Cindy Kemble of the Fairbanks School Project Spoke
Posted by Susan K. Sanders
It was a delight to have Cindy Kemble of the Fairbanks School Project speak to us about the former school building and projects for food preparation, nutrition, education, and small business support . . .
The May 11, 2006 meeting of the Farmington Rotary Club was called to order in traditional manner; Adrian at the bell, all standing for the Flag Salute and a reading of a heartfelt prayer prior to our happy line up for breakfast fare. I am aware that we often are engulfed by tradition to the place that we may not even recognize the depth of significance that it plays in our lives. For example, the Flag Salute. It is not as often said in other States of the union, but it has a strong presence in Maine. For someone who has not always lived here, it is an inspiring practice!
This morning we were a happy crew, well, maybe mostly, that is. We joyfully all joined in with a chorus of Happy Birthday for Frank; all eyes upon him he retorted "This won't cure my social anxiety!" All smiles for Frank! Carol Timberlake celebrated her 17th year anniversary in Rotary today; all applause for Carol! Doug introduced us to wonderful bags of onions sitting by the bakery case, bought by our members from the Augusta club. Vidalia sweets, I think; I started hearing all kinds of recipes for onions at the table where I sat. Good thing, as I bought a bag for Dave. Now I need to know what to do with them!
Bill reported on the Lobster ride on July 22; Al Feather reported on the project this month, an international project, supporting the Pakistani Rotary group's project in rebuilding following the horrendous earthquake. The Cup Money projects rotate, as do we, between local and international needs. In this way, we reach near and far. Al also passed around a booklet that explained the solar cookers. For any interested in fuel efficiency, what an amazing little gadget these cookers are! And we have plenty of sun in Maine, all times of year, actually (compared to Puget Sound, anyway, where we mostly have webbed feet). Another highlight of the program today was the presentation to the Veteran's Project, a total of $1,000.00 donation for the update of the monument. We were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for our generousity. A reminder that the Memorial Day Parade is at 9am on Memorial Day.
Buzz reported on the Centennial Park Project; Buzz and Bill worked all day one day last week; they brought over the big machine and mowed all the excess brush down. Now, with a nice, neat trim, the park offers a splendid view. It has already attracted many walkers; it was truly a diamond in the rough and Rotary is carefully facetting it into the gem that it's essence describes.
Carolyn Eaton reported that the theme of the 4th of July parade, which takes place on the 4th of July, will be announced this week. All wait with baited breath, as no-one can begin to brainstorm floats and other entries until that theme is formally announced . . . Thanks, Carolyn! Pam West spoke again on the Walk For Cancer. She described the Luminaries, each purchased in honor of a special person, and how beautiful they look when lit on the walking track. These can be purchased from Pam for $10.00 each. She has forms and more information; in the midst of our fun and teasing laughter regarding other projects, this one is of serious nature, I am reminded. The money collected goes to Cancer research. Thank-you, Pam!
Carol Timberlake reported on the Community Service Awards dinner. Tickets are being purchased today; there is a Patriotic theme and we are encouraged to get those nominations in. Thanks, Carol!
Sue Pratt successfully escaped the Rotary Minute, as she was out of town at wedding showers, baby showers, and hopefully escaping the rain showers. Adrian picked up the minute for her and explained the Object of Rotary and the 4-Way Test. It is a good reminder! And then, when the infamous raffle ticket was drawn for the next Rotary Minute, all groans that I hear each week were muffled beneath my squeal of delight. I won! This is the first thing that I have ever won in my life, and it is the "dreaded" thing. Of course, being a Psychologist, I was delighted to win! Thanks, everyone! Hope that I can stick to one minute. I will practice . . .
There was a round of applause for John Bagnulo and his summit of Mt. Everest. Happy Dollars for him, four in all. John Frary approached and as some wondered what might be next, he gave his happy dollar for having not the slightest impulse in his life for engaging in a vertical climb. Many laughs!
Cindy Kemble then began, as our guest speaker, to share about the Old Fairbanks School. We have all driven by and seen the progress with wonder, no doubt. She told us a most intriquing story of the structure. Beginning as a school, from which many persons in the Rotary club attended, it has gone through a series of uses. In 1998, it burned. Saddened by this loss, in 2000 a group of supporters got together and formed the Fairbanks Neighborhood Association with the goal of renovating the building and putting it to good use for the community.
The projects planned all focus around food. Among the projects, there will be educational opportunities for groups and collectives, where canning, freezing, and other methods of food preservation will be taught. There is also 1/3 of the basement in use for the Care and Share food closet, where over $88,000.00 worth of food was given last year to over 4,000 individuals. Also, 2/3 of the building is used for Western Maine Food Distribution Center, which handles the food for various food banks. There will also be an Incubator Kitchen where classes will be taught in food preparation and also where small businesses in food products can get their start. The stainless steel kitchen requirements often prohibit new, small businesses from starting out, and this will provide them with the necessary equipment to test out their wares. How about Fairbanks Whoopie Pies? The completion goal for this building is 2007; it is currently debt free, having raised many funds in advance. However, there is still a ways to go to reach the goal of $105,000.00 to complete the Grant and Loan package received. This is most inspiring! Thank-you, Cindy!
