It’s starting to feel like summer. My garden weeds are flourishing and the Rotary bike program for seasonal workers is open again on Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Rotary Barn, 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor. Because of the bike program, we get to meet some adventurous, young people from far away places like Turkmenistan and provide them with a bike for the summer. We request a $100 security deposit which is returned when the bike is.

Our Thursday meeting this week is a social gathering, no program or speaker. Members have enjoyed this monthly chance to just visit with one another. The “Turpentine Club” will open at 5:45ish, with appetizers, then buffet dinner open at 6. If it’s a warm evening maybe we can be out on our deck. The rhododendrons are blooming right now and are just magnificent.

Last week, Fran Rudolph, executive director of the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, was our speaker. Watershed sure has been busy the last few years. When the pandemic shut down programming they switched gears and embraced the opportunity to upgrade their buildings and construct a beautiful, functional, large, ceramics studio. Their artists now have a wonderful space to create. Fran had a slideshow of the new facilities , but you can see them in person at their Annual Salad Days on July 9. Tickets are at watershedceramics.org.

Switching gears because of the pandemic. That’s what we did by opening up our storage barn for direct sales. It's been a good change. We are still able to pick up donated goods that would be adding more bulk to our landfill. Through the sales of your donated boats, tools, household goods and furniture we are able to provide support to many local non-profit organizations. A big thank you to all our donors and shoppers. You are an example of what makes this community such a great place to live. To arrange pick up or drop off text Deb at 207-380-3550. The Big Gray Barn is open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Judi White, our Foundation chair, is reminding us that this is your last chance to donate to the International Rotary Foundation for the year 2021-2022. The Rotary Foundation “Every Member, Every Year” campaign is on. Any donation, large or small is welcome. You can donate directly at rotary.org or leave a check in the conveniently placed Foundation box in the clubhouse.

If you’re interested in the fun and work of your local Rotary club, join us every Thursday around 6 p.m. at our clubhouse. We always welcome visiting and prospective members.