Our club was inspired and uplifted during this past Friday, August 1st meeting. It was filled with stories of service, impact, and heartfelt community support.
We were thrilled to welcome Nellie Young, a remarkable student from Kittery High School Interact, who shared a moving update on her Nursery School project that we supported last year. Through her thoughtful PowerPoint presentation and photos, Nellie showed us the tangible difference our contribution made to students and educators in Peru. But Nellie didn’t stop there—she introduced us to her newest endeavor: a culinary school that trains individuals in the trades, empowering them to support their families through meaningful work. One especially sweet detail? The school uses leftover empanada dough to make delicious pastries, which are then donated to those experiencing food insecurity. A beautiful example of how innovation, compassion, and resourcefulness can feed both body and soul.
Nellie’s sister also joined us, celebrating her 9th birthday—though we mercifully spared her the traditional birthday song!
We also heard from Charlie Black and Mary Andrews, representing the Trooper Black Foundation, who shared their ongoing efforts to support the family of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, a Biddeford police officer tragically killed in a car accident on December 12, 2024, while driving home after his shift. The accident occurred on the Piscataqua River Bridge, which connects Kittery, Maine, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Charlie and Mary have been instrumental in coordinating community outreach and support, and they’re currently organizing the third annual Road Race this October. Funds raised are used to help first responders “during times of crisis or need” .
It was a meeting full of compassion, purpose, and people making a real difference in the lives of others—near and far.