-susy sanders
This morning we were a happy crew, well, maybe mostly, that is. We joyfully all joined in with a chorus of Happy Birthday for Frank; all eyes upon him he retorted "This won't cure my social anxiety!" All smiles for Frank! Carol Timberlake celebrated her 17th year anniversary in Rotary today; all applause for Carol! Doug introduced us to wonderful bags of onions sitting by the bakery case, bought by our members from the Augusta club. Vidalia sweets, I think; I started hearing all kinds of recipes for onions at the table where I sat. Good thing, as I bought a bag for Dave. Now I need to know what to do with them!
Bill reported on the Lobster ride on July 22; Al Feather reported on the project this month, an international project, supporting the Pakistani Rotary group's project in rebuilding following the horrendous earthquake. The Cup Money projects rotate, as do we, between local and international needs. In this way, we reach near and far. Al also passed around a booklet that explained the solar cookers. For any interested in fuel efficiency, what an amazing little gadget these cookers are! And we have plenty of sun in Maine, all times of year, actually (compared to Puget Sound, anyway, where we mostly have webbed feet). Another highlight of the program today was the presentation to the Veteran's Project, a total of $1,000.00 donation for the update of the monument. We were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for our generousity. A reminder that the Memorial Day Parade is at 9am on Memorial Day.
Buzz reported on the Centennial Park Project; Buzz and Bill worked all day one day last week; they brought over the big machine and mowed all the excess brush down. Now, with a nice, neat trim, the park offers a splendid view. It has already attracted many walkers; it was truly a diamond in the rough and Rotary is carefully facetting it into the gem that it's essence describes.
Carolyn Eaton reported that the theme of the 4th of July parade, which takes place on the 4th of July, will be announced this week. All wait with baited breath, as no-one can begin to brainstorm floats and other entries until that theme is formally announced . . . Thanks, Carolyn! Pam West spoke again on the Walk For Cancer. She described the Luminaries, each purchased in honor of a special person, and how beautiful they look when lit on the walking track. These can be purchased from Pam for $10.00 each. She has forms and more information; in the midst of our fun and teasing laughter regarding other projects, this one is of serious nature, I am reminded. The money collected goes to Cancer research. Thank-you, Pam!
Carol Timberlake reported on the Community Service Awards dinner. Tickets are being purchased today; there is a Patriotic theme and we are encouraged to get those nominations in. Thanks, Carol!
Sue Pratt successfully escaped the Rotary Minute, as she was out of town at wedding showers, baby showers, and hopefully escaping the rain showers. Adrian picked up the minute for her and explained the Object of Rotary and the 4-Way Test. It is a good reminder! And then, when the infamous raffle ticket was drawn for the next Rotary Minute, all groans that I hear each week were muffled beneath my squeal of delight. I won! This is the first thing that I have ever won in my life, and it is the "dreaded" thing. Of course, being a Psychologist, I was delighted to win! Thanks, everyone! Hope that I can stick to one minute. I will practice . . .
There was a round of applause for John Bagnulo and his summit of Mt. Everest. Happy Dollars for him, four in all. John Frary approached and as some wondered what might be next, he gave his happy dollar for having not the slightest impulse in his life for engaging in a vertical climb. Many laughs!
Cindy Kemble then began, as our guest speaker, to share about the Old Fairbanks School. We have all driven by and seen the progress with wonder, no doubt. She told us a most intriquing story of the structure. Beginning as a school, from which many persons in the Rotary club attended, it has gone through a series of uses. In 1998, it burned. Saddened by this loss, in 2000 a group of supporters got together and formed the Fairbanks Neighborhood Association with the goal of renovating the building and putting it to good use for the community.
The projects planned all focus around food. Among the projects, there will be educational opportunities for groups and collectives, where canning, freezing, and other methods of food preservation will be taught. There is also 1/3 of the basement in use for the Care and Share food closet, where over $88,000.00 worth of food was given last year to over 4,000 individuals. Also, 2/3 of the building is used for Western Maine Food Distribution Center, which handles the food for various food banks. There will also be an Incubator Kitchen where classes will be taught in food preparation and also where small businesses in food products can get their start. The stainless steel kitchen requirements often prohibit new, small businesses from starting out, and this will provide them with the necessary equipment to test out their wares. How about Fairbanks Whoopie Pies? The completion goal for this building is 2007; it is currently debt free, having raised many funds in advance. However, there is still a ways to go to reach the goal of $105,000.00 to complete the Grant and Loan package received. This is most inspiring! Thank-you, Cindy!
-susy sanders