in action. The school is close to raising the funds needed to renovate one of the historical buildings on campus, which will provide needed space for the growing student population. Learn more at their website: http://www.means-gwh.org/.

[View of the greenhouses on campus]

[View of building that will be renovated]

Jamie Pye - Maine Energy Marketers Association

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Jun 08, 2014

Jamie Pye, President of Maine Energy Marketers Association (MEMA) visited our chapter today to talk about MEMA's role in the energy market in Maine, and about general energy trends.

Jamie Py came to MEMA as Legal Counsel in 1995, and is a 1994 J.D. graduate of the Franklin Pierce Law Center; holds an MBA from Drexel; and is a member of the Maine Bar. In one of his former lives, Jamie worked as the Facility Manager for an oil company in New Hampshire. In 2002, Jamie was named the President of MEMA.

MEMA is an association representing over 350 members, including 170 heating oil, propane, biofuels, pellets, electricity, motor fuels providers and convenience store owners who serve more than 415,000 Maine households. MEMA also has more than 180 associate members who provide goods and services to Maine's petroleum dealers and their customers.

MEMA's website is a resource for people looking to learn more about energy in the State of Maine, and can be foudn here: http://www.maineenergymarketers.com/

Member Classification Talks

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Jun 01, 2014

Today we enjoyed several member classification talks. Jennifer Olsen discussed her background in the State of Maine and how it drove her passion toward the work that she does at Waterville Main Street.

Matthew Parks discussed his work history and what led him to higher education and his present career at Kaplan University.

And, Chief Massey gave us some insight into the career path that takes a police officer to the position of Chief, and some background about the issues that he and his department face while keeping our streets and community safe.

Thank you to all who shared with us today. It is great to learn more abour our members, and about what drives our members to be successful, contributing Rotarians working to make our community a better place. I encourage you to meet with your fellow Rotarians on a regular basis to get to know one another a little better.

Bangor Mayor Ben Sprague

Posted by Bruce Harrington on May 11, 2014

Mayor Ben Sprague spoke to the club about his thoughts on economic development, and the role that municipalities play. Ben recently penned a paper discussing a plan to grow the population in Bangor, Maine. That paper can be found here.

Bangor mayor Ben Sprague and Waterville City Manager Mike Roy.

Gubernatorial Candidate Eliot Cutler -- Guest Speaker

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Apr 13, 2014

Eliot Cutler was welcomed to Waterville Rotary to share his vision to strategically move Maine forward to a brighter future with a vision plan and strategy that calls for thinking and acting differently, better, and more creatively.

12th Annual Waterville Rotary Golf Tournament - June 19

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Apr 06, 2014

Make your plans now for the annual Waterville Rotary Golf Tournament happening Thursday, June 19 at Natanis (Tomahawk Course). Not an avid golfer but want to join in the fun? No worries. This is a scramble and a great opportunity to give golf a try. Still want to participate but no desire to compete? We have plenty of volunteer opportunities throughout the day. Please contact Buffy Higgins for more information.

Click here for our registration form.

We are still looking for sponsors of all kinds, teams and prize donations!! Feel free to let Buffy, Len, Suzanne, Allan, Craig, Darlene, Don, or Lucille know of your ideas.

Click here for sponsorship opportunities.

Tournament Schedule:

Registration 8-8:45 am

Orientation 8:45

Shotgun Start 9:00 am

Lunch on the course

Awards Reception: 3:30 pm

Governor LePage - Guest Speaker

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Apr 06, 2014

Waterville Rotary Club Welcomes Governor Paul LePage

Governer LePage was welcomed by a captive audience of fellow Rotarians during today's noon meeting. Club President Len LeGrand presented Governor LePage with a certificate recognizing that 10 children will be vaccinated against Polio in appreciation of the Governor's presentation and discussion.

Club President Len LeGrand shares the Club's thanks and appreciation to Governor Paul LePage.

Maine Senate and House Sentiment for Jody E Vlodek Berren - Daugter of Ken Vlodek

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Mar 24, 2014

On March 20th the Senate and House of Representatives joined in a memorial sentiment marking the death of Jody E. Vlodek Berren (Ken's daughter) on what would have been her fortieth birthday. The text of the memorial sentiment that was adopted on that morning follows, as well as a photo from that day:

Jody E. Vlodek Berren, of Sanford, selfless and devoted mother, wife, daughter and friend. Mrs. Berren was born in Waterville on March 20, 1974, attended Waterville schools and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics and nutrition in 1998 from Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire. She married Fred Berren on August 21, 1999 and they raised 2 children. Mrs. Berren worked as a nutritionist for the Women, Infants, and Children Program in Exeter, New Hampshire, as an inpatient dietitian at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New Hampshire and Avis Goodwin Community Health Center in Dover, New Hampshire and as the dietitian for the Sanford-Springvale YMCA and Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford. She was a registered dietitian for the HomeHealth Visiting Nurses diabetes education program. She was an active member of the Curtis Lake Christian Church. Mrs. Berren enjoyed cooking, gardening, going to the beach, running, working out and the yearly family vacation to Marco Island, Florida. She will be remembered by her loving family, many friends and those whose lives she touched.

