The Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club was the scene of the second annual Reception for the Artists last Thursday evening, June 13. In conjunction with the Boothbay Region Art Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary celebrated artists and received donations from guests, which will be used to eradicate polio around the globe. This has long been one of Rotary’s major commitments and its impressive results motivated the Gates Foundation to partner with Rotary in this effort.

The event recognized local artists who exhibited their works last year and those who will be exhibiting their works in two month rotations throughout the upcoming year. The art program was begun with the goal of offering more exposure for local artists while enhancing the ambiance of the clubhouse, which is available for rentals as well as Rotary’s weekly dinner meetings. Participating artists were John Butke, June Elderkin, Helen Farnham, Bruce MacDonald, Bob McKay, Sharon Ryan, John and Lynn Seitzer, and Tony van Hasselt. Artist members of the Rotary family, Doug Harley, Ann Hedgcock and Annette Stormont, also showed their wonderful works. Pictured above are three generations of one Rotary family who attended.

For 12 years our Rotary has assisted local businesses throughout the season by making 103 quality bikes available for their workers at no charge. We now have a huge need for a safe storage area for these bikes. One Rotarian has pledged $5,000 toward the required supplies of the proposed $10,000 bike shed. We seek from the business community any amount of donations to match the $5,000 challenge. Rotary will build the shed with help from Friends of Rotary.

Bikes are still available to workers during this summer season. A $100 deposit is required, but will be refunded when the bike is returned in good condition. These three-speed bikes, with coaster brakes, night lights, and aluminum frames, are almost new. If you know someone who needs a bicycle to get around the Boothbay region, Rotary will be loaning them on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Bikes are located at the Rotary club house on Montgomery Road, just off Route 96 (near Hannaford). The program runs until June 29. Contact Rich 1-860-670-6471 or Seth 633-2069.

Join us on June 26 at 4 p.m. in the windjammer parade. Ride on the Rotary parade “float” and throw out candy to the kids or ride in front with Bob Jacobson in his antique Cadillac. Leaving from Boothbay Region High School and proceeding downtown and ending at the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard. Contact Tory Paxson at 207-380-4769. https://www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org/street-parade.