As is our usual custom we began our evening with cocktails, snacks and lots of conversation. At 6:30 p.m., the bell was rung, we recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sat down to a delicious meal of turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce and veggies expertly prepared by Chef Kim. The formal portion of the meeting began with the introduction of guests which included Chelsea Graves, Brandon Lutterman and Paul Whitehead who is a regular summer guest.

Incoming President Dwight Swisher announced that we needed another waiter for our popular Changeover dinner next week. Foster Stroup was quick to volunteer. The signup sheet for meals at the Changeover Dinner was circulated. Dwight also reminded us that there will not be a meeting on July 3. Debbie Graves made an impassioned plea for additional help at the auction (August 2) flea market.

Our Interact Club conducted an eighth grade “Which Super Hero Would You Like to be and Why” essay contest. Henry Wyatt, 2014 auction chairman announced that the breakfast this year will be held at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club; coffee at 6 a.m., breakfast at 6:30 a.m. It was also announced that we would serve lunch on Friday (auction moving day) and skip the usual pizza. Jean Huber, who is responsible for “People Power” (weekly assignments) encouraged new members to sign up for assignments. Daren announced that the “flocking” project (pink flamingos on lawns) had raised $1,300 so far for the Hometown Heroes fund. Sue Duckworth announced that invoices for bi-annual dues were mailed out this week.

Announcements continued with Marty Helman awarding a Paul Harris Fellow Award to President Jen Page Osman for a job well done during her year in charge. Marty very accurately noted that Jen presided over a difficult year with a level head, sound judgment and good humor.

Our favorite (forever) Sergeant at Arms Bob Pike then took charge of the festivities. He asked many excellent questions about Maine and collected dollars for wrong answers for most of them. Included in his list were such questions as where is the Golden Road, Ripogenus Dam, Top of the Hill and some gorge no one ever heard of. Marty announced that Brandon Lutterman and Linda Clapp will soon become new members. Jean Huber gushed about her grandchild again, which anyone who has a grandchild fully appreciates. There were lots of happy dollars in honor of President Jen.

The program for the evening was led by Dwight Swisher. This discussion of future plans for the club was consumed by Dwight’s presentation of a new fund-raising concept. The interaction was lively with lots of questions and a few concerns from members. Dwight agreed to get answers to all questions raised before the club made any commitments.