Spring is definitely here.  I walked out of the Rotary Club on Thursday to be serenaded by the song of the Spring Peepers.  Those little, tiny frogs that sing so loudly together reassuring me that spring really is here. It was the perfect ending to another fun, delicious meeting.

Did I say delicious, yes, yes. Our chef, Jules, made a wonderful Mediterranean chicken served with rice and perfectly cooked vegetables and salad too. Then for desserta yummy blueberry cake. Fabulous. Jules is wondering if you have a favorite, or well-liked recipe that you would like to see him cook. He asked us to pass around a suggestion sheet. There were a lot of good suggestions this week, along with several members applauding Thursday’s dinner. We'll be passing it around next week too. A big Thank You to Jules for the delicious food and the openness and interest in our suggestions.

Last Thursday Joanna Breen and Desiree Scorcia gave a presentation about the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. They started with a film clip about their “Stuffie Sleepovers,”a really imaginative program that engages our local young people in a fun and creative way. They talked about several of the many programs the library holds, not only book groups, but chess clubs, computer learning and so much more. Because the BHML is so engaged and active in our community, it is low on space to provide all the programs along with adequate space for all the wonderful books. Joanna showed us plans for an addition that would include the present Used Bookstore and also a much needed elevator. They are currently starting the Capitol Campaign to raise the funds. The BHML sure makes a positive difference. Just contact Joanna at the library if you're interested in donating or participating in this project.

This week we welcome Erika Huber and Beth Jarvis from the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. They are going to talk about the collaboration between CMBG and our local schools. They will share the history of establishing school gardens and provide an inside look at current programming and development. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures of the Edgecomb Eddy Garden which was started by our Club. In 2020 we wrote and received a Food Security District Grant that included building the vegetable garden at Edgecomb Eddy School. If I remember correctly, Daren and Debbie Graves rototilled the area. Then, we brought in loam and good soil. We planted twenty blueberry bushes and crops we thought would mature in the fall for the kids to harvest. We worked with staff and families from the school. The garden was gorgeous. Edgecomb Eddy staff and families have kept it going and have added an Orchard and a Pollinator Garden. The collaboration with CMBG has definitely enhanced the garden. Come hear about how our simple garden is growing and engaging more of our community.

The Big, Gray Rotary Barn is now open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. selling furniture, pots/pans, art, rugs, boats, collectibles, tools; just about anything. If you want to schedule a donation pickup or drop-off call or text 207-619-1417 and leave your information.  

We meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. for dinner and a program at our member built Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road. We always welcome new guests. Come join us. You'll be glad you did.