Rotary annually kicks off a week of celebration by hosting graduates at dinner when all have time to talk about future plans and times here in Boothbay Harbor. When asked what they liked most about this evening, some said “the hip music” and “the talk with you Rotarians.”

Youth education leaders and Rotarians Ingrid Merrill and I.J. Pinkham spearheaded this night and the success is due to them. We celebrated all the grads heading for vocational training, military service, other schools of higher learning, or still contemplating what is next for them.

Merrill challenged grads to get involved in Rotary or Rotaract. She hoped to give the grads ideas of involvement that will make change in the world and contribute to a full and rewarding life. She said her investment has allowed her to influence change in the world by partnering with like minded persons. Merrill said “I am constantly amazed — from the thousands of dollars raised and distributed from the auction, the long list of groups we support — to the quick turnaround time from idea to action. For example, our Interact micro lending project or the Rotary grant for the BRHS playground.” (Interact is the high school level of Rotary which is influential around the world).

Merrill talked about the many opportunities to participate in service through Rotary’s many projects, including polio eradication around the world, and affordable housing or food sustainability on the peninsula. She talked about how Rotary has helped her improve her research and leadership skills.

Matt Brown, a BRHS grad working as financial advisor in Portland, was provocative in his keynote message to the grads. He described himself as a simple Barters Island kid who was supported by the community, encouraged, given loads of opportunities and took advantage of them.

His message for success is to learn “how to say yes and no.”

“First, I would suggest you spend a part of your life saying yes to things,” said Brown. “Saying yes shaped my life and friendships forever. Putting my personal fears and concerns aside opened doorways to experiences I will cherish for as long as I have the capacity to remember them. I would encourage you to take time in your lives to say yes to enriching experiences even if they terrify you.

“Second, spend part of your life then saying no to things. Saying no to extraneous things allows you to focus and refine something you are truly good at and that brings you meaning. It casts aside distractions and gives you clarity of thought. Saying yes allows you to sample all of life. Saying no enables you to select the important focuses of your life and to lead it with passion. Use one as a function of the other. As you go forward, I wish that you find something that truly ignites your soul, and I don’t care what that is so long as it is important to you as a person.”

Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club Bike Program: Rotary lends bikes to seasonal workers Saturdays 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Rotary clubhouse and  barn located at 66 Montgomery Road and every Thursday between 5 and 6 p.m. Although Rotary does not charge for the use of the bikes a $100 deposit is required and is fully refundable upon return of the bike undamaged. 860-670-647. Some bikes will be available at the Congregational Church during its annual International Workers Welcome event on June 20 from 2-4 p.m. where all workers are welcome to attend and hear about the resources available to them during their stay.

Celebrate Fellowship Night How about some fun with your fellow Rotarians, partners, spouses, and friends who might become prospective Rotarians?  Missed a Rotary meeting? Come find out what’s happening in your Club. Join in for some refreshments the upcoming second Wednesday of the month. This month well meet on Wednesday, June 6, 5 p.m., at the new home of Linda and David Clapp. Bring a refreshment if you have time.