Clubhouse yard fall clean-up — it sure needs it — this Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8 a.m. You’ll be home for the game so join us.

The bushes are getting too bushy, the weeds too weedy. The outdoor furniture is getting cold. Bring your weed wackers, clippers, rakes, shovels, gloves. I’ll bring coffee and doughnuts. Masks required, but we will still recognize you and be glad to see you.

We had a beautiful, warm evening for our last Drive-In meeting of the summer at the Railway Village. It was wonderful to visit with one another, hear conversation and laughter. We all work hard together, accomplish a lot, but also really enjoy one another’s company as witnessed last Thursday.

The short program started with four of our five new member candidates briefly introducing themselves. They are a young, interesting group with a variety of backgrounds and skills and an enthusiasm for Rotary. Our Membership and PR committees collaborated together to market our “Rule of 35” initiative and attract these new members to our club. Thank you to Alice Mutch, Tory Paxson, Judy DeGraw, Linda Clapp and all the committee members for your creativity and hard work.

Last Thursday was also “Awards” night. I was proud to present three Paul Harris Awards, one each to Steve Solario, Steve Demeranville and Jeff Long. But, the most coveted award was the “Mr T” gold chain in the velvet box awarded to Mike Thompson and the “Build a Barn” crew. Only because of the foresight of Ham Meserve, Mike Thompson and the barn building team have we been able to meet some of the challenges of this pandemic. There is always something to do in the barn. Join us every Saturday morning between 8:30-11. It is really a lot of fun.

Vic Taylor updated us on some of the projects of the Visioning Committee. The Coin Collecting Lighthouse is almost finished and will be located at Pinkham’s Gourmet Market. Thank you Cathy and Russell. Vic also had some potentially wonderful news about the affordable housing project. Stay tuned for more on that.

The Board of Directors met Sept. 14. After much discussion the board voted to postpone any in-person meetings at the clubhouse at this time. We will continue to meet weekly on Zoom. Please let me know if you need technical help. Technology sure can be challenging.

The board approved the distribution of a “Special Appeal Letter” to members which was proposed by the Visioning Committee. Even though sales at the barn are doing well, we anticipate an increase in requests for support this year because of COVID-19. If you are unable to participate in the barn, this could be a way for you to provide support for the projects and organizations that request our help. A way to stay engaged without lifting furniture.

Stay well, let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions: ifowle50@gmail.com