Rotarian Deb Graves introduced her friend Jane Good, the director of Boothbay Region's Community Center, who gave warm thanks to the club for the help setting up the center.

The Community Center was largely furnished through the great deals on furniture from the “Make a Deal” section of the 2015 Rotary Auction. Many members of the club are also volunteers at the center. Special mention was made of Rotarian Bob Pik,e who volunteers to keep the center open on Saturdays.

The Community Center is part of the Health and Wellness Foundation and started last fall to keep our seniors active and in touch with others. Jane expected only a few people per day, but 20 to 25 come each day. After only eight months, there are 32 volunteers and 40 instructors. Some of the programs are knitting, crocheting, Tai Chi, and genealogy. Many games go on all the time. Refreshments are always available along with plenty of conversation and laughter. Walking is done inside up the hall and outside from the Dollar Store to Key Bank.

Students from the Boothbay schools and The Deck House School in Edgecomb teach computer skills to folks who are much older than they in a wonderful turnabout. One young man from the elementary school with excellent skills comes to the Community Center to play cribbage whenever he doesn't have school. Employees of Harbor Tech Solutions are also an invaluable resource.

Tom Dewey from Harbor Tech said at a Boothbay Selectmen’s meeting that being next to the Community Center has increased business with all the extra cars in the parking lot. St. Andrews Thrift Shop has an increase every time there is a sale. The Center's presence in the Meadow Mall surely has helped every business there.

The Community Center continually receives contributions from those using it. Larger fundraisers include bake sales, reflective number signs for homes for the ambulance service, a boutique, groups like Rotary, and individuals.

Jane emotionally read a letter of thanks from a person who is regularly at the Center for giving a new life and friendships.

Everyone attending the April 28 meeting of the Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor was warmly welcomed by greeter, Bob Jacobson. Viv Daniels provided piano music during the conviviality time. President-elect Tony Curulla rang the bell to start the meeting at 6:30. The group sang “God Bless America” and recited “The Pledge of Allegiance.” Bob Jacobson gave the invocation.

Guests were introduced and announcements made. Mike Thompson said that a grant for bicycles has been received. Each summer Rotary makes bicycles available to young people working here. The new ones are a big relief to Seth Hedgcock and Doug Harley, who have tried to keep a large number of used bicycles in good repair with the help of members for years.

Deb Graves reminded all of the Kentucky Derby Party on May 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the club's house on Montgomery Road - fun, food, and live TV view of the horse race.

Rick Elder thanked all who contributed to the Rotary Foundation this year. Next week will not be too late for those who forgot.

Vic Taylor reminded all of Rebuilding Together on May 14. Helpers meet the Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at 7 am.

Sue Kreahling conducted the 50/50 raffle and sergeant at arms, Jean Huber, collected happy and sad dollars for: the FISH program; people who had passed away; thanks to Seth Hedgcock and Mike Thompson; and boats now in the water.

Deb Graves reminded members that the high school seniors in the Interact program and their parents will be honored next week.

The meeting ended at 8 p.m. with a book signed by Jane for the Memorial Library.