“Be kind” were Dwight Swisher’s parting words as he completed his term as president of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club at the club meeting last Thursday, June 25. His point was that club officers, directors and committee chairs are all volunteers and amateurs, doing the best they can, so we should appreciate their successes and not dwell too much on the occasional fumble.

In lieu of a formal program, the meeting was devoted to recognition of club members for their contributions to the club and to the worldwide mission of Rotary. Paul Harris Fellowships for significant financial support of The Rotary Foundation were awarded to Linda Clapp, Jean Huber, Bill Kautzmann, Sue Kreahling, Mike Pollard and Robin Reed.

Jonathan Tindal was named Rotarian of the Year. Shortly after joining the club, he took on chairmanship of the silent auction at the club’s annual charity auction and, with only a few weeks’ notice, pulled it together and pulled in a third best-ever performance. Then, despite numerous commitments to other community organizations, he accepted the chairmanship of the membership committee and inspired it with new vitality. So impressive was his performance that the club has now chosen him as vice president.

President Dwight then recognized, with a new “President’s Award for Service,” members who had provided exceptional support during the past year for club programs such as the new clubhouse, the annual charity auction, Interact, and the bicycle project. Those cited are Mike Thompson, Robin Reed, Doug Harley, Tony Curulla, Brian McGrath, Craig Tukey, Daren Graves, Deb Graves, Doug Roberts and Steve Salorio.

The meeting closed with Dwight passing the gavel to incoming President Ham Meserve, who noted that Dwight had set the bar high, but that he would do his best to maintain the standard.

During the business meeting preceding the presentations, Auction Chair Tom Churchill reported that the traditional auction breakfast would be held at the clubhouse rather than at a restaurant, with significantly reduced costs. Pastries, juice etc. will be on the menu. He also mentioned that antique dealers will be invited to participate in the auction. Finally, he urged members to check out the auction promotion on Facebook and to “share” it, to help raise interest in the event.

To learn more about Rotary and about our Club and all the good things we do visit our website: www.boothbayharborrotary.org, or “friend” us on Facebook. Prospective members, visiting Rotarians and guests are always welcome to join us at our weekly meetings, held Thursday nights at the Rotary Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road in Boothbay Harbor. Conviviality commences around 6 p.m., dinner is served promptly at 6:30, and we then have a short business meeting followed by a special speaker. The evening ends at 8.