Ray Ruby of Maine Cancer Foundation was the guest speaker at our weekly meeting sharing information about the history of the upcoming 28th Mary's Walk and how important its fundraising has been to the mission of providing services to those impacted by Cancer. Over $5million has been raised by Mary's Walk over the years. This year's walk is scheduled for Sunday, March 29th. Gene Libby also spoke to our club sharing the story of how the walk was started in honor of his late wife Mary Kerry Libby who passed away at the young age of 45 from Burkett's Lymphoma in 1999. Saco Bay Rotary Club President David Arenstam and his wife Teri have been dedicated volunteers helping to coordinate Mary's Walk over the last two decades and our club is proud to play a role in helping the Saco Police Department with traffic/safety support manning intersections closed during the Walk. A great community event for a great cause.

 

 

                     Ray Ruby & President David Arenstam                                            Gene Libby

The Saco Bay Rotary Club had a fun night of Rotarian fellowship at the Dunn Bar in Biddeford. Thanks to owners Elaine and Chris for hosting our group on their day off!! Great food & drink was enjoyed by all. 

 

The Saco Bay Rotary Club celebrated and recognized the February 2026 Students of the Month at our weekly meeting. Led by Rotarian Jen Sirois, each student was introduced by a teacher from their school and had the opportunity to speak to the club and share their accomplishments and future aspirations. The honorees this month were:

 

- Jackson Laflamme of Biddeford High School

- Olivia McInnis of Old Orchard Beach High School

- Lily Harris of Thornton Academy

 

Each student received a certificate of recognition and a $50 gift card from Maine Community Bank. Congrats to all the students for their hard work and accomplishments.

 

 

A team of Rotarians had a great night of service helping out at the Saco Meals Program. Our club sponsored the meal and helped serve a hall full of guests. Over 120 free meals were served to guests that join us from the Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach area. #ServiceOverSelf

 

 Rptariam Dan Letellier was recognized at our weekly meeting for his contributions to the Rotary International Ending Polo campaign. Dan was presented with a certificate of recognition from President David Arenstam.

 

The Saco Bay Rotary Club welcomed Nancy and Eric Marston as our guest speakers at our weekly meeting. They shared information about their non-profit Hoops for Hope which just finished its 11th annual fundraiser event this month raising a record amount of over $40,000. Hoops for Hope is a local charity organization that assists those affected by cancer. The money raised directly benefits cancer patients and their families. Financial assistance is provided in many forms: payment of medical and utility bills, gift cards, gas cards, purchase of wigs and other support. For more information, visit www.hoopsforhopemaine.com

 

 

Shout out to Saco Bay Rotary Club Rotarians Dave LePauloue and Jeff Slaton for braving the freezing temperatures on New Year's Day to participate in the 38th annual Maine Special Olympics Lobster Dip at Old Orchard Beach!! Team Saco Bay Rotary Warriors raised $2,905! In total, over $164,000 was raised with 451 registered dippers! Way to go!! And thanks to Rick Glover, Dr Wayne, and Lily Pype for joining our team and helping with this great cause! And of course, thanks to family and friends that came out to support the team.

 

   

 

The Saco Bay Rotary Club recognized the December Students of the Month from our local high schools. The students were introduced by a faculty member of their school and shared their goals with the club during our weekly meeting. This month's honorees included the following students:

 

- Matthew O'Connor of Biddeford High School

- Davina Kita of Old Orchard Beach High School

- Angelina Hoffman of Thornton Academy

 

Each student received a certificate of recognition and a $50 gift card from Maine Community Bank. Congrats to all the students and their families.

 

A team of Rotarians and family members helped out with the Saco Community Food Drive that was sponsored by Age Friendly Saco, Rotary Club of Saco Bay, and Rotary Club of Biddeford Saco. The Saco Community Center was one of 3 locations that collected donations. All donations received were distributed to the Saco Food Pantry and Saco Meals Program. Thanks to Saco Bay Rotarians David Arenstam & Wife Terri, Tony DeBarros, Chris Gordon, Phil & Lucie Hatch, Chris Jacques, Dave LePauloue & son Josh, Kate & Kurt Scamman, Jen Sirois & daughter Olivia, and Barry Wolach for all of your help!! A great service event to help out our community!

 

             

Rotarian Jen Sirois presented the Saco Bay Rotary Club's 14th annual Students of the Month for November. Two students were honored at this morning's meeting.

