Biddeford - Community Service Project

 
 
The Rotary Club of Biddeford
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
 
Rotary volunteers and Center of Technology students renovate shuttered house in community service project
 
A single family home on Main Street in Biddeford sat shuttered for years. The abandoned home was less than 1000’ from the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT), and despite its woeful condition and back taxes owed, Superintendent Jeremy Ray saw a perfect educational opportunity.  As a member of the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club, he worked with their Board of Directors to consider sponsoring a renovation of the house.  They agreed and the city deeded the property to the Club for the duration of the renovation.  A year later, a celebration with tours will take place on May 31 with tours running from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Park and gather at the BRCOT.
 
“It’s a win-win-win,” Ray said of the renovation project undertaken by Club volunteers and BRCOT students.  “The club has generously supported our Building Trades programs for over 20 years.  We have constructed several modular homes, sold them for a modest profit, and the funds have supported both the Rotary’s community work and the Center of Technology.  The benefits of a project like Main Street are even greater: our students get real-life, on-the-job experience in a challenging build environment.  The neighborhood is improved by our work.  Volunteers and those who have donated services and materials feel proud of their investment.  The city is paid the back taxes, and when the home is sold, it returns to the tax rolls.”
 
 
“The Rotary House is an exemplary model of technical, hands-on training for our students,” said BRCOT Director Paulette Bonneau.  “They are learning valuable skills, working side-by-side professionals in the field, seeing their success first-hand, and enthusiastic about their learning.  We are extremely proud of the students in this project from Biddeford High School, Kennebunk High School, Old Orchard Beach High School and Thornton Academy.” 
 
 
Rotarian and major project sponsor Jim Godbout agreed.  “The kids are working so hard, sustaining a months-long effort, adapting to conditions ranging from weather to codes to working with the various trades.  This project is solely managed by the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club, logistically and financially, so we are grateful to our Rotarians and local businesses who have volunteered hundreds of hours and contributed countless thousands of dollars.  It’s truly a community investment with a community pay-off.” 
 
Major donors to the project included: Master Level – Anderson Insulation, BRC Bedard Roofing and Construction, Maine Granite & Marble, Spang Builders, Tremblay Kitchen Cabinets, Moody’s Nursery, and Coastal WinAir Company; Journeyman Level - Quality Floors, Kevin Bedard Construction, and Distinctive Tile; Apprentice Level – Nate Libby Masonry, Kamco Supply, Biddeford Painting, Ventura Staircase & Woodturning, K&S Overhead Door, Deering Lumber, Southern Maine Builders, Parent Drywall, Boise Cascade, and Woodman Edmands Danylik Austin Smith and Jacques; and other donors - Taylor Rental, Dupuis Hardware, Builders Supply, Maine Street Design, Hydronic Alternatives and Ray Dusseault Masonry.
 
The house is in the final stages of renovation and will culminate with a celebration recognizing all those who contributed. Local businesses who contributed will be honored during lunch at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology.  “The City was so impressed with the work of our students and volunteers that they’ve agreed to deed another property in arrears to the club.  In September, a new group of Building Trades students will again partner with Rotary volunteers to restore a shuttered property and improve our community,” Ray said.