Pledge: Keith
Prayer: Gerri
Song: Andy
Sergeants Report: Glen Anderson
Raffle Winners: Heather, Rick, David
Happy Bucks: Lots for our guests including the winning essayists who wrote about the DARE program, Chief Michael Spera and Officer James Kiako were happy for Rotary's support and the kids, happy bucks were given for the return of Heather Gagnon and Bob Antoniac.
Principal Mike Rafferty started by telling us how the kids have formed a bond with the police. The police play a vital part in their lives and he thanked Rotary for its support of the DARE program. Mike Rafferty is retiring and was given a standing ovation for his outstanding and dedicated work as the Middle School Principal.
Officer Spera talked about the program, a 10 wk curriculum which has been updated for todays world. Officers were retrained. Officer Kiako spoke of technology and how everyone is connected. This has had a definite impact on todays youth. The class consisted of 126 kids. There was an essay contest and the winning writers were in attendance. They read highlights of their essays which dealt with making good choices, avoiding drugs, alcohol and other substances, how to handle pier pressure, identifying stress in classmates and at home and strategies to deal with it, what alcohol and drugs do to the body and being responsible for your actions. The kids went on a field trip and enjoyed roller skating for the day.
Following this, President Keith presented Chief Spera with a check for $2500 in support of the program. For more information, see the DARE section under CLUB ACTIVITIES.
Foundation meeting followed the regular meeting.
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