 

- Andrew Pelletier of Biddeford HS, accompanied by parents Christine and Albert, and teacher Carole LePauloue

- Gibson Villanueva of Old Orchard Beach High School, accompanied by Jayme, and teacher Bob Ganley

 

Both students were presented with a certificate and a $50 gift card from Maine Community Bank and had the opportunity to share a little about their accomplishments and future plans.  Congrats to Andrew and Gibson and their families!

 

 

At our November 6th meeting, President David Arenstam and a group of fellow Rotarians inducted David Rewinkle as the newest member to the Saco Bay Rotary Club!! Congrats and Welcome David R! 

 

The Rotary Club of Saco Bay had a great night of service passing out candy at OOB's Halloween Trunk or Treat at the Ball Park. Three stations were set up with candy. Big Thanks to Jim Pate for bringing the hearst and coffin (and Jeff Slaton for being the corpse), Chris Gordon for his Ghost Buster van, and Kate Scamman (aka Dorothy) for loading up the Mustang! Rotarians Dan Letellier, Curk Scamman, Dru LaDuke, Dave Arenstam, John Bouchard, Dan Colby, and Dave LaPauloue all joined in the fun! 

 

  

This month's off-site social brought the Saco Bay Rotary Club to Pickle + Bounce in Biddeford where we all enjoyed some fellowship and good food & drink. A very nice new spot to check out! Over 30 tvs featuring various sporting events are located throughout. There were several pickleball courts, golf simulators, and a lounge area complete with pool table. A fun night out with fellow Rotarians.

 

    

This year's Student of the Month awards kicked off with Rotarian Jennifer Sirois presenting the honorees for the month of October. Each of the students were introduced by a faculty member of their school and family members were also invited to the meeting. The club enjoys having the students speak and we continue to be impressed with the outstanding talent we have in our local schools and look forward to their success in the future.

 

The honorees from the meeting were:

 

Dawayne Clarke of Biddeford HS, accompanied by dad, Wayne, and teacher Ellie Joseph.

Lea Alivizatos, of Old Orchard Beach HS, accompanied by mom, Holly, and teacher Kellie Beres.

Anika Manning, of Thornton Academy, accompanied by dad, Kevin, and teach Andy Carlson.

 

Rotarian President David Arenstam presented each student with a certificate and a $50 Visa card sponsored by Maine Community Bank.

 

Congrats to all the students and their families!

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Deidre Clifford, VP of Development and Anay Brown, Development Coordinator of Girl Scouts of Maine presented an interesting and informative presentation about their organization at our weekly meeting. What a great environment for young girls to learn life skills while having fun! For more information: www.girlscoutsofmaine.org

 

   

The Saco Bay Rotary Club continued its long history of helping to prepare and serve the pre-ride dinner as part of the New England Parkinson's Ride Event. Lobster Rolls, Hot Dogs, Corn on the Cob, and Veggie burgers were all prepared by the club.  Clam Chowder, Chips, and Coleslaw was also provided to be served to the riders that purchased this meal. Over 300 riders participated in this pre-ride event and over 1300 riders took the roads of Old Orchard Beach and Saco on Saturday. This one-day event is on track to raising over $1 million dollars!  The Rotary Club is grateful to be a part of this amazing event.

 

       

Our guest speaker was Pete Broderick from the New England Parkinson's Ride. Pete shared the history of how the NE Parkinson's Ride began when Chris Woods at age 41 was diagnosed with Parkinsons and wanted to find a cycling event that raised money specifically for Parkinson's research. This dates back to the summer of 2008 when the ride started in Maine.  The first year there were only 35 riders but managed to raise over $27,000. The ride has now grown to one of the most successful fundraisers for this cause with donations since inception totaling over 12 million. In 2024, the ride raised an amazing $1.4 million. Pete noted that 100% of the funds raised go directly to the Michael J Fox Foundation. Any overhead costs and ride expenses are covered through the generous donations by sponsors.  The Saco Bay Rotary Club has been a part of this ride from the early days with our contribution being centered around the Pre-Ride meal served the night before the ride. A Maine lobster theme meal is served with the current menu including Clam Chowder, Lobster, Corn on the Cob, and Chips and there are also options for roasted chicken, veggie burger, or hot dogs. Pete thanked the Saco Bay Rotary Club for planning and successfully serving the meal for over 350 riders each year. He shared what a big relief it is for their organization to not have to "worry about" the Pre-Ride meal because they trust our club for putting on a top notch meal. A great service project for us for a great cause!