Still waters run deep

Rotary enjoyed the life stories of two newer members of Rotary Russell Pinkham was the first. Born in Boothbay Harbor, Russell has fishing in his genes. His interest in Rotary’s commitment to expanding vocational opportunities for our high school students runs deep.

Like others here, a younger Russell wanted to be on the water and completed a vocational course in boating. His first fishing experience of seven years was on a boat with Cyrus C. Lauriat. Off to Alaska he went on a research vessel for an eight-year stint similar to life described in the “Deadliest Catch.” Russell worked up from deck to wheelhouse, achieved a license, and lived a young man’s game with little home life but big financial gain. He tried tugboats for three years, then a Virginia stint at crabbing, and lobstering again. To help his parents, Russell came home and took over his parents business on River Road, built the business to what is known today as the very popular and successful Pinkham’s Gourmet Market.

As new Rotarians both Russell and Cathy are highly invested in youth and vocational training. Evidence of this is their recent commitments through Rotary and their business. Already he is building a “little library,” to be placed at their store; it will serve kids and adults who can pick up a book whenever they want. This is a collaborative project with the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library and the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s good to give back to the community,”  he said. Russell is the epitome of Rotary leaders and he is a welcome member of Rotary.

Another new member “classification talk” came from Melanie Green, who described herself as shy … and everyone laughed! Melanie presented her life story with a great confluence of wit, humility, and smarts. She loves math which comes in handy with her interest in building and transforming houses. She also loves lots of action and giving to the community. Melanie learned a while ago that Rotary is “not an old man’s eating club” but rather an organization that is “action filled” and welcomes women and men alike of all ages. She jumped at the chance to join forces with Rotary and is a key player in the annual auction and our veteran support project among other fun events. She is especially interested in cancer care. You want something done, ask Melanie.

Vidalia onions are for sale but the deadline for ordering is this Friday, April 26! For a box of beautiful onions at $27, contact any Rotarian or call Doug Harley at 350-6652

We are so lucky to have the works of Helen Farnham, this month’s featured artist, adorn our clubhouse! Thank you Helen!

Upcoming

* Thursday, May 2 - Join us for a Rotary fun evening of Trivia. Bring your spouse for some fun. Darryl Goodroe will MC the evening. We will pass the hat to cover the cost of the MC. No dinner this evening just heavy hor d’ouvres.

* Saturday, May 4 at 5 p.m. is the Kentucky Derby Party sponsored by the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club to benefit The Community Center. It is at the Rotary Clubhouse, tickets are $20 in advance and are available at the Community Center or from a Rotarian. There will be live music by the “Married with Chitlins,” a silent auction, an hors d’oeuvres buffet, and live watch of the race, win the Big Prize! Wear your Big Hats and Racetrack Gear to win a prize.

Prospective members, visiting Rotarians and guests are always welcome to join the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club. Our weekly Thursday meetings held 6-8 p.m. are at the Rotary Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Rd. in Boothbay Harbor. If interested contact Alice Neily Mutch 410-353-3861. Conviviality at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30, followed by a short business meeting and a special speaker. To learn more visit www.boothbayharborrotary.org and "friend" us on Facebook.