Spring Fling 2014

Posted by Bruce Harrington on Mar 23, 2014

The Spring Fling is the Waterville Rotary Club's annual spring fundraiser and fellowship event. Come join our members at Julia's Auction Barn on Saturday, April 5, at 5:00 for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship. Be sure to bring your appetite, as you have a choice between steak and lobster for $20, or can have steak AND lobster for $30.

Sunrise Rotary will be joining us for this event, so this is a great opportunity for the clubs to socialize with one another, and this is a great time to meet significant others of our club members.

In addition to a fabulous evenine of food, fun, and fellowship, the club will hold its annual silent auction. Bid high and bid often, as all proceeds from the silent auction and the Spring Fling will benefit the many charitable activities of the club.

This event is open to the public. Tickets are on sale at the weekly Waterville Rotary meeting, Monday's at noon at the Alfond Youth Center, or contact Dan Parks at 465-2000 to reserve your seat today!

Helping our community and our world -- Charitable activity for 2011-2012

Los Naranjos in Honduras

Posted by Alice Anderman

Los Naranjos - Honduras - Health and Hygiene Clinic
Rotary Project 2009

This month our Rotary cup donations will go to purchase health and hygiene items for the small town of Los Naranjos in Honduras. You can also bring the following items to Rotary. These items will be taken to Los Naranjos when First Congregational Church returns to Los Naranjos later this year in early next year.

March 16th, 2009 YETE

Posted by Steve Kelleher

Today's Program: YETE: Youth Empowerment Through Employment (Cory Paquette, Good Will-Hinckley)

March 9th, 2009 Polio Plus

Posted by Steve Kelleher

Carol Coffin, District 7790 Director for Polio Plus thanked Ally for the invitation to speak to our Club today on this subject that is near and dear to her heart. She recalled several personal experiences that she has encountered throughout her life with polio victims and shared that it is likely that each of those present has a similar story to tell.

YETE Employer Information

Posted by Nancy Findlan

The Rotary sponsored YETE (Youth Empowerment Through Employment) Project is underway and is seeking employers to sponsor student interns for 8 weeks in the summer beginning in June. If you are interested in learning more please complete the application as soon as possible. The deadline for interested employees has been extended to May 8th. Thank you!

March 2, 2009 Classification Talks

Posted by Steve Kelleher

John Fortier, Gary Hammond, Alice Anderman and Tony LaMarre tell us all about themselves.

GSE Training

Posted by Cathy Langlais

Posted by Cathy Langlais

The Green Street plaque honoring Rotarians with 50+ years of service has been through a lot. It was attached to a metal rod, stolen, recovered, refurbished and now sits proudly attached to a new granite rock.

Make your EREY Contribution here

Posted by Cathy Langlais

For an easy way to make your EREY Donation to the Rotary Foundation use the RI Web Contribution Form. Click Here to contribute For instructions...

January 5th, 2009

Posted by Steve Kelleher

Ryan Liberty introduced today's speaker, his brother, Randall Liberty the current Sheriff of Kennebec County.

Membership Survey

Posted by Seth Sherwood

The membership committee has developed the 2008-2009 membership survey as another method of getting feedback from the Club. Click Here to take survey

December 29th, Club Assembly

Posted by Lisa Simm

Ally Karter started the meeting off by challenging all members to generate concepts and ideas for the future work of Waterville Rotarians.

BOD announce PHF 1:1 match

Posted by Mark Ford

Posted by Cathy Langlais

The Waterville Rotary Annual Golf Tournament was a roaring success. The golfers had a perfect day to be on the links, the food was delicious and bets were made (and lost!).

Pig Roast Auction

Posted by Cathy Langlais

Once again the Waterville Rotary Pig Roast Auction was a huge success, much fellowship and a lot of fund raising. Thanks to all who participated in this event. See the photo journal for the pig roast auction, lower link on the right hand column.

Radio Auction

Posted by Cathy Langlais

December 3rd and 4th are the dates of the 2008 Waterville Rotary Club Radio Auction. Members are urged to get their slips in by October 20th. December 5th will be the pick-up date. Rotarians will be asked to work at least one of the three dates.l

Rotary Centennial Trail

Posted by Cathy Langlais

The Rotary Centennial Trail is at its most beautiful time of year. Please enjoy a relaxing walk (or even a jog) down this wonderful trail.

All (188) Meeting (2) Rotary Grant (2) Augusta (1) Carrie Jones (1) Charitable (1) District 7790 (1) Events (1) Operation Hope (1) People of Action (1) RiverWalk (1) Spring Fling (1) Sunrise (1) Unity (1)

60th Annual

Online Auction

Tickets are on sale at Rotary Club meetings - Mondays at Noon at Best Western in Waterville or click here to e-mail and request tickets.

Registration 8-8:45 am

60^th Annual